Article
Immunology
Kristyn A. Hoffman, Maria Jose Villar, Cristina Poveda, Maria Elena Bottazzi, Peter J. Hotez, David J. Tweardy, Kathryn M. Jones
Summary: The study investigated the role of STAT3 in cardiac pathology during CCC, finding that its inhibition eliminated cardiac fibrosis but increased inflammation. This suggests that STAT3 plays a critical role in the cardiac inflammatory-fibrotic axis in CCC.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Gregorio Guilherme Almeida, Inga Rimkute, Isabela Natalia Pascoal Campos Do Vale, Thomas Liechti, Priscilla Miranda Henriques, Ester Roffe, Fernanda Fortes de Araujo, Manoel Otavio da Costa Rocha, Silvana Maria Eloi Santos, Olindo Assis Martins-Filho, Dragana Jankovic, Alan Sher, Andrea Teixeira-Carvalho, Mario Roederer, Lis Ribeiro do Valle Antonelli
Summary: In this study, high-dimensional flow cytometry was used to evaluate CD4(+) T cells in patients with different clinical forms. The results showed that activated CD4(+) T cells were increased in patients, while functional regulatory T cells were reduced. These findings provide evidence for the involvement of these cells in the development of Chagas cardiomyopathy and their potential as biomarkers for disease progression.
JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Leticia Eligio Garcia, Maria Del Pilar Crisostomo Vazquez, Victor Alberto Maravelez Acosta, Mariana Soria Guerrero, Adrian Cortes Campos, Enedina Jimenez Cardoso
Summary: This study aimed to determine the presence of antigenic proteins of T. cruzi shared with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and neuroblastoma cells. The results contribute to a better understanding of the immune interactions between cancer and parasites, and provide insights for the design of cancer therapies.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Saul Gonzalez-Guzman, Patricia Gonzalez-Cano, Edward T. Bagu, Salvador Vazquez-Vega, Martha Martinez-Salazar, Margarita Juarez-Montiel, Adriana Gutierrez-Hoya, Jose A. Crescencio-Trujillo, Sokani Sanchez-Montes, Edith Fernandez-Figueroa, Erik A. Contreras-Lopez, Angel Guerra-Marquez, Carla Arroyo-Anduiza, Laura E. Angeles-Marquez, Eduardo Rodriguez-Trejo, Carolina Bekker-Mendez, Francisco X. Guerra-Castillo, Citlalli Regalado-Santiago, Emiliano Tesoro-Cruz, Norma Oviedo, Ana M. Victoria-Jardon, Jesus Bautista-Olvera, Pedro Garcia-Ramirez, Jose E. Vazquez-Meraz, Maria C. Contreras-Lozano, Veronica S. Castillo-Flores, Rogelio Guevara-Reyes, Alma R. Giron-Sanchez, H. D. Arenas-Luis, Maria Jose Pecero-Hidalgo, Emiliano Rios-Antonio, Natividad Ramirez-Pereda, Adalberto Martinez-Mora, Vladimir Paredes-Cervantes
Summary: The seroprevalence of Chagas disease in blood donors from the north of Mexico City and the northeast of the State of Mexico was found to be 0.23%. Most of the seropositive blood donors resided in the northeast area of the State of Mexico, Mexico City, and southern part of the State of Hidalgo, indicating the possibility of active transmission of Chagas disease in non-endemic regions.
ARCHIVES OF MEDICAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Mercedes Rubio-Hernandez, Veronica Alcolea, Silvia Perez-Silanes
Summary: Current treatment for Chagas disease is limited to two drugs, but compounds containing sulfur have shown potential against the parasite. Isosteric replacement of sulfur by selenium may be a promising strategy for the development of new compounds. Further studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of selenium compounds, and researchers propose potential new selenium compounds for future drug development.
Article
Infectious Diseases
A. Abras, C. Ballart, A. Fernandez-Arevalo, T. Llovet, M. Gallego, C. Munoz
Summary: The study evaluated two algorithms for the diagnosis of chronic and congenital Chagas disease, with CMIA showing potential as a single diagnostic test in non-endemic countries and the revised algorithm with the >= 6 S/CO proving to be an efficient method for chronic CD diagnosis. For infants with congenital infection, CMIA could potentially be used as a single test for screening at 10 months or earlier, but further research is needed.
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Maria Claudia Silva, Tiago da Silva Medina, Carlos Alessandro Fuzo, Fabricio Cesar Dias, Felipe Freitas-Castro, Kiyoshi Ferreira Fukutani, Eduardo Antonio Donadi, Edecio Cunha-Neto, Thiago Mattar Cunha, Joao Santana Silva
Summary: The PIK3CG CT and TT genotypes are associated with an increased risk of developing the cardiac form of Chagas disease, suggesting that the T allele may differentiate the cardiac from other clinical manifestations of the disease. Further studies are needed to evaluate the mechanisms underlying this differential association.
INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Biology
Martha Alicia Ballinas-Verdugo, Rogelio Frank Jimenez-Ortega, Eduardo Martinez-Martinez, Nancy Rivas, Erick Abraham Contreras-Lopez, Roxana Carbo, Fausto Sanchez, Rafael Bojalil, Ricardo Marquez-Velasco, Fausto Sanchez-Munoz, Ricardo Alejandre-Aguilar
Summary: The expression levels of inflammatory microRNAs miR-21, miR-146a and miR-155 were up-regulated in both acutely and chronically infected mouse samples. Notably, miR-146a was consistently up-regulated in all samples from both phases, indicating its potential as a candidate biomarker for Chagas disease.
BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Correction
Cell Biology
Patricia Rocha Martins, Josiane Fakhry, Adriana Jacauna de Oliveira, Thayse Batista Moreira, Linda J. Fothergill, Enio Chaves de Oliveira, Debora d'Avila Reis, John B. Furness
Summary: The correction provides the correct affiliations for each author.
HISTOCHEMISTRY AND CELL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Any Laura Flores-Villegas, Jesus Guillermo Jimenez-Cortes, James Gonzalez, Adriana Moreno-Rodriguez, Rebeca Perez-Cabeza de Vaca, Claudia Segal-Kischinevzky, Martha Bucio-Torres, Jose A. De Fuentes-Vicente, Elisabeth Nava-Lazaro, Paz Maria Salazar-Schettino, Margarita Cabrera Bravo
Summary: Trypanosoma cruzi, a parasite transmitted by triatomines, shows different virulence, tropism, and tssa gene expression in different isolates obtained from various triatomine species in Mexico.
Article
Immunology
Esthefany S. Rodrigues, Gilbert Q. Santos, Marlon Vicente da Silva, Juliana H. S. Barros, Aline R. Bernardo, Rafaela L. Diniz, Nara M. Rubim, Andre L. R. Roque, Ana Maria Jansen, Edimilson D. Silva, Samanta C. C. Xavier
Summary: In this study, a rapid lateral flow immunochromatographic test for the diagnosis of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in domestic dogs was evaluated, and the potential application of this method to wild canid species was explored. The results showed that this test has high sensitivity and specificity, and it is suitable for detecting different discrete typing units of T. cruzi infection. Furthermore, it can also be used for the diagnosis of T. cruzi infection in wild canid species.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Indira Chakravarti, Monica Miranda-Schaeubinger, Adriana Ruiz-Remigio, Carlos Briones-Garduno, Edith A. Fernandez-Figueroa, Concepcion Celeste Villanueva-Cabello, Alejandra Borge-Villareal, Yadira Bejar-Ramirez, Alejandro Perez-Gonzalez, Cesar Rivera-Benitez, Eyal Oren, Heidi E. Brown, Ingeborg Becker, Robert H. Gilman
Summary: This study aimed to screen pregnant women from endemic areas for Trypanosoma cruzi infection and provide timely treatment for Chagas disease. Among 150 pregnant women, 20% tested positive, but only 6% were confirmed positive by PCR. Current diagnostic tests have limitations, and further evaluation of different assays may improve the diagnosis and management of Chagas disease.
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ochoa-Martinez Paulina, Lopez-Monteon Aracely, Lopez-Dominguez Jaime, Torres-Montero Jesus, Dominguez-Guillen Jorge Alberto, Ramos-Ligonio Angel
Summary: Chagas disease, considered a neglected disease, is becoming important in urban areas due to urbanization and migration of infected people. Vector adaptation processes associated with climate change may be responsible for the presence of the vector in urban areas. This study reports the occurrence of an infected triatomine in an urban area in Veracruz, Mexico, and provides information on the molecular characteristics of the Trypanosoma cruzi isolate obtained, as well as the serological data of the inhabitants.
ZOONOSES AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Isabel Garcia-Bermejo, David Molina Arana, Gloria Zaragoza Vargas, Blanca Carrasco Fernandez, Emilia Garcia, Javier Nieto, Maria Delmans Flores-Chavez
Summary: Chagas disease is a significant public health problem even in non-endemic regions, with Spain ranking second in imported cases of T. cruzi infection. Two fully automated chemiluminescence immunoassays, CHR and TESA, were evaluated for their sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing CD. The assays demonstrated high specificity and potential for serological screening and confirmation of T. cruzi infection.
Article
Parasitology
Thiago Kury Moreno de Souza, Elizabeth Visone Nunes Westphalen, Sansao da Rocha Westphalen, Helena Hilomi Taniguchi, Carlos Roberto Elias, Gabriela Motoie, Ricardo Gava, Vera Lucia Pereira-Chioccola, Christina Terra Gallafrio Novaes, Noemia Barbosa Carvalho, Edimar Alcides Bocchi, Fatima das Dores da Cruz, Mussya Cisotto Rocha, Samuel Katsuyuki Shinjo, Maria Aparecida Shikanai-Yasuda, Paola Andrea Ortiz, Marta Maria Geraldes Teixeira, Jose Eduardo Tolezano
Summary: This study aimed to molecularly characterize Trypanosoma cruzi strains isolated in the state of São Paulo, identifying the DTUs involved and evaluating their genetic diversity. The most prevalent DTU identified was TcII/VI, associated with domestic cycles and patients with chronic Chagas disease. The correlation of study results with complementary information suggested that TcII is the predominant lineage in this work.
MEMORIAS DO INSTITUTO OSWALDO CRUZ
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Nathan M. Ryan, Jessica A. Hess, Fernando Pardo-Manuel de Villena, Benjamin E. Leiby, Ayako Shimada, Lei Yu, Amir Yarmahmoodi, Nikolai Petrovsky, Bin Zhan, Maria Elena Bottazzi, Benjamin L. Makepeace, Sara Lustigman, David Abraham
Summary: This study demonstrated that an Onchocerca volvulus vaccine can induce protective immunity in genetically diverse mice, with each mouse line showing a unique immune response to the vaccine and challenge. The findings suggest that the vaccine is polyfunctional and effective in genetically complex populations.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Camila Coelho, Gloria Gallo, Leon Hardy, Maria Elena Bottazzi, Claudia Campos, Martin Wurtele
Summary: The Zika virus protease is a well-established target for drug development. In this study, researchers identified 10 new inhibitors for this enzyme, including natural products and other compounds. The inhibitors demonstrated strong inhibitory effects in biochemical assays and showed beneficial health effects with acceptable pharmacokinetic properties.
Article
Biology
Kamal Rawal, Robin Sinha, Swarsat Kaushik Nath, P. Preeti, Priya Kumari, Srijanee Gupta, Trapti Sharma, Ulrich Strych, Peter Hotez, Maria Elena Bottazzi
Summary: The article presents Vaxi-DL, a web-based deep learning software that evaluates the potential of protein sequences as vaccine target antigens. The software accurately predicts target antigens in bacteria, protozoa, fungi, and viruses that cause infectious diseases in humans. The tool has demonstrated a high sensitivity, making it useful for prioritizing potential vaccine candidates.
COMPUTERS IN BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Lisa Luu, Germanus S. Bah, Ndode Herman Okah-Nnane, Catherine S. Hartley, Alexandra F. Glover, Tessa R. Walsh, Lu-Yun Lian, Bin Zhan, Maria Elena Bottazzi, David Abraham, Nikolai Petrovsky, Nicolas Bayang, Bernard Tangwa, Rene Billingwe Ayiseh, Glory Enjong Mbah, David D. Ekale, Vincent N. Tanya, Sara Lustigman, Benjamin L. Makepeace, John Graham-Brown
Summary: This study evaluated the protective effects of co-administering leading O. volvulus-derived recombinant vaccine candidates with subsequent natural exposure to a closely related cattle parasite. The results showed that vaccinated calves had a significantly lower rate of infection compared to unvaccinated control animals. Furthermore, the levels of specific antibodies were negatively correlated with adult female worm burdens. The findings suggest that vaccine formulations for human onchocerciasis should aim to elicit similarly balanced immune responses.
Article
Immunology
Eric Dumonteil, Claudia Herrera, Preston A. Marx
Summary: This study tested the safety and efficacy of a therapeutic DNA vaccine for preventing cardiac alterations in experimentally infected macaques. The results showed that the vaccine was safe and prevented the onset of cardiac alterations.
JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY IMMUNOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Hans Desale, Pierre Buekens, Jackeline Alger, Maria Luisa Cafferata, Emily Wheeler Harville, Claudia Herrera, Carine Truyens, Eric Dumonteil
Summary: The study assessed the epigenetic effects of in utero exposure to maternal Trypanosoma cruzi infection. By comparing the DNA methylation patterns of umbilical cord blood cells from uninfected babies with chagasic and uninfected mothers, a differential DNA methylation signature was identified. The genes affected are related to hematopoietic cell differentiation, immune response, and developmental disorders.
Article
Microbiology
Samuel C. Uzoechi, Bruce A. Rosa, Kumar Sachin Singh, Young-Jun Choi, Bethany K. Bracken, Paul J. Brindley, R. Reid Townsend, Robert Sprung, Bin Zhan, Maria-Elena Bottazzi, John M. Hawdon, Yide Wong, Alex Loukas, Sergej Djuranovic, Makedonka Mitreva
Summary: We used mass spectrometry to analyze and compare the excretory/secretory products (ESPs) of male and female Ancylostoma ceylanicum, a zoonotic hookworm. We identified 795 ESPs with common and sex-specific functions, providing insights into parasite-host interactions and potential targets for drug development.
Article
Parasitology
Christian Florian Teh-Poot, Victor Manuel Dzul-Huchim, Jonathan M. Mercado, Liliana Estefania Villanueva-Lizama, Maria Elena Bottazzi, Kathryn M. Jones, Francis T. F. Tsai, Julio Vladimir Cruz-Chan
Summary: This study established a convenient method to assess the differentiation status of Leishmania mexicana using flow cytometry, and found that flow cytometry can reliably quantify parasite differentiation in cell culture as light microscopy. Additionally, miltefosine was shown to reduce the promastigote-to-amastigote differentiation of L. mexicana. Flow cytometry provides a rapid means to assay the efficacy of small molecules or natural compounds as potential anti-leishmanial drugs.
EXPERIMENTAL PARASITOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Evan M. Teal, Claudia M. Herrera, Eric M. Dumonteil
Summary: This study investigated the differences in gut microbiota between nymph and adult Triatoma sanguisuga, a major vector of Trypanosoma cruzi in the southeastern US. The results showed significant differences in microbiota composition and diversity between the two developmental stages. Laboratory-raised nymphs had a higher taxonomic diversity, while field-caught adults had a lower bacterial diversity. These differences in composition were associated with differences in metabolism, with nymphs metabolizing a limited diversity of carbon sources and producing lactic acid, while adults had a broader diversity of carbon sources and produced a variety of products. These findings provide insights into the metabolic interactions between triatomines and their gut microbiota, potentially leading to new vector control strategies.
Article
Immunology
Kathryn M. Jones, Elise N. Mangin, Corey L. Reynolds, Liliana E. Villanueva, Julio Vladimir Cruz, Leroy Versteeg, Brian Keegan, April Kendricks, Jeroen Pollet, Fabian Gusovsky, Maria Elena Bottazzi, Peter J. Hotez
Summary: Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi infection, affects millions of people worldwide. The major clinical manifestation is chronic Chagasic cardiomyopathy (CCC) with various symptoms. Current treatments have limited efficacy. Researchers developed a vaccine-linked chemotherapy strategy using a recombinant protein vaccine and low dose benznidazole treatment, which improved cardiac function in a mouse model of chronic T. cruzi infection.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Alvaro Proano, Eric Dumonteil, Claudia Herrera
Summary: Chagas disease is a major public health problem in the Americas, affecting 7 million people with at least 65 million at risk. Our study in New Orleans, Louisiana found a low level of disease surveillance and a need for increased awareness and education among healthcare workers.
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Peter J. J. Hotez, Maria Elena Bottazzi
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Syamala Rani Thimmiraju, Rakesh Adhikari, Maria Jose Villar, Jungsoon Lee, Zhuyun Liu, Rakhi Kundu, Yi-Lin Chen, Suman Sharma, Karm Ghei, Brian Keegan, Leroy Versteeg, Portia M. Gillespie, Allan Ciciriello, Nelufa Y. Islam, Cristina Poveda, Nestor Uzcategui, Wen-Hsiang Chen, Jason T. Kimata, Bin Zhan, Ulrich Strych, Maria Elena Bottazzi, Peter J. Hotez, Jeroen Pollet
Summary: The study describes the development and characterization of a next-generation SARS-CoV-2 vaccine adapted to the XBB variants. The XBB.1.5 RBD/CpG/alum vaccine elicited a robust antibody response in mice and demonstrated potent neutralization against several Omicron pseudoviruses. These findings highlight the potential for an updated vaccine formulation utilizing the XBB.1.5 RBD antigen.
Article
Microbiology
Eric Dumonteil, Hans Desale, Weihong Tu, Nora Hernandez-Cuevas, Monica Shroyer, Kelly Goff, Preston A. Marx, Claudia Herrera
Summary: In this study, the dynamics and pathogenesis of Trypanosoma cruzi parasite in naturally infected rhesus macaques were assessed over a 2.5-year period. It was found that parasite diversity influenced the progression of the disease, with individuals controlling parasite levels having a greater diversity of parasite strains. Additionally, the rate of parasite multiplication decreased with increasing parasite diversity, suggesting competition or a stronger immune response in multiple infections. The study also observed significant differences in electrocardiographic profiles between Chagasic macaques and uninfected controls, with changes in ECG patterns over time only occurring in macaques with increasing parasite levels and lower parasite diversity. Disease progression was associated with plasma fibronectin degradation, which may serve as a biomarker. These findings provide a new framework for understanding the pathogenesis of Chagas disease.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)