RESUMO
Toxoplasma gondii, a protozoan parasite, is responsible for toxoplasmosis. The available therapy for patients with toxoplasmosis involves a combination of pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine, which have several adverse effects, including bone marrow suppression, megaloblastic anemia, leukopenia, and granulocytopenia. The development of therapeutic alternatives is essential for the management of toxoplasmosis, emphasizing the recent advances in nanomedicine. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro effects of biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNp-Bio) on tachyzoite forms and Leydig cells infected with T. gondii. We observed that the AgNp-Bio reduced the viability of the tachyzoites and did not exhibit cytotoxicity against Leydig cells at low concentrations. Additionally, treatment with AgNp-Bio reduced the rate of infection and proliferation of the parasite, and lowered the testosterone levels in the infected cells. It increased the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α and reduced the levels of IL- 10. Among the morphological and ultrastructural changes, AgNp-Bio induced a reduction in the number of intracellular tachyzoites and caused changes in the tachyzoites with accumulation of autophagic vacuoles and a decrease in the number of tachyzoites inside the parasitophorous vacuoles. Collectively, our data demonstrate that the AgNp-Bio affect T. gondii tachyzoites by activating microbicidal and inflammatory mechanisms and could be a potential alternative treatment for toxoplasmosis.
Assuntos
Nanopartículas Metálicas , Toxoplasma , Toxoplasmose , Humanos , Interleucina-6 , Células Intersticiais do Testículo , Masculino , Nanopartículas Metálicas/uso terapêutico , Nanopartículas Metálicas/toxicidade , Prata/toxicidade , Testosterona , Fator de Necrose Tumoral alfaRESUMO
This review considers the advantages and disadvantages of parasitological techniques, methods of detecting antibodies and antigens, as well as molecular biology techniques in the diagnosis of human strongyloidiasis. In addition, it elucidates the potential of different techniques for rapid and effective detection of clinical cases, thus enabling early treatment and preventing fatal consequences of this helminthiasis.
Assuntos
Estrongiloidíase , Animais , Anticorpos Anti-Helmínticos/análise , Antígenos de Helmintos/análise , Humanos , Estrongiloidíase/diagnóstico , Estrongiloidíase/tratamento farmacológicoRESUMO
Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that can cause severe and debilitating diseases, especially in immunocompromised individuals. The available treatment is based on drugs that have low efficacy, high toxicity, several adverse effects, and need long periods of treatment. Thus, the search for therapeutic alternatives is urgently needed. Biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNp-Bio) have been associated with several biological effects, as antiproliferative, pro-apoptotic, antioxidant, antiviral, antifungal, and antiprotozoal activity. Thus, the objective was evaluating AgNp-Bio effect on HeLa cells infected with T. gondii (RH strain). First, nontoxic AgNp-Bio concentrations for HeLa cells (1.5 - 6 µM) were determined, which were tested on cells infected with T. gondii. A significant reduction in infection, proliferation, and intracellular parasitic load was observed, also an increase in ROS and IL-6. Additionally, the evaluation of the action mechanisms of the parasite showed that AgNp-Bio acts directly on tachyzoites, inducing depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane, ROS increase, and lipid bodies accumulation, as well as triggering an autophagic process, causing damage to the parasite membrane, and phosphatidylserine exposure. Based on this, it was inferred that AgNp-Bio affects T. gondii by inducing immunomodulation and microbicidal molecules produced by infected cells, and acts on parasites, by inducing autophagy and apoptosis.
Assuntos
Autofagia , Nanopartículas Metálicas , Prata , Toxoplasma , Toxoplasmose , Apoptose , Proliferação de Células , Células HeLa , Humanos , Prata/farmacologiaRESUMO
The present study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of Blastocystis sp. in Brazilian studies over a period of years (2000-2020), as well as point out relevant aspects of this enigmatic organism. We performed a literature search using six sources of international databases. The data were divided into diagnostic by parasitological and molecular techniques, and relevant aspects. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 52 studies were included in the final analysis. The occurrence of Blastocystis sp. in Brazil ranged from 0.5% to 86.6%, as determined using parasitological techniques. The highest occurrence was in the North (27.3%) and the lowest, in the Midwest region (13.4%). In Brazil, most studies have employed molecular techniques and are concentrated in the Southeast region. The Blastocystis sp. subtype ST3 had the highest average positivity, followed by ST1 and ST2. These findings represent a panorama that reflects the reality of Brazil; thus, we believe that the effectiveness of parasitological diagnosis should be considered with regard to making an appropriate choice of technique for detecting Blastocystis sp. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of further studies in the context of molecular epidemiology with regard to this genus. Blastocystis sp. is not well understood yet, and very little information regarding this genus is available; hence, further research regarding this genus is urgently needed.
Assuntos
Infecções por Blastocystis , Blastocystis , Blastocystis/genética , Infecções por Blastocystis/diagnóstico , Infecções por Blastocystis/epidemiologia , Brasil/epidemiologia , DNA de Protozoário , Fezes , Variação Genética , Humanos , Filogenia , PrevalênciaRESUMO
AIMS: To describe an anti-Strongyloides IgA, IgG and IgG immune complex antibody response profile in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. METHODS AND RESULTS: Saliva and serum samples were collected from 100 individuals: group I, 50 apparently healthy individuals; and group II, 50 pulmonary tuberculosis patients. The IgA, IgG and IgG immune complex detection were carried out via an ELISA immunoenzymatic test. Optical density medians in saliva samples of IgA antibody (median of 7.21) and IgG-IC (median of 4.95) were significantly higher in tuberculosis group compared to control individuals (median IgA of 3.93 and IgG-IC of 2.38). CONCLUSION: This study presents antibody data to the field of pulmonary tuberculosis and strongyloidiasis coinfection, including saliva samples, and especially IgG immune complex detection.
Assuntos
Anticorpos Antiprotozoários/sangue , Complexo Antígeno-Anticorpo/sangue , Imunoglobulina A/sangue , Imunoglobulina G/sangue , Strongyloides/imunologia , Adulto , Animais , Ensaio de Imunoadsorção Enzimática , Feminino , Humanos , Larva/imunologia , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Saliva/imunologia , Estrongiloidíase/imunologia , Estrongiloidíase/patologia , Tuberculose Pulmonar/patologiaRESUMO
The present study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of Blastocystis sp. in Brazilian studies over a period of years (2000-2020), as well as point out relevant aspects of this enigmatic organism. We performed a literature search using six sources of international databases. The data were divided into diagnostic by parasitological and molecular techniques, and relevant aspects. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 52 studies were included in the final analysis. The occurrence of Blastocystis sp. in Brazil ranged from 0.5% to 86.6%, as determined using parasitological techniques. The highest occurrence was in the North (27.3%) and the lowest, in the Midwest region (13.4%). In Brazil, most studies have employed molecular techniques and are concentrated in the Southeast region. The Blastocystis sp. subtype ST3 had the highest average positivity, followed by ST1 and ST2. These findings represent a panorama that reflects the reality of Brazil; thus, we believe that the effectiveness of parasitological diagnosis should be considered with regard to making an appropriate choice of technique for detecting Blastocystis sp. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of further studies in the context of molecular epidemiology with regard to this genus. Blastocystis sp. is not well understood yet, and very little information regarding this genus is available; hence, further research regarding this genus is urgently needed.
Assuntos
Humanos , Infecções por Blastocystis/diagnóstico , Infecções por Blastocystis/epidemiologia , Blastocystis/genética , Filogenia , Variação Genética , Brasil/epidemiologia , Prevalência , DNA de Protozoário , FezesRESUMO
The highlights of biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNp-Bio) include low toxicity - depending on size and concentration - and efficient antiparasitic activity. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the action of the AgNp-Bio on HeLa cells in an infection with strain of RH Toxoplasma gondii. Firstly, we performed a cellular viability test and characterized the AgNp-Bio to proceed with the infection of HeLa cells with T. gondii to be treated using AgNp-Bio or conventional drugs. Subsequently, we determined the level of standard cytokines Th1/Th2 as well as the content of nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Results indicated a mean size of 69 nm in diameter for the AgNp-Bio and obtained a dose-dependent toxicity. In addition, the concentrations of 3 and 6 µM promoted a significant decrease in adherence, infection, and intracellular proliferation. We also found lower IL-8 and production of inflammatory mediators. Thus, the nanoparticles reduced the adherence, infection, and proliferation of ROS and NO, in addition to immunomodulating the IL-8. Therefore, our data proved relevant to introduce a promising therapeutic alternative to toxoplasmosis.
RESUMO
This study aimed to evaluate the use of saliva samples in the Dot-ELISA test for immunodiagnosis of human strongyloidiasis. The Dot-ELISA presented similar results to the ELISA test, with 70% and 60% sensitivity and 85% and 90% specificity, respectively, for IgA in the saliva. The Dot-ELISA with alternative saliva samples may be a suitable tool for diagnosing human strongyloidiasis, especially in populations with high levels of exposure to helminth.
Assuntos
Anticorpos Anti-Helmínticos/análise , Ensaio de Imunoadsorção Enzimática/métodos , Imunoglobulina A/análise , Saliva/imunologia , Estrongiloidíase/diagnóstico , Humanos , Testes ImunológicosRESUMO
PURPOSE: Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan from phylum Apicomplexa, which causes the toxoplasmosis infection; this one exhibits an apicoplast organelle which assists in the metabolism of isoprenoids and other pivotal mediators for the parasite survival. Statins are drugs that inhibit cholesterol synthesis, blocking the conversion of the substrate HMG-CoA to mevalonate, thus preventing the initial processes of the biosynthesis of these precursors, both in humans and parasite. Our goal was to verify whether the Toxoplasma gondii (RH strain) tachyzoites form pretreated with pravastatin and simvastatin in association with pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine at low concentrations could affect the infection processes, suggesting direct action on protozoa intracellular proliferation through the inhibition of isoprenoids in the parasite's apicoplast. METHODS: To have the adhesion, infection, and parasite proliferation during experimental infection investigated, HeLa cells (105) were subjected to a 24-hour infection by T. gondii tachyzoites forms of RH strain (5 × 105) pretreated for 30 min with pravastatin and/or simvastatin combined or not with pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine. RESULTS: Combined with conventional drugs at low concentrations pravastatin and simvastatin inhibit the adhesion, invasion, and intracellular proliferation of T. gondii in HeLa cells which are similar to the positive control. CONCLUSION: Pravastatin and simvastatin in association with pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine at low concentrations can be regarded as a promising, effective alternative to toxoplasmosis treatment with reduced side effects.
Assuntos
Antiprotozoários/farmacologia , Estágios do Ciclo de Vida/efeitos dos fármacos , Pravastatina/farmacologia , Pirimetamina/farmacologia , Sinvastatina/farmacologia , Sulfadiazina/farmacologia , Toxoplasma/efeitos dos fármacos , Toxoplasmose/parasitologia , Sobrevivência Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Sinergismo Farmacológico , Células HeLa , Humanos , Toxoplasma/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Toxoplasma/fisiologia , Toxoplasmose/tratamento farmacológicoRESUMO
This study evaluates the inclusion of the IgG avidity index in ELISA to detect anti-Strongyloides stercoralis IgG. The ELISA index revealed 70% of specificity. With the inclusion of screening AI, specificity increased to 80%. IgG avidity complemented traditional IgG ELISA by eliminating some of the suspected or false positive cases.