scholarly journals Reconstitution and Transmission of Gut Microbiomes and Their Genes between Generations

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 70
Author(s):  
Eugene Rosenberg ◽  
Ilana Zilber-Rosenberg

Microbiomes are transmitted between generations by a variety of different vertical and/or horizontal modes, including vegetative reproduction (vertical), via female germ cells (vertical), coprophagy and regurgitation (vertical and horizontal), physical contact starting at birth (vertical and horizontal), breast-feeding (vertical), and via the environment (horizontal). Analyses of vertical transmission can result in false negatives (failure to detect rare microbes) and false positives (strain variants). In humans, offspring receive most of their initial gut microbiota vertically from mothers during birth, via breast-feeding and close contact. Horizontal transmission is common in marine organisms and involves selectivity in determining which environmental microbes can colonize the organism’s microbiome. The following arguments are put forth concerning accurate microbial transmission: First, the transmission may be of functions, not necessarily of species; second, horizontal transmission may be as accurate as vertical transmission; third, detection techniques may fail to detect rare microbes; lastly, microbiomes develop and reach maturity with their hosts. In spite of the great variation in means of transmission discussed in this paper, microbiomes and their functions are transferred from one generation of holobionts to the next with fidelity. This provides a strong basis for each holobiont to be considered a unique biological entity and a level of selection in evolution, largely maintaining the uniqueness of the entity and conserving the species from one generation to the next.

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 518-539
Author(s):  
Peuli Nath ◽  
Md Alamgir Kabir ◽  
Somaiyeh Khoubafarin Doust ◽  
Aniruddha Ray

Herpes is a widespread viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) that has no permanent cure to date. There are two subtypes, HSV-1 and HSV-2, that are known to cause a variety of symptoms, ranging from acute to chronic. HSV is highly contagious and can be transmitted via any type of physical contact. Additionally, viral shedding can also happen from asymptomatic infections. Thus, early and accurate detection of HSV is needed to prevent the transmission of this infection. Herpes can be diagnosed in two ways, by either detecting the presence of the virus in lesions or the antibodies in the blood. Different detection techniques are available based on both laboratory and point of care (POC) devices. Laboratory techniques include different biochemical assays, microscopy, and nucleic acid amplification. In contrast, POC techniques include microfluidics-based tests that enable on-spot testing. Here, we aim to review the different diagnostic techniques, both laboratory-based and POC, their limits of detection, sensitivity, and specificity, as well as their advantages and disadvantages.


2020 ◽  
Vol 125 (6) ◽  
pp. 981-991 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pedro E Gundel ◽  
Prudence Sun ◽  
Nikki D Charlton ◽  
Carolyn A Young ◽  
Tom E X Miller ◽  
...  

Abstract Background and Aims The processes that maintain variation in the prevalence of symbioses within host populations are not well understood. While the fitness benefits of symbiosis have clearly been shown to drive changes in symbiont prevalence, the rate of transmission has been less well studied. Many grasses host symbiotic fungi (Epichloë spp.), which can be transmitted vertically to seeds or horizontally via spores. These symbionts may protect plants against herbivores by producing alkaloids or by increasing tolerance to damage. Therefore, herbivory may be a key ecological factor that alters symbiont prevalence within host populations by affecting either symbiont benefits to host fitness or the symbiont transmission rate. Here, we addressed the following questions: Does symbiont presence modulate plant tolerance to herbivory? Does folivory increase symbiont vertical transmission to seeds or hyphal density in seedlings? Do plants with symbiont horizontal transmission have lower rates of vertical transmission than plants lacking horizontal transmission? Methods We studied the grass Poa autumnalis and its symbiotic fungi in the genus Epichloë. We measured plant fitness (survival, growth, reproduction) and symbiont transmission to seeds following simulated folivory in a 3-year common garden experiment and surveyed natural populations that varied in mode of symbiont transmission. Key Results Poa autumnalis hosted two Epichloë taxa, an undescribed vertically transmitted Epichloë sp. PauTG-1 and E. typhina subsp. poae with both vertical and horizontal transmission. Simulated folivory reduced plant survival, but endophyte presence increased tolerance to damage and boosted fitness. Folivory increased vertical transmission and hyphal density within seedlings, suggesting induced protection for progeny of damaged plants. Across natural populations, the prevalence of vertical transmission did not correlate with symbiont prevalence or differ with mode of transmission. Conclusions Herbivory not only mediated the reproductive fitness benefits of symbiosis, but also promoted symbiosis prevalence by increasing vertical transmission of the fungus to the next generation. Our results reveal a new mechanism by which herbivores could influence the prevalence of microbial symbionts in host populations.


2015 ◽  
Vol 282 (1818) ◽  
pp. 20152068 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veronika Bernhauerová ◽  
Luděk Berec ◽  
Daniel Maxin

Early male-killing (MK) bacteria are vertically transmitted reproductive parasites which kill male offspring that inherit them. Whereas their incidence is well documented, characteristics allowing originally non-MK bacteria to gradually evolve MK ability remain unclear. We show that horizontal transmission is a mechanism enabling vertically transmitted bacteria to evolve fully efficient MK under a wide range of host and parasite characteristics, especially when the efficacy of vertical transmission is high. We also show that an almost 100% vertically transmitted and 100% effective male-killer may evolve from a purely horizontally transmitted non-MK ancestor, and that a 100% efficient male-killer can form a stable coexistence only with a non-MK bacterial strain. Our findings are in line with the empirical evidence on current MK bacteria, explain their high efficacy in killing infected male embryos and their variability within and across insect taxa, and suggest that they may have evolved independently in phylogenetically distinct species.


2020 ◽  
Vol 86 (20) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jack Pilgrim ◽  
Stefanos Siozios ◽  
Matthew Baylis ◽  
Gregory D. D. Hurst

ABSTRACT Rickettsia is a genus of intracellular bacteria which can manipulate host reproduction and alter sensitivity to natural enemy attack in a diverse range of arthropods. The maintenance of Rickettsia endosymbionts in insect populations can be achieved through both vertical and horizontal transmission routes. For example, the presence of the symbiont in the follicle cells and salivary glands of Bemisia whiteflies allows Belli group Rickettsia transmission via the germ line and plants, respectively. However, the transmission routes of other Rickettsia bacteria, such as those in the Torix group of the genus, remain underexplored. Through fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) screening, this study describes the pattern of Torix Rickettsia tissue tropisms in the highland midge, Culicoides impunctatus (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). Of note is the high intensity of infection of the ovarian suspensory ligament, suggestive of a novel germ line targeting strategy. Additionally, localization of the symbiont in tissues of several developmental stages suggests transstadial transmission is a major route for ensuring maintenance of Rickettsia within C. impunctatus populations. Aside from providing insights into transmission strategies, the presence of Rickettsia bacteria in the fat body of larvae indicates potential host fitness and vector capacity impacts to be investigated in the future. IMPORTANCE Microbial symbionts of disease vectors have garnered recent attention due to their ability to alter vectorial capacity. Their consideration as a means of arbovirus control depends on symbiont vertical transmission, which leads to spread of the bacteria through a population. Previous work has identified a Rickettsia symbiont present in several species of biting midges (Culicoides spp.), which transmit bluetongue and Schmallenberg arboviruses. However, symbiont transmission strategies and host effects remain underexplored. In this study, we describe the presence of Rickettsia in the ovarian suspensory ligament of Culicoides impunctatus. Infection of this organ suggests the connective tissue surrounding developing eggs is important for ensuring vertical transmission of the symbiont in midges and possibly other insects. Additionally, our results indicate Rickettsia localization in the fat body of Culicoides impunctatus. As the arboviruses spread by midges often replicate in the fat body, this location implies possible symbiont-virus interactions to be further investigated.


2003 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Camilla Björkman ◽  
Milton M. McAllister ◽  
Jenny Frössling ◽  
Katarina Näslund ◽  
Felicia Leung ◽  
...  

Point-source infections are most likely the cause for Neospora caninum–induced abortion outbreaks in cattle, whereas an increased annual abortion rate may be a consequence of vertical transmission. The aims of the present study were to examine the reproductive effects of neosporosis in a beef herd for 3 years, after a point-source outbreak and to use IgG avidity serology to examine the chronicity of infections and patterns of transmission. During the study, 76–78% of animals were seropositive for N. caninum. The pregnancy rate varied from 88% to 94%, without any reduction in the pregnancy rate of seropositive cows compared with seronegative cows. The annual abortion rate was 2.5–5.5%, and all but 1 abortion occurred in seropositive dams. The efficiency of vertical transmission was estimated to be 85%. Several calves, born to seronegative dams, were seropositive at 6–13 months of age, indicating a 22% mean annual rate of horizontal transmission. The mean avidity in seropositive cows increased from 30 during the initial outbreak to 74 after 3 years. The mode of IgG avidity was 21–40 during the initial abortion outbreak, 41–60 after 1 year, and 61–80 after 2 and 3 years. The results reveal high annual rates of both vertical and horizontal transmission of N. caninum in a herd of beef cows and provide further validation on the ability of the N. caninum IgG avidity ELISA to accurately assess the chronicity of infection.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cynthia Tamandjou Tchuem ◽  
Mark Fredric Cotton ◽  
Etienne Nel ◽  
Richard Tedder ◽  
Wolfgang Preiser ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Whilst much attention is given to eliminating HIV mother-to-child transmission (MTCT), little has been done to ensure the same for hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission. The introduction of HBV immunization at six weeks of age has reduced HBV horizontal transmission in South Africa. However, in order to eliminate HBV MTCT, further interventions are needed. The risk of hepatitis C virus (HCV) MTCT in HIV-infected (HIV+) African women is not yet well described. This study aimed to determine the rate of HBV and HCV vertical transmission in HIV-exposed infants in South Africa. Methods Serum samples from infants enrolled in an isoniazid prevention study (P1041) were screened for HBV and HCV serology markers; screening was performed on samples collected at approximately 60 weeks of age of the infants. HBV DNA was quantified in HBsAg positive samples and HBV strains characterized through gene sequencing. All HCV antibody samples with inconclusive results underwent molecular testing. Results Three of 821 infants were positive for both HBsAg and HBV DNA. All HBV strains belonged to HBV sub-genotype A1. The rtM204I mutation associated with lamivudine resistance was identified in one infant, a second infant harboured the double A1762T/G1764A BCP mutation. Phylogenetic analysis showed clustering between mother and infant viral genomic sequences. Twenty-one of 821 HIV-exposed infants tested had inconclusive HCV antibody results, none were HCV PCR positive. Conclusions This study suggests that HBV vertical transmission is likely to be occurring in HIV-exposed infants in South Africa.. A more robust strategy of HBV prevention, including birth dose vaccination, is required to eradicate HBV MTCT. HCV infection was not detected.


Author(s):  
Ayşegül Dönmez ◽  
Nevin Canbulut ◽  
Zekiye Karacam

SARS-CoV-2 is a virus that is easily transmitted by close physical contact and droplets. Healthcare workers, especially midwives and nurses working in environments that require close contact working conditions, such as the emergency room and delivery room, have a high risk of encountering this virus. Healthcare workers can easily carry these viruses into their family environments. This study aimed to present a case study to share the disease experience and clinical features of a midwife who worked in the emergency room and had presented with no indications but received a COVID-19 positive test. When this healthcare worker first learned about the disease, it was found that she had many complex and negative emotions, received hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) 2*200 mg oral tablet treatment for five days at home, had very rare symptoms of dry cough, weakness, and loss of smell and taste, and her life findings were within normal limits, despite the fact that she felt guilty and questioned her profession, had fear of stigmatization, and had limited social support.


SARS-CoV-2 is closely related to the original SARS-CoV. It is thought to have animal based origin from Bats(Betacoronavirus) in subgenus (Sarbecoronavirus) together with two bat-derived strains The virus is mainly spread between people during physical contact, often through small droplets produced during coughing, sneezing, even talking to patient or infected people. It is primarily spread during close contact and via small droplets produced when infected people cough, sneeze or talk with close contact being within 1–3 m (3 ft 3 in–9 ft 10 in). Those infected with the virus may be asymptomatic (Appearance of No symptoms) or develop flu-like symptom which include fever, cough, fatigue, and shortness of breath. The exposure time to initial symptom is day five (5 days). Majority of cases result in mild symptoms, some progress to viral pneumonia and multiple organ failure. Two medicinal plants may be used for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2, the two medicinal plants are Aframomum melegueta and Spondis mombin (Linn). Both contains arrays of natural product that may be used for drug formulation to combat SARS-CoV-2, Aframomum melegueta medicinal plant belong to the family Zingiberaceae which can be used to detoxify liver and bronchitis during lungs infection. Aframomum melegueta contains 6-Gingerol, 8-Gingerol, Methyl-6-Gingerol, 6-Shogaol, 6-Rac-6-Dihydro paradol,6-Gingeredione, 2-(5 butylfuran-2-yl) ethyl}-2-methoxyphenol and 6-Paradol. Secondary metabolite(Phytochemical)investigations of Aframomum melegueta extracts revealed the presence of (-)-buplerol, (-)-arctigenin, (E)- 14-hydroxy-15-norlabda-8(17), 12-dien- 16-al, labda-8(17), 12-dien-15, 16- dial, 16-oxo-8(17), 12(E)-labdadien-15-oic acid, 5-hydroxy-7-methoxy flavone and apigenin, The combination of all this novel compound can be used for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2. Spondias mombin belongs to the family of Anacardiaceae medicinal plants and contains Catechin and Epigalocatechin, Epicatechin, Stigmasterol and Phytosterol, a very important flavonoid that can be used in drug formulation because of its extensive therapeutic properties which may inhibit specific enzymes, blocking the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) that raises blood pressure of infected patient during elevated fever clinical symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). Spondias monbin extract may act by blocking the “suicide” enzyme cyclooxygenase that breaks down prostaglandins, they also prevent platelet aggregation. Cancer-battling antioxidants, flavonoids, have been found in relative abundance in Aframomum melegueta and Spondias mombin. Epicatechin have been proven to have diverse benefits to human health. It reduces the risks of diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases, EGC acts as a strong inhibitor of HIV replication in cultured peripheral blood cells and inhibition of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase in vitro. EGC binds directly to CD4 molecules with consequent inhibition of Gp 120 binding and inactivate viruses in vitro by deformation of phospholipids, Epicatechin and other polyphenols decreases the susceptibility of low density lipoprotein to oxidation which prevents the initiation of artherosclerosis, HIV protein (Tat) and gp120.In conclusion. SARS-CoV-2(COVID-19) pandemic infection should not be a death sentence, it should be an advancement into the scientific world especially the naturally occurring product that can be used in the formulation of new antimicrobial agents.


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