Research

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12 pages, 872 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Detection and Molecular Characterization of Blastocystis Species in Polish Soldiers Stationed in the Republic of Kosovo

by Barbara Pietrzak-Makyła, Krzysztof Korzeniewski, Paweł Gładysz and Anna Lass

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(18), 14100; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241814100 - 14 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 779

Abstract

Blastocystis species (sp.) is one of the less well-understood water- and foodborne protozoa of medical and veterinary importance linked to different gastrointestinal disorders. Soldiers participating in military missions are particularly vulnerable to infection with this protozoa. The present study used molecular methods to [...] Read more.

Blastocystis species (sp.) is one of the less well-understood water- and foodborne protozoa of medical and veterinary importance linked to different gastrointestinal disorders. Soldiers participating in military missions are particularly vulnerable to infection with this protozoa. The present study used molecular methods to detect, identify, and subtype (ST) Blastocystis sp. in Polish soldiers stationed in the Republic of Kosovo. Fecal samples were collected from 192 soldiers on arrival and after four months of stay. After DNA extraction, the barcoding region of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU-rRNA) gene was amplified and sequenced. The DNA of Blastocystis sp. was detected in six (3.13%) and thirty (15.16%) samples in the first and second batch, respectively. Sequencing analysis revealed infections with ST 2, 3, 4, and 7. There was no statistical association between Blastocystis sp. infection and the parasite’s ST or the age or rank of soldiers. The results indicate that the visit to a new environment and prolonged stay in the area of military operation in Kosovo resulted in a significant increase in both Blastocystis sp. infections and ST diversity among surveyed soldiers. This shows the need to undertake appropriate countermeasures to reduce Blastocystis infections in the military environment abroad. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Strategies for Diagnosis and Treatment of Parasitic Diseases)

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13 pages, 472 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Application of 3base™ Technology to Diagnose Eight of the Most Clinically Important Gastrointestinal Protozoan Infections

by Mahdis Aghazadeh, Meghan Jones, Suneth Perera, Jiny Nair, Litty Tan, Brett Clark, Angela Curtis, Jackson Jones, Justin Ellem, Tom Olma, Damien Stark, John Melki, Neralie Coulston, Rohan Baker and Douglas Millar

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(17), 13387; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241713387 - 29 Aug 2023

Viewed by 951

Abstract

Globally, over 3.5 billion people are infected with intestinal parasites each year, resulting in over 200,000 deaths. Three of the most common protozoan pathogens that affect the gastrointestinal tract of humans are Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia intestinalis, and Entamoeba histolytica. Other protozoan agents [...] Read more.

Globally, over 3.5 billion people are infected with intestinal parasites each year, resulting in over 200,000 deaths. Three of the most common protozoan pathogens that affect the gastrointestinal tract of humans are Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia intestinalis, and Entamoeba histolytica. Other protozoan agents that have been implicated in gastroenteritis in humans include Cyclospora cayetanensis, Dientamoeba fragilis, Blastocystis hominis, and the microsporidia Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon intestinalis. Genetic Signatures previously developed a 3base™ multiplexed Real-Time PCR (mRT-PCR) enteric protozoan kit (EP001) for the detection of Giardia intestinalis/lamblia/duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., E. histolytica, D. fragilis, and B. hominis. We now describe improvements to this kit to produce a more comprehensive assay, including C. cayetanensis, E. bieneusi, and E. intestinalis, termed EP005. The clinical performance of EP005 was assessed using a set of 380 clinical samples against a commercially available PCR test and other in-house nucleic acid amplification tests where commercial tests were not available. All methods provided at least 90% agreement. EP005 had no cross-reactivity against 82 organisms commonly found in the gut. The EP005 method streamlines the detection of gastrointestinal parasites and addresses the many challenges of traditional microscopic detection, resulting in cost savings and significant improvements in patient care. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Strategies for Diagnosis and Treatment of Parasitic Diseases)

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13 pages, 1416 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Trypanosoma cruzi Secreted Cyclophilin TcCyP19 as an Early Marker for Trypanocidal Treatment Efficiency

by Alina E. Perrone, Mariana Pinillo, Marcela S. Rial, Marisa Fernández, Natalia Milduberger, Carolina González, Patricia L. Bustos, Laura E. Fichera, Susana A. Laucella, María Cecilia Albareda and Jacqueline Bua

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(15), 11875; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241511875 - 25 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1019

Abstract

Cyclophilins (CyPs) are a family of enzymes involved in protein folding. Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease, has a 19-kDa cyclophilin, TcCyP19, that was found to be secreted in parasite stages of the CL Brener clone and recognized by [...] Read more.

Cyclophilins (CyPs) are a family of enzymes involved in protein folding. Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease, has a 19-kDa cyclophilin, TcCyP19, that was found to be secreted in parasite stages of the CL Brener clone and recognized by sera from T. cruzi-infected mice and patients. The levels of specific antibodies against TcCyP19 in T. cruzi-infected mice and subjects before and after drug treatment were measured by an in-house enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Mice in the acute and chronic phase of infection, with successful trypanocidal treatments, showed significantly lower anti-TcCyP19 antibody levels than untreated mice. In children and adults chronically infected with T. cruzi, a significant decrease in the anti-TcCyP19 titers was observed after 12 months of etiological treatment. This decrease was maintained in adult chronic patients followed-up 30–38 months post-treatment. These results encourage further studies on TcCyP19 as an early biomarker of trypanocidal treatment efficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Strategies for Diagnosis and Treatment of Parasitic Diseases)

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8 pages, 292 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Molecular Detection of Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum and Encephalitozoon spp. in Vespertilionid Bats from Central Europe

by Eva Bártová, Jiřina Marková, Jana Sedláčková, Hana Banďouchová and Karol Račka

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(12), 9887; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24129887 - 08 Jun 2023

Viewed by 986

Abstract

Bats may carry various viruses and bacteria which can be harmful to humans, but little is known about their role as a parasitic source with zoonotic potential. The aim of this study was to test wild bats for the presence of selected parasites: [...] Read more.

Bats may carry various viruses and bacteria which can be harmful to humans, but little is known about their role as a parasitic source with zoonotic potential. The aim of this study was to test wild bats for the presence of selected parasites: Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum and microsporidia Encephalitozoon spp. In total, brain and small intestine tissues of 100 bats (52 Myotis myotis, 43 Nyctalus noctula and 5 Vespertilio murinus) were used for the DNA isolation and PCR detection of the abovementioned agents. Toxoplasma gondii DNA was detected by real-time PCR in 1% of bats (in one male of M. myotis), while all bats were negative for N. caninum DNA. Encephalitozoon spp. DNA was detected by nested PCR in 25% of bats, including three species (twenty-two M. myotis, two N. noctula and one V. murinus). Positive samples were sequenced and showed homology with the genotypes Encephalitozoon cuniculi II and Encephalitozoon hellem 2C. This is the first study on wild vespertilionid bats from Central Europe and worldwide, with a relatively high positivity of Encephalitozoon spp. detected in bats. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Strategies for Diagnosis and Treatment of Parasitic Diseases)

Review

Jump to: Research

21 pages, 401 KiB

Open AccessReview

Mucosal Immunity of Major Gastrointestinal Nematode Infections in Small Ruminants Can Be Harnessed to Develop New Prevention Strategies

by P. G. Ashani S. Palkumbura, Thilini A. N. Mahakapuge, R. R. M. K. Kavindra Wijesundera, Viskam Wijewardana, Richard Thiga Kangethe and R. P. V. Jayanthe Rajapakse

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(3), 1409; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25031409 - 24 Jan 2024

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Abstract

Gastrointestinal parasitic nematode (GIN) infections are the cause of severe losses to farmers in countries where small ruminants such as sheep and goat are the mainstay of livestock holdings. There is a need to develop effective and easy-to-administer anti-parasite vaccines in areas where [...] Read more.

Gastrointestinal parasitic nematode (GIN) infections are the cause of severe losses to farmers in countries where small ruminants such as sheep and goat are the mainstay of livestock holdings. There is a need to develop effective and easy-to-administer anti-parasite vaccines in areas where anthelmintic resistance is rapidly rising due to the inefficient use of drugs currently available. In this review, we describe the most prevalent and economically significant group of GIN infections that infect small ruminants and the immune responses that occur in the host during infection with an emphasis on mucosal immunity. Furthermore, we outline the different prevention strategies that exist with a focus on whole and purified native parasite antigens as vaccine candidates and their possible oral–nasal administration as a part of an integrated parasite control toolbox in areas where drug resistance is on the rise. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Strategies for Diagnosis and Treatment of Parasitic Diseases)

28 pages, 935 KiB

Open AccessReview

Investigating Cryptosporidium spp. Using Genomic, Proteomic and Transcriptomic Techniques: Current Progress and Future Directions

by Joanna Dąbrowska, Jacek Sroka and Tomasz Cencek

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(16), 12867; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241612867 - 16 Aug 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1248

Abstract

Cryptosporidiosis is a widespread disease caused by the parasitic protozoan Cryptosporidium spp., which infects various vertebrate species, including humans. Once unknown as a gastroenteritis-causing agent, Cryptosporidium spp. is now recognized as a pathogen causing life-threatening disease, especially in immunocompromised individuals such as AIDS [...] Read more.

Cryptosporidiosis is a widespread disease caused by the parasitic protozoan Cryptosporidium spp., which infects various vertebrate species, including humans. Once unknown as a gastroenteritis-causing agent, Cryptosporidium spp. is now recognized as a pathogen causing life-threatening disease, especially in immunocompromised individuals such as AIDS patients. Advances in diagnostic methods and increased awareness have led to a significant shift in the perception of Cryptosporidium spp. as a pathogen. Currently, genomic and proteomic studies play a main role in understanding the molecular biology of this complex-life-cycle parasite. Genomics has enabled the identification of numerous genes involved in the parasite’s development and interaction with hosts. Proteomics has allowed for the identification of protein interactions, their function, structure, and cellular activity. The combination of these two approaches has significantly contributed to the development of new diagnostic tools, vaccines, and drugs for cryptosporidiosis. This review presents an overview of the significant achievements in Cryptosporidium research by utilizing genomics, proteomics, and transcriptomics approaches. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Strategies for Diagnosis and Treatment of Parasitic Diseases)

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30 pages, 1283 KiB

Open AccessReview

Tackling Sleeping Sickness: Current and Promising Therapeutics and Treatment Strategies

by Miebaka Jamabo, Maduma Mahlalela, Adrienne L. Edkins and Aileen Boshoff

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(15), 12529; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241512529 - 07 Aug 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2129

Abstract

Human African trypanosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by the extracellular protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei, and targeted for eradication by 2030. The COVID-19 pandemic contributed to the lengthening of the proposed time frame for eliminating human African trypanosomiasis as control programs [...] Read more.

Human African trypanosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by the extracellular protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei, and targeted for eradication by 2030. The COVID-19 pandemic contributed to the lengthening of the proposed time frame for eliminating human African trypanosomiasis as control programs were interrupted. Armed with extensive antigenic variation and the depletion of the B cell population during an infectious cycle, attempts to develop a vaccine have remained unachievable. With the absence of a vaccine, control of the disease has relied heavily on intensive screening measures and the use of drugs. The chemotherapeutics previously available for disease management were plagued by issues such as toxicity, resistance, and difficulty in administration. The approval of the latest and first oral drug, fexinidazole, is a major chemotherapeutic achievement for the treatment of human African trypanosomiasis in the past few decades. Timely and accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment, while poor compliance and resistance remain outstanding challenges. Drug discovery is on-going, and herein we review the recent advances in anti-trypanosomal drug discovery, including novel potential drug targets. The numerous challenges associated with disease eradication will also be addressed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Strategies for Diagnosis and Treatment of Parasitic Diseases)

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17 pages, 949 KiB

Open AccessReview

Amoebiasis: Advances in Diagnosis, Treatment, Immunology Features and the Interaction with the Intestinal Ecosystem

by Patricia Morán, Angélica Serrano-Vázquez, Liliana Rojas-Velázquez, Enrique González, Horacio Pérez-Juárez, Eric G. Hernández, Maria de los Angeles Padilla, Martha E. Zaragoza, Tobías Portillo-Bobadilla, Manuel Ramiro and Cecilia Ximénez

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(14), 11755; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241411755 - 21 Jul 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 7597

Abstract

This review of human amoebiasis is based on the most current knowledge of pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and Entamoeba/microbiota interactions. The most relevant findings during this last decade about the Entamoeba parasite and the disease are related to the possibility of culturing trophozoites of [...] Read more.

This review of human amoebiasis is based on the most current knowledge of pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and Entamoeba/microbiota interactions. The most relevant findings during this last decade about the Entamoeba parasite and the disease are related to the possibility of culturing trophozoites of different isolates from infected individuals that allowed the characterization of the multiple pathogenic mechanisms of the parasite and the understanding of the host–parasite relationship in the human. Second, the considerable advances in molecular biology and genetics help us to analyze the genome of Entamoeba, their genetic diversity, and the association of specific genotypes with the different amoebic forms of human amoebiasis. Based on this knowledge, culture and/or molecular diagnostic strategies are now available to determine the Entamoeba species and genotype responsible for invasive intestinal or extraintestinal amoebiasis cases. Likewise, the extensive knowledge of the immune response in amoebiasis with the appearance of new technologies made it possible to design diagnostic tools now available worldwide. Finally, the understanding of the interaction between the Entamoeba species and the intestinal microbiota aids the understanding of the ecology of this parasite in the human environment. These relevant findings will be discussed in this review. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Strategies for Diagnosis and Treatment of Parasitic Diseases)

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