Opportunistic Parasites Research Articles

Serological Profile of Anti-Toxoplasma gondii Antibodies in Liver Transplant Recipients

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), a globally distributed obligatory intracellular opportunistic parasite that has infected one third of the world population, has different transmission routes including via organ transplantation. The liver has emerged as a frequent transplanted organ in which the transmission of T. gondii can occur between seropositive donors and seronegative recipients. Allied with immunosuppressive therapy, the presence of latent infection in recipients elevates the risk of severe toxoplasmosis. The goal of this study was to evaluate the demographic, clinical, epidemiological, and anti-T. gondii antibody profiles in liver transplant recipients. All demographic, clinical, epidemiological, and serological data were obtained from the electronic medical records of liver transplant recipients from the Liver Transplantation Service of the Hospital de Base in São José do Rio Preto, Brazil, from 2008 to 2018. Data from 48 eligible recipients (females: n = 17; males: n = 31) were evaluated. The recipients were grouped according to their T. gondii serological profiles (G1: IgM−/IgG−; G2: IgM−/IgG+; G3: IgM+/IgG+; G4: IgM+/IgG−). The overall mean age was 55.3 (±15.3) years; the age difference between women (42.7 ± 17 years) and men (62.2 ± 10.9 years) was statistically significant (p-value > 0.0001). The percentages of the serological profiles were 20 (n = 41.7%), 26 (n = 54.1%), and 2 (n = 4.2%) for G1, G2, and G3, respectively. No recipient had a serological profile for G4. Hepatosplenomegaly (47.9%), fever (35.4%), encephalopathy (20.8%), and headache (16.7%) were commonly observed symptoms. No statistically significant differences were observed between the serological group and clinical data (p-value = 0.953). The percentages of coinfection by T. gondii with hepatitis A, B, and C were 47.9%, 20.8%, and 12.5%, respectively. About 41.7% of the recipients later died. The data demonstrate that infection by T. gondii is common in liver transplant recipients, and it is not associated with the analyzed demographic, clinical, and epidemiological data.

Pathological mechanisms of glial cell activation and neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders caused by Toxoplasma gondii infection.

Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular opportunistic parasite that exists in a latent form within the human central nervous system (CNS), even in immune-competent hosts. During acute infection, T. gondii traverses the blood-brain barrier (BBB). In the subsequent chronic infection phase, the infiltration of immune cells into the brain, driven by T. gondii infection and the formation of parasitic cysts, leads to persistent activation and proliferation of astrocytes and microglia. This process results in neuronal damages that are fatal in some cases. Through inducing systemic immune responses, T. gondii infection can dramatically alter the behavior of rodents and increase the risk of various neuropsychiatric disorders in humans. In this review, we explore some recent research progress on the major events involved in BBB disruption, glial cell activation and neuronal damage following T. gondii infection in hosts. It further discusses potential pathological mechanisms and the feasible treatment approaches for the neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders caused by T. gondii infection to extend our understanding for pathogenesis and preventive control of toxoplasmosis in humans.

Prevalence of intestinal parasites and associated factors among patients with HIV/AIDS at the anti-retroviral treatment clinic of Mizan-Tepi University Teaching Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia.

Intestinal parasitic infections remain very common, particularly in areas with a high prevalence of immune-compromised patients, such as HIV/AIDS patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites and associated factors in people living with HIV/AIDS at an ART clinic in Mizan-Tepi University Teaching Hospital, southwest Ethiopia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from July to September 2021. A total of 191 adult people living with HIV/AIDS participated in this study. Data on socio-demographic, clinical, and other risk factors were collected using a structured questionnaire. Stool samples were collected and processed using a direct wet mount, formol-ether concentration, and modified Ziehl-Nelson staining techniques. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 25 software. Among 67 adult individuals living with HIV/AIDS, the prevalence of intestinal parasites was 35.1%. Specifically, 31.5% (45/143) of patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and 45.8% (22/48) of ART-naïve patients were infected. The distribution of intestinal parasites was as follows: protozoa were found in 14.7% of ART-treated patients and 22.9% of ART-naïve patients; helminths in 15.4% of ART-treated patients and 16.7% of ART-naïve patients; and opportunistic parasites in 1.4% of ART-treated patients and 6.25% of ART-naïve patients. Significant associations with a higher prevalence of intestinal parasites were observed for a CD4 count <200 cells/mm3 (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 3.77; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.01-13.15; p = 0.04), consumption of unwashed raw vegetables (AOR = 3.29; 95% CI: 1.23-8.86; p = 0.02), and residing in rural areas (AOR = 2.34; 95% CI: 1.27-4.32; p = 0.01). The findings indicate that a significant proportion of adults living with HIV/AIDS are affected by intestinal parasites, with a notably higher prevalence among ART-naïve patients compared to those on ART. Factors such as a low CD4 count, consumption of unwashed raw vegetables, and rural residence are associated with increased risk of intestinal parasite infections. These results underscore the importance of improving hygiene practices and access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas, to reduce the burden of parasitic infections among individuals living with HIV/AIDS.

BAFF as a Potential Marker for Toxoplasma Gondii Seroprevalence Among Cancer Patients on Chemotherapy

Background: Toxoplasmosis is a global zoonotic disease, that is mainly asymptomatic in healthy persons, but critical and life-threatening in immunocompromised patients. The infection is caused by an opportunistic obligate intracellular parasite protozoon “Toxoplasma gondii” (T. gondii) that can cause fatal complications in immunosuppressed patients. Cancer patients are being immunocompromised from the cancer itself and on the other hand cancer therapy they receive may reactive a latent T. gondii infection that leaves them at high risk. The B-cell activating Factor (BAFF) is a cytokine that plays an essential role in the activation, maturation, and survival of B cells. It is vital for the appropriate functioning of the immune system. Monitoring BAFF levels in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy could be important for preventing or controlling infections in these vulnerable patients. Objectives: This study aimed to detect seroprevalence of T. gondii in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and assess the levels of BAFF in those patients. Materials and Methods: 150 serum samples were collected from oncology patients having different types of cancer and receiving chemotherapy, from different ages. And 30 samples from healthy people for control. In this cross-sectional study, samples were collected from the 1st of October 2023 to the 1st of March 2024, at Kirkuk Oncology and Hematology center. The method used was the Sandwich Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (Sandwich-ELISA) technique. Results: the overall anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM seropositive samples were found to be 67 (37.2%) in the total study population and 67(44.7%) in cancer patients. BAFF levels were elevated in cancer patients infected with T. gondii compared with the cancer patients with no infection and the healthy control group. A significant difference was indicated with (p-value 0.0004). Conclusions: A high rate of T. gondii seroprevalence was revealed among oncology patients receiving chemotherapy with elevated levels of BAFF associated with T. gondii infection in those patients.

Prevalence of opportunistic intestinal coccidian parasites and associated factors in HIV/AIDS patients attending anti-retroviral therapy (ART) clinic at Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study.

A growing number of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients suffer from opportunistic intestinal coccidian infections. Instead of human immuno deficiency virus (HIV) infection itself, opportunistic infections like intestinal coccidian parasites cause death of over 80% AIDS patients. Factors like exposed drinking water sources and poverty aid the prevalence of opportunistic intestinal coccidian parasitic infections in HIV/AIDS patients. The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal coccidian parasites and associated factors in HIV/AIDS patients. A health facility based cross sectional study was conducted from 140 HIV/AIDS patients attending ART clinic in Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia from September to December 2023. The sociodemographic characteristics were collected through face-to-face interviews. Stool samples were processed with Modified Acid Fast staining technique. Statistical Package for Social Sciences software version 20 was used to analyze the data. Logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with dependent variable and p < 0.05 was considered significantly associated. The total prevalence of opportunistic intestinal coccidian parasites (OICPs) in HIV/AIDS patients was 16.4% (23/140). Drinking surface water [p = 0.015, COR = 3.4] compared to tape water, drinking alcohol [p = 0.001, COR = 18] compared to not drinking alcohol, diarrhea [p = 0.005, COR = 1] compared to non-diarrheic, drug dropout [p = 0.01, COR = 11] compared to regular drug intake and low CD4 count [p = 0.042, COR = 9] compared to CD4 > 500/µL showed significant association with increased prevalence of OICPs in HIV/AIDS patients. OICPs are still the common causes of morbidity and mortality in HIV/AIDS patients. Surface water consumption, alcoholism, interruption of treatment drugs, diarrhea, and reduced CD4+ T-cells significantly contribute to acquisition and prevalence of OICPs in HIV/AIDS patients. Routine screening of OICPs with sensitive diagnostic techniques in HIV/AIDS patients regardless of symptoms is crucial and has to be practiced in health settings.

The first evaluation of the in vitro effects of silver(I)-N-heterocyclic carbene complexes on Encephalitozoon intestinalis and Leishmania major promastigotes

Encephalitozoon intestinalis is an opportunistic microsporidian parasite that primarily infects immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV/AIDS or undergoing organ transplantation. Leishmaniasis is responsible for parasitic infections, particularly in developing countries. The disease has not been effectively controlled due to the lack of an effective vaccine and affordable treatment options. Current treatment options for E. intestinalis infection and leishmaniasis are limited and often associated with adverse side effects. There is no previous study in the literature on the antimicrosporidial activities of Ag(I)-N-heterocyclic carbene compounds. In this study, the in vitro antimicrosporidial activities of previously synthesized Ag(I)-N-heterocyclic carbene complexes were evaluated using E. intestinalis spores cultured in human renal epithelial cell lines (HEK-293). Inhibition of microsporidian replication was determined by spore counting. In addition, the effects of the compounds on Leishmania major promastigotes were assessed by measuring metabolic activity or cell viability using a tetrazolium reaction. Statistical analysis was performed to determine significant differences between treated and control groups. Our results showed that the growth of E. intestinalis and L. major promastigotes was inhibited by the tested compounds in a concentration-dependent manner. A significant decrease in parasite viability was observed at the highest concentrations. These results suggest that the compounds have potential anti-microsporidial and anti-leishmanial activity. Further research is required to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action and to evaluate the efficacy of the compounds in animal models or clinical trials.Graphical abstract

Molecular Identification and Pathogenicity of Fusarium Species Associated with Wood Canker, Root and Basal Rot in Turkish Grapevine Nurseries.

Fusarium species are agriculturally important fungi with a broad host range and can be found as endophytic, pathogenic, or opportunistic parasites in many crop plants. This study aimed to identify Fusarium species in bare-rooted, dormant plants in Turkish grapevine nurseries using molecular identification methods and assess their pathogenicity. Asymptomatic dormant plants were sampled from grapevine nurseries (43) in different regions of the country, and fungi were isolated from plant roots and internal basal tissues. The Fusarium strains were identified by performing gene sequencing (TEF1-α, RPB2) and phylogenetic analyses. Pathogenicity tests were carried out by inoculating mycelial agar pieces of strains onto the stem or conidial suspensions into the rhizosphere of vines (1103 Paulsen rootstock). Laboratory tests revealed that Fusarium species were highly prevalent in Turkish grapevine nurseries (41 out of 43). Gene sequencing and phylogenetic analyses unraveled that 12 Fusarium species (F. annulatum, F. brachygibbosum, F. clavum, F. curvatum, F. falciforme, F. fredkrugeri, F. glycines, F. nanum, F. nematophilum, F. nirenbergiae, F. solani, and Fusarium spp.) existed in the ready-to-sale plants. Some of these species (F. annulatum, F. curvatum and F. nirenbergiae) consistently caused wood necrosis of seedling stems, rotting of the basal zone and roots, and reduced root biomass. Although the other nine species also caused some root rot and root reduction, their virulence was not as severe as the pathogenic ones, and they were considered opportunistic parasites or endophytic species. This study suggests that Fusarium species might play an important role in root-basal rot, wood canker symptoms, and young vine decline in Turkish grapevine nurseries and that these species need to be considered for healthy seedling production.

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) deficiency impedes Toxoplasma gondii excreted-secreted antigens (ESA)-induced abortion

IntroductionToxoplasma gondii is an opportunistic intracellular parasite that is a major pathogenic factor in miscarriage, especially when it occurs early in pregnancy. We have previously demonstrated that the regulation of forkhead box transcription factor (Foxp3) is associated with abortion in early pregnancy caused by excretory-secretory antigen (ESA) of strain China 1. We aimed to reveal the underlying mechanism of miscarriage caused by ESA. MethodsA TLR4−/− pregnant mouse model was successfully constructed. Pregnant mice at gestational day 5 (G5) were injected with ESA. All animals were sacrificed on G13, pregnancy outcomes were observed, and abortion rates were calculated. Placental status observed by Hematoxylin-eosin staining; gene expression was measured by IHC; flow cytometry analysis was used to determine the number and function of regulatory T cells. In EL4 cells, real-time PCR and Western blot were used to evaluate gene expression and cytokines assay. ResultsIn vivo studies revealed that ESA injection caused 83% abortion in pregnant mice but only 35% abortion in TLR4−/− pregnant mice. In addition, ESA attenuated the number and function of regulatory T cells, further suppressed Foxp3, FOXO1 levels, and upregulated CD127 expression. TLR4−/− mice partially reversed this inhibitory effect on regulatory T cells. Furthermore, in vitro studies revealed that ESA inhibited TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway expression and that TLR4 agonists significantly restored the ESA-induced decrease in Foxp3. DiscussionThese findings suggest that ESA suppresses Foxp3 expression by blocking TLR4/NF-κB signaling, resulting in miscarriage. More importantly, the results indicated that miscarriage caused by ESA is TLR4 dependent.

Evaluation of the antiplasmodial and anti-Toxoplasma activities of several Indonesian medicinal plant extracts

Ethnopharmacological relevanceMalaria, caused by Plasmodium parasites, remains a significant global health challenge, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. At the same time, the prevalence of toxoplasmosis has been reported to be 30% worldwide. Traditional medicines have long played a vital role in discovering and developing novel drugs, and this approach is essential in the face of increasing resistance to current antimalarial and anti-Toxoplasma drugs. In Indonesian traditional medicine, various plants are used for their therapeutic properties. This study focuses on eleven medicinal plants from which nineteen extracts were obtained and screened for their potential medicinal benefits against malaria and toxoplasmosis. Aims of the studyThe aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of extracts from Indonesian medicinal plants to inhibit Plasmodium falciparum, a parasite responsible for malaria, and Toxoplasma gondii, an opportunistic parasite responsible for toxoplasmosis. MethodsNineteen extracts from eleven plants were subjected to in vitro screening against P. falciparum 3D7 (a chloroquine-sensitive strain) and the T. gondii RH strain. In vitro treatments were conducted on P. falciparum 3D7 and K1 (multidrug-resistant strains) using the potent extracts, and in vivo assessments were carried out with mice infected with P. yoelii 17XNL. LCMS analysis was also conducted to identify the main components of the most effective extract. ResultsSeven extracts showed significant antiplasmodial activity (>80% inhibition) at a concentration of 100 μg/ml. These extracts were obtained from Dysoxylum parasiticum (Osbeck) Kosterm., Elaeocarpus glaber (Bl.) Bijdr., Eleutherine americana Merr., Kleinhovia hospita L., Peronema canescens Jack, and Plectranthus scutellarioides (L.) R.Br. Notably, the D. parasiticum ethyl acetate extract exhibited high selectivity and efficacy both in vitro and in vivo. Herein, the key active compounds oleamide and erucamide were identified, which had IC50 values (P. falciparum 3D7/K1) of 17.49/23.63 μM and 32.49/51.59 μM, respectively. ConclusionsThe results of this study highlight the antimalarial potential of plant extracts collected from Indonesia. Particularly, extracts from D. parasiticum EtOH and EtOAc stood out for their low toxicity and strong antiplasmodial properties, with the EtOAc extract emerging as a notably promising antimalarial candidate. Key compounds identified within this extract demonstrate the complexity of extracts' action against malaria, potentially targeting both the parasite and the host. This suggests a promising approach for developing new antimalarial strategies that tackle the multifaceted challenges of drug resistance and disease management. Future investigations are necessary to unlock the full therapeutic potential of these extracts.

Study of histopathology on Arbacia lixula (Arbaciidae: Arbacioida) and Paracentrotus lividus (Parachinidae: Camarodonta) with bald sea urchin disease symptoms in Gran Canaria Island, Spain

Introduction: Sea urchin diseases have been documented in several locations worldwide, with reported occurrences of bacterial, protozoan, fungal, and algal infections.&#x0D; Objective: This study aimed to investigate pathogen agents in populations of Arbacia lixula and Paracentrotus lividus along the coast of Gran Canaria Island (Central-East Atlantic, Spain).&#x0D; Methods: Sampling was conducted at San Cristobal beach, on the Northeast side of the island, where sea urchins were manually collected from depths of 1-3 m during June, July, and October 2022. Swab samples were taken from the external and internal areas of the lesions and cultured on various media plates.&#x0D; Results: Eight different pathogen agents, including bacteria and fungi, were identified, with Vibrio alginolyticus being the most frequently observed bacteria in all diseased sea urchin samples. Additionally, ciliated protozoans were found within the tests, potentially acting as opportunistic parasites.&#x0D; Conclusions: This research provides a unique perspective on bald sea urchin disease by identifying a significant number of associated pathogens, including Candida, previously unreported in diseased organisms. Furthermore, the study highlights the presence of an inflammatory response in tissues with bacterial colonies, offering crucial insights into understanding this sea urchin disease.

New Strategies in the Treatment of Diseases Caused by Acanthamoeba Based on Nanoparticles: A Systematic Review.

Acanthamoeba is one of the opportunistic parasites with a global prevalence. Currently, due to the side effects and the emergence of drug resistance to this parasite, much research has been performed on the use of nano-drugs to treat Acanthamoeba-caused diseases. Therefore, this systematic review study aims to evaluate new strategies for treating diseases caused by Acanthamoeba based on nanoparticles (NPs). We designed a systematic review based on the articles published in English between 2000 and 2022. Our search strategy was based on syntax and specific tags for each database, including ScienceDirect, PubMed, Scopus, Ovid, and Cochrane. From the articles, those that had inclusion criteria were selected, and their data were extracted and analyzed. In this study, 26 studies were selected. Metallic nanoparticles were mostly used against the Acanthamoeba species (80.7%). 19.2% of the studies used polymeric nanoparticles, and 3.8% used emulsion nanoparticles. Most studies (96.1%) were performed in vitro, and only one study (3.8%) was carried out in vivo. Silver NPs were the most used metallic nanoparticles in the studies. The best effect of the anti-Acanthamoeba compound was observed for green synthesized nanoparticles based on stabilization by plant gums, loaded with citrus fruits flavonoids hesperidin (HDN) and naringin (NRG) with a 100% growth inhibition at a concentration of 50 μg/mL. This study showed that chlorhexidine and other plant metabolites loaded with silver and gold nanoparticles increase the anti-Acanthambae activity of these nanoparticles. However, green synthesized nanoparticles based on stabilization by plant gums, loaded with citrus fruits flavonoids hesperidin (HDN) and naringin (NRG), showed the best anti-Acanthambae effect. Nevertheless, further studies should be performed to determine their safety for human use.

Microbiological analysis of cashew nuts (Anacardium occidentale) commercialized in the city of Rio de Janeiro

The cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale) is a nut used as food supplement, rich in macro and micronutrients. The world market is expected to grow by around 4.27% a year until 2025, with Brazil being one of the largest producers in the world. With the increase in cashew nut production in the country, there is concern about handling practices that may present risks of microbiological contamination in these products. The ingestion of water and food contaminated by bacteria, fungi and their toxins, viruses, opportunistic intestinal parasites or chemical substances can cause waterborne and foodborne diseases. This study consisted of the microbiological evaluation of 26 samples of industrialized and sold in bulk cashew nuts in the city of Rio de Janeiro. The analyses were carried out according to the methodology recommended by the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia 6th edition (2019). Nineteen samples (73%) showed microbial contamination, with the presence of Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus parasiticus and Candida sp. In addition, one sample had an Escherichia coli count above the microbiological limits. The results showed that microbiological control is essential, since a high microbial load can alter the nutritional value of food and cause various undesirable effects on human health. Therefore, this study is expected to contribute to discussions on food quality and encourage monitoring strategies, thus ensuring a safe and high-quality product.

Decoding the RNA virome of the tree parasite Armillaria provides new insights into the viral community of soil-borne fungi.

The globally distributed basidiomycete genus Armillaria includes wood decomposers that can act as opportunistic parasites, causing deadly root rot on woody plants. To test whether RNA viruses are involved in this opportunistic behaviour, a large isolate collection of five Armillaria species collected over 40 years in Switzerland from trees, dead wood and soil was analysed. De novo assembly of RNA-Seq data revealed 21 viruses, 14 of which belong to putative new species. Two dsRNA viruses and an unclassified Tymovirales are formally described for the first time for Armillaria. One mitovirus occurred with a high prevalence of 71.1%, while all other viruses were much less prevalent (0.6%-16.9%). About half of all viruses were found only in one fungal species, others occurred in 2-6 fungal species. Co-infections of 2-7 viruses per isolate were not uncommon (34.9%), and most viruses persisted circulating within fungal populations for decades. Some viruses were related to viruses associated with other Armillaria species, supporting the hypothesis that virus transmission can occur between different fungal species. Although no specific correlation between viruses and the fungal trophic strategy was found, this study opens new insights into viral diversity hidden in the soil microbiome.

Expression profiles of host miRNAs and circRNAs and ceRNA network during Toxoplasma gondii lytic cycle

Toxoplasma gondii is an opportunistic protozoan parasite that is highly prevalent in the human population and can lead to adverse health consequences in immunocompromised patients and pregnant women. Noncoding RNAs, such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs), play important regulatory roles in the pathogenesis of many infections. However, the differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs and circRNAs implicated in the host cell response during the lytic cycle of T. gondii are unknown. In this study, we profiled the expression of miRNAs and circRNAs in human foreskin fibroblasts (HFFs) at different time points after T. gondii infection using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). We identified a total of 7, 7, 27, 45, 70, 148, 203, and 217 DEmiRNAs and 276, 355, 782, 1863, 1738, 6336, 1229, and 1680 DEcircRNAs at 1.5, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 36, and 48 h post infection (hpi), respectively. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses revealed that the DE transcripts were enriched in immune response, apoptosis, signal transduction, and metabolism-related pathways. These findings provide new insight into the involvement of miRNAs and circRNAs in the host response to T. gondii infection.

TRIM28-mediated nucleocapsid protein SUMOylation enhances SARS-CoV-2 virulence

Viruses, as opportunistic intracellular parasites, hijack the cellular machinery of host cells to support their survival and propagation. Numerous viral proteins are subjected to host-mediated post-translational modifications. Here, we demonstrate that the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein (SARS2-NP) is SUMOylated on the lysine 65 residue, which efficiently mediates SARS2-NP’s ability in homo-oligomerization, RNA association, liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). Thereby the innate antiviral immune response is suppressed robustly. These roles can be achieved through intermolecular association between SUMO conjugation and a newly identified SUMO-interacting motif in SARS2-NP. Importantly, the widespread SARS2-NP R203K mutation gains a novel site of SUMOylation which further increases SARS2-NP’s LLPS and immunosuppression. Notably, the SUMO E3 ligase TRIM28 is responsible for catalyzing SARS2-NP SUMOylation. An interfering peptide targeting the TRIM28 and SARS2-NP interaction was screened out to block SARS2-NP SUMOylation and LLPS, and consequently inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication and rescue innate antiviral immunity. Collectively, these data support SARS2-NP SUMOylation is critical for SARS-CoV-2 virulence, and therefore provide a strategy to antagonize SARS-CoV-2.

Molecular detection and phylogenetic analysis of microsporidia in water and soil in Mosul city.

Microsporidia are opportunistic intracellular parasites that cause a variety of illnesses in humans. There is little information available regarding the frequency of this parasite in human cases of diarrhea and cancer. This study's primary objectives are to identify microsporidia in soil and water samples, determine the relationships between microsporidia by using sequencing analysis in the targeted area, and look into the genetic diversity of microsporidia originating from domestic, farm, and wild animals. The current investigation was conducted from March to December of 2023. In total, 35 water samples and 20 soil samples have been obtained from 12 and 5 locations in Mosul city, respectively, for this investigation. Every sample was moved to the main laboratory of the College of Science and Veterinary Medicine at the University of Mosul, Iraq. The results of the present study showed that Microsporidia were found in water at a prevalence rate of 45.7% (16/35) and in soil at a rate of 45% (9/20). In Mosul, the various regions have varying rates of Microsporidia prevalence. Microsporidia having a molecular weight of 1,300 bp were found using the polymerase chain reaction technique, which was attributed to the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene. Furthermore, the results of the current investigation indicate that three of the Microsporidia were Enterocytozoon bieneusi, which has a molecular weight of 400 bp, based on the ITS gene utilizing the inner primer, while none was found in soil. With a molecular weight of 260 bp, the SSU rRNA gene of Microsporidia was found in water and in soil. However, in accordance with each species' unique DNA discovered in soil and water, none of the Encephalitozoon intestinalis, Encephalitozoon cuniculi, or Encephalitozoon hellem were found. Twelve novel sequences found 9 sequences of Microsporidia and 3 sequences of E. bieneusi). The study demonstrated a water is the main source of Microsporidia and is highly similarity to some of the microsporidia detected in this study. Furthermore, Microsporidia found in our study showed a close relationship with Microsporidia isolated from different countries in the world.

The Significance of Opportunistic Parasitosis and Blastocystosis in Patients with Gastric Cancer: a Study with Control Group.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of opportunistic parasites and Blastocystis spp. in patients with gastric cancer (CA) and to determine the significance of these parasite. The patient group and the control group were composed of 100 people each. The stool samples were examined under the microscope for intestinal parasites with the native-Lugol method. Then, samples were multiplied by formol-ethyl acetate method and stained with modified acid-fast method. Intestinal parasite positivity was indicated in 14% of the gastric CA, and 2% of the healthy individuals (p=0.001). Blastocystis spp. (p=0.009) was identified in 11%, Cryptosporidium spp. was identified in 4%, G. intestinalis was identified in 2%, and C. cayetanensis was identified in 1% of the patient group. There were significant differences between the intestinal parasite positivity (p=0.012), abundant Blastocystis spp. positivity (p=0.041) and all Blastocystis spp. positivity (p=0.037) in patient and control groups. Most of the patients who were positive for parasites had diarrhea. Based findings, it was concluded that it would be beneficial to evaluate gastric CA patients, especially those with diarrhea, for intestinal parasites.

Detection of Cryptosporidium parvum by modified acid-fast stain among cancer patients in Thi-Qar province

Cryptosporidium parvum is a widespread opportunistic parasite belonging to the family Apicomplexa that completes its life cycle in a single host and is found frequently in immunocompromised persons, especially in patients with cancer. This research's objectives were to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium parvum infection among cancer patients in the Thi-Qar Province of Iraq, using modified Ziehl-Neelsen (MZN) stain. This study included 300 stool samples, 200 of which were for patients with cancer and 100 were for healthy people (the control group). Based on the modified acid-fast stain, the results showed the rate of infection with Cryptosporidium parvum among cancer patients was 54.0% (108/200) compared to 30.0% (30/100) in the control group, and there were statistically significant differences between them .And the percentage of infection among cancer patients in males was higher than in females, but there were no significant differences between them, as the percentage was 57.14% and 52.03%, respectively. As for the age groups Cryptosporidium parvum it affects all age groups in different proportions. The study showed that the highest infection rate among the age groups reached ?60 years at a rate of 64.44%, and the lowest infection rate among the age group ?20 years at a rate of 35.71%. As for the number doses of chemotherapy the results showed that the infection rate was higher in patients who received half and more than half of the doses of chemotherapy, where the percentage of those who received 16-20 doses (64.0%)

Association of seropositivity of toxoplasmosis and type 2 diabetes among adult females in Erbil city

Background and objective: Toxoplasma gondii is an important opportunistic parasite in immune-compromised individuals that causes toxoplasmosis. An intracellular pathogen could cause severe complications. Diabetes is a significant component that enhances the host's vulnerability and risk of acquiring a variety of infections. The objectives of the current study are to reveal the relationships between toxoplasmosis and type 2 diabetes in addition to find out the most specific gene for the detection of Toxoplasma gondii. Methods: In this case-control study, 201 blood samples were taken from type 2 diabetic women with 100 healthy women as control groups to detect anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies by performing latex agglutination test and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Detection of B1 and RE genes of Toxoplasma gondii among seropositive individuals by nested PCR and evaluation of leptin hormone in both groups were performed. Results: Among 201 type 2 diabetic cases, 64 cases (32.0%) were seropositive for anti-Toxoplasma antibodies, with 15 samples (15%) among 100 healthy control group via latex agglutination test. ELISA performed for only latex positive samples and the results were 64 ((32%) IgG+, (0%) IgM+) patient group (15.0% IgG+, 0.0% IgM+) healthy group with the P-value 0.0001 which is highly significant. The results of nested PCR were (46.88%) (IgG+, IgM-) and (1.56%) (IgG+, IgM-) for B1 and RE genes, respectively. Increased levels of leptin hormone were observed in patients in compare to healthy controls. Conclusion: Both Diabetes and the elderly increase the chance of vulnerability to get toxoplasmosis. Diabetes, toxoplasmosis and high body mass index results in elevation of leptin hormone that leads to diabetes. B1 gene is the specific gene for detection of T. gondii in our area.

Induction of Programmed Cell Death in Acanthamoeba culbertsoni by the Repurposed Compound Nitroxoline.

Acanthamoeba is a ubiquitous genus of amoebae that can act as opportunistic parasites in both humans and animals, causing a variety of ocular, nervous and dermal pathologies. Despite advances in Acanthamoeba therapy, the management of patients with Acanthamoeba infections remains a challenge for health services. Therefore, there is a need to search for new active substances against Acanthamoebae. In the present study, we evaluated the amoebicidal activity of nitroxoline against the trophozoite and cyst stages of six different strains of Acanthamoeba. The strain A. griffini showed the lowest IC50 value in the trophozoite stage (0.69 ± 0.01 µM), while the strain A. castellanii L-10 showed the lowest IC50 value in the cyst stage (0.11 ± 0.03 µM). In addition, nitroxoline induced in treated trophozoites of A. culbertsoni features compatibles with apoptosis and autophagy pathways, including chromatin condensation, mitochondrial malfunction, oxidative stress, changes in cell permeability and the formation of autophagic vacuoles. Furthermore, proteomic analysis of the effect of nitroxoline on trophozoites revealed that this antibiotic induced the overexpression and the downregulation of proteins involved in the apoptotic process and in metabolic and biosynthesis pathways.