scholarly journals Molecular Characterization of Sarcocystis Species Isolated from Sheep and Goats in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 256 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dina M. Metwally ◽  
Mashael A. Al-Damigh ◽  
Isra M. Al-Turaiki ◽  
Manal F. El-Khadragy
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Protozoan Parasite ◽  
Final Host ◽  
Molecular Testing ◽  
Sarcocystis Species ◽  
Sheep And Goats ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
First Time ◽  
Intracellular Protozoan Parasite

Sarcocystosis is induced by species of Sarcocystis, which is an intracellular protozoan parasite in the phylum Apicomplexa. The diversity and importance of Sarcocystis species in sheep and goats in Saudi Arabia are poorly understood. In this study, the tongue, esophagus, heart, diaphragm, and skeletal muscles were collected from 230 sheep and 84 goats, and the tissues were examined for the presence of Sarcocystis species by macroscopic examination and light microscopy. Microscopic Sarcocystis species cysts were found in both sheep and goats. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed S. tenella in sheep and S. capracanis in goats. Sarcocystis species were confirmed for the first time in Saudi Arabian sheep and goats by molecular testing. S. capracanis was most closely related to S. tenella, with the COX1 sequences sharing 91.7% identity. A phylogenetic analysis produced similar results and indicated that the Sarcocystis isolates were within a group of Sarcocystis species in which dogs were the final host. Finally, the Sarcocystis species cysts from sheep and goats could be grouped together, indicating that they were strongly related.

scholarly journals Morphological and Ultrastructural Characterization of Hemocytes in an Insect Model, the Hematophagous Dipetalogaster maxima (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)

Insects ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 640
Author(s):  
Natalia R. Moyetta ◽  
Fabián O. Ramos ◽  
Jimena Leyria ◽  
Lilián E. Canavoso ◽  
Leonardo L. Fruttero
Keyword(s):  
Cell Biology ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Ultrastructural Characterization ◽  
Current Classification ◽  
Contrast Microscopy ◽  
First Time ◽  
Controversial Aspect

Hemocytes, the cells present in the hemolymph of insects and other invertebrates, perform several physiological functions, including innate immunity. The current classification of hemocyte types is based mostly on morphological features; however, divergences have emerged among specialists in triatomines, the insect vectors of Chagas’ disease (Hemiptera: Reduviidae). Here, we have combined technical approaches in order to characterize the hemocytes from fifth instar nymphs of the triatomine Dipetalogaster maxima. Moreover, in this work we describe, for the first time, the ultrastructural features of D. maxima hemocytes. Using phase contrast microscopy of fresh preparations, five hemocyte populations were identified and further characterized by immunofluorescence, flow cytometry and transmission electron microscopy. The plasmatocytes and the granulocytes were the most abundant cell types, although prohemocytes, adipohemocytes and oenocytes were also found. This work sheds light on a controversial aspect of triatomine cell biology and physiology setting the basis for future in-depth studies directed to address hemocyte classification using non-microscopy-based markers.

Unique report of two Sarcocystis species from Egyptian domestic chicken (Gallus gallus) – new host and locality

2021 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 152-158
Author(s):  
E. M. Galila ◽  
E. K. A. Bazh ◽  
N. Elhawary ◽  
H. A. Abdellatif ◽  
A.-R. A. Abou-Rawash
Keyword(s):  
Nile Delta ◽  
Protozoan Parasite ◽  
Intestinal Wall ◽  
Sarcocystis Species ◽  
Middle Region ◽  
New Host ◽  
Sarcocystis Spp ◽  
Hexagonal Shape ◽  
The World ◽  
Intracellular Protozoan Parasite

Sarcocystis is an intracellular protozoan parasite in the phylum Apicomplexa. It is widely distributed all over the world. There are scarce reports about chicken Sarcocystis. From February 2016 to January 2018, a total number of 630 chicken carcasses, intestines and viscera were collected from different chicken markets in Menoufia and Gharbia Governorates, Middle region of the Nile Delta, Egypt and carefully inspected. Macroscopic and microscopic cysts of Sarcocystis spp. were found in the intestinal wall and mesentery of 5 birds. Histopathological sections revealed the presence of two shapes of the macroscopic cysts (oval and kidney shape). Their wall was striated and characterised by the presence of radial septa. It had compartments mostly of hexagonal shape, containing both bradyzoites and metrocytes in the periphery. The bradyzoites were banana-shaped and measured 20–30 × 8–10 μm with centrally or posteriorly located nuclei. Microscopic cysts of Sarcocystis spp. were detected in-between muscle bundles, with variable shapes (spindle and oval).

scholarly journals A Novel Genotype and First Record of Trypanosoma lainsoni in Argentina

Pathogens ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 731
Author(s):  
Anahí G. Díaz ◽  
Paula G. Ragone ◽  
Fanny Rusman ◽  
Noelia Floridia-Yapur ◽  
Rubén M. Barquez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Host Range ◽  
First Record ◽  
Morphological Characterization ◽  
Pairwise Identity ◽  
Wild Mammals ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Chaco Region ◽  
Veterinary Importance ◽  
First Time

Trypanosomes are a group of parasitic flagellates with medical and veterinary importance. Despite many species having been described in this genus, little is known about many of them. Here, we report a genetic and morphological characterization of trypanosomatids isolated from wild mammals from the Argentine Chaco region. Parasites were morphologically and ultrastructurally characterized by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Additionally, 18s rRNA and gGAPDH genes were sequenced and analyzed using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference. Morphological characterization showed clear characteristics associated with the Trypanosoma genus. The genetic characterization demonstrates that the studied isolates have identical sequences and a pairwise identity of 99% with Trypanosoma lainsoni, which belongs to the clade of lizards and snakes/rodents and marsupials. To date, this species had only been found in the Amazon region. Our finding represents the second report of T. lainsoni and the first record for the Chaco region. Furthermore, we ultrastructurally described for the first time the species. Finally, the host range of T. lainsoni was expanded (Leopardus geoffroyi, Carenivora, Felidae; and Calomys sp., Rodentia, Cricetidae), showing a wide host range for this species.

scholarly journals Characterization of the inositol phosphorylceramide synthase activity from Trypanosoma cruzi

2005 ◽  
Vol 387 (2) ◽  
pp. 519-529 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliana M. FIGUEIREDO ◽  
Wagner B. DIAS ◽  
Lucia MENDONÇA-PREVIATO ◽  
José O. PREVIATO ◽  
Norton HEISE
Keyword(s):  
Trypanosoma Cruzi ◽  
Inositol Phosphate ◽  
Protozoan Parasite ◽  
Peritoneal Macrophages ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Life Cycle Stages ◽  
Aureobasidin A ◽  
Triton X ◽  
First Time

IPC (inositol phosphorylceramide) synthase is an enzyme essential for fungal viability, and it is the target of potent antifungal compounds such as rustmicin and aureobasidin A. Similar to fungi and some other lower eukaryotes, the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi is capable of synthesizing free or protein-linked glycoinositolphospholipids containing IPC. As a first step towards understanding the importance and mechanism of IPC synthesis in T. cruzi, we investigated the effects of rustmicin and aureobasidin A on the proliferation of different life-cycle stages of the parasite. The compounds did not interfere with the axenic growth of epimastigotes, but aureobasidin A decreased the release of trypomastigotes from infected murine peritoneal macrophages and the number of intracellular amastigotes in a dose-dependent manner. We have demonstrated for the first time that all forms of T. cruzi express an IPC synthase activity that is capable of transferring inositol phosphate from phosphatidylinositol to the C-1 hydroxy group of C6-NBD-cer {6-[N-(7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-yl)-amino]hexanoylceramide} to form inositol phosphoryl-C6-NBD-cer, which was purified and characterized by its chromatographic behaviour on TLC and HPLC, sensitivity to phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C and resistance to mild alkaline hydrolysis. Unlike the Saccharomyces cerevisiae IPC synthase, the T. cruzi enzyme is stimulated by Triton X-100 but not by bivalent cations, CHAPS or fatty-acid-free BSA, and it is not inhibited by rustmicin or aureobasidin A, or the two in combination. Further studies showed that aureobasidin A has effects on macrophages independent of the infecting T. cruzi cells. These results suggest that T. cruzi synthesizes its own IPC, but by a mechanism that is not affected by rustmicin and aureobasidin A.

scholarly journals Characterization of the Novel Mitochondrial Genome Segregation Factor TAP110 in Trypanosoma brucei

2021 ◽  
pp. jcs.254300
Author(s):  
Simona Amodeo ◽  
Ana Kalichava ◽  
Albert Fradera-Sola ◽  
Eloïse Bertiaux-Lequoy ◽  
Paul Guichard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mitochondrial Genome ◽  
Trypanosoma Brucei ◽  
Proteome Analysis ◽  
Protozoan Parasite ◽  
Eukaryotic Cell ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Precise Position ◽  
Associated Proteins ◽  
First Time

Proper mitochondrial genome inheritance is important for eukaryotic cell survival. Trypanosoma brucei, a protozoan parasite, contains a singular mitochondrial genome, the kDNA. The kDNA is anchored to the basal body via the tripartite attachment complex (TAC) to ensure proper segregation. Several components of the TAC have been described. However, the connection of the TAC to the kDNA remains elusive. Here, we characterize the TAC associated protein TAP110. Depletion as well as overexpression of TAP110 leads to a delay in the separation of the replicated kDNA networks. Proteome analysis after TAP110 overexpression identified several kDNA associated proteins including a TEX-like protein that dually localizes to the nucleus and the kDNA potentially linking replication/segregation in the two compartments. The assembly of TAP110 into the TAC region seems to require the TAC but not the kDNA itself, however once TAP110 has been assembled it also interacts with the kDNA. Finally, for the first time we use ultrastructure expansion microscopy in trypanosomes to reveal the precise position of TAP110 between TAC102 and the kDNA, showcasing the potential of this approach.

scholarly journals Severe deforming dermatitis in a kitten caused by Caryospora bigenetica

2021 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Seppo Saari ◽  
Kirsti Schildt ◽  
Sanna Malkamäki ◽  
Ulla Andersin ◽  
Antti Sukura
Keyword(s):  
Natural Infection ◽  
Protozoan Parasite ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Presumptive Diagnosis ◽  
Nasal Bridge ◽  
Case Presentation ◽  
First Case ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Intracellular Protozoan Parasite

Abstract Background Caryospora bigenetica is an intracellular protozoan parasite, which in its primary hosts, typically snakes, is found it the intestine. Extraintestinal multiplication with the development of tissue cysts takes place in secondary hosts, which are normally prey for snakes. Natural infection in domestic animals has been reported only in dogs; this is the first report of C. bigenetica infection in a cat. Case presentation A stray kitten developed nodular dermatitis after being adopted by a shelter. Firm swelling, nodules, and crusts were present mainly on the nasal bridge, eyelids, and pinnae. Histopathology and cytology revealed severe pyogranulomatous inflammation with abundant intracellular organisms suggestive of apicomplexan protozoa. Treatment with clindamycin 13 mg/kg twice daily was initiated, but the cat was euthanized because of the worsening condition. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed parasite’s apicomplexan origin postmortem, and the causative agent was identified as C. bigenetica by polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing. Conclusions We present the first case of a naturally occurring infection with C. bigenetica in a cat. Although the definitive etiological diagnosis relied on molecular identification, the abundance of unsporulated oocysts and caryocysts and the parasite's effective reproduction within macrophages and in several other cell types might have enabled differentiation from other protozoal infections and allowed a presumptive diagnosis through cytology and histopathology.

scholarly journals Characterization of the Novel Mitochondrial Genome Segregation Factor TAP110 in Trypanosoma brucei

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simona Amodeo ◽  
Ana Kalichava ◽  
Albert Fradera-Sola ◽  
Eloïse Bertiaux-Lequoy ◽  
Paul Guichard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mitochondrial Genome ◽  
Trypanosoma Brucei ◽  
Protozoan Parasite ◽  
Eukaryotic Cell ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Detergent Treatment ◽  
Summary Statement ◽  
First Time

AbstractProper mitochondrial genome inheritance is key for eukaryotic cell survival, however little is known about the molecular mechanism controlling this process. Trypanosoma brucei, a protozoan parasite, contains a singular mitochondrial genome aka kinetoplast DNA (kDNA). kDNA segregation requires anchoring of the genome to the basal body via the tripartite attachment complex (TAC). Several components of the TAC as well as their assembly have been described, it however remains elusive how the TAC connects to the kDNA. Here, we characterize the TAC associated protein TAP110 and for the first time use ultrastructure expansion microscopy in trypanosomes to reveal that TAP110 is the currently most proximal kDNA segregation factor. The kDNA proximal positioning is also supported by RNAi depletion of TAC102, which leads to loss of TAP110 at the TAC. Overexpression of TAP110 leads to expression level changes of several mitochondrial proteins and a delay in the separation of the replicated kDNA networks. In contrast to other kDNA segregation factors TAP110 remains only partially attached to the flagellum after DNAse and detergent treatment and can only be solubilized in dyskinetoplastic cells, suggesting that interaction with the kDNA might be important for stability of the TAC association. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the TAC, but not the kDNA, is required for correct TAP110 localization in vivo and suggest that TAP110 might interact with other proteins to form a >669 kDa complex.Summary StatementTAP110 is a novel mitochondrial genome segregation factor in Trypanosoma brucei that associates with the previously described TAC component TAC102. Ultrastructure expansion microscopy reveals its proximal position to the kDNA.

scholarly journals Pharmacoligical characterization of the iranian Cerastes cerastes gasperettii (Reptilia: Ophidia: Viperidae) venom

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 123-126
Author(s):  
Sasan Zaeri ◽  
Zohre Aghaei ◽  
Navid Reza Mashayekhi ◽  
Ali Salemi ◽  
Ramin Seyedian
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Intravenous Injection ◽  
Lethal Dose ◽  
Species Variation ◽  
Hemodynamic Changes ◽  
Snake Envenomation ◽  
Sds Page ◽  
First Time

Objective: Snake envenomation is common in tropical and subtropical countries of the Middle East areas including Iran. Cerastes cerastes gasperettii is a dangerous snake living in southwestern provinces of Iran. It causes massive edema at the bite site and coagulopathy leading to death if untreated. Methods: The purpose of this preliminary animal study was to evaluate the toxicity and proteomic of this venom for the first time in Iran. Moreover, the hemodynamic changes with intravenous injection of the venom were assessed and inotropic in addition to arrhythmogenic properties of this venom were investigated. Results: The estimated amount of the LD50 with intraperitoneal injection was slightly less than the similar experiment in Saudi Arabia (1.32 mg/kg versus 978 µg/kg body weight). There were 8 distinct protein bands between 12 and 66 kDa in SDS-PAGE analysis that were different with Moroccan experiment due to inter and intra species variation. Inotropic potencies were not significant since the lethal dose with intravenous injection was much lower than the Arabian experiment in guinea pigs (2.4 mg/kg versus 0.8 mg/kg). Conclusion: According to the low hemodynamic changes induced with the venom, it seems that coagulopathy and edema are the most dangerous effects of this rare snake in Iran.

First molecular detection and characterization of Sarcocystis infection in naturally infected buffaloes, Brazil

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luiza Pires Portella ◽  
Fagner D'ambroso Fernandes ◽  
Camila Encarnação Minuzzi ◽  
Juliana Felipetto Cargnelutti ◽  
Luis Fernando Vilani de Pelegrini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Microscopic Examination ◽  
Genomic Dna ◽  
Molecular Detection ◽  
Natural Infection ◽  
Sarcocystis Species ◽  
Sarcocystis Spp ◽  
The World ◽  
First Time ◽  
Pathogenic Effects

Sarcocystosis is a disease caused by varying Sarcocystis species infecting humans and animals. It is commonly found in ruminants causing pathogenic effects. Although the distribution of Sarcocystis can be found all over the world, the species infecting buffaloes in Brazil is still unknown. Through this study, we aim to estimate the molecular prevalence of natural infection with Sarcocystis spp. in buffaloes using molecular identification. In addition, phylogenetic analyzes were used for the first time to identify the different species of this protozoan infecting buffalo in the south of the country. Heart samples from 80 buffaloes were subjected to microscopic examination, followed by molecular analysis. Microcysts were present in 19/80 (23,75%) of the samples. Genomic DNA was extracted from the 19 isolates, all there were amplified DNA in the primer used in the study. Six readable sequences were obtained after sequencing of the samples in both the directions. In the present study all the sequenced samples indicated were of Sarcocystis levinei.

scholarly journals Who is the puppet master? Replication of a parasitic wasp-associated virus correlates with host behaviour manipulation

2015 ◽  
Vol 282 (1803) ◽  
pp. 20142773 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nolwenn M. Dheilly ◽  
Fanny Maure ◽  
Marc Ravallec ◽  
Richard Galinier ◽  
Josée Doyon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rna Virus ◽  
Parasitic Wasp ◽  
Antiviral Immune Response ◽  
Dinocampus Coccinellae ◽  
Proximate Mechanisms ◽  
Virus Clearance ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Host Behaviour ◽  
First Time

Many parasites modify their host behaviour to improve their own transmission and survival, but the proximate mechanisms remain poorly understood. An original model consists of the parasitoid Dinocampus coccinellae and its coccinellid host, Coleomegilla maculata ; during the behaviour manipulation, the parasitoid is not in contact with its host anymore. We report herein the discovery and characterization of a new RNA virus of the parasitoid ( D. coccinellae paralysis virus, DcPV). Using a combination of RT-qPCR and transmission electron microscopy, we demonstrate that DcPV is stored in the oviduct of parasitoid females, replicates in parasitoid larvae and is transmitted to the host during larval development. Next, DcPV replication in the host's nervous tissue induces a severe neuropathy and antiviral immune response that correlate with the paralytic symptoms characterizing the behaviour manipulation. Remarkably, virus clearance correlates with recovery of normal coccinellid behaviour. These results provide evidence that changes in ladybeetle behaviour most likely result from DcPV replication in the cerebral ganglia rather than by manipulation by the parasitoid. This offers stimulating prospects for research on parasitic manipulation by suggesting for the first time that behaviour manipulation could be symbiont-mediated.

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