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Martin Kváč - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Encephalitozoon cuniculi Genotype III Evinces a Resistance to Albendazole Treatment in both Immunodeficient and Immunocompetent Mice.
Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy, 2020Co-Authors: Bohumil Sak, Klara Brdickova, Nikola Holubova, Lenka Hlaskova, Dana Květoňová, Martin KváčAbstract:Of four genotypes of Encephalitozoon cuniculi, E. cuniculi genotype II is considered to represent a parasite that occurs in many host species in a latent asymptomatic form, whereas E. cuniculi genotype III seems to be more aggressive, and infections caused by this strain can lead to the death of even immunocompetent hosts. Although albendazole has been considered suitable for treatment of Encephalitozoon species, its failure in control of E. cuniculi genotype III infection has been reported. This study determined the effect of a 100× recommended daily dose of albendazole on an Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotype III course of infection in immunocompetent and immunodeficient mice and compared the results with those from experiments performed with a lower dose of albendazole and E. cuniculi genotype II. The administration of the regular dose of abendazole during the acute phase of infection reduced the number of affected organs in all strains of mice and absolute counts of spores in screened organs. However, the effect on genotype III was minor. Surprisingly, no substantial effect was recorded after the use of a 100× dose of albendazole, with larger reductions seen only in the number of affected organs and absolute counts of spores in all strains of mice, implying variations in albendazole resistance between these Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotypes. These results imply that differences in the course of infection and the response to treatment depend not only on the immunological status of the host but also on the genotype causing the infection. Understanding how microsporidia survive in hosts despite targeted antimicrosporidial treatment could significantly contribute to research related to human health.
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The opportunistic pathogen Encephalitozoon cuniculi in wild living Murinae and Arvicolinae in Central Europe.
European journal of protistology, 2019Co-Authors: Agnieszka Perec-matysiak, Dusan Rajský, Bohumil Sak, Martin Kváč, Kinga Leśniańska, Katarzyna Buńkowska-gawlik, Šárka Čondlová, Joanna HildebrandAbstract:Abstract Encephalitozoon spp. is an obligate intracellular microsporidian parasite that infects a wide range of mammalian hosts, including humans. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Encephalitozoon spp. in wild living rodents from Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Faecal and spleen samples were collected from individuals of Apodemus agrarius, Apodemus flavicollis, Apodemus sylvaticus, and Myodes glareolus (n = 465) and used for DNA extraction. PCR, targeting the ITS region of the rRNA gene was performed. The overall prevalence of microsporidia was 15.1%. The occurrence of Encephalitozoon cuniculi in the abovementioned host species of rodents has been presented for the first time, with the highest infection rate recorded for A. flavicollis. Sequence analysis showed that the most frequent species was E. cuniculi genotype II (92.5%). E. cuniculi genotypes I (1.5%) and III (6.0%) were also identified.
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Symptomatic respiratory Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection in renal transplant recipients
Elsevier, 2019Co-Authors: Marta Kicia, Katarzyna Jakuszko, Magdalena Krajewska, Bohumil Sak, Magdalena Szydłowicz, Kamil Cebulski, Paweł Piesiak, Aneta Kowal, Andrzej B. Hendrich, Martin KváčAbstract:Objectives: Encephalitozoon spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi are intracellular parasitic fungi from the phylum Microsporidia, which initially localize to the intestine. As opportunistic pathogens, Encephalitozoon spp. in particular can disseminate to the respiratory tract, among other locations. Patients on life-long immunosuppression are at higher risk of such infections, mostly symptomatic. Methods: Sputum samples and bronchial washings from 72 renal transplant recipients and 105 patients with various respiratory diseases were screened for Encephalitozoon spp. and E. bieneusi by microscopic examination and genus-specific nested PCR followed by genotyping. Results: A total of 8.3% (6/72) of immunosuppressed renal transplant recipients and 1.9% (2/105) of patients with various respiratory diseases, both immunocompetent and immunosuppressed, were positive for respiratory microsporidial infection. All six transplant recipients were Encephalitozoon cuniculi-positive by PCR/sequencing and five of them suffered from respiratory symptoms. The presence of microsporidial spores was also confirmed microscopically in three of the transplant recipients. Of the two immunocompetent patients with various respiratory diseases, one had an E. cuniculi infection, while the second had an E. bieneusi infection. Conclusions: Life-long immunosuppression in renal transplant recipients increases the risk of respiratory infection by E. cuniculi. Microsporidia should be screened in respiratory samples of these patients, particularly when they have respiratory symptoms. Keywords: Encephalitozoon cuniculi, Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Renal transplant recipients, Life-long immunosuppression, Respiratory trac
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Symptomatic respiratory Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection in renal transplant recipients.
International journal of infectious diseases : IJID : official publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases, 2018Co-Authors: Marta Kicia, Katarzyna Jakuszko, Magdalena Krajewska, Bohumil Sak, Magdalena Szydłowicz, Kamil Cebulski, Paweł Piesiak, Aneta Kowal, Andrzej B. Hendrich, Martin KváčAbstract:Abstract Objectives Encephalitozoon spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi are intracellular parasitic fungi from the phylum Microsporidia, which initially localize to the intestine. As opportunistic pathogens, Encephalitozoon spp. in particular can disseminate to the respiratory tract, among other locations. Patients on life-long immunosuppression are at higher risk of such infections, mostly symptomatic. Methods Sputum samples and bronchial washings from 72 renal transplant recipients and 105 patients with various respiratory diseases were screened for Encephalitozoon spp. and E. bieneusi by microscopic examination and genus-specific nested PCR followed by genotyping. Results A total of 8.3% (6/72) of immunosuppressed renal transplant recipients and 1.9% (2/105) of patients with various respiratory diseases, both immunocompetent and immunosuppressed, were positive for respiratory microsporidial infection. All six transplant recipients were Encephalitozoon cuniculi-positive by PCR/sequencing and five of them suffered from respiratory symptoms. The presence of microsporidial spores was also confirmed microscopically in three of the transplant recipients. Of the two immunocompetent patients with various respiratory diseases, one had an E. cuniculi infection, while the second had an E. bieneusi infection. Conclusions Life-long immunosuppression in renal transplant recipients increases the risk of respiratory infection by E. cuniculi. Microsporidia should be screened in respiratory samples of these patients, particularly when they have respiratory symptoms.
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Disseminated Infection of Encephalitozoon cuniculi Associated With Osteolysis of Hip Periprosthetic Tissue.
Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, 2018Co-Authors: Marta Kicia, Z Kopacz, Bohumil Sak, Martin Kváč, Kamil Cebulski, Andrzej B. Hendrich, Maria Wesołowska, Magdalena Sokulska, Andrzej PozowskiAbstract:Background Among patients with hip joint endoprosthesis, periprosthetic osteolysis is the most common complication following primary arthroplasty, and subsequent implant loosening is the leading cause of arthroplasty revision. Causes of stability loss, though not always evident, can be mechanical, allergic, or infectious (bacterial and fungal agents) in nature. Microsporidia, widespread opportunistic fungal pathogens that infect most human tissues, are a potential infectious cause of stability loss. Infections caused by Encephalitozoon species-one of the most common microsporidial pathogens in humans-primarily localize to intestinal and respiratory tracts, but can disseminate to tissues throughout the body. Methods We examined 53 immunocompetent patients, 23 after revision and 30 after primary hip arthroplasty, for infection by Encephalitozoon species. Periprosthetic tissue, urine sediments, and stool samples were tested by microscopic examination and genus-specific nested polymerase chain reaction followed by genotyping. Results Ten patients had Encephalitozoon-positive periprosthetic tissues, 9 (39%) after revision and 1 (3.3%) after primary hip arthroplasty. Among the tissue-positive postrevision patients, 7 had a positive urine sample and 1 had a positive stool sample. Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotype II was identified in 88.8% (16/18) of samples. Two urine samples were positive for a novel Encephalitozoon species. Conclusions Encephalitozoon cuniculi should be considered as a cause of osteolysis in hip periprosthetic tissue, leading to a loss of implant stability.
Bohumil Sak - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Encephalitozoon cuniculi Genotype III Evinces a Resistance to Albendazole Treatment in both Immunodeficient and Immunocompetent Mice.
Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy, 2020Co-Authors: Bohumil Sak, Klara Brdickova, Nikola Holubova, Lenka Hlaskova, Dana Květoňová, Martin KváčAbstract:Of four genotypes of Encephalitozoon cuniculi, E. cuniculi genotype II is considered to represent a parasite that occurs in many host species in a latent asymptomatic form, whereas E. cuniculi genotype III seems to be more aggressive, and infections caused by this strain can lead to the death of even immunocompetent hosts. Although albendazole has been considered suitable for treatment of Encephalitozoon species, its failure in control of E. cuniculi genotype III infection has been reported. This study determined the effect of a 100× recommended daily dose of albendazole on an Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotype III course of infection in immunocompetent and immunodeficient mice and compared the results with those from experiments performed with a lower dose of albendazole and E. cuniculi genotype II. The administration of the regular dose of abendazole during the acute phase of infection reduced the number of affected organs in all strains of mice and absolute counts of spores in screened organs. However, the effect on genotype III was minor. Surprisingly, no substantial effect was recorded after the use of a 100× dose of albendazole, with larger reductions seen only in the number of affected organs and absolute counts of spores in all strains of mice, implying variations in albendazole resistance between these Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotypes. These results imply that differences in the course of infection and the response to treatment depend not only on the immunological status of the host but also on the genotype causing the infection. Understanding how microsporidia survive in hosts despite targeted antimicrosporidial treatment could significantly contribute to research related to human health.
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The opportunistic pathogen Encephalitozoon cuniculi in wild living Murinae and Arvicolinae in Central Europe.
European journal of protistology, 2019Co-Authors: Agnieszka Perec-matysiak, Dusan Rajský, Bohumil Sak, Martin Kváč, Kinga Leśniańska, Katarzyna Buńkowska-gawlik, Šárka Čondlová, Joanna HildebrandAbstract:Abstract Encephalitozoon spp. is an obligate intracellular microsporidian parasite that infects a wide range of mammalian hosts, including humans. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Encephalitozoon spp. in wild living rodents from Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Faecal and spleen samples were collected from individuals of Apodemus agrarius, Apodemus flavicollis, Apodemus sylvaticus, and Myodes glareolus (n = 465) and used for DNA extraction. PCR, targeting the ITS region of the rRNA gene was performed. The overall prevalence of microsporidia was 15.1%. The occurrence of Encephalitozoon cuniculi in the abovementioned host species of rodents has been presented for the first time, with the highest infection rate recorded for A. flavicollis. Sequence analysis showed that the most frequent species was E. cuniculi genotype II (92.5%). E. cuniculi genotypes I (1.5%) and III (6.0%) were also identified.
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Symptomatic respiratory Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection in renal transplant recipients
Elsevier, 2019Co-Authors: Marta Kicia, Katarzyna Jakuszko, Magdalena Krajewska, Bohumil Sak, Magdalena Szydłowicz, Kamil Cebulski, Paweł Piesiak, Aneta Kowal, Andrzej B. Hendrich, Martin KváčAbstract:Objectives: Encephalitozoon spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi are intracellular parasitic fungi from the phylum Microsporidia, which initially localize to the intestine. As opportunistic pathogens, Encephalitozoon spp. in particular can disseminate to the respiratory tract, among other locations. Patients on life-long immunosuppression are at higher risk of such infections, mostly symptomatic. Methods: Sputum samples and bronchial washings from 72 renal transplant recipients and 105 patients with various respiratory diseases were screened for Encephalitozoon spp. and E. bieneusi by microscopic examination and genus-specific nested PCR followed by genotyping. Results: A total of 8.3% (6/72) of immunosuppressed renal transplant recipients and 1.9% (2/105) of patients with various respiratory diseases, both immunocompetent and immunosuppressed, were positive for respiratory microsporidial infection. All six transplant recipients were Encephalitozoon cuniculi-positive by PCR/sequencing and five of them suffered from respiratory symptoms. The presence of microsporidial spores was also confirmed microscopically in three of the transplant recipients. Of the two immunocompetent patients with various respiratory diseases, one had an E. cuniculi infection, while the second had an E. bieneusi infection. Conclusions: Life-long immunosuppression in renal transplant recipients increases the risk of respiratory infection by E. cuniculi. Microsporidia should be screened in respiratory samples of these patients, particularly when they have respiratory symptoms. Keywords: Encephalitozoon cuniculi, Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Renal transplant recipients, Life-long immunosuppression, Respiratory trac
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Symptomatic respiratory Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection in renal transplant recipients.
International journal of infectious diseases : IJID : official publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases, 2018Co-Authors: Marta Kicia, Katarzyna Jakuszko, Magdalena Krajewska, Bohumil Sak, Magdalena Szydłowicz, Kamil Cebulski, Paweł Piesiak, Aneta Kowal, Andrzej B. Hendrich, Martin KváčAbstract:Abstract Objectives Encephalitozoon spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi are intracellular parasitic fungi from the phylum Microsporidia, which initially localize to the intestine. As opportunistic pathogens, Encephalitozoon spp. in particular can disseminate to the respiratory tract, among other locations. Patients on life-long immunosuppression are at higher risk of such infections, mostly symptomatic. Methods Sputum samples and bronchial washings from 72 renal transplant recipients and 105 patients with various respiratory diseases were screened for Encephalitozoon spp. and E. bieneusi by microscopic examination and genus-specific nested PCR followed by genotyping. Results A total of 8.3% (6/72) of immunosuppressed renal transplant recipients and 1.9% (2/105) of patients with various respiratory diseases, both immunocompetent and immunosuppressed, were positive for respiratory microsporidial infection. All six transplant recipients were Encephalitozoon cuniculi-positive by PCR/sequencing and five of them suffered from respiratory symptoms. The presence of microsporidial spores was also confirmed microscopically in three of the transplant recipients. Of the two immunocompetent patients with various respiratory diseases, one had an E. cuniculi infection, while the second had an E. bieneusi infection. Conclusions Life-long immunosuppression in renal transplant recipients increases the risk of respiratory infection by E. cuniculi. Microsporidia should be screened in respiratory samples of these patients, particularly when they have respiratory symptoms.
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Disseminated Infection of Encephalitozoon cuniculi Associated With Osteolysis of Hip Periprosthetic Tissue.
Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, 2018Co-Authors: Marta Kicia, Z Kopacz, Bohumil Sak, Martin Kváč, Kamil Cebulski, Andrzej B. Hendrich, Maria Wesołowska, Magdalena Sokulska, Andrzej PozowskiAbstract:Background Among patients with hip joint endoprosthesis, periprosthetic osteolysis is the most common complication following primary arthroplasty, and subsequent implant loosening is the leading cause of arthroplasty revision. Causes of stability loss, though not always evident, can be mechanical, allergic, or infectious (bacterial and fungal agents) in nature. Microsporidia, widespread opportunistic fungal pathogens that infect most human tissues, are a potential infectious cause of stability loss. Infections caused by Encephalitozoon species-one of the most common microsporidial pathogens in humans-primarily localize to intestinal and respiratory tracts, but can disseminate to tissues throughout the body. Methods We examined 53 immunocompetent patients, 23 after revision and 30 after primary hip arthroplasty, for infection by Encephalitozoon species. Periprosthetic tissue, urine sediments, and stool samples were tested by microscopic examination and genus-specific nested polymerase chain reaction followed by genotyping. Results Ten patients had Encephalitozoon-positive periprosthetic tissues, 9 (39%) after revision and 1 (3.3%) after primary hip arthroplasty. Among the tissue-positive postrevision patients, 7 had a positive urine sample and 1 had a positive stool sample. Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotype II was identified in 88.8% (16/18) of samples. Two urine samples were positive for a novel Encephalitozoon species. Conclusions Encephalitozoon cuniculi should be considered as a cause of osteolysis in hip periprosthetic tissue, leading to a loss of implant stability.
Elizabeth S Didier - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Phylogenetic relationships of methionine aminopeptidase 2 among Encephalitozoon species and genotypes of microsporidia.
Molecular and biochemical parasitology, 2005Co-Authors: Ivona Pandrea, Elizabeth S Didier, Paul J. Brindley, Derek Mittleider, David RobertsonAbstract:This report describes the characterization and phylogenetic analysis of the deduced amino acid sequences of methionine aminopeptidase 2 (MetAP-2) enzymes from microsporidian species and genotypes of the genus Encephalitozoon. Fragments of DNA encoding 318 to 335 amino acid residues of the MetAP-2 genes were isolated from genomic DNA prepared from cultured spores of Encephalitozoon hellem, Encephalitozoon intestinalis, and Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotypes I-III. Sequence comparisons of the deduced amino acid residues indicated that the microsporidian sequences are MetAP-2-like rather than MetAP-1-like. Alignments demonstrated that the new Encephalitozoon sequences included sequences and structures conserved in eukaryotic MetAP-2s, including the five conserved, active site residues, Asp, Asp, His, Glu, and His, considered to be critical for catalysis and for coordinating the cation (e.g., cobalt) co-factor, and included residues known to interact with the antibiotic, fumagillin. The primary structure of the Encephalitozoon MetAP-2s, however, showed some dissimilarity with human and yeast MetAP-2s, including the absence of the NH2-terminal polylysine tract. Phylogenetic comparison of these Encephalitozoon MetAP-2s with orthologues from related species and from other informative taxa confirmed that the MetAP-2s of these Encephalitozoon species and strains are closely related to each other and cluster with MetAP-2s.
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Therapeutic strategies for human microsporidia infections.
Expert review of anti-infective therapy, 2005Co-Authors: Elizabeth S Didier, Joseph A. Maddry, Paul J. Brindley, Mary E. Stovall, Peter J. DidierAbstract:Over the past 20 years, microsporidia have emerged as a cause of infectious diseases in AIDS patients, organ transplant recipients, children, travelers, contact lens wearers and the elderly. Enterocytozoon bieneusi and the Encephalitozoon spp., Encephalitozoon cuniculi, Encephalitozoon hellem and Encephalitozoon intestinalis, are the most frequently identified microsporidia in humans, and are associated with diarrhea and systemic disease. The microsporidia are small, single-celled, obligately intracellular parasites that have been identified in water sources, as well as in wild, domestic and food-producing farm animals, thereby raising concerns for waterborne, foodborne and zoonotic transmission. Current therapies for microsporidiosis include albendazole, a benzimidazole that inhibits microtubule assembly and is effective against several microsporidia, including the Encephalitozoon spp., although it is less effective against Encephalitozoon bieneusi. Fumagillin, an antibiotic and antiangiogenic compound p...
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Intestinal microsporidiosis in African skink Mabuya perrotetii.
Folia Parasitologica, 1998Co-Authors: Břetislav Koudela, Elizabeth S Didier, David Modrý, Linda B. Rogers, Štěpánka KučerováAbstract:Intestinal microsporidiosis was documented by detecting abundant slightly curved spores (2.9 x 1.2 microns) in the faeces of five of twelve skinks Mabuya perrotetii Dumeril et Bibron, 1839 that originated from Ghana. Clinically, the microsporidiosis was characterized by decreased appetite, diarrhea, and weight loss. Histopathological changes consisted of villous atrophy, blunting of mucosa and flattening of individual epithelial cells in the large intestine. The ultrastructure of microsporidian spores was consistent with an Encephalitozoon species. The PCR-RFLP assay and the heteroduplex mobility shift analyses were used to verify that the skink microsporidian is a species of the genus Encephalitozoon Levaditi, Nicolau et Schoen, 1923 and indicate that this microsporidian is not E. hellem, E. intestinalis or a strain of E. cuniculi. The microsporidia in African skink represent an Encephalitozoon species morphologically identical to Encephalitozoon lacertae Canning, 1981.
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Encephalitozoon hellem in Budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus)
Veterinary Pathology, 1997Co-Authors: S. S. Black, L. A. Steinohrt, D. C. Bertucci, L B Rogers, Elizabeth S DidierAbstract:Microsporidiosis with concurrent megabacteriosis in budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus) chicks contributed to significant economic loss in a commercial pet bird aviary in Mississippi. Three budgerigar chicks, 1-2 weeks old, from the aviary were necropsied. Microscopic lesions in the chicks consisted of heavy infection of enterocytes with microsporidia (2/3; autolysis precluded critical evaluation of the intestine of chick No. 2), multifocal hepatic necrosis and inflammation with intralesional microsporidia (1/3), spherical clusters of microsporidia in the hepatic sinusoids in the absence of inflammation (1/3), and gastric megabacteriosis (3/3). The ultrastructure of the microsporidian spores was consistent with an Encephalitozoon species. The polymerase chain reaction and Southern blot analysis were used to identify the microsporidian as Encephalitozoon hellem, an organism that has only been identified in humans. Encephalitozoon hellem causes keratoconjunctivitis and respiratory infections in humans with...
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Diagnosis of disseminated microsporidian Encephalitozoon hellem infection by PCR-Southern analysis and successful treatment with albendazole and fumagillin.
Journal of clinical microbiology, 1996Co-Authors: Elizabeth S Didier, L B Rogers, Alan D. Brush, S Wong, Vicki Traina-dorge, D. C. BertucciAbstract:A 37-year old AIDS patient presented with foreign body sensation. Microsporidia were detected in smears from a conjunctival swab and urine sediment stained with calcofluor and a modified trichrome blue stain and by indirect fluorescent-antibody staining with murine polyclonal antiserum raised against Encephalitozoon hellem. This antiserum cross-reacted with other Encephalitozoon species, so PCR was performed to amplify the microsporidian ribosomal DNA (rDNA) with pan-Encephalitozoon primers. The PCR DNA products from the urine and conjunctival clinical specimens, along with the tissue culture-derived microsporidian controls, were assayed by Southern analysis with oligonucleotide probes specific for Encephalitozoon cuniculi, E. hellem, and Encephalitozoon (Septata) intestinalis. The PCR product amplified from the urine specimen hybridized with the E. hellem probe only, while insufficient DNA was amplified from the conjunctiva specimen for detection by Southern analysis. For corroboration of the PCR-Southern analysis results, aliquots of the urine and conjunctiva specimens were seeded onto RK-13 cell monolayers. The rDNA extracts of the cultured microsporidia were amplified by PCR with pan-Encephalitozoon primers, and the PCR DNA products were subjected to digestion with restriction endonuclease FokI. The amplified rDNA of both the urine and conjunctiva isolates generated digestion patterns that were identified to the E. hellem PCR rDNA digestion pattern. In addition, double-stranded heteroduplex mobility shift analysis with these PCR products indicated that the urine and conjunctiva isolates were identical to each other and to E. hellem. The patient was treated with albendazole and topical fumagillin and responded rapidly, with no recurrence of ophthalmologic signs. The results of this study demonstrate that PCR-Southern analysis provides a basis for distinguishing E. cuniculi, E. hellem, and E. intestinalis in clinical specimens.
Barbara Hinney - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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more than a rabbit s tale Encephalitozoon spp in wild mammals and birds
International journal for parasitology. Parasites and wildlife, 2016Co-Authors: Barbara Hinney, Bohumil Sak, Anja Joachim, Martin KváčAbstract:Within the microsporidian genus Encephalitozoon, three species, Encephalitozoon cuniculi, Encephalitozoon hellem and Encephalitozoon intestinalis have been described. Several orders of the Class Aves (Passeriformes, Psittaciformes, Apodiformes, Ciconiiformis, Gruiformes, Columbiformes, Suliformes, Podicipediformes, Anseriformes, Struthioniformes, Falconiformes) and of the Class Mammalia (Rodentia, Lagomorpha, Primates, Artyodactyla, Soricomorpha, Chiroptera, Carnivora) can become infected. Especially E. cuniculi has a very broad host range while E. hellem is mainly distributed amongst birds. E. intestinalis has so far been detected only sporadically in wild animals. Although genotyping allows the identification of strains with a certain host preference, recent studies have demonstrated that they have no strict host specificity. Accordingly, humans can become infected with any of the four strains of E. cuniculi as well as with E. hellem or E. intestinalis, the latter being the most common. Especially, but not exclusively, immunocompromised people are at risk. Environmental contamination with as well as direct transmission of Encephalitozoon is therefore highly relevant for public health. Moreover, endangered species might be threatened by the spread of pathogens into their habitats. In captivity, clinically overt and often fatal disease seems to occur frequently. In conclusion, Encephalitozoon appears to be common in wild warm-blooded animals and these hosts may present important reservoirs for environmental contamination and maintenance of the pathogens. Similar to domestic animals, asymptomatic infections seem to occur frequently but in captive wild animals severe disease has also been reported. Detailed investigations into the epidemiology and clinical relevance of these microsporidia will permit a full appraisal of their role as pathogens.
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More than a rabbit's tale – Encephalitozoon spp. in wild mammals and birds
International journal for parasitology. Parasites and wildlife, 2016Co-Authors: Barbara Hinney, Bohumil Sak, Anja Joachim, Martin KváčAbstract:Within the microsporidian genus Encephalitozoon, three species, Encephalitozoon cuniculi, Encephalitozoon hellem and Encephalitozoon intestinalis have been described. Several orders of the Class Aves (Passeriformes, Psittaciformes, Apodiformes, Ciconiiformis, Gruiformes, Columbiformes, Suliformes, Podicipediformes, Anseriformes, Struthioniformes, Falconiformes) and of the Class Mammalia (Rodentia, Lagomorpha, Primates, Artyodactyla, Soricomorpha, Chiroptera, Carnivora) can become infected. Especially E. cuniculi has a very broad host range while E. hellem is mainly distributed amongst birds. E. intestinalis has so far been detected only sporadically in wild animals. Although genotyping allows the identification of strains with a certain host preference, recent studies have demonstrated that they have no strict host specificity. Accordingly, humans can become infected with any of the four strains of E. cuniculi as well as with E. hellem or E. intestinalis, the latter being the most common. Especially, but not exclusively, immunocompromised people are at risk. Environmental contamination with as well as direct transmission of Encephalitozoon is therefore highly relevant for public health. Moreover, endangered species might be threatened by the spread of pathogens into their habitats. In captivity, clinically overt and often fatal disease seems to occur frequently. In conclusion, Encephalitozoon appears to be common in wild warm-blooded animals and these hosts may present important reservoirs for environmental contamination and maintenance of the pathogens. Similar to domestic animals, asymptomatic infections seem to occur frequently but in captive wild animals severe disease has also been reported. Detailed investigations into the epidemiology and clinical relevance of these microsporidia will permit a full appraisal of their role as pathogens.
A. Valencakova - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Serological screening of selected microsporidia in HPV-positive women
Acta Parasitologica, 2015Co-Authors: Jozef Adam, A. Valencakova, Monika Halánová, Oľga Danišová, Katarína Gorbarová, L. ČislákováAbstract:Microsporidiosis is considered to be emerging opportunistic infection in immunocompromised individuals worldwide. The aim of this study was to identify the specific serum antibodies to intestinal microsporidia Encephalitozoon cuniculi and Encephalitozoon intestinalis in women with Human Papillomavirus HPV and without HPV by the indirect immunofluorescence (IFA). From total number of 669 examined women, 225 were HPV positive and 444 women HPV negative. Overall the study comprised of 10.8% women with positive result for presence of E. cuniculi antibodies. In group 1 (HPV-positive women) it was more than 28% and in group 2 (HPV-negative women) it was less than 2% (p
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Molecular identification and genotyping of Microsporidia in selected hosts
Parasitology research, 2011Co-Authors: A. Valencakova, Petra Ravaszova, P. Bálent, Frantisek Novotný, Aleš Horák, Miroslav Oborník, Monika Halánová, Beata Malcekova, Maria GoldovaAbstract:The work is described by microscopic analysis, the serological analysis (IFAT) and the molecular analysis of isolates from clinical samples (blood, faeces and urine) from ten domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), breed Maličký, four New Zealand domestic rabbits, 11 sows of breed Slo0076akian Improved White and 15 clinically healthy laboratory BALB/c mice. The aim of the study was to validate the suitability of species-unspecific primer pairs 530F and 580R for genotype determination of the Microsporidia strain and species-specific primer pairs ECUNF and ECUNR, SINTF and SINTR and EBIER1 and EBIEF1 for the determination of E ncephalitozoon cuniculi, Encephalitozoon intestinalis and Enterocytozoon bieneusi species for diagnostic purposes. Sequences of animals were compared with those from the GenBank database. In rabbits, two murine genotypes II and four canine genotypes III were identified. Genotype II was identified in mice. The Encephalitozoon intestinalis identified in the sample from swine showed no genetic heterogeneity.
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Detection of Toxoplasma gondii and Encephalitozoon spp. in wild boars by serological and molecular methods
Revue De Medecine Veterinaire, 2010Co-Authors: Lenka Luptakova, P. Bálent, A. Valencakova, V. Hisira, E. PetrovováAbstract:SUMMARY The study aims to determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and of 2 representative microsporidia (Encephalitozoon cuniculi and Encephalitozoon intestinalis) in wild boars (Sus scrofa) and to compare with the molecular detection of parasites by PCR. Sera collected from 91 hunterkilled wild boars from eight different regions of the Slovak republic were assayed for specific antibodies (IgG) using 2 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and the presence of parasites were investigated into seropositive animals by standard and real time PCR from blood for T. gondii and from stool samples for Encephalitozoon spp. Circulating antibodies targeted against T. gondii, E. cuniculi and E. intestinalis were detected in 18 (19.8%), 4 (4.4%) and 3 animals (3.3%) respectively. The frequency of the anti-T. gondii antibodies was significantly higher in young boars (< 1 year old) (37.9%) than in adults (11.3%) (P < 0.01) whereas only adult subjects were seropositive for the microsporidia. A DNA fragment (191 bp) from T. gondii was detected in only one positive boar in a relatively high number of copies (1.5 x 10 5 ) and the presence of Encephalitozoon spp. was not confirmed by PCR. These results indicate that wild boars can be contaminated by T. gondii and microsporidia with moderate and low seroprevalences respectively and that they do not represent a great (in quantity) reservoir of these parasites, but the risk of toxoplasmosis transmission to humans remains qualitatively important throughout consumption of meat from an effectively infected boar.
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Application of specific primers in the diagnosis of Encephalitozoon spp.
Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine : AAEM, 2005Co-Authors: A. Valencakova, P. Bálent, Frantisek Novotný, L. ČislákováAbstract:In our experiment, 3 species-specific primer pairs cultivated in cell lines were used: Encephalitozoon cuniculi-specific primer pairs (ECUNF and ECUNR), Encephalitozoon hellem-specific primer pairs (EHELF and EHELR), and Encephalitozoon intestinalis-specific primer pairs (SINTF and SINTR). The PCR products were estimated to be 550 bp in E. cuniculi, 547 bp in E. hellem and 545 bp in E. intestinalis respectively, which can prove the precision and reliability of this method in the species identification of the genus Encephalitozoon. All 3 primer pairs were species-specific and none of them amplified gene sequences from other Encephalitozoon spp.
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Detection of anti-microsporidial antibodies in patients with secondary immunodeficiency
Epidemiologie mikrobiologie imunologie : casopis Spolecnosti pro epidemiologii a mikrobiologii Ceske lekarske spolecnosti J.E. Purkyne, 2004Co-Authors: Halánová M, L Cislakova, Adam J, A. Valencakova, P. BálentAbstract:Microsporidia are a group of eukaryotic obligate intracellular parasites that infect most invertebrates and all classes of vertebrates, including man. In human population, microsporidia are emerging as opportunistic pathogens in immunocompromised patients. Two groups of human sera (318 serum samples) were tested by ELISA for the presence of specific antimicrosporidial (anti-Encephalitozoon intestinalis) antibodies. Group 1 included 120 patients with secondary immunodeficiency, group 2 consisted of 198 immunocompetent controls. Anti-Encephalitozoon intestinalis antibodies were detected in 29 (24.16%) patients and 20 (10.1%) immunocompetent controls. The difference in prevalence of antibodies against Encephalitozoon intestinalis between the groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05%).