RESUMO
Diarrhea caused by zoonotic pathogens is one of the most common diseases in dairy calves, threatening the health of young animals. Humans are also at risk, in particular children. To explore the pathogens causing diarrhea in dairy calves, the present study applied PCR-based sequencing tools to investigate the occurrence and molecular characteristics of three parasites (Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Enterocytozoon bieneusi) and three bacterial pathogens (Escherichia coli, Clostridium perfringens, and Salmonella spp.) in 343 fecal samples of diarrheic dairy calves from five farms in Lingwu County, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China. The total positive rate of these pathogens in diarrheic dairy calves was 91.0% (312/343; 95% CI, 87.9-94.0), with C. perfringens (61.5%, 211/343; 95% CI, 56.3-66.7) being the dominant one. Co-infection with two to five pathogens was found in 67.3% (231/343; 95% CI, 62.4-72.3) of investigated samples. There were significant differences (p < 0.05) in the positive rates of Cryptosporidium spp. and diarrheagenic E. coli among farms, age groups, and seasons. Two Cryptosporidium species (C. parvum and C. bovis) and five gp60 subtypes of C. parvum (IIdA15G1, IIdA20G1, IIdA19G1, IIdA14G1, and a novel IIdA13G1) were identified. Two assemblages (assemblage E and zoonotic assemblage A) of G. duodenalis and six ITS genotypes of E. bieneusi (J, Henan-IV, EbpC, I, EbpA, and ESH-01) were observed. Four virulence genes (eaeA, stx1, stx2, and st) of diarrheagenic E. coli and one toxin type (type A) of C. perfringens were detected. Our study enriches our knowledge on the characteristics and zoonotic potential of diarrhea-related pathogens in dairy calves.
Title: Caractérisation moléculaire des protozoaires parasites zoonotiques courants et des bactéries responsables de diarrhée chez les veaux laitiers dans la région autonome Hui du Ningxia, en Chine. Abstract: La diarrhée causée par des agents pathogènes zoonotiques est l'une des maladies les plus courantes chez les veaux laitiers, menaçant la santé des jeunes animaux. Ceci est également un risque pour la santé humaine, en particulier les enfants. Pour explorer les agents pathogènes responsables de la diarrhée chez les veaux laitiers, cette étude a utilisé des outils de séquençage basés sur la PCR pour étudier l'occurrence et les caractères moléculaires de trois parasites (Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis et Enterocytozoon bieneusi) et de trois agents pathogènes bactériens (Escherichia coli, Clostridium perfringens et Salmonella spp.) dans 343 échantillons fécaux de veaux laitiers diarrhéiques provenant de cinq fermes du comté de Lingwu, région autonome Hui du Ningxia, en Chine. Le taux total positif de ces pathogènes chez les veaux laitiers diarrhéiques était de 91,0 % (312/343; IC à 95 %, 87,994,0), et C. perfringens (61,5 %, 211/343; IC à 95 %, 56,366,7) était le plus répandu. Une co-infection avec deux à cinq pathogènes a été trouvée dans 67,3 % (231/343; IC à 95 %, 62,472,3) des échantillons étudiés. Il y avait des différences significatives (p < 0,05) dans les taux positifs de Cryptosporidium spp. et d'E. coli diarrhéogènes entre les fermes, les groupes d'âge et les saisons. Deux espèces de Cryptosporidium (C. parvum et C. bovis) et cinq sous-types de gp60 de C. parvum (IIdA15G1, IIdA20G1, IIdA19G1, IIdA14G1 et un nouveau, IIdA13G1) ont été identifiés. Deux assemblages (assemblage E et assemblage zoonotique A) de G. duodenalis et six génotypes ITS d'E. bieneusi (J, Henan-IV, EbpC, I, EbpA et ESH-01) ont été observés. Quatre gènes de virulence (eaeA, stx1, stx2 et st) d'E. coli diarrhéogènes et un type de toxine (type A) de C. perfringens ont été détectés. Notre étude enrichit les connaissances sur les caractères et le potentiel zoonotique des agents pathogènes liés à la diarrhée chez les veaux laitiers.
Assuntos
Doenças dos Bovinos , Criptosporidiose , Cryptosporidium , Diarreia , Enterocytozoon , Fezes , Giardia lamblia , Zoonoses , Animais , Bovinos , Diarreia/veterinária , Diarreia/parasitologia , Diarreia/microbiologia , Diarreia/epidemiologia , China/epidemiologia , Doenças dos Bovinos/parasitologia , Doenças dos Bovinos/epidemiologia , Doenças dos Bovinos/microbiologia , Cryptosporidium/genética , Cryptosporidium/isolamento & purificação , Cryptosporidium/classificação , Enterocytozoon/genética , Enterocytozoon/isolamento & purificação , Enterocytozoon/classificação , Giardia lamblia/genética , Giardia lamblia/isolamento & purificação , Giardia lamblia/classificação , Fezes/parasitologia , Fezes/microbiologia , Criptosporidiose/epidemiologia , Criptosporidiose/parasitologia , Escherichia coli/isolamento & purificação , Escherichia coli/genética , Escherichia coli/classificação , Giardíase/veterinária , Giardíase/epidemiologia , Giardíase/parasitologia , Coinfecção/veterinária , Coinfecção/epidemiologia , Coinfecção/parasitologia , Coinfecção/microbiologia , Microsporidiose/veterinária , Microsporidiose/epidemiologia , Clostridium perfringens/isolamento & purificação , Clostridium perfringens/genética , Clostridium perfringens/classificação , Salmonella/isolamento & purificação , Salmonella/genética , Salmonella/classificação , Humanos , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase/veterinária , Indústria de LaticíniosRESUMO
Cryptosporidium and Giardia duodenalis are common gastrointestinal protozoan parasites that cause diarrhea in humans and animals. Although dogs in animal shelters in South Korea can be reintroduced into human society as companions, no continuous investigations have been conducted on the prevalence and genetic characteristics of the protozoan parasites. In the present study, 345 fecal samples from dogs were obtained from animal shelters in six provinces between January and December 2022. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium and G. duodenalis were molecularly identified at the 18S rRNA gene. Cryptosporidium canis isolates were subtyped at the gp60 locus, and G. duodenalis assemblages were identified at the tpi, bg and gdh loci. Overall, 6.67% of the fecal samples tested positive for Cryptosporidium spp. and two species were identified: C. canis (5.51%) and Cryptosporidium parvum (1.16%). Significant regional differences in prevalence were identified for C. canis. Subtyping analysis of C. canis isolates revealed a predominance of the subtype families XXa and XXe over XXb, and XXc. G. duodenalis was detected in 17.68% of the samples, and significant regional differences were identified; its prevalence was also significantly highest in diarrhoeic animals. Molecular characterization of G. duodenalis reveal that most isolates belonged to the canine-specific assemblages C and D. The present results can contribute to further insights into the prevalence and genotypes of Cryptosporidium and G. duodenalis in shelter dogs in South Korea.
Assuntos
Criptosporidiose , Cryptosporidium , Doenças do Cão , Fezes , Genótipo , Giardia lamblia , Giardíase , Animais , Cães , República da Coreia/epidemiologia , Criptosporidiose/epidemiologia , Criptosporidiose/parasitologia , Doenças do Cão/parasitologia , Doenças do Cão/epidemiologia , Giardíase/veterinária , Giardíase/epidemiologia , Giardíase/parasitologia , Cryptosporidium/genética , Cryptosporidium/classificação , Cryptosporidium/isolamento & purificação , Prevalência , Giardia lamblia/genética , Giardia lamblia/isolamento & purificação , Giardia lamblia/classificação , Fezes/parasitologia , RNA Ribossômico 18S/genética , RNA Ribossômico 18S/análiseRESUMO
Giardia doudenalis (lamblia, intestinalis) is a protozoan parasite that inhabits the lumen of the upper small intestine of vertebrates, causing chronic abdominal pains and severe diarrhea, symptoms of giardiasis, a persistent and recurrent infection. This characteristic is mainly due to the presence of membrane variant-specific surface proteins (VSPs) that give this parasite the ability to successively infect the host through antigenic variation. Using high-resolution scanning microscopy (HR-SM), we observed the presence, formation, and extension of tunneling-nanotube-like surface structures in Giardia, especially following parasite challenges with VSP antibodies. They were seen all over the parasite surface, both in vitro and in vivo, showing that G. duodenalis nanotube formation occurs in complex environments such as the gut. In addition, we also observed that some of these nanotubes displayed a periodic strangulation that produces 100 nm vesicles that seemed to be released in a process similar to that previously observed in Trypanosoma brucei. The presence of nanotube-like structures in G. duodenalis highlights yet another strategy of cellular communication utilized by these parasites, whether between themselves or with the host cell.
Assuntos
Giardia lamblia , Nanotubos , Nanotubos/química , Animais , Proteínas de Protozoários/metabolismo , Proteínas de Protozoários/química , Giardíase/parasitologia , Giardíase/imunologia , Camundongos , HumanosRESUMO
This review explores our understanding of Cryptosporidium species and Giardia duodenalis distribution in Middle East and North African (MENA) water resources. Results emphasize that Cryptosporidium species (sp.) and G. duodenalis (oo)cysts are present in distinct categories of water in ten MENA countries. Cryptosporidium sp. proportional prevalence in the MENA region was 24.5% (95% CI 16.3-33.8), while G. duodenalis prevalence was 37.7% (95% CI 21.9-55.1). Raw wastewater and surface water were the water categories most significantly impacted. Both parasites were reported in the various types of MENA drinking waters. The most frequent species/genotypes reported were C. hominis, C. parvum, and G. duodenalis assemblage A. Despite the high prevalence of (oo)cysts reported, we should consider the absence of waterborne outbreaks. This indicates significant underestimation and underreporting of both parasites in MENA. Stakeholders should apply water contamination legislation to eradicate Cryptosporidium sp. and G. duodenalis (oo)cysts from water resources/categories.
Assuntos
Cryptosporidium , Giardia lamblia , Cryptosporidium/isolamento & purificação , Giardia lamblia/isolamento & purificação , Oriente Médio/epidemiologia , África do Norte/epidemiologia , Criptosporidiose/epidemiologia , Criptosporidiose/parasitologia , Humanos , Recursos Hídricos , Giardíase/epidemiologia , Giardíase/parasitologia , Água Potável/parasitologia , Abastecimento de ÁguaRESUMO
Giardia lamblia, the cause of giardiasis, significantly impacts patients with metabolic disorders related to insulin resistance (IR). Both giardiasis and metabolic disorders share elements such as chronic inflammation and intestinal dysbiosis, which substantially affect the metabolic and cytokine profiles of patients. This review discusses the mechanisms of virulence of G. lamblia, its influence on the immune system, and its association with metabolic disorders. The review aims to show how G. lamblia invasion acts on the immune system and the glucose and lipid metabolism. Key findings reveal that G. lamblia infection, by disrupting intestinal permeability, alters microbiota composition and immune responses, potentially impairing metabolic status. Future research should focus on elucidating the specific mechanisms by which G. lamblia influences the metabolism, exploring the long-term consequences of chronic infection, and developing targeted therapeutic strategies that include both parasitic and metabolic aspects. These insights underscore the need for a multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of giardiasis in patients with metabolic disorders.
Assuntos
Giardia lamblia , Giardíase , Glucose , Metabolismo dos Lipídeos , Humanos , Giardia lamblia/metabolismo , Giardia lamblia/imunologia , Giardíase/parasitologia , Giardíase/imunologia , Giardíase/metabolismo , Glucose/metabolismo , Animais , Sistema Imunitário/metabolismo , Sistema Imunitário/imunologia , Interações Hospedeiro-Parasita/imunologia , Disbiose/imunologia , Disbiose/parasitologia , Microbioma GastrointestinalRESUMO
The domestic chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) is kept as a pet and previous studies suggest that it may play an important role as a source of zoonotic parasites, including Giardia intestinalis, Cryptosporidium spp. and microsporidia. In this study, we examined the occurrence and genetic diversity of above mentioned parasites in pet chinchillas in the Czech Republic by PCR/sequencing of the 18S rRNA, TPI, and ITS genes. Of 149 chinchillas from 24 breeders, 91.3â¯% were positive for G. intestinalis, 8.1â¯% for Cryptosporidium spp., 2.0â¯% for Encephalitozoon spp., and 5.4â¯% for E. bieneusi. Molecular analyses revealed presence of G. intestinalis assemblage B, C. ubiquitum (XIIa family), E. bieneusi genotypes D, SCF2, and, CHN-F1, and E. intestinalis. The infection intensity of G. intestinalis determined by qRT-PCR reached up to 53,978 CPG, C. ubiquitum up to 1409 OPG, E. intestinalis up to 1124 SPG, and E. bieneusi up to 1373 SPG. Only two chinchillas with C. ubiquitum and five with G. intestinalis had diarrhoea at the time of the screening. Three chinchillas in the long-term study were consistently positive for G. intestinalis, with intermittent excretion of C. ubiquitum, E. intestinalis, and E. bieneusi over 25 weeks. The findings indicate that chinchillas are frequently infected with zoonotic parasitic protists, but that these infections rarely show clinical signs. The lack of visible signs could reduce the vigilance of pet owners when handling their chinchillas, increasing the risk of transmission within breeding groups and possibly to humans.
Assuntos
Chinchila , Cryptosporidium , Encephalitozoon , Encefalitozoonose , Enterocytozoon , Giardia lamblia , Giardíase , Microsporidiose , Animais de Estimação , Zoonoses , Animais , Chinchila/parasitologia , Encephalitozoon/genética , Encephalitozoon/isolamento & purificação , Encephalitozoon/classificação , Zoonoses/parasitologia , Cryptosporidium/genética , Cryptosporidium/classificação , Cryptosporidium/isolamento & purificação , Giardíase/veterinária , Giardíase/parasitologia , Giardia lamblia/genética , Giardia lamblia/isolamento & purificação , Giardia lamblia/classificação , República Tcheca/epidemiologia , Encefalitozoonose/veterinária , Encefalitozoonose/epidemiologia , Encefalitozoonose/microbiologia , Enterocytozoon/genética , Enterocytozoon/isolamento & purificação , Microsporidiose/veterinária , Microsporidiose/epidemiologia , Criptosporidiose/parasitologia , Criptosporidiose/epidemiologia , RNA Ribossômico 18S/genética , Fezes/parasitologia , Fezes/microbiologia , MasculinoRESUMO
PURPOSE: To develop and validate a multiplex conventional PCR assay to simultaneously detect Cryptosporidium spp., Entamoeba histolytica, and Giardia lamblia in diarrheal samples as a rapid, cost-effective, and sensitive diagnostic tool for prevalent co-infections for improved diagnostic accuracy and efficiency in resource-limited settings. METHODS: Stool samples collected from patients with gastrointestinal symptoms after taking written consent, processed via wet mount, iodine mount, and PCR assays. Cohen's kappa statistical analysis was done to test agreement. RESULT: Among 240 patients, 28.75% showed intestinal protozoa via Microscopy; Single-plex and multiplex PCR demonstrated 100% concordance, detecting 27.9%; confirmed by sequencing. Highest parasite positivity was observed in transplant and immunocompromised patients, with moderate to almost perfect agreement between microscopy and molecular methods. CONCLUSION: Multiplex-conventional PCR offers superior sensitivity and specificity over microscopy and 100% concordance with single-plex PCR, enabling rapid, cost-effective diagnosis of multiple parasites from single stool sample. Its adoption could revolutionize parasitic infection management in routine diagnostics.
Assuntos
Entamoeba histolytica , Fezes , Giardia lamblia , Microscopia , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase Multiplex , Sensibilidade e Especificidade , Humanos , Fezes/parasitologia , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase Multiplex/métodos , Microscopia/métodos , Giardia lamblia/genética , Giardia lamblia/isolamento & purificação , Adulto , Entamoeba histolytica/genética , Entamoeba histolytica/isolamento & purificação , Feminino , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Cryptosporidium/genética , Cryptosporidium/isolamento & purificação , Criança , Adulto Jovem , Pré-Escolar , Enteropatias Parasitárias/diagnóstico , Enteropatias Parasitárias/parasitologia , Adolescente , Benchmarking , Coinfecção/parasitologia , Coinfecção/diagnóstico , Idoso , Diarreia/parasitologia , Diarreia/diagnóstico , Giardíase/diagnóstico , Giardíase/parasitologia , Técnicas de Diagnóstico Molecular/métodos , LactenteRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Giardiasis, caused by the protozoan parasite Giardia intestinalis, often presents a treatment challenge, particularly in terms of resistance to metronidazole. Despite extensive research, markers for metronidazole resistance have not yet been identified. METHODS: This study analysed 28 clinical samples of G. intestinalis from sub-assemblage AII, characterised by varying responses to metronidazole treatment. We focussed on copy number variation (CNV) of the multi-copy flavohemoprotein gene, analysed using digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) and next generation sequencing (NGS). Additionally, chromosomal ploidy was tested in 18 of these samples. Flavohemoprotein CNV was also assessed in 17 samples from other sub-assemblages. RESULTS: Analyses revealed variable CNVs of the flavohemoprotein gene among the isolates, with no correlation to clinical metronidazole resistance. Discrepancies in CNVs detected from NGS data were attributed to biases linked to the whole genome amplification. However, dPCR helped to clarify these discrepancies by providing more consistent CNV data. Significant differences in flavohemoprotein CNVs were observed across different G. intestinalis sub-assemblages. Notably, Giardia exhibits a propensity for aneuploidy, contributing to genomic variability within and between sub-assemblages. CONCLUSIONS: The complexity of the clinical metronidazole resistance in Giardia is influenced by multiple genetic factors, including CNVs and aneuploidy. No significant differences in the CNV of the flavohemoprotein gene between isolates from metronidazole-resistant and metronidazole-sensitive cases of giardiasis were found, underscoring the need for further research to identify reliable genetic markers for resistance. We demonstrate that dPCR and NGS are robust methods for analysing CNVs and provide cross-validating results, highlighting their utility in the genetic analyses of this parasite.
Assuntos
Antiprotozoários , Variações do Número de Cópias de DNA , Resistência a Medicamentos , Giardia lamblia , Giardíase , Metronidazol , Giardia lamblia/genética , Giardia lamblia/efeitos dos fármacos , Metronidazol/farmacologia , Resistência a Medicamentos/genética , Humanos , Giardíase/parasitologia , Giardíase/tratamento farmacológico , Antiprotozoários/farmacologia , Sequenciamento de Nucleotídeos em Larga Escala , Proteínas de Protozoários/genéticaRESUMO
Captive and free-living wildlife serve as significant hosts for Giardia duodenalis. Asiatic black bears, valued for their economic and medicinal importance, are extensively farmed in China and also prevalent in zoos. However, studies on G. duodenalis in these animals in China are limited. Here, 218 feces samples of Asiatic black bears were collected: 36 from a zoo in Heilongjiang Province, and 182 from a farm in Fujian Province. Nested PCR of the SSU rRNA gene, followed by sequencing, was employed to determine the frequency and assemblage distribution of G. duodenalis. Positive samples underwent further analysis through multilocus genotyping (MLG) by amplifying the genes for glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh), ß-giardin (bg), and triosephosphate isomerase (tpi). Of the 218 samples, G. duodenalis was detected in 22 cases at the SSU rRNA gene locus, including three from Heilongjiang and 19 from Fujian. Three assemblages were identified: A (n = 1), B (n = 16), and E (n = 2) in Fujian; and B (n = 3) in Heilongjiang. Out of the 22 positive samples, 20, 19, and 9 were effectively amplified and sequenced across the tpi, gdh, and bg loci, respectively. Seven samples were genotyped successfully at all three loci, identifying MLG-B1 (n = 1), MLG-B2 (n = 1), and MLG-B3 (n = 1), MLG-B4 (n = 1), MLG-B5 (n = 2), and MLG-B6 (n = 1) as the six assemblage B MLGs. This study marks the first documentation of G. duodenalis in Asiatic black bears in captivity in Fujian and Heilongjiang. The identification of zoonotic assemblages A and B, along with E, underscores potential public health concerns.
Title: Prévalence et assemblages de Giardia duodenalis chez les ours noirs d'Asie (Ursus thibetanus) d'élevage et de zoos dans les provinces chinoises du Heilongjiang et du Fujian. Abstract: Les faunes captive et libre incluent des hôtes importants pour Giardia duodenalis. Les ours noirs d'Asie, appréciés pour leur importance économique et médicinale, sont couramment élevés en Chine et répandus dans les zoos. Cependant, les études sur G. duodenalis chez ces animaux en Chine sont limitées. Ici, 218 échantillons d'excréments d'ours noirs d'Asie ont été collectés, 36 dans un zoo de la province du Heilongjiang et 182 dans une ferme de la province du Fujian. La PCR imbriquée de l'ARNr SSU, suivie d'un séquençage, a été utilisée pour déterminer la fréquence et la distribution des assemblages de G. duodenalis. Les échantillons positifs ont subi une analyse plus approfondie par génotypage multilocus (MLG) en amplifiant les gènes de la glutamate déshydrogénase (gdh), de la ß-giardine (bg) et de la triosephosphate isomérase (tpi). Sur les 218 échantillons, G. duodenalis a été détecté dans 22 cas par le locus du gène de l'ARNr SSU, dont trois du Heilongjiang et 19 du Fujian. Trois assemblages ont été identifiés : A (n = 1), B (n = 16) et E (n = 2) dans le Fujian, et B (n = 3) dans le Heilongjiang. Sur les 22 échantillons positifs, 20, 19 et 9 ont été efficacement amplifiés et séquencés respectivement pour les loci tpi, gdh et bg. Sept échantillons ont été génotypés avec succès sur les trois loci, identifiant MLG-B1 (n = 1), MLG-B2 (n = 1) et MLG-B3 (n = 1), MLG-B4 (n = 1), MLG- B5 (n = 2) et MLG-B6 (n = 1) comme les six assemblages MLG B. Cette étude marque la première investigation de G. duodenalis chez les ours noirs d'Asie en captivité au Fujian et au Heilongjiang. L'identification des assemblages zoonotiques A et B, ainsi que E, souligne des problèmes potentiels de santé publique.
Assuntos
Animais de Zoológico , Fezes , Giardia lamblia , Giardíase , Ursidae , Animais , China/epidemiologia , Giardia lamblia/genética , Giardia lamblia/isolamento & purificação , Giardia lamblia/classificação , Giardíase/veterinária , Giardíase/parasitologia , Giardíase/epidemiologia , Animais de Zoológico/parasitologia , Prevalência , Ursidae/parasitologia , Fezes/parasitologia , Genótipo , Filogenia , Triose-Fosfato Isomerase/genética , Fazendas , Glutamato Desidrogenase/genética , DNA de Protozoário , Proteínas de Protozoários/genética , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase/veterinária , Tipagem de Sequências Multilocus , Proteínas do Citoesqueleto/genéticaRESUMO
Giardia duodenalis is an intestinal pathogen that is found globally. Children are more susceptible and often suffer severe consequences after infection. Despite this, the health effects of this pathogen continue to be poorly understood and neglected. In Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, China, stool samples were obtained from 1032 children who were admitted to Yuying Children's Hospital. Out of these, 684 presented with diarrhea, while 348 were asymptomatic. The stool samples were screened for G. duodenali by targeting the small subunit of the ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene. Subtypes of G. duodenalis were identified via amplification of the glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh), beta-giardin (bg), and triosephosphate isomerase (tpi) genes in samples positive for the G. duodenalis. The findings indicated the presence of G. duodenalis in 0.9 % (9/1032) of the samples, with 9/684 (1.3 %) of the samples originating from children with diarrhea and none from the asymptomatic samples. All 9 samples that tested positive for G. duodenalis were determined to be of assemblage A. Of these, 6 samples were effectively genotyped at all 3 loci, resulting in the identification of 3 distinct MLGs: MLG-AII1 (n = 1), MLG-AII2 (n = 4), and MLG-AII2 (n = 1), all belonging to G. duodenalis assemblage AII. This was the first study that confirmed G. duodenalis infections in children residing in southern Zhejiang, China, with comparatively low rates of infection. The detection of G. duodenalis assemblage AII indicates a possibility of transfer from one human to another. The parasite's effect on the health of young children requires special attention and consideration.
Assuntos
Diarreia , Fezes , Genótipo , Giardia lamblia , Giardíase , Tipagem de Sequências Multilocus , Humanos , Giardíase/parasitologia , Giardíase/epidemiologia , Giardia lamblia/genética , Giardia lamblia/classificação , Giardia lamblia/isolamento & purificação , China/epidemiologia , Pré-Escolar , Diarreia/parasitologia , Fezes/parasitologia , Feminino , Masculino , Lactente , Criança , Proteínas de Protozoários/genética , Triose-Fosfato Isomerase/genética , Filogenia , Glutamato Desidrogenase/genética , DNA de Protozoário/genética , PrevalênciaRESUMO
Objective: Giardia and Cryptosporidium are enteric protozoa that can cause a variety of gastrointestinal diseases, especially in vulnerable people like children, the elderly, and those with impaired immune systems. In order to ascertain the microbiological quality of the recreational water from Araromi Beach in Ilaje Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria. This risk assessment is of great significance to human health protection against waterborne diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the microbial quality of recreational water from Araromi Beach in Ilaje Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria. Methods: Microscopic examination of Cryptosporidium and Giardia oocysts were done. Results: Results revealed maximum occurrence of Cryptosporidium parvum (20 oocysts/100 mL) of water sample in the month of April and maximum occurrence of Giardia lamblia (300 cysts/100 mL) of water sample in the month of June. Additionally, according to Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests for normalcy Ho =0.05, Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum were not regularly distributed in the water samples collected from the beach throughout the study period. The average likelihood of contracting Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum infections after consuming 100 mL of beach water was 0.96 and 0.35, respectively. The risks of infection associated with Cryptosporidium parvum was lower than those associated with Giardia lamblia in water from the beach, but were both above the acceptable risk limit of 10-4. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that Giardia and Cryptosporidium may represent serious health hazards to people who engage in aquatic activities. Adopting a comprehensive strategy that includes regular inspections, enhanced detection techniques, and the prevention of aquatic environment pollution may provide clean and safe recreational water for all, thereby safeguarding the public's health.
Assuntos
Cryptosporidium parvum , Giardia lamblia , Cryptosporidium parvum/isolamento & purificação , Giardia lamblia/isolamento & purificação , Nigéria/epidemiologia , Humanos , Água do Mar/parasitologia , Medição de Risco , Microbiologia da Água , Giardíase/epidemiologia , Giardíase/parasitologia , Criptosporidiose/epidemiologia , Criptosporidiose/parasitologia , Recreação , OocistosRESUMO
Giardiasis is a parasitic disease caused by Giardia lamblia (G. lamblia) that affects people worldwide. Still, few studies report on the immunoregulatory effects of the biomolecules of colostrum during interactions with G. lamblia. This study aimed to assess the concentrations of melatonin and cortisol hormones, the percentage of Treg cells, and the levels of cytokines IL-10 and TGF-ß in colostrum from mothers who tested positive for the parasite. This cross-sectional study analyzed colostrum samples from 25 puerperal. The samples were tested using an ELISA to determine if they were seropositive for G. lamblia and the type of antibody present (IgM and IgG). Based on the results, the samples were divided into three groups: a control group (N = 10) with no reaction to either IgM or IgG, a group seropositive for IgG (IgG+/IgM-; N = 8), and a group seropositive for IgM (IgM+/IgG-; N = 7). The concentrations of melatonin and cortisol were measured using the ELISA method. Additionally, cytokines IL-10 and TGF-ß and immunophenotyping were analyzed using flow cytometry. In the group that tested positive for IgM anti-G. lamblia, the concentration of melatonin was lower. However, in the colostrum from mothers who tested positive for IgG anti-G. lamblia, the level of this hormone had increased. The cortisol levels were similar between the groups, regardless of seropositivity. There was a higher percentage of Treg cells in the colostrum from mothers who tested positive for IgM anti-G. lamblia. TGF-ß levels also increased in the colostrum of mothers who tested positive for IgM anti-G. lamblia. In the seronegative group for G. lamblia, there was a positive correlation between melatonin concentration and the percentage of Treg cells. These data suggest that the increase in regulatory cells and cytokines and the reduction in melatonin in colostrum from mothers with recent giardia infection may contribute to the evolution and manifestation of the disease.
Assuntos
Colostro , Giardia lamblia , Giardíase , Melatonina , Linfócitos T Reguladores , Fator de Crescimento Transformador beta , Melatonina/metabolismo , Melatonina/imunologia , Linfócitos T Reguladores/imunologia , Linfócitos T Reguladores/metabolismo , Humanos , Feminino , Giardíase/imunologia , Giardíase/parasitologia , Giardia lamblia/imunologia , Adulto , Colostro/imunologia , Colostro/química , Estudos Transversais , Fator de Crescimento Transformador beta/metabolismo , Fator de Crescimento Transformador beta/imunologia , Interleucina-10/metabolismo , Interleucina-10/imunologia , Imunoglobulina M/imunologia , Imunoglobulina G/imunologia , Imunoglobulina G/sangue , Hidrocortisona , Gravidez , Adulto JovemRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Giardiasis and zinc deficiency have been identified as serious health problems worldwide. Although Zn depletion is known to occur in giardiasis, no work has investigated whether changes occur in brain structures. METHODS: Three groups of gerbils were used: control (1), orogastrically inoculated on day 3 after birth with trophozoites of two isolates of Giardia intestinalis (HGINV/WB) group (2 and 3). Estimates were made at five ages covering: establishment of infection, Giardia population growth, natural parasite clearance and a post-infection age. QuantiChrome zinc assay kit, cresyl violet staining and TUNEL technique were used. RESULTS: A significant decrease (p<0.01) in tissue zinc was observed and persisted after infection. Cytoarchitectural changes were observed in 75% of gerbils in the HGINV or WB groups. Ectopic pyramidal neurons were found in the cornus ammonis (CA1-CA3). At 60 and 90 days of age loss of lamination was clearly visible in CA1. In the dentate gyrus (DG), thinning of the dorsal lamina and abnormal thickening of the ventral lamina were observed from 30 days of age. In the cerebellum, we found an increase (p<0.01) in the thickness of the external granular layer (EGL) at 14 days of age that persisted until day 21 (C 3 ± 0.3 µm; HGINV 37 ± 5 µm; WB 28 ± 3 µm); Purkinje cell population estimation showed a significant decrease; a large number of apoptotic somas were observed scattered in the molecular layer; in 60 and 90 days old gerbils we found granular cell heterotopia and Purkinje cell ectopia. The pattern of apoptosis was different in the cerebellum and hippocampus of parasitized gerbils. CONCLUSION: The morphological changes found suggest that neuronal migration is affected by zinc depletion caused by giardiasis in early postnatal life; for the first time, the link between giardiasis-zinc depletion and damaged brain structures is shown. This damage may explain the psychomotor/cognitive delay associated with giardiasis. These findings are alarming. Alterations in zinc metabolism and signalling are known to be involved in many brain disorders, including autism.
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Cerebelo , Gerbillinae , Giardia lamblia , Giardíase , Hipocampo , Zinco , Animais , Gerbillinae/parasitologia , Zinco/deficiência , Zinco/metabolismo , Giardíase/parasitologia , Giardíase/patologia , Cerebelo/patologia , Cerebelo/parasitologia , Hipocampo/patologia , Hipocampo/parasitologia , Giardia lamblia/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Masculino , Modelos Animais de DoençasRESUMO
BACKGROUND: The parasitic protozoan Giardia duodenalis is an important cause of diarrheal disease in humans and animals that can be spread by fecal-oral transmission through water and the environment, posing a challenge to public health and animal husbandry. Little is known about its impact on large-scale sheep farms in China. In this study we investigated G. duodenalis infection of sheep and contamination of the environment in large-scale sheep farms in two regions of China, Henan and Ningxia. METHODS: A total of 528 fecal samples, 402 environmental samples and 30 water samples were collected from seven large-scale sheep farms, and 88 fecal samples and 13 environmental samples were collected from 12 backyard farms. The presence of G. duodenalis was detected by targeting the ß-giardin (bg) gene, and the assemblage and multilocus genotype of G. duodenalis were investigated by analyzing three genes: bg, glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) and triphosphate isomerase (tpi). RESULTS: The overall G. duodenalis detection rate was 7.8%, 1.4% and 23.3% in fecal, environmental and water samples, respectively. On the large-scale sheep farms tested, the infection rate of sheep in Henan (13.8%) was found to be significantly higher than that of sheep in Ningxia (4.2%) (P < 0.05). However, the difference between the rates of environmental pollution in Henan (1.9%) and Ningxia (1.0%) was not significant (P > 0.05). Investigations of sheep at different physiological stages revealed that late pregnancy ewes showed the lowest infection rate (1.7%) and that young lambs exhibited the highest (18.8%). Genetic analysis identified G. duodenalis belonging to two assemblages, A and E, with assemblage E being dominant. A total of 27 multilocus genotypes were identified for members of assemblage E. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that G. duodenalis is prevalent on large-scale sheep farms in Henan and Ningxia, China, and that there is a risk of environmental contamination. This study is the first comprehensive examination of the presence of G. duodenalis on large-scale sheep farms in China. Challenges posed by G. duodenalis to sheep farms need to be addressed proactively to ensure public health safety.
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Fazendas , Fezes , Variação Genética , Genótipo , Giardia lamblia , Giardíase , Doenças dos Ovinos , Animais , Ovinos/parasitologia , China/epidemiologia , Giardia lamblia/genética , Giardia lamblia/classificação , Giardia lamblia/isolamento & purificação , Doenças dos Ovinos/parasitologia , Doenças dos Ovinos/epidemiologia , Giardíase/veterinária , Giardíase/parasitologia , Giardíase/epidemiologia , Fezes/parasitologia , Proteínas de Protozoários/genética , FilogeniaRESUMO
Giardiasis is a small intestinal disease caused by the zoonotic parasite, Giardia duodenalis. This study presents the molecular findings of G. duodenalis infection in companion dogs, domestic livestock and wildlife in the Northern Jordan Basin, Israel. Identification of G. duodenalis was accomplished by nested PCR (nPCR) targeting the 18S rRNA gene. Samples were collected from water (five samples from four sources of which one was recycled water), as well as feces from wolves (Canis lupus) (n = 34), jackals (Canis aureus) (n = 24), wild boars (Sus scrofa) (n = 40), cattle (Bos taurus) (n = 40), dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) (n = 37) and nutria (Mayocastor coypus) (n = 100). All positive samples were sequenced and a phylogenetic tree was drawn using the Bayesian Inference (BI) algorithm. Differences in G. duodenalis prevalence between the different hosts were analyzed by Pearson's chi-square (p < 0.05). Of the total 275 fecal samples, 36 were positive for G. duodenalis (13%). Frequency rates among different animal species was highest in wolves (32.3%), whilst rates in wild boars (22.5%), dogs (16.2%), cattle (12.5%) and jackals (4.2%), were observed to be significantly lower (p < 0.001). Three out of 5 recycled water (RW) samples were G. duodenalis positive. Three clusters with high posterior probabilities (PP) were found in the BI: Cluster 1: samples from wolves, wild boars, water and cattle together with database sequences of assemblages A, B and F, Cluster 2: samples from dogs, nutria and a jackal with sequences from assemblage D and Cluster 3: samples from cattle, wild boars, wolves and dogs with sequences from assemblage C and D. We suggest that wolves serve as reservoirs of G. duodenalis in this region. The finding of Giardia in RW suggests that this vehicle may further contaminate crops intended for human consumption as this water source is used for agricultural irrigation.
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Animais Selvagens , Doenças do Cão , Fezes , Giardia lamblia , Giardíase , Filogenia , Animais , Cães , Giardíase/veterinária , Giardíase/epidemiologia , Giardíase/parasitologia , Giardia lamblia/genética , Giardia lamblia/isolamento & purificação , Giardia lamblia/classificação , Prevalência , Fezes/parasitologia , Doenças do Cão/parasitologia , Doenças do Cão/epidemiologia , Israel/epidemiologia , Animais Selvagens/parasitologia , Gado/parasitologia , RNA Ribossômico 18S/análise , RNA Ribossômico 18S/genética , Bovinos , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase/veterinária , Animais de Estimação/parasitologiaRESUMO
Non-human primates (NHPs) are the group that most share infectious agents with humans due to their close taxonomic relationship. The southern brown howler monkeys (Alouatta guariba clamitans) are endemic primates from Brazil and Argentina's Atlantic Forest. This study aimed to investigate the presence of intestinal parasites in free-living (FL) and captive (CA) southern brown howler monkeys. Thirty-nine stool samples were collected in two areas in southern Brazil, 15 FL and 24 CA. Stool sediments obtained by centrifugal sedimentation technique were used for microscopic analysis and direct immunofluorescence assay and evaluated by molecular analysis through amplification and sequencing of TPI fragments. Intestinal parasites Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., and Trypanoxyuris minutus were detected at coproparasitological analysis. This is the first report of the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. in free-living howlers. The molecular characterization of G. duodenalis isolates indicated assemblage B for the first time found in free-living A. guariba clamitans. The high prevalence of G. duodenalis transmission in CA howler monkeys can be explained by direct contact with humans and frequent soil contact. The presence of a potentially zoonotic assemblage in these animals indicates that the process of fragmentation and cohabitation with humans and livestock affects the wildlife, thus indicating a need for eco-health measures.
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Alouatta , Giardia lamblia , Giardíase , Doenças dos Macacos , Animais , Alouatta/parasitologia , Brasil/epidemiologia , Doenças dos Macacos/parasitologia , Doenças dos Macacos/epidemiologia , Giardíase/veterinária , Giardíase/parasitologia , Giardíase/epidemiologia , Giardia lamblia/isolamento & purificação , Giardia lamblia/genética , Giardia lamblia/classificação , Fezes/parasitologia , Animais de Zoológico/parasitologia , Cryptosporidium/isolamento & purificação , Cryptosporidium/classificação , Cryptosporidium/genética , Prevalência , Masculino , Animais Selvagens/parasitologia , Feminino , Criptosporidiose/parasitologia , Criptosporidiose/epidemiologiaRESUMO
Giardia duodenalis, a major cause of waterborne infection, infects a wide range of mammalian hosts and is subdivided into eight genetically well-defined assemblages named A through H. However, fragmented genomes and a lack of comparative analysis within and between the assemblages render unclear the molecular mechanisms controlling host specificity and differential disease outcomes. To address this, we generated a near-complete de novo genome of AI assemblage using the Oxford Nanopore platform by sequencing the Be-2 genome. We generated 148,144 long-reads with quality scores of > 7. The final genome assembly consists of only nine contigs with an N50 of 3,045,186 bp. This assembly agrees closely with the assembly of another strain in the AI assemblage (WB-C6). However, a critical difference is that a region previously placed in the five-prime region of Chr5 belongs to Chr4 of Be-2. We find a high degree of conservation in the ploidy, homozygosity, and the presence of cysteine-rich variant-specific surface proteins (VSPs) within the AI assemblage. Our assembly provides a nearly complete genome of a member of the AI assemblage of G. duodenalis, aiding population genomic studies capable of elucidating Giardia transmission, host range, and pathogenicity.
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Genoma de Protozoário , Genômica , Giardia lamblia , Giardia lamblia/genética , Humanos , Genômica/métodos , Giardíase/parasitologia , Giardíase/genética , Homozigoto , Proteínas de Protozoários/genética , Animais , Filogenia , Sequência ConservadaRESUMO
Small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs that are abundant in the nucleoli of eukaryotic cells and play a crucial role in various aspects of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) maturation, including modifications such as 2'-O-methylation or pseudouridylation. On the other hand, Giardia duodenalis is a microaerophilic, flagellated, binucleate protozoan responsible for causing giardiasis. Although numerous snoRNAs have been detected in Giardia, their investigation remains limited. Nevertheless, they have been found to play a crucial role in the rRNA precursor processing pathway and influence other cellular functions. In addition, it has been proposed that some microRNAs are generated from these snoRNAs through excision by the Giardia endoribonuclease Dicer. These microRNAs are believed to contribute to the regulation of antigenic variation, which allows the parasite to evade the host immune response. Specifically, they play a role in modulating variant-specific surface proteins (VSPs) and other cysteine-rich surface antigens (CSAs). The main objective of this study was to bring together the available data on snoRNAs in Giardia, uncovering their functions in various processes and their importance on a global scale. In addition, the research delved into potential microRNAs speculated to originate from snoRNAs, exploring their impact on cellular processes.
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MicroRNAs , RNA Nucleolar Pequeno , RNA Nucleolar Pequeno/genética , RNA Nucleolar Pequeno/metabolismo , MicroRNAs/genética , MicroRNAs/metabolismo , Giardia/genética , Giardia lamblia/genética , Giardíase/parasitologia , RNA de Protozoário/análise , RNA de Protozoário/genética , Variação Antigênica , AnimaisRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Enteric parasitic infections remain a major public health problem globally. Cryptosporidium spp., Cyclospora spp. and Giardia spp. are parasites that cause diarrhea in the general populations of both developed and developing countries. Information from molecular genetic studies on the speciation of these parasites and on the role of animals as vectors in disease transmission is lacking in Ghana. This study therefore investigated these diarrhea-causing parasites in humans, domestic rats and wildlife animals in Ghana using molecular tools. METHODS: Fecal samples were collected from asymptomatic school children aged 9-12 years living around the Shai Hills Resource Reserve (tourist site), from wildlife (zebras, kobs, baboons, ostriches, bush rats and bush bucks) at the same site, from warthogs at the Mole National Park (tourist site) and from rats at the Madina Market (a popular vegetable market in Accra, Ghana. The 18S rRNA gene (18S rRNA) and 60-kDa glycoprotein gene (gp60) for Cryptosporidium spp., the glutamate dehydrogenase gene (gdh) for Giardia spp. and the 18S rDNA for Cyclospora spp. were analyzed in all samples by PCR and Sanger sequencing as markers of speciation and genetic diversity. RESULTS: The parasite species identified in the fecal samples collected from humans and animals included the Cryptosporidium species C. hominis, C. muris, C. parvum, C. tyzzeri, C. meleagridis and C. andersoni; the Cyclopora species C. cayetanensis; and the Gardia species, G. lamblia and G. muris. For Cryptosporidium, the presence of the gp60 gene confirmed the finding of C. parvum (41%, 35/85 samples) and C. hominis (29%, 27/85 samples) in animal samples. Cyclospora cayetanensis was found in animal samples for the first time in Ghana. Only one human sample (5%, 1/20) but the majority of animal samples (58%, 51/88) had all three parasite species in the samples tested. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these results of fecal sample testing for parasites, we conclude that animals and human share species of the three genera (Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, Giardia), with the parasitic species mostly found in animals also found in human samples, and vice-versa. The presence of enteric parasites as mixed infections in asymptomatic humans and animal species indicates that they are reservoirs of infections. This is the first study to report the presence of C. cayetanensis and C. hominis in animals from Ghana. Our findings highlight the need for a detailed description of these parasites using high-throughput genetic tools to further understand these parasites and the neglected tropical diseases they cause in Ghana where such information is scanty.
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Animais Domésticos , Animais Selvagens , Criptosporidiose , Cryptosporidium , Cyclospora , Ciclosporíase , Fezes , Animais , Gana/epidemiologia , Cyclospora/genética , Cyclospora/isolamento & purificação , Cyclospora/classificação , Cryptosporidium/genética , Cryptosporidium/isolamento & purificação , Cryptosporidium/classificação , Fezes/parasitologia , Ciclosporíase/epidemiologia , Ciclosporíase/parasitologia , Ciclosporíase/veterinária , Animais Selvagens/parasitologia , Criptosporidiose/parasitologia , Criptosporidiose/epidemiologia , Criptosporidiose/transmissão , Humanos , Criança , Animais Domésticos/parasitologia , Ratos , DNA de Protozoário/genética , RNA Ribossômico 18S/genética , Giardíase/veterinária , Giardíase/parasitologia , Giardíase/epidemiologia , Diarreia/parasitologia , Diarreia/veterinária , Diarreia/epidemiologia , Filogenia , Giardia/genética , Giardia/isolamento & purificação , Giardia/classificaçãoRESUMO
Giardia duodenalis (syn. G. intestinalis or G. lamblia) is a parasitic protozoan that infects the upper intestinal tract of a broad range of hosts, including humans and domestic animals. Thus, it has raised concerns about the public health risk due to companion animals. Recently, with the improvement of living standards and increasing contacts between pets and humans, the zoonotic transmission of Giardia has dramatically increased. From a genetic point of view, G. duodenalis should be viewed as a complex species that includes eight different species-specific genetic assemblages. The laboratory diagnosis is mainly based on the finding of microscopic cysts in stool samples by coprological examination. Other methods include the detection of antigens, immunoassays or PCR protocols, which allow the identification of Giardia assemblages. The study aimed to compare the performance of Direct Fluorescence Antibody test (DFA), zinc sulfate flotation technique (ZnSO4), rapid diagnostic test (RDT), end-point PCR amplification (PCR) for the detection of Giardia and to identify the concerning assemblages in a canine population from Central Italy. Direct fluorescence antibody test is the reference standard for laboratory diagnosis of Giardia in fecal samples from dogs, despite the microscopic examination after flotation remains the most useful method in many veterinary diagnostic centers. The present findings demonstrate the high performance of DFA and ZnSO4 in detecting Giardia, while RDT may be useful as alternative or complementary method to the DFA and ZnSO4. PCR performance was low, but it allowed determining Giardia B zoonotic assemblage in 25% of the PCR-positive specimens (15 out of 60), while the remaining PCR-positive isolates belonged to the dog-specific assemblage C. The 26% prevalence of G. duodenalis detected by DFA in owned dogs and the identification of potentially zoonotic assemblages underline the potential risk for public health and indicate frequent cross-species transmission of the parasite between humans and dogs.