scholarly journals Severe long-delayed malaria caused by Plasmodium malariae in an elderly French patient

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony Marteau ◽  
Elise Ouedraogo ◽  
Guillaume Van der Meersch ◽  
Mohammad Akhoundi ◽  
Berenice Souhail ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Plasmodium malariae is the cause of the rare but severe form of malaria that sometimes affects individuals travelling to malaria-endemic regions. This report presents the unique case of a patient exhibiting severe malaria symptoms caused by P. malariae with no record of recent travel to any malaria-endemic areas. Case presentation An 81-year-old French woman was admitted to the emergency department with sustained fever and severe weakness for the past 5 days. She suffered from anaemia, thrombocytopenia, confusion, somnolence, pulmonary complications, and hypoxaemia. In the absence of any concrete aetiology that could explain the fever together with thrombocytopenia, physicians suspected malaria as a probable diagnosis. The LAMP-PCR and lateral flow test confirmed the presence of malaria parasite, Plasmodium sp. Microscopic examination (May-Grünwald Giemsa-stained thin blood smear) revealed the presence of trophozoites, schizonts, and gametocytes with 0.93 % parasitaemia. Conventional PCR amplification targeting 510 bp DNA fragment of small subunit ribosomal RNA (ssrRNA) and bidirectional sequencing identified the parasite as Plasmodium malariae. The travel history of this patient revealed her visits to several countries in Europe (Greece), North Africa (Tunisia and Morocco), and the West Indies (Dominican Republic). Of these, the latter was the only country known to be endemic for malaria at the time (three malaria parasite species were prevalent: Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, and P. malariae). The patient had most likely got infected when she visited the Dominican Republic in the summer of 2002. This time interval between the initial parasite infection (2002) till the onset of symptoms and its subsequent diagnosis (2020) is a reminder of the ability of P. malariae to persist in the human host for many years. Conclusions This report highlights the persistent nature and ability of P. malariae to cause severe infection in the host even after a prolonged time interval.

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles A. Brown ◽  
Prince J. Pappoe-Ashong ◽  
Nancy Duah ◽  
Anita Ghansah ◽  
Harry Asmah ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Recent studies from different malaria-endemic regions including western Africa have now shown that Plasmodium vivax can infect red blood cells (RBCs) and cause clinical disease in Duffy-negative people, though the Duffy-negative phenotype was thought to confer complete refractoriness against blood invasion with P. vivax. The actual prevalence of P. vivax in local populations in Ghana is unknown and little information is available about the distribution of Duffy genotypes. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of P. vivax in both asymptomatic and symptomatic outpatients and the distribution of Duffy genotypes in Ghana. Methods DNA was extracted from dried blood spots (DBS) collected from 952 subjects (845 malaria patients and 107 asymptomatic persons) from nine locations in Ghana. Plasmodium species identification was carried out by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the small-subunit (SSU) rRNA genes. For P. vivax detection, a second PCR of the central region of the Pvcsp gene was carried out. Duffy blood group genotyping was performed by allele-specific PCR to detect the presence of the FYES allele. Results No cases of P. vivax were detected in any of the samples by both PCR methods used. Majority of infections (542, 94.8%) in the malaria patient samples were due to P. falciparum with only 1 infection (0.0017%) due to Plasmodium malariae, and 2 infections (0.0034%) due to Plasmodium ovale. No case of mixed infection was identified. Of the samples tested for the FYES allele from all the sites, 90.5% (862/952) had the FYES allele. All positive samples were genotyped as FY*B-33/FY*B-33 (Duffy-negative homozygous) and therefore classified as Fy(a−b−). Conclusions No cases of P. vivax were detected by both PCRs and majority of the subjects tested carried the FYES allele. The lack of P. vivax infections observed can be attributed to the high frequency of the FYES allele that silences erythroid expression of the Duffy. These results provide insights on the host susceptibility for P. vivax infections that had not been investigated in Ghana before.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 1656
Author(s):  
Simona Gabrielli ◽  
Marialetizia Palomba ◽  
Federica Furzi ◽  
Emanuele Brianti ◽  
Gabriella Gaglio ◽  
...  

Blastocystis is a common intestinal protist distributed worldwide, infecting humans and a wide range of domestic and wild animals. It exhibits an extensive genetic diversity and, so far, 25 distinct small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) lineages termed subtypes (STs)) have been characterized; among them, 12 have thus far been reported in humans. The aims of the present study were to detect and genetically characterize Blastocystis sp. in synantropic animals to improve our current knowledge on the distribution and zoonotic transmission of Blastocystis STs in Italy. Samples were collected from N = 193 farmed animals and submitted to DNA extraction and PCR amplification of the SSU rRNA. Blastocystis was detected in 60 samples (31.08%) and successfully subtyped. Phylogenetic analysis evidenced that the isolates from fallow deer, goats, and pigs (N = 9) clustered within the ST5; those from pheasants (N = 2) in the ST6; those from chickens (N = 8) in the ST7; those from sheep (N = 6) in the ST10; and those from water buffaloes (N = 9) in the ST14 clade. The comparison between the present isolates from animals and those previously detected in humans in Italy suggested the animal-to-human spillover for ST6 and ST7. The present study represents the widest Blastocystis survey performed thus far in farmed animals in Italy. Further epidemiological studies using molecular approaches are required to determine the occurrence and distribution of Blastocystis STs in other potential animal reservoirs in Italy and to define the pathways of zoonotic transmission.


1998 ◽  
Vol 64 (12) ◽  
pp. 5064-5066 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clifford F. Brunk ◽  
Nicole Eis

ABSTRACT Comparative PCR amplification of small-subunit (SSU) rRNA gene (rDNA) sequences indicates substantial preferential PCR amplification of pJP27 sequences with korarchaeote-specific PCR primers. The coamplification of a modified SSU rDNA sequence can be used as an internal standard to determine the amount of a specific SSU rDNA sequence.


2002 ◽  
Vol 68 (10) ◽  
pp. 5123-5135 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carrine E. Blank ◽  
Sherry L. Cady ◽  
Norman R. Pace

ABSTRACT The extent of hyperthermophilic microbial diversity associated with siliceous sinter (geyserite) was characterized in seven near-boiling silica-depositing springs throughout Yellowstone National Park using environmental PCR amplification of small-subunit rRNA genes (SSU rDNA), large-subunit rDNA, and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS). We found that Thermocrinis ruber, a member of the order Aquificales, is ubiquitous, an indication that primary production in these springs is driven by hydrogen oxidation. Several other lineages with no known close relatives were identified that branch among the hyperthermophilic bacteria. Although they all branch deep in the bacterial tree, the precise phylogenetic placement of many of these lineages is unresolved at this time. While some springs contained a fair amount of phylogenetic diversity, others did not. Within the same spring, communities in the subaqueous environment were not appreciably different than those in the splash zone at the edge of the pool, although a greater number of phylotypes was found along the pool's edge. Also, microbial community composition appeared to have little correlation with the type of sinter morphology. The number of cell morphotypes identified by fluorescence in situ hybridization and scanning electron microscopy was greater than the number of phylotypes in SSU clone libraries. Despite little variation in Thermocrinis ruber SSU sequences, abundant variation was found in the hypervariable ITS region. The distribution of ITS sequence types appeared to be correlated with distinct morphotypes of Thermocrinis ruber in different pools. Therefore, species- or subspecies-level divergences are present but not detectable in highly conserved SSU sequences.


Author(s):  
Anna Riddell ◽  
C. Y. William Tong

The gastro-intestinal tract (GIT) hosts the most numerous and diverse reservoir of microbes in humans. There is increasing interest in the relationship between the GIT microbiome and human health. Obesity, diabetes, allergy, and a number of inflammatory diseases have been linked with the human GIT microbiome. Infections of the GIT arise either as a result of a change in the relationship between the commensal microbes colonizing the GIT (endogenous infection) or entry in to the GIT of a micro-organism which causes disease (exogenous infection). Commensals most commonly invade host tissues as a result of compromised defensive barriers. Disease associated with exogenous infection can be toxin-mediated, or associated with local or systemic invasion of the host. Endogenous infections are usually polymicrobial. In the mouth the aetiology, presentation, and anatomical associations have led to the description of a number of syndromes. Peritonsillar infection with involvement of the internal jugular vein is Lemierre’s syndrome, which is particularly associated with infection with Fusobacterium necrophorum. ‘Trench mouth’ is a severe form of ulcerative gingivitis, so named because in the absence of oral hygiene it was a relatively common diagnosis among those in the trenches during the First World War. Ludwig’s angina is a severe infection of the floor of the mouth which spreads in to the submandibular and sub-lingual space, often following a tooth-related infection. Deep neck infections are more common in children than adults and can involve the parapharyngeal, retropharyngeal, peri-tonsillar, or sub-mandibular spaces. Children with deep neck infections are more likely than adults to present with cough and respiratory distress. Oesophagitis has a wide range of potential aetiologies. Fungi (particularly Candida species) are probably the most common microbial cause of oesophagitis. Fungal infection of the distal oesophagus is thought to play an important role in the pathogenesis of disseminated fungal infection. Risk factors for fungal infection include poor oral intake, exposure to antibiotics, immunocompromise (HIV, steroids, cancer treatments), gastric acid suppressants, and damage to mucosal integrity (naso-gastric tubes, acid reflux, varices). Bacteria (including Mycobacteria, Actinomycetes, Treponemes), parasites, and viruses (herpes simplex, cytomegalovirus) are rarer infectious causes of oesophagitis.


Parasite ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
pp. 45
Author(s):  
Wen Wang ◽  
Zhenjie Zhang ◽  
Ying Zhang ◽  
Aiyun Zhao ◽  
Bo Jing ◽  
...  

The prevalence and zoonotic potential of Cryptosporidium in donkeys is poorly understood. Here, 680 fecal specimens were collected from 178 free-ranging and 502 farmed donkeys in Xinjiang, China. Cryptosporidium was identified using PCR amplification of the small subunit of ribosomal DNA. Cryptosporidium-positive isolates were subtyped using PCR analysis of the 60 kDa glycoprotein gene (gp60). The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium was 2.4% (16/680), with 3.2% (16/502) in farmed donkeys and 0% (0/178) in free-ranging donkeys. Cryptosporidium hominis (n = 13), C. parvum (n = 1) and Cryptosporidium horse genotype (n = 2) were identified. The C. hominis isolates belonged to two subtypes, IkA16 (n = 9) and IkA16G1 (n = 4). The subtype of C. parvum was IIdA15G1, whereas the two Cryptosporidium horse genotype isolates were of subtype VIaA15G4. The predominance of C. hominis in donkeys suggests that these animals are infected through human contact.


2009 ◽  
Vol 29 (6) ◽  
pp. 469-473 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edna Maria Cavallini Sanches ◽  
Susi M. Pacheco ◽  
Alison S. Cericatto ◽  
Rosane M. Melo ◽  
Edson Molleta Colodel ◽  
...  

Pneumocystis has been isolated from a wide range of unrelated mammalian hosts, including humans, domestic and wild animals. It has been demonstrated that the genome of Pneumocystis of one host differs markedly from that of other hosts. Also, variation in the chromosome and DNA sequence of Pneumocystis within a single host species has been observed. Since information about the occurrence and nature of infections in wild animals is still limited, the objective of this work was to detect the presence of Pneumocystis sp. in lungs of bats from two states from Brazil by Nested-PCR amplification. The bats, captured in caves and in urban areas, were obtained from the Program of Rabies Control of two States in Brazil, Mato Grosso and Rio Grande do Sul, located in the Mid-Western and Southern regions of the country, respectively. DNAs were extracted from 102 lung tissues and screened for Pneumocystis by nested PCR at the mtLSU rRNA gene and small subunit of mitochondrial ribosomal RNA (mtSSU rRNA). Gene amplification was performed using the mtLSU rRNA, the primer set pAZ102H - pAZ102E and pAZ102X - pAZY, and the mtSSU rRNA primer set pAZ102 10FRI - pAZ102 10R-RI and pAZ102 13RI - pAZ102 14RI. The most frequent bats were Tadarida brasiliensis (25), Desmodus rotundus (20), and Nyctinomops laticaudatus (19). Pneumocystis was more prevalent in the species Nyctinomops laticaudatus (26.3% = 5/19), Tadarida brasiliensis (24% = 6/25), and Desmodus rotundus (20% = 4/20). Besides these species, Pneumocystis also was detected in lungs from Molossus molossus (1/11, 9.1%), Artibeus fimbriatus (1/1, 100%), Sturnira lilium (1/3, 33.3%), Myotis levis (2/3, 66.7%)and Diphylla ecaudata (1/2, 50%). PCR products which could indicate the presence of Pneumocystis (21.56%) were identified in DNA samples obtained from 8 out of 16 classified species from both states (5 bats were not identified). This is the first report of detection of Pneumocystis in bats from Brazil.


Author(s):  
M. S. Pallavi ◽  
H. K. Ramappa ◽  
R. Harischandra Naik

Background: In a region of Karnataka, India with a varied type climate PPSMV infection on pigeonpea occurs in a severe form and considered as green plague and one of the most devastating diseases as it appear in severe form resulting in reduction of 100% yield loss transmitted by vector eriophyid mite Aceriacajani Channabasavanna. However, not much systematic and strategic research work being carried out on epidemiology. In spite of various control measures, Sterility Mosaic Disease has continued to be major constraint in pigeonpea production. A lot of variation exists among the genetic background of different varieties in different regions. These variations render it difficult to evolve a common management strategy to control SMD epidemics. Therefore, it is necessary to know the severity of disease and factors associated with disease development which helps in devising suitable management practices. Methods: To study the influence of sowing dates on SMD and vector population under field conditions. A total of twelve sets of sowings were made at different time interval starting from first week of January 2012 to December, 2012. The SMD disease incidence and mite population were recorded in each treatment at fifteen days interval. Under artificial environment, pigeonpea seedlings of variety ICP8863 were raised. Inoculation of virus was done at different stage of plant growth viz., 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90 days after sowing. The observation on terminal disease incidence was recorded at 90 DAS to study the impact of host age on SMD. The eight pigeonpea varieties were sown near the SMD infected plot so as to facilitate the movement of vector population under natural conditions to study the reaction of pigeonpea varieties to SMD. Naturally grown weeds present in and around the sterility mosaic screening nursery were collected at weekly interval to see the presence of mites. In a glass house experiment, twenty-three cultivated species of economic importance and three Nicotiana species were sown three replications to see the alternate host for the virus. Results: The fluctuation in disease incidence and mite population was recorded throughout the year and early stage of crop growth recorded less disease incidence with lower mite population and gradual increase was recorded at later stage of crop growth period. The maximum disease incidence and mite population was recorded in crop sown during month of June and July where mean temperature was 24 to 26oC, RH 67 to 71% and rainfall of 2.13mm. The disease incidence recorded at different months of sowing had a significant positive correlation with mite population. Pigeonpea plants inoculated up to age of 30 days showed complete sterility with 100% disease incidence. The Resistant genotypes recorded less per cent disease incidence and symptom development at 60DAS. Whereas susceptible variety recorded maximum diseases incidence at early stage of crop growth and showed complete sterility. PPSMV and its vector survived on the ratooned pigeonpea plants and its wild relatives Atylosiascaraboeides during off season.


Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 1424
Author(s):  
Ji-Young Kwon ◽  
Ji-Ye Seo ◽  
Tae-Yun Kim ◽  
Hee-Il Lee ◽  
Jung-Won Ju

Encephalitozoon intestinalis and Enterocytozoon bieneusi can cause diarrhea in humans, especially severe diarrhea in immunocompromised patients. However, there have been few studies on Enc. intestinalis and Ent. bieneusi in patients with acute diarrhea in the Republic of Korea (ROK). In this study, fecal samples were collected from 1241 patients with acute diarrhea in 2020. Among these, 24 cases of Enc. intestinalis and one case of Ent. bieneusi were detected via PCR amplification of small subunit ribosomal RNA. Genotyping of the internal transcribed spacer region sequence revealed that the detected Ent. bieneusi genotype was in Group 1. This study provides the first evidence that Ent. bieneusi exists in humans in addition to animals in the ROK. To identify the causative agent, continuous monitoring of Enc. intestinalis and Ent. bieneusi is necessary for patients with acute diarrhea in the ROK.


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