Review
Pathology
Blaine A. Mathison, Bobbi S. Pritt
Summary: The landscape of parasitic infections in the United States has undergone significant changes over the past century. While some infections have been eliminated, others remain a public health risk. This article discusses the biology, diagnostic histopathological features, and epidemiology of endemic parasitic infections commonly seen in anatomical pathology preparations. © 2023 United States & Canadian Academy of Pathology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Article
Immunology
Sahar Behboud, Kavous Solhjoo, Saiedeh Erfanian, Majid Pirestani, Amir Abdoli
Summary: This study found that asymptomatic Blastocystis infection could alter the composition of gut bacteria in healthy individuals, including upregulation of certain bacteria and downregulation of others.
MICROBIAL PATHOGENESIS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Brice Autier, Jean-Pierre Gangneux, Florence Robert-Gangneux
Summary: The diagnosis of intestinal parasitic infections commonly relies on microscopic examination, but the ParaFlo(R) assays offer improved reliability and ease of use. When compared to routine methods, ParaFlo(R) showed similar performance in protozoa detection but slightly poorer performance in helminth detection.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Xiaohui Chen, Yu Jiang, Zhuo Wang, Youhai Chen, Shihua Tang, Shuyue Wang, Li Su, Xiaodan Huang, Danfeng Long, Liang Wang, Wei Guo, Ying Zhang
Summary: Zinc deficiency can lead to changes in gut microbiome composition and function in school-age children, with specific bacteria potentially serving as biomarkers for zinc deficiency.
Review
Biology
Magdalena Dubik, Bartosz Pilecki, Jesper Bonnet Moeller
Summary: This article reviews the interaction between intestinal protozoa and microbiota and highlights the importance of future research in this field. Studies have shown that protozoa may play a significant role in modulating intestinal immune responses and overall human health.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Juliana Bruno Borges Souza, Zara Mariana de Assis Silva, Bruna Samara Alves-Ribeiro, Iago de Sa Moraes, Ana Vitoria Alves-Sobrinho, Klaus Casaro Saturnino, Henrique Trevizoli Ferraz, Monica Rodrigues Ferreira Machado, Isis Assis Braga, Dirceu Guilherme de Souza Ramos
Summary: This study aimed to identify the main intestinal parasites and their associated risk factors in dogs and cats in Jata, Brazil. The results showed that gastrointestinal diseases caused by parasites are common in domestic animals, posing a risk to human health due to zoonoses. Risk factors for parasitism include age, average income of owners, access to garbage and sewage, outdated deworming, and contact with animals. Establishing public policies and implementing preventive and control measures are necessary to reduce parasite occurrence and human exposure to pathogenic agents.
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Erica Marchiori, Federica Obber, Roberto Celva, Federica Marcer, Patrizia Danesi, Anna Maurizio, Lucia Cenni, Alessandro Massolo, Carlo Vittorio Citterio, Rudi Cassini
Summary: This study evaluated the performance of two copromicroscopic techniques in detecting and estimating the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths in red foxes. The results showed that the sensitivity of fecal flotation technique was low, while multiplex PCR identification method performed better. The study also found that copromicroscopic tests tend to underestimate the prevalence of helminthic infections.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Sergio Castaneda, Alberto Paniz-Mondolfi, Juan David Ramirez
Summary: Helminth infections, particularly roundworm infections, are a global public health issue, especially in low- and middle-income countries. These infections not only impact human health but also affect animal well-being, particularly in the swine industry. The interactions between host and helminth parasites are complex and play a crucial role in understanding the biology and pathophysiology of these infections. The immunomodulatory capacity of helminths has been extensively studied, and recently, the interaction between helminths and the host intestinal microbiota has gained interest for its role in initial infection, survival, and chronic infections. This review provides an overview of these interactions and their impact on host immunity, aiming to contribute to the development of effective control and therapeutic strategies.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Gema Fernandez-Rivas, Belen Rivaya, Nona Romani, Jun Hao Wang Wang, Mireya Alcaide, Lurdes Matas
Summary: The SediMAX2 automated microscope shows high sensitivity and specificity in detecting intestinal parasitic infections, making it a reliable diagnostic tool.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Jiayin Liu, Zhanyuan Gao, Chuanqi Liu, Tianyao Liu, Junwei Gao, Yun Cai, Xiaotang Fan
Summary: This review summarized the potential link between gut microbiota dysbiosis and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and discussed the role of gut microbiota and their metabolites in the onset and progression of ASD. In addition, microbial-based therapeutic interventions were highlighted, with a focus on their potential benefits on behavioral symptoms of ASD. However, further research is needed to clarify the precise contribution of altering gut microbiome to treating core symptoms in ASD.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Yaping Wang, Xuwen Li, Xiushuang Chen, Muhammad Fakhar-e-Alam Kulyar, Kun Duan, Huade Li, Zeeshan Ahmad Bhutta, Yi Wu, Kun Li
Summary: This study investigated the changes in the host fungal community during natural Cryptosporidium infection. The results showed an increased abundance of fungi associated with health hazards and a decrease in fungi with favorable effects on the host. These findings suggest the potential use of specific fungal microorganisms for therapy or prevention strategies.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Yin Fu, Kaihui Zhang, Mengyao Yang, Xiaoying Li, Yuancai Chen, Junqiang Li, Huiyan Xu, Pitambar Dhakal, Longxian Zhang
Summary: This study aims to reveal the relationship between intestinal protozoan parasites and the other gut microbiome in calves. Different parasites show different relationships with the gut microecology, affecting not only bacteria but also fungi and archaea. The findings highlight the importance of understanding the interactions between parasites and gut microbes.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Kanchan Jaswal, Olivia A. Todd, Judith Behnsen
Summary: A diverse array of microorganisms, including bacteria as the most abundant and studied members, inhabit the human intestinal tract. However, the gut microbiome also consists of viruses, archaea, fungi, protists, and parasitic worms, which have been less studied but play important roles in health and disease. This review focuses on these understudied members, detailing their composition, development, and functional interactions with enteric pathogens. It presents both general concepts and specific examples of how non-bacterial gut communities modulate bacterial pathogenesis, highlighting the need for including these communities in future gut microbiome research.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Mariana Pinheiro Alves Vasconcelos, Juan Camilo Sanchez-Arcila, Luciana Peres, Paulo Sergio Fonseca de Sousa, Marcelo Augusto dos Santos Alvarenga, Julio Castro-Alves, Maria de Fatima Ferreira-da-Cruz, Marilza Maia-Herzog, Joseli Oliveira-Ferreira
Summary: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Brazilian Amazon rainforest region to assess the prevalence and association between malarial and intestinal parasitic infections. The study found high prevalence of malaria, intestinal protozoan infection, and intestinal helminth infection. Polyparasitism was common, highlighting the need for comprehensive control measures.
JOURNAL OF INFECTION AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ali Taghipour, Ehsan Javanmard, Hanieh Mohammad Rahimi, Amir Abdoli, Sara Matin, Marzieh Haghbin, Meysam Olfatifar, Hamed Mirjalali, Mohammad Reza Zali
Summary: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the prevalence and odds ratio (OR) of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) in patients with diabetes. The study revealed a higher prevalence of IPIs in patients with diabetes compared to controls, especially for hookworm, Cryptosporidium spp., and Blastocystis sp. infections. The findings suggest the importance of implementing health education programs and prevention measures for IPIs in patients with diabetes.
INTERNATIONAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Harold Suarez-Baron, Juan F. Alzate, Favio Gonzalez, Soraya Pelaz, Barbara A. Ambrose, Natalia Pabon-Mora
Summary: This study assessed the expression patterns of key genes involved in trichome development in the magnoliid Aristolochia fimbriata, revealing differences in gene expression in floral organs compared to vegetative tissues. The findings suggest a simpler genetic mechanism governing trichome development in flowers of early-divergent angiosperms. The results imply that the canonical trichome gene expression is more conserved in vegetative tissues than in floral organs across angiosperms.
Article
Microbiology
Karen L. F. Alvarez-Eraso, Laura M. Munoz-Martinez, Juan F. Alzate, Luis F. Barrera, Andres Baena
Summary: Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is a pathogen causing tuberculosis (TB) in humans. Some circulating strains of Mtb are more virulent and transmissible than others. sRNAs, including Mcr11, play a crucial role in the adaptive response of Mtb to host immune responses. Knocking down of mcr11 leads to downregulation of genes involved in lipid synthesis, metabolism, respiratory and energy systems, membrane and cell wall components, intermediary metabolism, and virulence genes. The sRNA Mcr11 may regulate genes that control Mtb growth and osmoregulation, with OprA (encoded by the gene rv0516c) being one of the interesting genes involved.
CURRENT MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Hector de Lucio, Javier Garcia-Marin, Patricia Sanchez-Alonso, Juan Carlos Garcia-Soriano, Miguel Angel Toro, Juan J. Vaquero, Federico Gago, Ramon Alajarin, Antonio Jimenez-Ruiz
Summary: In this study, fifteen pyridazino-pyrrolo-quinoxalinium salts were synthesized and tested for their antiprotozoal activity against Leishmania infantum amastigotes. Eleven of them showed potent leishmanicidal activity with low toxicity against human cells. Compounds 3b and 3f were identified as potent inhibitors of the oxidoreductase activity of the essential enzyme trypanothione disulfide reductase (TryR).
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Victor A. Lopez-Agudelo, Andres Baena, Vianey Barrera, Felipe Cabarcas, Juan F. Alzate, Dany J. V. Beste, Rigoberto Rios-Estepa, Luis F. Barrera
Summary: Tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, can lead to both pulmonary and extrapulmonary TB. Early dissemination of the bacteria to various organs is crucial in the disease progression. Research has shown that different clinical strains of Mtb can elicit distinct host responses when infecting human splenic macrophages, with strain type also influencing the metabolic responses of both host and pathogen.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alicia Mas, Abel Martinez-Rodrigo, Javier Carrion, Jose Antonio Orden, Juan F. Alzate, Gustavo Dominguez-Bernal, Pilar Horcajo
Summary: This study investigates the molecular mechanisms involved in the interaction of different isolates of L. infantum with canine macrophages and finds differences between outbreak isolates and a reference strain, which may explain the reduced infection ability of the outbreak isolates in canine cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tulio J. Lopera, Jorge A. Lujan, Eduardo Zurek, Wildeman Zapata, Juan C. Hernandez, Miguel A. Toro, Juan F. Alzate, Natalia A. Taborda, Maria T. Rugeles, Wbeimar Aguilar-Jimenez
Summary: Intestinal microbiota plays a crucial role in individuals with HIV infection and HIV-exposed individuals, influencing immune regulation. The microbiota profile of HIV-exposed individuals is similar to that of HIV-infected individuals, possibly due to cohabitation with their HIV+ partners.
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Carolina Rodriguez-Pelayo, Barbara A. Ambrose, Alejandra Vasco, Juan F. Alzate, Natalia Pabon-Mora
Summary: LFY genes may play a role in the development of gametophytes and sporophytes in bryophytes and ferns, and have functions related to floral meristem differentiation in gymnosperms and flowering plants.
Article
Plant Sciences
Carolina Rodriguez-Pelayo, Barbara A. Ambrose, Alejandra Vasco, Juan F. Alzate, Natalia Pabon-Mora
Summary: This study provides a phylogenetic framework for PEBP genes and investigates their expression patterns in selected lycophytes and ferns. The results indicate that PEBP genes are involved in reproductive transitions and spore production in these plants, suggesting their important roles in meristem maintenance and sporangium development.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PLANT SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Johanna Uran-Velasquez, Juan F. Alzate, Ana E. Farfan-Garcia, Oscar G. Gomez-Duarte, Larry L. Martinez-Rosado, Diego D. Dominguez-Hernandez, Winston Rojas, Ana Luz Galvan-Diaz, Gisela M. Garcia-Montoya
Summary: This study analyzed the genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium hominis and Cryptosporidium parvum using MLST approach. Multiple Cryptosporidium species were identified, and there was polymorphic behavior in all markers evaluated. Phylogenetic analysis showed taxonomic agreement and two monophyletic clades for C. hominis and C. parvum. The study supports the use of MLST analysis in studying the genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jairo A. Mesa-Arango, Ana M. Olave-Velandia, Gisela M. Garcia-Montoya, Juan P. Isaza-Agudelo, Antonio Jimenez-Ruiz, Juan F. Alzate
Summary: In this study, we developed a method to diagnose human toxocariasis by expressing and purifying recombinant polypeptides of T. canis antigenic proteins. The chimeric antigens showed better specificity and the ability to discriminate false positive cases with other parasitic infections.
Article
Microbiology
Carolina Hernandez-Castro, Jenny G. Maloney, Sonia P. Agudelo-Lopez, Miguel A. Toro-Londono, Jorge H. Botero-Garces, Maria C. Orozco, Yulieth C. Quintero-Quinchia, Juan C. Correa-Cote, Alejandro Munera-Duque, Juan C. Ricaurte-Ciro, Luis I. Londono-Alvarez, Rene M. Escobar, Pamela C. Koster, Sergio Sanchez, David Carmena, Monica Santin
Summary: Blastocystis sp. is a common intestinal protist in humans worldwide. The diversity of Blastocystis subtypes in humans is still being studied. In this research, a novel Blastocystis subtype ST41 was identified in a Colombian patient undergoing colorectal cancer screening. The full-length ssu rRNA gene sequence of the protist was determined using MinION long-read sequencing technology. The validity of the novel subtype was confirmed through phylogenetic and pairwise distance analyses. This study provides essential reference material for future experimental studies.
JOURNAL OF EUKARYOTIC MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Andres F. Baena, Felipe F. Cabarcas, Juan Ocampo, Luis Barrera, Juan Alzate
Summary: This study conducts an evolutionary and comparative genomic analysis of 522 L4 Latin American Mtb genomes, revealing novel South American clades and identifying novel gene deletions specific to certain sublineages. These findings provide important insights into the transmission and pathogenic mechanisms of tuberculosis.
Article
Plant Sciences
Yesenia Madrigal, Juan F. Alzate, Natalia Pabon-Mora
Summary: In this study, the phylogenetic analysis of several gene lineages in the Orchidaceae family was performed to investigate the flowering genetic regulatory network (FGRN) in orchids. The results revealed an increase in COL4 and FUL gene lineages in orchids compared to other monocots, while local duplications in COL, FD, and SOC1 gene lineages were less frequent. Interestingly, non-canonical factors sensing temperature changes during reproductive transition were identified in orchids. These findings provide important insights into gene function and the evolution of FGRN in neotropical orchids compared to temperate grasses.
PLANT REPRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Oscar Coltell, Eva M. Asensio, Jose V. Sorli, Carolina Ortega-Azorin, Rebeca Fernandez-Carrion, Eva C. Pascual, Rocio Barragan, Jose I. Gonzalez, Ramon Estruch, Juan F. Alzate, Alejandro Perez-Fidalgo, Olga Portoles, Jose M. Ordovas, Dolores Corella
Summary: This study examines the association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and telomere length, and finds that higher adherence to the diet is associated with longer telomeres, particularly in women. Specific dietary items such as fruits and fish exhibit strong associations with telomere length. Additionally, the study identifies genetic variants and gene-diet interactions that modulate telomere length.