Toxoplasma Research Articles

Characterization of two phosphatase 2 C domain-containing proteins PPM2A and PPM2B in Toxoplasma gondii

Protein phosphatases Mg2+/Mn2+ dependent (PPMs), serine/threonine phosphatases, are widely distributed in apicomplexan parasites, and Toxoplasma gondii possesses the largest number of PPMs in the apicomplexan parasites. Though the function of some PPMs has been characterized in T. gondii, much less is known about two phosphatase 2C domain-containing proteins, PPM2A and PPM2B. PPM2A was identified as one of Toxoplasma Calmodulin's interacting proteins through proximity-based protein interaction BioID technology in the previous study, and PPM2B was the homolog of PPM2A in T. gondii. In this study, PPM2A was distributed in the whole tachyzoite of T. gondii, and PPM2B was mainly distributed in the cytoplasm by inserting a 10HA tag in the C-terminus of the two genes in the RH∆ku80 strain. PPM2A knockout (Δppm2a), PPM2B knockout (Δppm2b), and double knockout (ΔΔ) in RHΔhxgprt type I strain under CRISPR-Cas9 system did not result in intracellular replication defect. Besides, mouse experiments demonstrated that PPM2A, PPM2B, and double knockout did not reduce the pathogenicity of T. gondii compared with the RH∆hxgprt strain. However, the plaque size of these single knockout and double knockout strains were smaller than that in the control RH∆hxgprt strain. Our results provide new insight into the function of PPMs in the pathogenesis of T. gondii.

In silico analysis and structural vaccinology prediction of Toxoplasma gondii ROP41 gene via immunoinformatics methods as a vaccine candidate

IntroductionToxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infects all warm-blooded animals, including humans. Currently, no effective treatments exist to prevent the generation of chronic tissue cysts in infected hosts. Therefore, developing a vaccine to protect to deal with toxoplasmosis is a promising strategy, as a single immunization could provide lifelong protective immunity. Rhoptry proteins (ROPs) play a vital role for the parasite's survival within host cells and perform critical functions during different phases of parasite invasion. Little is known about ROP41 gene. Nevertheless, Understanding the characteristics of ROP41 will enhance diagnostic and vaccine research. Materials and MethodsThe current article provides a comprehensive analysis of the essential components of the ROP41 protein, including its transmembrane domain, physico-chemical properties, subcellular location, tertiary and secondary structures, and potential T- and B-cell epitopes. These features were determined by many bioinformatics approaches to identify possible epitopes for developing a highly effective vaccine. ResultsROP41 protein showed 36 possible post-translational modification regions. The ROP41 protein secondary structure contains 17.35 % extended strand, 33.47 % alpha-helix, and 49.18 % random coil. Also, ROP41 showed many possible B- and T-cell epitopes. According to the Ramachandran plot, 90.78 % of amino acid residues had been placed in favored, 3.28 % in outlier, and 5.94 % in allowed areas. Also, the allergenicity and antigenicity evaluation indicated that ROP41 is non-allergenic and immunogenic. ConclusionThe current study offered critical basic and conceptual information on ROP41 to increase a successful vaccine in opposition to continual and acute toxoplasmosis for in addition in vivo assessments. Further research is necessary for the development of vaccines utilizing ROP41 alone or combined with various antigens.

Urban estuary serves as a critical nexus for the land-sea transfer of the terrestrial pathogen Toxoplasma gondii

Terrestrial runoff is a key pathway for the transmission of the terrestrial pathogen Toxoplasma gondii from land to sea, posing a significant threat to marine ecosystems. Understanding the mechanisms by which T. gondii is transported from terrestrial to marine environment is crucial for developing effective prevention and control strategies for toxoplasmosis in marine organisms. This study investigates the transport of T. gondii through terrestrial runoff in the Sow River, a representative watershed in Weihai, China. Surface water, bottom water, and sediment samples were collected and analyzed for T. gondii DNA using PCR methods. Out of 1776 samples, the prevalence of T. gondii was found to be 8.61 % in surface water, 9.80 % in bottom water, and 16.61 % in sediment, with sediment identified as a significant reservoir. Additionally, estuarine zones showed a higher prevalence of T. gondii (16.80 %) compared to riverine areas (9.00 %). The study further revealed that seasonal climate variations, such as temperature and precipitation, had no significant impact on the distribution of T. gondii. However, there was significant spatial variability, with estuarine conditions facilitating increased pathogen transmission. These findings highlight the importance of estuaries and sediments as key conduits for T. gondii entry in marine food webs. The results provide a theoretical basis for designing infection prevention and control strategies aimed at protecting marine ecosystems.

Emerging Infectious Diseases and the Eye: Ophthalmic Manifestations, Pathogenesis, and One Health Perspectives.

Infectious diseases may lead to ocular complications including uveitis, an ocular inflammatory condition with potentially sight-threatening sequelae, and conjunctivitis, inflammation of the conjunctiva. Emerging infectious pathogens with known ocular findings include Ebola virus, Zika virus, Avian influenza virus, Nipah virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronaviruses, and Dengue virus. Re-emerging pathogens with ocular findings include Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium species that lead to malaria. The concept of One Health involves a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach to achieve optimal health outcomes by combining human, animal, and environmental health factors. This approach examines the interconnected and often complex human-pathogen-intermediate host interactions in infectious diseases that may also result in ocular disease, including uveitis and conjunctivitis. Through a comprehensive review of the literature, we review the ophthalmic findings of emerging infectious diseases, pathogenesis, and One Health perspectives that provide further insight into the disease state. While eye care providers and vision researchers may often focus on key local aspects of disease process and management, additional perspective on host-pathogen-reservoir life cycles and transmission considerations, including environmental factors, may offer greater insight to improve outcomes for affected individuals and stakeholders.

Genotyping and Phylogenic tree of Toxoplasma gondii in one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Al- Diwaniyah province in Iraq

The current study is carry out in Al- Diwaniyah province; in Iraq between (September 2023 - March 2024) for determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in camels and molecular identification with phylogenetic analysis. (140) blood and tissue samples were collected from camels from the slaughter of the Al-Diwaniyah province. The results of total serological prevalence showed that 72 (51.42%) of the camels were infected. Genomic DNA was extracted from 140 camel’s tissues samples and SAG3 gene was amplified by PCR. PCR results showed that camels tissues samples 55/140 (39.28 %) have SAG3 gene. Ten PCR positive products of local Toxoplasma gondii isolates were DNA sequencing and compared with other isolates in GenBank. After that, the phylogenetic relationship was analyzed for this parasite using phylogenetic UPGMA tree (MEGA X version). Sequencing and phylogenetic results of Toxoplasma gondii isolate (No.1, 3, 5, 6, and 10) were showed closed genetic related into Toxoplasma gondii genotype I. The camels T. gondii isolates (No.7) were showed closed genetic related into Toxoplasma gondii genotype II. Whereas, the camels T. gondii (No.2, 4, 8, and 9) were showed closed genetic related into Toxoplasma gondii genotype III. At total genetic change (0.01). The homology sequence identity between local The Toxoplasma gondii isolates and NCBI-BLAST related genotype of T. gondii were reveals that genetic homology sequence identity was ranged (99.32% - 100%).

Prevalence and Detection of the Toxoplasma gondii by serological technique and making a phylogenetic in pregnant women

The study intended to inspect the prevalence of the infection in pregnant woman (Toxoplasma gondii acute and chronic stage of parasite) by rapid test and making a genetic tree after analyzing number of samples with PCR technique. This study integrated (100) blood samples taken from pregnant women in Baghdad Governorate from private laboratories and hospitals and also five uninfected samples were considered as the control group during the period of this study. The results showed that the total infected (rapid test) had a ratio of totally 27. %, acute (8 %) and chronic 19% as per table 1 in pregnant women at (p<0.05) level. The parasite was PCR analysis diagnosed sample and worked in PCR product samples for sequencing analysis. It used a program Mega 6 for making a tree for this parasite and comparing to other countries for the same parasite, this program shows the mutations and convergence of the genetic sequence found in Iraq. The genotypes of this parasite were determined by the symmetry and compared to the blast analysis, showing positive examination from all samples (Toxoplasma gondii) from different hospital in Iraq.

Toxoplasma gondii infection affects the complete blood count and disturbs the markers of oxidative stress from the vital organs of wild rodents

Rodents are the synanthropic mammals that are existing in close proximity to humans and their belongings and have the potential to act as the reservoir for a variety of parasites having zoonotic potential. Present study was designed to report the molecular prevalence and phylogenetic evaluation of Toxoplasma gondii in the blood samples of four wild rodent species [Rattus rattus (N = 122), Mus musculus (N = 64), Rattus norvegicus (N = 57) and Dryomys nitedula (N = 1)] that were trapped during May 2022 till July 2023 from three districts in Punjab (Jampur, Dera Ghazi Khan and Multan) and three districts (Upper Dir, Mardan and Bunar) in Pakistan. Results revealed that 44/244 (18%) rodents amplified ITS-1 gene of Toxoplasma gondii through PCR. Parasite prevalence varied between the rodent species. Highest rate of infection was found in Rattus norvegicus followed by Rattus rattus and Mus musculus. For both rat species, Toxoplasma gondii infection significantly varies between the sampling districts. DNA sequencing and BLAST analysis confirmed the presence of Toxoplasma gondii in rodent blood samples. Phylogenetic analysis showed that Pakistani isolates were genetically diverse and clustered with the isolates that were reported from worldwide countries. Complete blood count analysis revealed that parasite infected rodents had disturbed lymphocyte, mean platelet volume, mean corpuscular volume (and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. Markers of oxidative stress analysis revealed that infected rodent had elevated malondialdehyde levels in liver and kidney while disturb catalase concentrations in kidney and heart as compared to uninfected animals. In conclusion, we are reporting a relatively high prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Pakistani rodents. Infection leads to disturbed complete blood count and markers of oxidative stress in the vital organs. We recommend large scale studies in various geo-climatic regions of Pakistan to report the incidence and prevalence of this pathogen among the rodents in order to prevent their infections in local people as well as in livestock.

Isolation and Characterization of Heat Shock Protein 70-Ipek 1 from Toxoplasma gondii

Toxoplasma gondii is a common intracellular parasite that causes the toxoplasmosis. Heat shock proteins (Hsps) have a critical role in pathogenesis of toxoplasmosis. Hsps are highly conserved proteins in evolution among living organisms. This protein family responsible for a wide range of biological processes such as protein folding, protein translocation, protein aggregation. In the present study, Hsp70, a member of the Hsp family, was isolated from T. gondii and its sequence and motifs were determined by PCR, cloning, sequencing and homology modelling analysis. ATP hydrolysis, luciferase folding, and luciferase aggregation experiments were performed for determination of its chaperone activity while the stability and secondary structure of the Hsp70 were discovered by using biophysical experiments (FTIR, florescence and quenching experiment). In addition, in silico analysis were used to determine the physicochemical characteristics of Hsp70. The results revealed that Hsp70 protein obtained from T. gondii (Hsp70-IPEK1) is similar to Hsp70s from other organisms. Also, the chaperone activity, stability and secondary structure of Hsp70-IPEK1 were determined. Hsp70-IPEK1 together with other chaperones in the presence of nucleotide were dramatically increased protein folding and aggregation. According to these results, it is thought that Hsp70 has a potential to contribute many research areas such as pharmaceutical analysis

Toxoplasma-induced behavior changes - is microbial dysbiosis the missing link?

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is one of the most successful intracellular protozoa in that it can infect the majority of mammalian cell types during the acute phase of infection. Furthermore, it is able to establish a chronic infection for the host's entire lifespan by developing an encysted parasite form, primarily in the muscles and brain of the host, to avoid the host immune system. The infection affects one third of the world population and poses an increased risk for people with a suppressed immune system. Despite the dormant characteristics of chronic T. gondii infection, there is much evidence suggesting that this infection leads to specific behavior changes in both humans and rodents. Although numerous hypotheses have been put forth, the exact mechanisms underlying these behavior changes have yet to be understood. In recent years, several studies revealed a strong connection between the gut microbiome and the different organ systems that are affected in T. gondii infection. While it is widely studied and accepted that acute T. gondii infection can lead to a dramatic disruption of the host's normal, well-balanced microbial ecosystem (microbial dysbiosis), changes in the gut microbiome during the chronic stage of infection has not been well characterized. This review is intended to briefly inspect the different hypotheses that attempt to explain the behavior changes during T. gondii infection. Furthermore, this review proposes to consider the potential link between gut microbial dysbiosis, and behavior changes in T. gondii infection as a novel way to describe the underlying mechanism.

Seroconversion Toxoplasmosis as a predictor for gestational diabetes mellitus among pregnant ladies in Iraq

Background. Toxoplasma gondii (T.g.) can reach many host organs including the pancreas and pancreatic tissue may be directly attacked and compromised by the organisms. Aim. This study aimed to evaluate the risk of toxoplasmosis infestation as a predictor of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) among pregnant ladies in Thi-Qar, Southern Iraq. Methodology. A case-control study was conducted on 151 pregnant ladies classified (61) with GDM and (89) healthy pregnant ladies attending a tertiary Endocrine Center. All patient data were gathered from direct interviews and the digital records of the tertiary center, which used an internal network system and Microsoft Access program. Each pregnant woman was diagnosed with new GDM according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) definition criteria. Results. The mean ages of the whole participants were 28 ±6 years old and more than half of them were in the second decade of life, their mean weight was 75.38±13.29) kg and their body mass index was 29.82 ± 5.23 (Kg/m2). Family history of DM, history of toxoplasmosis infestation, and positive serological test of IgG for toxoplasmosis was significantly predominant among women with GDM rather than those without (p-value= 0.007, 0.002, 0.004 respectively). Conclusions. The second decade of age is the independent risk factor for developing new GDM, while toxoplasmosis infestation and positive IGG were additive-dependent risk factors for developing new GDM in collaboration with other patients' profiles. Pregnant women with GDM were significantly older, heavier in body weight, and obese than those without GDM making them at higher risk factors for getting hyperglycemia.

ATM1, an essential conserved transporter in Apicomplexa, bridges mitochondrial and cytosolic [Fe-S] biogenesis.

The Apicomplexa phylum encompasses numerous obligate intracellular parasites, some associated with severe implications for human health, including Plasmodium, Cryptosporidium, and Toxoplasma gondii. The iron-sulfur cluster [Fe-S] biogenesis ISC pathway, localized within the mitochondrion or mitosome of these parasites, is vital for parasite survival and development. Previous work on T. gondii and Plasmodium falciparum provided insights into the mechanisms of [Fe-S] biogenesis within this phylum, while the transporter linking mitochondria-generated [Fe-S] with the cytosolic [Fe-S] assembly (CIA) pathway remained elusive. This critical step is catalyzed by a well-conserved ABC transporter, termed ATM1 in yeast, ATM3 in plants and ABCB7 in mammals. Here, we identify and characterize this transporter in two clinically relevant Apicomplexa. We demonstrate that depletion of TgATM1 does not specifically impair mitochondrial metabolism. Instead, proteomic analyses reveal that TgATM1 expression levels inversely correlate with the abundance of proteins that participate in the transfer of [Fe-S] to cytosolic proteins at the outer mitochondrial membrane. Further insights into the role of TgATM1 are gained through functional complementation with the well-characterized yeast homolog. Biochemical characterization of PfATM1 confirms its role as a functional ABC transporter, modulated by oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and [4Fe-4S].

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.

Structural Prediction and Antigenic Analysis of ROP18, MIC4, and SAG1 Proteins to Improve Vaccine Design against Toxoplasma gondii: An In silico Approach.

Toxoplasmosis is a cosmopolitan infectious disease in warm-blooded mammals that poses a serious worldwide threat due to the lack of effective medications and vaccines. The purpose of this study was to design a multi-epitope vaccine using several bioinfor-matics approaches against the antigens of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). Three proteins of T. gondii, including ROP18, MIC4, and SAG1, were analyzed to predict the most dominant B- and T-cell epitopes. Finally, we designed a chimeric immunogen RMS (ROP18, MIC4, and SAG1) using some domains of ROP18 (N377-E546), MIC4 (D302-G471), and SAG1 (T130-L299) linked by rigid linker A (EAAAK) A. Physicochemical prop-erties, secondary and tertiary structures, antigenicity, and allergenicity of RMS were predicted utilizing immunoinformatic tools and servers. RMS protein had 545 amino acids with a molecular weight (MW) of 58,833.46 Da and a theoretical isoelectric point (IP) of 6.47. The secondary structure of RMS protein con-tained 21.28% alpha-helix, 24.59% extended strand, and 54.13% random coil. In addition, eval-uation of antigenicity and allergenicity showed the protein to be an immunogen and non-aller-gen. The results of the Ramachandran plot indicated that 76.4%, 12.9%, and 10.7% of amino acid residues were incorporated in the favored, allowed, and outlier regions, respectively. ΔG of the best-predicted mRNA secondary structure was -593.80 kcal/mol, which indicated that a stable loop was not formed at the 5' end. Finally, the accuracy and precision of the in silico analysis must be confirmed by successful heterologous expression and experimental studies.

Enhancement of apoptosis in Caco-2, Hep-G2, and HT29 cancer cell lines following exposure to Toxoplasma gondii peptides.

Cancer or neoplasm is a cosmopolitan catastrophe that results in more than 20 million new cases and 10 million deaths every year. Some factors lead to carcinogenesis like infectious diseases. Parasites like Toxoplasma gondii, by its components, could modulate the cancer system by inducing apoptosis. The objective of this investigation is to assess the potential of peptides derived from T. gondii in combating cancer by examining their effects on Caco-2, Hep-G2, and HT29 cell lines. Candidate peptide by its similarity to anticancer compounds was predicted through the computer-based analysis/platform. The impact of the peptide on cell viability, cell proliferation, and gene expression was evaluated through the utilization of MTT assay, flow cytometry, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methodologies. The cell viability rate exhibited a significant decrease (p < 0.001) across all cell lines when exposed to a concentration of ≤160 μg. Within the 48-hour timeframe, the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) for HT29 and Hep-G2 cell lines was determined to be 107.2 and 140.6 μg/mL, respectively. Notably, a marked decrease in the expression levels of Bcl2 and APAF1 genes was observed in both the Hep-G2 and HT29 cell lines. These findings indicate that the T. gondii peptide affected cancer cell mortality and led to changes in the expression of genes associated with apoptosis.

SEROPREVALENCE OF TOXOPLASMA GONDII AMONG CANCER PATIENTS IN AL-AMAL CENTER FOR TREATMENT OF CANCER PATIENTS IN TAIZ CITY, YEMEN

The current study was done in Taiz city during the period from March 2019 to march 2020, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection among cancer patients and to determine the association of T. gondii seropositivity in cancer patients with gender, age and number of chemical doses in Al-Amal Center for Treatment of Cancer Patients in Taiz governorate, Yemen, using serological test by rapid devise Toxo-kits method. A total of 368 blood samples from cancer patients were collected and examined for anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM antibodies. The overall T. gondii seroprevalence, including both Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and Immunoglobulin M (IgM) positive individuals was 42.12% (155/368). The seroprevalence rate of IgG and IgM antibodies was 41.58% (153/368) and 14.13% (52/368), respectively. Regarding sex, no statistically significant difference was found, with 65 seropositive out of 148 (43.92%) in males and 90 out of 220 (40.91%) in females (P&gt;0.05). The seroprevalence of T. gondii infection was high in all age groups, especially in younger and older cancer patients (aged from 1-10 and &gt;80 years old), (50.00%) in each; while the lower seroprevalence (25.81%) was detected in cancer patients aged 21 to 30 years old, but the differences were not significant (P&gt; 0.05). Moreover, the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis was higher in individuals treated with chemotherapy (43.07%) than those not used chemotherapy (39.60%), with no significant difference (P&gt;0.05). T. gondii infection remains a major threat to cancer patients, and it needs proper screening, diagnosis and treatment.

Characterization and functional analysis of Toxoplasma Golgi-associated proteins identified by proximity labeling.

Apicomplexan parasites such as Toxoplasma gondii infect a large percentage of the world's population and cause substantial human disease. These widespread pathogens use specialized secretory organelles to infect their host cells, modulate host cell functions, and cause disease. While the functions of the secretory organelles are now better understood, the Golgi apparatus of the parasite remains largely unexplored, particularly regarding parasite-specific innovations that may help direct traffic intracellularly. In this work, we characterize ULP1, a protein that is unique to parasites but shares structural similarity to the eukaryotic trafficking factor p115/Uso1. We show that ULP1 plays an important role in parasite fitness and demonstrate that it interacts with the conserved oligomeric Golgi (COG) complex. We then use ULP1 proximity labeling to identify 11 additional Golgi-associated proteins, which we functionally analyze via conditional knockdown. This work expands our knowledge of the Toxoplasma Golgi apparatus and identifies potential targets for therapeutic intervention.

Enhanced clindamycin delivery using chitosan-coated niosomes to prevent Toxoplasma gondii strain VEG in pregnant mice: an experimental study

BackgroundCongenital toxoplasmosis occurs when a pregnant woman becomes infected with Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) for the first time. Treatment typically involves antimicrobial medications, with spiramycin commonly used to prevent transmission. However, spiramycin's effectiveness is limited due to poor placental penetration. Clindamycin, another antibiotic, can cross the placenta but reaches the fetus at only half the maternal concentration. Encapsulating the drug in chitosan-coated niosomes (Cs-Nio) could enhance its effectiveness by targeting specific organs and ensuring sustained release. To address the challenges of using clindamycin, a niosome-coated chitosan system was investigated for treating congenital toxoplasmosis caused by the VEG strain of T. gondii in an animal model.MethodsPregnant mice were infected with VEG strain of T. gondii on the 12th day of pregnancy, followed by treatment with various drugs across six groups. The treatments included chitosan-coated niosomes loaded clindamycin (Cs-Nio-Cli) and other controls. Parasitological evaluations (microscopic examination and real-time PCR), along with histopathological and immunological assessments were conducted to assess treatment efficacy. Finally, statistical analysis was conducted using GraphPad Prism 8.0 and SPSS 26, comparing test and control groups with T test and Mann–Whitney test. A p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsThe study found that treatment with Cs-Nio-Cli significantly reduced the number of T. gondii cysts in the brain and eyes (97.59% and 92.68%, respectively) compared to the negative control group. It also mitigated inflammatory changes, prevented cell death, and reduced vascular cuffs in the brain. In addition, Cs-Nio-Cli treatment decreased bleeding, placental thrombosis, and inflammatory cell infiltration in the placenta while improving eye tissue health by reducing retinal folds and bleeds. Immunologically, nanoclindamycin treatment resulted in lower TNF-α cytokine levels and higher IL-10 levels, indicating an enhanced anti-inflammatory response.ConclusionsAlthough Cs-Nio-Cli demonstrates promise in reducing the transmission of congenital toxoplasmosis and mitigating the effects of congenital toxoplasmosis, additional research is necessary to determine the optimal treatment regimens for the complete eradication of the parasite in the fetus.

Motility-dependent processes in Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites and bradyzoites: same same but different.

The tachyzoite stage of the apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii utilizes motility for multiple purposes during its lytic cycle, including host cell invasion, egress from infected cells, and migration to new uninfected host cells to repeat the process. Bradyzoite stage parasites, which establish a new infection in a naïve host, must also use motility to escape from the cysts that are ingested by the new host and then migrate to the gut wall, where they either invade cells of the intestinal epithelium or squeeze between these cells to infect the underlying connective tissue. We know very little about the motility of bradyzoites, which we analyze in detail here and compare to the well-characterized motility and motility-dependent processes of tachyzoites. Unexpectedly, bradyzoites were found to be as motile as tachyzoites in a 3D model extracellular matrix, and they showed increased invasion into and transmigration across certain cell types, consistent with their need to establish the infection in the gut. The motility of the two stages was inhibited to the same extent by cytochalasin D and KNX-002, compounds known to target the parasite's actomyosin-based motor. In contrast, other compounds that impact tachyzoite motility (tachyplegin and enhancer 5) have less of an effect on bradyzoites, and rapid bradyzoite egress from infected cells is not triggered by treatment with calcium ionophores, as it is with tachyzoites. The similarities and differences between these two life cycle stages highlight the need to characterize both tachyzoites and bradyzoites for a more complete understanding of the role of motility in the parasite life cycle and the effect that potential therapeutics targeting parasite motility will have on disease establishment and progression.

Identifying the hidden parasitic intruders: Molecular insights into the health of common Myna

Birds are known to act as the parasite reservoir and can transmit them to other organisms through food chains. This study aims to report the molecular prevalence and phylogenetic evaluation of various blood borne pathogens (Toxoplasma gondii, Isospora spp., Plasmodium spp., Haemoproteus spp., Leucocytozoan spp. and Neospora caninum) in blood samples of common Myna (Acridotheres tristis: N = 80) collected from four region (Jhang, Khanewal, Multan and Muzaffargarh) in Punjab Pakistan. Effect of pathogens on the complete blood count of the host was also determined. Results revealed by 2/80 Myna (2.5 %) amplified ITS-1 gene of Toxoplasma (T.) gondii (confirmed by DNA sequencing) while 2/80 (2.5 %) birds amplified 18S rDNA gene and Isospora spp. Phylogenetic analysis of both pathogens showed that Pakistani isolates were clustered together and were closely related to isolates that were reported from worldwide countries.Risk factor analysis revealed that prevalence of both pathogens was not restricted to a particular sampling site or a particular bird sex (P > 0.05). T. gondii infected birds had elevated red cell distribution width while Isospora sp. infected birds had elevated % monocytes and platelet distribution width while decreased mean cell hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration and platelets hematocrit than their respective uninfected birds. In conclusion, we are reporting the presence of T. gondii and Isospora sp. among Pakistani common Myna that had disturbed the complete blood count parameters that may have affected their normal physiology.

Toxoplasma Gondii infection and cardiovascular mortality: sex-specific differences in a United States population-based cohort study

BackgroundAlthough Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection has been linked to cardiac injury, the extent to which it increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality remains unclear. We aimed to assess the association between T. gondii infection and CVD mortality in the United States population.MethodsThis study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 2009 and 2014 to investigate the association between T. gondii infection and CVD mortality. The T. gondii infection status was determined by measuring serum T. gondii IgG antibody levels. CVD mortality outcomes were ascertained through linkage with the national mortality index records. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of T. gondii infection on CVD mortality.ResultsA total of 10,237 (Male, n = 5010; Female, n = 5227) individuals aged ≥ 20 years were included in the analysis, of which 1,632 were positive for T. gondii serum IgG antibodies. After a median follow-up of eight years, there were 312 deaths due to CVD. In multivariable-adjusted analyses, the risk of death from CVD was 40% higher in T. gondii-seropositive men compared with seronegative men (HR: 1.40; 95%CI: 1.02–1.93), but not in women (HR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.57–1.34). These results remained consistent in further stratified and sensitivity analyses.ConclusionIn this large population-based cohort study, T. gondii infection was associated with an increased risk of CVD mortality in men, but not in women. Further studies are required to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and potential sex-specific differences in the effects of T. gondii infection on CVD mortality. Future investigations should focus on validating these results and exploring the potential implications for cardiovascular risk assessment and management.