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Human and Animal Infectious Diseases: Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment

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A special issue of Current Issues in Molecular Biology (ISSN 1467-3045). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2024) | Viewed by 9063

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Dr. Sherif T. S. Hassan

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Department of Applied Ecology, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Prague, Czech Republic
Interests: infectious diseases; pharmacology and toxicology of natural products; analytical methods for isolation and identification of natural products; molecular mechanisms of pharmacological action; pediatric infectious diseases
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

For decades, effective treatments of infectious diseases such as viral, bacterial, and fungal infections have remained a strong challenge in medicine. As we know, healthcare providers and researchers are currently facing many hurdles to finding effective therapies for these diseases, including drug resistance, which is considered a major challenge. In recent years, molecular medicine evolution has accelerated the progress of finding successful approaches to manage infectious diseases. Therefore, this Special Issue aims to shed light on recent innovations that explain infectious disease pathogenesis at the molecular or physiological level, which may lead to the design of specific tools for disease diagnosis, treatment (including drug design and development), or prevention (including vaccine development). Studies that are performed at cellular and genetic levels, which describe the implications of the results for infectious diseases, are also considered for publication. Computational investigations that are performed to unveil the molecular pathways and are supported by in vitro and in vivo experiments are also welcomed.

Dr. Sherif T. S. Hassan
Guest Editor

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Keywords

bacterial infections
fungal infections
viral infections
infectious microorganisms
molecular medicine techniques
diagnosis, treatment, and prevention approaches
molecular and physiological investigations
cellular and genetic studies
disease pathogenesis
computational methods
drug design and development

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 2089 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of Multiplex Molecular Assays for Simultaneous Detection of Dengue Serotypes and Chikungunya Virus for Arbovirus Surveillance

by Louis Robert W. Belem, Sylvester Agha Ibemgbo, Michel Kiréopori Gomgnimbou, Dileep Kumar Verma, Antoinette Kaboré, Ankit Kumar, Ibrahim Sangaré and Sujatha Sunil

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2024, 46(3), 2093-2104; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cimb46030134 - 06 Mar 2024

Viewed by 719

Abstract

The major arboviruses mainly belong to the Bunyaviridae, Togaviridae, and Flaviviridae families, among which the chikungunya virus and dengue virus have emerged as global public health problems. The main objective of this study was to develop specific, sensitive, and cost-effective molecular multiplex RT-PCR and RT-qPCR assays for the rapid and simultaneous detection of CHIKV and the four serotypes of DENV for arbovirus surveillance. Specific primers for all viruses were designed, and one-step multiplex RT-PCR (mRT-PCR) and RT-qPCR (mRT-qPCR) were developed using reference strains of the CHIKV and DENV serotypes. The specificity of the test for all the viruses was confirmed through sequencing. The standard curves showed a high correlation coefficient, R² = 0.99, for DENV-2 and DENV-3; R² = 0.98, for DENV-4; and CHIKV; R² = 0.93, for DENV-1. The limits of detection were calculated to be 4.1 × 10⁻¹ copies/reaction for DENV-1, DENV-3, and CHIKV and 4.1 × 10¹ for DENV-2 and DENV-4. The specificity and sensitivity of the newly developed mRT-PCR and mRT-qPCR were validated using positive serum samples collected from India and Burkina Faso. The sensitivity of mRT-PCR and mRT-qPCR are 91%, and 100%, respectively. The specificity of both assays was 100%. mRT-PCR and mRT-qPCR assays are low-cost, and a combination of both will be a useful tool for arbovirus surveillance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human and Animal Infectious Diseases: Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment)

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14 pages, 2816 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multiplex Microarrays in 96-Well Plates Photoactivated with 4-Azidotetrafluorobenzaldehyde for the Identification and Quantification of β-Lactamase Genes and Their RNA Transcripts

by Mariya M. Ulyashova, Galina V. Presnova, Anna A. Filippova, Vitaly G. Grigorenko, Alexey M. Egorov and Maya Yu. Rubtsova

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2024, 46(1), 53-66; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cimb46010005 - 20 Dec 2023

Viewed by 704

Abstract

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria represent a global issue that calls for novel approaches to diagnosis and treatment. Given the variety of genetic factors that determine resistance, multiplex methods hold promise in this area. We developed a novel method to covalently attach oligonucleotide probes to the wells of polystyrene plates using photoactivation with 4-azidotetrafluorobenzaldehyde. Then, it was used to develop the technique of microarrays in the wells. It consists of the following steps: activating polystyrene, hybridizing the probes with biotinylated target DNA, and developing the result using a streptavidin–peroxidase conjugate with colorimetric detection. The first microarray was designed to identify 11 different gene types and 16 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of clinically relevant ESBLs and carbapenemases, which confer Gram-negative bacteria resistance to β-lactam antibiotics. The detection of bla genes in 65 clinical isolates of Enterobacteriaceae demonstrated the high sensitivity and reproducibility of the technique. The highly reproducible spot staining of colorimetric microarrays allowed us to design a second microarray that was intended to quantify four different types of bla mRNAs in order to ascertain their expressions. The combination of reliable performance, high throughput in standard 96-well plates, and inexpensive colorimetric detection makes the microarrays suitable for routine clinical application and for the study of multi-drug resistant bacteria. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human and Animal Infectious Diseases: Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment)

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10 pages, 2750 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Development of an LFD-RPA Assay for Rapid Detection of Pentatrichomonas hominis Infection in Dogs

by Yao Rong, Xichen Zhang, Xuejiao Chen, Jianhua Li, Pengtao Gong, Xiaocen Wang, Xin Li, Xu Zhang, Taotao Yue, Hongbo Zhang, Xiaofei Zhou and Nan Zhang

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2023, 45(11), 9252-9261; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cimb45110579 - 17 Nov 2023

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Abstract

Pentatrichomonas hominis is a trichomonad protozoan that infects the cecum and colon of humans and other mammals. It is a zoonotic pathogen that causes diarrhea in both animals and humans. As companion animals, dogs infected with P. hominis pose a risk of transmitting it to humans. Current methods, such as direct smears and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), used for P. hominis detection have limitations, including low detection rates and the need for specialized equipment. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop rapid, sensitive, and simple detection methods for clinical application. Recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) has emerged as a technology for rapid pathogen detection. In this study, we developed a lateral flow dipstick (LFD)-RPA method based on the highly conserved SPO11-1 gene for detecting P. hominis infection by optimizing the primers, probes, and reaction conditions, and evaluating cross-reactivity with genomes of Giardia duodenalis and other parasites. The LFD-RPA method was then used to test 128 dog fecal samples collected from Changchun. The results confirmed the high specificity of the method with no cross-reactivity with the five other parasites. The lowest detection limit of the method was 10² copies/µL, and its sensitivity was 10⁰ times higher than that of the conventional PCR method. Consistent with the positivity rate observed using nested PCR, 12 samples (out of 128) tested positive using this method (positivity rate, 9.38%). In conclusion, the LFD-RPA method developed in this study represents a simple and sensitive assay that allows for the rapid detection of P. hominis infection in dogs, especially in this field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human and Animal Infectious Diseases: Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment)

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12 pages, 3590 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification of T-Cell Epitopes Using a Combined In-Silico and Experimental Approach in a Mouse Model for SARS-CoV-2

by Noam Erez, Hagit Achdout, Yfat Yahalom-Ronen, Shimrit Adutler-Lieber, Liat Bar-On, Erez Bar-Haim, Boaz Politi, Einat B. Vitner, Hadas Tamir, Sharon Melamed, Nir Paran and Tomer Israely

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2023, 45(10), 7944-7955; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cimb45100502 - 28 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 944

Abstract

Following viral infection, T-cells are crucial for an effective immune response to intracellular pathogens, including respiratory viruses. During the COVID-19 pandemic, diverse assays were required in pre-clinical trials to evaluate the immune response following vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 and assess the response following exposure to the virus. To assess the nature and potency of the cellular response to infection or vaccination, a reliable and specific activity assay was needed. A cellular activity assay based on the presentation of short peptides (epitopes) allows the identification of T cell epitopes displayed on different alleles of the MHC, shedding light on the strength of the immune response towards antigens and aiding in antigen design for vaccination. In this report, we describe two approaches for scanning T cell epitopes on the surface glycoprotein of the SARS-CoV-2 (spike), which is utilized for attachment and entry and serves as an antigen in many vaccine candidates. We demonstrate that epitope scanning is feasible using peptide libraries or computational scanning combined with a cellular activity assay. Our scans identified four CD8 T cell epitopes, including one novel undescribed epitope. These epitopes enabled us to establish a reliable T-cell response assay, which was examined and used in various experimental mouse models for SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination. These approaches could potentially aid in future antigen design for vaccination and establish cellular activity assays against uncharacterized antigens of emerging pathogens. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human and Animal Infectious Diseases: Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment)

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12 pages, 1350 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Molecular Characterisation of Mycobacterium bovis Isolates from Cattle Slaughtered in Adamawa and Gombe States, North-Eastern Nigeria

by Sadiq Mohammed Damina, David Atomanyi Barnes, Bitrus Inuwa, Gulak Hussaini Ularamu, Mohammed Bello, Olu Solomon Okaiyeto, Ayuba Caleb Kudi, Jeewan Thapa, Chie Nakajima and Yasuhiko Suzuki

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2023, 45(7), 6055-6066; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cimb45070382 - 19 Jul 2023

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Abstract

Bovine tuberculosis is endemic in Nigeria with control measures as provided by the laws of the country being minimally enforced mostly at the abattoirs only. This study focused on bovine tuberculosis in Adamawa and Gombe States. Tuberculosis lesions were observed in 183 of 13,688 slaughtered cattle in the regions between June and December 2020. Analysis of tissue samples resulted in 17 Mycobacterium bovis isolates, predominantly from Gombe State. Spoligotyping identified four spoligotypes, including SB0944, SB1025, SB1104, and one novel pattern. MIRU-VNTR analysis further differentiated these spoligotypes into eight profiles. All isolates belonged to the Af1 clonal complex. The study emphasises the need for broader coverage and more isolates to comprehensively understand the molecular epidemiology of bovine tuberculosis in Nigeria. To enhance research and surveillance, a cost-effective approach is proposed, utilising a discriminatory VNTR panel comprising five or nine loci. The five-locus panel consists of ETR-C, QUB26, QUB11b, MIRU04, and QUB323. Alternatively, the nine-locus panel includes ETR-A, ETR-B, QUB11a, and MIRU26. Implementing this approach would provide valuable insights into the genetic diversity of M. bovis strains in Nigeria. These findings are crucial for developing effective control measures and minimising the impact of bovine tuberculosis on both animal and human health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human and Animal Infectious Diseases: Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment)

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30 pages, 15074 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biochemical and Computational Assessment of Acute Phase Proteins in Dairy Cows Affected with Subclinical Mastitis

by Aarif Ali, Muneeb U. Rehman, Saima Mushtaq, Sheikh Bilal Ahmad, Altaf Khan, Anik Karan, Amir Bashir Wani, Showkat Ahmad Ganie and Manzoor Ur Rahman Mir

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2023, 45(7), 5317-5346; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cimb45070338 - 26 Jun 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1279

Abstract

Subclinical mastitis (SCM) is a predominant form of mastitis wherein major visible signs of disease are absent. The present study aimed to determine acute phase proteins (APPs) like ferritin, C-reactive protein (CRP), and microalbumin (Malb) in 135 composite milk and serum samples of healthy (n = 25) and SCM (n = 110) cows. As bovine mastitis is an inflammatory disease, the present study also aimed at finding novel anti-inflammatory compounds from natural sources by repurposing approach using computational studies. The findings of the present study revealed substantial elevation (p < 0.001) in milk SCC and an increase in ferritin, CRP, and Malb (p < 0.001) in milk and sera of the SCM group as compared to healthy animals. Receiver operating characteristics of milk SCC, milk, and serum APPs unraveled statistically substantial alteration (p < 0.001). Further, SCC was correlated with milk APPs ferritin (r = 0.26 **, p < 0.002), CRP (r = 0.19 *, p < 0.02), and Malb (r = 0.21 *, p < 0.01). Additionally, milk SCC was correlated with serum ferritin (r = 0.28 **, p < 0.001), CRP (r = 0.16, p > 0.05), and Malb (r = 0.16, p > 0.05). The findings of molecular docking revealed that Chaetoglobosin U was the most effective molecule that showed the highest binding affinity (kcal/mol) of −10.1 and −8.5 against ferritin and albumin. The present study concluded that the estimation of cow-side tests, SCC, and APPs in milk/serum is suitable to detect SCM and screening herd community. Furthermore, Chaetoglobosin U could be developed as a promising anti-inflammatory inhibitor; however, further studies are required to validate these findings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human and Animal Infectious Diseases: Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment)

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Review

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17 pages, 3147 KiB

Open AccessReview

Natural History of Influenza B Virus—Current Knowledge on Treatment, Resistance and Therapeutic Options

by Ghayyas Ud Din, Kinza Hasham, Muhammad Nabeel Amjad and Yihong Hu

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2024, 46(1), 183-199; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cimb46010014 - 26 Dec 2023

Viewed by 1384

Abstract

Influenza B virus (IBV) significantly impacts the health and the economy of the global population. WHO global health estimates project 1 billion flu cases annually, with 3 to 5 million resulting in severe disease and 0.3 to 0.5 million influenza-related deaths worldwide. Influenza B virus epidemics result in significant economic losses due to healthcare expenses, reduced workforce productivity, and strain on healthcare systems. Influenza B virus epidemics, such as the 1987–1988 Yamagata lineage outbreak and the 2001–2002 Victoria lineage outbreak, had a significant global impact. IBV’s fast mutation and replication rates facilitate rapid adaptation to the environment, enabling the evasion of existing immunity and the development of resistance to virus-targeting treatments. This leads to annual outbreaks and necessitates the development of new vaccination formulations. This review aims to elucidate IBV’s evolutionary genomic organization and life cycle and provide an overview of anti-IBV drugs, resistance, treatment options, and prospects for IBV biology, emphasizing challenges in preventing and treating IBV infection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human and Animal Infectious Diseases: Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment)

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Other

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9 pages, 323 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Encephalopathy Caused by Human Parvovirus B19 Genotype 1 Associated with Haemophilus influenzae Meningitis in a Newborn

by Noely Evangelista Ferreira, Antonio C. da Costa, Esper G. Kallas, Cassia G. T. Silveira, Ana Carolina S. de Oliveira, Layla Honorato, Heuder G. O. Paião, Silvia H. Lima, Dewton de M. Vasconcelos, Marina F. Côrtes, Silvia F. Costa, Tania R. T. Mendoza, Hélio R. Gomes, Steven S. Witkin and Maria C. Mendes-Correa

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2023, 45(9), 6958-6966; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cimb45090439 - 22 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1256

Abstract

Parvovirus B19 infection is associated with a wide range of clinical manifestations, from asymptomatic to severe neurological disorders. Its major clinical symptoms, fever and rash, are common to multiple viruses, and laboratory tests to detect B19 are frequently not available. Thus, the impact of B19 on public health remains unclear. We report the case of a 38-day old girl admitted to São Paulo Clinical Hospital, Brazil, with an initial diagnosis of bacterial meningitis, seizures, and acute hydrocephalus. Antibiotic therapy was maintained for one week after admission and discontinued after negative laboratory results were obtained. Nine days after symptoms onset, a cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) sample revealed persistent pleocytosis. The complete B19 complete genome was subsequently identified in her CSF by a metagenomic next-generation sequencing approach. This report highlights the possible involvement of B19 in the occurrence of acute neurological manifestations and emphasizes that its possible involvement might be better revealed by the use of metagenomic technology to detect viral agents in clinical situations of unknown or uncertain etiology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human and Animal Infectious Diseases: Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment)

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