Pathogens

18 pages, 3236 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tick Activity, Host Range, and Tick-Borne Pathogen Prevalence in Mountain Habitats of the Western Carpathians, Poland

by Zbigniew Zając, Joanna Kulisz, Aneta Woźniak, Katarzyna Bartosik, Angélique Foucault-Simonin, Sara Moutailler and Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz

Pathogens 2023, 12(9), 1186; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12091186 - 21 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1189

Abstract

In mountainous regions, diverse ecosystems provide a habitat for numerous species of organisms. In this study, we focused on ixodid ticks and their presence in the Western Carpathians, Poland. Our objectives were to investigate the impact of environmental factors on tick occurrence and [...] Read more.

In mountainous regions, diverse ecosystems provide a habitat for numerous species of organisms. In this study, we focused on ixodid ticks and their presence in the Western Carpathians, Poland. Our objectives were to investigate the impact of environmental factors on tick occurrence and activity, the prevalence of vectored pathogens, and tick hosts, and their role as reservoir organisms for tick-borne pathogens (TBPs). To this end, we collected ticks from the vegetation and from animals (Apodemus agrarius, A. flavicollis, Capreolus capreolus, Microtus spp., Myodes glareolus, Ovis aries). In addition, we collected blood samples from rodents. The collected material underwent molecular analysis, utilizing the high-throughput microfluidic real-time PCR technique, to detect the presence of TBPs. Our findings confirmed the occurrence of only two species of ixodid ticks in the study area: the dominant Ixodes ricinus, and Dermacentor reticulatus with very limited abundance. Temperature significantly influenced tick activity, and the number of I. ricinus nymphs varied with altitude. We also observed a circadian pattern of questing activity in I. ricinus ticks. The main hosts for juvenile tick stages were M. glareolus and A. agrarius, while adult stages were frequently found on C. capreolus. I. ricinus ticks collected from the vegetation were often infected with Rickettsia helvetica (up to 35.71%), Borrelia afzelii (up to 28.57%), and Ehrlichia spp. (up to 9.52%). In contrast, juvenile stages frequently carried Bartonella spp. (up to 10.00%), Mycoplasma spp. (up to 16.67%) and R. helvetica (up to 16.67%). Moreover, we detected genetic material of Mycoplasma spp. (up to 100.00%), Ehrlichia spp. (up to 35.71%), Bartonella spp. (up to 25.00%), and Borrelia spp. (up to 6.25%) in rodent blood samples. The obtained results indicate A. agrarius and M. glareolus as reservoir animals for TBPs in the studied region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Regional Impact of Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases)

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28 pages, 10137 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Non-Structural Proteins (Nsp): A Marker for Detection of Human Coronavirus Families

by María Concepción Tamayo-Ordóñez, Ninfa María Rosas-García, Benjamín Abraham Ayil-Gutiérrez, Juan Manuel Bello-López, Francisco Alberto Tamayo-Ordóñez, Francisco Anguebes-Franseschi, Siprian Damas-Damas and Yahaira de Jesús Tamayo-Ordóñez

Pathogens 2023, 12(9), 1185; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12091185 - 21 Sep 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1553

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 was the cause of the global pandemic that caused a total of 14.9 million deaths during the years 2020 and 2021, according to the WHO. The virus presents a mutation rate between 10−5 and 10−3 substitutions per nucleotide site per cell infection [...] Read more.

SARS-CoV-2 was the cause of the global pandemic that caused a total of 14.9 million deaths during the years 2020 and 2021, according to the WHO. The virus presents a mutation rate between 10−5 and 10−3 substitutions per nucleotide site per cell infection (s/n/c). Due to this, studies aimed at knowing the evolution of this virus could help us to foresee (through the future development of new detection strategies and vaccines that prevent the infection of this virus in human hosts) that a pandemic caused by this virus will be generated again. In this research, we performed a functional annotation and identification of changes in Nsp (non-structural proteins) domains in the coronavirus genome. The comparison of the 13 selected coronavirus pangenomes demonstrated a total of 69 protein families and 57 functions associated with the structural domain’s differentials between genomes. A marked evolutionary conservation of non-structural proteins was observed. This allowed us to identify and classify highly pathogenic human coronaviruses into alpha, beta, gamma, and delta groups. The designed Nsp cluster provides insight into the trajectory of SARS-CoV-2, demonstrating that it continues to evolve rapidly. An evolutionary marker allows us to discriminate between phylogenetically divergent groups, viral genotypes, and variants between the alpha and betacoronavirus genera. These types of evolutionary studies provide a window of opportunity to use these Nsp as targets of viral therapies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nosocomial Infection and Antimicrobial Resistance)

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10 pages, 439 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mycobacterial Interspersed Repeat Unit–Variable Number Tandem Repeat Typing of Mycobacterium avium Strains Isolated from the Lymph Nodes of Free-Living Carnivorous Animals in Poland

by Blanka Orłowska, Marta Majchrzak, Anna Didkowska, Krzysztof Anusz, Monika Krajewska-Wędzina, Anna Zabost, Sywia Brzezińska, Monika Kozińska, Ewa Augustynowicz-Kopeć, Kaja Urbańska, Mirosław Welz and Paweł Parniewski

Pathogens 2023, 12(9), 1184; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12091184 - 21 Sep 2023

Viewed by 829

Abstract

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are ubiquitous organisms, of which some, especially those of the Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), may be opportunistic animal and human pathogens. Infection with NTM can interfere with tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis and induce zoonoses, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Diseases caused by [...] Read more.

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are ubiquitous organisms, of which some, especially those of the Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), may be opportunistic animal and human pathogens. Infection with NTM can interfere with tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis and induce zoonoses, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Diseases caused by NTM have become more readily recognized; however, they are likely still underestimated. In this study, we identified and genotyped Mycobacterium avium strains that were isolated during TB monitoring among free-living carnivorous animals from southeastern Poland. In 2011–2020, lymph node samples from 192 such animals were tested for mycobacteria. A total of 41 isolates of M. avium strains were detected with the use of IS901, IS900, IS1245, and mycobacterial interspersed repeat unit–variable number tandem repeat (MIRU-VNTR) identification. Thirty-three were identified as M. avium subsp. avium. These strains were derived from 1 beech marten (Martes foina), 1 common buzzard (Buteo buteo), 2 European badgers (Meles meles), 3 wolves (Canis lupus), and 26 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes). One strain isolated from a wolf was identified as M. avium subsp. hominissuis. The results show the widespread occurrence of MAC bacilli in the studied environment and additionally comprise new data on the molecular characteristics of M. avium subspecies carried by free-living southeastern Polish carnivores. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM))

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10 pages, 1043 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Can Citizen Science Contribute to Avian Influenza Surveillance?

by Irene Saavedra, Julio Rabadán-González, David Aragonés and Jordi Figuerola

Pathogens 2023, 12(9), 1183; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12091183 - 21 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2276

Abstract

Global change is an important driver of the increase in emerging infectious diseases in recent decades. In parallel, interest in nature has increased, and different citizen science platforms have been developed to record wildlife observations from the general public. Some of these platforms [...] Read more.

Global change is an important driver of the increase in emerging infectious diseases in recent decades. In parallel, interest in nature has increased, and different citizen science platforms have been developed to record wildlife observations from the general public. Some of these platforms also allow registering the observations of dead or sick birds. Here, we test the utility of live, sick and dead observations of birds recorded on the platform Observation.org for the early detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) outbreaks in the wild in Belgium and The Netherlands. There were no significant differences in the morbidity/mortality rate through Observation.org one to four weeks in advance. However, the results show that the HPAIV outbreaks officially reported by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) overlapped in time with sudden increases in the records of sick and dead birds in the wild. In addition, in two of the five main HPAIV outbreaks recorded between 2016 and 2021, wild Anseriformes mortality increased one to two months before outbreak declaration. Although we cannot exclude that this increase was related to other causes such as other infectious diseases, we propose that Observation.org is a useful nature platform to complement animal health surveillance in wild birds. We propose possible approaches to improve the utility of the platform for pathogen surveillance in wildlife and discuss the potential for HPAIV outbreak detection systems based on citizen science to complement current surveillance programs of health authorities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue West Nile Virus and Other Zoonotic Infections)

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16 pages, 2479 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phylogenetic Investigations of Dengue 2019–2021 Outbreak in Guadeloupe and Martinique Caribbean Islands

by Margot Garcia--Van Smévoorde, Géraldine Piorkowski, Loic Emboulé, Georges Dos Santos, Cécile Loraux, Stéphanie Guyomard-Rabenirina, Marie-Odile Joannes, Laurence Fagour, Fatiha Najioullah, André Cabié, Xavier de Lamballerie, Anubis Vega-Rúa, Raymond Césaire and Elodie Calvez

Pathogens 2023, 12(9), 1182; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12091182 - 20 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1441

Abstract

Dengue fever has been a public health problem in the Caribbean region since 1981, when it first reappeared in Cuba. In 1989, it was reported in Martinique and Guadeloupe (two French islands 200 km apart); since then, DENV has caused several epidemics locally. [...] Read more.

Dengue fever has been a public health problem in the Caribbean region since 1981, when it first reappeared in Cuba. In 1989, it was reported in Martinique and Guadeloupe (two French islands 200 km apart); since then, DENV has caused several epidemics locally. In 2019–2021, DENV-1, DENV-2, and DENV-3 were detected. Serotype distribution was differentiated, with DENV-2 and DENV-3 predominating in Guadeloupe and Martinique, respectively. Complete genome sequencing was carried out on 32 specimens, and phylogenic analysis identified the circulation of genotype V for DENV-1, cosmopolitan genotype for DENV-2, and genotype III for DENV-3. However, two distinct circulating groups were identified for DENV-1 and DENV-3, suggesting independent introductions. Overall, despite the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated travel restrictions, these results confirm the active circulation of DENV and specific epidemiological features on each of the two islands. Such differences may be linked to the founder effect of the various introduction events, and to local factors such as the population immunity and the transmission capacity of the vectors. Further genomic and epidemiological characterization of DENV strains remains essential to understand how dengue spreads in each specific geographical context and to prevent future epidemics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Mosquito-Borne Pathogens and Diseases)

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Graphical abstract

9 pages, 1186 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of CD4+/CD8+ Lymphocytic Subpopulations Pre- and Post-Antituberculosis Treatment in Patients with Diabetes and Tuberculosis

by Erick J. Rendón Ramírez, Adrián G. Rosas-Taraco, Berenice Soto-Monciváis, Perla R. Colunga-Pedraza, Rosario Salazar-Riojas, Nereida Méndez-Ramírez, Alma Yolanda Arce-Mendoza, Antonio Muñiz-Buenrostro, Jorge Llaca-Díaz, David Gomez-Almaguer and Adrián Rendón

Pathogens 2023, 12(9), 1181; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12091181 - 20 Sep 2023

Viewed by 824

Abstract

Is there a CD4+ and CD8+ immunity alteration in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) and diabetes (DM) that does not recover after antituberculosis treatment? This prospective comparative study evaluated CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytic subpopulations and antituberculosis antibodies in patients with diabetes and tuberculosis [...] Read more.

Is there a CD4+ and CD8+ immunity alteration in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) and diabetes (DM) that does not recover after antituberculosis treatment? This prospective comparative study evaluated CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytic subpopulations and antituberculosis antibodies in patients with diabetes and tuberculosis (TB-DM), before and after antituberculosis treatment. CD4+ T cell counts were lower in patients with TB-DM compared to those with only TB or only DM, and these levels remained low even after two months of anti-TB treatment. Regarding the CD8+ T cell analysis, we identified higher blood values in the DM-only group, which may be explained by the high prevalence of latent tuberculosis (LTBI) in patients with DM. IgM antituberculosis antibodies levels were elevated in patients with only TB at baseline, and 2 months post-anti-TB treatment, IgG did not express any relevant alterations. Our results suggest an alteration in CD4+ immunity in patients with TB-DM that did not normalize after antituberculosis treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Immunity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis during Active and Latent Tuberculosis)

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14 pages, 1025 KiB

Open AccessReview

Influence of Vitamin D on Periodontal Inflammation: A Review

by Mohamed M. Meghil and Christopher W. Cutler

Pathogens 2023, 12(9), 1180; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12091180 - 20 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1833

Abstract

The active form of vitamin D is the hormonally active 1,25(OH)₂D₃ (Vit D) vitamin, which plays an important role in bone biology and host immunity. The vitamin D receptor (VDR) is a nuclear ligand-dependent transcription factor expressed by many cells. [...] Read more.

The active form of vitamin D is the hormonally active 1,25(OH)₂D₃ (Vit D) vitamin, which plays an important role in bone biology and host immunity. The vitamin D receptor (VDR) is a nuclear ligand-dependent transcription factor expressed by many cells. Ligation of VDR by VitD regulates a wide plethora of genes and physiologic functions through the formation of the complex Vit D-VDR signaling cascade. The influence of Vit D-VDR signaling in host immune response to microbial infection has been of interest to many researchers. This is particularly important in oral health and diseases, as oral mucosa is exposed to a complex microbiota, with certain species capable of causing disruption to immune homeostasis. In this review, we focus on the immune modulatory roles of Vit D in the bone degenerative oral disease, periodontitis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Bacterial Pathogens)

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4 pages, 196 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Bacteriophage Bioengineering: A Transformative Approach for Targeted Drug Discovery and Beyond

by Longzhu Cui, Srivani Veeranarayanan, Kanate Thitiananpakorn and Dhammika Leshan Wannigama

Pathogens 2023, 12(9), 1179; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12091179 - 20 Sep 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1168

Abstract

Bacteriophages, the viruses that infect and replicate within bacteria, have long been recognized as potential therapeutic agents against bacterial infections [...] Full article

18 pages, 1807 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

A Systematic Review of the Recent Techniques Commonly Used in the Diagnosis of Mycoplasma bovis in Dairy Cattle

by Hedmon Okella, Karen Tonooka and Emmanuel Okello

Pathogens 2023, 12(9), 1178; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12091178 - 19 Sep 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1338

Abstract

Early detection of Mycoplasmal mastitis is greatly hampered by late seroconversion, slow growth of Mycoplasma organisms, intermittent shedding, and the high cost of diagnostic tests. To improve future diagnostic development, examining the available techniques is necessary. Accordingly, the present study systematically reviewed M. [...] Read more.

Early detection of Mycoplasmal mastitis is greatly hampered by late seroconversion, slow growth of Mycoplasma organisms, intermittent shedding, and the high cost of diagnostic tests. To improve future diagnostic development, examining the available techniques is necessary. Accordingly, the present study systematically reviewed M. bovis diagnostic studies published between January 2000 and April 2023 utilizing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) protocol. The protocol registration was performed according to the Open Science Framework (osf.io/ug79h), and the electronic search was conducted in the World Catalog, Mendeley, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, Semantic Scholar, PubMed, Google Scholar, Prime Scholar, and PubMed Central databases using a Boolean operator and inclusion and exclusion criteria. Of the 1194 pieces of literature retrieved, 67 studies were included. Four broad categories of up to 16 diagnostic approaches were reported: microbial culture, serological, DNA-based, and mass spectrometry. Overall, DNA-based techniques were the most published (48.0%), with recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) as the most promising user-friendly, equipment-free techniques. On the other hand, mass spectrometry was reported as the least utilized (2.9%) given the high equipment cost. Though costly and laboratory-allied, DNA-based techniques, particularly PCRs, were reported as the most rapid and specific approach. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Bacterial Pathogens)

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3 pages, 190 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Alien Crabs as Potential Hosts of Pathogens Impacting Marine Megafauna’s Health and Conservation

by Giovanni Di Guardo

Pathogens 2023, 12(9), 1177; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12091177 - 19 Sep 2023

Viewed by 667

Abstract

Climate change, with a special emphasis on global warming, is believed to be a key driver of the accelerated rate of alien species expansion into the Mediterranean Sea basin and, more generally, into all marine and oceanic ecosystems [...] Full article

20 pages, 1753 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Case Series of Primaquine-Induced Haemolytic Events in Controlled Trials with G6PD Screening

by Ayleen Kosasih, Robert James, Nguyen Hoang Chau, Michelle M. Karman, Lydia Visita Panggalo, Lyndes Wini, Ngo Viet Thanh, Thomas Obadia, Ari Winasti Satyagraha, Puji Budi Setia Asih, Din Syafruddin, Walter R. J. Taylor, Ivo Mueller, Inge Sutanto, Harin Karunajeewa, Ayodhia Pitaloka Pasaribu and J. Kevin Baird

Pathogens 2023, 12(9), 1176; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12091176 - 19 Sep 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1191

Abstract

Primaquine for radical cure of Plasmodium vivax malaria poses a potentially life-threatening risk of haemolysis in G6PD-deficient patients. Herein, we review five events of acute haemolytic anaemia following the administration of primaquine in four malaria trials from Indonesia, the Solomon Islands, and Vietnam. [...] Read more.

Primaquine for radical cure of Plasmodium vivax malaria poses a potentially life-threatening risk of haemolysis in G6PD-deficient patients. Herein, we review five events of acute haemolytic anaemia following the administration of primaquine in four malaria trials from Indonesia, the Solomon Islands, and Vietnam. Five males aged 9 to 48 years were improperly classified as G6PD-normal by various screening procedures and included as subjects in trials of anti-relapse therapy with daily primaquine. Routine safety monitoring by physical examination, urine inspection, and blood haemoglobin (Hb) assessment were performed in all those trials. Early signs of acute haemolysis, i.e., dark urine and haemoglobin drop >20%, occurred only after day 3 and as late as day 8 of primaquine dosing. All patients were hospitalized and fully recovered, all but one following blood transfusion rescue. Hb nadir was 4.7 to 7.9 g/dL. Hospitalization was for 1 to 7 days. Hb levels returned to baseline values 3 to 10 days after transfusion. Failed G6PD screening procedures in these trials led G6PD-deficient patients to suffer harmful exposures to primaquine. The safe application of primaquine anti-relapse therapy requires G6PD screening and anticipation of its failure with a means of prompt detection and rescue from the typically abrupt haemolytic crisis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plasmodium vivax and G6PD Deficiency: From Development of Novel Diagnostic Tools to Implementation into Routine Care)

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14 pages, 1078 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Efficiency of TB LAM Antigen Test to Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra Test for the Diagnosis of Tuberculous Pericarditis Using Pericardial Fluid Samples

by Samuel Alomatu, Sandeep Vasaikar, Kandathil Thomas, Thozama Dubula and Khulile Moeketsi

Pathogens 2023, 12(9), 1175; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12091175 - 19 Sep 2023

Viewed by 964

Abstract

Medical considerations for early diagnosis of tuberculous pericarditis (TBP) include Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra and TB lipoarabinomannan (LAM) antigen (Ag) tests, with immunological status influencing the performance of the latter. An evaluation of the efficiency of Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra and TB LAM Ag in [...] Read more.

Medical considerations for early diagnosis of tuberculous pericarditis (TBP) include Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra and TB lipoarabinomannan (LAM) antigen (Ag) tests, with immunological status influencing the performance of the latter. An evaluation of the efficiency of Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra and TB LAM Ag in detecting TBP was conducted using pericardial fluid samples from 46 patients with suspected TBP. Fifteen patients (34.1%) were diagnosed with TBP according to culture results. TB LAM Ag’s sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), positive likelihood ratio (PLR), and negative likelihood ratio (NLR) were 33.3%, 100%, 100%, 74.4%, 0, and 0.67, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PLR, NLR, PPV, and NPV of Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra were 80%, 93.1%, 11.6, 0.21, 85.7%, and 90%, respectively. There was an association observed between a positive TB LAM Ag test and HIV status. When compared to the Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra test, TB LAM Ag has lower accuracy for the detection of microbiologically proven tuberculous pericarditis, yet its usage in HIV-positive populations may be worth exploring. The TB LAM Ag assay is not the best first-line test for the diagnosis of tuberculous pericarditis, and it should be used in conjunction with other diagnostic tests. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Bacterial Pathogens)

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20 pages, 2371 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Rift Valley Fever Virus—Infection, Pathogenesis and Host Immune Responses

by Niranjana Nair, Albert D. M. E. Osterhaus, Guus F. Rimmelzwaan and Chittappen Kandiyil Prajeeth

Pathogens 2023, 12(9), 1174; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12091174 - 19 Sep 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2291

Abstract

Rift Valley Fever Virus is a mosquito-borne phlebovirus causing febrile or haemorrhagic illness in ruminants and humans. The virus can prevent the induction of the antiviral interferon response through its NSs proteins. Mutations in the NSs gene may allow the induction of innate [...] Read more.

Rift Valley Fever Virus is a mosquito-borne phlebovirus causing febrile or haemorrhagic illness in ruminants and humans. The virus can prevent the induction of the antiviral interferon response through its NSs proteins. Mutations in the NSs gene may allow the induction of innate proinflammatory immune responses and lead to attenuation of the virus. Upon infection, virus-specific antibodies and T cells are induced that may afford protection against subsequent infections. Thus, all arms of the adaptive immune system contribute to prevention of disease progression. These findings will aid the design of vaccines using the currently available platforms. Vaccine candidates have shown promise in safety and efficacy trials in susceptible animal species and these may contribute to the control of RVFV infections and prevention of disease progression in humans and ruminants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Advances in Flavivirus and Other Arboviruses)

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20 pages, 2119 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization of Bovine Intraepithelial T Lymphocytes in the Gut

by Akanksha Hada, Lei Li, Anmol Kandel, Younggeon Jin and Zhengguo Xiao

Pathogens 2023, 12(9), 1173; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12091173 - 19 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1148

Abstract

Intraepithelial T lymphocytes (T-IELs), which constitute over 50% of the total T lymphocytes in the animal, patrol the mucosal epithelial lining to defend against pathogen invasion while maintaining gut homeostasis. In addition to expressing T cell markers such as CD4 and CD8, T-IELs [...] Read more.

Intraepithelial T lymphocytes (T-IELs), which constitute over 50% of the total T lymphocytes in the animal, patrol the mucosal epithelial lining to defend against pathogen invasion while maintaining gut homeostasis. In addition to expressing T cell markers such as CD4 and CD8, T-IELs display T cell receptors (TCR), including either TCRαβ or TCRγδ. Both humans and mice share similar T-IEL subsets: TCRγδ⁺, TCRαβ⁺CD8αα⁺, TCRαβ⁺CD4⁺, and TCRαβ⁺CD8αβ⁺. Among these subsets, human T-IELs are predominantly TCRαβ⁺ (over 80%), whereas those in mice are mostly TCRγδ⁺ (~60%). Of note, the majority of the TCRγδ⁺ subset expresses CD8αα in both species. Although T-IELs have been extensively studied in humans and mice, their profiles in cattle have not been well examined. Our study is the first to characterize bovine T-IELs using flow cytometry, where we identified several distinct features. The percentage of TCRγδ⁺ was comparable to that of TCRαβ⁺ T-IELs (both ~50% of CD3⁺), and the majority of bovine TCRγδ⁺ T-IELs did not express CD8 (CD8⁻) (above 60%). Furthermore, about 20% of TCRαβ⁺ T-IELs were CD4⁺CD8αβ⁺, and the remaining TCRαβ⁺ T-IELs were evenly distributed between CD4⁺ and CD8αβ⁺ (~40% of TCRαβ⁺ T-IELs each) with no TCRαβ⁺CD8αα⁺ identified. Despite these unique properties, bovine T-IELs, similar to those in humans and mice, expressed a high level of CD69, an activation and tissue-retention marker, and a low level of CD62L, a lymphoid adhesion marker. Moreover, bovine T-IELs produced low levels of inflammatory cytokines such as IFNγ and IL17A, and secreted small amounts of the immune regulatory cytokine TGFβ1. Hence, bovine T-IELs’ composition largely differs from that of human and mouse, with the dominance of the CD8⁻ population among TCRγδ⁺ T-IELs, the substantial presence of TCRαβ⁺CD4⁺CD8αβ⁺ cells, and the absence of TCRαβ⁺CD8αα⁺ T-IELs. These results provide the groundwork for conducting future studies to examine how bovine T-IELs respond to intestinal pathogens and maintain the integrity of the gut epithelial barrier in animals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Immunological Responses and Immune Defense Mechanisms)

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8 pages, 6931 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

A Case of Gastroallergic and Intestinal Anisakiasis in Italy: Diagnosis Based on Double Endoscopy and Molecular Identification

by Stefano D’Amelio, Ilaria Bellini, Claudia Chiovoloni, Cristina Magliocco, Annamaria Pronio, Arianna Di Rocco, Ilaria Pentassuglio, Marco Rosati, Gianluca Russo and Serena Cavallero

Pathogens 2023, 12(9), 1172; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12091172 - 18 Sep 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1140

Abstract

Nematodes of the genus Anisakis (Rhabditida, Anisakidae) are zoonotic fish-borne parasites and cause anisakiasis, a disease with mild to severe acute or chronic gastrointestinal and allergic symptoms and signs. Anisakiasis can potentially lead to misdiagnosis or delay in diagnosis, and it has been [...] Read more.

Nematodes of the genus Anisakis (Rhabditida, Anisakidae) are zoonotic fish-borne parasites and cause anisakiasis, a disease with mild to severe acute or chronic gastrointestinal and allergic symptoms and signs. Anisakiasis can potentially lead to misdiagnosis or delay in diagnosis, and it has been suggested as a risk factor for gastrointestinal tumors. Here, we describe a case report of a 25-year-old woman who presented with gastrointestinal (abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea) and allergic (diffuse skin rash) symptoms and reported ingestion of raw fish contaminated by worms. Gastro and colon endoscopy allowed the visualization and removal of nematodes and collection of bioptic tissue from ulcers and polyps. The removed nematodes were molecularly identified as Anisakis pegreffii. The patient was treated with chlorphenamine maleate, betamethasone, omeprazole, paracetamol, albendazole. We conclude that an upper endoscopy matched with a colonoscopy and molecular characterization of the pathogen yields the most reliable diagnosis and treatment for human anisakiasis, enabling the complete removal of the larvae and preventing chronic inflammation and damage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anisakiasis and Anisakidae)

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13 pages, 2023 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Proline Dehydrogenase and Pyrroline 5 Carboxylate Dehydrogenase from Mycobacterium tuberculosis: Evidence for Substrate Channeling

by Santosh Kumar, Steven Sega, Jamie K. Lynn-Barbe, Dannika L. Harris, Jordan T. Koehn, Debbie C. Crans and Dean C. Crick

Pathogens 2023, 12(9), 1171; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12091171 - 18 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1072

Abstract

In Mycobacterium tuberculosis, proline dehydrogenase (PruB) and ∆¹-pyrroline-5-carboxylate (P5C) dehydrogenase (PruA) are monofunctional enzymes that catalyze proline oxidation to glutamate via the intermediates P5C and L-glutamate-γ-semialdehyde. Both enzymes are essential for the replication of pathogenic M. tuberculosis. Highly active [...] Read more.

In Mycobacterium tuberculosis, proline dehydrogenase (PruB) and ∆¹-pyrroline-5-carboxylate (P5C) dehydrogenase (PruA) are monofunctional enzymes that catalyze proline oxidation to glutamate via the intermediates P5C and L-glutamate-γ-semialdehyde. Both enzymes are essential for the replication of pathogenic M. tuberculosis. Highly active enzymes were expressed and purified using a Mycobacterium smegmatis expression system. The purified enzymes were characterized using natural substrates and chemically synthesized analogs. The structural requirements of the quinone electron acceptor were examined. PruB displayed activity with all tested lipoquinone analogs (naphthoquinone or benzoquinone). In PruB assays utilizing analogs of the native naphthoquinone [MK-9 (II-H₂)] specificity constants K_cat/K_m were an order of magnitude greater for the menaquinone analogs than the benzoquinone analogs. In addition, mycobacterial PruA was enzymatically characterized for the first time using exogenous chemically synthesized P5C. A K_m value of 120 ± 0.015 µM was determined for P5C, while the K_m value for NAD⁺ was shown to be 33 ± 4.3 µM. Furthermore, proline competitively inhibited PruA activity and coupled enzyme assays, suggesting that the recombinant purified monofunctional PruB and PruA enzymes of M. tuberculosis channel substrate likely increase metabolic flux and protect the bacterium from methylglyoxal toxicity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biology of Mycobacterial Pathogens)

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10 pages, 444 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Efficacy of Single-Dose Praziquantel for the Treatment of Schistosoma mansoni Infections among School Children in Rwanda

by Joseph Kabatende, Lazare Ntirenganya, Michael Mugisha, Abbie Barry, Eugene Ruberanziza, Emile Bienvenu, Ulf Bergman and Eleni Aklillu

Pathogens 2023, 12(9), 1170; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12091170 - 17 Sep 2023

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Abstract

Preventive chemotherapy with single-dose praziquantel is the WHO-recommended intervention strategy to eliminate schistosomiasis as a public health problem in endemic countries. Surveillance of drugs used in mass drug administration (MDA) programs is recommended to evaluate its effectiveness in reducing transmissions. After a decade-long [...] Read more.

Preventive chemotherapy with single-dose praziquantel is the WHO-recommended intervention strategy to eliminate schistosomiasis as a public health problem in endemic countries. Surveillance of drugs used in mass drug administration (MDA) programs is recommended to evaluate its effectiveness in reducing transmissions. After a decade-long implementation of a school-based MDA program in Rwanda, we conducted efficacy surveillance of single-dose praziquantel MDA against S. mansoni infection. Two weeks before MDA, stool examinations were performed to screen MDA-eligible school children (n = 4998) for S. mansoni infection using the Kato–Katz technique, and 265 (6.5%) children tested positive for the infection. All children received praziquantel and albendazole as preventive chemotherapy through the MDA campaign. Infected children were enrolled and followed for efficacy monitoring, and stool examination was repeated after three weeks post-MDA (n = 188). Before treatment, 173 (92%) had a light infection, and 15 (8%) had a moderate infection intensity. The primary and secondary outcomes were parasitological cure and egg reduction rates at three weeks post-treatment. The overall cure and egg reduction rates for S. mansoni infection were 97.9% (95% CI = 94.6–99.4) and 97.02%, respectively. Among the 173 children with light infection intensity, 170 (98.3%, 95% CI = 95.0–99.6) were cured, and among the 15 children who had moderate infection intensity, 14 (93.3%) were cured. No significant association between cure rate and pre-treatment infection intensity was observed. We conclude that single-dose praziquantel is efficacious against light-to-moderate S. mansoni infection. Preventive chemotherapy with praziquantel effectively reduces schistosome reservoirs and transmission among school-age children. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parasites: Epidemiology, Treatment and Control)

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12 pages, 762 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preliminary Results of Feasibility and Acceptability of Self-Collection for Cervical Screening in Italian Women

by Illari Sechi, Narcisa Muresu, Mariangela V. Puci, Laura Saderi, Arcadia Del Rio, Andrea Cossu, Maria R. Muroni, Santina Castriciano, Marianna Martinelli, Clementina E. Cocuzza, Giovanni Sotgiu and Andrea Piana

Pathogens 2023, 12(9), 1169; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12091169 - 17 Sep 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1028

Abstract

Background: Given the diagnostic accuracy of HPV-DNA tests in terms of self-collected samples, in order to implement self-sampling in cervical screening programs, the standardization of the pre-analytical phase, including decisions concerning the choice of medium, the volume of elution, and storage conditions, are [...] Read more.

Background: Given the diagnostic accuracy of HPV-DNA tests in terms of self-collected samples, in order to implement self-sampling in cervical screening programs, the standardization of the pre-analytical phase, including decisions concerning the choice of medium, the volume of elution, and storage conditions, are necessary, in addition to understanding the potential factors involved in acceptability by women. On this basis, we carried out a cross-sectional study to assess (i) the stability of dry vaginal self-collected samples stored at room temperature for up to 4 weeks after elution in 2 mL of eNat^® (Copan) medium, and (ii) the acceptability of self-collection in enrolled women. Methods: 185 women were enrolled in the LILT (Italian League Against Tumors) regional project. A self-sampling kit, including a dry FLOQSwab^® (Copan), instructions for use, and a satisfaction questionnaire, were supplied for each woman and sent by mail to the laboratory. The HPV-DNA test was carried out using the Anyplex™ II HPV HR (Seegene) kit. To evaluate the specimen’s stability, 185 dry vaginal swabs were eluted in eNat^®, a lyses-based molecular medium and tested for HPV detection at two different time points (<6 days and 1 month after elution). The Cohen’s Kappa coefficients and McNemar test were used to assess the agreement of HPV-DNA at different times. Results: We found high agreement in terms of HPV-DNA results among the samples tested at two different time points (Cohen K = 0.98; p < 0.0001). Moreover, most of the women found it easy to use self-collection devices and the pictorial instructions clear to understand. Approximately half of the enrolled women declared preferring self-sampling to clinician-collected methods. Conclusion: Our results display the high reliability and accuracy of HPV-DNA tests using dry vaginal self-collection FLOQSwabs^® devices eluted in 2 mL of molecular medium. The analysis of the questionnaire showed a high acceptability of self-collection among women, although a high percentage preferred standard collection devices. Overall, our preliminary results support the adoption of self-collection in screening programs, even though further analyses should be performed to optimize and standardize protocols for HPV tests on self-samples, and educational campaigns are needed to adequately inform and increase responsiveness in a target population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in HPV Diagnostic Testing—Improving Access and Accuracy)

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14 pages, 2152 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Alteration of the Chicken Upper Respiratory Microbiota, Following H9N2 Avian Influenza Virus Infection

by Tara Davis, Dagmara Bialy, Joy Leng, Roberto La Ragione, Holly Shelton and Klaudia Chrzastek

Pathogens 2023, 12(9), 1168; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12091168 - 16 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1158

Abstract

Several studies have highlighted the importance of the gut microbiota in developing immunity against viral infections in chickens. We have previously shown that H9N2 avian influenza A virus (AIV) infection retards the diversity of the natural colon-associated microbiota, which may further influence chicken [...] Read more.

Several studies have highlighted the importance of the gut microbiota in developing immunity against viral infections in chickens. We have previously shown that H9N2 avian influenza A virus (AIV) infection retards the diversity of the natural colon-associated microbiota, which may further influence chicken health following recovery from infection. The effects of influenza infection on the upper respiratory tract (URT) microbiota are largely unknown. Here, we showed that H9N2 AIV infection lowers alpha diversity indices in the acute phase of infection in the URT, largely due to the family Lactobacillaceae being highly enriched during this time in the respiratory microbiota. Interestingly, microbiota diversity did not return to levels similar to control chickens in the recovery phase after viral shedding had ceased. Beta diversity followed a similar trend following the challenge. Lactobacillus associate statistically with the disturbed microbiota of infected chickens at the acute and recovery phases of infection. Additionally, we studied age-related changes in the respiratory microbiota during maturation in chickens. From 7 to 28 days of age, species richness and evenness were observed to advance over time as the microbial composition evolved. Maintaining microbiota homeostasis might be considered as a potential therapeutic target to prevent or aid recovery from H9N2 AIV infection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Sporadic Cases of Bird Flu to Global Pandemic of SARS-CoV-2: The Science Behind and Battle against Zoonotic Viruses)

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26 pages, 505 KiB

Open AccessReview

Leptospirosis and the Environment: A Review and Future Directions

by Elizabeth A. Bradley and Graeme Lockaby

Pathogens 2023, 12(9), 1167; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12091167 - 16 Sep 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4145

Abstract

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease of global importance with significant morbidity and mortality. However, the disease is frequently overlooked and underdiagnosed, leading to uncertainty of the true scale and severity of the disease. A neglected tropical disease, leptospirosis disproportionately impacts disadvantaged socioeconomic communities [...] Read more.

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease of global importance with significant morbidity and mortality. However, the disease is frequently overlooked and underdiagnosed, leading to uncertainty of the true scale and severity of the disease. A neglected tropical disease, leptospirosis disproportionately impacts disadvantaged socioeconomic communities most vulnerable to outbreaks of zoonotic disease, due to contact with infectious animals and contaminated soils and waters. With growing evidence that Leptospira survives, persists, and reproduces in the environment, this paper reviews the current understanding of the pathogen in the environment and highlights the unknowns that are most important for future study. Through a systematic Boolean review of the literature, our study finds that detailed field-based study of Leptospira prevalence, survival, and transmission in natural waters and soils is lacking from the current literature. This review identified a strong need for assessment of physical characteristics and biogeochemical processes that support long-term viability of Leptospira in the environment followed by epidemiological assessment of the transmission and movement of the same strains of Leptospira in the present wildlife and livestock as the first steps in improving our understanding of the environmental stage of the leptospirosis transmission cycle. Full article

4 pages, 216 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Alternative and Complementary Approaches to Consider for Effective Babesia Vaccine Development

by Jennifer Maye and Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz

Pathogens 2023, 12(9), 1166; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12091166 - 16 Sep 2023

Viewed by 778

Abstract

The Babesia genus encompasses several species of apicomplexan hemoprotozoan parasites [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Vaccines and Therapeutic Developments)

11 pages, 309 KiB

Open AccessReview

Psittacosis: An Underappreciated and Often Undiagnosed Disease

by Zygmunt F. Dembek, Jerry L. Mothershead, Akeisha N. Owens, Tesema Chekol and Aiguo Wu

Pathogens 2023, 12(9), 1165; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12091165 - 15 Sep 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3178

Abstract

The bacterial agent Chlamydia psittaci, and the resulting disease of psittacosis, is a little-known and underappreciated infectious disease by healthcare practitioners and in public health in general. C. psittaci infections can cause significant psittacosis outbreaks, with person-to-person transmission documented in the last [...] Read more.

The bacterial agent Chlamydia psittaci, and the resulting disease of psittacosis, is a little-known and underappreciated infectious disease by healthcare practitioners and in public health in general. C. psittaci infections can cause significant psittacosis outbreaks, with person-to-person transmission documented in the last decade. In this publication, we review the pathogen and its disease, as well as examine the potential for genetic manipulation in this organism to create a more deadly pathogen. Recent disease surveys indicate that currently, the highest incidences of human disease exist in Australia, Germany and the UK. We recommend the universal public health reporting of C. psittaci and psittacosis disease and increasing the promotion of public health awareness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Bacterial Pathogens)

7 pages, 1435 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

One Health Spread of 16S Ribosomal RNA Methyltransferase-Harboring Gram-Negative Bacterial Genomes: An Overview of the Americas

by Fábio Parra Sellera, Danny Fuentes-Castillo and João Pedro Rueda Furlan

Pathogens 2023, 12(9), 1164; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12091164 - 15 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1088

Abstract

Aminoglycoside antimicrobials remain valuable therapeutic options, but their effectiveness has been threatened by the production of bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA methyltransferases (16S-RMTases). In this study, we evaluated the genomic epidemiology of 16S-RMTase genes among Gram-negative bacteria circulating in the American continent. A total [...] Read more.

Aminoglycoside antimicrobials remain valuable therapeutic options, but their effectiveness has been threatened by the production of bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA methyltransferases (16S-RMTases). In this study, we evaluated the genomic epidemiology of 16S-RMTase genes among Gram-negative bacteria circulating in the American continent. A total of 4877 16S-RMTase sequences were identified mainly in Enterobacterales and nonfermenting Gram-negative bacilli isolated from humans, animals, foods, and the environment during 1931–2023. Most of the sequences identified were found in the United States, Brazil, Canada, and Mexico, and the prevalence of 16S-RMTase genes have increased in the last five years (2018–2022). The three species most frequently carrying 16S-RMTase genes were Acinetobacter baummannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli. The armA gene was the most prevalent, but other 16S-RMTase genes (e.g., rmtB, rmtE, and rmtF) could be emerging backstage. More than 90% of 16S-RMTase sequences in the Americas were found in North American countries, and although the 16S-RMTase genes were less prevalent in Central and South American countries, these findings may be underestimations due to limited genomic data. Therefore, whole-genome sequence-based studies focusing on aminoglycoside resistance using a One Health approach in low- and middle-income countries should be encouraged. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Detection and Epidemiology of Drug-Resistant Bacteria)

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6 pages, 1256 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Successful Management, in a Low-Resource Setting, of Disseminated Tuberculosis in a 3-Year Old Boy: A Case Report

by Josina Chilundo, Arlindo Muhelo, Zita Ahivaldino, Helton Zucula, Sheila Macuácua, Ana Cristina Mussagi, Damiano Pizzol, Lee Smith and Giuseppe Maggioni

Pathogens 2023, 12(9), 1163; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12091163 - 15 Sep 2023

Viewed by 785

Abstract

Disseminated or military tuberculosis (TB) is defined as the presence of at least two non-contiguous sites of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, occurring as a result of progressive primary infection, reactivation and spread of a latent focus or due to iatrogenic origin. Disseminated TB represents [...] Read more.

Disseminated or military tuberculosis (TB) is defined as the presence of at least two non-contiguous sites of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, occurring as a result of progressive primary infection, reactivation and spread of a latent focus or due to iatrogenic origin. Disseminated TB represents a life-threatening condition, especially in at-risk children and when diagnosis and treatment are delayed. We report on a case of a 3-year old boy who presented with long-lasting unrecognised disseminated TB that was successfully managed in a low-resource setting. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Research on Tuberculosis Prevention, Treatment, Care and Drugs)

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14 pages, 876 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Identification and Pathogenicity of Fusarium Isolated from Soybean in Poland

by Hanna Olszak-Przybyś, Grażyna Korbecka-Glinka and Elżbieta Patkowska

Pathogens 2023, 12(9), 1162; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12091162 - 14 Sep 2023

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Abstract

Fungi belonging to the Fusarium genus are commonly isolated from soybean plants and seeds but not all of them are pathogenic. The aim of this study was to compare the pathogenicity among different Fusarium isolates obtained from soybean plants with disease symptoms originating [...] Read more.

Fungi belonging to the Fusarium genus are commonly isolated from soybean plants and seeds but not all of them are pathogenic. The aim of this study was to compare the pathogenicity among different Fusarium isolates obtained from soybean plants with disease symptoms originating from an experimental field located in the southeast of Poland. Nineteen fungal isolates were selected for the pathogenicity assay, including eight isolates of F. oxysporum, six isolates of F. graminearum, four isolates of F. culmorum and one isolate of F. redolens. Species identification of these isolates was carried out using microscopic methods and sequencing of two genes: translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF1) and RNA polymerase second largest subunit (RPB2). To our knowledge, this is the first report of F. redolens being isolated from soybean in Europe. The pathogenicity test was set up by fungal inoculation of healthy soybean seeds of three cultivars: Abelina, Atlanta and Mavka. Symptoms were assessed seven days after inoculation. Disease area percentage of Fusarium inoculated seeds was significantly higher compared to uninoculated control. Nineteen isolates differed in their aggressiveness as the median disease area percentage ranged between 5.0 and 88.0% depending on isolate. The obtained isolates of four Fusarium species may be used in the future screening of soybean cultivars for resistance to these pathogens. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Pathogens of Crops)

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26 pages, 2770 KiB

Open AccessReview

History and Current Status of Mediterranean Spotted Fever (MSF) in the Crimean Peninsula and Neighboring Regions along the Black Sea Coast

by Muniver T. Gafarova and Marina E. Eremeeva

Pathogens 2023, 12(9), 1161; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12091161 - 14 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1655

Abstract

Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) is a tick-borne rickettsiosis caused by Rickettsia conorii subspecies conorii and transmitted to humans by Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks. The disease was first discovered in Tunisia in 1910 and was subsequently reported from other Mediterranean countries. The first cases of [...] Read more.

Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) is a tick-borne rickettsiosis caused by Rickettsia conorii subspecies conorii and transmitted to humans by Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks. The disease was first discovered in Tunisia in 1910 and was subsequently reported from other Mediterranean countries. The first cases of MSF in the former Soviet Union were detected in 1936 on the Crimean Peninsula. This review summarizes the historic information and main features of MSF in that region and contemporary surveillance and control efforts for this rickettsiosis. Current data pertinent to the epidemiology of the disease, circulation of the ticks and distribution of animal hosts are discussed and compared for each of the countries in the Black Sea basin where MSF occurs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Spotted Fever)

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28 pages, 4272 KiB

Open AccessReview

Photoinactivation and Photoablation of Porphyromonas gingivalis

by David M. Harris and John G. Sulewski

Pathogens 2023, 12(9), 1160; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12091160 - 14 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1370

Abstract

Several types of phototherapy target human pathogens and Porphyromonas gingivitis (Pg) in particular. The various approaches can be organized into five different treatment modes sorted by different power densities, interaction times, effective wavelengths and mechanisms of action. Mode 1: antimicrobial ultraviolet [...] Read more.

Several types of phototherapy target human pathogens and Porphyromonas gingivitis (Pg) in particular. The various approaches can be organized into five different treatment modes sorted by different power densities, interaction times, effective wavelengths and mechanisms of action. Mode 1: antimicrobial ultraviolet (aUV); mode 2: antimicrobial blue light (aBL); mode 3: antimicrobial selective photothermolysis (aSP); mode 4: antimicrobial vaporization; mode 5: antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT). This report reviews the literature to identify for each mode (a) the putative molecular mechanism of action; (b) the effective wavelength range and penetration depth; (c) selectivity; (d) in vitro outcomes; and (e) clinical trial/study outcomes as these elements apply to Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg). The characteristics of each mode influence how each is translated into the clinic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Research on Porphyromonas gingivalis Infection)

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13 pages, 1511 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Transcriptional Analysis of Cattle Immune Cells Reveals a Central Role of Type 1 Interferon in the In Vitro Innate Immune Response against Mycobacterium bovis

by Federico Carlos Blanco, María Mercedes Bigi, Elizabeth Andrea García, María Teresa Elola, Cristina Lourdes Vázquez and Fabiana Bigi

Pathogens 2023, 12(9), 1159; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12091159 - 14 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1015

Abstract

Bovine tuberculosis is a chronic infectious disease primarily caused by Mycobacterium bovis, a bacterium that affects cattle and other mammals, including humans. Despite the availability of vast research about the immune response mechanisms of human tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the [...] Read more.

Bovine tuberculosis is a chronic infectious disease primarily caused by Mycobacterium bovis, a bacterium that affects cattle and other mammals, including humans. Despite the availability of vast research about the immune response mechanisms of human tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the knowledge of bovine tuberculosis’s immunology, particularly regarding the innate immune response, still remains scarce. In this study, we compared the transcriptome of cell cultures containing lymphocytes and M. bovis infected-macrophages with two strains of variable virulence, the virulent Mb04-303 strain and the attenuated Mb534. To that end, we infected bovine macrophages at a multiplicity of infection of one, and co-cultured the infections with autologous lymphocytes. RNA obtained from the co-cultures was sequenced to identify differentially expressed gene pathways by using the database Reactome. The RNA-seq analysis showed that the Mb04-303 infection upregulated the type 1 interferon signalling pathway, while it downregulated the KEAP1-NFE2L2 pathway. According to the literature, this last pathway is involved in the activation of antioxidant genes and inflammasome. In addition, the macrophages infected with Mb04-303 recruited more Galectin 8 than those infected with Mb534. This result indicates that Mb04-303 induced higher phagosome membrane damage, with the possible concomitant release of bacterial compounds into the cytoplasm that activates the type I signalling pathway. Altogether, Mb04-303 repressed the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses, likely impairing interleukin-1β activation, and trigged the canonical type 1 interferon signalling. Although these responses led to the control of bacterial replication during early infection, the virulent strain eventually managed to establish a successful infection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biology of Mycobacterial Pathogens)

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12 pages, 4199 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pathogenicity and Pathological Characteristics of African Swine Fever Virus Strains from Pig Farms in South Korea from 2022 to January 2023

by Ki-Hyun Cho, Seong-Keun Hong, Da-Young Kim, Min-Kyung Jang, Jong-Ho Kim, Hyunkyoung Lee, Eun-Mi Kim, Ji-Hoon Park, Tae-Young Suh, Jun-Gu Choi, Dae-Sung Yoo, Hae-Eun Kang and Yeon-Hee Kim

Pathogens 2023, 12(9), 1158; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12091158 - 13 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1676

Abstract

Since the first African swine fever (ASF) outbreak occurred at a pig farm in South Korea in September 2019, as of 31 January 2023, 31 ASF cases have occurred at pig farms, while 2799 ASF virus (ASFV)-infected wild boars have been identified. The [...] Read more.

Since the first African swine fever (ASF) outbreak occurred at a pig farm in South Korea in September 2019, as of 31 January 2023, 31 ASF cases have occurred at pig farms, while 2799 ASF virus (ASFV)-infected wild boars have been identified. The circulation of ASFV in wild boar populations poses a high risk of spillover to pig farms in the country. However, information on the changes in the pathogenicity of Korean ASFV strains from wild boars is not available. Investigating the pathogenicity of ASFV strains from pig farms is the only way to predict their alterations. In a previous study, no changes in the pathogenicity of ASFV strains circulating during 2019–2021 were identified through animal experiments. In this study, we chose two ASFV strains with potentially reduced pathogenicity among ten viruses obtained from pig premises from 2022 to January 2023 and estimated their pathogenicities and pathological characteristics. All the inoculated pigs died 8–10 days post–inoculation after showing pyrexia, depression, anorexia, and recumbency together with the common pathological lesions of enlarged hemorrhagic lymph nodes and splenomegaly with infarction. These results support that the pathogenicity among ASFV isolates in South Korea still remained unchanged during the study period. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Infectious Diseases)

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17 pages, 2047 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Seroprevalence, Risk Factors and Maternal–Fetal Outcomes of Toxoplasma gondii in Pregnant Women from WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Ali A. Rabaan, Leonard Ighodalo Uzairue, Amal H. Alfaraj, Muhammad A. Halwani, Muzaheed, Abdulsalam Alawfi, Amer Alshengeti, Nawal A. Al Kaabi, Eman Alawad, Mashael Alhajri, Sara Alwarthan, Abeer N. Alshukairi, Souad A. Almuthree, Roua A. Alsubki, Nada N. Alshehri, Mohammed Alissa, Hawra Albayat, Tasneem I. Zaidan, Hassan Alagoul, Ali Al Fraij and Jeehan H. Alestad Show full author list Hide full author list

Pathogens 2023, 12(9), 1157; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12091157 - 12 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1329

Abstract

Background: The protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii may cause serious illness in the immunocompromised. The Toxoplasma gondii seropositive prevalence in pregnant women in WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region countries is inconsistent in the literature and it is associated with outcomes that have not be fully [...] Read more.

Background: The protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii may cause serious illness in the immunocompromised. The Toxoplasma gondii seropositive prevalence in pregnant women in WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region countries is inconsistent in the literature and it is associated with outcomes that have not be fully elucidated, hence the need for a better understanding of the pooled seroprevalence and associated maternal and fetal outcomes. Objective: The objective was to conduct a systematic literature review and determine the pooled prevalence of WHO Eastern Mediterranean Regional countries’ pregnant women’s seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and the maternal–fetal outcomes. Methods: This quantitative study examined WHO Eastern Mediterranean countries’ maternal–fetal outcomes and Toxoplasma gondii prevalence in pregnant women. The targeted population was pregnant women, while the primary outcome was seropositivity of Toxoplasma gondii, while other outcomes such as maternal and fetal associations and risk factors were determined PubMed, SCOPUS, MEDLINE, and Index Medicus for the Eastern Mediterranean Region (IMEMR) databases were searched up until 30 January 2023. The search terms used were “Toxoplasma gondii” OR “Toxoplasma infection” AND “Pregnant woman” or pregnan* OR Antenatal OR Prenatal OR Gravidity OR Parturition OR Maternal AND WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region). OpenMeta-Analyst and Jamovi were used to analyze the generated data. Results: In total, 95 of 2947 articles meeting the inclusion criteria examined Toxoplasma gondii prevalence in pregnant women from WHO Eastern Mediterranean countries. The pooled prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in pregnant women was 36.5% (95%CI: 32.6–40.4) with a median value of 35.64%, range values of 1.38–75.30%, with 99.61% heterogeneity. The pooled seroprevalence of IgG of Toxoplasma gondii was 33.5% (95%CI: 29.8–37.2) with a median value of 33.51%, and a range values of 1.38–69.92%; the pooled seroprevalence of IgM was 3.6% (95%CI: 3.1–4.1)) with a median value of 3.62 and range values of 0.20–17.47%, while cases of pooled seroprevalence of both IgG and IgM positivity was 3.0% (95%CI: 1.9–4.4) with a median value of 2.05 and a range values of 0.05–16.62%. Of the Toxoplasma gondii seropositive women, 1281/3389 (34.8%) 174/1765 (32.9%), 1311/3101 (43.7%), and 715/1683 (40.8%) of them had contact with cats, drank unprocessed milk, ate raw or undercooked meat and ate unwashed raw vegetables, respectively. The maternal–fetal outcomes associated with Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity were a history of abortions, miscarriage, stillbirth, intrauterine fetal death, and premature birth, which were found in 868/2990 (32.5%), 112/300 (36.1%), 111/375 (25.7%), 3/157 (1.9%) and 96/362 (20.1%) of women who tested positive for Toxoplasma gondii antibodies. Conclusion: The study found a high proportion of Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence in pregnant women in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region, which may be linked to poor outcomes for mothers and their babies. Thus, pregnant women require monitoring and comprehensive prevention strategies for Toxoplasma gondii infection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toxoplasma Infection: Current Problems, Progress and New Challenges)

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