Trypanosoma Lewisi Research Articles

Phylogenetic and Genetic Variation Analysis of ITS1 Gene of Trypanosoma lewisi in Wild Rats Using Polymerase Chain Reaction

Murine Trypanosomiasis is a disease caused by the blood protozoan Trypanosoma lewisi in rats, with the transmission process mediated by the flea species Xenopsylla cheopis and Nosopsyllus fasciatus. Cases of trypanosomiasis have been documented due to Trypanosoma lewisi infecting rats and humans in various countries. Diagnosis of T. lewisi is typically conducted using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which amplifies target DNA using specific primers. One such target gene for detection is the Internal Transcribed Spacer-1 (ITS1). Subsequent sequencing of PCR products enables analysis of genetic variation employing parameters such as nucleotide composition, genetic distance, and phylogenetic analysis with MEGA software. Test results based on percent identity values indicated a 98.51% homology of blood samples with the Chinese strain of T. lewisi (FJ011094.1), demonstrating genetic variation. Phylogram reconstruction revealed that samples 18, 19, and 37 of T. lewisi exhibit very close intraspecies relationships with T. lewisi from NCBI genebank with genetic distance ranging from 0.007 to 0.01. While the closest interspecies relationship was found with T. cruzi (KT305857.1) with a genetic distance of (d = 0.61).

Prevalence of Ectoparasites and Hemoparasites in Rodents and Shrews in Ilemela District, Mwanza Region, Tanzania

Background: Rodents and shrews play an important role in the transmission and spreading of zoonotic diseases in Tanzania and worldwide. Purpose: This study aims to identify ectoparasites and hemoparasites in rodents and shrews captured in Ilemela District, Mwanza Region, Tanzania. Methods: Rodents and shrews were captured using Sherman live traps and modified wire cages, both of which were placed indoors, peri-domestically, and in agricultural fields. The animals were anaesthetized using diethyl ether, and blood samples were collected aseptically from the heart. Thin and thick smears were prepared for the identification of hemoparasites. Results: The overall prevalence of ectoparasites was 56.4%, with the following ectoparasites identified: Laelaps echininus (39.6%), Polyplax spp. (4.0%), Xenopsylla cheopis (2.7%), and Heamaphysalis leachi (0.7%). The highest prevalence of ectoparasites was observed in Mastomys natalensis. In terms of sex, male animals showed a higher prevalence of ectoparasites (59.0%) than female animals. Additionally, the prevalence of hemoparasites was 35.5%, with the following parasites identified: Anaplasma spp. (18.8%), Trypanosoma lewisi (0.7%), Plasmodium spp. (1.3%), Bipolar coccobacilli (2.7%), and Bacillus spp. (3.4%). Anaplasma spp. was identified in all infested rodent species, with the highest prevalence observed in Mus musculus (34.4%) and Mastomys natalensis (27.3%). However, T. lewisi was only identified in Rattus rattus (0.7%), whereas no hemoparasites was identified in Crocidura spp. Conclusion: This study provides baseline information on the prevalence of ectoparasites and hemoparasites in rodents and shrews in Ilemela district, Mwanza Region, Tanzania. Therefore, monitoring of these parasites is important for preparedness and early warning preparation for the control of rodent-borne diseases.

Novel trypanosomatid species detected in Mongolian pikas (Ochotona pallasi) and their fleas in northwestern China

BackgroundIn the family Trypanosomatidae, the genus Trypanosoma contains protozoan parasites that infect a diverse range of hosts, including humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. Wild rodents, as natural reservoir hosts of various pathogens, play an important role in the evolution and emergence of Trypanosomatidae. To date, no reports are available on the trypanosomatid infection of pikas (Lagomorpha: Ochotonidae).MethodsIn this study, Mongolian pikas and their fleas were sampled at the China–Mongolia border, northwestern China. The samples were analyzed with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing for the presence of Trypanosomatidae on the basis of both the 18S ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) gene and the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (gGAPDH) gene. The morphology of trypomastigotes was also observed in peripheral blood smears by microscopy.ResultsMolecular and phylogenetic analyses revealed a new genotype of the Trypanosoma lewisi clade that was found both in pika blood and flea samples. This genotype, which probably represents a new species, was provisionally designated as “Trypanosoma sp. pika”. In addition, a novel genotype belonging to the genus Blechomonas of Trypanosomatidae was detected in fleas. On the basis of its molecular and phylogenetic properties, this genotype was named Blechomonas luni-like, because it was shown to be the closest related to B. luni compared with other flea-associated trypanosomatids.ConclusionsTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report any trypanosomatid species in Mongolian pikas and their fleas. Further studies are needed to investigate the epidemiology of these protozoan parasites, as well as to evaluate their pathogenicity for humans or domestic animals.Graphical

Rodent-borne parasites in Qatar: A possible risk at the human-animal-ecosystem interface

Rodents are known reservoirs for a diverse group of zoonotic pathogens that can pose a threat to human health. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate these pathogens to institute prevention and control measures. To achieve this, the current study was conducted to investigate the frequency of different parasites in commensal rodents in Qatar. A total of 148 rodents, including Rattus norvegicus, Rattus rattus, and Mus musculus were captured using traps placed in different habitats such as agricultural and livestock farms, residential areas, and other localities. Blood, feces, ectoparasite, and visceral organs were collected for gross, microscopic, immunological, and molecular analysis. The study identified 10 different parasites, including Capillaria annulosa, Eimeria spp., Giardia spp., Hymenolepis diminuta, Mastophorus muris, Ornithonyssus bacoti, Taenia taeniaeformis, Toxoplasma gondii, Trypanosoma lewisi, and Xenopsylla astia. Overall, 62.2% of the rodents tested positive for at least one parasite species. Helminths were found to be the most prevalent parasites (46.0%), followed by ectoparasites (31.8%), and protozoa (10.1%). However, individually, X. astia was the most prevalent (31.8%), whereas C. annulosa was the least common (0.7%). The prevalence of X. astia and H. diminuta significantly differed between habitats (p < 0.05). The sequence analysis of Hymenolepis spp. was closely related to the previously reported H. diminuta in Iran, China, and Mexico. In conclusion, the study identified a diverse range of rodent-borne parasites that are important to public health, with most of them being recorded for the first time among commensal rodents in Qatar.

Molecular detection of Trypanosoma lewisi in rodents distributed in dairy cattle pens and residential areas

The World Organisation for Animal Health continues to be concerned about the spread of atypical human-animal trypanosomiasis. Trypanosoma lewisi is one of the rodent-origin zoonotic trypanosomiasis. Despite the fact that many cases of T. lewisi in humans have been documented in several nations, the study of this pathogenic parasite in Indonesia remains limited. The objective of this investigation was to use a molecular approach to detect T. lewisi in rats captured in livestock pens and residential areas. In Pondok Ranggon Village, Cipayung District, East Jakarta, 14 traps were placed in dairy cattle pens and a total of 50 traps were installed outside and inside houses in Lhoksukon and Ceubrek Villages, Lhoksukon District, North Aceh. The captured rats were identified, sedated, and examined for ectoparasites. The blood of rats was then analysed using Giemsa-stained thin blood films and PCR with TRYP1R and TRYP1S primers. The majority of the Rattus species captured in three locations were R. tanezumi (62.07%), followed by R. norvegicus (6.90%) and R. exulans (3.4%). Xenopsylla cheopis were predominant insect found in the present study (60%), followed by Laelaps echidninus (20%), Laelaps nutalli (12%), and Ornithonyssus bacoti (8%). According to the total flea index, rats captured from cattle pens had fewer fleas than rats from other locations. The molecular analysis revealed that T. lewisi was present in 46.15% of rats captured in human settlements and 66.67% of rats captured in the dairy cattle pens. PCR result also demonstrated that positive T. lewisi found higher in inside house (66.67%) compared to outside house (28.57%). It indicates that trypanosome infections are prevalent in rats from domestic environments and cattle pens, and that R. tanezumi can potentially serve as a source of parasites for both animals and humans through fleas acting as vectors.

Trypanosoma lewisi in blood of Rattus rattus complex residing in human settlements, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand: Microscopic and molecular investigations

Trypanosomes are blood parasites infected in various mammals, including rats. The presence of rats in human settlements can increase the chance of Trypanosoma transmission to humans. The molecular study of multispacer in Trypanosoma spp. in naturally infected rodents in Thailand is scanty. The objective of this study was to detect Trypanosoma in the blood of the captured rats in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand, using microscopic and molecular techniques. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in human settlement areas. Ninety-nine blood samples were collected using cardiac puncture. A blood sample was smeared on a glass slide and examined using a compound light microscope and a scanning electron microscope. Moreover, polymerase chain reaction was applied to detect Trypanosoma evansi and T. lewisi in the blood. An additional primer set was used to confirm the species of the detected trypanosome. Approximately 18% of the rats had positive Trypanosoma infections. All Trypanosoma-positive blood samples were matched with sequences of T. lewisi. The stumpy form of trypanosome had higher nucleus related parameters than the slender form. Interestingly, the partial sequences of the alpha-tubulin gene of T. lewisi were first reported in the naturally infected RrC in this study. Based on the results obtained, T. lewisi biology, particularly the virulent components and route of transmission, pathogenesis, and in vitro experiments, are strongly recommended for further study.

Development of nine microsatellite loci for Trypanosoma lewisi, a potential human pathogen in Western Africa and South-East Asia, and preliminary population genetics analyses

Development of nine microsatellite loci for Trypanosoma lewisi, a potential human pathogen in Western Africa and South-East Asia, and preliminary population genetics analyses

Morphological and Morphometric Analysis of Trypanosoma lewisi and Toxoplasma gondii in Malang City, Indonesia Rats

Rats are reported to be the intermediate hosts and reservoirs of several zoonotic protozoal diseases. Trypanosoma lewisi is commonly reported in rats’ blood and is considered non-pathogenic protozoa in humans. However, some countries documented several cases in humans with T. lewisi infection. Another zoonotic protozoon that develops in rats and can be transmissible to humans is Toxoplasma gondii. We intended to present the morphology and morphometry of T. lewisi and T.gondii in wild rats collected around Malang City to explore the potential risk of transmission nearby. The rats were collected using single live traps followed by identification, sexing, age approximation, and body morphometry. All specimens were euthanized according to the standard procedure followed by blood and peritoneal fluid collection. The fluid smear preparation and Giemsa staining were performed to detect the presence of T. lewisi and T. gondii. Morphologic and morphometric analyses were conducted using ImageJ software. Among the collected 50 collected rats, 23 were identified as Rattus norvegicus (46%), 22 as Rattus rattus (44 %), and 5 as Mus musculus (1%). In the case of protozoans infection, ten individuals were infected with T. Lewisi (20%) from the blood smear check, whereas peritoneal fluid smear examination revealed an infection of T. gondii in a specimen (2%). Results of the study proved trypanosomiasis and toxoplasmosis in wild rats in Malang City. Though the clinical significance to human and public health impact is questionable, further research and surveillance of rodent-borne parasitic pathogens will provide more information for pre-emptive action.

Prevalence of Trypanosomiasis of Wild Rats (Rattus sp.) in Banjarnegara District and Potential Impact for Public Health

Trypanosomiasis is a zoonotic disease caused by Trypanosoma sp., a protozoan parasite that has a flagellum. It has the potential to cause emerging diseases. Generally, Trypanosoma infection is caused by T. evansi which causes Surra disease, and T. cruzi which causes Chagas disease. Trypanosoma lewisi has been considered a natural protozoan in mice, not pathogenic to humans but in recent years it has been reported in humans. This study aims to detect Trypanosoma in rats in Banjarnegara District and analyze the potential impact on public health. The research was observational with a descriptive approach, conducted in Banjarnegara from July-December 2020. Samples were taken by purposive sampling. Samples are rat’s blood that caught on wild rats survey in the main market of Banjarnegara District. Blood samples were made with a thin smear then they were stained with Giemsa and examined by microscope. There were 157 rats caught, consisting of 131 Rattus norvegicus and 26 R. tanezumi. Totally, 28 rats were positive Trypanosoma lewisi, so Trypanosoma infection in rats in Banjarnegara District is 16,57%. Trypanosomiasis in R. norvegicus was 18.3% and R. tanezumi 15.38%. Therefore, there is a need to increase the awareness of these diseases’s transmission to humans.

Unexpectedly high diversity of trypanosomes in small sub-Saharan mammals

The extremely species-rich genus Trypanosoma has recently been divided into 16 subgenera, most of which show fairly high host specificity, including the subgenus Herpetosoma parasitizing mainly rodents. Although most Herpetosoma spp. are highly host-specific, the best-known representative, Trypanosoma lewisi, has a cosmopolitan distribution and low host specificity. The present study investigates the general diversity of small mammal trypanosomes in East and Central Africa and the penetration of invasive T. lewisi into communities of native rodents. An extensive study of blood and tissue samples from Afrotropical micromammals (1528 rodents, 135 shrews, and five sengis belonging to 37 genera and 133 species) captured in the Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zambia revealed 187 (11.2%) trypanosome-positive individuals. The prevalence of trypanosomes in host genera ranged from 2.1% in Aethomys to 37.1% in Lemniscomys. The only previously known trypanosome detected in our dataset was T. lewisi, newly found in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania in a wide range of native rodent hosts. Besides T. lewisi, 18S rRNA sequencing revealed 48 additional unique Herpetosoma genotypes representing at least 15 putative new species, which doubles the known sequence-based diversity of this subgenus, and approaches the true species richness in the study area. The other two genotypes represent two new species belonging to the subgenera Ornithotrypanum and Squamatrypanum. The trypanosomes of white-toothed shrews (Crocidura spp.) form a new phylogroup of Herpetosoma, unrelated to flagellates previously detected in insectivores. With 13 documented species, Ethiopia was the richest region for trypanosome diversity, which corresponds to the very diverse environments and generally high biodiversity of this country. We conclude that besides T. lewisi, the subgenus Herpetosoma is highly host-specific (e.g., species parasitizing the rodent genera Acomys and Gerbilliscus). Furthermore, several newly detected trypanosome species are specific to their endemic hosts, such as brush-furred mice (Lophuromys), dormice (Graphiurus), and white-toothed shrews (Crocidura).

Development of nine microsatellite loci for Trypanosoma lewisi, a potential human pathogen in Western Africa and South-East Asia, and preliminary population genetics analyses

Development of nine microsatellite loci for Trypanosoma lewisi, a potential human pathogen in Western Africa and South-East Asia, and preliminary population genetics analyses

Development of nine microsatellite loci for Trypanosoma lewisi, a potential human pathogen in Western Africa and South-East Asia, and preliminary population genetics analyses

Development of nine microsatellite loci for Trypanosoma lewisi, a potential human pathogen in Western Africa and South-East Asia, and preliminary population genetics analyses

Development of nine microsatellite loci for Trypanosoma lewisi, a potential human pathogen in Western Africa and South-East Asia, and preliminary population genetics analyses

Development of nine microsatellite loci for Trypanosoma lewisi, a potential human pathogen in Western Africa and South-East Asia, and preliminary population genetics analyses

Detection of Trypanosoma lewisi DNA from Rattus norvegicus and Rattus rattus in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Trypanosoma lewisi is a worldwide nonpathogenic parasite that is exclusively found in rats. In general, T. lewisi infection in humans is an opportunistic infection from rats to humans through fleas. However, recently, infection with T. lewisi in humans, including a fatal case, has been reported. Notably, rats living close to a human settlement showed a higher prevalence of infection with T. lewisi than those living in other places. It is possible that the urbanization is associated with the prevalence of T. lewisi in rats and enhances the risk of T. lewisi transmission to humans through fleas. In this study, a total of 88 rats were captured from hospitals, markets, and a cargo station, of which 81 were identified as Rattus norvegicus and 7 as Rattus rattus in Hanoi, the urbanizing city of Vietnam. Of these, 55 rats (62.5%) harbored T. lewisi, of which 52 were R. norvegicus and 3 were R. rattus.

TRYPANOSOMA spp. in captive primates in a brazilian zoo

Captive animals, despite the constant care provided, are susceptible to infections from different sources. We herein report the natural trypanosome infection of 11 (28.2% positive) out of 39 non-human primates from 13 different species, in a Brazilian zoological park. Immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and conventional polymerase chain reaction (cPCR) ruled out Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease. However, sequencing performed with positive samples employing hsp70 primers revealed similarities from 86% to 88% to diverse trypanosomes, including T. cruzi, Trypanosoma grayi, Trypanosoma lewisi, Trypanosoma rangeli and Trypanosoma vivax. We believe that the low similarity values obtained by sequencing reflect the difficulties in the molecular identification of trypanosomes, which share a large portion of their genetic material; this similarity may also preclude the diagnosis of co-infection by more than one trypanosome species. Thus, our study demonstrates the presence of diverse trypanosomes in primates, which are susceptible to infection by these parasites. Mechanical devices such as windows and bed nets, etc., are required to avoid vector insects in these environments, in addition to preventive quarantining of animals recently introduced into zoos. Therefore, investigation of the parasites in both the animals already residing in the zoo and those being introduced is of paramount importance, although no easy task.&#x0D; KEY WORDS: Non-human primates; monkey; diagnosis; trypanosomes.

Infection with Trypanosoma lewisi or Trypanosoma musculi may promote the spread of Toxoplasma gondii.

Toxoplasma gondii can infect almost all warm-blooded vertebrates with pathogensis being largely influenced by the host immune status. As important epidemiological hosts, rodents are globally distributed and are also commonly found infected with haemoflagellates, such as those in the genus Trypanosoma. We here address whether and how co-infection with trypanosomes can influence T. gondii infection in laboratory models. Rats of five strains, co-infected with T. lewisi and mice of four strains, co-infected with T. musculi, were found to be more or less susceptible to T. gondii infection, respectively, with corresponding increased or decreased brain cyst burdens. Downregulation of iNOS expression and decreased NO production or reverse were observed in the peritoneal macrophages of rats or mice, infected with trypanosomes, respectively. Trypanosoma lewisi and T. musculi can modulate host immune responses, either by enhancement or suppression and influence the outcome of Toxoplasma infection.

Native and Introduced Trypanosome Parasites in Endemic and Introduced Murine Rodents of Sulawesi.

The Indonesian island of Sulawesi is a globally significant biodiversity hotspot with substantial undescribed biota, particularly blood-borne parasites of endemic wildlife. Documenting the blood parasites of Sulawesi's murine rodents is the first fundamental step towards the discovery of pathogens likely to be of concern for the health and conservation of Sulawesi's endemic murines. We screened liver samples from 441 specimens belonging to 20 different species of murine rodents from 2 mountain ranges on Sulawesi, using polymerase chin reaction (PCR) primers targeting the conserved 18S rDNA region across the protozoan class Kinetoplastea. We detected infections in 156 specimens (10 host species) with a mean prevalence of 35.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 30.9-39.8%). Sequences from these samples identified 4 infections to the genus Parabodo, 1 to Blechomonas, and the remaining 151 to the genus Trypanosoma. Within Trypanosoma, we recovered 17 haplotypes nested within the Trypanosoma theileri clade infecting 117 specimens (8 host species) and 4 haplotypes nested within the Trypanosoma lewisi clade infecting 34 specimens (6 host species). Haplotypes within the T. theileri clade were related to regional Indo-Australian endemic trypanosomes, displayed geographic structuring but with evidence of long-term connectivity between mountains, and had substantial phylogenetic diversity. These results suggest T. theileri clade parasites are native to Sulawesi. Conversely, T. lewisi clade haplotypes were recovered from both endemic and introduced rodents, demonstrated complete geographic separation between clades, and had low genetic diversity. These results suggest that the T. lewisi clade parasites invaded Sulawesi recently and likely in 2 separate invasion events. Our results provide the first records of metakinetoplastids in Sulawesi's rodents and highlight the need for more extensive sampling for pathogens in this biodiversity hotspot.

Novel organization of mitochondrial minicircles and guide RNAs in the zoonotic pathogen Trypanosoma lewisi.

Kinetoplastid flagellates are known for several unusual features, one of which is their complex mitochondrial genome, known as kinetoplast (k) DNA, composed of mutually catenated maxi- and minicircles. Trypanosoma lewisi is a member of the Stercorarian group of trypanosomes which is, based on human infections and experimental data, now considered a zoonotic pathogen. By assembling a total of 58 minicircle classes, which fall into two distinct categories, we describe a novel type of kDNA organization in T. lewisi. RNA-seq approaches allowed us to map the details of uridine insertion and deletion editing events upon the kDNA transcriptome. Moreover, sequencing of small RNA molecules enabled the identification of 169 unique guide (g) RNA genes, with two differently organized minicircle categories both encoding essential gRNAs. The unprecedented organization of minicircles and gRNAs in T. lewisi broadens our knowledge of the structure and expression of the mitochondrial genomes of these human and animal pathogens. Finally, a scenario describing the evolution of minicircles is presented.

Trypanosomatid Infections among Vertebrates of Chile: A Systematic Review.

We present a review on the natural infection by trypanosomatids of nonhuman vertebrates in Chile, aiming to synthesize and update the knowledge on the diversity of trypanosomatids infecting native and alien vertebrate species. To this end, we conducted a systematic review of literature records published from 1900 to April 2020 on four databases, focusing on the 21 genera of trypanosomatids and Chile. The methods and findings of our review have been based on the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (prisma) checklist. We found 29,756 records but only 71 presented relevant information for this review. Overall, there are only two reported trypanosomatid genera infecting vertebrate species in Chile, the genera Trypanosoma and Leishmania. The former is mostly represented by Trypanosoma cruzi (90% of the total records) and to a much lesser extent by Trypanosoma avium, Trypanosoma humboldti, Trypanosoma lewisi, and a couple of unidentified trypanosomatids. A total of 25 mammals have been reported as being infected by T. cruzi, including 14 native and 11 alien species from Orders Artiodactyla, Carnivora, Chiroptera, Didelphimorphia, Lagomorpha, Perissodactyla, and Rodentia. Extensive screening studies using new analytical tools are necessary to grasp the whole potential diversity of trypanosomatid species infecting vertebrates in Chile.

Molecular identification of the Trypanosoma (Herpetosoma) lewisi clade in black rats (Rattus rattus) from Australia.

Invasive rodent species are known hosts for a diverse range of infectious microorganisms and have long been associated with the spread of disease globally. The present study describes molecular evidence for the presence of a Trypanosoma sp. from black rats (Rattus rattus) in northern Sydney, Australia. Sequences of the 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) locus were obtained in two out of eleven (18%) blood samples with subsequent phylogenetic analysis confirming the identity within the Trypanosoma lewisi clade.