Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD American Society for Microbiology
Résumé : International audience
This study aimed to evaluate the repeated sequence REP-529 compared to the B1 gene for the molecular diagnosis of toxoplasmosis by quantitative PCR (qPCR) in routine diagnosis.Over a ten-year period (2003-2013), all patients prospectively diagnosed with a positive REP-529 qPCR result for toxoplasmosis were included. All DNA samples (76 samples from 56 patients) were simultaneously tested using the two qPCR methods (REP-529 and B1).The mean Ct obtained with the B1 qPCR was significantly higher (+4.71 cycles) than that obtained with REP-529 qPCR (p<0.0001). Thirty-one out of 69 extracts (45.6%) positive with REP-529 qPCR were not amplified with the B1 qPCR (relative sensitivity 54.4%, compared to REP-529), yielding false negative results on 15/28 placentas, 5 cord blood, 2 amniotic fluids, 4 cerebrospinal fluids, 1 aqueous humor, 2 lymph node punctures and 1 abortion product. This defect in sensitivity would have left 20/56 patients undiagnosed, distributed as follows: 12/40 congenital toxoplasmosis, 4/5 cerebral toxoplasmosis, 2/8 patients with retinochoroiditis, and both patients with chronic lymphadenopathy. This poor performance of B1 qPCR could be related to low parasite loads, since the mean Toxoplasma quantification in extracts with B1 false negative results was 0.4 parasite/reaction.These results clearly show the superiority of the REP-529 sequence in the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis by PCR suggest that this target should be adopted as part of standardization of the PCR assay.
ISSN: 0095-1137

hal-01118293
https://hal-univ-rennes1.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01118293
https://hal-univ-rennes1.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01118293/document
https://hal-univ-rennes1.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01118293/file/A%2010-Year%20Retrospective%20Comparison%20of%20Two%20Target%20Sequences-belaz2015.pdf
PUBMEDCENTRAL : PMC4365238

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD
Résumé : International audience
The relationships between Philodendron solimoesense and the larvae of two chalcid wasp species, inhabiting up to 88% of the infructescences, were studied in French Guiana. Exurus sp. (Chalcidoidea, Eulophidae, Tetrastichinae), is a gall maker and its larvae develop at the expense of seeds which are transformed into galls. We estimate that two seeds are necessary for the development of one eulophid. Their impact on plant reproductive success appears to be important, since parasitized fruits produce 60% fewer seeds than nonparasitized fruits and could explain the reduced seed set observed (53%). The larvae of a Sycophila sp. (Chalcidoidea, Eurytomidae, Eurytominae) are also present in the fruits of P. solimoesense occupied by eulophid larvae. The eurytomid larvae apparently develop at the expense of about one eulophid and are responsible for the death of 39% of them by direct predation or indirectly by consuming the gall tissues. Eulophids are far more abundant than eurytomids, since parasitized fruits contain an average of 11 eulophids but only one eurytomid. As chalcid wasp emergence takes place in a closed cavity and sex ratios are strongly biased in a given gall, local mate competition may occur as observed for fig wasps within figs.
International Journal of Plant Sciences

hal-01202708
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01202708

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD American Society for Microbiology
Résumé : International audience
Summary: The apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii was discovered a little over 100 years ago, but knowledge of its biological life cycle and its medical importance has grown in the last 40 years. This obligate intracellular parasite was identified early as a pathogen responsible for congenital infection, but its clinical expression and the importance of reactivations of infections in immunocompromised patients were recognized later, in the era of organ transplantation and HIV infection. Recent knowledge of host cell-parasite interactions and of parasite virulence has brought new insights into the comprehension of the pathophysiology of infection. In this review, we focus on epidemiological and diagnostic aspects, putting them in perspective with current knowledge of parasite genotypes. In particular, we provide critical information on diagnostic methods according to the patient's background and discuss the implementation of screening tools for congenital toxoplasmosis according to health policies.
ISSN: 0893-8512

hal-00696903
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00696903
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00696903/document
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00696903/file/Epidemiologysur and_Diagnostic-accepted.pdf
DOI : 10.1128/CMR.05013-11

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Springer Verlag
Résumé : International audience
Myrmecophytes offer plant-ants a nesting place in exchange for protection from their enemies, particularly defoliators. These obligate ant-plant mutualisms are common model systems for studying factors that allow horizontally transmitted mutualisms to persist since parasites of ant-myrmecophyte mutualisms exploit the rewards provided by host plants whilst providing no protection in return. In pioneer formations in French Guiana, Azteca alfari and Azteca ovaticeps are known to be mutualists of myrmecophytic Cecropia (Cecropia ants). Here, we show that Azteca andreae, whose colonies build carton nests on myrmecophytic Cecropia, is not a parasite of Azteca-Cecropia mutualisms nor is it a temporary social parasite of A. alfari; it is, however, a temporary social parasite of A. ovaticeps. Contrarily to the two mutualistic Azteca species that are only occasional predators feeding mostly on hemipteran honeydew and food bodies provided by the host trees, A. andreae workers, which also attend hemipterans, do not exploit the food bodies. Rather, they employ an effective hunting technique where the leaf margins are fringed with ambushing workers, waiting for insects to alight. As a result, the host trees' fitness is not affected as A. andreae colonies protect their foliage better than do mutualistic Azteca species resulting in greater fruit production. Yet, contrarily to mutualistic Azteca, when host tree development does not keep pace with colony growth, A. andreae workers forage on surrounding plants; the colonies can even move to a non-Cecropia tree.
ISSN: 0028-1042

hal-00818203
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00818203
DOI : 10.1007/s00114-010-0710-y
PUBMED : 20730522

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Springer Verlag (Germany)
Résumé : 5 pages
International audience
This study investigates the recent evolution of a rich parasite community associated with one of the world's most invasive species, the cichlid fish Oreochromis mossambicus. Populations from the species' native range (Mozambique) are compared to a population from New Caledonia (Wester Pacific), an island where the species was introduced in 1954. The results support the complete local extinction of the gill parasite community in the course of the invasion process. Up to six gill parasite species per locality were documented in the O. mossambicus native range, and previous surveys consistently reported at least one parasite species introduced along African cichlid species established out of Africa. The absence of parasites in New Caledonia is therefore exceptional. This can be attributed to local factors, such as a strong initial population bottleneck, the likely absence of multiple host introductions, and the frequent occurrence of brackish watersheds that might enhance the probability for natural deparasitation.
ISSN: 0932-0113

hal-01356378
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01356378
PUBMED : 27334451
DOI : 10.1007/s00436-016-5168-1

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Springer Verlag
Résumé : International audience
Trophobiotic associations between Caternaultiella rugosa (Heteroptera; Plataspidae) and two ant species, Camponotus brutus (Formicidae) and Myrmicaria opaciventris (Myrmicinae), were recorded at the base of the trunks of Bridelia micrantha (Euphorbiaceae). The bug colonies were generally sheltered in pavilions built by the ants, but during periods of proliferation, part of the colonies developed outside the pavilions. We examined the protective activity of the two associated ant species against an encyrtid parasitoid wasp that parasitized egg masses of the bug. Egg masses situated outside the pavilions were significantly less parasitized on trees occupied by either ant species than on experimental trees where ants were excluded by a sticky barrier. Egg masses were significantly less parasitized on trees occupied by C. brutus than on those occupied by M. opaciventris, both inside and outside the pavilions. Moreover, they were less parasitized inside than outside the pavilions when protected by C. brutus. Inside the pavilions, parental care of the egg masses and first-instar nymphs was abandoned to the ants. In contrast, outside the pavilions, the females of C. rugosa guarded egg masses and clusters of first-instar nymphs. Furthermore, adults and last-instar nymphs grouped around and above first-instar nymphs, forming a protective shield. These groups formed and disintegrated daily, according to the attending ant's rhythm of activity
ISSN: 0029-8549

hal-01202757
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01202757
DOI : 10.1007/s004420000479

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD BioMed Central
Résumé : International audience
BACKGROUND: The genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum has been extensively studied in various parts of the world. However, limited data are available from Mauritania. The present study examined and compared the genetic diversity of P. falciparum isolates in Mauritania. METHODS: Plasmodium falciparum isolates blood samples were collected from 113 patients attending health facilities in Nouakchott and Hodh El Gharbi regions. K1, Mad20 and RO33 allelic family of msp-1 gene were determined by nested PCR amplification. RESULTS: K1 family was the predominant allelic type carried alone or in association with Ro33 and Mad20 types (90%; 102/113). Out of the 113 P. falciparum samples, 93(82.3%) harboured more than one parasite genotype. The overall multiplicity of infection was 3.2 genotypes per infection. There was no significant correlation between multiplicity of infection and age of patients. A significant increase of multiplicity of infection was correlated with parasite densities. CONCLUSIONS: The polymorphism of P. falciparum populations from Mauritania was high. Infection with multiple P. falciparum clones was observed, as well as a high multiplicity of infection reflecting both the high endemicity level and malaria transmission in Mauritania.
ISSN: 1475-2875

inserm-00936407
http://www.hal.inserm.fr/inserm-00936407
http://www.hal.inserm.fr/inserm-00936407/document
http://www.hal.inserm.fr/inserm-00936407/file/1475-2875-13-26.pdf
DOI : 10.1186/1475-2875-13-26

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD BioMed Central
Résumé : International audience
Background: Heterogeneous patterns of malaria transmission are thought to be driven by factors including host genetics, distance to mosquito breeding sites, housing construction, and socio-behavioural characteristics. Evaluation of local transmission epidemiology to characterize malaria risk is essential for planning malaria control and elimination programmes. The use of geographical information systems (GIS) techniques has been a major asset to this approach. To assess time and space distribution of malaria disease in Bandiagara, Mali, within a transmission season, data were used from an ongoing malaria incidence study that enrolled 300 participants aged under six years old ". Methods: Children's households were georeferenced using a handheld global position system. Clinical malaria was defined as a positive blood slide for Plasmodium falciparum asexual stages associated with at least one of the following signs: headache, body aches, fever, chills and weakness. Daily rainfall was measured at the local weather station. Landscape features of Bandiagara were obtained from satellite images and field survey. QGIS™ software was used to map malaria cases, affected and non-affected children, and the number of malaria episodes per child in each block of Bandiagara. Clusters of high or low risk were identified under SaTScan W software according to a Bernoulli model. Results: From June 2009 to May 2010, 296 clinical malaria cases were recorded. Though clearly temporally related to the rains, Plasmodium falciparum occurrence persisted late in the dry season. Two " hot spots " of malaria transmission also found, notably along the Yamé River, characterized by higher than expected numbers of malaria cases, and high numbers of clinical episodes per child. Conversely, the northeastern sector of the town had fewer cases despite its proximity to a large body of standing water which was mosquito habitat. Conclusion: These results confirm the existence of a marked spatial heterogeneity of malaria transmission in Bandiagara, providing support for implementation of targeted interventions. Background Malaria is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the world, with an estimated 3.3 billion people at risk of malaria [1]. The incidence of malaria worldwide is estimated to be 216 million cases per year, with 81% of these cases occurring in sub-Saharan Africa. Malaria kills approximately 655,000 people per year; 91% of deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa [1], mostly in children under five years of age. In Mali, West Africa, malaria represents 36.5% of consultation motives in health center, it is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality children of less than five years of age and the first reason of anaemia in pregnant women [2]. Malaria transmission is seasonal. Malaria parasite transmission and clinical disease are characterized by important microgeographic variation, often between adjacent villages, households or families [3-8]. This local heterogeneity is driven by a variety of factors including human genetics [9,10], distance to potential breeding sites [11,12], housing construction
ISSN: 1475-2875

hal-01307672
https://hal-amu.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01307672
https://hal-amu.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01307672/document
https://hal-amu.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01307672/file/1475-2875-12-82.pdf
DOI : 10.1186/1476-072X-2-5

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Frontiers Media
Résumé : International audience
The Anopheles midgut hosts diverse bacterial communities and represents a complex ecosystem. Several evidences indicate that mosquito midgut microbiota interferes with malaria parasite transmission. However, the bacterial composition of salivary glands and ovaries, two other biologically important tissues, has not been described so far. In this study, we investigated the dynamics of the bacterial communities in the mosquito tissues from emerging mosquitoes until 8 days after a blood meal containing Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes and described the temporal colonization of the mosquito epithelia. Bacterial communities were identified in the midgut, ovaries, and salivary glands of individual mosquitoes using pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. We found that the mosquito epithelia share a core microbiota, but some bacteria taxa were more associated with one or another tissue at a particular time point. The bacterial composition in the tissues of emerging mosquitoes varied according to the breeding site, indicating that some bacteria are acquired from the environment. Our results revealed temporal variations in the bacterial community structure, possibly as a result of the mosquito physiological changes. The abundance of Serratia significantly correlated with P. falciparum infection both in the midgut and salivary glands of malaria challenged mosquitoes, which suggests that interactions occur between microbes and parasites. These bacteria may represent promising targets for vector control strategies. Overall, this study points out the importance of characterizing bacterial communities in malaria mosquito vectors.
ISSN: 1664-302X

hal-01546162
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01546162
DOI : 10.3389/fmicb.2015.01500

Résumé : Les deux principaux objectifs de ce travail sont de proposer des outils pour la selection d'animaux résistants aux strongles gastro-intestinaux, parasites du tube digestif, et de faire progresser la compréhension des mécanismes de résistance chez la chèvre créole. La variabilité génétique du caractère de résistance au parasitisme digestif a été étudiée afin de vérifier quels critères décrivant le mieux la résistance, peuvent être utilisés pour la sélection. L'ensemble des résultats obtenus suggèrent que le critère d'excrétion d'oeufs et le critère d'éosinophilie sont les plus adaptés pour un schéma de sélection puisqu'ils possèdent une héritabillté moyenne et représentent le mieux la résistance. De plus, ils ne semblent pas en opposition avec le poids, principal critère de production. Le déterminisme génétique de la résistance aux strongles gastro-intestinaux a été étudié et a permis de mettre en évidence l'existence d'un gène majeur pour la résistance chez la population de chèvre créole. De plus, la primo-détection de qtl a permis d'identifier 13 régions du génome ayant un effet sur les critères de résistance. Les mécanismes responsables de la résistance aux strongles gastro-intestinaux ont également été à l'étude. L'ensemble des résultats met en évidence le rôle des éosinophiles dans la mise en place de la résistance aux strongles gastro-intestinaux. L'activité des immunogobulines e semblent dirigés vers les larves l3 d'haemonchus contortus et suggère la mise en place d'une réaction protectrice. Chez la chèvre créole. Ces deux mécanismes semblent donc jouer un rôle important dans la mise en place de la résistance aux strongles gastro-intestinaux
The two main objectives of this work are to propose tools for the selection of resistant animals to gastrointestinal nematodes and advance knowledge on mechanisms of resistance of creole goats. this work has analysed the genetic variability of resistance to digestive parasitism in order to determine which criteria best describes the resistance and can be use for selection. the overall results suggest that the egg excretion and the eosinophilia are the criteria most suitable for a breeding scheme because they have moderate heritability estimates and best represent the resistance. moreover, they do not seem in conflict with the weight, the main criterion of production. the genetic determinism of resistance to gastrointestinal parasites has been studied and has highlighted the existence of a major gene for resistance in creole goats. in addition, the primodetection of qtl identified 13 genomic regions that affect the resistance. the mechanisms behind the resistance to gastrointestinal parasites were also studied and first hypothesis regarding the involvment of the immune response in resistance have been made in goats. the overall results highlighted the role of eosinophils in the development of resistance to gastrointestinal nematodes. the activity of immunoglobulin e seems directed toward l3 larvae of haemonchus contortus and may be imply in the establishment of a protective response agasint nematode parasites. in creole goats, these two mechanisms seem to play an important role in the development of resistance to gastrointestinal nematode infections

http://www.theses.fr/2011AGUY0407/document

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD American Society for Microbiology
Résumé : International audience
: We investigated the in vitro effects of four alkyl-galactofuranoside derivatives, i.e. octyl-β-D-galactofuranoside (1), 6-amino-β-D-galactofuranoside (2), 6-N-acetamido-β-D-galactofuranoside (3), and 6-azido-β-D-galactofuranoside (4) on Leishmania donovani. Their mechanism of action was explored using electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and ultrastructural alterations by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Compound 1 showed the most promising effects by inhibiting promastigote growth at IC50 8.96 ± 2.5 μM. All compounds exhibit low toxicity towards human macrophages. Compound 1 had a higher selectivity index than the comparative molecule used, i.e. miltefosine (159.7 versus 37.9, respectively). EPR showed that compound 1 significantly reduced membrane fluidity, compared to control promastigotes and to compound 3. The furanose ring was shown to support this effect since the isomer galactopyranose had no effect on parasite membrane fluidity or growth. NMR showed a direct interaction of all compounds (1>2>3>4) with the promastigote membrane, as well as with octyl-galactopyranose and octanol, providing evidence that the n-octyl chain was primarily involved in the anchoring with the parasite membrane, followed by the putative crucial role of furanose ring in the anti-leishmanial activity. A morphologic analysis of compound 1-treated promastigotes by TEM revealed profound alterations on parasite membrane and organelles, but not with compound 3. Quantification of annexinV binding by flow cytometry confirmed that compound 1 induced apoptosis in >90% promastigotes. The effect of compound 1 was also assessed on intra-macrophagic amastigotes, and showed a reduction in amastigote growth associated with an increase of ROS production, thus validating its promising effect.
ISSN: 0066-4804

hal-00941772
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00941772
PUBMED : 24468785
DOI : 10.1128/AAC.01350-13

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD
Résumé : Visceral leishmaniasis is a life-threatening systemic disease caused by Leishmania protozoans, L. donovani and L. infantum, which invade mononuclear phagocytes in the lymphoid organs and the liver. The control of the hepatic parasite burden depends on the granuloma formation, which is favored by a Th1 immune response in a Th2 tissue microenvironment. The aim of this work was to study the role of the recently described Th2 cytokine IL-33 in this complex immune response, which remains partially misunderstood. IL-33 dosages in different patient sera and IL-33+ cells detected in the liver of a patient from Rennes suggested that IL-33 could be a biomarker for active visceral leishmaniasis. As IL-33 was described in hepatic stellate cells during chronic hepatitis, these cells were exposed to L. donovani in primary culture. The cell permissivity to L. donovani and the parasite persistence during a long term culture led us to propose hepatic stellate cells as a new type of sanctuary cells, which could partially explain asymptomatic carriage. However, these cells were apparently not the main source of IL-33 during visceral leishmaniasis. In infected BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice, IL-33 was detected in the liver in non stellate cells preferentially localized in granulomas. The presence of cells expressing its specific receptor ST2 in the liver led us to explore the role of the IL-33/ST2 axis. BALB/c mice deficient in ST2 or treated with recombinant IL-33 and infected with L. donovani revealed that IL-33 downregulates the expression of Th1 key cytokines (IL-12, IFN-γ) and the recruitment of neutrophils and monocytes. Finally, IL-33 acts as a susceptibility factor during visceral leishmaniasis. Besides, the model of L. donovani infected C57BL/6 mice deficient in IL-33 or treated with recombinant IL-33 suggests possible differential roles of IL-33 depending on the immune environment related to the host genetic background.
La leishmaniose viscérale est une maladie systémique mortelle en l’absence de traitement. Elle est due aux protozoaires Leishmania donovani et L. infantum, parasites des phagocytes mononucléés, capables d’envahir les organes lymphoïdes et le foie. Le contrôle de l’infection hépatique repose sur la mise en place d’une réponse granulomateuse efficace, promue par une réponse immunitaire Th1, dans un environnement tissulaire Th2. L’objectif de ce travail était l'étude du rôle d’une cytokine Th2 récemment décrite, l’IL-33, dans cette réponse hépatique complexe encore partiellement incomprise. Des dosages d’IL-33 sur des sérums de patients et la détection de cellules IL-33+ dans le foie d’un patient rennais ont placé l’IL-33 comme un biomarqueur possible de la maladie active. L’IL-33 étant exprimée dans les cellules étoilées du foie au cours d’hépatites chroniques, ces cellules ont été exposées à L. donovani. Leur permissivité aux leishmanies sans toxicité apparente ni perturbation de leurs propriétés fonctionnelles, ainsi que la persistance des leishmanies sur une culture de plusieurs semaines, nous ont conduit à proposer les cellules étoilées comme cellules sanctuaires possibles pour les leishmanies viscérotropes, contribuant donc potentiellement au portage asymptomatique. En revanche, elles ne sont pas apparues comme une source majeure d'IL-33 au cours de la leishmaniose viscérale. Chez des souris C57BL/6 et BALB/c infectées par L. donovani, l'IL-33 a été observée dans des cellules ne s'apparentant pas à des cellules étoilées, et principalement localisées dans les granulomes. Des cellules exprimant son récepteur ST2 ayant été également observées dans le foie, un rôle de l’axe IL-33/ST2 a été recherché. Les résultats obtenus chez des souris BALB/c déficientes en ST2 ou traitées par de l'IL-33 recombinante suggèrent que l'IL-33 régule négativement l'expression de cytokines Th1 (IL-12, IFN-γ) et l'infiltrat de neutrophiles et monocytes dans le foie, limitant ainsi le contrôle de la charge parasitaire. Ainsi, l'IL-33 semble être un facteur de susceptibilité pour la leishmaniose viscérale. En parallèle, des travaux entrepris sur des souris C57BL/6 infectées par L. donovani suggèrent de possibles rôles différentiels de l'IL-33 en fonction de l'environnement immunitaire inhérent au fond génétique de l'hôte.
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01126847

Droits : info:eu-repo/semantics/OpenAccess
NNT : 2013REN1B002
tel-01126847
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01126847
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01126847/document
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01126847/file/2013REN1B002.pdf

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD BioMed Central
Résumé : International audience
UNLABELLED: ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: High circulating parasite load is one of the WHO criteria for severe falciparum malaria. During a period of 11 years (2000-2010), the frequency of hyperparasitaemia (HP) (≥4% infected erythrocytes) during bouts of malaria due to Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium malariae in patients referred to Cayenne General Hospital (CGH) in French Guiana and the frequency of their admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) were evaluated. METHODS: A mean of 1,150 malaria cases were referred to the Parasitology Laboratory of CGH each year over the last decade. During this period, malaria diagnostic (microscopy) and parasitaemia evaluation have remained unchanged: determination of the parasitized erythrocytes percentage with asexual forms on thin blood smears for all cases of parasitaemia exceeding 0.1%. Patients admitted to the ICU can be counted by origin of the request for malaria testing. All the data collected retrospectively were anonymized in a standardized case report form and in database. RESULTS: Between 2000 and 2010, 12,254 bouts of malaria were confirmed at the Parasitology Laboratory of CHG: P. vivax: 56.2%, P. falciparum: 39.5%, co-infection with both species: 3.4%, P. malariae: 0.9%. HP was observed in 262 cases, at a frequency of 4.9% for P. falciparum and only 0.041% for P. vivax, with no recorded cases for P. malariae. The need for intensive care was correlated with P. falciparum parasite load: 12.3% of cases for parasitaemia of 4-9%, 21.2% for parasitaemia 10-19%, 50% for parasitaemia 20-29% and 77.8% for parasitaemia ≥30% (n=9). The patient with the highest parasitaemia (75% infected erythrocytes with asexual form) presented a major concomitant lupus flare-up treated with corticoids. He survived without obvious sequelae. CONCLUSIONS: In French Guiana during bouts of malaria, HP was observed at a frequency of ~ 5% for P. falciparum and two orders of magnitude less frequent for P. vivax. HP is a severity criterion for falciparum malaria in this endemic area. However, two of the patients with HP ≥30% were not admitted to the ICU and sequel-free cure in malaria patients with 75% parasitaemia is, therefore, possible.
ISSN: 1475-2875

inserm-00780740
http://www.hal.inserm.fr/inserm-00780740
http://www.hal.inserm.fr/inserm-00780740/document
http://www.hal.inserm.fr/inserm-00780740/file/1475-2875-12-20.pdf
DOI : 10.1186/1475-2875-12-20

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD American Society for Microbiology
Résumé : International audience
Anti-Aspergillus IgG antibodies are important biomarkers for the diagnosis of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). We compared the performance of a new commercial EIA (Bordier Affinity Products) with those of the Bio-Rad and VirionSerion EIAs. This assay is novel in the association of two recombinant antigens with somatic and metabolic antigens of A. fumigatus. In a prospective multicentre study, 436 serum samples from 147 patients diagnosed with CPA (136 sera/104 patients) or ABPA (94 sera/43 patients) and from 205 controls (206 sera) were tested. We obtained sensitivities of 97%, 91.7%, and 86.1%, and specificities of 90.3%, 91.3%, and 81.5% for the Bordier, Bio-Rad and VirionSerion tests, respectively. The Bordier kit was more sensitive than the Bio-Rad kit (p < 0.01), which was itself more sensitive than the VirionSerion kit (p=0.04). The Bordier and Bio-Rad kits had similar specificities (p=0.8), both higher than that of the VirionSerion kit (p=0.02). The areas under the ROC curves confirmed the superiority of the Bordier kit over the Bio-Rad and the VirionSerion kits (0.977, 0.951 and 0.897, respectively; p < 0.01 for each comparison). In a subset analysis of 279 sera tested with the Bordier and Bio-Rad kits and an in-house immunoprecipitin assay (IPD), the Bordier kit had the highest sensitivity (97.7%), but the IPD tended to be more specific (71.2 and 84.7%, respectively; p=0.10).The use of recombinant, somatic and metabolic antigens in a single EIA improved the balance between sensitivity and specificity, resulting in an assay highly suitable for use in the diagnosis of chronic and allergic aspergillosis.
ISSN: 0095-1137

hal-01282328
https://hal-univ-rennes1.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01282328
https://hal-univ-rennes1.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01282328/document
https://hal-univ-rennes1.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01282328/file/Prospective%20evaluation%20of%20a%20new%20Aspergillus.pdf
DOI : 10.1128/JCM.03261-15

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
Ethnopharmacological relevancePsidium acutangulum Mart. ex DC is a small tree used by the Wayana Amerindians from the Upper-Maroni in French Guiana for the treatment of malaria.Aim of the studyIn a previous study, we highlighted the in vitro antiplasmodial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of the traditional decoction of P. acutangulum aerial parts. Our goal was then to investigate on the origin of the biological activity of the traditional remedy, and eventually characterize active constituents.Materials and methodsLiquid-liquid extractions were performed on the decoction, and the antiplasmodial activity evaluated against chloroquine-resistant FcB1 ([3H]-hypoxanthine bioassay) and 7G8 (pLDH bioassay) P. falciparum strains, and on a chloroquine sensitive NF54 ([3H]-hypoxanthine bioassay) P. falciparum strain. The ethyl acetate fraction (D) was active and underwent bioguided fractionation. All the isolated compounds were tested on P. falciparum FcB1 strain. In vitro anti-inflammatory activity (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNFα) of the ethyl acetate fraction and of an anti-Plasmodium active compound, was concurrently assessed on LPS-stimulated human PBMC and NO secretion inhibition was measured on LPS stimulated RAW murine macrophages. Cytotoxicity of the fractions and pure compounds was measured on VERO cells, L6 mammalian cells, PBMCs, and RAW cells.ResultsFractionation of the ethyl acetate soluble fraction (IC50 ranging from 3.4 to <1 µg/mL depending on the parasite strain) led to the isolation of six pure compounds: catechin and five glycosylated quercetin derivatives. These compounds have never been isolated from this plant species. Two of these compounds (wayanin and guaijaverin) were found to be moderately active against P. falciparum FcB1 in vitro (IC50 5.5 and 6.9 µM respectively). We proposed the name wayanin during public meetings organized in June 2015 in the Upper-Maroni villages, in homage to the medicinal knowledge of the Wayana population. At 50 µg/mL, the ethyl acetate fraction (D) significantly inhibited IL-1β secretion (−46%) and NO production (−21%), as previously observed for the decoction. The effects of D and guiajaverin (4) on the secretion of other cytokines or NO production were not significant.ConclusionsThe confirmed antiplasmodial activity of the ethyl acetate soluble fraction of the decoction and of the isolated compounds support the previous results obtained on the P. acutangulum decoction. The antiplasmodial activity might be due to a mixture of moderately active non-toxic flavonoids. The anti-inflammatory activities were less marked for ethyl acetate fraction (D) than for the decoction.
ISSN: 0378-8741

hal-01313006
http://hal.upmc.fr/hal-01313006
http://hal.upmc.fr/hal-01313006/document
http://hal.upmc.fr/hal-01313006/file/Houel_Wayanin_and.pdf
DOI : 10.1016/j.jep.2016.04.053

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : National audience
Résumé Les leishmanioses résultent de l’infection par un parasite protozoaire responsable d’un large panel de présentations cliniques, depuis la leishmaniose cutanée jusqu’à la leishmaniose viscérale. Elles sont présentes sur l’ensemble du globe à l’exception de l’Océanie, et les cliniciens et biologistes doivent savoir que la leishmaniose viscérale et la leishmaniose cutanée sont également autochtones sur le pourtour méditerranéen et en Guyane Française. Les modalités diagnostiques reposent sur la mise en évidence du parasite par examen direct, culture ou PCR. Les outils sérologiques peuvent venir compléter le faisceau d’arguments. Sur le plan thérapeutique, de nouvelles modalités sont actuellement proposées, notamment utilisation de l’amphotéricine B liposomale à forte dose.
ISSN: 1773-035X

hal-01243039
https://hal-univ-rennes1.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01243039
DOI : 10.1016/S1773-035X(15)30317-8

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Wiley
Résumé : International audience
Climatic changes result in an increased in mean temperature and in a higher incidence of extreme weather events such as heat and cold waves. For ectotherms, such as insect parasitoids, the ability to remain active under extreme climatic conditions is a significant key to fitness. The body size of individuals, and in particular their surface to volume ratio, may play a role in their resistance to thermal conditions. The thermal tolerances are investigated of two closely-related sympatric parasitoid species [Aphidius avenae Haliday and Aphidius rhopalosiphi De Stefani-Perez (Hymenoptera: Aphidiinae)] that have a similar ecology but differ in body size and phenologies. The critical thermal limits of individuals are assessed in both sexes of each parasitoid species and the influence of surface-volume ratios on their thermal tolerances. Aphidius avenae is less resistant to low temperatures and more resistant to high temperatures than A. rhopalosiphi. The lower surface to volume ratio of A. avenae individuals may help them to remain active in summer when experiencing heat waves. However, body size is not the sole factor that plays a role in differences of thermal tolerance between species and body size may not be an adaptation to extreme temperatures but rather a by-product of developmental regulation. Closely related sympatric species from the same ecological guild can have different thermal tolerances that may allow them to occur within the same habitat. The present study also highlights the importance of clearly defining how to measure critical thermal limits to determine the thermal tolerance of a species.
ISSN: 0307-6962

hal-00589094
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00589094
DOI : 10.1111/j.1365-3032.2010.00758.x

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins
Résumé : PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Malaria represents one of the most important selective factors affecting human populations. Several inherited diseases of red blood cells lead to resistance at the erythrocytic stage. Among patients who experience hereditary elliptocytosis related to mutations of erythrocyte membrane proteins, molecular studies have shown the prevalence of particular spectrin mutations in patients from black ethnic extraction, leading one to question the selection of new malaria-resistant genes. RECENT FINDINGS: Prospective epidemiological and molecular studies in West Africa have confirmed the prevalence (between 0.6 and 1.6%) of particular spectrin mutations related to hereditary elliptocytosis. These studies have also revealed the frequency of alpha-spectrin chain polymorphisms, associated in cis with elliptocytogenic spectrin mutations and defining particular spectrin allele haplotypes. Culture studies of Plasmodium falciparum in elliptocytes bearing such elliptocytogenic alleles of spectrin showed that these alleles are supplementary genetic factors of malaria resistance in vitro. SUMMARY: Certain instances of spectrin mutations or polymorphisms have not yet been shown to constitute new factors of innate resistance to malaria in vivo. Epidemiological surveys of hereditary elliptocytosis and parasite culture studies, however, have argued that the relationships between parasite and spectrin-based skeleton should be examined more closely and the molecular interactions between parasite ligands and particular spectrin chain domains should be characterized.
ISSN: 1065-6251

inserm-00128119
http://www.hal.inserm.fr/inserm-00128119
http://www.hal.inserm.fr/inserm-00128119/document
http://www.hal.inserm.fr/inserm-00128119/file/Dhermy_et_al_figures.pdf
DOI : 10.1097/MOH.0b013e3280d21afd

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD
Résumé : International audience
Some of the immunologic mechanisms involved in malaria physiopathology remain unclear. In animals, the spleen seems to play a key role in protecting the host against malaria. However, little is known about the effect of spleen dysfunction on human malaria. We report two severe cases of Plasmodium falciparum infection with unusual clinical and parasitologic features in two splenectomized men living in French Guiana. The peripheral blood of these cases showed hyperparasitemia, with a high proportion of mature parasites and leukocytes with malaria pigment. Despite appropriate treatment and adequate absorption, hyperparasitemia persisted. Parasite clearance was delayed and one patient died. Only the patient who died had the merozoite surface protein 1 allele B-K1 and the varD gene genotype, which is considered to be a probable parasite virulence factor. These uncommon cases differ from most of those described in the literature, illustrating the complexity of the mechanisms underlying the protective function of the spleen in human malaria.
The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene

pasteur-00590993
https://hal-riip.archives-ouvertes.fr/pasteur-00590993
PUBMED : 15381808

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Wiley Open Access
Résumé : 11 pages
International audience
The loss of regulating agents such as parasites is among the most important changes in biotic interactions experienced by populations established in newly colonized areas. Under a relaxed parasite pressure, individuals investing less in costly immune mechanisms might experience a selective advantage and become successful colonizers as they re-allocate resources to other fitness-related traits. Accordingly, a refinement of the evolution of increased competitive ability (EICA) hypothesis proposed that immunity of invasive populations has evolved toward a reduced investment in innate immunity, the most costly component of immunity, and an increased humoral immunity that is less costly. Biogeographical approaches comparing populations between native and expansion ranges are particularly relevant in exploring this issue, but remain very scarce. We conducted a biogeographical comparison between populations of Spectacled Thrush (Turdus nudigenis) from the native area (South America) and from the expansion range (Caribbean islands). First, we compared haemosporidian prevalence and circulating haptoglobin (an acute-phase protein produced during inflammation). Second, we challenged captive birds from both ranges with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and measured postchallenge haptoglobin production and body mass change. Birds from the expansion range showed lower haemosporidian prevalence and lower levels of haptoglobin than birds from the native range. In addition, the inflammation elicited by LPS injection and its associated cost in terms of body mass loss were lower in birds from the expansion range than in birds from the native range. In accordance with the enemy release hypothesis, our results suggest that range expansion is associated with a reduced infection risk. Our study also supports the hypothesis that individuals from newly established populations have evolved mechanisms to dampen the inflammatory response and are in accordance with one prediction of the refined EICA hypothesis, proposed to understand biological invasions.
ISSN: 2045-7758

hal-01403291
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01403291
DOI : 10.1002/ece3.2486