Microorganisms

Editorial

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6 pages, 188 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Parasites and Infection: Strategies to Control, Diagnose, and Treat Parasitic Diseases

by Erica S. Martins-Duarte

Microorganisms 2025, 13(6), 1254; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13061254 - 29 May 2025

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Abstract

This Special Issue features thirteen publications on the basic biology, genetics, novel diagnostic tools and treatments, control strategies, disease epidemiology, and pathogenesis of medically significant protozoan and helminth parasites [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parasites and Infection: Strategies to Control, Diagnose, and Treat Parasitic Diseases)

Research

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11 pages, 1071 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Investigation of Virulence-Related Markers in Atypical Strains of Toxoplasma gondii from Brazil

by Júlia Gatti Ladeia Costa, Érica Santos Martins-Duarte, Lorena Velozo Pinto, Ramon Araujo de Castro Baraviera, Wagner Martins Fontes do Rego and Ricardo Wagner de Almeida Vitor

Microorganisms 2025, 13(2), 301; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13020301 - 29 Jan 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 886

Abstract

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite distributed worldwide that infects a wide range of warm-blooded animals, including humans. Recent studies sought to clarify the relationship between the alleles GRA15, ROP5, ROP16, ROP17, and ROP18 and the virulence of T. gondii isolates [...] Read more.

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite distributed worldwide that infects a wide range of warm-blooded animals, including humans. Recent studies sought to clarify the relationship between the alleles GRA15, ROP5, ROP16, ROP17, and ROP18 and the virulence of T. gondii isolates in mice. This work aims to analyze the variability of genes that express T. gondii virulence proteins of 103 strains. Most strains were virulent for mice (76/103–73.79%); within these, 30 were 100% lethal, and 46 caused a cumulative mortality range from 20% to 93%. For the GRA15 marker, most strains presenting allele 2 were non-lethal. For the ROP17 marker, allele 4 was associated with mortality, compared to allele 1. For the ROP18 marker, alleles 1 and 4 were associated with mortality, compared to alleles 2 and 3. A combined analysis of alleles showed low cumulative mortality when the strains presented alleles 3 and 1 for ROP18 and ROP16, respectively. On the other hand, allele 4 of ROP17 was a determinant for virulence when associated with ROP18 allele 3 and ROP16 allele 1. Our analysis shows that ROP18 is the primary determinant of the virulence of atypical strains in mice. Additionally, ROP17 genotyping should not be overlooked, as it has proven critical to enhance this prediction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parasites and Infection: Strategies to Control, Diagnose, and Treat Parasitic Diseases)

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23 pages, 23820 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antiproliferative and Morphological Analysis Triggered by Drugs Contained in the Medicines for Malaria Venture COVID-Box Against Toxoplasma gondii Tachyzoites

by Andréia Luiza Oliveira Costa, Mike dos Santos, Giulia Caroline Dantas-Vieira, Rosálida Estevam Nazar Lopes, Rossiane Claudia Vommaro and Érica S. Martins-Duarte

Microorganisms 2024, 12(12), 2602; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12122602 - 16 Dec 2024

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Abstract

Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan, and the etiologic agent of toxoplasmosis, a disease that causes high mortality in immunocompromised individuals and newborns. Despite the medical importance of toxoplasmosis, few drugs, which are associated with side effects and parasite resistance, are available for its [...] Read more.

Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan, and the etiologic agent of toxoplasmosis, a disease that causes high mortality in immunocompromised individuals and newborns. Despite the medical importance of toxoplasmosis, few drugs, which are associated with side effects and parasite resistance, are available for its treatment. Here, we show a screening of molecules present in COVID-Box to discover new hits with anti-T. gondii activity. COVID-Box contains 160 molecules with known or predicted activity against SARS-CoV-2. Our analysis selected 23 COVID-Box molecules that can inhibit the tachyzoite forms of the RH strain of T. gondii in vitro by more than 70% at 1 µM after seven days of treatment. The inhibitory curves showed that most of these molecules inhibited the proliferation of tachyzoites with IC₅₀ values below 0.80 µM; Cycloheximide and (-)-anisomycin were the most active drugs, with IC₅₀ values of 0.02 μM. Cell viability assays showed that the compounds are not toxic at active concentrations, and most are highly selective for parasites. Overall, all 23 compounds were selective, and for two of them (apilimod and midostaurin), this is the first report of activity against T. gondii. To better understand the effect of the drugs, we analyzed the effect of nine of them on the ultrastructure of T. gondii using transmission electron microscopy. After treatment with the selected drugs, the main changes observed in parasite morphology were the arrestment of cell division and organelle alterations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parasites and Infection: Strategies to Control, Diagnose, and Treat Parasitic Diseases)

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9 pages, 748 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Determinants of Anemia in Schoolchildren in the Highland Bolivia

by Washington R. Cuna, Ivonne Contreras, Armando Rodriguez, Roberto Passera and Celeste Rodriguez

Microorganisms 2024, 12(12), 2491; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12122491 - 3 Dec 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1194

Abstract

Anemia is a health problem of concern among schoolchildren in underprivileged rural regions, where recurrent parasitic infections are common. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 229 schoolchildren in rural highland Bolivia in the department of La Paz, an area with a high prevalence [...] Read more.

Anemia is a health problem of concern among schoolchildren in underprivileged rural regions, where recurrent parasitic infections are common. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 229 schoolchildren in rural highland Bolivia in the department of La Paz, an area with a high prevalence of protozoan and helminth infections, to determine the types and mechanisms of anemia. A substantial proportion of children (40.2%) were found to be anemic based on hemoglobin measurements. No associations were found between low hemoglobin levels and helminth or protozoan infections when evaluating infectious causes of anemia, nor with Giardia lamblia or Blastocystis hominis, which are associated with iron deficiency and nutrient malabsorption and were highly prevalent in this study. The significant association between anemia and hypochromia suggests iron deficiency, aligned with low hemoglobin levels. A total of 39 out of 150 children (26%) had markers consistent with iron deficiency anemia (IDA), 26 out of 127 children (20%) met the criteria for anemia of inflammation (AI). Furthermore, 12 of the 127 tested children (9.4%) met the criteria for mixed AI with IDA according to the soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR)/log ferritin levels, which increased significantly due to overall infections by Hymenolepis nana and Ascaris lumbricoides helminths. The findings highlight the need for integrated public health interventions to address iron nutrition and parasitic infections to effectively prevent anemia in this vulnerable population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parasites and Infection: Strategies to Control, Diagnose, and Treat Parasitic Diseases)

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17 pages, 10663 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Recombinant SAG2A Protein from Toxoplasma gondii Modulates Immune Profile and Induces Metabolic Changes Associated with Reduced Tachyzoite Infection in Peritoneal Exudate Cells from Susceptible C57BL/6 Mice

by Thaíse Anne Rocha dos Santos, Mário Cézar de Oliveira, Edson Mario de Andrade Silva, Uener Ribeiro dos Santos, Monaliza Macêdo Ferreira, Ana Luísa Corrêa Soares, Neide Maria Silva, Tiago Antônio de Oliveira Mendes, Jamilly Azevedo Leal-Sena, Jair Pereira da Cunha-Júnior, Tiago Wilson Patriarca Mineo, José Roberto Mineo, Érica Araújo Mendes, Jane Lima-Santos and Carlos Priminho Pirovani

Microorganisms 2024, 12(11), 2366; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12112366 - 20 Nov 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1208

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis is a neglected disease that represents a significant public health problem. The antigenic profile of T. gondii is complex, and the immune response can lead to either susceptibility or resistance. Some antigens, such as surface antigen glycoprotein (SAG), are expressed on the [...] Read more.

Toxoplasmosis is a neglected disease that represents a significant public health problem. The antigenic profile of T. gondii is complex, and the immune response can lead to either susceptibility or resistance. Some antigens, such as surface antigen glycoprotein (SAG), are expressed on the surface of tachyzoite stages and interact with the host immune cells. In this study, we investigated the potential of the recombinant SAG2A protein of T. gondii to control parasitism and modulate the immune response in the peritoneal exudate cells (PECs) of both susceptible (C57BL/6) and resistant (BALB/c) mice using an in vitro infection model, gene expression, proteomic analysis, and bioinformatic tools. Our results showed that rSAG2A-treated PECs presented a lower parasitism in C57BL/6 mice but not in the PECs from BALB/c mice, and induced a pro-inflammatory cytokine profile in C57BL/6 mice (iNOS, TNF-α, and IL-6). rSAG2A modulated different exclusive proteins in each mouse lineage, with PECs from the C57BL/6 mice being more sensitive to modulation by rSAG2A. Additionally, biological processes crucial to parasite survival and immune response were modulated by rSAG2A in the C57BL/6 PECs, including fatty acid beta-oxidation, reactive oxygen species metabolism, interferon production, and cytokine-mediated signaling pathways. Together, our study indicates that rSAG2A controls T. gondii parasitism in susceptible C57BL/6 PECs through the modulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enhanced expression of proteins involved in the cytotoxic response. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parasites and Infection: Strategies to Control, Diagnose, and Treat Parasitic Diseases)

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11 pages, 1145 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cryptosporidium Infections in Neonatal Calves on a Dairy Farm

by Michaela Kaduková, Andrea Schreiberová, Pavol Mudroň, Csilla Tóthová, Pavel Gomulec and Gabriela Štrkolcová

Microorganisms 2024, 12(7), 1416; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12071416 - 12 Jul 2024

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1859

Abstract

This study was conducted with the aim of the molecular identification of the protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium spp. in calves in the early stage of their development on a dairy farm in Eastern Slovakia. Twenty-five Holstein and Holstein cross calves were included in the [...] Read more.

This study was conducted with the aim of the molecular identification of the protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium spp. in calves in the early stage of their development on a dairy farm in Eastern Slovakia. Twenty-five Holstein and Holstein cross calves were included in the study and monitored from their birth to the fifth week of life (1–5 weeks). Fresh fecal samples were collected from the same group of calves each week, except during the fourth week, and with the exception of Sample 8. All samples were analyzed using the Ziehl–Neelsen staining method and coproantigen was tested using the ELISA test as the screening method. Using the ELISA method, the highest incidence of cryptosporidiosis was observed in the second week of life of the calves, while the antigen was detected in 21 (91.6%) calves. Using the Ziehl–Neelsen staining method, the highest incidence was also observed in the second week, with an incidence rate of 62.5%. Positive isolates confirmed by the ELISA test were molecularly characterized. The species and subtypes of Cryptosporidium in the positive isolates were identified using PCR and the sequence analysis of the small subunit of the ribosomal 18S RNA (ssu rRNA) and the 60 kDa glycoprotein (gp60) genes of the parasite. The sequence analysis of 29 isolates at the 18S rRNA loci confirmed the presence of two species—Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium ryanae. Out of 29 isolates, 25 were assigned to the species C. parvum, with the gp60 locus identified as genotype IIaA17G1R1. Among the individual animal groups, calves are the most common reservoirs of the C. parvum zoonotic species. This disease has significant public health implications as contact with livestock and their feces and working with barn manure are major sources of infection, not only for other animals but also for humans. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parasites and Infection: Strategies to Control, Diagnose, and Treat Parasitic Diseases)

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10 pages, 2182 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Parasitic Effects on the Congenital Transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi in Mother–Newborn Pairs

by Ana Gabriela Herrera Choque, Washington R. Cuna, Simona Gabrielli, Simonetta Mattiucci, Roberto Passera and Celeste Rodriguez

Microorganisms 2024, 12(6), 1243; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12061243 - 20 Jun 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1338

Abstract

Maternal parasitemia and placental parasite load were examined in mother–newborn pairs to determine their effect on the congenital transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi. Parasitemia was qualitatively assessed in mothers and newborns by the microhematocrit test; parasite load was determined in the placental tissues [...] Read more.

Maternal parasitemia and placental parasite load were examined in mother–newborn pairs to determine their effect on the congenital transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi. Parasitemia was qualitatively assessed in mothers and newborns by the microhematocrit test; parasite load was determined in the placental tissues of transmitting and non-transmitting mothers by the detection of T. cruzi DNA and by histology. Compared to transmitter mothers, the frequency and prevalence of parasitemia were found to be increased in non-transmitter mothers; however, the frequency and prevalence of parasite load were higher among the transmitter mothers than among their non-transmitter counterparts. Additionally, serum levels of interferon (IFN)-γ were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in peripheral, placental, and cord blood samples. Median values of IFN-γ were significantly increased in the cord blood of uninfected newborns. The median IFN-γ values of transmitter and non-transmitter mothers were not significantly different; however, non-transmitter mothers had the highest total IFN-γ production among the group of mothers. Collectively, the results of this study suggest that the anti-T. cruzi immune response occurring in the placenta and cord is under the influence of the cytokines from the mother’s blood and results in the control of parasitemia in uninfected newborns. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parasites and Infection: Strategies to Control, Diagnose, and Treat Parasitic Diseases)

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16 pages, 919 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Subtype Distribution of Blastocystis spp. in Patients with Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Northern Spain

by Cristina Matovelle, Joaquín Quílez, María Teresa Tejedor, Antonio Beltrán, Patricia Chueca and Luis Vicente Monteagudo

Microorganisms 2024, 12(6), 1084; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12061084 - 27 May 2024

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1639

Abstract

Limited molecular data exist on the prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis spp., the most prevalent parasite in human and animal feces worldwide. A total of 44 different subtypes (STs) of Blastocystis are currently recognized based on the sequence of the small subunit [...] Read more.

Limited molecular data exist on the prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis spp., the most prevalent parasite in human and animal feces worldwide. A total of 44 different subtypes (STs) of Blastocystis are currently recognized based on the sequence of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU-rRNA) gene. This is a molecular study of Blastocystis spp. in hospitalized patients with gastrointestinal symptoms in northern Spain. We analyzed 173 Blastocystis-positive patients with gastrointestinal symptoms by using nested PCR for molecular detection, subtype identification, phylogenetic analyses, and genetic diversity assessment. ST2 (34.1%) and ST3 (34.7%) predominated, followed by ST1 (15.6%) and ST4 (15.6%). Mixed infections with different subtypes were observed in some patients. Sequence analysis revealed for the first time in European humans the allele 88 (a variant of ST1). In other cases, alleles commonly found in animal samples were detected (allele 9 in ST2, allele 34 in ST3, and allele 42 in ST4). Phylogenetic analysis showed high variability in ST1 and ST2, suggesting a polyphyletic origin, while both ST3 and ST4 exhibited higher genetic homogeneity, indicating a possible monophyletic origin and recent transmission to humans. These data confirm Blastocystis spp. subtype diversity and may help in understanding the evolutionary processes and potential zoonotic transmission of this parasite. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parasites and Infection: Strategies to Control, Diagnose, and Treat Parasitic Diseases)

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15 pages, 4162 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synthetic Peptides Selected by Immunoinformatics as Potential Tools for the Specific Diagnosis of Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis

by Gabriel Moreira, Rodrigo Maia, Nathália Soares, Thais Ostolin, Wendel Coura-Vital, Rodrigo Aguiar-Soares, Jeronimo Ruiz, Daniela Resende, Rory de Brito, Alexandre Reis and Bruno Roatt

Microorganisms 2024, 12(5), 906; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12050906 - 30 Apr 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1437

Abstract

Diagnosing canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) in Brazil faces challenges due to the limitations regarding the sensitivity and specificity of the current diagnostic protocol. Therefore, it is urgent to map new antigens or enhance the existing ones for future diagnostic techniques. Immunoinformatic tools are [...] Read more.

Diagnosing canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) in Brazil faces challenges due to the limitations regarding the sensitivity and specificity of the current diagnostic protocol. Therefore, it is urgent to map new antigens or enhance the existing ones for future diagnostic techniques. Immunoinformatic tools are promising in the identification of new potential epitopes or antigen candidates. In this study, we evaluated peptides selected by epitope prediction for CVL serodiagnosis in ELISA assays. Ten B-cell epitopes were immunogenic in silico, but two peptides (peptides No. 45 and No. 48) showed the best performance in vitro. The selected peptides, both individually and in combination, were highly diagnostically accurate, with sensitivities ranging from 86.4% to 100% and with a specificity of approximately 90%. We observed that the combination of peptides showed better performance when compared to peptide alone, by detecting all asymptomatic dogs, showing lower cross-reactivity in sera from dogs with other canine infections, and did not detect vaccinated animals. Moreover, our data indicate the potential use of immunoinformatic tools associated with ELISA assays for the selection and evaluation of potential new targets, such as peptides, applied to the diagnosis of CVL. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parasites and Infection: Strategies to Control, Diagnose, and Treat Parasitic Diseases)

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Review

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19 pages, 3257 KiB

Open AccessReview

Cryptosporidium Species Infections Detected from Fecal Samples of Animal and Human Hosts in South Africa: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Mpho Tawana, ThankGod E. Onyiche, Tsepo Ramatla, Sebolelo Jane Nkhebenyane, Dennis J. Grab and Oriel Thekisoe

Microorganisms 2024, 12(12), 2426; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12122426 - 25 Nov 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1120

Abstract

This study presents a systematic review and meta-analysis approach of Cryptosporidium species prevalence studies in animal and human hosts published between 1980 and 2020 in South Africa. Extensive searches were conducted on three electronic databases including PubMed, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar. The findings [...] Read more.

This study presents a systematic review and meta-analysis approach of Cryptosporidium species prevalence studies in animal and human hosts published between 1980 and 2020 in South Africa. Extensive searches were conducted on three electronic databases including PubMed, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar. The findings indicated an overall pooled prevalence estimate (PPE) of Cryptosporidium spp. infections in animals and humans at 21.5% and 18.1%, respectively. The PCR–RFLP appeared to be the most sensitive diagnostic method with a PPE of 77.8% for the detection of Cryptosporidium spp. infections followed by ELISA (66.7%); LAMP (45.4%); PCR (25.3%); qPCR (20.7%); microscopy (10.1%); IFAT (8.4%); and RDT (7.9%). In animal hosts, C. parvum had the highest PPE of 3.7%, followed by C. andersoni (1.5%), C. ubiquitum (1.4%) and C. bovis (1.0%), while in humans, C. parvum also had the highest PPE of 18.3% followed by C. meleagridis at 0.4%. The data generated in this study indicated that Cryptosporidium spp. infections were highly prevalent in both animals and humans in South Africa, especially in the KwaZulu-Natal and North West provinces. However, we further observed that there was a lack of prevalence studies for both animals and humans in some of the provinces. This study highlights the necessity for a “One Health” strategic approach promoting public hygiene, animal husbandry and regular screening for Cryptosporidium spp. infections in both animals and humans. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parasites and Infection: Strategies to Control, Diagnose, and Treat Parasitic Diseases)

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13 pages, 1160 KiB

Open AccessReview

Plasmodium cynomolgi: What Should We Know?

by Fauzi Muh, Ariesta Erwina, Fadhila Fitriana, Jadidan Hada Syahada, Angga Dwi Cahya, Seongjun Choe, Hojong Jun, Triwibowo Ambar Garjito, Josephine Elizabeth Siregar and Jin-Hee Han

Microorganisms 2024, 12(8), 1607; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12081607 - 7 Aug 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4923

Abstract

Even though malaria has markedly reduced its global burden, it remains a serious threat to people living in or visiting malaria-endemic areas. The six Plasmodium species (Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium ovale curtisi, Plasmodium ovale wallikeri [...] Read more.

Even though malaria has markedly reduced its global burden, it remains a serious threat to people living in or visiting malaria-endemic areas. The six Plasmodium species (Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium ovale curtisi, Plasmodium ovale wallikeri and Plasmodium knowlesi) are known to associate with human malaria by the Anopheles mosquito. Highlighting the dynamic nature of malaria transmission, the simian malaria parasite Plasmodium cynomolgi has recently been transferred to humans. The first human natural infection case of P. cynomolgi was confirmed in 2011, and the number of cases is gradually increasing. It is assumed that it was probably misdiagnosed as P. vivax in the past due to its similar morphological features and genome sequences. Comprehensive perspectives that encompass the relationships within the natural environment, including parasites, vectors, humans, and reservoir hosts (macaques), are required to understand this zoonotic malaria and prevent potential unknown risks to human health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parasites and Infection: Strategies to Control, Diagnose, and Treat Parasitic Diseases)

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Other

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21 pages, 3472 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Treatment Protocols for Gestational and Congenital Toxoplasmosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Sissi Kelly Ribeiro, Igor Moraes Mariano, Ana Clara Ribeiro Cunha, Ana Cláudia Arantes Marquez Pajuaba, Tiago Wilson Patriarca Mineo and José Roberto Mineo

Microorganisms 2025, 13(4), 723; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13040723 - 24 Mar 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1812

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis is a globally prevalent zoonotic parasitic disease. Neonates with congenital infection can develop severe long-term sequelae, which can be mitigated or prevented through early diagnosis and therapeutic approaches. In this context, the main objective of this study was to describe the main [...] Read more.

Toxoplasmosis is a globally prevalent zoonotic parasitic disease. Neonates with congenital infection can develop severe long-term sequelae, which can be mitigated or prevented through early diagnosis and therapeutic approaches. In this context, the main objective of this study was to describe the main treatments and evaluate the effectiveness of the current treatment protocols for gestational and congenital toxoplasmosis to prevent vertical transmission and to reduce clinical manifestations in neonates. This systematic review with a meta-analysis searched digital databases (PUBMED, SCOPUS, WEB OF SCIENCE, EMBASE, and COCHRANE) for observational cohort studies published between 1 January 2013 and 29 January 2025, evaluating treatment effectiveness in gestational and congenital toxoplasmosis. Risk ratios (RRs) were calculated using random effects models to assess infection risk and clinical manifestations in neonates. The study quality was assessed following the Joanna Briggs Institute protocol and fifty-six studies from 16 countries were included, comprising 11,090 pregnant women and 4138 children. Studies were predominantly from Brazil (38%), France, and Italy. Only 9% of the studies indicated knowledge of the serological status of the pregnant woman before the gestational stage. Of 10,148 women with confirmed toxoplasmosis, 8600 received treatment, with 18% of their children infected, compared to a 58% infection rate in untreated mothers’ children. Meta-analysis showed that treatment reduced infection risk (RR = 0.34 [0.21; 0.57]) and clinical manifestations (RR = 0.30 [0.17; 0.56]). While spiramycin or triple therapy showed similar effects, triple therapy demonstrated more consistent results (RR: 0.22 [0.15; 0.32]) compared to spiramycin alone (RR: 0.54 [0.06; 4.67]). In conclusion, treatment protocols for congenital or gestational toxoplasmosis have proven to be effective in reducing the risk of infection and clinical manifestations in neonates. Regarding the type of treatment, although they have similar responses, the use of triple therapy shows more consistent responses than isolated spiramycin. It can be also concluded that prevention and mitigation of congenital toxoplasmosis require standardized treatment protocols, improved diagnostic methods, and educational programs for women of childbearing age, as treatment initiation timing and protocol choice are crucial factors in determining outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parasites and Infection: Strategies to Control, Diagnose, and Treat Parasitic Diseases)

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9 pages, 1741 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Oxidative Stress in the Murine Model of Extraparenchymal Neurocysticercosis

by Diego Generoso, Tatiane de Camargo Martins, Camila Renata Corrêa Camacho, Manuella Pacífico de Freitas Segredo, Sabrina Setembre Batah, Alexandre Todorovic Fabro, Edda Sciutto, Agnès Fleury, Pedro Tadao Hamamoto Filho and Marco Antônio Zanini

Microorganisms 2024, 12(9), 1860; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12091860 - 8 Sep 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1281

Abstract

Oxidative stress is associated with several infectious diseases, as well as the severity of inflammatory reactions. The control of inflammation during parasite destruction is a target of neurocysticercosis treatment, as inflammation is strongly related to symptom severity. In this study, we investigated the [...] Read more.

Oxidative stress is associated with several infectious diseases, as well as the severity of inflammatory reactions. The control of inflammation during parasite destruction is a target of neurocysticercosis treatment, as inflammation is strongly related to symptom severity. In this study, we investigated the presence of malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl, two by-products of reactive oxygen species (ROS), in an experimental model of extraparenchymal neurocysticercosis. Twenty male and twenty female rats were inoculated with 50 cysts of Taenia crassiceps in the subarachnoid space of the cisterna magna. Ten animals (five males and five females) were used as controls. Three months after inoculation, their brains were harvested for oxidative stress and histological assessments. Infected animals had higher scores for inflammatory cell infiltrates, malondialdehyde, and protein carbonyl. These results encourage future efforts to monitor oxidative stress status in neurocysticercosis, particularly in the context of controlling inflammation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parasites and Infection: Strategies to Control, Diagnose, and Treat Parasitic Diseases)

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10 pages, 1028 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

A Pilot Study for the Characterization of Bacillus spp. and Analysis of Possible B. thuringiensis/Strongyloides stercoralis Correlation

by Elena Pomari, Pierantonio Orza, Milena Bernardi, Fabio Fracchetti, Ilenia Campedelli, Patrick De Marta, Alessandra Recchia, Paola Paradies and Dora Buonfrate

Microorganisms 2024, 12(8), 1603; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12081603 - 6 Aug 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1276

Abstract

Differentiating between Bacillus species is relevant in human medicine. Bacillus thuringiensis toxins might be effective against Strongyloides stercoralis, a nematode causing relevant human morbidity. Our first objective was to evaluate genomic and MALDI-TOF identification methods for B. thuringiensis. Our secondary objective [...] Read more.

Differentiating between Bacillus species is relevant in human medicine. Bacillus thuringiensis toxins might be effective against Strongyloides stercoralis, a nematode causing relevant human morbidity. Our first objective was to evaluate genomic and MALDI-TOF identification methods for B. thuringiensis. Our secondary objective was to evaluate a possible negative selection pressure of B. thuringiensis against S. stercoralis. PCR and Sanger were compared to MALDI-TOF on a collection of 44 B. cereus group strains. B. thuringiensis toxin genes were searched on 17 stool samples from S. stercoralis-infected and uninfected dogs. Metagenomic 16S rRNA was used for microbiome composition. The inter-rate agreement between PCR, Sanger, and MALDI-TOF was 0.631 k (p-value = 6.4 × 10⁻¹⁰). B. thuringiensis toxins were not found in dogs’ stool. Bacteroidota and Bacillota were the major phyla in the dogs’ microbiome (both represented >20% of the total bacterial community). Prevotella was underrepresented in all Strongyloides-positive dogs. However, the general composition of bacterial communities was not significantly linked with S. stercoralis infection. The genomic methods allowed accurate differentiation between B. thuringiensis and B. cereus. There was no association between B. thuringiensis and S. stercoralis infection, but further studies are needed to confirm this finding. We provide the first descriptive results about bacterial fecal composition in dogs with S. stercoralis infection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parasites and Infection: Strategies to Control, Diagnose, and Treat Parasitic Diseases)

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