This page has only limited features, please log in for full access.
Triatoma dimidiata is the main vector of Trypanosoma cruzi parasites in Veracruz, Mexico, and its association with human housing appears variable. Also, in spite of a high seroprevalence of T. cruzi infection in humans, parasite transmission remains poorly understood. Therefore, we aimed to identify T. dimidiata blood feeding sources and its parasite and microbial diversity to reconstruct T. cruzi parasite transmission ecology in central Veracruz, Mexico, within a One Health/Ecohealth framework. We used a metabarcoding and deep sequencing approach of specific markers for the simultaneous identification of T. dimidiata haplogroup (ITS-2), vertebrate blood meals (12 s gene), T. cruzi parasites (mini-exon gene), and gut microbiota (bacterial 16 s). Twelve species of domestic/synanthropic animals and humans were identified as blood sources, with multiple feeding on 4.2 ± 0.4 hosts per bug. The feeding/parasite transmission network was strongly centered on humans, emphasizing a significant risk of infection. We also unambiguously confirmed the presence of TcI, TcII, TcV and TcVI DTUs in T. dimidiata, and sequences from Veracruz tended to cluster apart from parasites from other regions, suggesting some level of local differentiation. Analysis of T. dimidiata microbiota suggested that several bacterial families may be associated with the presence/absence of T. cruzi, and some of these associations may also be parasite DTU-specific. Such integrative approaches within the EcoHealth/One Health framework provide key insights on T. cruzi transmission and potential novel strategies for disease control.
Claribel Murillo-Solano; Angel Ramos-Ligonio; Aracely López-Monteon; Daniel Guzmán-Gómez; Jesús Torres-Montero; Claudia Herrera; Eric Dumonteil. Diversity of Trypanosoma cruzi parasites infecting Triatoma dimidiata in Central Veracruz, Mexico, and their One Health ecological interactions. Infection, Genetics and Evolution 2021, 95, 105050 .
AMA StyleClaribel Murillo-Solano, Angel Ramos-Ligonio, Aracely López-Monteon, Daniel Guzmán-Gómez, Jesús Torres-Montero, Claudia Herrera, Eric Dumonteil. Diversity of Trypanosoma cruzi parasites infecting Triatoma dimidiata in Central Veracruz, Mexico, and their One Health ecological interactions. Infection, Genetics and Evolution. 2021; 95 ():105050.
Chicago/Turabian StyleClaribel Murillo-Solano; Angel Ramos-Ligonio; Aracely López-Monteon; Daniel Guzmán-Gómez; Jesús Torres-Montero; Claudia Herrera; Eric Dumonteil. 2021. "Diversity of Trypanosoma cruzi parasites infecting Triatoma dimidiata in Central Veracruz, Mexico, and their One Health ecological interactions." Infection, Genetics and Evolution 95, no. : 105050.
Objective In Belize, the main vector for Trypanosoma cruzi, the agent of Chagas disease, is Triatoma dimidiata, but transmission cycles and the risk for human infection are unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify T. dimidiata blood feeding sources and its parasite and microbial diversity, in order to reconstruct T. cruzi parasite transmission ecology in southern Belize. Methods A metabarcoding approach based on deep sequencing of markers was used for bug taxonomy, blood meal sources, T. cruzi genotypes, and microbiota composition. Bugs were collected in 13 villages of Toledo district. Results Bugs fed on at least 13 species, from domestic hosts such as humans, dogs, cows, and pigs, to synanthropic species such as mice, rats, and opossums, and sylvatic species such as deer, peccary, and kinkajou, in agreement with an opportunistic feeding behavior. Nonetheless, most feeding focused on a few species, including humans. Infection with T. cruzi was detected in 24 of 39 bugs (62%), and the analysis of 242 T. cruzi mini-exon sequences (average 10 ± 5 haplotypes per bug) indicated the presence of TcI and TcIV parasite discrete typing units (DTUs). However, for both DTUs, sequences from Belize mostly clustered apart from sequences from North and South America, suggesting the local differentiation of parasites. T. dimidiata also harbored a diverse bacterial microbiota, with ontogenic changes suggesting microbiota maturation during nymphal development. Conclusions Together, these results indicate a significant risk for T. cruzi infection in humans. They also highlight the need to better characterize the diversity of T. cruzi strains in the region and its impact on disease epidemiology.
Roy Polonio; Jaime López-Domínguez; Claudia Herrera; Eric Dumonteil. Molecular ecology of Triatoma dimidiata in southern Belize reveals risk for human infection and the local differentiation of Trypanosoma cruzi parasites. International Journal of Infectious Diseases 2021, 108, 320 -329.
AMA StyleRoy Polonio, Jaime López-Domínguez, Claudia Herrera, Eric Dumonteil. Molecular ecology of Triatoma dimidiata in southern Belize reveals risk for human infection and the local differentiation of Trypanosoma cruzi parasites. International Journal of Infectious Diseases. 2021; 108 ():320-329.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRoy Polonio; Jaime López-Domínguez; Claudia Herrera; Eric Dumonteil. 2021. "Molecular ecology of Triatoma dimidiata in southern Belize reveals risk for human infection and the local differentiation of Trypanosoma cruzi parasites." International Journal of Infectious Diseases 108, no. : 320-329.
Chagas disease is a zoonotic, parasitic, vector-borne neglected tropical disease that affects the lives of over 6 million people throughout the Americas. Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent, presents extensive genetic diversity. Here we report the genome sequence of reference strain SC43cl1, a hybrid strain belonging to the TcV discrete typing unit (DTU). The assembled diploid genome was 79 Mbp in size, divided into 1236 contigs with an average coverage reaching 180×. There was extensive synteny of SC43cl1 genome with closely related TcV and TcVI genomes, with limited sequence rearrangements. TcVI genomes included several expansions not present in TcV strains. Comparative analysis of both nuclear and kinetoplast sequences clearly separated TcV from TcVI strains, which strongly supports the current DTU classification.
James DeCuir; Weihong Tu; Eric Dumonteil; Claudia Herrera. Sequence of Trypanosoma cruzi reference strain SC43 nuclear genome and kinetoplast maxicircle confirms a strong genetic structure among closely related parasite discrete typing units. Genome 2021, 64, 525 -531.
AMA StyleJames DeCuir, Weihong Tu, Eric Dumonteil, Claudia Herrera. Sequence of Trypanosoma cruzi reference strain SC43 nuclear genome and kinetoplast maxicircle confirms a strong genetic structure among closely related parasite discrete typing units. Genome. 2021; 64 (5):525-531.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJames DeCuir; Weihong Tu; Eric Dumonteil; Claudia Herrera. 2021. "Sequence of Trypanosoma cruzi reference strain SC43 nuclear genome and kinetoplast maxicircle confirms a strong genetic structure among closely related parasite discrete typing units." Genome 64, no. 5: 525-531.
Trypanosoma cruzi is a zoonotic parasite endemic in the southern US and the Americas, which may frequently infect dogs, but limited information is available about infections in cats. We surveyed a convenience sample of 284 shelter cats from Southern Louisiana to evaluate T. cruzi infection using serological and PCR tests. Parasites from PCR positive cats were also genotyped by PCR and deep sequencing to assess their genetic diversity. We detected a seropositivity rate for T. cruzi of at least 7.3% (17/234), and 24.6% of cats (70/284) were PCR positive for the parasite. Seropositivity increased with cat age (R2 = 0.91, P = 0.011), corresponding to an incidence of 7.2% ± 1.3 per year, while PCR positivity decreased with age (R2 = 0.93, P = 0.007). Cats were predominantly infected with parasites from TcI and TcVI DTUs, and to a lesser extent from TcIV and TcV DTUs, in agreement with the circulation of these parasite DTUs in local transmission cycles. These results indicate that veterinarians should have a greater awareness of T. cruzi infection in pets and that it would be important to better evaluate the risk for spillover infections in humans.
Eric Dumonteil; Hans Desale; Weihong Tu; Brandy Duhon; Wendy Wolfson; Gary Balsamo; Claudia Herrera. Shelter cats host infections with multiple Trypanosoma cruzi discrete typing units in southern Louisiana. Veterinary Research 2021, 52, 1 -8.
AMA StyleEric Dumonteil, Hans Desale, Weihong Tu, Brandy Duhon, Wendy Wolfson, Gary Balsamo, Claudia Herrera. Shelter cats host infections with multiple Trypanosoma cruzi discrete typing units in southern Louisiana. Veterinary Research. 2021; 52 (1):1-8.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEric Dumonteil; Hans Desale; Weihong Tu; Brandy Duhon; Wendy Wolfson; Gary Balsamo; Claudia Herrera. 2021. "Shelter cats host infections with multiple Trypanosoma cruzi discrete typing units in southern Louisiana." Veterinary Research 52, no. 1: 1-8.
Introduction: Three decades of evidence have demonstrated that plants are an affordable platform for biopharmaceutical production and delivery. For instance, several plant-made recombinant proteins have been approved for commercialization under good manufacturing practice (GMP). Thus far, plant-based vaccine prototypes have been evaluated at pre- and clinical levels. Particularly, plant-made vaccines against parasitic diseases, such as malaria, cysticercosis, and toxoplasmosis have been successfully produced and orally delivered with promising outcomes in terms of immunogenicity and protection. The experience on several approaches and technical strategies over 30 years accounts for their potential low-cost, high scalability, and easy administration. Areas covered: This platform is an open technology to fight against Chagas disease, one of the most important neglected tropical diseases worldwide. Expert opinion: This review provides a perspective for the potential use of plants as a production platform and delivery system of Trypanosoma cruzi recombinant antigens, analyzing the advantages and limitations with respect to plant-made vaccines produced for other parasitic diseases. Plant-made vaccines are envisioned to fight against Chagas disease and other neglected tropical diseases in those countries suffering endemic prevalence.
Abel Ramos-Vega; Elizabeth Monreal-Escalante; Eric Dumonteil; Bernardo Bañuelos-Hernández; Carlos Angulo. Plant-made vaccines against parasites: bioinspired perspectives to fight against Chagas disease. Expert Review of Vaccines 2021, 1 -16.
AMA StyleAbel Ramos-Vega, Elizabeth Monreal-Escalante, Eric Dumonteil, Bernardo Bañuelos-Hernández, Carlos Angulo. Plant-made vaccines against parasites: bioinspired perspectives to fight against Chagas disease. Expert Review of Vaccines. 2021; ():1-16.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAbel Ramos-Vega; Elizabeth Monreal-Escalante; Eric Dumonteil; Bernardo Bañuelos-Hernández; Carlos Angulo. 2021. "Plant-made vaccines against parasites: bioinspired perspectives to fight against Chagas disease." Expert Review of Vaccines , no. : 1-16.
Chagas disease is an important vector-borne neglected tropical disease that causes great health and economic losses. The etiological agent, Trypanosoma cruzi, is a protozoan parasite endemic to the Americas, comprised by important diversity, which has been suggested to contribute to poor serological diagnostic performance. Current nomenclature describes seven discrete typing units (DTUs), or lineages. We performed the first large scale analysis of T. cruzi diversity among 52 previously published genomes from strains covering multiple countries and parasite DTUs and assessed how different markers summarize this genetic diversity. We also examined how seven antigens currently used in commercial serologic tests are conserved across this diversity of strains. DTU structuration was confirmed at the whole-genome level, with evidence of sub-DTU diversity, associated in part to geographic structuring. We observed very comparable phylogenetic tree topographies for most of the 32 markers investigated, with clear clustering of sequences by DTU, and a few of these markers suggested some degree of intra-lineage diversity. At least three of the currently used antigens represent poorly conserved sequences, with sequences used in tests quite divergent from sequences in many strains. Most markers are well suited for estimating parasite diversity to DTU level, and a few are particularly well-suited to assess intra-DTU diversity. Analysis of antigen sequences across all strains indicates that antigenic diversity is a likely explanation for limited diagnostic performance in Central and North America.
Alicia Majeau; Laura Murphy; Claudia Herrera; Eric Dumonteil. Assessing Trypanosoma cruzi Parasite Diversity through Comparative Genomics: Implications for Disease Epidemiology and Diagnostics. Pathogens 2021, 10, 212 .
AMA StyleAlicia Majeau, Laura Murphy, Claudia Herrera, Eric Dumonteil. Assessing Trypanosoma cruzi Parasite Diversity through Comparative Genomics: Implications for Disease Epidemiology and Diagnostics. Pathogens. 2021; 10 (2):212.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlicia Majeau; Laura Murphy; Claudia Herrera; Eric Dumonteil. 2021. "Assessing Trypanosoma cruzi Parasite Diversity through Comparative Genomics: Implications for Disease Epidemiology and Diagnostics." Pathogens 10, no. 2: 212.
Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is a vector-borne disease with a major disease burden in the Americas, with over 6 million cases. There are about 200,000 cases in Ecuador, but the epidemiology of the disease is poorly understood, particularly in the Amazon region, making surveillance and control challenging. We determined here the seroprevalence of T. cruzi antibodies in a cohort of 516 schoolchildren aged 5–15 years from Chontapunta parish, in the Napo province, Ecuador, using ELISA and indirect hemaglutination tests. We detected a seroprevalence of 0.77% (95% confidence interval 0.31–1.97%), with some significant variation among the three studied communities. These data provide evidence of the ongoing transmission of T. cruzi in this area, and support the need to strengthen epidemiological surveillance and patient care.
Caty Carrera Vargas; Luis Solorzano; Doris Guale; Claudia Herrera; Eric Dumonteil. Active Transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi in Schoolchildren from the Amazon Region in Napo Province, Ecuador. Acta Parasitologica 2021, 66, 1059 -1062.
AMA StyleCaty Carrera Vargas, Luis Solorzano, Doris Guale, Claudia Herrera, Eric Dumonteil. Active Transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi in Schoolchildren from the Amazon Region in Napo Province, Ecuador. Acta Parasitologica. 2021; 66 (3):1059-1062.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCaty Carrera Vargas; Luis Solorzano; Doris Guale; Claudia Herrera; Eric Dumonteil. 2021. "Active Transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi in Schoolchildren from the Amazon Region in Napo Province, Ecuador." Acta Parasitologica 66, no. 3: 1059-1062.
Infections with SARS-CoV-2 can progress toward multiple clinical outcomes, and the identification of factors associated with disease severity would represent a major advance to guide care and improve prognosis. We tested for associations between SARS-CoV-2 genomic variants from an international cohort of 2508 patients and mortality rates. Findings were validated in a second cohort. Phylogenetic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences revealed four well-resolved clades which had significantly different mortality rates, even after adjusting for patient demographic and geographic characteristics. We further identified ten single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the SARS-CoV-2 genome that were associated with patient mortality. Three SNPs remained associated with mortality in a generalized linear model (GLM) that also included patient age, sex, geographic region, and month of sample collection. Multiple SNPs were confirmed in the validation cohort. These SNPs represent targets to assess the mechanisms underlying COVID-19 disease severity and warrant straightforward validation in functional studies.
Eric Dumonteil; Dahlene Fusco; Arnaud Drouin; Claudia Herrera. Genomic Signatures of SARS-CoV-2 Associated with Patient Mortality. Viruses 2021, 13, 227 .
AMA StyleEric Dumonteil, Dahlene Fusco, Arnaud Drouin, Claudia Herrera. Genomic Signatures of SARS-CoV-2 Associated with Patient Mortality. Viruses. 2021; 13 (2):227.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEric Dumonteil; Dahlene Fusco; Arnaud Drouin; Claudia Herrera. 2021. "Genomic Signatures of SARS-CoV-2 Associated with Patient Mortality." Viruses 13, no. 2: 227.
Chagas disease is a major neglected tropical disease, transmitted predominantly by triatomine insect vectors, but also through congenital and oral routes. While endemic in the Americas, it has turned into a global disease. Because of the current drug treatment limitations, a vaccine would represent a major advancement for better control of the disease. Here, we review some of the rationale, advances, and challenges for the ongoing development of a vaccine against Chagas disease. Recent pre-clinical studies in murine models have further expanded (i) the range of vaccine platforms and formulations tested; (ii) our understanding of the immune correlates for protection; and (iii) the extent of vaccine effects on cardiac function, beyond survival and parasite burden. We further discuss outstanding issues and opportunities to move Chagas disease development forward in the near future.
Eric Dumonteil; Claudia Herrera. The Case for the Development of a Chagas Disease Vaccine: Why? How? When? Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease 2021, 6, 16 .
AMA StyleEric Dumonteil, Claudia Herrera. The Case for the Development of a Chagas Disease Vaccine: Why? How? When? Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease. 2021; 6 (1):16.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEric Dumonteil; Claudia Herrera. 2021. "The Case for the Development of a Chagas Disease Vaccine: Why? How? When?" Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease 6, no. 1: 16.
Background Chagas disease is a neglected zoonosis of growing concern in the southern US, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. We genotyped parasites in a large cohort of PCR positive dogs to shed light on parasite transmission cycles and assess potential relationships between parasite diversity and serological test performance. Methodology/principal findings We used a metabarcoding approach based on deep sequencing of T. cruzi mini-exon marker to assess parasite diversity. Phylogenetic analysis of 178 sequences from 40 dogs confirmed the presence of T. cruzi discrete typing unit (DTU) TcI and TcIV, as well as TcII, TcV and TcVI for the first time in US dogs. Infections with multiple DTUs occurred in 38% of the dogs. These data indicate a greater genetic diversity of T. cruzi than previously detected in the US. Comparison of T. cruzi sequence diversity indicated that highly similar T. cruzi strains from these DTUs circulate in hosts and vectors in Louisiana, indicating that they are involved in a shared T. cruzi parasite transmission cycle. However, TcIV and TcV were sampled more frequently in vectors, while TcII and TcVI were sampled more frequently in dogs. Conclusions/significance These observations point to ecological host-fitting being a dominant mechanism involved in the diversification of T. cruzi-host associations. Dogs with negative, discordant or confirmed positive T. cruzi serology harbored TcI parasites with different mini-exon sequences, which strongly supports the hypothesis that parasite genetic diversity is a key factor affecting serological test performance. Thus, the identification of conserved parasite antigens should be a high priority for the improvement of current serological tests.
Eric Dumonteil; Ardem Elmayan; Alicia Majeau; Weihong Tu; Brandy Duhon; Preston Marx; Wendy Wolfson; Garry Balsamo; Claudia Herrera. Genetic diversity of Trypanosoma cruzi parasites infecting dogs in southern Louisiana sheds light on parasite transmission cycles and serological diagnostic performance. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases 2020, 14, e0008932 .
AMA StyleEric Dumonteil, Ardem Elmayan, Alicia Majeau, Weihong Tu, Brandy Duhon, Preston Marx, Wendy Wolfson, Garry Balsamo, Claudia Herrera. Genetic diversity of Trypanosoma cruzi parasites infecting dogs in southern Louisiana sheds light on parasite transmission cycles and serological diagnostic performance. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases. 2020; 14 (12):e0008932.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEric Dumonteil; Ardem Elmayan; Alicia Majeau; Weihong Tu; Brandy Duhon; Preston Marx; Wendy Wolfson; Garry Balsamo; Claudia Herrera. 2020. "Genetic diversity of Trypanosoma cruzi parasites infecting dogs in southern Louisiana sheds light on parasite transmission cycles and serological diagnostic performance." PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases 14, no. 12: e0008932.
A consequence of the late awareness of Chagas disease in North America is that many early studies were never published in peer-reviewed journals and are not easily accessible for inclusion in systematic reviews. We reviewed data from the state of Guanajuato, Mexico, as an illustration. Three population-based surveys have been performed between 1991 and 2002 and were never fully published. Systematic reviews should recognize this publication bias.
Pierre Buekens; Jorge López-Cárdenas; Eric Dumonteil; Nicolas Padilla-Raygoza. Including unpublished surveys in reviews on Chagas disease in Mexico. Public Health Reviews 2020, 41, 1 -2.
AMA StylePierre Buekens, Jorge López-Cárdenas, Eric Dumonteil, Nicolas Padilla-Raygoza. Including unpublished surveys in reviews on Chagas disease in Mexico. Public Health Reviews. 2020; 41 (1):1-2.
Chicago/Turabian StylePierre Buekens; Jorge López-Cárdenas; Eric Dumonteil; Nicolas Padilla-Raygoza. 2020. "Including unpublished surveys in reviews on Chagas disease in Mexico." Public Health Reviews 41, no. 1: 1-2.
Background Retrospective observational studies suggest that transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi does not occur in treated women when pregnant later in life. The level of parasitemia is a known risk factor for congenital transmission. Benznidazole (BZN) is the drug of choice for preconceptional treatment to reduce parasitic load. The fear of treatment-related side effects limits the implementation of the Argentine guideline recommending BZN 60d/300 mg (or equivalent) treatment of T. cruzi seropositive women during the postpartum period to prevent transmission in a future pregnancy. A short and low dose BZN treatment might reduce major side effects and increase compliance, but its efficacy to reduce T. cruzi parasitic load compared to the standard 60d/300 mg course is not yet established. Clinical trials testing alternative BZN courses among women of reproductive age are urgently needed. Methods and design We are proposing to perform a double-blinded, non-inferiority randomized controlled trial comparing a short low dose 30-day treatment with BZN 150 mg/day (30d/150 mg) vs. BZN 60d/300 mg. We will recruit not previously treated T. cruzi seropositive women with a live birth during the postpartum period in Argentina, randomize them at 6 months postpartum, and follow them up with the following specific aims: Specific aim 1: to measure the effect of BZN 30d/150 mg compared to 60d/300 mg preconceptional treatment on parasitic load measured by the frequency of positive Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) (primary outcome) and by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR), immediately and 10 months after treatment. Specific aim 2: to measure the frequency of serious adverse events and/or any adverse event leading to treatment interruption. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov. Identifier: NCT03672487. Registered 14 September 2018
María L. Cafferata; María A. Toscani; Fernando Althabe; Jose M. Belizán; Eduardo Bergel; Mabel Berrueta; Edmund V. Capparelli; Álvaro Ciganda; Emmaría Danesi; Eric Dumonteil; Luz Gibbons; Pablo E. Gulayin; Claudia Herrera; Jeremiah D. Momper; Steven Rossi; Jeffrey G. Shaffer; Alejandro G. Schijman; Sergio Sosa-Estani; Candela B. Stella; Karen Klein; Pierre Buekens. Short-course Benznidazole treatment to reduce Trypanosoma cruzi parasitic load in women of reproductive age (BETTY): a non-inferiority randomized controlled trial study protocol. Reproductive Health 2020, 17, 1 -23.
AMA StyleMaría L. Cafferata, María A. Toscani, Fernando Althabe, Jose M. Belizán, Eduardo Bergel, Mabel Berrueta, Edmund V. Capparelli, Álvaro Ciganda, Emmaría Danesi, Eric Dumonteil, Luz Gibbons, Pablo E. Gulayin, Claudia Herrera, Jeremiah D. Momper, Steven Rossi, Jeffrey G. Shaffer, Alejandro G. Schijman, Sergio Sosa-Estani, Candela B. Stella, Karen Klein, Pierre Buekens. Short-course Benznidazole treatment to reduce Trypanosoma cruzi parasitic load in women of reproductive age (BETTY): a non-inferiority randomized controlled trial study protocol. Reproductive Health. 2020; 17 (1):1-23.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMaría L. Cafferata; María A. Toscani; Fernando Althabe; Jose M. Belizán; Eduardo Bergel; Mabel Berrueta; Edmund V. Capparelli; Álvaro Ciganda; Emmaría Danesi; Eric Dumonteil; Luz Gibbons; Pablo E. Gulayin; Claudia Herrera; Jeremiah D. Momper; Steven Rossi; Jeffrey G. Shaffer; Alejandro G. Schijman; Sergio Sosa-Estani; Candela B. Stella; Karen Klein; Pierre Buekens. 2020. "Short-course Benznidazole treatment to reduce Trypanosoma cruzi parasitic load in women of reproductive age (BETTY): a non-inferiority randomized controlled trial study protocol." Reproductive Health 17, no. 1: 1-23.
Integrating how biodiversity and infectious disease dynamics are linked at multiple levels and scales is highly challenging. Chagas disease is a vector‐borne disease, with specificities of the triatomine vectors and Trypanosoma cruzi parasite life‐histories resulting in a complex multi‐host and multi‐strain life cycle. Here, we tested the hypothesis that T. cruzi transmission cycles are shaped by triatomine host communities and gut microbiota composition by comparing the integrated interactions of Triatoma sanguisuga in southern Louisiana with feeding hosts, T. cruzi parasite and bacterial microbiota in two habitats. Bugs were collected from resident’s houses and animal shelters and analyzed for genetic structure, blood feeding sources, T. cruzi parasites, and bacterial diversity by PCR amplification of specific DNA markers followed by next‐generation sequencing, in an integrative metabarcoding approach. T. sanguisuga feeding host communities appeared opportunistic and defined by host abundance in each habitat, yielding distinct parasite transmission networks among hosts. The circulation of a large diversity of T. cruzi DTUs was also detected, with TcII and TcV detected for the first time in triatomines in the US. The bacterial microbiota was highly diverse and varied significantly according to the DTU infecting the bugs, indicating specific interactions among them in the gut. Expanding such studies to multiple habitats and additional triatomine species would be key to further refine our understanding of the complex life cycles of multi‐host, multi‐strain parasites such as T. cruzi , and may lead to improved disease control strategies.
Eric Dumonteil; Henry Pronovost; Eli F. Bierman; Anna Sanford; Alicia Majeau; Ryan Moore; Claudia Herrera. Interactions amongTriatoma sanguisugablood feeding sources, gut microbiota andTrypanosoma cruzidiversity in southern Louisiana. Molecular Ecology 2020, 29, 3747 -3761.
AMA StyleEric Dumonteil, Henry Pronovost, Eli F. Bierman, Anna Sanford, Alicia Majeau, Ryan Moore, Claudia Herrera. Interactions amongTriatoma sanguisugablood feeding sources, gut microbiota andTrypanosoma cruzidiversity in southern Louisiana. Molecular Ecology. 2020; 29 (19):3747-3761.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEric Dumonteil; Henry Pronovost; Eli F. Bierman; Anna Sanford; Alicia Majeau; Ryan Moore; Claudia Herrera. 2020. "Interactions amongTriatoma sanguisugablood feeding sources, gut microbiota andTrypanosoma cruzidiversity in southern Louisiana." Molecular Ecology 29, no. 19: 3747-3761.
Introduction Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi , is a major public health problem in the Americas and existing drugs have severe limitations. In this context, a vaccine would be an attractive alternative for disease control. One of the difficulties in developing an effective vaccine lies in the high genetic diversity of T. cruzi . In this study we evaluated the level of sequence diversity of the leading vaccine candidate Tc24 in multiple parasite strains. Methods and Results We quantified its level of polymorphism within and between T. cruzi DTUs and how this potential polymorphism is structured by different selective pressures. We observed a low level of polymorphism of Tc24 protein, weakly associated with parasite DTUs, but not with the geographic origin of the strains. In particular, Tc24 was under strong purifying selection pressure and predicted CD8+ T cell epitopes were mostly conserved. Tc24 strong conservation may be associated with structural/functional constrains to preserve EF hand domains and their calcium binding loops, and Tc24 is likely important for the parasite fitness. Discussion Together, these results show that a vaccine based on Tc24 is likely to be effective against a wide diversity of parasites strains across the American continent, and further development of this vaccine candidate should be a high priority.
Audrey Arnal; Liliana Villanueva‐Lizama; Christian Teh-Poot; Claudia Herrera; Eric Dumonteil. Extent of polymorphism and selection pressure on the Trypanosoma cruzi vaccine candidate antigen Tc24. Evolutionary Applications 2020, 13, 2663 -2672.
AMA StyleAudrey Arnal, Liliana Villanueva‐Lizama, Christian Teh-Poot, Claudia Herrera, Eric Dumonteil. Extent of polymorphism and selection pressure on the Trypanosoma cruzi vaccine candidate antigen Tc24. Evolutionary Applications. 2020; 13 (10):2663-2672.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAudrey Arnal; Liliana Villanueva‐Lizama; Christian Teh-Poot; Claudia Herrera; Eric Dumonteil. 2020. "Extent of polymorphism and selection pressure on the Trypanosoma cruzi vaccine candidate antigen Tc24." Evolutionary Applications 13, no. 10: 2663-2672.
The ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has triggered multiple efforts for serological tests and vaccine development. Most of these tests and vaccines are based on the Spike glycoprotein (S) or the Nucleocapsid (N) viral protein. Conservation of these antigens among viral strains is critical to ensure optimum diagnostic test performance and broad protective efficacy, respectively. We assessed N and S antigen diversity from 17,853 SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences and evaluated selection pressure. Up to 6–7 incipient phylogenetic clades were identified for both antigens, confirming early variants of the S antigen and identifying new ones. Significant diversifying selection was detected at multiple sites for both antigens. Some sequence variants have already spread in multiple regions, in spite of their low frequency. In conclusion, the N and S antigens of SARS-CoV-2 are well-conserved antigens, but new clades are emerging and may need to be included in future diagnostic and vaccine formulations.
Eric Dumonteil; Claudia Herrera. Polymorphism and Selection Pressure of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine and Diagnostic Antigens: Implications for Immune Evasion and Serologic Diagnostic Performance. Pathogens 2020, 9, 584 .
AMA StyleEric Dumonteil, Claudia Herrera. Polymorphism and Selection Pressure of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine and Diagnostic Antigens: Implications for Immune Evasion and Serologic Diagnostic Performance. Pathogens. 2020; 9 (7):584.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEric Dumonteil; Claudia Herrera. 2020. "Polymorphism and Selection Pressure of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine and Diagnostic Antigens: Implications for Immune Evasion and Serologic Diagnostic Performance." Pathogens 9, no. 7: 584.
The ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has triggered multiple efforts for serological tests and vaccine development. Most of these tests and vaccines are based on the Spike glycoprotein (S) or the Nucleocapsid (N) viral protein. Conservation of these antigens among viral strains is critical to ensure optimum diagnostic test performance and broad protective efficacy, respectively. We assessed N and S antigen diversity from 17,853 SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences and evaluated selection pressure. Up to 6-7 incipient phylogenetic clades were identified for both antigens, confirming early variants of the S antigen and identifying new ones. Significant diversifying selection was detected at multiple sites for both antigens. Some sequence variants have already spread in multiple regions, in spite of their low frequency. In conclusion, the N and S antigens of SARS-CoV-2 are well conserved antigens, but new clades are emerging and may need to be included in future diagnostic and vaccine formulations.
Eric Dumonteil; Claudia Herrera. Polymorphism and selection pressure of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine and diagnostic antigens: implications for immune evasion and serologic diagnostic performance. 2020, 1 .
AMA StyleEric Dumonteil, Claudia Herrera. Polymorphism and selection pressure of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine and diagnostic antigens: implications for immune evasion and serologic diagnostic performance. . 2020; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEric Dumonteil; Claudia Herrera. 2020. "Polymorphism and selection pressure of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine and diagnostic antigens: implications for immune evasion and serologic diagnostic performance." , no. : 1.
Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi is one of the most important neglected parasitic diseases in the Americas. Vaccines represent an attractive complementary strategy for the control of T. cruzi infection and pre-clinical studies in mice demonstrated that trypomastigote surface antigen (TSA-1) and the flagellar calcium-binding (Tc24) parasite antigens are promising candidates for vaccine development. We performed here the first evaluation of the safety and immunogenicity of two recombinant vaccine antigens (named TSA1-C4 and Tc24-C4) in naïve non-human primates. Three rhesus macaques received 3 doses of each recombinant protein, formulated with E6020 (Eisai Co., Ltd.), a novel Toll-like receptor-4 agonist, in a stable emulsion. All parameters from blood chemistry and blood cell counts were stable over the course of the study and unaffected by the vaccine. A specific IgG response against both antigens was detectable after the first vaccine dose, and increased with the second dose. After three vaccine doses, stimulation of PBMCs with a peptide pool derived from TSA1-C4 resulted in the induction of TSA1-C4-specific TNFα-, IL-2- and IFNγ-producing CD4+ in one or two animals while stimulation with a peptide pool derived from Tc24-C4 only activated IFNγ-producing CD4+T cells in one animal. In two animals there was also activation of TSA1-C4-specific IL2-producing CD8+ T cells. This is the first report of the immunogenicity of T. cruzi-derived recombinant antigens formulated as an emulsion with a TLR4 agonist in a non-human primate model. Our results strongly support the need for further evaluation of the preventive efficacy of this type of vaccine in non-human primates and explore the effect of the vaccine in a therapeutic model of naturally-infected Chagasic non-human primates, which would strengthen the rationale for the clinical development as a human vaccine against Chagas disease.
Eric Dumonteil; Claudia Herrera; Weihong Tu; Kelly Goff; Marissa Fahlberg; Erin Haupt; Amitinder Kaur; Preston A. Marx; Jaime Ortega-Lopez; Peter J. Hotez; Maria Elena Bottazzi. Safety and immunogenicity of a recombinant vaccine against Trypanosoma cruzi in Rhesus macaques. Vaccine 2020, 38, 4584 -4591.
AMA StyleEric Dumonteil, Claudia Herrera, Weihong Tu, Kelly Goff, Marissa Fahlberg, Erin Haupt, Amitinder Kaur, Preston A. Marx, Jaime Ortega-Lopez, Peter J. Hotez, Maria Elena Bottazzi. Safety and immunogenicity of a recombinant vaccine against Trypanosoma cruzi in Rhesus macaques. Vaccine. 2020; 38 (29):4584-4591.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEric Dumonteil; Claudia Herrera; Weihong Tu; Kelly Goff; Marissa Fahlberg; Erin Haupt; Amitinder Kaur; Preston A. Marx; Jaime Ortega-Lopez; Peter J. Hotez; Maria Elena Bottazzi. 2020. "Safety and immunogenicity of a recombinant vaccine against Trypanosoma cruzi in Rhesus macaques." Vaccine 38, no. 29: 4584-4591.
The state of Veracruz, Mexico, is a well-recognized endemic region for Chagas disease, but congenital transmission has not been extensively studied. We estimated here the prevalence and the risk of congenital transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi in pregnant women from 27 municipalities of central Veracruz. 528 sera from pregnant women were analyzed by ELISA and IFA assays for the detection of IgG antibodies against T. cruzi. The presence of anti-T. cruzi antibodies was identified in women from 17 municipalities, obtaining an overall seroprevalence of 17.0%. A higher seropositivity was observed in the municipalities of Orizaba (25.2%), Nogales (13.6%), and Río Blanco (10.5%). The results suggest that there is a high risk of congenital transmission of T. cruzi in the region. There are currently limited actions for the surveillance and control of congenital transmission of Chagas disease in Veracruz.
Aracely López-Monteon; Hilda Montero; Ruth Sarahi González-Constantino; Alberto Yair Limón-Flores; Miguel Varela-Cardoso; Gerardo Luna-Hernández; Eric Dumonteil; Angel Ramos-Ligonio. Seroprevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi Infection in Pregnant Women Suggests a High Risk for Congenital Transmission in Central Veracruz, Mexico. Acta Parasitologica 2020, 65, 661 -668.
AMA StyleAracely López-Monteon, Hilda Montero, Ruth Sarahi González-Constantino, Alberto Yair Limón-Flores, Miguel Varela-Cardoso, Gerardo Luna-Hernández, Eric Dumonteil, Angel Ramos-Ligonio. Seroprevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi Infection in Pregnant Women Suggests a High Risk for Congenital Transmission in Central Veracruz, Mexico. Acta Parasitologica. 2020; 65 (3):661-668.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAracely López-Monteon; Hilda Montero; Ruth Sarahi González-Constantino; Alberto Yair Limón-Flores; Miguel Varela-Cardoso; Gerardo Luna-Hernández; Eric Dumonteil; Angel Ramos-Ligonio. 2020. "Seroprevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi Infection in Pregnant Women Suggests a High Risk for Congenital Transmission in Central Veracruz, Mexico." Acta Parasitologica 65, no. 3: 661-668.
The antigenic potential of seven immunogenic peptides of the dengue virus was evaluated in the sera of patients with dengue confirmed by IgM/IgG serology. Antibodies IgM and IgG against dengue virus peptides were analyzed by ELISA in 31 dengue sero-positive and 20 sero-negative patients. The P5 peptide showed significant IgG immunoreactivity mostly in the sera of patients with dengue without warning signs in comparison with patients with dengue with warning signs, correlating with mild disease. This finding suggests that the low antibody response against P5 epitope could be a risk factor for higher susceptibility to dengue virus infection with warning signs, and that P5 could be a potential antigen for vaccine development.
Gilma Sánchez-Burgos; Carla Herrera-Nájera; Roberto Cedillo-Rivera; Eric Dumonteil. Epitope of dengue virus E protein detect human antibodies associated with mild disease: a potential peptide for vaccine development. The Brazilian Journal of Infectious Diseases 2019, 24, 85 -88.
AMA StyleGilma Sánchez-Burgos, Carla Herrera-Nájera, Roberto Cedillo-Rivera, Eric Dumonteil. Epitope of dengue virus E protein detect human antibodies associated with mild disease: a potential peptide for vaccine development. The Brazilian Journal of Infectious Diseases. 2019; 24 (1):85-88.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGilma Sánchez-Burgos; Carla Herrera-Nájera; Roberto Cedillo-Rivera; Eric Dumonteil. 2019. "Epitope of dengue virus E protein detect human antibodies associated with mild disease: a potential peptide for vaccine development." The Brazilian Journal of Infectious Diseases 24, no. 1: 85-88.
Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease, exhibits a high genetic variability and has been classified into six discrete typing units (DTUs) named TcI through TcVI. This genetic diversity is believed to be associated with clinical characteristics and outcomes, but evidence supporting such associations has been limited. Herein, we performed a phylogenetic analysis of T. cruzi sequences of the mini-exon intergenic region obtained from a large cohort of pregnant women and newborns from Argentina, Honduras, and Mexico, to assess parasite genetic diversity and possible associations with congenital transmission. Analysis of 105 samples (including five paired samples) from maternal and umbilical cord blood indicated that T. cruzi DTU distribution was similar among pregnant women and newborns from these three countries, with a high frequency of TcII-TcV-TcVI DTUs, including mixed infections with TcI. However, phylogenetic analysis revealed that although the same parasite haplotypes circulated in these three countries, they were present at different frequencies, leading to significant geographic differences. Of importance, a strong association was observed between parasite haplotypes and congenital infection of newborns. Thus, the identification of parasite haplotypes in pregnant women, but not of parasite DTUs, may help predict congenital transmission of T. cruzi.
Claudia Herrera; Carine Truyens; Eric Dumonteil; Jackeline Alger; Sergio Sosa-Estani; Maria L. Cafferata; Luz Gibbons; Alvaro Ciganda; Maria L. Matute; Concepcion Zuniga; Yves Carlier; Pierre Buekens. Phylogenetic Analysis of Trypanosoma cruzi from Pregnant Women and Newborns from Argentina, Honduras, and Mexico Suggests an Association of Parasite Haplotypes with Congenital Transmission of the Parasite. The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics 2019, 21, 1095 -1105.
AMA StyleClaudia Herrera, Carine Truyens, Eric Dumonteil, Jackeline Alger, Sergio Sosa-Estani, Maria L. Cafferata, Luz Gibbons, Alvaro Ciganda, Maria L. Matute, Concepcion Zuniga, Yves Carlier, Pierre Buekens. Phylogenetic Analysis of Trypanosoma cruzi from Pregnant Women and Newborns from Argentina, Honduras, and Mexico Suggests an Association of Parasite Haplotypes with Congenital Transmission of the Parasite. The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics. 2019; 21 (6):1095-1105.
Chicago/Turabian StyleClaudia Herrera; Carine Truyens; Eric Dumonteil; Jackeline Alger; Sergio Sosa-Estani; Maria L. Cafferata; Luz Gibbons; Alvaro Ciganda; Maria L. Matute; Concepcion Zuniga; Yves Carlier; Pierre Buekens. 2019. "Phylogenetic Analysis of Trypanosoma cruzi from Pregnant Women and Newborns from Argentina, Honduras, and Mexico Suggests an Association of Parasite Haplotypes with Congenital Transmission of the Parasite." The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics 21, no. 6: 1095-1105.