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Pathogens
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Molecular Epidemiology of Trypanosomes
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Molecular Epidemiology of Trypanosomes

A special issue of Pathogens (ISSN 2076-0817). This special issue belongs to the section "Parasitic Pathogens".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 November 2021) | Viewed by 19519

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Una Ryan

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia
Interests: the molecular epidemiology and biology of infectious diseases

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Trypanosomes (genus Trypanosoma) are vector-borne blood parasites that exist worldwide and are known to infect humans and almost all animal taxa. They are unicellular flagellate protozoa and along with other organisms in the order Kinetoplastida, are characterized by a modified mitochondrial genome known as the kinetoplast. Species of Trypanosoma infecting mammals are subdivided into two groups; the salivarians and stercorarians, with the former transmitted in the infected saliva of vectors and the latter transmitted via fecal contamination from infected vectors. 

Trypanosomes are responsible for a range of important diseases including African sleeping sickness and Chagas disease in humans and Nagana and Surra in animals. Traditional approaches using comparative morphology based primarily on the morphological structures of the adult bloodstream (trypomastigote) form have been widely used for the identification of Trypanosoma. Microscopy-based methods, however, although cost-effective, suffer from many limitations including being time-consuming, reliant on the variable expertise of microscopists, and in many cases cannot identify to the species level. Antibody-based tests are widely used for the detection of trypanosomes in humans; however, they suffer from variable sensitivity and specificity and can fail to detect positives in samples with low parasitemia or individuals with poor antibody responses, such as immune-compromised individuals. 

The development of molecular tools for pathogen identification and typing, although more expensive, has greatly improved the ability to accurately identify trypanosomes and has facilitated the study of evolutionary and ecological processes within these parasites. It has also resulted in the identification of a large range of previously unidentified species and potential vectors. Despite this, many obstacles remain, including the difficulties in reliably resolving the phylogeny of all trypanosomes and the lack of standardization between different molecular epidemiological studies, which makes comparisons difficult. 

In this context, Pathogens is launching a Special Issue devoted to the ‘Molecular Epidemiology of Trypanosomes’. 

Both original research and review articles are welcome. Potential topics include, but are not limited to the following: 

  • Development of standardized detection and typing systems for trypanosomes
  • Phylogeny/evolutionary origins
  • Diversity, distribution, and zoonotic potential of trypanosomes in wildlife
  • Next-generation technologies: insights gained and current challenges

Prof. Dr. Una Ryan
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Pathogens is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Trypanosoma
  • molecular methods
  • biodiversity
  • typing
  • phylogeny
  • next-generation technologies

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 4916 KiB  
Article
Development of Cathepsin L-like Real-Time PCR Assays for the Detection of African Animal Trypanosomosis (AAT) in South Africa
by Samantha Mnkandla, Luis Neves, Ilse Vorster and Raksha Vasantrai Bhoora
Pathogens 2022, 11(2), 136; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens11020136 - 22 Jan 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2294
Abstract
African animal trypanosomosis (AAT), is an infectious parasitic disease of wildlife and livestock caused by multiple species and strains of Trypanosoma. In South Africa, it is restricted to northern KwaZulu-Natal (NKZN) and caused by Trypanosoma congolense and Trypanosoma vivax. A cross-sectional [...] Read more.
African animal trypanosomosis (AAT), is an infectious parasitic disease of wildlife and livestock caused by multiple species and strains of Trypanosoma. In South Africa, it is restricted to northern KwaZulu-Natal (NKZN) and caused by Trypanosoma congolense and Trypanosoma vivax. A cross-sectional study was done to determine AAT prevalence in 384 goat samples and identify trypanosome species circulating in 60 cattle at dip tanks that are on the interface with the Hluhluwe-uMfolozi game reserve in NKZN. Both cattle and goat samples were analyzed using the buffy coat technique (BCT) and a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay targeting the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS) region. Cattle samples were further analyzed using an ITS quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assays designed for the detection of T. congolense, T. vivax, and T. brucei. None of the goat samples tested positive for Trypanosoma infections. The ITS qPCR assay detected Trypanosoma DNA in 30% of the cattle samples, while only 8.3% were positive with the ITS PCR and 11.7% were positive using BCT. Quantitative real-time PCR assays were designed to amplify a 98 bp, 137 bp, and 116 bp fragment of the cathepsin L-like (CATL) gene from T. brucei, T. theileri, and T. congolense, respectively. Each assay was shown to be efficient (>94%) and specific (109 to 102/101 copies/reaction) in the detection of Trypanosoma species. The CATL qPCR assays detected T. congolense and T. theileri infections in 33.3% of the cattle samples. The CATL qPCR assays also detected T. congolense infections in goats (23.1%) that were neither detected by BCT nor the ITS PCR. The CATL qPCR assays provide an additional, sensitive, and specific tool for Trypanosoma diagnostics. The presence of trypanosomes in goats suggests they might be potential reservoirs of infections to other livestock. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Epidemiology of Trypanosomes)
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16 pages, 3593 KiB  
Article
Tsetse Bloodmeal Analyses Incriminate the Common Warthog Phacochoerus africanus as an Important Cryptic Host of Animal Trypanosomes in Smallholder Cattle Farming Communities in Shimba Hills, Kenya
by Faith I. Ebhodaghe, Michael N. Okal, Shewit Kalayou, Armanda D. S. Bastos and Daniel K. Masiga
Pathogens 2021, 10(11), 1501; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens10111501 - 18 Nov 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2569
Abstract
Trypanosomes are endemic and retard cattle health in Shimba Hills, Kenya. Wildlife in the area act as reservoirs of the parasites. However, wild animal species that harbor and expose cattle to tsetse-borne trypanosomes are not well known in Shimba Hills. Using xeno-monitoring surveillance [...] Read more.
Trypanosomes are endemic and retard cattle health in Shimba Hills, Kenya. Wildlife in the area act as reservoirs of the parasites. However, wild animal species that harbor and expose cattle to tsetse-borne trypanosomes are not well known in Shimba Hills. Using xeno-monitoring surveillance to investigate wild animal reservoirs and sources of trypanosomes in Shimba Hills, we screened 696 trypanosome-infected and uninfected tsetse flies for vertebrate DNA using multiple-gene PCR-High Resolution Melting analysis and amplicon sequencing. Results revealed that tsetse flies fed on 13 mammalian species, preferentially Phacochoerus africanus (warthogs) (17.39%, 95% CI: 14.56–20.21) and Bos taurus (cattle) (11.35%, 95% CI: 8.99–13.71). Some tsetse flies showed positive cases of bloodmeals from multiple hosts (3.45%, 95% CI: 2.09–4.81), including warthog and cattle (0.57%, 95% CI: 0.01–1.14). Importantly, tsetse flies that took bloodmeals from warthog had significant risk of infections with Trypanosoma vivax (5.79%, 95% CI: 1.57–10.00), T. congolense (7.44%, 95% CI: 2.70–12.18), and T. brucei sl (2.48%, 95% CI: −0.33–5.29). These findings implicate warthogs as important reservoirs of tsetse-borne trypanosomes affecting cattle in Shimba Hills and provide valuable epidemiological insights to underpin the parasites targeted management in Nagana vector control programs in the area. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Epidemiology of Trypanosomes)
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18 pages, 4873 KiB  
Article
Trypanosoma rangeli Genetic, Mammalian Hosts, and Geographical Diversity from Five Brazilian Biomes
by Maria Augusta Dario, Márcio Galvão Pavan, Marina Silva Rodrigues, Cristiane Varella Lisboa, Danilo Kluyber, Arnaud L. J. Desbiez, Heitor Miraglia Herrera, André Luiz Rodrigues Roque, Luciana Lima, Marta M. G. Teixeira and Ana Maria Jansen
Pathogens 2021, 10(6), 736; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens10060736 - 11 Jun 2021
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3536
Abstract
Trypanosoma rangeli is a generalist hemoflagellate that infects mammals and is transmitted by triatomines around Latin America. Due to its high genetic diversity, it can be classified into two to five lineages. In Brazil, its distribution outside the Amazon region is virtually unknown, [...] Read more.
Trypanosoma rangeli is a generalist hemoflagellate that infects mammals and is transmitted by triatomines around Latin America. Due to its high genetic diversity, it can be classified into two to five lineages. In Brazil, its distribution outside the Amazon region is virtually unknown, and knowledge on the ecology of its lineages and on host species diversity requires further investigation. Here, we analyzed 57 T. rangeli samples obtained from hemocultures and blood clots of 1392 mammals captured in different Brazilian biomes. The samples were subjected to small subunit (SSU) rDNA amplification and sequencing to confirm T. rangeli infection. Phylogenetic inferences and haplotype networks were reconstructed to classify T. rangeli lineages and to infer the genetic diversity of the samples. The results obtained in our study highlighted both the mammalian host range and distribution of T. rangeli in Brazil: infection was observed in five new species (Procyon cancrivorous, Priodontes maximum, Alouatta belzebul, Sapajus libidinosus, and Trinomys dimidiatus), and transmission was observed in the Caatinga biome. The coati (Nasua nasua) and capuchin monkey (S. libidinosus) are the key hosts of T. rangeli. We identified all four T. rangeli lineages previously reported in Brazil (A, B, D, and E) and possibly two new genotypes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Epidemiology of Trypanosomes)
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18 pages, 2114 KiB  
Article
Blood Parasites in Endangered Wildlife-Trypanosomes Discovered during a Survey of Haemoprotozoa from the Tasmanian Devil
by Siobhon L. Egan, Manuel Ruiz-Aravena, Jill M. Austen, Xavier Barton, Sebastien Comte, David G. Hamilton, Rodrigo K. Hamede, Una M. Ryan, Peter J. Irwin, Menna E. Jones and Charlotte L. Oskam
Pathogens 2020, 9(11), 873; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens9110873 - 23 Oct 2020
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4708
Abstract
The impact of emerging infectious diseases is increasingly recognised as a major threat to wildlife. Wild populations of the endangered Tasmanian devil, Sarcophilus harrisii, are experiencing devastating losses from a novel transmissible cancer, devil facial tumour disease (DFTD); however, despite the rapid [...] Read more.
The impact of emerging infectious diseases is increasingly recognised as a major threat to wildlife. Wild populations of the endangered Tasmanian devil, Sarcophilus harrisii, are experiencing devastating losses from a novel transmissible cancer, devil facial tumour disease (DFTD); however, despite the rapid decline of this species, there is currently no information on the presence of haemoprotozoan parasites. In the present study, 95 Tasmanian devil blood samples were collected from four populations in Tasmania, Australia, which underwent molecular screening to detect four major groups of haemoprotozoa: (i) trypanosomes, (ii) piroplasms, (iii) Hepatozoon, and (iv) haemosporidia. Sequence results revealed Trypanosoma infections in 32/95 individuals. Trypanosoma copemani was identified in 10 Tasmanian devils from three sites and a second Trypanosoma sp. was identified in 22 individuals that were grouped within the poorly described T. cyclops clade. A single blood sample was positive for Babesia sp., which most closely matched Babesia lohae. No other blood protozoan parasite DNA was detected. This study provides the first insight into haemoprotozoa from the Tasmanian devil and the first identification of Trypanosoma and Babesia in this carnivorous marsupial. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Epidemiology of Trypanosomes)
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Review

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26 pages, 3698 KiB  
Review
Diversity and Epidemiology of Bat Trypanosomes: A One Health Perspective
by Jill M. Austen and Amanda D. Barbosa
Pathogens 2021, 10(9), 1148; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens10091148 - 06 Sep 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 5544
Abstract
Bats (order Chiroptera) have been increasingly recognised as important reservoir hosts for human and animal pathogens worldwide. In this context, molecular and microscopy-based investigations to date have revealed remarkably high diversity of Trypanosoma spp. harboured by bats, including species of recognised medical and [...] Read more.
Bats (order Chiroptera) have been increasingly recognised as important reservoir hosts for human and animal pathogens worldwide. In this context, molecular and microscopy-based investigations to date have revealed remarkably high diversity of Trypanosoma spp. harboured by bats, including species of recognised medical and veterinary importance such as Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma evansi (aetiological agents of Chagas disease and Surra, respectively). This review synthesises current knowledge on the diversity, taxonomy, evolution and epidemiology of bat trypanosomes based on both molecular studies and morphological records. In addition, we use a One Health approach to discuss the significance of bats as reservoirs (and putative vectors) of T. cruzi, with a focus on the complex associations between intra-specific genetic diversity and eco-epidemiology of T. cruzi in sylvatic and domestic ecosystems. This article also highlights current knowledge gaps on the biological implications of trypanosome co-infections in a single host, as well as the prevalence, vectors, life-cycle, host-range and clinical impact of most bat trypanosomes recorded to date. Continuous research efforts involving molecular surveillance of bat trypanosomes are required for improved disease prevention and control, mitigation of biosecurity risks and potential spill-over events, ultimately ensuring the health of humans, domestic animals and wildlife globally. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Epidemiology of Trypanosomes)
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