RESUMO
Big-leaf mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) is valued for its high-quality wood and use in urban landscapes in Mexico. During surveys of mango-producing areas in the central western region of Mexico, symptoms of malformation, the most important disease of mango in the area, were observed on big-leaf mahogany trees. The objectives of this research were to describe this new disease and determine its cause. Symptoms on big-leaf mahogany at four sites in Michoacán, Mexico resembled those of the vegetative phase of mango malformation, including compact, bunched growth of apical and lateral buds, with greatly shortened internodes and small leaves that curved back toward the supporting stem. Of 163 isolates that were recovered from symptomatic tissues, most were identified as Fusarium pseudocircinatum (n = 121) and F. mexicanum (n = 39) using molecular systematic data; two isolates represented unnamed phylospecies within the F. incarnatum-equiseti species complex (FIESC 20-d and FIESC 37-a) and another was in the F. solani species complex (FSSC 25-m). However, only F. mexicanum and F. pseudocircinatum induced malformation symptoms on 14-day-old seedlings of big-leaf mahogany. The results indicate that F. mexicanum and F. pseudocircinatum, previously reported in Mexico as causal agents of mango malformation disease, also affect big-leaf mahogany. This is the first report of this new disease and the first time that F. mexicanum was shown to affect a host other than mango.
Assuntos
Fusarium/isolamento & purificação , Fusarium/patogenicidade , Meliaceae/microbiologia , Doenças das Plantas/microbiologia , DNA Fúngico/genética , Fusarium/genética , México , Tipagem de Sequências Multilocus , Filogenia , Plântula/microbiologiaRESUMO
The S3Pvac synthetic vaccine, composed of three peptides (GK1, KETc1 and KETc12) effectively protects against cysticercosis under experimental and field conditions. Additionally, S3Pvac vaccine can effectively damage early-established cysticerci in experimentally lightly infected young pigs. This study was designed to explore if also fully-developed cysticerci that eluded immunity induced by the infection can be damaged by S3Pvac-induced immunity in naturally, heavily infected adult pigs. Fourteen pigs identified as cysticercotic by tongue inspection from rural communities were purchased and moved to controlled conditions in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. Half of these pigs were treated once a month three times with S3Pvac plus saponin, and the other half received only saponin (controls). Twelve months later pigs were euthanized, and the number of cysticerci, their macro and microscopic status and their capacity to transform into tapeworms were determined. S3Pvac failed to damage fully-developed muscle cysticerci of naturally, heavily infected adult pigs. To explore possible factors involved in the failure of the therapeutic capacity pooled sera from control and treated cysticercotic pigs were added to mice mononuclear peripheral cells. Pooled sera from non-infected pigs were also tested. Sera from control and treated infected pigs almost completely suppressed the T cell proliferative responses, pointing to the presence of suppressor factors. In conclusion, S3Pvac vaccine failed to damage fully-developed cysticerci in pigs in which a host parasite relationship had evolved after months of infection with immunological implications.
Assuntos
Cisticercose/prevenção & controle , Cysticercus/imunologia , Proteínas de Helminto/imunologia , Doenças dos Suínos/prevenção & controle , Vacinas de Subunidades Antigênicas/imunologia , Animais , Anticorpos Anti-Helmínticos/sangue , Proliferação de Células , Células Cultivadas , Feminino , Imunoglobulina G/sangue , Leucócitos Mononucleares/metabolismo , Masculino , Camundongos , Baço/citologia , Suínos , Vacinas SintéticasRESUMO
Carrot (Daucus carota L. subsp. sativus (Hoffm.) Arcang.) is planted as a home-grown vegetable in the central region of Michoacan, Mexico. Powdery mildew was observed on carrot plants cv. Nantesa at several locations near Morelia, Michoacan during March 2009. Affected plants had abundant, white, superficial conidia and mycelium on leaves and stems. All plants at each of five locations surveyed had powdery mildew symptoms with percent foliage coverage ranging from 50 to 80%. Mycelial growth was amphigenous, mainly on the upper leaf surface, covering the whole leaf and with irregular patches on inflorescences and stems. Hyphae were ectophytic with lobed appressoria. Conidiophores presented foot cells 22.5 to 35 (30) × 5.75 to 7 (6.3) µm followed by two cells, one shorter and one longer than the foot cell. Conidia were produced singly, most subcylindric to cylindric, lacked fibrosin bodies, and measured 31.2 to 42 (36.2) × 8.7 to 11.2 (10.5) µm. The teleomorph was not observed. Genomic DNA was extracted from infected leaves; sequences of the internal transcribed spacers (ITS) inclusive of 5.8S rDNA were amplified using previously described primers specific for Erysiphales (3). The ITS sequences shared 100% homology to Erysiphe heraclei specimen VPRI41227 from carrot in Australia (GenBank Accession No. EU371725). On the basis of the morphological characteristics observed and the ITS rDNA sequences, the pathogen was identified as E. heraclei DC. The ITS sequence was deposited in NCBI as Accession No. GU252368. Pathogenicity tests were conducted twice on a total of 10 healthy 8-week-old carrot plants cv. Nantesa. Infected plants were placed in close proximity to healthy plants and maintained in a greenhouse at 27 ± 5°C. Initial signs and symptoms were observed 3 weeks after inoculation and appeared as small, white colonies, which later coalesced and covered most of the foliage. Microscopic examination of the conidia and mycelial morphology matched the originally described pathogen, E. heraclei. Powdery mildew caused by this pathogen has been extensively reported on diverse species and genera of the Apiaceae in Europe and remains one of the most important diseases of carrot (2). The appearance of E. heraclei in diverse regions on a variety of umbelliferous crops indicates that formae speciales have spread, infecting different and specific hosts (1-3). Recently, E. heraclei has been reported on parsley in Puebla, Mexico (4). To our knowledge, this is the first report of E. heraclei causing powdery mildew on carrot in Michoacan, Mexico. This pathogen should be considered as a threat to commercial carrot crops in Mexico. Other crops in the Apiaceae may not be at risk in this area if this powdery mildew is specific for carrots. References: (1) B. J. Aegerter. Page 22 in: Compendium of Umbelliferous Crop Diseases. The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN, 2002. (2) U. Braun. The Powdery Mildew (Erysiphales) of Europe. Gustav Fischer-Verlag. Jena, Germany, 1995. (3) J. H. Cunnington et al. Australas. Plant Pathol. 32:421, 2003. (4) M. J. Yáñez-Morales et al. Schlechtendalia 19:47, 2009.
RESUMO
Glutathione S-transferases are major phase II detoxification enzymes. Taenia solium, a parasite of humans and pigs, is exposed to toxic products. The aim of this work was to purify and characterize a T. solium glutathione S-transferase isoform of 26.5 kDa (SGST26.5) in order to obtain its kinetic parameters. Homogeneous SGST26.5 was obtained by a simple purification procedure. SGST26.5 showed a p I of 7.07, and a native Mr of 60 kDa with 26.5 kDa subunits. The optimum activity for SGST26.5 was found at pH 6.5-7.0 in the range 10-42 degrees C. SGST26.5 had a specific enzyme activity of 78, 7.1, 6.6, and 0.7 microM min(-1) mg(-1) with CDNB, 1,2-dichloro-4-nitrobenzene, 2,4-hexadienal and trans-2-nonenal as substrates, respectively. It also had a kcat/ K(mCDNB)=2.15 x 10(3) M(-1 )s(-1), kcat/ KmGSH)=4.5 x 10(3) M(-1 )s(-1) and Vmax for GSH and CDNB=74 and 77 microM min(-1) mg(-1), respectively. SGST26.5 was inhibited in a noncompetitive form by cibacron blue, bromosulfophthalein and triphenyltin chloride. Inhibition studies as a function of inhibitor concentration show that the enzyme is a homodimer. Bireactant system analysis show that it follows an ordered sequential mechanism.
Assuntos
Glutationa Transferase , Isoenzimas , Taenia/enzimologia , Animais , Glutationa Transferase/química , Glutationa Transferase/isolamento & purificação , Glutationa Transferase/metabolismo , Concentração de Íons de Hidrogênio , Isoenzimas/química , Isoenzimas/isolamento & purificação , Isoenzimas/metabolismo , Cinética , Taenia/crescimento & desenvolvimento , TemperaturaRESUMO
Evaluation of serology using glycoproteins (GPs) purified by preparative isoelectric focusing (pH 8.8) and recombinant chimeric antigen (RecTs) of Taenia solium was carried out using (1) blood samples on filter papers from pigs infected with different doses of eggs of T. solium in Mexico, (2) serum samples from pigs found infected naturally in Vietnam and Ecuador and (3) serum samples from pigs suspected to be infected with T. solium by tongue inspection in Tanzania. Antibody responses (IgG) were detectable in experimentally infected pigs confirmed harbouring 16 or more cysts at necropsy from 30 days after egg inoculation. One of three pigs naturally infected and harbouring 2.5 cysts/kg muscle and most of pigs harbouring=5.0 cysts/kg were also seropositive by ELISA. Although pigs may be infected with other taeniid species such as Taenia hydatigena, pigs harbouring this parasite were negative in ELISA. Approximately, 76 and 78% of sera from pigs having nodule(s) in the tongue (positive tongue inspection) were serologically positive by both ELISA and immunoblot, respectively. Furthermore, approximately 34 and 18% of sera from pigs having no nodules in the tongue (negative tongue inspection) were also seropositive by ELISA and immunoblot, respectively. ELISA using the two antigens was more sensitive than immunoblot and reliable for differentiation of pigs infected with cysticerci of T. solium from those either uninfected or infected with other taeniid species. Pigs without nodule by tongue inspection should be checked serologically in endemic areas.
Assuntos
Antígenos de Helmintos/imunologia , Cisticercose/diagnóstico , Cisticercose/veterinária , Doenças dos Suínos/diagnóstico , Doenças dos Suínos/patologia , Taenia solium/isolamento & purificação , Língua/patologia , Animais , Anticorpos Anti-Helmínticos/sangue , Cisticercose/imunologia , Cisticercose/parasitologia , Equador , Ensaio de Imunoadsorção Enzimática , Glicoproteínas/imunologia , Proteínas de Helminto/imunologia , México , Sensibilidade e Especificidade , Suínos , Doenças dos Suínos/imunologia , Doenças dos Suínos/parasitologia , Taenia solium/imunologia , VietnãRESUMO
To determine markers of Taenia solium transmission and risk factors in an urban community, we studied 1,000 soldiers from a military camp in Mexico City and their relatives. Serum samples were used to detect antigens and antibodies and fecal specimens were examined for Taenia coproantigens and helminth eggs. Prevalences of 12.2% and 5.8% for cysticercosis were found among soldiers and their relatives, respectively. Taeniasis was found in 0.5% and none of the groups, respectively. Relatives of soldiers positive for cysticercosis and taeniasis markers ate more pork from street stores than restaurants or markets compared with relatives of soldiers without these indicators of infection. Also, 12.0% of the relatives of positive soldiers had a history of expelling tapeworm proglottids in the feces in contrast to 3.7% of the family members of the control group. Prevalence values and risk factors in this urban population are similar to those of previous studies performed in rural populations.
Assuntos
Cisticercose/epidemiologia , Militares , Teníase/epidemiologia , Saúde da População Urbana , Adulto , Animais , Anticorpos Anti-Helmínticos/sangue , Antígenos de Helmintos/sangue , Western Blotting , Estudos Transversais , Cisticercose/parasitologia , Ensaio de Imunoadsorção Enzimática , Saúde da Família , Fezes/parasitologia , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , México/epidemiologia , Contagem de Ovos de Parasitas , Prevalência , Fatores de Risco , Taenia/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Taenia/isolamento & purificação , Teníase/parasitologiaRESUMO
Pigs were immunised with antigens derived from Taenia solium oncospheres or with a pool of three recombinant antigens from Taenia ovis, and subsequently challenged with T. solium eggs. The native oncosphere antigens induced 83% protection against viable, and 89% protection against the total number of cysticerci established following the challenge infection. Immunisation with the recombinant T. ovis antigens induced 93% protection against the establishment of viable cysticerci, and 74% protection against the total number of cysticerci. These results, and those achieved elsewhere with Taenia saginata and T. ovis, support the possibility of developing a practical vaccine to assist in the control of transmission of T. solium through pigs.
Assuntos
Antígenos de Helmintos/uso terapêutico , Cisticercose/veterinária , Doenças dos Suínos/prevenção & controle , Vacinação/veterinária , Vacinas Sintéticas/uso terapêutico , Animais , Cisticercose/parasitologia , Cisticercose/prevenção & controle , Cysticercus/imunologia , Cysticercus/isolamento & purificação , Músculos/parasitologia , Proteínas Recombinantes/imunologia , Suínos , Doenças dos Suínos/parasitologia , Taenia/imunologiaRESUMO
A comprehensive study was undertaken in a rural community in the state of Morelos, Mexico to evaluate health education as an intervention measure against Taenia solium. An educational program was developed to promote recognition and knowledge of the transmission of the parasite and to improve hygienic behavior and sanitary conditions that foster transmission. The effects of educational intervention were evaluated by measuring changes in knowledge and practices and prevalence of human taeniasis and swine cysticercosis before and after the campaign. The health education strategy was implemented with the active participation of the population based on the information obtained from a sociologic study. A questionnaire was designed and used before, immediately after the intervention, and six months later. Statistically significant improvements occurred in knowledge of the parasite, its life cycle, and how it is acquired by humans; however, changes in behavior related to transmission were less dramatic and persistent. The prevalences of cysticercosis in pigs at the start of the education intervention were 2.6% and 5.2% by lingual examination and antibody detection (immunoblot assay), respectively, and approximately one year after the intervention they were 0% and 1.2% (P < 0.05). These changes were accompanied by significant reductions in the reported access of pigs to sources of infection and freedom to roam. We conclude that health education, developed along with community involvement, reduced opportunities for transmission of T. solium in the human-pig cycle.
PIP: Neurocysticercosis is an important health problem in Mexico, as well as in many other countries of Latin America, Asia, and Africa where conditions permit completion of the cestode's life cycle in pigs and humans. A study was conducted in a rural community in the state of Morelos, Mexico, to determine whether health education could be an effective measure against Taenia solium. An educational program was developed with community input to promote recognition and knowledge of the transmission of the parasite and to improve hygienic behavior and sanitary conditions which foster transmission. The effects of the educational intervention were then assessed by measuring changes in knowledge, practices, and the prevalence of human taeniasis and swine cysticercosis before and after the campaign. Statistically significant improvements occurred with regard to knowledge of the parasite, its life cycle, and how it is acquired by humans. However, changes in behavior related to transmission were less marked and persistent. Lingual examination and antibody detection found cysticercosis among 2.6% and 5.2% of pigs, respectively, at the start of the intervention. At approximately 1 year after the intervention, prevalences had declined to 0% and 1.2%. The decline was accompanied by significant reductions in the reported access of pigs to sources of infection and freedom to roam.
Assuntos
Cisticercose/veterinária , Educação em Saúde , Doenças dos Suínos/prevenção & controle , Teníase/prevenção & controle , Animais , Anticorpos Anti-Helmínticos/sangue , Antígenos de Helmintos/análise , Cisticercose/epidemiologia , Cisticercose/prevenção & controle , Coleta de Dados , Ensaio de Imunoadsorção Enzimática , Fezes/parasitologia , Comportamentos Relacionados com a Saúde , Conhecimentos, Atitudes e Prática em Saúde , Humanos , Immunoblotting/veterinária , Incidência , México/epidemiologia , Prevalência , População Rural , Suínos , Doenças dos Suínos/epidemiologia , Taenia/imunologia , Taenia/isolamento & purificação , Teníase/diagnóstico , Teníase/epidemiologiaRESUMO
An analysis of immunodiagnostic data for human cysticercosis by ELISA in 1,052 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum samples obtained directly from patients or their physicians from different hospitals during 1989-1991, as a result of the diagnostic support service that has been offered to the medical community since 1976, was performed. Overall positivity was 18 per cent. This value was slightly lower when only CSF was analysed (14%) and lowest in the case of serum samples (4%). Analysis of the CSF positivity in ELISA with respect to imaging findings yielded a predictive value of 93 per cent while in cases of excision of cysticerci by neurosurgery 67 per cent sensitivity was obtained. The high positive predictive value, the specificity and the sensitivity of ELISA indicate that this assay is useful to confirm the imaging diagnosis of neurocysticercosis when CSF is used or it can be used as a diagnostic alternative when imaging studies are not available.
Assuntos
Cisticercose/diagnóstico , Ensaio de Imunoadsorção Enzimática , Cisticercose/líquido cefalorraquidiano , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Valor Preditivo dos Testes , Sensibilidade e Especificidade , Tomografia Computadorizada por Raios XRESUMO
We compared a plate enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with an immunoblot--or enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blot--assay (EITB) for the identification of cases of human neurocysticercosis due to Taenia solium and of risk factors for this disease in two Mexican villages. Findings related to age- and sex-specific seroprevalence, risk factors for transmission, and associated morbidity differed significantly according to the assay used. Rates of EITB positivity were significantly higher among persons with a history of convulsions than among those without such a history (29% vs 8%; P < .05); in contrast, ELISA results were negative for all persons with a history of convulsions. The association of seizures with neurocysticercosis in this population was strengthened by the higher rate of abnormal findings compatible with neurocysticercosis on computed tomography of the brain among individuals with a history of convulsions than among those without such a history (70% vs 14%; P < .001). In summary, EITB was more sensitive and specific than ELISA for epidemiological studies of neurocysticercosis.