Development of nucleic acid lateral flow immunoassay for molecular detection of Entamoeba moshkovskii and Entamoeba dispar in stool samples.

Entamoeba moshkovskii, recently known as a possible pathogenic amoeba, and the non-pathogenic Entamoeba dispar are morphologically indistinguishable by microscopy. Although PCR was used for differential diagnosis, gel electrophoresis is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and exposed to hazardous elements. In this study, nucleic acid lateral flow immunoassay (NALFIA) was developed to detect E. moshkovskii and E. dispar by post-PCR amplicon analysis. E. moshkovskii primers were labeled with digoxigenin and biotin whereas primers of E. dispar were lebeled with FITC and digoxigenin. The gold nanoparticles were labeled with antibodies corresponding to particular labeling. Based on the established assay, NALFIA could detect as low as 975 fg of E. moshkovskii target DNA (982 parasites or 196 parasites/microliter), and 487.5 fg of E. dispar target DNA (444 parasites or 89 parasites/microliter) without cross-reactivity to other tested intestinal organisms. After testing 91 stool samples, NALFIA was able to detect seven E. moshkovskii (87.5% sensitivity and 100% specificity) and eight E. dispar samples (66.7% sensitivity and 100% specificity) compared to real-time PCR. Interestingly, it detected three mixed infections as real-time PCR. Therefore, it can be a rapid, safe, and effective method for the detection of the emerging pathogens E. moshkovskii and E. dispar in stool samples.

Combining isothermal recombinase polymerase amplification with lateral flow assay for diagnosis of P. cynomolgi malaria infection.

BACKGROUND: Plasmodium cynomolgi is a nonhuman primate parasite that causes malaria in humans and is transmitted by the Anopheles mosquito. Macaques, the natural hosts of P. cynomolgi, are widely distributed in Asia, especially in Southeast Asia. Anthropogenic land-use changes and wildlife habitat reduction due to local environmental changes, deforestation, urban expansion, and construction increased the frequency of human-macaque-vector interactions and facilitated the emergence of zoonotic malaria, causing an exponential increase in the infection rates in this area. Although microscopic tools are the gold standard for malaria diagnosis, they have very low sensitivity. Therefore, disease control and prevention require rapid, sensitive and accurate diagnostic tests. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPLE FINDINGS: This study aims to develop a diagnostic method using a recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) combined with a lateral flow (LF) strip method to specifically diagnose P. cynomolgi. Laboratory validation determined the method's sensitivity and specificity compared to the nested PCR method. The lower limit of detection was 22.14 copies/µl of recombinant plasmid per reaction. The combination method represented 81.82% sensitivity and 94.74% specificity compared to the nested PCR. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The diagnostic testing developed in this study combines a recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) and a lateral flow (LF) strip, offering rapid high sensitivity and specificity. Further development of this technique could make it a promising method for detecting P. cynomolgi.

Inhibitory effects of anthracyclines on partially purified 5'-3' DNA helicase of Plasmodium falciparum.

BACKGROUND: Plasmodium falciparum has been becoming resistant to the currently used anti-malarial drugs. Searching for new drug targets is urgently needed for anti-malarial development. DNA helicases separating double-stranded DNA into single-stranded DNA intermediates are essential in nearly all DNA metabolic transactions, thus they may act as a candidate for new drug targets against malarial parasites. METHODS: In this study, a P. falciparum 5' to 3' DNA helicase (PfDH-B) was partially purified from the crude extract of chloroquine- and pyrimethamine-resistant P. falciparum strain K1, by ammonium sulfate precipitation and three chromatographic procedures. DNA helicase activity of partially purified PfDH-B was examined by measuring its ability to unwind 32P-labelled partial duplex DNA. The directionality of PfDH-B was determined, and substrate preference was tested by using various substrates. Inhibitory effects of DNA intercalators such as anthracycline antibiotics on PfDH-B unwinding activity and parasite growth were investigated. RESULTS: The native PfDH-B was partially purified with a specific activity of 4150 units/mg. The PfDH-B could unwind M13-17-mer, M13-31-mer with hanging tail at 3' or 5' end and a linear substrate with 3' end hanging tail but not blunt-ended duplex DNA, and did not need a fork-like substrate. Anthracyclines including aclarubicin, daunorubicin, doxorubicin, and nogalamycin inhibited the unwinding activity of PfDH-B with an IC50 value of 4.0, 7.5, 3.6, and 3.1 µM, respectively. Nogalamycin was the most effective inhibitor on PfDH-B unwinding activity and parasite growth (IC50 = 0.1 ± 0.002 µM). CONCLUSION: Partial purification and characterization of 5'-3' DNA helicase of P. falciparum was successfully performed. The partially purified PfDH-B does not need a fork-like substrate structure found in P. falciparum 3' to 5' DNA helicase (PfDH-A). Interestingly, nogalamycin was the most potent anthracycline inhibitor for PfDH-B helicase activity and parasite growth in culture. Further studies are needed to search for more potent but less cytotoxic inhibitors targeting P. falciparum DNA helicase in the future.

Molecular characterization of Plasmodium falciparum DNA-3-methyladenine glycosylase.

BACKGROUND: The emergence of artemisinin-resistant malaria parasites highlights the need for novel drugs and their targets. Alkylation of purine bases can hinder DNA replication and if unresolved would eventually result in cell death. DNA-3-methyladenine glycosylase (MAG) is responsible for the repair of those alkylated bases. Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) MAG was characterized for its potential for development as an anti-malarial candidate. METHODS: Native PfMAG from crude extract of chloroquine- and pyrimethamine-resistant P. falciparum K1 strain was partially purified using three chromatographic procedures. From bio-informatics analysis, primers were designed for amplification, insertion into pBAD202/D-TOPO and heterologous expression in Escherichia coli of recombinant PfMAG. Functional and biochemical properties of the recombinant enzyme were characterized. RESULTS: PfMAG activity was most prominent in parasite schizont stages, with a specific activity of 147 U/mg (partially purified) protein. K1 PfMAG contained an insertion of AAT (coding for asparagine) compared to 3D7 strain and 16% similarity to the human enzyme. Recombinant PfMAG (74 kDa) was twice as large as the human enzyme, preferred double-stranded DNA substrate, and demonstrated glycosylase activity over a pH range of 4-9, optimal salt concentration of 100-200 mM NaCl but reduced activity at 250 mM NaCl, no requirement for divalent cations, which were inhibitory in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: PfMAG activity increased with parasite development being highest in the schizont stages. K1 PfMAG contained an indel AAT (asparagine) not present in 3D7 strain and the recombinant enzyme was twice as large as the human enzyme. Recombinant PfMAG had a wide range of optimal pH activity, and was inhibited at high (250 mM) NaCl concentration as well as by divalent cations. The properties of PfMAG provide basic data that should be of assistance in developing anti-malarials against this potential parasite target.

Evaluation of real-time RT-PCR assays for detection and quantification of norovirus genogroups I and II.

Noroviruses are the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis in humans. Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (real-time RT-PCR) is a promising molecular method for the detection of noroviruses. In this study, the performance of three TaqMan real-time RT-PCR assays was assessed, which were one commercially available real-time RT-PCR kit (assay A: Norovirus Real Time RT-PCR kit) and two in-house real-time RT-PCR assays (assay B: LightCycler RNA Master Hybprobe and assay C: RealTime ready RNA Virus Master). Assays A and B showed higher sensitivity than assay C for norovirus GI, while they all had the same sensitivity (103 DNA copies/mL) for GII DNA standard controls. Assay B had the highest efficiency for both genogroups. No cross-reactivity was observed among GI and GII noroviruses, rotavirus, hepatitis A virus, and poliovirus. The detection rates of these assays in GI and GII norovirus-positive fecal samples were not significantly different. However, the mean quantification cycle (Cq) value of assay B for GII was lower than assays A and C with statistical significance (P-value, 0.000). All three real-time RT-PCR assays could detect a variety of noroviruses including GI.2, GII.2, GII.3, GII.4, GII.6, GII.12, GII.17, and GII.21. This study suggests assay B as a suitable assay for the detection and quantification of noroviruses GI and GII due to good analytical sensitivity and higher performance to amplify norovirus on DNA standard controls and clinical samples.

Characterization of Plasmodium falciparum ATP-dependent DNA helicase RuvB3.

BACKGROUND: Malaria is one of the most serious and widespread parasitic diseases affecting humans. Because of the spread of resistance in both parasites and the mosquito vectors to anti-malarial drugs and insecticides, controlling the spread of malaria is becoming difficult. Thus, identifying new drug targets is urgently needed. Helicases play key roles in a wide range of cellular activities involving DNA and RNA transactions, making them attractive anti-malarial drug targets. METHODS: ATP-dependent DNA helicase gene (PfRuvB3) of Plasmodium falciparum strain K1, a chloroquine and pyrimethamine-resistant strain, was inserted into pQE-TriSystem His-Strep 2 vector, heterologously expressed and affinity purified. Identity of recombinant PfRuvB3 was confirmed by western blotting coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. Helicase and ATPase activities were characterized as well as co-factors required for optimal function. RESULTS: Recombinant PfRuvB3 has molecular size of 59 kDa, showing both DNA helicase and ATPase activities. Its helicase activity is dependent on divalent cations (Cu2+, Mg2+, Ni+2 or Zn+2) and ATP or dATP but is inhibited by high NaCl concentration (>100 mM). PfPuvB3 is unable to act on blunt-ended duplex DNA, but manifests ATPase activity in the presence of either single- or double-stranded DNA. PfRuvB3.is inhibited by doxorubicin, daunorubicin and netropsin, known DNA helicase inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS: Purified recombinant PfRuvB3 contains both DNA helicase and ATPase activities. Differences in properties of RuvB between the malaria parasite obtained from the study and human host provide an avenue leading to the development of novel drugs targeting specifically the malaria form of RuvB family of DNA helicases.

Biochemical and functional characterization of Plasmodium falciparum DNA polymerase δ.

BACKGROUND: Emergence of drug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum has created an urgent need for new drug targets. DNA polymerase δ is an essential enzyme required for chromosomal DNA replication and repair, and therefore may be a potential target for anti-malarial drug development. However, little is known of the characteristics and function of this P. falciparum enzyme. METHODS: The coding sequences of DNA polymerase δ catalytic subunit (PfPolδ-cat), DNA polymerase δ small subunit (PfPolδS) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PfPCNA) from chloroquine- and pyrimethamine-resistant P. falciparum strain K1 were amplified, cloned into an expression vector and expressed in Escherichia coli. The recombinant proteins were analysed by SDS-PAGE and identified by LC-MS/MS. PfPolδ-cat was biochemically characterized. The roles of PfPolδS and PfPCNA in PfPolδ-cat function were investigated. In addition, inhibitory effects of 11 compounds were tested on PfPolδ-cat activity and on in vitro parasite growth using SYBR Green I assay. RESULTS: The purified recombinant protein PfPolδ-cat, PfPolδS and PfPCNA showed on SDS-PAGE the expected size of 143, 57 and 34 kDa, respectively. Predicted amino acid sequence of the PfPolδ-cat and PfPolδS had 59.2 and 24.7 % similarity respectively to that of the human counterpart. The PfPolδ-cat possessed both DNA polymerase and 3'-5' exonuclease activities. It used both Mg(2+) and Mn(2+) as cofactors and was inhibited by high KCl salt (>200 mM). PfPolδS stimulated PfPolδ-cat activity threefolds and up to fourfolds when PfPCNA was included in the assay. Only two compounds were potent inhibitors of PfPolδ-cat, namely, butylphenyl-dGTP (BuPdGTP; IC50 of 38 µM) and 7-acetoxypentyl-(3, 4 dichlorobenzyl) guanine (7-acetoxypentyl-DCBG; IC50 of 55 µM). The latter compound showed higher inhibition on parasite growth (IC50 of 4.1 µM). CONCLUSIONS: Recombinant PfPolδ-cat, PfPolδS and PfPCNA were successfully expressed and purified. PfPolS and PfPCNA increased DNA polymerase activity of PfPolδ-cat. The high sensitivity of PfPolδ to BuPdGTP can be used to differentiate parasite enzyme from mammalian and human counterparts. Interestingly, 7-acetoxypentyl-DCBG showed inhibitory effects on both enzyme activity and parasite growth. Thus, 7-acetoxypentyl-DCBG is a potential candidate for future development of a new class of anti-malarial agents targeting parasite replicative DNA polymerase.

Prevalence and Molecular Genotyping of Noroviruses in Market Oysters, Mussels, and Cockles in Bangkok, Thailand.

Noroviruses are the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis associated with bivalve shellfish consumption. This study aimed to detect and characterize noroviruses in three bivalve shellfish species: oysters (Saccostrea forskali), cockles (Anadara nodifera), and mussels (Perna viridis). The virus concentration procedure (adsorption-twice elution-extraction) and a molecular method were employed to identify noroviruses in shellfish. RT-nested PCR was able to detect known norovirus GII.4 of 8.8 × 10(-2) genome copies/g of digestive tissues from oyster and cockle concentrates, whereas in mussel concentrates, the positive result was seen at 8.8 × 10(2) copies/g of digestive tissues. From August 2011 to July 2012, a total of 300 shellfish samples, including each of 100 samples from oysters, cockles, and mussels were collected and tested for noroviruses. Norovirus RNA was detected in 12.3 % of shellfish samples. Of the noroviruses, 7.7 % were of the genogroup (G) I, 2.6 % GII, and 2.0 % were mixed GI and GII. The detection rate of norovirus GI was 2.1 times higher than GII. With regards to the different shellfish species, 17 % of the oyster samples were positive, while 14.0 and 6.0 % were positive for noroviruses found in mussels and cockles, respectively. Norovirus contamination in the shellfish occurred throughout the year with the highest peak in September. Seventeen norovirus-positive PCR products were characterized upon a partial sequence analysis of the capsid gene. Based on phylogenetic analysis, five different genotypes of norovirus GI (GI.2, GI.3, GI.4, GI.5, and GI.9) and four different genotypes of GII (GII.1, GII.2, GII.3, and GII.4) were identified. These findings indicate the prevalence and distribution of noroviruses in three shellfish species. The high prevalence of noroviruses in oysters contributes to the optimization of monitoring plans to improve the preventive strategies of acute gastroenteritis.

A comparison of virus concentration methods for molecular detection and characterization of rotavirus in bivalve shellfish species.

The objectives of this study were to develop a method for concentrating rotavirus, to assess the detection rate, and to characterize the genotype of naturally occurring rotavirus in bivalve shellfish species; including oysters (Saccostrea forskali), cockles (Anadara nodifera), and mussels (Perna viridis). The results demonstrated that an adsorption-twice elution-extraction method was less-time consuming method of concentrating the spiked rotavirus, yielding high sensitivity of 1.14 genome copies/g of digestive tissues from all three shellfish species, as detected using an RT-nested PCR. In seeding experiments, rotavirus as low as 1.39 genome copies was able to be detected in 4 g of digestive tissues or per sample. In the period of August 2011 to July 2012, of the 300 bivalve shellfish samples collected and tested, 24 (8.0%) were found to be contaminated with rotavirus, the figures being: oysters, 13/100 samples; mussels, 10/100 samples; and cockles, 1/100 samples. By DNA sequencing of the RT-nested PCR products and phylogenetic analysis, the rotaviruses detected were classified into G1, lineage II (4 samples); G3 (10 samples): lineage I (3 samples), lineage IIIc (3 samples), lineage IIId (3 samples), lineage IV (1 sample); G9 (6 samples); and G12, lineage III (1 sample). These findings suggest that this virus concentration method provides high sensitivity for the detection of rotavirus from the three bivalve shellfish species. The prevalence of rotavirus and the identified genotypes contribute to the molecular epidemiology of rotavirus in different shellfish species.

Characterization of recombinant malarial RecQ DNA helicase.

RecQ DNA gene of multi-drug resistant Plasmodium falciparum K1 (PfRecQ1) was cloned, and the recombinant C-terminal-decahistidine-tagged PfRecQ1 was expressed in Escherichia coli. The purified enzyme could efficiently unwind partial duplex DNA substrate in a 3' to 5' direction. The malarial RecQ1 could not unwind substrates with both 5' and 3' overhangs, those with a 5' overhang, or blunt-ended DNA duplexes. Unwinding of DNA helicase activity was driven by the hydrolysis of ATP. The drug inhibitory effects of six compounds indicated that only doxorubicin and daunorubicin could inhibit the unwinding activity.

SLC35B2 expression is associated with a poor prognosis of invasive ductal breast carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women worldwide, including Thailand, and is a major cause of mortality and morbidity, despite advances in diagnosis and treatment. Novel gene expression in breast cancer is a focus in searches for prognostic biomarkers and new therapeutic targets. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The mRNA expression of novel B4GALT4, SLC35B2, and WDHD1 genes in breast cancer were examined in invasive ductal breast carcinoma (IDC) patients using quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR). RESULTS: Among these genes, increased expression of SLC35B2 mRNA was significantly associated with TNM stage III+IV of IDC (p<0.001). Hence, up-regulation of SLC35B2 may serve as a prognostic biomarker for poor prognosis, and is also a potential therapeutic target in breast cancer.

Molecular characterization of Plasmodium falciparum uracil-DNA glycosylase and its potential as a new anti-malarial drug target.

BACKGROUND: Based on resistance of currently used anti-malarials, a new anti-malarial drug target against Plasmodium falciparum is urgently needed. Damaged DNA cannot be transcribed without prior DNA repair; therefore, uracil-DNA glycosylase, playing an important role in base excision repair, may act as a candidate for a new anti-malarial drug target. METHODS: Initially, the native PfUDG from parasite crude extract was partially purified using two columns, and the glycosylase activity was monitored. The existence of malarial UDG activity prompted the recombinant expression of PfUDG for further characterization. The PfUDG from chloroquine and pyrimethamine resistant P. falciparum strain K1 was amplified, cloned into the expression vector, and expressed in Escherichia coli. The recombinant PfUDG was analysed by SDS-PAGE and identified by LC-MS/MS. The three dimensional structure was modelled. Biochemical properties were characterized. Inhibitory effects of 12 uracil-derivatives on PfUDG activity were investigated. Inhibition of parasite growth was determined in vitro using SYBR Green I and compared with results from human cytotoxicity tests. RESULTS: The native PfUDG was partially purified with a specific activity of 1,811.7 units/mg (113.2 fold purification). After cloning of 966-bp PCR product, the 40-kDa hexa-histidine tagged PfUDG was expressed and identified. The amino acid sequence of PfUDG showed only 24.8% similarity compared with the human enzyme. The biochemical characteristics of PfUDGs were quite similar. They were inhibited by uracil glycosylase inhibitor protein as found in other organisms. Interestingly, recombinant PfUDG was inhibited by two uracil-derived compounds; 1-methoxyethyl-6-(p-n-octylanilino)uracil (IC50 of 16.75 µM) and 6-(phenylhydrazino)uracil (IC50 of 77.5 µM). Both compounds also inhibited parasite growth with IC50s of 15.6 and 12.8 µM, respectively. Moreover, 1-methoxyethyl-6-(p-n-octylanilino)uracil was not toxic to HepG2 cells, with IC50 of > 160 µM while 6-(phenylhydrazino)uracil exhibited cytoxicity, with IC50 of 27.5 µM. CONCLUSIONS: The recombinant PfUDG was expressed, characterized and compared to partially purified native PfUDG. Their characteristics were not significantly different. PfUDG differs from human enzyme in its size and predicted amino acid sequence. Two uracil derivatives inhibited PfUDG and parasite growth; however, only one non-cytotoxic compound was found. Therefore, this selective compound can act as a lead compound for anti-malarial development in the future.

Determination of whole transcription profiles and specific pathways in invasive ductal breast carcinoma.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women worldwide including Thailand. Whole transcription profiles of invasive ductal breast carcinoma (IDC) obtained by oligonucleotide microarray should lead to a better understanding of the molecular basis of IDCs, allow for examination of specific markers for diagnosis, and provide novel targets for therapy. This study aimed to detect the whole transcript expression of approximately 35,000 target genes in Thai breast cancer patients, using Affymetrix GeneChip(®) Exon 1.0 Sense Target Arrays. Analysis revealed that the differential expression profiles of 928 genes (423 up-regulated and 505 down-regulated genes) were 2-fold or greater (unpaired t-test, p < 0.05) in invasive ductal breast cancer, compared with normal tissues. The Gene Ontology (GO) databases support important associations in 17 gene sets with p-value < 1E-10 and ≥ 4-fold changes, involving the tumorigenic pathways of cell cycles, extracellular regions, as well as cellular component organization. Likewise, the TGFBR and IL-6 pathways contain gene expression with statistically significant changes in IDC.

Effect of peritrophic matrix C-type lectin (AdPMCTL) on blood-meal size in Anopheles dirus.

The peritrophic matrix (PM) is penetrated by Plasmodium ookinete to permit transition to oocyst in the mosquito midgut, the manner by which the ookinete interacts with glycoproteins on the PM remains poorly understood. We partially characterized peritrophic matrix C-type lectin (PMCTL) from An. gambiae (CTL10) and An. dirus (AdPMCTL). AdPMCTL protein was produced specifically in blood-fed mosquitoes. The 320 amino acid AdPMCTL exhibits 72% identity with a putative secreted An. gambiae ortholog (AGAP009316, CTL10). AdPMCTL was cloned and its expression profile determined in sugar- and blood-fed midguts. RNAi was used to determine the effect of AdPMCTL on blood meal size and on mosquito survival. AdPMCTL mRNA was present in midguts of sugar-fed mosquitoes and exhibited up-regulation following a blood meal, and AdPMCTL silencing significantly influenced the blood-meal size of engorged mosquitoes, suggesting a role for AdPMCTL as a stabilizing linker molecule, which limits PM distension after blood feeding.

Quantitative real-time RT-PCR of ITGA7, SVEP1, TNS1, LPHN3, SEMA3G, KLB and MMP13 mRNA expression in breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among women worldwide, including Thailand. In the present study, the differential mRNA expression of SVEP1, LPHN3, KLB, ITGA7, SEMA3G, TNS1 and MMP13 genes was examined in breast cancer using quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR). Among these genes, increased LPHN3 and MMP13 mRNA expression levels correlated with axillary-node metastasis (P=0.02). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that LPHN3 and MMP13 mRNA expression is significantly associated with axillary node status in breast cancer (P=0.04).

Molecular characterization of Plasmodium falciparum putative polynucleotide kinase/phosphatase.

Polynucleotide kinase/phosphatase (PNKP) is a bifunctional enzyme that can phosphorylate the 5'-OH termini and dephosphorylate the 3'-phosphate termini of DNA. It is a DNA repair enzyme involved in the processing of strand break termini, which permits subsequent repair proteins to replace missing nucleotides and rejoin broken strands. Little is known about DNA repair in Plasmodium falciparum, including the roles of PNKP in repairing parasite DNA. We identified a P. falciparum gene encoding a protein with 24% homology to human PNKP and thus suggestive of a putative PNKP. In this study, the PNKP gene of P. falciparum strain K1 (PfPNKP) was successfully cloned and expressed in E. coli as a GST-PfPNKP recombinant protein. MALDI-TOF/TOF analysis of the protein confirmed the identity of PfPNKP. Assays for enzymatic activity were carried out with a variety of single- and double-stranded substrates. Although 3'-phosphatase activity was detected, PfPNKP was observed to dephosphorylate single-stranded substrates or double-stranded substrates with a short 3'-single-stranded overhang, but not double-stranded substrates that mimicked single-strand breaks. We hypothesize that unlike human PNKP, PfPNKP may not be involved in single-strand break repair, since alternative terminal processing mechanisms can substitute for PfPNKP, and that PfPNKP DNA repair actions may be confined to overhanging termini of double-strand breaks.

Global gene expression profiling of Plasmodium falciparum in response to the anti-malarial drug pyronaridine.

BACKGROUND: Pyronaridine (PN) and chloroquine (CQ) are structurally related anti-malarial drugs with primarily the same mode of action. However, PN is effective against several multidrug-resistant lines of Plasmodium falciparum, including CQ resistant lines, suggestive of important operational differences between the two drugs. METHODS: Synchronized trophozoite stage cultures of P. falciparum strain K1 (CQ resistant) were exposed to 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of PN and CQ, and parasites were harvested from culture after 4 and 24 hours exposure. Global transcriptional changes effected by drug treatment were investigated using DNA microarrays. RESULTS: After a 4 h drug exposure, PN induced a greater degree of transcriptional perturbation (61 differentially expressed features) than CQ (10 features). More genes were found to respond to 24 h treatments with both drugs, and 461 features were found to be significantly responsive to one or both drugs across all treatment conditions. Filtering was employed to remove features unrelated to primary drug action, specifically features representing genes developmentally regulated, secondary stress/death related processes and sexual stage development. The only significant gene ontologies represented among the 46 remaining features after filtering relate to host exported proteins from multi-gene families. CONCLUSIONS: The malaria parasite's molecular responses to PN and CQ treatment are similar in terms of the genes and pathways affected. However, PN appears to exert a more rapid response than CQ. The faster action of PN may explain why PN is more efficacious than CQ, particularly against CQ resistant isolates. In agreement with several other microarray studies of drug action on the parasite, it is not possible, however, to discern mechanism of drug action from the drug-responsive genes.

Factors associated with regional bias of pfcrt (plasmodium falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter) haplotypes in Nepal.

Evidences of reappearance of chloroquine sensitive Plasmodium falciparum haplotypes after cessation of chloroquine in many countries provide a rationale for the search of chloroquine sensitive haplotypes in P. falciparum isolates in Nepal where the use of chloroquine for falciparum malaria treatment has been ceased since 1988. P. falciparum chloroquine resistant transporter gene (pfcrt) haplotypes were determined and the factors associated with pfcrt haplotypes in the Eastern and Central regions of Nepal were identified. Blood samples from 106 microscopy-positive falciparum malaria patients (62 from the Eastern and 44 from the Central region) were collected on filter paper. Pfcrt region covering codons 72-76 was amplified by PCR and sequenced. SVMNT haplotype was predominant in the Central region, whereas CVIET haplotype significantly more common in the Eastern region. In multivariable analysis of factors associated with CVIET haplotype, the Eastern region and parasite isolates from patients visiting India within one month are significant at 5% level of significance. These findings suggest that antimalarial pressure is different between Eastern and Central regions of Nepal and there is a need of an effective malaria control program in the border areas between India and Nepal.

Development of multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction for detection of Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba dispar, and Entamoeba moshkovskii in clinical specimens.

Multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was developed for differential detection of Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba dispar, and Entamoeba moshkovskii. Specific primers were designed for all three species, and then differentiation of E. histolytica and E. dispar was achieved simultaneously using a hybridization probe and melting curve analysis, whereas E. moshkovskii was detected with a separate probe under the same condition. This assay detected as little as 0.2 pg of E. histolytica DNA and 2 pg each for E. dispar and E. moshkovskii DNA. Thirty-five clinical samples suspected to be E. histolytica infection by microscopy were tested. The results showed 32 positive samples; four samples were E. histolytica and 28 samples were E. dispar. Interestingly, one E. dispar positive sample showed a mixed infection with E. moshkovskii. This is the first report of E. moshkovskii infection from Thailand and this assay is currently the most rapid and sensitive method to differentiate these human amoebas.

Bionomic status of Anopheles epiroticus Linton & Harbach, a coastal malaria vector, in Rayong Province, Thailand.

A longitudinal entomological survey was conducted to provide in-depth information on An. epiroticus and determine whether ecological and entomological factors could influence malaria transmission in Rayong Province, Thailand. The mosquitoes were collected monthly from May 2007 to April 2008 by human landing catch technique from 6:00-12:00 PM for 2 consecutive nights, at 3 collection sites. A total of 3,048 mosquitoes within 5 species were captured: An. epiroticus, Culex quinquefasciatus Say, Cx. sitiens Wiedemann, Aedes aegypti (L.) and Ae. albopictus Skuse. PCR was used for molecular identification of An. sundaicus complex, by determination of COI, ITS2, and D3 genes. The target mosquitoes were An. epiroticus, which was the predominant species, accounting for 43.8% of specimens collected. The biting cycle pattern increased during 6:00-8:00 PM and reached a maximum of 6.6 bites/person/hour by 12:00 PM. The mosquitoes varied in population density throughout the year. The highest biting rate was 37.6 bites/person/ half night in September and the lowest (10.2 bites/person/half night) in January. Nested PCR and real-time PCR techniques were used to detect the malaria parasite in An. epiroticus adult females. Nine of 926 (0.97%) mosquitoes tested were malaria parasite positive: 6 P. falciparum and 3 P. vivax. The infective mosquitoes were found in the dry and early rainy seasons. The overall annual entomological inoculation rate (EIR) in the village was 76.6. The overall parity rate was 74%. A total of 38 cement tanks were used to characterize the nature of the breeding places of An. epiroticus. An. epiroticus larvae coexisted with Aedes and Culex larvae; the maximum larval density was more than 140 larvae per dip in May. Breeding places included fresh, brackish and salt water, typically with full sunlight and mats of green algae on the water surface. The salinity of the water ranged from 0.5 to 119.4 g/l, with a narrow pH range of 8.2-8.7. Dissolved oxygen was highest in November (6.27 mg/l) and lowest in March (3.46 mg/l). The water temperature varied between 24.6 and 32.8 degrees C.