Giardia duodenalis é um protozoário de distribuição mundial responsável por causar infecções entéricas em uma grande variedade de mamíferos, incluindo os humanos. Mesmo apresentando pouca variação em sua morfologia, os isolados podem ser diferenciados, de acordo com análises de proteína e polimorfismo de DNA, em pelo menos oito agrupamentos genéticos distintos, denominados assemblages (A-H). Apenas os assemblages A e B têm sido reportados em humanos e outros mamíferos. Isolados de assemblage A podem, ainda, ser divididos em quatro sub-assemblages (AI, AII, AIII e AIV). Sequencias heterogêneas têm sido frequentemente identificadas em estudos de caracterização molecular envolvendo amostras contendo múltiplos cistos do parasita. Buscando estudar a ocorrência dos eventos de heterozigose de sequencia alélica (ASH) e recombinação gênica, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo isolar cistos de G. duodenalis empregando-se a técnica de micromanipulação e caracterizá-los molecularmente através da análise multilócus envolvendo os genes gdh, tpi, orfC4 e bg. Dez cistos foram individualizados e utilizados na pesquisa. Todos foram igualmente identificados por todos os genes, nove cistos caracterizados como assemblage AII e um cisto caracterizado como assemblage B. Os cromatogramas oriundos do cisto identificado como assemblages B apresentaram diversos sítios heterogêneos nos genes gdh, bg e orfC4, sendo que, nesses dois últimos, observaram-se sobreposições dos alelos AII e B no produto sequenciado (heterozigose inter assemblage). Os produtos de PCR foram clonados e as sequencias obtidas revelaram a ocorrência dos dois alelos neste único cisto. Os sítios polimórficos encontrados nas sequencias do gene gdh indicaram heterozigose intra assemblage B. Embora ASH já tenha sido relatada em cistos individualizados de G. duodenalis, estes são os primeiros resultados indicando a presença dos dois alelos, simultaneamente, em um único indivíduo. Esses resultados demonstram fortes evidências que ocorre troca genética entre indivíduos geneticamente distintos de G. duodenalis / Giardia duodenalis is a worldwide distribution enteric protozoan responsible for causing infections in a wide variety of mammals, including humans. Even showing little change in their morphology, isolates can be distinguished, according to the analysis of proteins and DNA polymorphisms in at least eight distinct genetic groups, known assemblages (A - H). Only assemblages A and B have been reported in humans and other mammals. Isolates of assemblage A also can be divided into four sub-assemblages (AI, AII, AIII and AIV). Heterogeneous sequences have been frequently identified in studies involving molecular characterization of samples containing multiple cysts of the parasite. Seeking to study the occurrence of allelic sequence heterozygosity (ASH) and genetic recombination events, the present study aimed to isolate G. duodenalis cysts employing the micromanipulation technique and characterize them molecularly through multilocus analysis involving gdh, tpi, orfC4 and bg genes. Ten cysts were individualized and used in the research. All cysts were equally identified for all genes; nine cysts were characterized as assemblage AII and one characterized as assemblage B. The chromatograms derived from the cyst identified as assemblage B presented many heterogeneous sites in gdh, bg and orfC4 genes, and in these last two, there were overlaps of alleles AII and B in the sequenced product (heterozygous inter assemblage). PCR products were cloned and the sequences obtained revealed the occurrence of two alleles at this single cyst. The polymorphic sites found in the sequences of the gdh gene indicated intra heterozygosity assemblage B. Although ASH has already been reported in G. duodenalis individualized cysts, these are the first results indicating the presence of two alleles simultaneously in a single individual. These results demonstrate strong evidence that genetic exchange occurs between individuals genetically distinct of G. duodenalis

Giardia duodenalis é um protozoário de distribuição mundial responsável por causar infecções entéricas em uma grande variedade de mamíferos, incluindo os humanos. Mesmo apresentando pouca variação em sua morfologia, os isolados podem ser diferenciados, de acordo com análises de proteína e polimorfismo de DNA, em pelo menos oito agrupamentos genéticos distintos, denominados assemblages (A-H). Apenas os assemblages A e B têm sido reportados em humanos e outros mamíferos. Isolados de assemblage A podem, ainda, ser divididos em quatro sub-assemblages (AI, AII, AIII e AIV). Sequencias heterogêneas têm sido frequentemente identificadas em estudos de caracterização molecular envolvendo amostras contendo múltiplos cistos do parasita. Buscando estudar a ocorrência dos eventos de heterozigose de sequencia alélica (ASH) e recombinação gênica, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo isolar cistos de G. duodenalis empregando-se a técnica de micromanipulação e caracterizá-los molecularmente através da análise multilócus envolvendo os genes gdh, tpi, orfC4 e bg. Dez cistos foram individualizados e utilizados na pesquisa. Todos foram igualmente identificados por todos os genes, nove cistos caracterizados como assemblage AII e um cisto caracterizado como assemblage B. Os cromatogramas oriundos do cisto identificado como assemblages B apresentaram diversos sítios heterogêneos nos genes gdh, bg e orfC4, sendo que, nesses dois últimos, observaram-se sobreposições dos alelos AII e B no produto sequenciado (heterozigose inter assemblage). Os produtos de PCR foram clonados e as sequencias obtidas revelaram a ocorrência dos dois alelos neste único cisto. Os sítios polimórficos encontrados nas sequencias do gene gdh indicaram heterozigose intra assemblage B. Embora ASH já tenha sido relatada em cistos individualizados de G. duodenalis, estes são os primeiros resultados indicando a presença dos dois alelos, simultaneamente, em um único indivíduo. Esses resultados demonstram fortes evidências que ocorre troca genética entre indivíduos geneticamente distintos de G. duodenalis / Giardia duodenalis is a worldwide distribution enteric protozoan responsible for causing infections in a wide variety of mammals, including humans. Even showing little change in their morphology, isolates can be distinguished, according to the analysis of proteins and DNA polymorphisms in at least eight distinct genetic groups, known assemblages (A - H). Only assemblages A and B have been reported in humans and other mammals. Isolates of assemblage A also can be divided into four sub-assemblages (AI, AII, AIII and AIV). Heterogeneous sequences have been frequently identified in studies involving molecular characterization of samples containing multiple cysts of the parasite. Seeking to study the occurrence of allelic sequence heterozygosity (ASH) and genetic recombination events, the present study aimed to isolate G. duodenalis cysts employing the micromanipulation technique and characterize them molecularly through multilocus analysis involving gdh, tpi, orfC4 and bg genes. Ten cysts were individualized and used in the research. All cysts were equally identified for all genes; nine cysts were characterized as assemblage AII and one characterized as assemblage B. The chromatograms derived from the cyst identified as assemblage B presented many heterogeneous sites in gdh, bg and orfC4 genes, and in these last two, there were overlaps of alleles AII and B in the sequenced product (heterozygous inter assemblage). PCR products were cloned and the sequences obtained revealed the occurrence of two alleles at this single cyst. The polymorphic sites found in the sequences of the gdh gene indicated intra heterozygosity assemblage B. Although ASH has already been reported in G. duodenalis individualized cysts, these are the first results indicating the presence of two alleles simultaneously in a single individual. These results demonstrate strong evidence that genetic exchange occurs between individuals genetically distinct of G. duodenalis

Enterocytozoon bieneusi y Giardia duodenalis son considerados como los parásitos intestinales más comunes de seres humanos, animales domésticos, silvestres y en cautiverio. Estos patógenos son responsables de causar diarrea en individuos inmunocomprometidos e inmunocompetentes. El presente estudio tuvo por objetivo identificar los genotipos de E. bieneusi y G. duodenalis en muestras de heces de crías de alpaca. Las muestras de heces usadas en el estudio correspondieron a 126 crías de alpaca de 1 a 30 días de edad, de tres regiones geográficas en los andes del Perú (Huancavelica, Cuzco y Puno). Para el diagnostico se amplifico mediante PCR anidado la región espaciador transcrito interno (ITS) del gen ARNr de E. bieneusi, así como el locus triosafosfato isomerasa (TPI) de G. duodenalis. Todas las muestras positivas (E. bieneusi = 65; G. duodenalis = 42) fueron secuenciadas. Sesenta y cinco crías (51.6%) resultaron ser positivas en el PCR para E. bieneusi. Se encontró diez distintos genotipos de E. bieneusi en los aislamientos de crías de alpaca, seis de los aislamientos pertenecen a nuevos genotipos (ALP1, ALP2, ALP3, ALP4, ALP5 y ALP6). Cinco crías (7.7%) fueron positivos para el genotipo P, cuatro crías (6.2%) fueron positivos para el genotipo Tipo IV, dos (3.1%) al genotipo D, una (1.5%) al genotipo Beb6, 48 (73,8%) al genotipo ALP1, y cinco crías fueron positivos para cada genotipo nuevo (ALP2, ALP3, ALP4, ALP5 y ALP6). Así mismo, cuarenta y dos muestras fueron positivas para G. duodenalis. Los ensamblajes A (n = 33) y E (n = 9) fueron detectados en las crías. El ensamblaje A fue el más frecuentemente en crías de Puno y Huancavelica, mientras que el ensamblaje E se encontró en 8 crías en Cuzco y uno de Huancavelica. El papel potencial de E. bieneusi y G. duodenalis en el síndrome diarreico neonatal de la alpaca necesita ser seriamente considerada y evaluada, a pesar de no haber asociación entre la presencia de los parásitos y la presentación de diarrea. Palabras claves: Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Giardia duodenalis, alpaca, diarrea, zoonosis / --- Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Giardia duodenalis are considered the most common intestinal parasites found in humans and domestic, captive and wild animals. These pathogens are responsible for causing diarrhea in immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals. The aim of the present study was to identify E. bieneusi and G. duodenalis genotypes in fecal samples from alpaca crias. Fecal samples were collected from 126 alpaca crias up to 30 days of age from three geographic regions in the highland of Peru (Huancavelica, Cuzco and Puno). The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the rRNA gene of E. bieneusi, and the amplification of the triosephosphate isomerase (TPI) locus of G. duodenalis, were amplified for a nestedPCR. All positives samples were sequenced. Sixty-five crias (51.6%) were found to be PCR positive for E. bieneusi. Ten distinct genotypes of E. bieneusi were found in alpaca cria isolates, six of all isolates belong to novel genotypes (ALP1, ALP2, ALP3, ALP4, ALP5, and ALP6). Five (7.7%) crias were positive to genotype P, four (6.2%) crias were positive to genotype Type IV, two (3.1%) to genotype D, one (1.5%) to genotype Beb6, 48 (73.8%) to genotype ALP1, and five crias were positive each to new genotype (ALP2, ALP3, ALP4, ALP5, and ALP6). Forty-two samples were positive for G. duodenalis. Assemblages A (n=33) and E (n=9) were detected in crias, Assemblage A was the most frequently found in Puno and Huancavelica, while Assemblage E was found in 8 crias in Cuzco and one from Huancavelica. The potential role of E. bieneusi and G. duodenalis in the neonatal diarrhea syndrome of alpaca needs to be seriously considered and further evaluated, although had not association between the presence of parasites and diarrhea. Key words: Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Giardia duodenalis, alpaca, diarrhea, zoonosis.

O estudo teve por objetivo determinar a eficácia do teste de ELISA para Giardia duodenalis e identificar os genótipos do protozoário em amostras fecais de crianças e cães na cidade de Lages, Santa Catarina. Foram avaliadas 1085 amostras fecais distribuídas em quatro grupos: crianças (Grupo I) matriculadas no ensino fundamental das Escolas Municipais de Ensino Básico (EMEB); amostras fecais de crianças obtidas em um laboratório particular da cidade (Grupo II); cães em ambientes domiciliados (Grupo III) e cães provenientes do Centro de Controle de Zoonoses (Grupo IV). Todas as amostras foram processadas pelos métodos coproparasitológicos de flutuação e sedimentação para determinar a presença de cistos de G. duodenalis. As amostras processadas pelos exames coproparasitológicos foram posteriormente analisadas pelo teste de ELISA e as amostras positivas genotipadas. A prevalência de amostras positivas para o parasito foi de 7,19% (78/1085). Das 430 amostras fecais de crianças e cães analisadas pelo teste de ELISA; 19,07% (82) foram positivas para G. duodenalis. A sensibilidade do teste de ELISA foi de 66%, 100% de especificidade, valor preditivo positivo (VPP) e negativo (VPN) de 100%, valor de Kappa = 0,93 e acurácia de 93%. Em relação às populações, o teste de ELISA para o diagnóstico de Giardia em amostras fecais de crianças apresentou sensibilidade de 60% e especificidade de 100%; para cães a sensibilidade foi de 73% e especificidade também de 100%. Conclui-se que o teste de ELISA apresentou alta especificidade, porém não apresentou boa sensibilidade em relação ao exame parasitológico, que aliado ao alto custo faz com que os exames de rotina laboratoriais na área humana e animais baseados na microscopia ainda são a opção mais eficaz para o diagnóstico de G. duodenalis. Em relação à identificação genotípica de isolados de G. duodenalis, através da PCR-RFLP usando o gene gdh, o genótipo (assemblage) A foi identificado nos Grupos I e II em 59,41% (22/39) das amostras com pequena prevalência para o subgenótipo AI (54,55%); o genótipo B foi diagnosticado em 43,59% (17/39) com maior prevalência para o subgenótipo BIV (58,82%). Nos grupos caninos III e IV o genótipo com características zoonóticas (A e B) foi diagnosticado em 64,10% (25/39), sendo diagnosticado AI com 53,85% e 10,26% de BIV. Em relação aos genótipos específicos de carnívoros (C e D) a prevalência foi de 35,90% (14/39) com predominância do genótipo C (71,43%) e 28,57% para o genótipo D. O estudo identificou uma variedade de genótipos em crianças e cães, com elevada prevalência de genótipos de características zoonóticas nos cães. / The study aimed to determine the efficacy of the ELISA test for G. duodenalis and identify the genotypes of the parasite in stool samples from children and dogs in the city of Lages, Santa Catarina. We evaluated 1085 faecal samples divided into four groups: Children (Group I) enrolled in basic public education; faecal samples obtained from children in a private laboratory in the city (Group II ) domiciled dogs ( Group III) and dogs from the Center for Zoonosis Control (Group IV). All samples were processed by the methods of faecal flotation and sedimentation to determine the presence of cysts of G. duodenalis. The samples processed by fecal examinations were subsequently analyzed by ELISA and positive samples genotyped. The prevalence of samples positive for the parasite was 7.19% (78/1085). Of the 430 stool samples from children and dogs analyzed by ELISA; 19.07% (82) were positive for G. duodenalis. The test sensitivity was 66%, specificity 100%, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative (NPV) of 100%, Kappa value = 0.93 and 93% accuracy. In relation to the population, the ELISA test showed sensitivity of 60% and specificity of 100%, for children and sensitivity was 73% and specificity of 100% for dogs. We conclude that the ELISA test is highly specific but less sensitivity to parasitological examination, so the routine tests in laboratory animals and human area-based microscopy are still the most efficient option for the diagnosis of G. duodenalis. Regarding the identification of G. duodenalis genotypes, by PCR-RFLP using the gdh gene, genotype (assemblage) A was identified in Groups I and II in 59.41% (22/39) samples with low prevalence to subgenotype Al (54.55%) , genotype B was diagnosed in 43.59% (17/39) with higher prevalence in subgenotype BIV (58.82%). Canine groups III and IV genotype with zoonotic characteristics (A and B) was diagnosed in 64.10% (25/39) was diagnosed with AI 53.85% and 10.26% of BIV. In specific genotypes of carnivorous (C and D) the prevalence was 35.90% (14/39) with predominant genotype C (71.43%) and 28.57% for genotype D. The study identified a variety of genotypes in children and dogs, with a high prevalence of genotypes characteristics zoonotic in dogs.

O estudo teve por objetivo determinar a eficácia do teste de ELISA para Giardia duodenalis e identificar os genótipos do protozoário em amostras fecais de crianças e cães na cidade de Lages, Santa Catarina. Foram avaliadas 1085 amostras fecais distribuídas em quatro grupos: crianças (Grupo I) matriculadas no ensino fundamental das Escolas Municipais de Ensino Básico (EMEB); amostras fecais de crianças obtidas em um laboratório particular da cidade (Grupo II); cães em ambientes domiciliados (Grupo III) e cães provenientes do Centro de Controle de Zoonoses (Grupo IV). Todas as amostras foram processadas pelos métodos coproparasitológicos de flutuação e sedimentação para determinar a presença de cistos de G. duodenalis. As amostras processadas pelos exames coproparasitológicos foram posteriormente analisadas pelo teste de ELISA e as amostras positivas genotipadas. A prevalência de amostras positivas para o parasito foi de 7,19% (78/1085). Das 430 amostras fecais de crianças e cães analisadas pelo teste de ELISA; 19,07% (82) foram positivas para G. duodenalis. A sensibilidade do teste de ELISA foi de 66%, 100% de especificidade, valor preditivo positivo (VPP) e negativo (VPN) de 100%, valor de Kappa = 0,93 e acurácia de 93%. Em relação às populações, o teste de ELISA para o diagnóstico de Giardia em amostras fecais de crianças apresentou sensibilidade de 60% e especificidade de 100%; para cães a sensibilidade foi de 73% e especificidade também de 100%. Conclui-se que o teste de ELISA apresentou alta especificidade, porém não apresentou boa sensibilidade em relação ao exame parasitológico, que aliado ao alto custo faz com que os exames de rotina laboratoriais na área humana e animais baseados na microscopia ainda são a opção mais eficaz para o diagnóstico de G. duodenalis. Em relação à identificação genotípica de isolados de G. duodenalis, através da PCR-RFLP usando o gene gdh, o genótipo (assemblage) A foi identificado nos Grupos I e II em 59,41% (22/39) das amostras com pequena prevalência para o subgenótipo AI (54,55%); o genótipo B foi diagnosticado em 43,59% (17/39) com maior prevalência para o subgenótipo BIV (58,82%). Nos grupos caninos III e IV o genótipo com características zoonóticas (A e B) foi diagnosticado em 64,10% (25/39), sendo diagnosticado AI com 53,85% e 10,26% de BIV. Em relação aos genótipos específicos de carnívoros (C e D) a prevalência foi de 35,90% (14/39) com predominância do genótipo C (71,43%) e 28,57% para o genótipo D. O estudo identificou uma variedade de genótipos em crianças e cães, com elevada prevalência de genótipos de características zoonóticas nos cães. / The study aimed to determine the efficacy of the ELISA test for G. duodenalis and identify the genotypes of the parasite in stool samples from children and dogs in the city of Lages, Santa Catarina. We evaluated 1085 faecal samples divided into four groups: Children (Group I) enrolled in basic public education; faecal samples obtained from children in a private laboratory in the city (Group II ) domiciled dogs ( Group III) and dogs from the Center for Zoonosis Control (Group IV). All samples were processed by the methods of faecal flotation and sedimentation to determine the presence of cysts of G. duodenalis. The samples processed by fecal examinations were subsequently analyzed by ELISA and positive samples genotyped. The prevalence of samples positive for the parasite was 7.19% (78/1085). Of the 430 stool samples from children and dogs analyzed by ELISA; 19.07% (82) were positive for G. duodenalis. The test sensitivity was 66%, specificity 100%, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative (NPV) of 100%, Kappa value = 0.93 and 93% accuracy. In relation to the population, the ELISA test showed sensitivity of 60% and specificity of 100%, for children and sensitivity was 73% and specificity of 100% for dogs. We conclude that the ELISA test is highly specific but less sensitivity to parasitological examination, so the routine tests in laboratory animals and human area-based microscopy are still the most efficient option for the diagnosis of G. duodenalis. Regarding the identification of G. duodenalis genotypes, by PCR-RFLP using the gdh gene, genotype (assemblage) A was identified in Groups I and II in 59.41% (22/39) samples with low prevalence to subgenotype Al (54.55%) , genotype B was diagnosed in 43.59% (17/39) with higher prevalence in subgenotype BIV (58.82%). Canine groups III and IV genotype with zoonotic characteristics (A and B) was diagnosed in 64.10% (25/39) was diagnosed with AI 53.85% and 10.26% of BIV. In specific genotypes of carnivorous (C and D) the prevalence was 35.90% (14/39) with predominant genotype C (71.43%) and 28.57% for genotype D. The study identified a variety of genotypes in children and dogs, with a high prevalence of genotypes characteristics zoonotic in dogs.

O estudo teve por objetivo determinar a eficácia do teste de ELISA para Giardia duodenalis e identificar os genótipos do protozoário em amostras fecais de crianças e cães na cidade de Lages, Santa Catarina. Foram avaliadas 1085 amostras fecais distribuídas em quatro grupos: crianças (Grupo I) matriculadas no ensino fundamental das Escolas Municipais de Ensino Básico (EMEB); amostras fecais de crianças obtidas em um laboratório particular da cidade (Grupo II); cães em ambientes domiciliados (Grupo III) e cães provenientes do Centro de Controle de Zoonoses (Grupo IV). Todas as amostras foram processadas pelos métodos coproparasitológicos de flutuação e sedimentação para determinar a presença de cistos de G. duodenalis. As amostras processadas pelos exames coproparasitológicos foram posteriormente analisadas pelo teste de ELISA e as amostras positivas genotipadas. A prevalência de amostras positivas para o parasito foi de 7,19% (78/1085). Das 430 amostras fecais de crianças e cães analisadas pelo teste de ELISA; 19,07% (82) foram positivas para G. duodenalis. A sensibilidade do teste de ELISA foi de 66%, 100% de especificidade, valor preditivo positivo (VPP) e negativo (VPN) de 100%, valor de Kappa = 0,93 e acurácia de 93%. Em relação às populações, o teste de ELISA para o diagnóstico de Giardia em amostras fecais de crianças apresentou sensibilidade de 60% e especificidade de 100%; para cães a sensibilidade foi de 73% e especificidade também de 100%. Conclui-se que o teste de ELISA apresentou alta especificidade, porém não apresentou boa sensibilidade em relação ao exame parasitológico, que aliado ao alto custo faz com que os exames de rotina laboratoriais na área humana e animais baseados na microscopia ainda são a opção mais eficaz para o diagnóstico de G. duodenalis. Em relação à identificação genotípica de isolados de G. duodenalis, através da PCR-RFLP usando o gene gdh, o genótipo (assemblage) A foi identificado nos Grupos I e II em 59,41% (22/39) das amostras com pequena prevalência para o subgenótipo AI (54,55%); o genótipo B foi diagnosticado em 43,59% (17/39) com maior prevalência para o subgenótipo BIV (58,82%). Nos grupos caninos III e IV o genótipo com características zoonóticas (A e B) foi diagnosticado em 64,10% (25/39), sendo diagnosticado AI com 53,85% e 10,26% de BIV. Em relação aos genótipos específicos de carnívoros (C e D) a prevalência foi de 35,90% (14/39) com predominância do genótipo C (71,43%) e 28,57% para o genótipo D. O estudo identificou uma variedade de genótipos em crianças e cães, com elevada prevalência de genótipos de características zoonóticas nos cães. / The study aimed to determine the efficacy of the ELISA test for G. duodenalis and identify the genotypes of the parasite in stool samples from children and dogs in the city of Lages, Santa Catarina. We evaluated 1085 faecal samples divided into four groups: Children (Group I) enrolled in basic public education; faecal samples obtained from children in a private laboratory in the city (Group II ) domiciled dogs ( Group III) and dogs from the Center for Zoonosis Control (Group IV). All samples were processed by the methods of faecal flotation and sedimentation to determine the presence of cysts of G. duodenalis. The samples processed by fecal examinations were subsequently analyzed by ELISA and positive samples genotyped. The prevalence of samples positive for the parasite was 7.19% (78/1085). Of the 430 stool samples from children and dogs analyzed by ELISA; 19.07% (82) were positive for G. duodenalis. The test sensitivity was 66%, specificity 100%, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative (NPV) of 100%, Kappa value = 0.93 and 93% accuracy. In relation to the population, the ELISA test showed sensitivity of 60% and specificity of 100%, for children and sensitivity was 73% and specificity of 100% for dogs. We conclude that the ELISA test is highly specific but less sensitivity to parasitological examination, so the routine tests in laboratory animals and human area-based microscopy are still the most efficient option for the diagnosis of G. duodenalis. Regarding the identification of G. duodenalis genotypes, by PCR-RFLP using the gdh gene, genotype (assemblage) A was identified in Groups I and II in 59.41% (22/39) samples with low prevalence to subgenotype Al (54.55%) , genotype B was diagnosed in 43.59% (17/39) with higher prevalence in subgenotype BIV (58.82%). Canine groups III and IV genotype with zoonotic characteristics (A and B) was diagnosed in 64.10% (25/39) was diagnosed with AI 53.85% and 10.26% of BIV. In specific genotypes of carnivorous (C and D) the prevalence was 35.90% (14/39) with predominant genotype C (71.43%) and 28.57% for genotype D. The study identified a variety of genotypes in children and dogs, with a high prevalence of genotypes characteristics zoonotic in dogs.

Cats are infected with a variety of internal parasites, some of which are zoonotic. Therefore, being able to effectively detect and determine prevalence of internal parasites in cats is important for both feline and human health. Some parasites are easier to detect than others. Diagnosing Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. can be difficult because cysts and oocysts shed in the feces are small, shed intermittently, and require a trained technician to consistently identify them. As a result, infections with these protozoan parasites can be missed. Fecal immunoassays detect antigens in feces and can have increased sensitivity when compared to traditional microscopic techniques, but still do not detect every infection. The current reference standard is an immunoassay known as the direct immunofluorescent assay, but it requires expensive equipment and a long incubation period. As a result, two prototype lateral flow fecal immunoassays, the Cryptosporidium EZ VUE and Giardia EZ VUE, designed by TECHLAB® Inc were evaluated for the ability to detect G. duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. infections in cats because they are cheap, easy to use, easy to store and easy to interpret. In addition, samples were examined using a 33% zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) centrifugal fecal flotation procedure and the MERIFLUOR® Cryptosporidium/Giardia direct immunofluorescent assay (IFA), which served as the reference test. Other internal parasites found on the centrifugal fecal flotation with zinc sulfate were recorded to determine prevalence. Both EZ VUE fecal immunoassays demonstrated potential in diagnosing infections in cats when compared to centrifugal fecal flotation and the reference. Additionally, a variety of other internal parasites were identified. This included several potentially zoonotic species including Spirometra mansonoides, Ancylostoma sp. and Toxocara cati, which was also the most commonly identified species of parasite. Additionally, it was determined that several factors may contribute to higher prevalence of parasites especially in cats with the status of stray or feral. / M. S. / Internal parasites affect both human and animals. Some parasites do not cause any clinical signs or have a lasting effect, while others can cause damage or contribute to the death of an organism. Certain parasites are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted between humans and animals. Several of these zoonotic parasites are found in companion animals, such as cats. This is especially important because cats are a common household pet. How owned animals are treated, especially pets like dogs and cats, has changed over the past few decades. In many of these households they are considered family members. Additionally, there is a large population of free roaming cats, both stray and feral, that have the potential to interact with humans or their pets. Therefore, it is important to be able to effectively diagnose and determine the prevalence of parasites for both feline and human health. Some parasites are harder to diagnose than others due to varying factors and more diagnostic tests are needed to effectively and efficiently detect them. Two of these parasites that can be challenging to detect are Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. This thesis was aimed at evaluating two prototype diagnostic tests, originally designed for use in humans, for ability to detect these parasites and their potential as diagnostic tests in cats. In addition, this thesis determined the prevalence of other internal parasites found in a large group of cats in Virginia. The obtained results indicated the prototype diagnostic tests had potential. A variety of internal parasites were also present in Virginia cats, some of which were zoonotic, and showed how important routine veterinary care for maintaining feline and human health

L'évaluation de la contamination des cours d'eau par les agents parasites protozoaires est fondamentale puisqu'on estime qu'une personne sur deux dans le monde est ou a été infectée par une zoonose d'origine parasitaire. Les trois principaux parasites responsables d'épidémies hydriques sont Cryptosporidium parvum, Giardia duodenalis et Toxoplasma gondii. Actuellement, seule la matrice eau est utilisée pour analyser la présence de ces parasites dans l'environnement aquatique. Peu reproductible et chronophage, cette méthode ne permet pas de mettre en place une surveillance de routine. Le projet de thèse propose l'utilisation de la moule zébrée, Dreissena polymorpha, comme un nouvel outil complémentaire pour évaluer la qualité biologique des milieux d'eau douce. Au travers d'expérimentations combinant différentes approches in vivo, ex vivo et in situ, le potentiel de la dreissène à accumuler les parasites protozoaires ainsi que leurs cinétiques d'accumulation dans les tissus ont été déterminés. Utilisée comme espèce sentinelle des contaminations chimiques, l'effet d'un stress biologique dû aux protozoaires a été évalué au laboratoire sur les cellules clefs de l'immunité des bivalves, les hémocytes. Ainsi, le projet permet de placer l'organisme Dreissena polymorpha dans une double stratégie de biosurveillance : une biosurveillance sanitaire liée à l'utilisation de la dreissène en tant que vecteur de parasites considérés comme enjeux de santé publique et une biosurveillance environnementale liée à la compréhension des facteurs de confusion avec les réponses biologiques utilisées comme biomarqueurs. / Assessment of the water biological contamination by protozoa is crucial since one in two person of the world population is or has been infected by a parasitic zoonosis. The main protozoa responsible of waterborne outbreaks are Cryptosporidium parvum, Giardia duodenalis and Toxoplasma gondii. Currently, protozoa detection is only based on water analysis. Irrelevant and time consuming, water analysis do not permit accurate biomonitoring. These project aims to use the freshwater mussel, Dreissena polymorpha, as a new complementary tool for biological quality analysis of freshwater. Through in vivo, ex vivo and in situ experiments, we determine the utility of zebra mussel for protozoa accumulation and their accumulation pattern within mussel tissues. Already use as a sentinel specie for chemical contamination, biological stress caused by protozoa has been determined in laboratory experiments on key cells of bivalve immunity, the hemocytes. Hence, Dreissena polymorpha could be involved in a twofold biomonitoring tactics: sanitary biomonitoring related to the use of zebra mussel as vector to protozoa with public health issue and environmental biomonitoring on understanding of the confounding factors in biological responses used as biomarkers.

Giardia duodenalis est le protozoaire responsable de la giardiose, la parasitose intestinale la plus répandue dans le monde. Cette infection se caractérise par une malabsorption intestinale, des diarrhées, une perte de poids et des douleurs abdominales intenses chez l’Homme et de nombreux mammifères. Par ailleurs, cette maladie dont l’impact en santé publique et vétérinaire est reconnu, peut entraîner d’importantes déficiences nutritionnelles en particulier chez les sujets jeunes. L’infection est causée par l’ingestion de kystes de Giardia duodenalis (syn. G. lamblia, G. intestinalis) présents dans les aliments ou l’eau contaminée. Infectieux à très faibles doses, ces kystes survivent pendant plusieurs semaines dans l’environnement et sont résistants aux différents désinfectants. Suite au dékystement, la forme végétative de Giardia, le trophozoïte, adhère à l’épithélium intestinal au niveau des parties supérieures de l’intestin grêle et se multiplie, causant les symptômes. Cette phase se termine par un nouvel enkystement et l’excrétion de kystes par les fèces. Le nombre croissant d’infections liées à la contamination de l’eau potable, à l’émergence de souches résistantes aux médicaments disponibles, à la fréquence des échecs thérapeutiques et à l’importance des effets secondaires associés aux traitements font de cette maladie un sujet d’actualité de plus en plus préoccupant qui nécessite le développement de traitements alternatifs. Il est désormais bien établi que le microbiote et/ou certaines souches de bactéries probiotiques ont un impact bénéfique dans la giardiose. En particulier, la bactérie probiotique Lactobacillus johnsonii La1 (LjLa1) a un rôle protecteur contre la croissance de Giardia in vitro et in vivo. Nous avons cherché dans ce travail de Thèse à décrypter les mécanismes moléculaires associés à l’effet inhibiteur des facteurs sécrétés par LjLa1. Nous avons montré qu’in vitro, LjLa1 agissait en libérant des enzymes de type Bile Salt Hydrolases (BSH) qui modifient alors des composants de la bile non-toxiques pour le parasite (sels biliaires conjugués) en des composants toxiques (sels biliaires déconjugués). Les 3 gènes BSH codés dans le génome de LjLa1 ont été clonés chez Escherichia coli et les protéines taguées histidine purifiées pour étudier leurs propriétés biochimiques et biologiques. Obtenues sous forme active, nous avons pu en définir les spécificités de substrats et montrer qu’elles sont capables d’inhiber significativement la croissance de G. duodenalis in vitro et in vivo, dans un modèle murin de la giardiose (souriceaux OF1 non sevrés). En parallèle, nous avons identifié, à l’issue d’un large criblage de souches de lactobacilles selon leur activité anti-Giardia in vitro, une souche probiotique aux effets inhibiteurs comparables à ceux de LjLa1 : Lactobacillus gasseri CNCM-4884. Administrée in vivo dans le modèle murin de la giardiose, cette souche a réduit de 93% la charge parasitaire dans l'intestin grêle des nouveaux nés et a également réduit de façon significative le nombre de kystes libérés dans l’environnement, permettant ainsi de réduire la transmission de Giardia. Des travaux parallèles ont été réalisés au cours de ce projet de Thèse, notamment le développement d’outils de moléculaire pour l’expression hétérologue de molécules d’intérêt en santé animale chez divers lactobacilles. Le développement de ces « vecteurs mucosaux » permettra à terme de proposer une stratégie de surexpression de BSH par les lactobacilles afin d’accroitre l’activité BSH in vivo, et renforcer ainsi l’élimination du parasite. Ces résultats permettent de proposer de nouvelles pistes thérapeutiques originales contre les giardioses humaines et animales, basées sur l’utilisation de lactobacilles probiotiques ou sur les activités BSH qui en sont dérivées. Ces traitements offrent alors une alternative sérieuse aux antibiotiques et permettront de pallier aux actuels fréquents échecs thérapeutiques. / Giardia duodenalis is a protozoan parasite responsible for giardiasis, the most common intestinal parasitic disease worldwide. This infection is characterized by intestinal malabsorption, diarrhea, weight loss and abdominal pain in humans and various mammalian species. Besides, this disease has a high veterinary and public health impact, leading to important nutritional deficiencies in young subjects. The infection is caused by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with infectious cysts of the parasite. Giardia cysts can survive for several weeks in the environment and are highly resistant to disinfectants. Giardia excysts in the intestinal tracts of its host and replicates under the trophozoite stage causing the symptoms. Trophozoites adhere to the intestinal epithelium of the small intestine and multiply, causing the symptoms. The cycle ends by a new encystment and infectious cysts are released in environments with feces. The increasing number of giardiasis cases, mainly due to water contaminations, the emergence of parasite strains resistant to drugs and therapeutic failures, make research on alternative therapeutic strategies and treatments highly needed. Nowadays, it is well known that the microbiota and probiotics play an important role in protection against this parasite. For instance, the probiotic strain Lactobacillus johnsonii La1 (LjLa1) prevents the establishment of Giardia in vitro and in vivo. In this thesis, we have tried to point out the molecular mechanism(s) involved in this inhibitory effect(s). We showed in vitro that LjLa1 was releasing "Bile Salt Hydrolases" (BSH) – like activities that modify some components of bile (conjugated bile salts) into toxic compounds (deconjugated bile salts) for Giardia. We have cloned and expressed each of the three bsh genes present in the genome of LjLa1 in Escherichia coli in order to study their enzymatic and biological properties. Two BSH were obtained as recombinant active enzymes and biochemical tests showed that they have distinct substrate specificities despite similar predicted 3D structures. Moreover, these two BSHs of LjLa1 exhibited anti-giardial effects in vitro and in vivo in a murine model of the giardiasis (OF1suckling mice), comforting the hypothesis of the biological role of active BSH, derived from probiotics, against Giardia. A wide collection of diverse lactobacilli strains was screened to assess their effectiveness to also display both anti-giardial and BSH activities. This screening allowed the identification of several strains exhibiting strong anti-giardial effects such as Lactobacillus gasseri CNCM I-4884. In a murine model of giardiasis, this strain dramatically reduced the parasite burden in the small intestine of treated animals and significantly reduced the number of cysts in the colon, which could contribute to blockage of parasite transmission in environments. Additional studies were realized in parallel in order to explore the potency of lactobacilli to exert beneficial effects on health. For this, molecular tools were successfully developed in various lactobacilli strains to express and deliver therapeutic molecules at mucosal surfaces. The development of these tools will further allow the overexpression of BSH by lactobacilli to increase their in vivo BSH-activity and strengthen the elimination of the parasite. Altogether, this thesis work proposes new original therapeutic strategies against human and animal giardiasis, based on the use of BSH-positive lactobacilli strains or recombinant BSH- derived from probiotic strains, to counteract the frequent therapeutic failures, offering a serious alternative to antibiotics.

Infektionen mit dem intestinalen Parasiten Giardia duodenalis, verursachen weltweit eine der häufigsten humanen Parasitosen. Bislang konnten keine eindeutigen Virulenz- oder Pathogenitätsmarker des Erregers beschrieben werden. Es wird allerdings vermutet, dass potentielle G. duodenalis Virulenzfaktoren Enzyme sind, die während des Kontaktes des Erregers mit den Dünndarmepithelzellen sezerniert werden. Eines dieser Enzyme ist die Arginin Deiminase (ADI), die Arginin zu Citrullin umwandelt. Ziel dieser Arbeit war es Merkmale zu identifizieren, die für die ADI als Virulenzfaktor sprechen. Dazu wurde das Enzym zunächst hinsichtlich seiner Bedeutung für die Wirt-Pathogen-Interaktion untersucht. Die mit rekombinanter, katalytisch aktiver ADI (Assemblage A) behandelten LPS-stimulierten humanen moDC zeigten eine Veränderung in ihrem Phänotyp als auch in ihrer Cytokinsekretion. Diese ließ sich auf die durch das Enzym hervorgerufene Arginindepletion und/oder auf die Bildung der Metabolite, Citrullin und NH4+, zurückführen. Weiterhin konnte gezeigt werden, dass Parasitenisolate verschiedener G. duodenalis Assemblage A-Subtypen, vermutlich durch die katalytische Aktivität der ADI, die Stickstoffmonoxid-Bildung einer intestinalen Epithelzelllinie inhibiert. Neben dem Einfluss auf die Wirtsimmunantwort wurde auch die Variabilität in der kodierenden Sequenz des Enzyms in verschiedenen Parasitenisolaten analysiert. Anschließend erfolgte die funktionelle Charakterisierung des nativen (verschiedene Assemblage A-Subtypen) als auch des rekombinant aufgereinigten Enzyms (Assemblage A, B und E). Dabei zeigten sich Unterschiede in der Substrataffinität der ADI für Arginin, sowohl zwischen unterschiedlichen Assemblage A-Subtypen als auch unterschiedlichen Assemblage-Klassen. Zusammenfassend wurde gezeigt, dass die G. duodenalis ADI immunmodulatorische Effekte hat und das vermutlich eine Korrelation zwischen der Variation in der Primärstruktur und der Funktion des Enzyms besteht. / Giardia duodenalis (G. duodenalis) is an intestinal protozoan parasite that causes giardiasis, one of the most prevalent parasitic diseases worldwide. So far, little is known concerning host-parasite interaction, in particular what determines the parasite’s pathogenicity. Several potential virulence factors, among them the arginine deiminase (ADI) that hydrolyzes arginine into citrulline and NH4+, are discussed. The ADI was identified to be released upon contact with intestinal epithelium by Giardia trophozoites and was recognized as an immunoreactive protein during acute human giardiasis. Aim of the study was to identify hints for G. duodenalis ADI to be a virulence factor. First, to analyze the enzyme’s impact on host-parasite interplay, its influence on human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (moDC) was investigated. Treatment of LPS-stimulated cells with recombinant ADI of assemblage A changed DC phenotype (CD83, CD86) and cytokine secretion (TNF-α, IL-10, IL-12p40). These immunomodulatory changes in DC response were due to arginine depletion and the formation of reaction products, in particular, ammonium ions. Furthermore, trophozoites of different assemblage subtypes were shown, probably due to consumption of arginine by ADI, to reduce nitric oxide formation by intestinal epithelial cells in vitro. Second, variation in the ADI coding sequence of different G. duodenalis isolates being collected in a Giardia biobank was analyzed by sequencing. Subsequently, functional genetics were performed with native ADI of different assemblage A subtypes expressed by these strains as well as with purified, recombinant ADI of assemblage A, B and E. It was recognized that enzymes of the same subtype as well as of different assemblages types had different substrate affinities for arginine. To sum up, this report identified G. duodenalis ADI to be immunomodulatory and gives first indications of a correlation between enzyme function and variation of the protein primary structure.