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Microorganisms
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Pathobiology, Infection Biology and Control of Protozoan Parasites—the ONE HEALTH...
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Pathobiology, Infection Biology and Control of Protozoan Parasites—the ONE HEALTH Approach

A special issue of Microorganisms (ISSN 2076-2607). This special issue belongs to the section "Veterinary Microbiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 April 2025) | Viewed by 2769

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Cláudia Marques

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Centre for the Study in Animal Science (CECA), University of Porto, Praça do Coronel Pacheco 42, 4050-083 Porto, Portugal
2. Centre for Parasite Biology and Immunology, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Health Institute Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Rua Alexandre Herculano 321, 4000-055 Porto, Portugal
Interests: parasitology; water/foodborne parasites; toxoplasma gondii; nanobiomedicine; immunology; host-parasite interactions
Dr. Maria João Gouveia

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Centre for the Study in Animal Science (CECA), University of Porto, Praça do Coronel Pacheco 42, 4050-083 Porto, Portugal
2. Centre for Parasite Biology and Immunology, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Health Institute Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Rua Alexandre Herculano 321, 4000-055 Porto, Portugal
Interests: carcinogenesis; helminth-associated carcinogenesis; combine therapy; immunotherapy; protein recombinant; parasites; schistosoma; opisthorchis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Susana R. Sousa

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Centre for the Study in Animal Science (CECA), University of Porto, Praça do Coronel Pacheco 42, 4050-083 Porto, Portugal
2. Centre for Parasite Biology and Immunology, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Health Institute Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Rua Alexandre Herculano 321, 4000-055 Porto, Portugal
Interests: protein/peptide adsorption; ECM proteins; nanohydroxyapatite/collagen; controlled release of pharmaceuticals; bone infection; metastization to bone; prostate cancer

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Protozoan parasites are responsible for a spectrum of diseases affecting both human and animal hosts. This Special Issue intends to delve into the molecular and cellular intricacies that regulate host–parasite interactions, unraveling the complex pathogenesis associated with protozoan infections while embracing the ONE HEALTH concept.

An insightful examination of the host immune response and the sophisticated evasion strategies employed by protozoans provides a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic interplay between host defenses and parasitic adaptations. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to contribute to the elucidation of the life cycles and transmission dynamics of these parasites, emphasizing critical stages essential for successful infection. Furthermore, this issue also intends to explore contemporary strategies for parasite control, encompassing advancements in drug development and innovative approaches to vector management. The evolving landscape of diagnostic tools and ongoing efforts toward developing effective vaccines will also be examined, addressing the multifaceted challenges inherent in mitigating the impact of protozoan infections.
By welcoming research articles, reviews and short communications, this issue will gather a comprehensive overview, serving as a vital resource for researchers engaged in understanding and controlling protozoan parasites, fostering advancements in the fields of pathobiology, infection biology and disease control from the ONE HEALTH perspective.

Dr. Cláudia Marques
Dr. Maria João Gouveia
Dr. Susana R. Sousa
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Microorganisms is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • protozoan parasites
  • host–parasite interactions
  • pathobiology
  • disease control
  • ONE HEALTH

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

19 pages, 2821 KiB  
Article
Perineal Urethrostomy Enables Susceptibility of Bull Calves as a Natural Host Model for Bovine Trichomonosis
by Katy A. Martin, Jenna E. Bayne, Krystal Chinchilla-Vargas, Sara L. Reece, Jeba R. J. Jesudoss Chelladurai, Tyler A. Harm, Jodi D. Smith, Courtney N. Blake, Douglas E. Jones and Matthew T. Brewer
Microorganisms 2025, 13(5), 1070; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13051070 - 3 May 2025
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Abstract
Tritrichomonas foetus is a sexually transmitted protozoan that causes early embryonic death in cattle. A challenge in trichomonosis research is that in vivo studies of treatments, diagnostic strategies, and vaccines are severely hampered by the logistical challenge and cost of maintaining adult bulls. [...] Read more.
Tritrichomonas foetus is a sexually transmitted protozoan that causes early embryonic death in cattle. A challenge in trichomonosis research is that in vivo studies of treatments, diagnostic strategies, and vaccines are severely hampered by the logistical challenge and cost of maintaining adult bulls. Since natural infections are diagnosed in postpubescent animals, the paradigm is that only mature breeding bulls can be infected. In this study, we hypothesized that prepubescent bull calves could be artificially infected with T. foetus trophozoites for the purpose of conducting research trials. Initial attempts to directly infect bull calves with two different parasite isolates resulted in the sporadic and transient detection of parasite DNA but not culturable trophozoites. In vitro and in vivo studies suggested that urine directly inhibited trophozoites, likely by osmotic damage and mechanical flushing action. Studies utilizing a perineal urethrostomy to remove urine flow from the prepuce resulted in the ability to colonize the prepuce, with live organisms being cultured for as long as 15 days post-inoculation. Future studies optimizing this technique have the potential to accelerate the pace of bovine trichomonosis research and may have applications in the study of human trichomoniasis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathobiology, Infection Biology and Control of Protozoan Parasites—the ONE HEALTH Approach)
13 pages, 1361 KiB  
Article
Molecular Detection of Trypanosomatids in Rodents and Marsupials in the State of Amapá, Brazil
by Lourdes Marina Bezerra Pessoa, Claudia Regina Silva, Kamila Gaudêncio da Silva Sales, Darlison Chagas de Souza, Lucas Lisboa Nunes Bonifácio, Rafaela Lira Nogueira de Luna, Filipe Dantas-Torres and Lúcio André Viana
Microorganisms 2025, 13(2), 242; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13020242 - 23 Jan 2025
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Abstract
Trypanosomatids of the genera Trypanosoma and Leishmania are parasites of medical and veterinary importance that infect mammals, including humans and domestic and wild animals. Among mammals, rodents and marsupials play a crucial role in maintaining and spreading the zoonotic transmission cycle of these [...] Read more.
Trypanosomatids of the genera Trypanosoma and Leishmania are parasites of medical and veterinary importance that infect mammals, including humans and domestic and wild animals. Among mammals, rodents and marsupials play a crucial role in maintaining and spreading the zoonotic transmission cycle of these parasites. The present study aimed to detect the natural occurrence of Trypanosoma spp. and Leishmania spp. in rodents and marsupials in the state of Amapá, northern Brazil. In total, 137 samples were analyzed, of which 19 (6 marsupials and 13 rodents) were positive for trypanosomatid DNA. Partial sequences of the 18S rRNA gene of trypanosomatids were obtained from 10 out of 19 positive samples. Specifically, an undescribed Trypanosoma sp. was detected in Marmosa demerarae, Marmosa murina, Zygodontomys brevicauda, and Neacomys paracou. Trypanosoma cruzi was detected in a Philander opossum, whereas sequences close to Trypanosoma wauwau and Trypanosoma freitasi were obtained from Didelphis imperfecta and N. paracou, respectively. Finally, Leishmania (Viannia) sp. was detected in Mesomys hispidus, Hylaeamys megacephalus, and Z. brevicauda. The present study expands the knowledge about marsupials and rodents as hosts of trypanosomatids and emphasizes the need for further studies on the role of these animals as potential reservoirs of these parasites in the Amazon region. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathobiology, Infection Biology and Control of Protozoan Parasites—the ONE HEALTH Approach)
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12 pages, 1984 KiB  
Article
Ciliated Epibionts Modify the Cardiac Stress Reaction to Perceived Predation in Daphnia
by Andrew K. Davis and Helen Gloege
Microorganisms 2024, 12(6), 1219; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12061219 - 18 Jun 2024
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Abstract
When animals perceive an acute stressor like a predator, they typically undergo a suite of physiological changes that function to improve survival during the encounter, such as elevation in cardiac output, to supply more energy to muscles. If bodily energy is limited, such [...] Read more.
When animals perceive an acute stressor like a predator, they typically undergo a suite of physiological changes that function to improve survival during the encounter, such as elevation in cardiac output, to supply more energy to muscles. If bodily energy is limited, such as by parasites or infections, these functions could become less efficient and lessen host survival. In the aquatic world of microorganisms, individuals can become colonized by other organisms on their surface (epibionts), which could sap energy from their host from their weight, or even compete with the host for food. Here, we tested if one epibiont (a ciliated protozoan, Vorticella spp.) affects its hosts’ ability to mount a physiological stress reaction. We collected wild daphnia (Daphnia ambigua) that had varying burdens of these on their bodies and exposed them to a simulated stressor (crushed daphnia, to simulate nearby predation) under a microscope while monitoring for changes in their heart rates in real time. Out of 121 daphnia, those with no Vorticella epibionts showed no meaningful changes in their heart rate after exposure, but those with light or heavy burdens showed immediate elevations (within 5 min). Moreover, the heart rates of heavily burdened daphnia continued to rise for 1.5 h thereafter, to as much as 17% higher than at baseline. These patterns were unexpected, as they suggest that the ciliated epibionts act to elevate their hosts’ physiological reaction, rather than dampen it, perhaps by churning the water column around the host, thereby enhancing the chemical alarm cue. The procedures used in this study may be useful for future investigations into the acute stress reactions of daphnia or other microorganisms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathobiology, Infection Biology and Control of Protozoan Parasites—the ONE HEALTH Approach)
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