DOCSLIB.ORG

Leishmania Infantum & Leishmania Donovani Real-Time PCR

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Leishmania Infantum & Leishmania Donovani Real-Time PCR Leishmania infantum & Leishmania donovani Real-time PCR Kit DNA polymerase I protein B (POLIB) gene Catalogue number: MD01801, 150 reactions Application NZYTech Real-time PCR Kit for Leishmania infantum & Leishmania donovani is designed for the in vitro quantification of L. infantum & L. donovani genomes. The kit is designed to have the broadest detection profile possible whilst remaining specific to the L. infantum & L. donovani genome. The primers and probe sequences in this kit have 100% homology with a broad range of L. infantum & L. donovani sequences based on a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis. Description L. infantum is an intracellular protozoan parasite that is part of the genus Leishmania and part of the L. donovani complex. It is responsible for causing visceral leishmaniasis. The genome consists of 36 chromosomes with a total genome size of just over 32 Mbp. Like all members of the Kinetoplastids class, aside from the DNA carried on the chromosomes, L. infantum also carry kinetoplast circle DNA within the mitochondria. Leishmania donovani is also responsible for causing visceral leishmaniasis and is closely related to L. infantum to the point where some authors believe that these two species are subspecies of each other. The pathogen is spread through an insect vector: the sandflies of the Phlebotomus and the Lutzomyia genus. Depending on the host, the morphological features of the organism vary. Within mammalian host, the protozoan is in the form of an amastigote, a round non-motile form 1 that is only 3-7 µm in diameter. Within the sand-fly vector, the amastigote transforms into a promastigote, a spindle shaped cell that is 3 times larger and has a single flagellum which allows for motility. Once inside the mammalian host, promastigotes invade macrophages. Once inside, they transform back into the smaller amastigote form and reproduce within the cell, eventually causing it to lyse. The released amastigotes then infect other macrophage cells and in time, starts a systemic infection targeting the spleen and liver. Typical symptoms are fever, the enlargement of the spleen (or splenomegaly) and enlargement of the liver (or hepatomegaly); it can be fatal if it is left untreated. Post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) is characterized by a macular, maculo-papular or nodular rash and is a complication of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) that is frequently observed after treatment. Real-time PCR is the fastest and most reliable method to perform an accurate detection of L. infantum and L. donovani . Kit composition The kit provides a comprehensive set of reagents sufficient to perform 150 in vitro Real-time PCR reactions. Component Tubes Cap colour L. infantum & L. donovani specific primer/probe mix - FAM labelled 1 Brown Internal extraction control primer/probe mix - VIC labelled 1 Brown Endogenous control primer/probe mix - FAM labelled 1 Brown RNase/DNase free water ϯ 1 White Template preparation buffer ¥ 1 Yellow L. infantum / L. donovani positive control template - for Standard curve 1 Magenta Internal extraction control DNA 1 Blue Lyo NZYSupreme qPCR master mix (2x) – 3x 50 reactions 3 Neutral qPCR master mix reconstitution buffer Δ 1 Yellow Lyo ROX 1 Brown ϯ for resuspension of primer/probe mixes and internal extraction control DNA ¥ for resuspension of positive control template and for standard curve preparation Δ for resuspension of both Lyo NZYSupreme qPCR master mix (2x) and Lyo ROX Storage Conditions and Kit Stability This Molecular Diagnostic Real-time PCR Kit is shipped at room temperature (RT). Although kit components are stable at RT, they should immediately be stored at -20°C upon arrival. Once the lyophilized components have been resuspended, they should not be exposed to temperatures above -20°C for longer than 30 minutes at a time. Minimize the number of freeze- thaw cycles by storing in working aliquots. The kit is stable for six months from the date of resuspension under these circumstances. If standard curve dilutions are prepared, these can be stored frozen for an extended period. A fresh standard curve can be prepared from the positive control, if you see any degradation in the previous serial dilution. NZYTech does not recommend using the kit after the expiry date. 2 Required Reagents and Equipment - Real-time PCR Instrument - DNA extraction kit: we recommend using NZYTech’s DNA extraction kits - RNase/DNase free qPCR plasticware: PCR tubes, strips, caps, 96-well plates, adhesive films - Pipettors and filter tips - Vortex and centrifuge Sample Material All nucleic acid samples that are suitable for PCR amplification can be used with this kit. However, sample collection of biologic material, transport, storage and processing time are critical to achieve optimal results. Please ensure the samples are suitable in terms of purity, concentration and DNA integrity. NZYTech provides an internal DNA extraction control that is co-purified and then co-amplified with the target nucleic acid. This is useful for the identification of template loss and/or inhibition during sample processing. In addition, we recommend running at least one negative control with the samples (see below). To prepare a negative control, replace the template DNA sample by RNase/DNase free water. Dynamic range of test Under optimal PCR conditions NZYTech’s Molecular Diagnostic Real-time PCR Kits display very high priming efficiencies of >95%, and can detect less than 100 copies of target template from different samples. Rational for the test Real-time PCR A L. infantum & L. donovani specific primer and probe mix is provided and can be detected through the FAM channel in a Real-time PCR experiment. The primer and probe mix provided exploits the so-called TaqMan® principle. During PCR amplification, forward and reverse primers hybridize to the L. infantum & L. donovani DNA. A fluorogenic probe, which consists of a DNA sequence labelled with a 5`-dye and a 3`-quencher, is included in the same reaction mixture to hybridize specifically in the DNA target region between the two primers. During PCR amplification, the probe is cleaved and the reporter dye and quencher are separated. The resulting increase in fluorescence can be detected on a wide range of real-time PCR platforms. Positive control The kit includes a positive control template that allows controlling the PCR set-up and is also useful for copy number determination. This can be used to generate a standard curve of L. infantum & L. donovani copy number / quantitation Cycle (Cq) value. Alternatively, the positive control can be used at a single dilution where full quantitative analysis of the samples is not required. Each time the kit is used, at least one positive control reaction must be included in the 3 run. A positive result indicates that the primers and probe for detecting the target L. infantum & L. donovani gene worked properly in that particular experimental scenario. If a negative result is obtained, the test results are invalid and must be repeated. Care should be taken to ensure that the positive control does not contaminate any other kit component which would lead to false-positive results. This can be achieved by handling this component in a post-PCR environment. Care should also be taken to avoid cross-contamination of other samples when adding the positive control to the run. This can be avoided by sealing all other samples and negative controls before pipetting the positive control into the positive control well. Negative control To validate any positive findings, a negative control reaction should be included every time the kit is used. For this reaction the RNase/DNase free water should be used instead of template. A negative result indicates that the reagents have not become contaminated while setting up the run. Internal extraction control DNA When performing DNA extraction, it is often advantageous to have an exogenous source of DNA template that is spiked into the lysis buffer. This control DNA is then co-purified with the sample DNA and can be detected as a positive control for the extraction process. Successful co- purification and real-time PCR for the control DNA also indicates that PCR inhibitors are not present at a high concentration. A separate mix of primers and probe is supplied with this kit to detect the exogenous DNA using real-time PCR. These primers are present at PCR limiting concentrations which allow multiplexing with the target sequence primers. Amplification of the control DNA does not interfere with detection of the L. infantum / L. donovani target DNA even when present at low-copy number. The Internal control is detected through the VIC channel and gives a Cq value of 28+/-3. Endogenous control To confirm extraction of a valid biological template, a primer and probe mix is included to detect an endogenous gene. Detection of the endogenous control is through the FAM channel and it is NOT therefore possible to perform a multiplex with the L. infantum & L. donovani primers. A poor endogenous control signal may indicate that the sample did not contain sufficient biological material. Kit Components Preparation To help preventing any carry-over DNA contamination, we recommend assigning independent areas for reaction set-up, PCR amplification and any post-PCR gel analysis. It is essential that any tubes containing amplified PCR product are not opened in the PCR set-up area. We also recommend the use of RNase and DNase-free plasticware/reagents, filter tips (eventually of low-retention) for all pipetting steps and a clean area to work. Prepare the kit contents as described below: 4 1. Pulse-spin each tube in a centrifuge before opening. This will ensure that lyophilized qPCR master mix (2x), primer/probe mixes, control DNAs and ROX dye remain at the base of the tube, avoiding spilt upon opening the tubes. 2. Reconstitute the Lyo NZYSupreme qPCR master mix (2x) with 525 μL of qPCR master mix reconstitution buffer , as stated below.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Vectorborne Transmission of Leishmania Infantum from Hounds, United States
    Vectorborne Transmission of Leishmania infantum from Hounds, United States Robert G. Schaut, Maricela Robles-Murguia, and Missouri (total range 21 states) (12). During 2010–2013, Rachel Juelsgaard, Kevin J. Esch, we assessed whether L. infantum circulating among hunting Lyric C. Bartholomay, Marcelo Ramalho-Ortigao, dogs in the United States can fully develop within sandflies Christine A. Petersen and be transmitted to a susceptible vertebrate host. Leishmaniasis is a zoonotic disease caused by predomi- The Study nantly vectorborne Leishmania spp. In the United States, A total of 300 laboratory-reared female Lu. longipalpis canine visceral leishmaniasis is common among hounds, sandflies were allowed to feed on 2 hounds naturally in- and L. infantum vertical transmission among hounds has been confirmed. We found thatL. infantum from hounds re- fected with L. infantum, strain MCAN/US/2001/FOXY- mains infective in sandflies, underscoring the risk for human MO1 or a closely related strain. During 2007–2011, the exposure by vectorborne transmission. hounds had been tested for infection with Leishmania spp. by ELISA, PCR, and Dual Path Platform Test (Chembio Diagnostic Systems, Inc. Medford, NY, USA (Table 1). L. eishmaniasis is endemic to 98 countries (1). Canids are infantum development in these sandflies was assessed by Lthe reservoir for zoonotic human visceral leishmani- dissecting flies starting at 72 hours after feeding and every asis (VL) (2), and canine VL was detected in the United other day thereafter. Migration and attachment of parasites States in 1980 (3). Subsequent investigation demonstrated to the stomodeal valve of the sandfly and formation of a that many US hounds were infected with Leishmania infan- gel-like plug were evident at 10 days after feeding (Figure tum (4).
    [Show full text]
  • Survey of Antibodies to Trypanosoma Cruzi and Leishmania Spp. in Gray and Red Fox Populations from North Carolina and Virginia Author(S): Alexa C
    Survey of Antibodies to Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania spp. in Gray and Red Fox Populations From North Carolina and Virginia Author(s): Alexa C. Rosypal , Shanesha Tripp , Samantha Lewis , Joy Francis , Michael K. Stoskopf , R. Scott Larsen , and David S. Lindsay Source: Journal of Parasitology, 96(6):1230-1231. 2010. Published By: American Society of Parasitologists DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1645/GE-2600.1 URL: http://www.bioone.org/doi/full/10.1645/GE-2600.1 BioOne (www.bioone.org) is a nonprofit, online aggregation of core research in the biological, ecological, and environmental sciences. BioOne provides a sustainable online platform for over 170 journals and books published by nonprofit societies, associations, museums, institutions, and presses. Your use of this PDF, the BioOne Web site, and all posted and associated content indicates your acceptance of BioOne’s Terms of Use, available at www.bioone.org/page/terms_of_use. Usage of BioOne content is strictly limited to personal, educational, and non-commercial use. Commercial inquiries or rights and permissions requests should be directed to the individual publisher as copyright holder. BioOne sees sustainable scholarly publishing as an inherently collaborative enterprise connecting authors, nonprofit publishers, academic institutions, research libraries, and research funders in the common goal of maximizing access to critical research. J. Parasitol., 96(6), 2010, pp. 1230–1231 F American Society of Parasitologists 2010 Survey of Antibodies to Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania spp. in Gray and Red Fox Populations From North Carolina and Virginia Alexa C. Rosypal, Shanesha Tripp, Samantha Lewis, Joy Francis, Michael K. Stoskopf*, R. Scott Larsen*, and David S.
    [Show full text]
  • Leishmaniasis in the United States: Emerging Issues in a Region of Low Endemicity
    microorganisms Review Leishmaniasis in the United States: Emerging Issues in a Region of Low Endemicity John M. Curtin 1,2,* and Naomi E. Aronson 2 1 Infectious Diseases Service, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA 2 Infectious Diseases Division, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +1-011-301-295-6400 Abstract: Leishmaniasis, a chronic and persistent intracellular protozoal infection caused by many different species within the genus Leishmania, is an unfamiliar disease to most North American providers. Clinical presentations may include asymptomatic and symptomatic visceral leishmaniasis (so-called Kala-azar), as well as cutaneous or mucosal disease. Although cutaneous leishmaniasis (caused by Leishmania mexicana in the United States) is endemic in some southwest states, other causes for concern include reactivation of imported visceral leishmaniasis remotely in time from the initial infection, and the possible long-term complications of chronic inflammation from asymptomatic infection. Climate change, the identification of competent vectors and reservoirs, a highly mobile populace, significant population groups with proven exposure history, HIV, and widespread use of immunosuppressive medications and organ transplant all create the potential for increased frequency of leishmaniasis in the U.S. Together, these factors could contribute to leishmaniasis emerging as a health threat in the U.S., including the possibility of sustained autochthonous spread of newly introduced visceral disease. We summarize recent data examining the epidemiology and major risk factors for acquisition of cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis, with a special focus on Citation: Curtin, J.M.; Aronson, N.E.
    [Show full text]
  • Leishmania Infantum in US-Born Dog Marcos E
    DISPATCHES Leishmania infantum in US-Born Dog Marcos E. de Almeida, Dennis R. Spann, Richard S. Bradbury Leishmaniasis is a vectorborne disease that can infect (8,9). However, in areas to which Can-VL is endemic, humans, dogs, and other mammals. We identified one of attempts to control and prevent Can-VL using contro- its causative agents, Leishmania infantum, in a dog born versial procedures, including culling infected dogs, in California, USA, demonstrating potential for autochtho- have failed to reduce the spread of human VL cases nous infections in this country. Our finding bolsters the (6,7). In North America, most cases of leishmaniasis need for improved leishmaniasis screening practices in are acquired during travel or military service in areas the United States. to which the disease is endemic. However, leishmani- asis can also be transmitted within the United States. eishmaniasis is a tropical and subtropical zoono- Sylvatic reservoir animals and sand flies, including Lsis affecting 0.9–1.6 million persons every year. Lutzomyia shannoni, L. longipalpis, L. anthophora, and L. Its manifestations range from self-healing cutaneous diabolica, are endemic to many US states (2). Outbreaks lesions to severe visceral leishmaniasis (VL) forms and isolated cases of autochthonous Can-VL affecting that can be fatal (1,2). In the Americas, VL is usu- foxhounds and other breeds have been reported over ally caused by Leishmania infantum parasites, which the past 2 decades in the United States and Canada several species of blood-feeding sand fly vectors can (2,3,10). In addition, our laboratory identified a strain transmit to humans and other reservoirs.
    [Show full text]
  • Inoculation of the Leishmania Infantum HSP70-II Null Mutant Induces Long-Term Protection Against L
    microorganisms Article Inoculation of the Leishmania infantum HSP70-II Null Mutant Induces Long-Term Protection against L. amazonensis Infection in BALB/c Mice Manuel Soto 1,*, Laura Ramírez 1, José Carlos Solana 1,2 , Emma C. L. Cook 3 , Elena Hernández-García 3 , José María Requena 1 and Salvador Iborra 3,* 1 Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CSIC-UAM), Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain; [email protected] (L.R.); [email protected] (J.C.S.); [email protected] (J.M.R.) 2 WHO Collaborating Centre for Leishmaniasis, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Madrid, Spain 3 Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, Complutense University School of Medicine and 12 de Octubre Health Research Institute (imas12), 28040 Madrid, Spain; [email protected] (E.C.L.C.); [email protected] (E.H.-G.) * Correspondence: [email protected] (M.S.); [email protected] (S.I.); Tel.: +34-91-196-4647 (M.S.); +34-91-394-7220 (S.I.) Abstract: Leishmania amazonensis parasites are etiological agents of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the New World. BALB/c mice are highly susceptible to L. amazonensis challenge due to their inability to mount parasite-dependent IFN-γ-mediated responses. Here, we analyzed the capacity of a single Citation: Soto, M.; Ramírez, L.; administration of the LiDHSP70-II genetically-modified attenuated L. infantum line in preventing Solana, J.C.; Cook, E.C.L.; Hernández- cutaneous leishmaniasis in mice challenged with L. amazonensis virulent parasites. In previous studies, García, E.; Requena, J.M.; Iborra, S.
    [Show full text]
  • Peptides to Tackle Leishmaniasis: Current Status and Future Directions
    International Journal of Molecular Sciences Review Peptides to Tackle Leishmaniasis: Current Status and Future Directions Alberto A. Robles-Loaiza 1, Edgar A. Pinos-Tamayo 1, Bruno Mendes 2,Cátia Teixeira 3 , Cláudia Alves 3 , Paula Gomes 3 and José R. Almeida 1,* 1 Biomolecules Discovery Group, Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Tena 150150, Ecuador; [email protected] (A.A.R.-L.); [email protected] (E.A.P.-T.) 2 Departamento de Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-862, Brazil; [email protected] 3 LAQV-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal; [email protected] (C.T.); [email protected] (C.A.); [email protected] (P.G.) * Correspondence: [email protected] Abstract: Peptide-based drugs are an attractive class of therapeutic agents, recently recognized by the pharmaceutical industry. These molecules are currently being used in the development of innovative therapies for diverse health conditions, including tropical diseases such as leishmaniasis. Despite its socioeconomic influence on public health, leishmaniasis remains long-neglected and categorized as a poverty-related disease, with limited treatment options. Peptides with antileishmanial effects encountered to date are a structurally heterogeneous group, which can be found in different natural sources—amphibians, reptiles, insects, bacteria, marine organisms, mammals, plants, and others—or inspired by natural toxins or proteins. This review details the biochemical and structural characteris- Citation: Robles-Loaiza, A.A.; tics of over one hundred peptides and their potential use as molecular frameworks for the design of Pinos-Tamayo, E.A.; Mendes, B.; antileishmanial drug leads.
    [Show full text]
  • The Maze Pathway of Coevolution: a Critical Review Over the Leishmania and Its Endosymbiotic History
    G C A T T A C G G C A T genes Review The Maze Pathway of Coevolution: A Critical Review over the Leishmania and Its Endosymbiotic History Lilian Motta Cantanhêde , Carlos Mata-Somarribas, Khaled Chourabi, Gabriela Pereira da Silva, Bruna Dias das Chagas, Luiza de Oliveira R. Pereira , Mariana Côrtes Boité and Elisa Cupolillo * Research on Leishmaniasis Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040360, Brazil; lilian.cantanhede@ioc.fiocruz.br (L.M.C.); carlos.somarribas@ioc.fiocruz.br (C.M.-S.); khaled.chourabi@ioc.fiocruz.br (K.C.); gabriela.silva@ioc.fiocruz.br (G.P.d.S.); bruna.chagas@ioc.fiocruz.br (B.D.d.C.); luizaper@ioc.fiocruz.br (L.d.O.R.P.); boitemc@ioc.fiocruz.br (M.C.B.) * Correspondence: elisa.cupolillo@ioc.fiocruz.br; Tel.: +55-21-38658177 Abstract: The description of the genus Leishmania as the causative agent of leishmaniasis occurred in the modern age. However, evolutionary studies suggest that the origin of Leishmania can be traced back to the Mesozoic era. Subsequently, during its evolutionary process, it achieved worldwide dispersion predating the breakup of the Gondwana supercontinent. It is assumed that this parasite evolved from monoxenic Trypanosomatidae. Phylogenetic studies locate dixenous Leishmania in a well-supported clade, in the recently named subfamily Leishmaniinae, which also includes monoxe- nous trypanosomatids. Virus-like particles have been reported in many species of this family. To date, several Leishmania species have been reported to be infected by Leishmania RNA virus (LRV) and Leishbunyavirus (LBV). Since the first descriptions of LRVs decades ago, differences in their genomic Citation: Cantanhêde, L.M.; structures have been highlighted, leading to the designation of LRV1 in L.(Viannia) species and LRV2 Mata-Somarribas, C.; Chourabi, K.; in L.(Leishmania) species.
    [Show full text]
  • Leishmania Species
    APPENDIX 2 Leishmania Species • Fewer than 15 probable or confirmed cases of trans- mission by blood transfusion and 10 reported cases of Disease Agent: congenital transmission worldwide • Leishmania species At-Risk Populations: Disease Agent Characteristics: • Residents of and travelers to endemic areas Vector and Reservoir Involved: • Protozoan, 2.5 ¥ 5.0 mm • Order: Kinetoplastida • Phlebotomine sandflies: Phlebotomus genus (Old • Family: Trypanosomatidae World) and Lutzomyia genus (New World) • Intracellular pathogen of macrophages/monocytes • Only the amastigote stage is found in humans. Blood Phase: • Leishmania parasites survive and multiply in mono- Disease Name: nuclear phagocytes. Parasite circulation in peripheral • Leishmaniasis blood has been reported in asymptomatic L. dono- • Visceral leishmaniasis is called kala-azar in India and vani, L. tropica, and L. infantum infections, and in various names elsewhere. treated and inapparent L. braziliensis infections. • Cutaneous forms have a variety of colloquial names Survival/Persistence in Blood Products: around the world. • Leishmania species are known to survive in human Priority Level: RBCs under blood bank storage conditions for as long as 15 days and longer in experimental animal models. • Scientific/Epidemiologic evidence regarding blood safety: Low Transmission by Blood Transfusion: • Public perception and/or regulatory concern regard- ing blood safety: Low • Transfusion transmission has been documented in at • Public concern regarding disease agent: Low, but least three cases
    [Show full text]
  • Leishmania (Leishmania) Major HASP and SHERP Genes During Metacyclogenesis in the Sand Fly Vectors, Phlebotomus (Phlebotomus) Papatasi and Ph
    Investigating the role of the Leishmania (Leishmania) major HASP and SHERP genes during metacyclogenesis in the sand fly vectors, Phlebotomus (Phlebotomus) papatasi and Ph. (Ph.) duboscqi Johannes Doehl PhD University of York Department of Biology Centre for Immunology and Infection September 2013 1 I’d like to dedicate this thesis to my parents, Osbert and Ulrike, without whom I would never have been here. 2 Abstract Leishmania parasites are the causative agents of a diverse spectrum of infectious diseases termed the leishmaniases. These digenetic parasites exist as intracellular, aflagellate amastigotes in a mammalian host and as extracellular flagellated promastigotes within phlebotomine sand fly vectors of the family Phlebotominae. Within the sand fly vector’s midgut, Leishmania has to undergo a complex differentiation process, termed metacyclogenesis, to transform from non-infective procyclic promastigotes into mammalian-infective metacyclics. Members of our research group have shown previously that parasites deleted for the L. (L.) major cDNA16 locus (a region of chromosome 23 that codes for the stage-regulated HASP and SHERP proteins) do not complete metacyclogenesis in the sand fly midgut, although metacyclic-like stages can be generated in in vitro culture (Sádlová et al. Cell. Micro.2010, 12, 1765-79). To determine the contribution of individual genes in the locus to this phenotype, I have generated a range of 17 mutants in which target HASP and SHERP genes are reintroduced either individually or in combination into their original genomic locations within the L. (L.) major cDNA16 double deletion mutant. All replacement strains have been characterized in vitro with respect to their gene copy number, correct gene integration and stage-regulated protein expression, prior to phenotypic analysis.
    [Show full text]
  • New Tools and Knowledge to Reduce Bottlenecks in Drug Discovery
    G C A T T A C G G C A T genes Review Of Drugs and Trypanosomatids: New Tools and Knowledge to Reduce Bottlenecks in Drug Discovery Arijit Bhattacharya 1 , Audrey Corbeil 2, Rubens L. do Monte-Neto 3 and Christopher Fernandez-Prada 2,* 1 Department of Microbiology, Adamas University, Kolkata, West Bengal 700 126, India; [email protected] 2 Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada; [email protected] 3 Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte MG 30190-009, Brazil; rubens.monte@fiocruz.br * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +1-450-773-8521 (ext. 32802) Received: 4 June 2020; Accepted: 26 June 2020; Published: 29 June 2020 Abstract: Leishmaniasis (Leishmania species), sleeping sickness (Trypanosoma brucei), and Chagas disease (Trypanosoma cruzi) are devastating and globally spread diseases caused by trypanosomatid parasites. At present, drugs for treating trypanosomatid diseases are far from ideal due to host toxicity, elevated cost, limited access, and increasing rates of drug resistance. Technological advances in parasitology, chemistry, and genomics have unlocked new possibilities for novel drug concepts and compound screening technologies that were previously inaccessible. In this perspective, we discuss current models used in drug-discovery cascades targeting trypanosomatids (from in vitro to in vivo approaches), their use and limitations in a biological context, as well as different
    [Show full text]
  • Drug Resistance in the Sexually Transmitted Protozoan Trichomonas Vaginalis
    Cell Research (2003); 13(4):239-249 http://www.cell-research.com Drug resistance in the sexually transmitted protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis 1, 2 1 1 2 REBECCA L DUNNE , LINDA A DUNN , PETER UPCROFT , PETER J O'DONOGHUE , JACQUELINE A UPCROFT1,* 1 The Queensland Institute of Medical Research; The Australian Centre for International and TropicalHealth and Nutrition; Brisbane, Queensland 4029, Australia 2 The School of Molecular and Microbial Science, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia ABSTRACT Trichomoniasis is the most common, sexually transmitted infection. It is caused by the flagellated protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. Symptoms include vaginitis and infections have been associated with preterm delivery, low birth weight and increased infant mortality, as well as predisposing to HIV/AIDS and cervical cancer. Trichomoniasis has the highest prevalence and incidence of any sexually transmitted infection. The 5- nitroimidazole drugs, of which metronidazole is the most prescribed, are the only approved, effective drugs to treat trichomoniasis. Resistance against metronidazole is frequently reported and cross-resistance among the family of 5-nitroimidazole drugs is common, leaving no alternative for treatment, with some cases remaining unresolved. The mechanism of metronidazole resistance in T. vaginalis from treatment failures is not well understood, unlike resistance which is developed in the laboratory under increasing metronidazole pressure. In the latter situation, hydrogenosomal function which is involved in activation of the prodrug, metronidazole, is down-regulated. Reversion to sensitivity is incomplete after removal of drug pressure in the highly resistant parasites while clinically resistant strains, so far analysed, maintain their resistance levels in the absence of drug pressure.
    [Show full text]
  • Mapping the Canine Vector-Borne Disease Risk in a Mediterranean Area
    Kostopoulou et al. Parasites Vectors (2020) 13:282 https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-020-04153-8 Parasites & Vectors RESEARCH Open Access Mapping the canine vector-borne disease risk in a Mediterranean area Despoina Kostopoulou1†, Manuela Gizzarelli2†, Panagiota Ligda1†, Valentina Foglia Manzillo2, Katerina Saratsi1, Serena Montagnaro2, Bettina Schunack3, Annette Boegel3, Matthias Pollmeier3, Gaetano Oliva2* and Smaragda Sotiraki1* Abstract Background: The aim of this study was to determine exposure to vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) in populations of dogs living on Greek islands in the Ionian and Aegean seas. Methods: In total, 1154 dogs with diferent lifestyles and of varying ages and breeds were randomly sampled and examined for the presence of clinical signs compatible with canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs). Blood was col- lected from each individual animal. For the detection of antibodies against Leishmania spp., the WITNESS® Leishma- nia test was performed, and positive samples were further examined with indirect enzymatic immunoassay (ELISA). Antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi, Ehrlichia canis or E. ewingii, as well as Anaplasma phagocytophilum or A. platys were investigated using the Snap® 4Dx® Plus test. Positive Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma spp. samples were further exam- ined using an indirect ELISA for further identifcation of the species. Results: In total, 25.6% of dogs were exposed to at least one of the pathogens investigated, with seroprevalences varying regionally. Of these seropositive dogs, 27.4% displayed clinical signs suggestive of CVBDs, such as cutane- ous lesions, enlarged lymph nodes, pale mucous membranes, onychogryphosis and weight loss. The overall sero- prevalence detected using the rapid tests was 15.3% for Leishmania spp., whereas 2.3% of the examined dogs were found to be positive for Anaplasma spp.
    [Show full text]