University of Tartu
Department of Zoology

Presenter of 2 Presentations

02. Parasites of humans

DISCOVERY OF NOVEL BIOMARKERS FOR ALVEOLAR ECHINOCOCCOSIS - SECRETOME OF THE LARVAL STAGE OF ECHINOCOCCUS MULTILOCULARIS IN VITRO AND VALIDATION OF A SUBSET OF PROTEINS IN SERA (ID 1202)

Session Type
02. Parasites of humans
Date
08/23/2022
Session Time
17:00 - 18:30
Room
Auditorium 10
Lecture Time
17:45 - 17:50
Onsite or Pre-Recorded
Onsite

Abstract

Introduction

The larval stage of Echinococcus multilocularis is responsible for the zoonotic life-threatening disease alveolar echinococcosis (AE). Early diagnosis is crucial as it allows for more effective, less invasive treatment strategies. Although a number of sensitive and specific serological diagnostic tools have been developed, early diagnosis has remained problematic. The aim of the current study was to explore potential new biomarker candidates for AE diagnosis by studying the secreted proteins of the larval stage of E. multilocularis in vitro and validating a subset of parasite proteins in gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) sera.

Methods

Three isolates of E. multilocularis larval stage were cultivated in vitro and the supernatant collected, with vesicle fluid (VF) used as a control. Secreted proteins were analyzed using LC-MS/MS and characterized using label free quantification (LFQ). Serum samples were obtained from experimentally infected gerbils. Subset of proteins were chosen for validation in serum samples using the SureQuant targeted proteomics approach.

Results

In vitro results revealed the secretion of approximately 1200 parasite derived proteins. After filtering for proteins that were constantly secreted and higher abundant in the supernatant fraction than in VF, 22 proteins of interest were further chosen for validation in sera. Preliminary results of gerbil sera revealed the presence of 5 parasite derived proteins.

Conclusions

We provide a comprehensive identification of secreted E. multilocularis larval stage proteins in vitro and initial validation of a subset of proteins in gerbil sera. In the future, a subset of these proteins could potentially be further validated as novel diagnostic markers for helping to improve early diagnosis of AE.

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03. Parasites of domestic and wild animals

GENETIC DIVERSITY OF ECHINOCOCCUS CANADENSIS GENOTYPES G8 AND G10 BASED ON COMPLETE MITOCHONDRIAL GENOMES (ID 1219)

Session Type
03. Parasites of domestic and wild animals
Date
08/24/2022
Session Time
13:15 - 14:45
Room
Hall B4.M7+8
Lecture Time
13:45 - 14:00
Onsite or Pre-Recorded
Onsite

Abstract

Introduction

The species complex of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato is responsible for the zoonotic disease cystic echinococcosis (CE). Among this species complex is Echinococcus canadensis with genotypes G8 and G10 which have a sylvatic life cycle – primarily circulating between wild cervids and wolves. Although a number of studies have provided relevant data on the genetic diversity for these genotypes, they have been based on single mitochondrial genes or gene fragments. The aim of the current study was to provide a high-resolution analysis of the genetic diversity of E. canadensis G8 and G10 based on complete mitochondrial genomes.

Methods

Complete mitochondrial genomes (approx. 13 500 bp) were sequenced for a total of 29 E. canadensis samples originating from Finland, Sweden, Russia, Poland, Latvia, and Estonia. Genetic diversity was explored based on median joining phylogenetic network analysis and population indices.

Results

Of the 29 E. canadensis samples, 14 were shown to belong to G8, and G10 was represented by 15 samples. The phylogenetic network revealed the presence of 5 different G8 haplotypes, whereas G10 samples were shown to cluster into 7 haplotypes. Interestingly, the haplotype cluster of G8 was separated from G10 by more than 420 mutations.

Conclusions

The current study provides the first high resolution mitochondrial phylogenomic diversity analysis of E. canadensis genotypes G8 and G10. Furthermore, the study reveales enormous genetic divergence of G8 and G10 based on mitochondrial genomes.

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