scholarly journals Txikispora philomaios n. sp., n. g., a Micro-Eukaryotic Pathogen of Amphipods, Reveals Parasitism and Hidden Diversity in Class Filasterea

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ander Urrutia ◽  
Konstantina Mitsi ◽  
Rachel Foster ◽  
Stuart Ross ◽  
Martin Carr ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Small Subunit ◽  
18S Rrna Gene ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Infection Prevalence ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Free Living ◽  
Phylogenetic Characterization ◽  
Specific Pcr ◽  
Environmental Sequences

ABSTRACTThis study provides a morphological, ultrastructural, and phylogenetic characterization of a novel micro-eukaryotic parasite (2.3-2.6 µm) infecting genera Echinogammarus and Orchestia. Longitudinal studies across two years revealed that infection prevalence peaked in late April and May, reaching 64% in Echinogammarus sp. and 15% in Orchestia sp., but was seldom detected during the rest of the year. The parasite infected predominantly haemolymph, connective tissue, tegument, and gonad, although hepatopancreas and nervous tissue were affected in heavier infections, eliciting melanization and granuloma formation. Cell division occurred inside walled parasitic cysts, often within host haemocytes, resulting in haemolymph congestion. Small subunit (18S) rRNA gene phylogenies including related environmental sequences placed the novel parasite as a highly divergent lineage within Class Filasterea, which together with Choanoflagellatea represent the closest protistan relatives of Metazoa. We describe the new parasite as Txikispora philomaios n. sp. n. g., the first confirmed parasitic filasterean lineage, which otherwise comprises four free-living flagellates and a rarely observed endosymbiont of snails. Lineage-specific PCR probing of other hosts and surrounding environments only detected T. philomaios in the platyhelminth Procerodes sp. We expand the known diversity of Filasterea by targeted searches of metagenomic datasets, resulting in 13 previously unknown lineages from environmental samples.

scholarly journals Molecular Characterization of Ciliate Diversity in Stream Biofilms

2008 ◽  
Vol 74 (6) ◽  
pp. 1740-1747 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Dopheide ◽  
Gavin Lear ◽  
Rebecca Stott ◽  
Gillian Lewis
Keyword(s):  
18S Rrna ◽  
Pcr Primers ◽  
18S Rrna Gene ◽  
Sequence Diversity ◽  
Rrna Genes ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Sequencing Analysis ◽  
Specific Pcr ◽  
Stream Biofilms

ABSTRACT Free-living protozoa are thought to be of fundamental importance in aquatic ecosystems, but there is limited understanding of their diversity and ecological role, particularly in surface-associated communities such as biofilms. Existing eukaryote-specific PCR primers were used to survey 18S rRNA gene sequence diversity in stream biofilms but poorly revealed protozoan diversity, demonstrating a need for protozoan-targeted primers. Group-specific PCR primers targeting 18S rRNA genes of the protozoan phylum Ciliophora were therefore designed and tested using DNA extracted from cultured protozoan isolates. The two most reliable primer combinations were applied to stream biofilm DNA, followed by cloning and sequencing analysis. Of 44 clones derived from primer set 384F/1147R, 86% were of probable ciliate origin, as were 25% of 44 clones detected by primer set 121F/1147R. A further 29% of 121F/1147R-detected clones matched sequences from the closely related phylum Apicomplexa. The highly ciliate-specific primer set 384F/1147R was subsequently used in PCRs on biofilm DNA from four streams exhibiting different levels of human impact, revealing differences in ciliate sequence diversity in samples from each site. Of a total of 240 clones, 73% were of probable ciliate origin; 54 different putative ciliate sequences were detected from throughout seven taxonomic ciliate classes. Sequences from Oligohymenophorea were most commonly detected in all samples, followed by either Spirotrichea or Phyllopharyngea. Restriction fragment length polymorphism profile-based analysis of clones suggested a potentially higher level of diversity than did sequencing. Nevertheless, newly designed PCR primers 384F/1147R were considered to provide an effective molecular basis for characterization of ciliate diversity in stream biofilms.

scholarly journals Cryptosporidium spp. in Domestic Dogs: the “Dog” Genotype

2000 ◽  
Vol 66 (5) ◽  
pp. 2220-2223 ◽  
Author(s):  
Una M. Morgan ◽  
Lihua Xiao ◽  
Paul Monis ◽  
Abbie Fall ◽  
Peter J. Irwin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
18S Rrna ◽  
18S Rrna Gene ◽  
Domestic Dogs ◽  
Heat Shock Gene ◽  
Valid Species ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Phylogenetic Characterization ◽  
Cryptosporidium Spp ◽  
Shock Gene

ABSTRACT Genetic and phylogenetic characterization ofCryptosporidium isolates at two loci (18S rRNA gene and heat shock gene) from both Australian and United States dogs demonstrated that dog-derived Cryptosporidium isolates had a distinct genotype which is conserved across geographic areas. Phylogenetic analysis provided support for the idea that the “dog” genotype is, in fact, a valid species.

scholarly journals Detection and Molecular Characterization of Potentially Pathogenic Free-living Amoebae from Water Sources in Kish Island, Southern Iran

2015 ◽  
Vol 8s1 ◽  
pp. MBI.S24099 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maryam Niyyati ◽  
Zohreh Lasgerdi ◽  
Jacob Lorenzo-Morales
Keyword(s):  
Tap Water ◽  
18S Rrna Gene ◽  
Water Sources ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Sequencing Analysis ◽  
Free Living ◽  
Diagnostic Fragment ◽  
Amoebic Keratitis ◽  
Tourist Region

Amoebic keratitis, a sight-threatening corneal infection, mainly occurs in contact lens wearers who wash their eyes with tap water. The present research was conducted to identify the occurrence of potentially pathogenic free-living amoebae (FLA) in tap water sources on Kish Island, a tourist region in Iran. Amoebae were detected using a culture-enriched method and by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)/sequencing of the diagnostic fragment 3 region of the 18S rRNA gene of Acanthamoeba. In the case of other free-living amoebae species, PCR/sequencing analysis of the 18S rDNA was conducted. Results of this study showed the presence of Acanthamoeba belonging to T3, T4, T5, and T11 genotypes in tap water sources. Additionally, Vermamoebae vermiformis was detected in three water samples. This is the first report of the Acanthamoeba genotypes T3, T4, T5, and T11 and V. vermiformis species in tap water sources in a tourist region in Iran.

scholarly journals Molecular characterization of a ceftriaxone-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae strain found in Switzerland: a case report

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Konrad Egli ◽  
Anna Roditscheff ◽  
Ursula Flückiger ◽  
Martin Risch ◽  
Lorenz Risch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neisseria Gonorrhoeae ◽  
23S Rrna ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Specific Pcr ◽  
Appropriate Treatment ◽  
23S Rrna Gene ◽  
Allele Type ◽  
Ciprofloxacin Resistance

Abstract Background The resistance of Neisseria gonorrhoeae to ceftriaxone is unusual in Switzerland. The underlying genotype responsible for resistance is suspected to be novel. Generally, resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Ng) involves a comprehensive set of genes with many different mutations leading to resistance to different β-lactams and fluoroquinolones. Case presentation A patient had a positive result from specific PCR for Ng. We routinely culture all clinical specimens with a positive NG-PCR. In this particular case, we isolated a strain with resistance to ceftriaxone in Switzerland. A total of seven different genes (penA, ponA, porinB, mtr, gyrA, parC, 23S rRNA gene) in this strain were partially sequenced for comparison with phenotypic susceptibility testing. Interestingly, two different mutations in the porinB gene were observed, and data on this gene are limited. Information on the identified allele type of the penA gene is very limited as well. Three different mutations of parC and gyrA that correlate with ciprofloxacin resistance were found. The combination of ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin resistance makes an appropriate treatment difficult to obtain due to multidrug resistance. Conclusion The combined results for all genes show the appearance of new mutations in central Europe either due to worldwide spread or the emergence of new genetic combinations of mutations.

scholarly journals Development and Validation of a Nested-PCR-Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis Method for Taxonomic Characterization of Bifidobacterial Communities

2003 ◽  
Vol 69 (11) ◽  
pp. 6380-6385 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Temmerman ◽  
L. Masco ◽  
T. Vanhoutte ◽  
G. Huys ◽  
J. Swings
Keyword(s):  
Nested Pcr ◽  
Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Temporal Changes ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Specific Pcr ◽  
Gradient Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
Taxonomic Characterization

ABSTRACT The taxonomic characterization of a bacterial community is difficult to combine with the monitoring of its temporal changes. None of the currently available identification techniques are able to visualize a “complete” community, whereas techniques designed for analyzing bacterial ecosystems generally display limited or labor-intensive identification potential. This paper describes the optimization and validation of a nested-PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) approach for the species-specific analysis of bifidobacterial communities from any ecosystem. The method comprises a Bifidobacterium-specific PCR step, followed by purification of the amplicons that serve as template DNA in a second PCR step that amplifies the V3 and V6-V8 regions of the 16S rRNA gene. A mix of both amplicons is analyzed on a DGGE gel, after which the band positions are compared with a previously constructed database of reference strains. The method was validated through the analysis of four artificial mixtures, mimicking the possible bifidobacterial microbiota of the human and chicken intestine, a rumen, and the environment, and of two fecal samples. Except for the species Bifidobacterium coryneforme and B. indicum, all currently known bifidobacteria originating from various ecosystems can be identified in a highly reproducible manner. Because no further cloning and sequencing of the DGGE bands is necessary, this nested-PCR-DGGE technique can be completed within a 24-h span, allowing the species-specific monitoring of temporal changes in the bifidobacterial community.

scholarly journals Detection of Protozoan Hosts for Legionella pneumophila in Engineered Water Systems by Using a Biofilm Batch Test

2010 ◽  
Vol 76 (21) ◽  
pp. 7144-7153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rinske M. Valster ◽  
Bart A. Wullings ◽  
Dick van der Kooij
Keyword(s):  
Legionella Pneumophila ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
18S Rrna Gene ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Batch Test ◽  
Free Living ◽  
Water Types ◽  
Operational Taxonomic Units ◽  
Hartmannella Vermiformis

ABSTRACT Legionella pneumophila proliferates in aquatic habitats within free-living protozoa, 17 species of which have been identified as hosts by using in vitro experiments. The present study aimed at identifying protozoan hosts for L. pneumophila by using a biofilm batch test (BBT). Samples (600 ml) collected from 21 engineered freshwater systems, with added polyethylene cylinders to promote biofilm formation, were inoculated with L. pneumophila and subsequently incubated at 37°C for 20 days. Growth of L. pneumophila was observed in 16 of 18 water types when the host protozoan Hartmannella vermiformis was added. Twelve of the tested water types supported growth of L. pneumophila or indigenous Legionella anisa without added H. vermiformis. In 12 of 19 BBT flasks H. vermiformis was indicated as a host, based on the ratio between maximum concentrations of L. pneumophila and H. vermiformis, determined with quantitative PCR (Q-PCR), and the composition of clone libraries of partial 18S rRNA gene fragments. Analyses of 609 eukaryotic clones from the BBTs revealed that 68 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) showed the highest similarity to free-living protozoa. Forty percent of the sequences clustering with protozoa showed ≥99.5% similarity to H. vermiformis. None of the other protozoa serving as hosts in in vitro studies were detected in the BBTs. In several tests with growth of L. pneumophila, the protozoa Diphylleia rotans, Echinamoeba thermarum, and Neoparamoeba sp. were identified as candidate hosts. In vitro studies are needed to confirm their role as hosts for L. pneumophila. Unidentified protozoa were implicated as hosts for uncultured Legionella spp. grown in BBT flasks at 15°C.

scholarly journals The New Human Babesia sp. FR1 Is a European Member of the Babesia sp. MO1 Clade

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 1433
Author(s):  
Claire Bonsergent ◽  
Marie-Charlotte de Carné ◽  
Nathalie de la Cotte ◽  
François Moussel ◽  
Véronique Perronne ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Roe Deer ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
18S Rrna Gene ◽  
Natural Host ◽  
Etiological Agent ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Separate Species ◽  
Apical Membrane Antigen 1 ◽  
Babesia Divergens

In Europe, Babesia divergens is responsible for most of the severe cases of human babesiosis. In the present study, we describe a case of babesiosis in a splenectomized patient in France and report a detailed molecular characterization of the etiological agent, named Babesia sp. FR1, as well as of closely related Babesia divergens, Babesia capreoli and Babesia sp. MO1-like parasites. The analysis of the conserved 18S rRNA gene was supplemented with the analysis of more discriminant markers involved in the red blood cell invasion process: rap-1a (rhoptry-associated-protein 1) and ama-1 (apical-membrane-antigen 1). The rap-1a and ama-1 phylogenetic analyses were congruent, placing Babesia sp. FR1, the new European etiological agent, in the American cluster of Babesia sp. MO1-like parasites. Based on two additional markers, our analysis confirms the clear separation of B. divergens and B. capreoli. Babesia sp. MO1-like parasites should also be considered as a separate species, with the rabbit as its natural host, differing from those of B. divergens (cattle) and B. capreoli (roe deer). The natural host of Babesia sp. FR1 remains to be discovered.

Free-living nematodes associated with pine cones of Pinus thunbergii and P. taeda at Japanese coastal and inland forest sites

Nematology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 389-400 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yudai Kitagami ◽  
Natsumi Kanzaki ◽  
Toko Tanikawa ◽  
Yosuke Matsuda
Keyword(s):  
Gene Sequence ◽  
Small Subunit ◽  
Pinus Thunbergii ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Small Subunit Rrna ◽  
Free Living ◽  
Small Subunit Rrna Gene ◽  
Forest Sites ◽  
High Bootstrap ◽  
Pine Cones

Summary We surveyed the distribution of nematodes in 56 cones of Pinus thunbergii collected from both live branches and on the forest floor in three coastal and inland habitats and in 11 cones of P. taeda collected at different heights. We identified 47 nematodes to family or genera by analysis of an 18S small subunit rRNA gene sequence. The frequencies of occurrence of free-living cone nematodes were 97% in coastal P. thunbergii, 92% in inland P. thunbergii, and 82% in P. taeda. Phylogenetic analysis assigned the nematodes to four clades with high bootstrap values. Nine sequences that were found only in cones on live branches were clustered with Panagrobelus stammeri and an unknown Panagrobelus sp. Our results imply that nematodes are commonly associated with cones in pine forest ecosystems and that a capacity for anhydrobiosis may be a key to surviving above-ground.

scholarly journals Stenamoeba dejonckheerei sp. nov., a Free-Living Amoeba Isolated from a Thermal Spring

Pathogens ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 586
Author(s):  
Manuel Alejandro Borquez-Román ◽  
Luis Fernando Lares-Jiménez ◽  
Libia Zulema Rodriguez-Anaya ◽  
Jose Reyes Gonzalez-Galaviz ◽  
Paul A. Fuerst ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Spring ◽  
Small Subunit ◽  
18S Rrna Gene ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Likelihood Analysis ◽  
Ribosomal Ribonucleic Acid ◽  
Pcr Products ◽  
Northwestern Mexico ◽  
Rrna Gene Sequencing ◽  
A New Species

Two amoeboid organisms were obtained from water samples taken from a thermal spring, "Agua Caliente", in Northwestern Mexico. The isolates were obtained when samples were cultivated at 37 °C on non-nutrient agar coated with Escherichia coli. The initial identification of the isolates was performed morphologically using light microscopy. The samples were found to have trophozoite morphology consistent with members of the genus Stenamoeba, a genus derived in 2007 from within the abolished polyphyletic genus Platyamoeba. Further analysis was performed by sequencing PCR products obtained using universal eukaryotic primers for the small subunit ribosomal ribonucleic acid (SSU rRNA) gene. Sequencing primers were designed to allow the comparison of the 18S rRNA gene sequences of the new isolates with previous sequences reported for Stenamoeba. Phylogenetic relationships among sequences from Stenamoeba were determined using Maximum Likelihood analysis. The results showed the two "Agua Caliente" sequences to be closely related, while clearly separating them from those of other Stenamoeba taxa. The degrees of sequence differentiation from other taxa were considered sufficient to allow us to propose that the Mexican isolates represent a new species.

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