Identification of the cross-reactive and species-specific antigens between Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites by a proteomics approach

SUMMARYToxoplasma gondii, Neosporaspp.,Sarcocystisspp.,Hammondiaspp. andBesnoitia besnoitiare genetically related cyst-forming coccidia. Serology is frequently used for the identification ofT. gondii, Neosporaspp. andB. besnoiti-exposed individuals. Serologic cross-reactions occur in different tests among animals infected withT. gondiiandH. hammondi,as well as among animals infected byT. gondiiandN. caninum. Infections caused byN. caninumandN. hughesiare almost indistinguishable by serology.Neospora caninum, B. besnoitiandSarcocystisspp. infections in cattle show some degree of serologic cross-reactivity. Antibody cross-reactivity betweenNeosporaspp. andH. heydorni-infected animals is suspected, but not proven to occur. We review serologic cross-reactivity among animals and/or humans infected withT. gondii, Neosporaspp.,Sarcocystisspp.,Hammondiaspp. andB. besnoiti. Emphasis is laid upon antigens and serological methods forN. caninumdiagnosis which were tested for cross-reactivity with related protozoa. Species-specific antigens, as well as stage-specific proteins have been identified in some of these parasites and have promising use for diagnosis and epidemiological surveys.

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A Comparison of Stage Conversion in the Coccidian Apicomplexans Toxoplasma gondii, Hammondia hammondi, and Neospora caninum

Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology ◽

10.3389/fcimb.2020.608283 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 ◽

Author(s):

Sarah L. Sokol-Borrelli ◽

Rachel S. Coombs ◽

Jon P. Boyle

Keyword(s):

Life Cycle ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Stress Responses ◽

Neospora Caninum ◽

Life Forms ◽

New Host ◽

Environmental Signals ◽

Stage Conversion ◽

Genetic Components ◽

Species Specific

Stage conversion is a critical life cycle feature for several Apicomplexan parasites as the ability to switch between life forms is critical for replication, dissemination, pathogenesis and ultimately, transmission to a new host. In order for these developmental transitions to occur, the parasite must first sense changes in their environment, such as the presence of stressors or other environmental signals, and then respond to these signals by initiating global alterations in gene expression. As our understanding of the genetic components required for stage conversion continues to broaden, we can better understand the conserved mechanisms for this process and unique components and their contribution to pathogenesis by comparing stage conversion in multiple closely related species. In this review, we will discuss what is currently known about the mechanisms driving stage conversion in Toxoplasma gondii and its closest relatives Hammondia hammondi and Neospora caninum. Work by us and others has shown that these species have some important differences in the way that they (1) progress through their life cycle and (2) respond to stage conversion initiating stressors. To provide a specific example of species-specific complexities associated with stage conversion, we will discuss our recent published and unpublished work comparing stress responses in T. gondii and H. hammondi.

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Differential Locus Expansion Distinguishes Toxoplasmatinae Species and Closely Related Strains of Toxoplasma gondii

mBio ◽

10.1128/mbio.01003-13 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Yaw Adomako-Ankomah ◽

Gregory M. Wier ◽

Adair L. Borges ◽

Hannah E. Wand ◽

Jon P. Boyle

Keyword(s):

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Gene Duplication ◽

Copy Number ◽

Neospora Caninum ◽

Comparative Genomic ◽

Transcriptional Level ◽

World Population ◽

Content Type ◽

Phenotypic Differences ◽

Species Specific

ABSTRACT Toxoplasma gondii is a human obligate intracellular parasite that has infected over 20% of the world population and has a vast intermediate host range compared to those of its nearest relatives Neospora caninum and Hammondia hammondi. While these 3 species have highly syntenic genomes (80 to 99%), in this study we examined and compared species-specific structural variations, specifically at loci that have undergone local (i.e., tandem) duplication and expansion. To do so, we used genomic sequence coverage analysis to identify and curate T. gondii and N. caninum loci that have undergone duplication and expansion (expanded loci [ELs]). The 53 T. gondii ELs are significantly enriched for genes with predicted signal sequences and single-exon genes and genes that are developmentally regulated at the transcriptional level. We validated 24 T. gondii ELs using comparative genomic hybridization; these data suggested significant copy number variation at these loci. High-molecular-weight Southern blotting for 3 T. gondii ELs revealed that copy number varies across T. gondii lineages and also between members of the same clonal lineage. Using similar methods, we identified 64 N. caninum ELs which were significantly enriched genes belonging to the SAG-related surface (SRS) antigen family. Moreover, there is significantly less overlap (30%) between the expanded gene sets in T. gondii and N. caninum than would be predicted by overall genomic synteny (81%). Consistent with this finding, only 59% of queried T. gondii ELs are similarly duplicated/expanded in H. hammondi despite over 99% genomic synteny between these species. IMPORTANCE Gene duplication, expansion, and diversification are a basis for phenotypic differences both within and between species. This study represents the first characterization of both the extent and degree of overlap in gene duplication and locus expansion across multiple apicomplexan parasite species. The most important finding of this study is that the locus duplications/expansions are quantitatively and qualitatively distinct, despite the high degree of genetic relatedness between the species. Given that these differential expansions are prominent species-specific genetic differences, they may also contribute to some of the more striking phenotypic differences between these species. More broadly, this work is important in providing further support for the idea that postspeciation selection events may have a dramatic impact on locus structure and copy number that overshadows selection on single-copy genes.

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Trehalose-containing lipooligosaccharides. A new class of species-specific antigens from Mycobacterium.

Journal of Biological Chemistry ◽

10.1016/s0021-9258(17)44481-4 ◽

1983 ◽

Vol 258 (17) ◽

pp. 10481-10487 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

S W Hunter ◽

R C Murphy ◽

K Clay ◽

M B Goren ◽

P J Brennan

Keyword(s):

New Class ◽

Specific Antigens ◽

Species Specific

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Neospora caninum and/or Toxoplasma gondii Seroprevalence: Vaccination against PCV2 and Muscle Enzyme Activity in Seropositive and Seronegative Pigs

Microorganisms ◽

10.3390/microorganisms9051097 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (5) ◽

pp. 1097

Author(s):

Labrini V. Athanasiou ◽

Vasileios G. Papatsiros ◽

Victoria M. Spanou ◽

Eleni G. Katsogiannou ◽

Anna Dedousi

Keyword(s):

Enzyme Activity ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Neospora Caninum ◽

Human Infection ◽

Porcine Circovirus ◽

Muscle Enzyme ◽

Blood Samples ◽

Zoonotic Pathogen ◽

Muscle Enzyme Activity ◽

Immunofluorescence Antibody

Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii affect both humans and animals worldwide. To investigate their seroprevalence and differences in seropositivity between pigs vaccinated and unvaccinated against porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2), as well as differences in muscle enzyme activity between seropositive and seronegative pigs, blood samples were collected from 380 sows. Antibodies against T. gondii and N. caninum were detected by an indirect immunofluorescence antibody (IFA) assay, while the activities of creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were biochemically assessed. Out of the 364 sows finally included in the study, 4.4%, 3.5%, and 0.5% were seropositive to T. gondii, N. caninum, or both. A significantly higher percentage of seropositivity against T. gondii and/or N. caninum in PCV2 unvaccinated pigs compared with vaccinated pigs was observed. Increased serum activities of CK and AST were detected in 71.43% and 100% of only against T. gondii (T+) and 63.64% and 90.91% of only against N. caninum (N+) seropositive sows, respectively, and were significantly higher compared to seronegative animals. T. gondii and N. caninum seropositivity, especially in presumed immunocompromised pigs, and the evidence of muscle damage highlight their importance as a zoonotic pathogen and animal model of human infection, respectively.

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Cytologic detection of Toxoplasma gondii in the cerebrospinal fluid of a dog and in vitro isolation of a unique mouse-virulent recombinant strain

Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation ◽

10.1177/1040638721996685 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 104063872199668

Author(s):

Waléria Borges-Silva ◽

Mariana M. Rezende-Gondim ◽

Gideão S. Galvão ◽

Daniele S. Rocha ◽

George R. Albuquerque ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Recombinant Strain ◽

Neospora Caninum ◽

Clinical Signs ◽

Species Identity ◽

Cytologic Examination ◽

Pcr Rflp ◽

Tissue Homogenates

Parasites resembling Neospora caninum or Toxoplasma gondii were detected by cytologic examination of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from a dog with neurologic disease. The dog became severely ill and was euthanized. Canine tissue homogenates were used for direct parasite isolation in cell culture, bioassay in 2 mouse lineages, and PCR. T. gondii was isolated in monkey kidney cells, and species identity was confirmed by PCR. Inoculated parasites were highly virulent for mice, which developed clinical signs and were euthanized immediately. PCR-RFLP for T. gondii using the cultured isolate (TgDgBA22) was conducted with 12 genetic markers, and a unique recombinant strain was identified. Detection of T. gondii by CSF cytology, although described in humans, had not been reported previously in dogs, to our knowledge, and was crucial for the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis in the examined dog.

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Occurrence of antibodies against Neospora caninum and/or Toxoplasma gondii in dogs with neurological signs

Revista Brasileira de Parasitologia Veterinária ◽

10.1590/s1984-29612011000300004 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 20 (3) ◽

pp. 202-206 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Nicolle Fridlund Plugge ◽

Fabiano Montiani Ferreira ◽

Rosária Regina Tesoni de Barros Richartz ◽

Adriana de Siqueira ◽

Rosangela Locatelli Dittrich

Keyword(s):

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Neospora Caninum ◽

Neurological Diseases ◽

Fluorescent Antibody ◽

Antibody Test ◽

Metropolitan Region ◽

Serological Tests ◽

Stray Dogs ◽

Neurological Signs ◽

Significant Difference

This study aimed to evaluate occurrences of antibodies against Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in dogs with neurological signs. Blood samples from 147 dogs were collected: 127 from owned dogs (attended at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the Federal University of Paraná (HV-UFPR) and at private veterinary clinics in the city of Curitiba), and 20 from stray dogs found in Curitiba's metropolitan region. The dogs presented one or more of the following neurological signs: seizures, paresis or paralysis, ataxia, behavioral abnormalities, sensory and somatic disorders and chorioretinitis. The samples were analyzed by means of the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT), at a cutoff dilution of 1:50. Out of the 147 samples obtained, 17 (11.56%) were seropositive for N. caninum, 31 (21.08%) for T. gondii and four (2.72%) for both protozoa. Serum titration on the positive animals showed that 54.83% (17/31) and 41.18% (7/17) had titers > 1:200 against T. gondii and N. caninum, respectively. A significant difference in seropositivity for T. gondii (P = 0.021; OR = 2.87; CI = 1.1 > 2.8 > 7.4) was observed between owned dogs (18.11%) and stray dogs (40%). Inclusion of serological tests for neosporosis and toxoplasmosis is recommended in diagnosing neurological diseases in dogs.

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Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii Antibodies in the South American Opossum (Didelphis marsupialis) From the City of São Paulo, Brazil

Journal of Parasitology ◽

10.1645/ge-83r ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 89 (4) ◽

pp. 870-871 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

L. E O. Yai ◽

W. A. Cañon-Franco ◽

V. C. Geraldi ◽

M. E L. Summa ◽

M. C G. O. Camargo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Neospora Caninum ◽

Sao Paulo ◽

South American ◽

São Paulo ◽

The South ◽

American Opossum ◽

The City

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Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum antibodies in Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica hispanica)

The Veterinary Journal ◽

10.1016/j.tvjl.2010.11.011 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 191 (2) ◽

pp. 257-260 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

I. García-Bocanegra ◽

O. Cabezón ◽

M. Pabón ◽

F. Gómez-Guillamón ◽

A. Arenas ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Neospora Caninum ◽

Capra Pyrenaica

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Vocal Learning of Japanese and Rhesus Monkeys

Behaviour ◽

10.1163/156853989x00222 ◽

1989 ◽

Vol 109 (3-4) ◽

pp. 191-199 ◽

Cited By ~ 73

Author(s):

Nobuo Masataka ◽

Kazuo Fujita

Keyword(s):

Rhesus Monkeys ◽

Japanese Monkey ◽

Species Difference ◽

Vocal Learning ◽

The Other ◽

Playback Experiments ◽

Biological Mothers ◽

Japanese Monkeys ◽

The Cross ◽

Species Specific

AbstractForaging vocalizations given by Japanese and rhesus momkeys reared by their biological mothers differed from each other in a single parameter. Calls made by a Japanese monkey fostered by a rhesus female were dissimilar to those of conspecifics reared by their biological mothers, but similar to those of rhesus monkeys reared by their biological mothers, and the vocalizations given by rhesus monkeys fostered by Japanese monkey mothers were dissimilar to those of conspecifics reared by their biological mothers, but similar to those of Japanese monkeys reared by their biological mothers. Playback experiments revealed that both Japanese and rhesus monkeys distinguished between the calls of Japanese monkeys reared by their biological mothers and of the cross-fostered rhesus monkeys on one hand, and the vocalizations of rhesus monkeys reared by their biological mothers and of the cross-fostered Japanese monkey on the other hand. Thus, production of species-specific vocalizations was learned by each species, and it was the learned species-difference which the monkeys themselves discriminated.

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