Blood parasites in sympatric lizards: what is their impact on hosts’ immune system?

2022 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Isabel Damas-Moreira ◽  
João P. Maia ◽  
Beatriz Tomé ◽  
Daniele Salvi ◽  
Ana Perera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Skin Testing ◽  
18S Rrna Gene ◽  
Blood Parasites ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Infection Prevalence ◽  
North African ◽  
Lizard Species ◽  
Evidence Of Impact

Abstract Assessment of parasites and their pathogenicity is essential for studying the ecology of populations and understanding their dynamics. In this study, we investigate the prevalence and intensity of infection of haemogregarines (phylum Apicomplexa) in two sympatric lizard species, Podarcis vaucheri and Scelarcis perspicillata, across three localities in Morocco, and their effect on host immune response. We used the Phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) skin testing technique to relate the level of immune response with parasite infection. Prevalence and intensity levels were estimated with microscopy, and 18S rRNA gene sequences were used to confirm parasite identity. All parasites belong to the haemogregarine lineage found in other North African reptiles. There were differences in prevalence between localities and sexes. Overall, infected lizards were larger than uninfected ones, although we did not detect differences in parasitaemia across species, sex or locality. The swelling response was not related to the presence or number of haemogregarines, or to host body size, body condition, sex or species. We found no evidence of impact for these parasites on the circulating blood cells or the hosts’ immune system, but more data is needed to assess the potential impact of mixed infections, and the possibility of cryptic parasite species.

Phylogenetic analysis based on 18S rRNA gene sequences ofSchellackiaparasites (Apicomplexa: Lankesterellidae) reveals their close relationship to the genusEimeria

Parasitology ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 140 (9) ◽  
pp. 1149-1157 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. MEGÍA-PALMA ◽  
J. MARTÍNEZ ◽  
S. MERINO
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Analysis ◽  
Blood Cells ◽  
18S Rrna ◽  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Refractile Body ◽  
18S Rrna Gene ◽  
Blood Parasites ◽  
Recent Common Ancestor ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Amphibian Species

SUMMARYIn the present study we detectedSchellackiahaemoparasites infecting the blood cells ofLacerta schreiberiandPodarcis hispanica, two species of lacertid lizards from central Spain. The parasite morphometry, the presence of a refractile body, the type of infected blood cells, the kind of host species, and the lack of oocysts in the fecal samples clearly indicated these blood parasites belong to the genusSchellackia. Until now, the species of this genus have never been genetically characterized and its taxonomic position under the Lankesterellidae family is based on the lack of the exogenous oocyst stage. However, the phylogenetic analysis performed on the basis of the 18S rRNA gene sequence revealed that species of the genusSchellackiaare clustered withEimeriaspecies isolated from a snake and an amphibian species but not withLankesterellaspecies. The phylogenetic analysis rejects that both genera share a recent common ancestor. Based on these results we suggest a revision of the taxonomic status of the family Lankesterellidae.

scholarly journals Haemogregarines and Criteria for Identification

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 170
Author(s):  
Saleh Al-Quraishy ◽  
Fathy Abdel-Ghaffar ◽  
Mohamed A. Dkhil ◽  
Rewaida Abdel-Gaber
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
18S Rrna ◽  
18S Rrna Gene ◽  
Vertebrate Host ◽  
Blood Parasites ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Parasitic Protozoa ◽  
Alternation Of Generations

Apicomplexa is a phylum that includes all parasitic protozoa sharing unique ultrastructural features. Haemogregarines are sophisticated apicomplexan blood parasites with an obligatory heteroxenous life cycle and haplohomophasic alternation of generations. Haemogregarines are common blood parasites of fish, amphibians, lizards, snakes, turtles, tortoises, crocodilians, birds, and mammals. Haemogregarine ultrastructure has been so far examined only for stages from the vertebrate host. PCR-based assays and the sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene are helpful methods to further characterize this parasite group. The proper classification for the haemogregarine complex is available with the criteria of generic and unique diagnosis of these parasites.

scholarly journals Parasitological and molecular detection of Babesia canis vogeli in dogs of Recife, Pernambuco and evaluation of risk factors associated

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanessa Carla Lima da Silva ◽  
Evilda Rodrigues de Lima ◽  
Mirella Bezerra de Melo Colaço Dias ◽  
Fernanda Lúcia Passos Fukahori ◽  
Michelle Suassuna de Azevedo Rego ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Care Center ◽  
18S Rrna Gene ◽  
Blood Parasites ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Babesia Canis ◽  
Factors Associated

This work aims to detect the presence of Babesia canis vogeli in dogs from Recife, Pernambuco via molecular and parasitological detection methods, and to assess the risk factors associated with this parasite. A total of 146 dogs (male and female) of varying breeds and ages that presented clinical symptoms of babesiosis were assessed at a clinical care center in the Veterinary School Hospital. Blood was obtained via venopuncture for hemoparasite detection and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Using a commercial kit, DNA was extracted from blood samples. For the PCR reaction, an approximately 590 base pair long genetic sequence was used to detect the presence of B. canis vogeli. The forward primer, denoted as BAB1 (5’-GTG AAC CTT ATC ACT TAA AGG-3’), was specific for a conserved region on the 18S rRNA gene of Babesia spp., and the antisense primer was denoted as BAB4 (5’-CAA CTC CTC CAC GCA ATC G-3’). PCR results suggested that the percentage of Babesia canis vogeli infection was 4.8%. Through descriptive statistical analysis of the data, we observed that there was higher frequency of parasite infection associated with male dogs above two years of age, with a defined breed, from the countryside, are domiciled, and also suffer from tick infestation. We conclude that regardless of the type of risk factor, babesiosis can be found throughout Recife, Pernambuco, and its prevalence does not vary in most regions of Brazil. Our results indicate that PCR is a sensitive test for the detection of blood parasites, and should be performed as a clinical routine.

scholarly journals Prokaryotic ribosomal RNA stimulates zebrafish embryonic innate immune system

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abhishikta Basu ◽  
Maki Yoshihama ◽  
Tamayo Uechi ◽  
Naoya Kenmochi
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Innate Immune System ◽  
18S Rrna Gene ◽  
Positive Control ◽  
Innate Immune ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Immune Recognition ◽  
E Coli

Abstract Objectives Cell-culture studies reported that prokaryotic RNA molecules among the various microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs) were uniquely present in live bacteria and were categorized as viability-associated MAMPs. They also reported that specific nucleotide modifications are instrumental in the discrimination between self and nonself RNAs. The aim of this study was to characterize the in vivo immune induction potential of prokaryotic and eukaryotic ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs) using zebrafish embryos as novel whole animal model system. Additionally, we aimed to test the possible role of rRNA modifications in immune recognition. Results We used three immune markers to evaluate the induction potential of prokaryotic rRNA derived from Escherichia coli and eukaryotic rRNAs from chicken (nonself) and zebrafish (self). Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa served as a positive control. E. coli rRNA had an induction potential equivalent to that of LPS. The zebrafish innate immune system could discriminate between self and nonself rRNAs. Between the nonself rRNAs, E. coli rRNA was more immunogenic than chicken rRNA. The in vitro transcript of zebrafish 18S rRNA gene without the nucleotide modifications was not recognized by its own immune system. Our data suggested that prokaryotic rRNA is immunostimulatory in vivo and could be useful as an adjuvant.

scholarly journals Molecular survey of coccidian infections of the side-blotched lizard Uta stansburiana on San Benito Oeste Island, Mexico

Parasite ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 25 ◽  
pp. 43
Author(s):  
Petra Quillfeldt ◽  
Tanja Romeike ◽  
Juan F. Masello ◽  
Gerald Reiner ◽  
Hermann Willems ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Trees ◽  
18S Rrna ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Genetic Network ◽  
18S Rrna Gene ◽  
Blood Parasites ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Uta Stansburiana ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
High Uncertainty

Blood parasites are found in many vertebrates, but the research on blood parasites of lizards is still at its onset. We analyzed blood samples from side-blotched lizards Uta stansburiana from San Benito Oeste Island, Mexico, to test for the presence of hemoparasites. We found a high prevalence (23 out of 27 samples) of a blood parasite of the genus Lankesterella (Coccidia, Eimeriorina, Lankesterellidae) according to phylogenetic analyses of the parasite 18S rRNA gene. Similar parasites (97–99% similarity) have recently been described for Uta stansburiana from California. The parasite 18S rRNA gene showed high variability, both within San Benito and compared to California. The next closest matches of the parasite DNA with 97–98% similarity included a range of different genera (Lankesterella, Schellackia, Eimeria, Isospora and Caryospora). A high uncertainty in the deeper branches of the phylogenetic trees, and many missing links in genetic network analysis, were in line with previous suggestions that the coccidians are an understudied group with large knowledge gaps in terms of their diversity and taxonomy. Further studies are needed to resolve the evolutionary relationships within the Eimeriorina.

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 Prevalence of Theileria and Babesia species in Tunisian sheep

2016 ◽  
Vol 83 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed R. Rjeibi ◽  
Mohamed A. Darghouth ◽  
Mohamed Gharbi
Keyword(s):  
18S Rrna Gene ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Infection Prevalence ◽  
Northern Tunisia ◽  
Blood Smears ◽  
Blood Smear Examination ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Babesia Ovis ◽  
Babesia Spp ◽  
Theileria Spp

In this study, the prevalence of Theileria and Babesia species in sheep was assessed with Giemsastained blood smear examination and polymerase chain reaction to identify the different piroplasms in 270 sheep from three Tunisian bioclimatic zones (north, centre, and south). The overall infection prevalence by Babesia spp. and Theileria spp. in Giemsa-stained blood smears was 2.9% (8/270) and 4.8% (13/270) respectively. The molecular results showed that sheep were more often infected by Theileria ovis than Babesia ovis with an overall prevalence of 16.3% (44/270) and 7.8% (21/270) respectively (p = 0.01). The molecular prevalence by Babesia ovis was significantly higher in females than in males (p < 0.05). According to localities B. ovis was found exclusively in sheep from the centre of Tunisia (Kairouan) whereas Theileria ovis was found in all regions. Infections with T. ovis and B. ovis were confirmed by sequencing. The sequence of T. ovis in this study (accession numbers KM924442) falls into the same clade as T. ovis deposited in GenBank. The T. ovis amplicons (KM924442) showed 99%–100% identities with GenBank sequences. Moreover, comparison of the partial sequences of 18S rRNA gene of B. ovis described in this study (KP670199) revealed 99.4% similarity with B. ovis recently reported in northern Tunisia from sheep and goats. Three nucleotides were different at positions 73 (A/T), 417 (A/T), and 420 (G/T). It also had 99% identity with B. ovis from Spain, Turkey and Iraq. The results suggest a high T. ovis prevalence in Tunisia with a decreasing north-south gradient. This could be correlated to the vector tick distribution.

Detection and molecular identification of Hepatozoon canis and Babesia vogeli from domestic dogs in Palestine

Parasitology ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 144 (5) ◽  
pp. 613-621 ◽  
Author(s):  
KIFAYA AZMI ◽  
AMER AL-JAWABREH ◽  
ABEDELMAJEED NASEREDDIN ◽  
AHMAD ABDELKADER ◽  
TAHER ZAID ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Rhipicephalus Sanguineus ◽  
18S Rrna Gene ◽  
Blood Parasites ◽  
Hepatozoon Canis ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Babesia Vogeli ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Pcr Products ◽  
Hepatozoon Felis

SUMMARYDogs serve as hosts for a great number of parasites, which may affect their health and wellbeing. This study aimed to observe tick borne pathogens in dogs from Palestine including Hepatozoon canis and Babesia species. The prevalence of both H. canis and Babesia species infections in apparently healthy dogs, from ten districts of the West Bank was surveyed. DNA was extracted from blood samples obtained from dogs (n = 362) and ticks (n = 213) collected from dogs (n = 77). A primer set that amplifies a partial sequence of the Babesia and Hepatozoon 18S rRNA gene was used for PCR and the DNA sequences of the PCR products of all samples were determined. Twenty-nine (8·0%) of the dogs were found infected including 20 with H. canis (5·5%), seven with Babesia vogeli (1·9%) and two with undefined Babesia spp. (0·6%). Twelve Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l ticks were pathogen-positive, including ten with H. canis (4·7%), one with B. vogeli (0·5%), and one with Hepatozoon felis (0·5%). The results indicated that a wide range of tick borne pathogens is circulating in the canine population in the surveyed region. This study is the first report on the prevalence of H. canis, B. vogeli and Babesia spp. in dogs in Palestine and its results will assist in the management of diseases associated with these blood parasites.

scholarly journals Secondary haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in COVID-19: correlation of the autopsy findings of bone marrow haemophagocytosis with HScore

2021 ◽  
pp. jclinpath-2020-207337
Author(s):  
Claudia Núñez-Torrón ◽  
Ana Ferrer-Gómez ◽  
Esther Moreno Moreno ◽  
Belen Pérez-Mies ◽  
Jesús Villarrubia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Immune Response ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Multiorgan Failure ◽  
Histological Findings ◽  
Haemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis ◽  
Bone Marrow Tissue ◽  
Autopsy Findings ◽  
Specific Finding ◽  
Clinical Records

BackgroundSecondary haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (sHLH) is characterised by a hyper activation of immune system that leads to multiorgan failure. It is suggested that excessive immune response in patients with COVID-19 could mimic this syndrome. Some COVID-19 autopsy studies have revealed the presence of haemophagocytosis images in bone marrow, raising the possibility, along with HScore parameters, of sHLH.AimOur objective is to ascertain the existence of sHLH in some patients with severe COVID-19.MethodsWe report the autopsy histological findings of 16 patients with COVID-19, focusing on the presence of haemophagocytosis in bone marrow, obtained from rib squeeze and integrating these findings with HScore parameters. CD68 immunohistochemical stains were used to highlight histiocytes and haemophagocytic cells. Clinical evolution and laboratory parameters of patients were collected from electronic clinical records.ResultsEleven patients (68.7%) displayed moderate histiocytic hyperplasia with haemophagocytosis (HHH) in bone marrow, three patients (18.7%) displayed severe HHH and the remainder were mild. All HScore parameters were collected in 10 patients (62.5%). Among the patients in which all parameters were evaluable, eight patients (80%) had an HScore >169. sHLH was not clinically suspected in any case.ConclusionsOur results support the recommendation of some authors to use the HScore in patients with severe COVID-19 in order to identify those who could benefit from immunosuppressive therapies. The presence of haemophagocytosis in bone marrow tissue, despite not being a specific finding, has proved to be a very useful tool in our study to identify these patients.

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