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spore-forming microsporidian encephalitozoon: current understanding of infection and prevention in japan.microsporidia are spore-forming obligate intracellular parasites. they are known to cause opportunistic infections in humans through zoonotic, waterborne and foodborne transmission routes. this article reviews the present knowledge regarding microsporidian encephalitozoon cuniculi infections in animals living in the human environment in japan and discusses the basic measures required for the effective disinfection of encephalitozoon. the article also discusses seroepidemiologic data from healthy ...200919934531
identification of transcriptional signals in encephalitozoon cuniculi widespread among microsporidia phylum: support for accurate structural genome annotation.microsporidia are obligate intracellular eukaryotic parasites with genomes ranging in size from 2.3 mbp to more than 20 mbp. the extremely small (2.9 mbp) and highly compact (approximately 1 gene/kb) genome of the human parasite encephalitozoon cuniculi has been fully sequenced. the aim of this study was to characterize noncoding motifs that could be involved in regulation of gene expression in e. cuniculi and to show whether these motifs are conserved among the phylum microsporidia.200920003517
urinary protein:creatinine ratio in rabbits in relation to their serological status to encephalitozoon cuniculi.the concentrations of protein and creatinine were measured in urine samples from 74 healthy domestic pet rabbits, 54 of them seronegative to encephalitozoon cuniculi and 20 seropositive. the calculated reference range for the urinary protein:creatinine ratio (upc) of e cuniculi-seronegative rabbits was 0.11 to 0.40. there was no significant variation in the upc due to the bodyweight, breed, sex, neutered status or husbandry of the rabbits. seroconversion to e cuniculi was not found to be associa ...200919270319
encephalitis in a rabbit caused by human herpesvirus-1.an 8-month-old sexually intact male rabbit was examined because of a 2-day history of anorexia, epiphora of the left eye, bruxism, hypersalivation, and ataxia.200919566457
generation of genetic diversity in microsporidia via sexual reproduction and horizontal gene transfer.microsporidia are obligate intracellular pathogens mainly infecting both vertebrate and invertebrate hosts. the group comprises approximately 150 genera with 1,200 species. due to sequence divergence phylogenic reconstructions that are solely based on dna sequence have been unprecise for these pathogens. our previous study identified that three microsporidian genomes contained a putative sex-related locus similar to that of zygomycetes. in a comparison of genome architecture of the microsporidia ...200919907704
phylogenetic characterization of encephalitozoon romaleae (microsporidia) from a grasshopper host: relationship to encephalitozoon spp. infecting humans.encephalitozoon species are the most common microsporidian pathogens of humans and domesticated animals. we recently discovered a new microsporidium, encephalitozoon romaleae, infecting the eastern lubber grasshopper romalea microptera. to understand its evolutionary relationships, we compared partial gene sequences of alpha- and beta-tubulin and methionine aminopeptidase 2 enzyme from this and related species. we also analyzed the rrna internal transcribed spacer. based on tubulin and metap-2 g ...200919027883
structural and functional characterization of a putative polysaccharide deacetylase of the human parasite encephalitozoon cuniculi.the microsporidian encephalitozoon cuniculi is an intracellular eukaryotic parasite considered to be an emerging opportunistic human pathogen. the infectious stage of this parasite is a unicellular spore that is surrounded by a chitin containing endospore layer and an external proteinaceous exospore. a putative chitin deacetylase (ecu11_0510) localizes to the interface between the plasma membrane and the endospore. chitin deacetylases are family 4 carbohydrate esterases in the cazy classificatio ...200919472335
evaluation of the usefulness of an elisa and protein electrophoresis in the diagnosis of encephalitozoon cuniculi infection in rabbits.objective-to evaluate the usefulness of an antibody detection elisa and protein electrophoresis (pe) for diagnosing encephalitozoon cuniculi (ecun) infection in pet rabbits. animals-203 pet rabbits. procedures-serum and plasma samples from pet rabbits were submitted from veterinary clinics within the united states. participating veterinarians completed a questionnaire that was used to classify rabbits as clinically normal (n=33), suspected of having an ecun infection (103), or clinically abnorma ...200919335103
in vitro culture of various species of microsporidia causing keratitis: evaluation of three immortalized cell lines.being intracellular parasites, microsporidia can only be propagated in cell culture systems. this study evaluated three cell lines to determine the most suitable host-parasite in vitro system. confluent monolayers of vero, sirc, and hela cell lines, grown in 24-well tissue culture plates, were inoculated with varying concentrations (1 x 10(4) to 1 x 10(8) spores/ml) of vittaforma corneae, encephalitozoon hellem, encephalitozoon cuniculi, and encephalitozoon intestinalis spores. growth was compar ...200919172057
a new encephalitozoon species (microsporidia) isolated from the lubber grasshopper, romalea microptera (beauvois) (orthoptera: romaleidae).we describe a new microsporidian species, encephalitozoon romaleae n. sp., isolated from an invertebrate host, the grasshopper romalea microptera, collected near weeks island, louisiana, and jacksonville, florida. this microsporidian is characterized by specificity to the gastric caecae and midgut tissues of the host and a life cycle that is nearly identical to that of encephalitozoon hellem and encephalitozoon cuniculi. mature spores are larger (3.97 x 1.95 microm) than those of other encephali ...200920050002
identification of encephalitozoon cuniculi genotype iii and two novel genotypes of enterocytozoon bieneusi in swine.samples of intestinal content from thirty fattened pigs of six farms slaughtered at an abattoir in north-western germany, and faecal samples of four pigs kept as laboratory animals at the federal institute for risk assessment (bfr, berlin, germany) were investigated for the occurrence of microsporidia by light microscopy, pcr and sequencing. a modified webers trichrome staining and the immunohistochemistry (the avidin-biotin-peroxidase-complex technique with a polyclonal anti-encephalitozoon cun ...200919318131
genomic survey of the non-cultivatable opportunistic human pathogen, enterocytozoon bieneusi.enterocytozoon bieneusi is the most common microsporidian associated with human disease, particularly in the immunocompromised population. in the setting of hiv infection, it is associated with diarrhea and wasting syndrome. like all microsporidia, e. bieneusi is an obligate, intracellular parasite, but unlike others, it is in direct contact with the host cell cytoplasm. studies of e. bieneusi have been greatly limited due to the absence of genomic data and lack of a robust cultivation system. h ...200919132089
microsporidian encephalitozoon cuniculi antibodies in rabbit urine samples. 200919617614
encephalitozoon cuniculi infections in dogs: a case series.encephalitozoon (e.) cuniculi has been occasionally identified as a cause of neurological or renal disease in dogs, but cases are not well documented in the united states. the medical records from a state veterinary diagnostic laboratory for 19 cases of fatal encephalitozoonosis in puppies were reviewed. clinical histories included depression, inappetence, and progressive neurological signs of short duration. histopathological evaluation showed brain and renal lesions typical of encephalitis and ...200919723845
serological survey of encephalitozoon cuniculi in farm rabbits in italy.rabbit sera (n=1600) from 40 commercial farms were submitted to a serological screening for encephalitozoon cuniculi by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (elisa) and a carbon immunoassay (cia test). antibodies anti-encephalitozoon cuniculi were found in 505/1600 (31.6%) sera analysed, and all the farms (100%) resulted positive. rabbits older than 4 months showed a significantly higher seropositivity for e. cuniculi (chi-squared test: p<0.0001) than rabbits under 4 months, e. cuniculi sero-pre ...200919185894
encephalitozoon romaleae n. sp. (microsporidia) isolated from the lubber grasshopper, romalea microptera (beauvois) (orthoptera: romaleidae).we describe a new species of microsporidia, encephalitozoon romaleae n. sp., isolated from an invertebrate host, the grasshopper romalea microptera, collected near weeks island, louisiana and jacksonville, florida. this microsporidium is characterized by specificity to the gastric caecae and midgut tissues of the host and a life cycle that is nearly identical to that of encephalitozoon hellem and encephalitozoon cuniculi. mature spores are larger (3.97 x 1.95 microm) than those of other encephal ...200919216615
structure of a microsporidian methionine aminopeptidase type 2 complexed with fumagillin and tnp-470.microsporidia are protists that have been reported to cause infections in both vertebrates and invertebrates. they have emerged as human pathogens particularly in patients that are immunosuppressed and cases of gastrointestinal infection, encephalitis, keratitis, sinusitis, myositis and disseminated infection are well described in the literature. while benzimidazoles are active against many species of microsporidia, these drugs do not have significant activity against enterocytozoon bieneusi. fu ...200919660503
sources of potentially infectious human microsporidia: molecular characterisation of microsporidia isolates from exotic birds in the czech republic, prevalence study and importance of birds in epidemiology of the human microsporidial infections.a total of 287 faecal specimens of captive exotic birds from the orders psittaciformes, passeriformes and columbiformes were randomly collected from bohemian pet stores, avian breeders and avian keepers and were screened for the presence of human pathogenic microsporidia by polymerase chain reaction (pcr). microsporidial dna was identified in 115 faecal samples (40.1%). single-species infection was detected in 36 birds (12.5%) for enterocytozoon bieneusi, 36 birds (12.5%) for encephalitozoon cun ...200919679398
serological survey for antibodies to encephalitozoon cuniculi in ownerless dogs from urban areas of brazil and colombia.there are 3 strains of encephalitozoon cuniculi that occur in mammals. strain iii is associated with clinical disease in dogs, although some can be asymptomatic carriers and excrete spores in their urine. several cases of human e. cuniculi infection caused by strain iii have been observed in immunocompromised patients, indicating that e. cuniculi should be considered a zoonotic agent. encephalitozoon cuniculi can cause fatal disease in maternally-infected or young dogs. clinical signs in these a ...200918939900
encephalitozoonosis in pet rabbits (oryctolagus cuniculus): pathohistological findings in animals with latent infection versus clinical manifestation.encephalitozoon cuniculi is a common infectious agent of rabbits. the aim of this study was to determine the distribution and extent of histological lesions in the brain and in the kidney of naturally infected pet rabbits with or without clinical encephalitozoonosis. in 71 animals (33 with symptoms) which died or were euthanised, histopathological examination including staining of spores (ziehl-neelsen, acid-fast trichrome) was performed and changes were described quantitatively. the cerebrum wa ...200918998169
prevalence of antibodies to trypanosoma cruzi, leishmania infantum, encephalitozoon cuniculi, sarcocystis neurona, and neospora caninum in capybara, hydrochoerus hydrochaeris, from são paulo state, brazil.little is known about the importance of capybara, hydrochoerus hydrochaeris, as reservoirs for parasites of zoonotic or veterinary importance. sera from 63 capybaras, from 6 counties in the state of são paulo, brazil, were examined for antibodies to trypanosoma cruzi, leishmania infantum, encephalitozoon cuniculi, sarcocystis neurona, and neospora caninum using an indirect immunofluorescent antibody test. five (8%) of the 63 capybaras had antibodies to t. cruzi epimastigotes. none of the samples ...201020020808
molecular structure of the n-terminal domain of the apc/c subunit cdc27 reveals a homo-dimeric tetratricopeptide repeat architecture.the anaphase promoting complex/cyclosome (apc/c) is a large multi-subunit e3 ubiquitin ligase that targets specific cell cycle regulatory proteins for ubiquitin-dependent degradation, thereby controlling cell cycle events such as the metaphase to anaphase transition and the exit from mitosis. biochemical and genetic studies are consistent with the notion that subunits of apc/c are organised into two distinct sub-complexes; a catalytic sub-complex including the cullin domain and ring finger subun ...201020206185
lack of interleukin-12 in p40-deficient mice leads to poor cd8+ t-cell immunity against encephalitozoon cuniculi infection.a cd8(+) t-cell response is critical for protection against encephalitozoon cuniculi infection. however, the factors responsible for the generation of cd8(+) t-cell immunity during e. cuniculi infection and the cytokines involved in this process have not been identified. in the present study, we demonstrated that p40-deficient animals, which are unable to produce interleukin-12 (il-12), have a serious defect in expansion of the cd8(+) t-cell response which compromises the survival of an infected ...201020308292
optimal cd8 t-cell response against encephalitozoon cuniculi is mediated by toll-like receptor 4 upregulation by dendritic cells.cd8+ t-cell immunity has been shown to play an important role in the protective immune response against encephalitozoon cuniculi. although earlier studies suggest that dendritic cells (dc) are important for the induction of this response, the factors responsible for initiation of the dendritic cell response against this pathogen have not been evaluated. in the current study, we demonstrate that e. cuniculi infection causes strong toll-like receptor 4 (tlr4)-dependent dendritic cell activation an ...201020421379
encephalitozoon cuniculi: implementation of a new fluorimetric method for the detection of anti-microsporidia antibodies.a new fluorimetric method for the diagnosis of microsporidia was compared to the indirect immunofluorescence (iif) method. plates were coated with encephalitozoon cuniculi spores, sera were incubated and an anti-human igg fitc-conjugate was added. finally, the plates were read using a fluorimeter. the results obtained were compared using the iif technique confirming the positive sera with fluorescence index (fi) values of 3.75 and 5.24 in the fluorimetric method. sera with fi values of 2.03 and ...201020438728
disseminated infection with a new genovar of encephalitozoon cuniculi in a renal transplant recipient.disseminated microsporidiosis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection. here, we report about a previously undescribed genovar of encephalitozoon cuniculi causing disseminated infection in a non-hiv-infected renal transplant recipient. disseminated microsporidiosis must be considered in the differential diagnosis of chronic fever in renal allograft recipients, even those without urinary symptoms.201020463169
encephalitozoonosis in rabbits.encephalitozoon cuniculi is an obligatory intracellular microsporidian parasite that can infect a wide range of mammals, including rodents, rabbits, horses, carnivores and humans, in which the organism is known as an opportunistic pathogen of immunocompromised individuals. nevertheless, the main host for e. cuniculi is the rabbit and infections usually have a sub-clinical course. however, severe disease is recognised in pet rabbits more frequently within the last years. as the central nervous sy ...201019921257
seroprevalence of antibodies to encephalitozoon cuniculi and toxoplasma gondii in farmed domestic rabbits in egypt.rabbit sera from ten commercial farms representing three provinces in northern egypt (behera, alexandria and khafr el-sheikh) were submitted to serological screening for encephalitozoon cuniculi using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and for toxoplasma gondii using an indirect hemagglutination test. antibodies against e. cuniculi were detected in 36/240 (15%) sera examined while antibodies against t. gondii showed a seroprevalence of 22/194 (11.34%). both infections were detected in all of t ...201020887397
amoebadb and microsporidiadb: functional genomic resources for amoebozoa and microsporidia species.amoebadb (http://amoebadb.org) and microsporidiadb (http://microsporidiadb.org) are new functional genomic databases serving the amoebozoa and microsporidia research communities, respectively. amoebadb contains the genomes of three entamoeba species (e. dispar, e. invadens and e. histolityca) and microarray expression data for e. histolytica. microsporidiadb contains the genomes of encephalitozoon cuniculi, e. intestinalis and e. bieneusi. the databases belong to the national institute of allerg ...201020974635
reactive nitrogen and oxygen species, and iron sequestration contribute to macrophage-mediated control of encephalitozoon cuniculi (phylum microsporidia) infection in vitro and in vivo.encephalitozoon cuniculi (phylum microsporidia) infects a wide range of mammals, and replicates within resting macrophages. activated macrophages, conversely, inhibit replication and destroy intracellular organisms. these studies were performed to assess mechanisms of innate immune responses expressed by macrophages to control e. cuniculi infection. addition of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species inhibitors to activated murine peritoneal macrophages statistically significantly, rescued e. cunic ...201020888426
microsporidiosis and cryptosporidiosis in hiv/aids patients in st. petersburg, russia: serological identification of microsporidia and cryptosporidium parvum in sera samples from hiv/aids patients.to determine seroprevalence of the opportunistic organisms cryptosporidium parvum and microsporidia (encephalitozoon cuniculi, e. intestinalis, e. hellem, and enterocytozoon bieneusi) in russian hiv/aids patients, we evaluated 46 sera from hiv/aids patients from the s.p. botkin clinical infectious diseases hospital, st. petersburg, russia. five (10.9%) sera were seropositive for e. cuniculi and 19 (41.3%) were positive for c. parvum by elisa. by ifat, 6 (13.0%) sera were seropositive for e. bien ...201020929396
interactions of encephalitozoon cuniculi polar tube proteins.microsporidia are eukaryotic, obligate intracellular organisms defined by small spores that contain a single invasion organelle, the polar tube, which coils around the interior of the spore. when these parasites infect host cells, the polar tube is discharged from the anterior pole of the spore, pierces the cell, and transfers sporoplasm into the cytoplasm of the host. three polar tube proteins (ptp1, ptp2, and ptp3) have been identified in this structure. the interactions of these proteins in t ...201020308291
purified ptp1 protein induces antigen-specific protective immunity against encephalitozoon cuniculi.microsporidiosis poses a problem for immunocompromised individuals including patients with hiv infection as well as those with organ transplantation. recent reports from africa have suggested that microsporidiosis with diarrhea is an independent risk factor for malnutrition in children. previous studies from our laboratory have demonstrated that cd8(+) t cells are an essential component of protective immunity against the microsporidium encephalitozoon cuniculi. mutant mice lacking this t cell su ...201020348007
constrained intron structures in a microsporidian.the 2.9-mbp genome of the microsporidian encephalitozoon cuniculi is severely reduced and compacted, possessing only 16 known tiny spliceosomal introns. based on motif and expression data, intron profiles were constructed to screen the genome. twenty additional introns were predicted and verified, doubling the previous estimate. we further predict that accurate 3' splice site (3'ss) selection is accomplished via a scanning mechanism with specificity achieved by maintaining a constrained variable ...201020360213
seroprevalence of antibodies to encephalitozoon cuniculi and encephalitozoon intestinalis in humans and animals.the presence of antibodies against encephalitozoon cuniculi (e. cuniculi) and encephalitozoon intestinalis (e. intestinalis) was examined in 215 samples from humans and in 488 samples from five different species of domestic and companion animals in slovakia. the 215 human samples and samples from 90 swine, 123 non-infected cattle (cattle), 24 cattle infected with bovine leukosis virus (blv-positive cattle), 140 sheep and 111 dogs were examined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (elisa). sa ...201020362311
evolution of the sex-related locus and genomic features shared in microsporidia and fungi.microsporidia are obligate intracellular, eukaryotic pathogens that infect a wide range of animals from nematodes to humans, and in some cases, protists. the preponderance of evidence as to the origin of the microsporidia reveals a close relationship with the fungi, either within the kingdom or as a sister group to it. recent phylogenetic studies and gene order analysis suggest that microsporidia share a particularly close evolutionary relationship with the zygomycetes.201020479876
exposure to encephalitozoon cuniculi in rabbits with dental disease. 201020525957
experimental oral and ocular encephalitozoon cuniculi infection in rabbits.encephalitozoon cuniculi is an obligate intracellular pathogen that has a wide host distribution, but primarily affects rabbits. the aim of this study was to characterize both the cell-mediated and the antibody response in rabbits after experimental infection using 2 different infection routes: oral and ocular. spf rabbits were infected with low (10³ spores) and high (10⁷ spores) infection doses. monitored parameters included clinical signs, detection of spores in urine, antibody response detect ...201020602854
expression and localization of an hsp70 protein in the microsporidian encephalitozoon cuniculi.microsporidia spore surface proteins are an important, under investigated aspect of spore/host cell attachment and infection. for comparison analysis of surface proteins, we required an antibody control specific for an intracellular protein. an endoplasmic reticulum-associated heat shock protein 70 family member (hsp70; ecu02_0100; "c1") was chosen for further analysis. dna encoding the c1 hsp70 was amplified, cloned and used to heterologously express the c1 hsp70 protein, and specific antiserum ...201020811483
trna binding properties of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 from encephalitozoon cuniculi.a critical consequence of the initiation of translation is the setting of the reading frame for mrna decoding. in eukaryotic and archaeal cells, heterotrimeric initiation factor e/aif2, in its gtp form, specifically binds met-trna(i)(met) throughout the translation initiation process. after start codon recognition, the factor, in its gdp-bound form, loses affinity for met-trna(i)(met) and eventually dissociates from the initiation complex. the role of each aif2 subunit in trna binding has been e ...201020822097
the complete sequence of the smallest known nuclear genome from the microsporidian encephalitozoon intestinalis.the genome of the microsporidia encephalitozoon cuniculi is widely recognized as a model for extreme reduction and compaction. at only 2.9 mbp, the genome encodes approximately 2,000 densely packed genes and little else. however, the nuclear genome of its sister, encephalitozoon intestinalis, is even more reduced; at 2.3 mbp, it represents a 20% reduction from an already severely compacted genome, raising the question, what else can be lost? in this paper, we describe the complete sequence of th ...201020865802
microsporidia in exotic birds: intermittent spore excretion of encephalitozoon spp. in naturally infected budgerigars (melopsittacus undulatus).nine naturally infected asymptomatic budgerigars (melopsittacus undulatus) were screened daily for microsporidia spore excretion during a 30-day period and the localization of infection was evaluated using microscopy and molecular methods. while the microscopic examination revealed 2.4% positivity out of all fecal samples, using pcr the positivity was 10x higher (24.6%). all nine budgerigars excreted microsporidial spores intermittently in irregular intervals with 1-11-day long interruptions. mo ...201020006443
germination of phagocytosed e. cuniculi spores does not significantly contribute to parasitophorous vacuole formation in j774 cells.the obligate intracellular microsporidia have developed a unique invasion mechanism to infect their host cells. spores explosively evert a tube-like structure and extrude the infectious spore content through this organelle into the host cell. spores from species of the genus encephalitozoon were also shown to be efficiently internalized by phagocytosis, which led to the hypothesis that spore germination from inside a phagosome might contribute to the infection process. here, we challenge this hy ...201020107836
crystallization and preliminary crystallographic analysis of eukaryotic transcription and mrna export factor iws1 from encephalitozoon cuniculi.transcription elongation by eukaryotic rna polymerase ii requires the coupling of mrna synthesis and mrna processing and export. the essential protein iws1 is at the interface of these processes through its interaction with histone chaperone and elongation factor spt6 as well as with complexes involved in mrna processing and export. upon crystallization of the evolutionarily conserved domain of iws1 from encephalitozoon cuniculi, four different crystal forms were obtained. three of the crystal f ...201020124725
usefulness of detection of specific igm and igg antibodies for diagnosis of clinical encephalitozoonosis in pet rabbits.encephalitozoon cuniculi is an obligate intracellular pathogen that has wide host distribution, but primary affects rabbits. this study presents a seroepidemiological study of e. cuniculi infection in 500 pet rabbits from the czech republic using elisa capable of measuring igm and igg antibodies. specific igm antibodies, reflecting acute, reactivated infection or reinfection, were detected in 32.4% of all rabbits. igg antibodies indicating chronic infection, were presented in 68.0% of all rabbit ...201020153117
splicing and transcription differ between spore and intracellular life stages in the parasitic microsporidia.microsporidia are a diverse group of highly derived fungal relatives that are intracellular parasites of many animals. both transcription and introns have been shown to be unusual in microsporidia: the complete genome of the human parasite encephalitozoon cuniculi has only a few very short introns, and two distantly related microsporidian spores have been shown to harbor transcripts encoding several genes that overlap on different strands. however, microsporidia alternate between two life stages ...201020167610
a broad distribution of the alternative oxidase in microsporidian parasites.microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular parasitic eukaryotes that were considered to be amitochondriate until the recent discovery of highly reduced mitochondrial organelles called mitosomes. analysis of the complete genome of encephalitozoon cuniculi revealed a highly reduced set of proteins in the organelle, mostly related to the assembly of iron-sulphur clusters. oxidative phosphorylation and the krebs cycle proteins were absent, in keeping with the notion that the microsporidia a ...201020169184
the human microsporidian encephalitozoon hellem synthesizes two spore wall polymorphic proteins useful for epidemiological studies.microsporidia are obligate intracellular fungus-related parasites considered as emerging opportunistic human pathogens. their extracellular infective and resistance stage is a spore surrounded by a unique plasma membrane protected by a thick cell wall consisting of two layers: the electron-lucent inner endospore which contains chitin and protein components and the outer-electron-dense and mainly proteinaceous exospore. we identified the whole sequences of two spore wall proteins in the microspor ...201020231418
glycosylation of the major polar tube protein of encephalitozoon cuniculi.to infect their host cells the microsporidia use a unique invasion organelle, the polar tube complex. during infection, the organism is injected into the host cell through the hollow polar tube formed during spore germination. currently, three proteins, ptp1, ptp2, and ptp3 have been identified by immunological and molecular techniques as being components of this structure. genomic data suggests that microsporidia are capable of o-linked, but not n-linked glycosylation as a post-translational pr ...201020556427
exposure to encephalitozoon cuniculi in rabbits with dental disease. 201020581368
detection of toxoplasma gondii, neospora caninum, and encephalitozoon cuniculi in the brains of common voles (microtus arvalis) and water voles (arvicola terrestris) by gene amplification techniques in western austria (vorarlberg).knowledge about the protozoan parasite fauna in voles (arvicolinae) in austria is rather limited, although some of these pathogens play an important role in human medicine and cause zoonoses (e.g., toxoplasma gondii and encephalitozoon cuniculi). others are of relevance in veterinary medicine and have a negative economic impact (e.g., neospora caninum). two hundred sixty-eight common voles (microtus arvalis) and 86 water voles (arvicola terrestris) from the most western austrian province, vorarl ...201020480373
pathologic fracture of the femur due to endometrial adenocarcinoma metastasis in a female pet rabbit (oryctolagus cuniculi).this case report describes the clinical, pathomorphological and histopathological findings in a 12-year-old female pet rabbit with a pathologic fracture of the femur due to a metastasising endometrial adenocarcinoma. the animal was presented due to a history of right hindlimb lameness and inappetence. a fracture of the right femur with adjacent lyric bone lesions was detected by clinical and x-ray examination. necropsy and histopathology revealed an endometrial adenocarcinoma with metastasis to ...201020690547
chronic microsporidial enteritis in a missionary from mozambique.microsporidiosis often occurs in immunocompromised persons but may also occur in those who are immunocompetent. infection by microsporidia involves a variety of organs and systems, most notably, intestine, lung, kidney, brain, sinuses, muscle, and eyes. enterocytozoon bieneusi and encephalitozoon intestinalis are associated with gastroenteritis, and enterocytozoon hellem and encephalitozoon cuniculi are associated with keratoconjunctivitis. we report a case of chronic microsporidiosis in a 28-ye ...201021036848
the structure of an iws1/spt6 complex reveals an interaction domain conserved in tfiis, elongin a and med26.binding of elongation factor spt6 to iws1 provides an effective means for coupling eukaryotic mrna synthesis, chromatin remodelling and mrna export. we show that an n-terminal region of spt6 (spt6n) is responsible for interaction with iws1. the crystallographic structures of encephalitozoon cuniculi iws1 and the iws1/spt6n complex reveal two conserved binding subdomains in iws1. the first subdomain (one heat repeat; heat subdomain) is a putative phosphoprotein-binding site most likely involved i ...201021057455
prevalence of antibodies to trypanosoma cruzi, toxoplasma gondii, encephalitozoon cuniculi, sarcocystis neurona, besnoitia darlingi, and neospora caninum in north american opossums, didelphis virginiana, from southern louisiana.we examined the prevalence of antibodies to zoonotic protozoan parasites ( trypanosoma cruzi, toxoplasma gondii, and encephalitozoon cuniculi) and protozoans of veterinary importance ( neospora caninum, sarcocystis neurona, and besnoitia darlingi) in a population of north american opossums ( didelphis virginiana) from louisiana. samples from 30 opossums were collected as part of a survey for t. cruzi in louisiana. frozen sera from these 30 opossums were examined using an indirect immunofluoresce ...201021158620
first detection and genotyping of encephalitozoon cuniculi in a new host species, gyrfalcon (falco rusticolus).recently, the pathogenic species of microsporidia of the genus encephalitozoon have been detected increasingly, also in representatives of the aves class. our study presents laboratory proof of encephalitozoon cuniculi (e. cuniculi) genotype ii in a new host, gyrfalcon (falco rusticolus), with suspect microsporidiosis. e. cuniculi is an obligate intracellular microsporidian parasite that infects a wide range of mammalian hosts, including humans. characterization of the internal transcribed space ...201021181195
detection and species identification of microsporidial infections using sybr green real-time pcr.diagnosis of microsporidial infections is routinely performed by light microscopy, with unequivocal non-molecular species identification achievable only through electron microscopy. this study describes a single sybr green real-time pcr assay for the simultaneous detection and species identification of such infections. this assay was highly sensitive, routinely detecting infections containing 400 parasites (g stool sample)(-1), whilst species identification was achieved by differential melt curv ...201021183599
prevalence of igg antibodies to encephalitozoon cuniculi and toxoplasma gondii in cats with and without chronic kidney disease from virginia.kidney disease is a common and serious condition in domestic cats. there are numerous causes of kidney disease including parasitic infection. encephalitozoon cuniculi is a microsporidian parasite that develops in the kidneys of rabbits and causes chronic renal disease. little has been reported concerning e. cuniculi in cats and no serological studies on this parasite in cats have been conducted in the united states to date. the present study explored the possibility that e. cuniculi is an unreco ...201021247702
serological survey of encephalitozoon cuniculi infection in japanese dogs.antibodies to encephalitozoon cuniculi were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using e. cuniculi ptp2 recombinant protein and by western blot analysis on a total of 472 dog serum samples that had been collected in japan. of these samples, 21.8% (103/472) had antibodies against e. cuniculi. each of 5 serum samples that showed high (>1.0) or low (<0.1) od value was selected randomly and further examined by western blot using e. cuniculi-native antigens. all samples with high od values r ...201021348630
the occurrence of microsporidial infections and toxoplasmosis in slovak women.to determine the prevalence of antibodies to intracellular pathogens (toxoplasma gondii, encephalitozoon cuniculi, and encephalitozoon intestinalis) in sera of slovak women.201122324244
generalized encephalitozoonosis in a young kitten with cerebellar hypoplasia.in recent years opportunistic infections due to microsporidial organisms have become increasingly important in immunocompromised people. infected animals could serve as reservoirs of such infections. a case of generalized encephalitozoonosis in a young kitten is reported. diagnosis was established by histopathological, immunohistochemical and molecular biological investigations demonstrating characteristic lesions and dna of encephalitozoon cuniculi in formalin-fixed and paraffin wax-embedded ti ...201121310430
human p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor drugs inhibit plasmodium falciparum replication.we recently demonstrated that human p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (mapk) inhibitors reduced in vitro and in vivo replication of the protozoan parasites toxoplasma gondii and encephalitozoon cuniculi. in this study, we assessed the efficacy of five p38 mapk inhibitors to block the replication of plasmodium falciparum in human erythrocytes cultured ex vivo and demonstrate that the pyridinylimidazole rwj67657 and the pyrrolobenzimidazole rwj68198 reduced p. falciparum replication, yielded tr ...201121338604
diversity of microsporidia (fungi: microsporidia) among captive great apes in european zoos and african sanctuaries: evidence for zoonotic transmission?abstract: two hundred and seventeen captive great apes (150 chimpanzees, pan troglodytes; 14 bonobos, pan paniscus; 53 western gorillas, gorilla gorilla) and 20 personnel from thirteen european zoos and two african sanctuaries were sampled and examined in order to determine the occurrence ofenterocytozoon bieneusi and species of encephalitozoon in faecal specimens and to compare the epidemiological situation between zoos and sanctuaries. microsporidia were detected at all sampling sites. sequenc ...201121776888
detection of microsporidia in drinking water, wastewater and recreational rivers.diarrhea is the main health problem caused by human-related microsporidia, and waterborne transmission is one of the main risk factors for intestinal diseases. recent studies suggest the involvement of water in the epidemiology of human microsporidiosis. however, studies related to the presence of microsporidia in different types of waters from countries where human microsporidiosis has been described are still scarce. thirty-eight water samples from 8 drinking water treatment plants (dwtps), 8 ...201121774958
structure and mechanism of the swi2/snf2 remodeller mot1 in complex with its substrate tbp.swi2/snf2-type atpases regulate genome-associated processes such as transcription, replication and repair by catalysing the disruption, assembly or remodelling of nucleosomes or other protein-dna complexes. it has been suggested that atp-driven motor activity along dna disrupts target protein-dna interactions in the remodelling reaction. however, the complex and highly specific remodelling reactions are poorly understood, mostly because of a lack of high-resolution structural information about h ...201121734658
plasmacytoid dc from aged mice down-regulate cd8 t cell responses by inhibiting cdc maturation after encephalitozoon cuniculi infection.age associated impairment of immune function results in inefficient vaccination, tumor surveillance and increased severity of infections. several alterations in adaptive immunity have been observed and recent studies report age related declines in innate immune responses to opportunistic pathogens including encephalitozoon cuniculi. we previously demonstrated that conventional dendritic cells (cdc) from 9-month-old animals exhibit sub-optimal response to e. cuniculi infection, suggesting that ag ...201121695169
t cell response and persistence of the microsporidia.the microsporidia are a diverse phylum of obligate intracellular parasites related to the fungi that cause significant and sometimes life-threatening disease in immune-compromised hosts, such as aids and organ transplant patients. more recently, their role in causing pathology in immune-competent populations has also been appreciated. interestingly, in several instances, the microsporidia have been shown to persist in their hosts long term, causing at opposite ends of the spectrum either an intr ...201122126330
a new vesicular compartment in encephalitozoon cuniculi.the microsporidia are emerging human and veterinary pathogens known to infect every tissue type and organ system. their infectious spore possesses a number of peculiar organelles, including the diagnostic polar tube. in a proteomics-driven effort to find novel components of this organelle in the human-pathogenic species encephalitozoon cuniculi, we unexpectedly discovered a protein which localizes to punctate structures consistent with the appearance of relic mitochondria, or mitosomes. however, ...201122166342
structure of fructose bisphosphate aldolase from encephalitozoon cuniculi.fructose bisphosphate aldolose (fbpa) enzymes have been found in a broad range of eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms. fbpa catalyses the cleavage of fructose 1,6-bisphosphate into glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate and dihydroxyacetone phosphate. the ssgcid has reported several fbpa structures from pathogenic sources. bioinformatic analysis of the genome of the eukaryotic microsporidian parasite encephalitozoon cuniculi revealed an fbpa homolog. the structures of this enzyme in the presence of the nat ...201121904050
swp5, a spore wall protein interacts with the polar tube proteins in the parasitic microsporidium nosema bombycis.microsporidia are a group of eukaryotic intracellular parasites that infect almost all vertebrates and invertebrates. microsporidian invasion process involved the extrusion of a unique polar tube into the host cells. both spore wall and polar tube play an important role in microsporidia pathogenesis. so far, five spore wall proteins (swp1, swp2, enp1, enp2 and eccda) from encephalitozoon intestinalis and encephalitozoon cuniculi, and five spore wall proteins (swp32, swp30, swp26, swp25 and nbswp ...201122140229
microsporidia in household dogs and cats in iran; a zoonotic concern.microsporidia in dogs and cats is primarily caused by the obligate, intracellular parasite encephalitozoon cuniculi, which is a member of the phylum microsporidia. the aim of the current study is the detection of this parasite in stool samples of small animals of iran, by polymerase chain reaction. microsporidia spp. was found in 31% (31/100) of dogs (e. cuniculi (18/100), encephalitozoon bieneusi (8/100) and encephalitozoon intestinalis (5/100)), and 7.5% (3/40) of the specimens obtained from c ...201122035849
branching network of proteinaceous filaments within the parasitophorous vacuole of encephalitozoon cuniculi and encephalitozoon hellem.the microsporidia are a diverse phylum of obligate intracellular parasites that infect all major animal groups and have been recognized as emerging human pathogens for which few chemotherapeutic options currently exist. these organisms infect every tissue and organ system, causing significant pathology, especially in immune-compromised populations. the microsporidian spore employs a unique infection strategy in which its contents are delivered into a host cell via the polar tube, an organelle th ...201121220485
detection of encephalitozoon cuniculi in the feline cataractous lens.identification of encephalitozoon cuniculi (e. cuniculi) as a possible causative agent for cataracts and uveitis in cats.201121923822
patterns of 5' untranslated region length distribution in encephalitozoon cuniculi: implications for gene regulation and potential links between transcription and splicing.encephalitozoon cuniculi, a eukaryotic intracellular parasite belonging to the group microsporidia, has a highly reduced and compacted genome. its mrna transcripts have been found to differ between the two life stages, the spore and meront, of the parasite. spore transcripts generally have more transcription start sites, longer 5' untranslated regions (utrs), and overlap more frequently with upstream genes than those of meronts. a previous analysis of 31 meront gene transcripts showed that most ...201121182561
emerging microsporidian infections in russian hiv-infected patients.microsporidia were identified in stool specimens by histochemistry and pcr of 30 (18.9%) of 159 hiv-infected patients presenting to the s. p. botkin memorial clinical hospital of infectious diseases, st. petersburg, russia. the higher prevalence of encephalitozoon intestinalis, in 21 (12.8%) patients, than of enterocytozoon bieneusi, in 2 patients (1.2%), was unexpected. encephalitozoon cuniculi was detected in three patients: one with strain i and two with strain ii. encephalitozoon hellem was ...201121450962
infectious microorganisms in mice (mus musculus) purchased from commercial pet shops in germany.in this study, we investigated the prevalence of infectious microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, fungi and eukaryotic parasites) in mice from different pet shops in germany; such animals may compromise the hygienic integrity of laboratory animal vivaria if private pet holders act as unintended vectors of infections carried by them. house mice sold as pets or feed specimens were purchased from different pet shops and tested for a comprehensive panel of unwanted microorganisms. we found a number of ...201121508117
the parasitophorous vacuole of encephalitozoon cuniculi: biogenesis and characteristics of the host cell-pathogen interface.microsporidia are obligate intracellular fungal pathogens of increasing importance in immunocompromised patients. they have developed a unique invasion mechanism, which is based on the explosive discharge of a hollow tubulus, the so-called polar tube. the infectious sporoplasm is subsequently extruded through this flexible tube and injected into the host cell. the model microsporidium encephalitozoon cuniculi is a paradigm of a fungus with an extreme host cell dependency. this human pathogen pos ...201121550847
encephalitozoon cuniculi genotype i as a causative agent of brain abscess in an immunocompetent patient.a brain abscess caused by encephalitozoon cuniculi genotype i together with streptococcus intermedius occurred in a patient without major immunocompromise and with diabetes. distinct clinical signs were hemiparesis and epilepsy. the microsporidium was observed in the abscess aspirate, and its specific dna was detected also in stool and urine. the patient was successfully treated with albendazole and mebendazole.201121593268
diagnostic ophthalmology. 201121629432
multiplex bead assay for serum samples from children in haiti enrolled in a drug study for the treatment of lymphatic filariasis.abstract. a multiplex bead assay (mba) was used to analyze serum samples collected longitudinally from children enrolled in a drug trial for treatment of filariasis in leogane, haiti. recombinant antigens bm14 and bm33 from brugia malayi, third polar tube protein (ptp3) from encephalitozoon cuniculi, and merozoite surface protein-1(19) (msp-1(19)) from plasmodium falciparum were coupled to carboxylated polystyrene microspheres. igg responses to ptp3 and msp-1(19) were not affected by albendazole ...201121813840
a bottle opener for tbp. 201121811312
polar tube protein gene diversity among nosema ceranae strains derived from a greek honey bee health study.honey bee samples from 54 apiaries originating from 37 geographic locations of greece were screened for nosema apis and nosema ceranae. furthermore 15 samples coming from 12 geographic locations were screened also for paenibacilluslarvae and melissococcus plutonius and seven honey bee virus species, for the first time on a nation-wide level. there was a tendency in finding proportionally higher spore counts in samples from apiaries that suffered important colony losses. p. larvae bacteria were i ...201121802424
the multiple facets of the golgi reassembly stacking proteins.the mammalian grasps (golgi reassembly stacking proteins) grasp65 and grasp55 were first discovered more than a decade ago as factors involved in the stacking of golgi cisternae. since then, orthologues have been identified in many different organisms and grasps have been assigned new roles that may seem disconnected. in vitro, grasps have been shown to have the biochemical properties of golgi stacking factors, but the jury is still out as to whether they act as such in vivo. in mammalian cells, ...201121235525
encephalitozoonosis in new zealand rabbits and potential transmission risk.encephalitozoon cuniculi is a small protozoan parasite in the phylum microspora. it has been shown to naturally infect several host species, including humans. encephalitozoonosis is routinely diagnosed in vivo by serological examination or post mortem by histopathology. in a conventional rabbit colony, two animals suddenly showed clinical signs (torticollis and asthenia of limbs). serum samples of these rabbits were seropositive for e. cuniculi after definitive diagnosis (toxoplasma gondii and l ...201121377801
serological survey for antibodies to encephalitozoon cuniculi in rabbits in taiwan.encephalitozoon cuniculi (e. cuniculi) is a microsporidian parasite commonly found in rabbits that can infect humans, causing encephalitozoonosis. our laboratory recently confirmed the first case of encephalitozoonosis in a rabbit in taiwan; the prevalence of encephalitozoonosis is not well documented, even when many clinics suspect pet rabbits as being infected. this study surveys the seropositivity of e. cuniculi using carbon immunoassay (cia) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (elisa). ser ...201121757294
DNA detection and genotypic identification of potentially human-pathogenic microsporidia from asymptomatic pet parrots in South Korea as a risk factor for zoonotic emergence.We detected and identified genotypes of human-pathogenic microsporidia in fecal samples from 51 asymptomatic captive-bred pet parrots in South Korea. Microsporidia were identified in 8 samples (15.7%); 7 parrots tested positive for Encephalitozoon hellem, and 1 parrot tested positive for both E. hellem and Encephalitozoon cuniculi. In genotypic identifications, E. hellem was present in genotypes 1A and 2B and E. cuniculi was present in genotype II. Pet parrots might be a source of human microspo ...201121965400
microsporidia as emerging pathogens and the implication for public health: a 10-year study on hiv-positive and -negative patients.despite recent advances in the understanding and diagnosis of emerging microsporidian pathogens, more research is necessary to elucidate their complex epidemiology. in fact, studies that reflect true human-infecting microsporidian prevalence are still inadequate. the present 10-year study was undertaken to examine the occurrence of microsporidia in 1989 stools, 69 urine and 200 pulmonary specimens from hiv-positive and hiv-negative patients using pcr and dna sequencing. in stools, 12.0% were mic ...201222265899
enterocytozoon bieneusi and encephalitozoon cuniculi in horses kept under different management systems in the czech republic.faecal samples were collected from 377 horses on 23 farms with varying management systems in the czech republic. microsporidia were found on 16 farms and the overall prevalence of enterocytozoon bieneusi and encephalitozoon cuniculi was 17.3% (66/377) and 6.9% (26/377), respectively. the prevalence of e. cuniculi in horses over 3 years of age was significantly higher (10.0%) compared to younger horses (4.0%). no significant differences in prevalence were observed among stallions, geldings, and m ...201222877825
encephalitozoon and enterocytozoon (microsporidia) spores in stool from pigeons and exotic birds: microsporidia spores in birds.microsporidia are considered to be a cause of emerging and opportunistic infections in humans, and the species that infect humans can also infect a wide range of animals, raising concerns for zoonotic transmission. to understand the role of birds in the transmission of diseases caused by microsporidia, we examined 196 fecal specimens from birds, including birds of the families psittacidae, emberizidae, icteridae and columbidae, using gram-chromotrope stain and polymerase chain reaction (pcr). of ...201222853863
identification of encephalitozoon and enterocytozoon (microsporidia) spores in stool and urine samples obtained from free-living south american coatis (nasua nasua).this study emphasizes the importance of free-living coatis as a potential source of microsporidian infection for humans living in large cities. we found 19 (31.7%) positive results among 60 fecal samples analyzed by pcr-based analysis and the gram-chromotrope staining technique (11.7% were positive for encephalitozoon cuniculi, 6.7% for e. intestinalis, 6.7% for e. hellem, and 6.7% for enterocytozoon bieneusi). only 5 (8.4%) urine samples tested positive for e. cuniculi as assessed by the two te ...201222522676
lateral approach to nephrotomy in the management of unilateral renal calculi in a rabbit (oryctolagus cuniculus).a 5-year-old 2.23-kg (4.91-lb) spayed female lop rabbit (oryctolagus cuniculus) was evaluated because of a history of lethargy, polyuria, and polydipsia of 1 month's duration. the referring veterinarian made a presumptive diagnosis of hypercalcemia of unknown etiology on the basis of a plasma total calcium concentration of 14.0 mg/dl.201222443440
comparative evaluation of specific methods for labeling of encephalitozoon cuniculi in paraffin wax-embedded tissue samples.detection of the microsporidian encephalitozoon cuniculi in tissue samples is considered difficult. the aim of the current study was to determine whether immunohistochemistry (ihc) and in situ hybridization (ish) represent reliable methods for the detection of e. cuniculi in postmortem tissue samples of rabbits. paraffin-embedded tissue sections of brain and kidneys of 48 naturally infected pet rabbits, 10 negative controls, and the eyes of 3 further rabbits were used for all investigations. by ...201222379054
excellence in exotics: case report: encephalitozoon cuniculi-associated phacoclastic uveitis in a dwarf rabbit. 201223532791
gain and loss of multiple functionally related, horizontally transferred genes in the reduced genomes of two microsporidian parasites.microsporidia of the genus encephalitozoon are widespread pathogens of animals that harbor the smallest known nuclear genomes. complete sequences from encephalitozoon intestinalis (2.3 mbp) and encephalitozoon cuniculi (2.9 mbp) revealed massive gene losses and reduction of intergenic regions as factors leading to their drastically reduced genome size. however, microsporidian genomes also have gained genes through horizontal gene transfers (hgt), a process that could allow the parasites to explo ...201222802648
atp-dependent conformational dynamics underlie the functional asymmetry of the replicative helicase from a minimalist eukaryote.the heterohexameric minichromosome maintenance (mcm2-7) complex is an atpase that serves as the central replicative helicase in eukaryotes. during initiation, the ring-shaped mcm2-7 particle is thought to open to facilitate loading onto dna. the conformational state accessed during ring opening, the interplay between atp binding and mcm2-7 architecture, and the use of these events in the regulation of dna unwinding are poorly understood. to address these issues in isolation from the regulatory c ...201222778422
encephalitozoonosis in pharmacologically immunosuppressed mice.encephalitozoon cuniculi is a parasite that has been identified as a cause of opportunistic infections in immunocompromised individuals. this study was performed to evaluate e. cuniculi infection in pharmacologically immunosuppressed mice. mice were immunosuppressed with cyclophosphamide (100mg/kg twice a week, ip) or cyclosporin (10mg/kg daily, ip) and inoculated with 10(7)e. cuniculi spores ip. the e. cuniculi spores were cultivated in mdck cells. e. cuniculi identification was performed by li ...201222626517
genital microsporidiosis in women with aids: a post-mortem study.microsporidiosis is a life threatening opportunistic infection of aids patients. the infection is usually restricted to specific anatomical areas, but could become systemic depending on the involved species. genital microsporidiosis in female patients is rare.201322554823
seroprevalence of encephalitozoon cuniculi in dogs in the united states.encephalitozoon cuniculi is an obligate intracellular microsporidian parasite that can result in clinical and subclinical infection in many species. it is also considered the cause of a potential zoonotic disease. in the present study, a serological survey was conducted using samples from pet dogs in the state of florida. twenty-seven of 125 serum samples, or 21.6%, were found to demonstrate reactivity by elisa, with titers ranging from 1:32 to 1:512. there were no significant differences by age ...201322694657
encephalitozoonosis in two inland bearded dragons (pogona vitticeps).microsporidiosis is reported rarely in reptiles. sporadic multisystemic granulomatous disease of captive bearded dragons (pogona vitticeps) has been associated with microsporidia showing encephalitozoon-like morphology. two such cases are described herein. both animals displayed clinical signs suggestive of renal failure. necropsy examination revealed granulomatous lesions in the liver and adrenal area in both animals, and in several other organs in one animal. the lesions were associated with i ...201322784783
molecular characterization and genotyping of human related microsporidia in free-ranging and captive pigeons of tehran, iran.microsporidia are opportunistic pathogens in nature infecting all animal phyla. samples of intestinal content from 147 pigeons from various regions of tehran (iran) were analyzed for occurred microsporidia by pcr and sequencing. the dna isolated from 31 samples (21%) of microsporidia-positive was amplified with specific primers for the four most frequent human microsporidia. enterocytozoon bieneusi was the most common species and was recognized in thirteen pigeons (42%). four pigeons were positi ...201324427811
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