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Balantidium coli
Published in Dongyou Liu, Handbook of Foodborne Diseases, 2018
Alynne da Silva Barbosa, Laís Verdan Dib, Claudia M. Antunes Uchôa
Mitochondrion-like bodies were found, thus raising the possibility that they are hydrogenosome. Hydrogenosomes have been identified in other anaerobic ciliates. Such organelles are crucial for the parasite because they produce molecular hydrogen and ATP.19 Other cytoplasmic components that are also observed include endoplasmic reticulum and ribosomes. However, no Golgi apparatus is seen.1
Trichomonas Vaginalis Vaginitis
Published in William J. Ledger, Steven S. Witkin, Vulvovaginal Infections, 2017
William J. Ledger, Steven S. Witkin
The genome of T. vaginalis is highly unusual.6 The organism is haploid and has six chromosomes. Its DNA content (approximately 160 MB) is much higher than that of other unicellular parasites. Another unique attribute of T. vaginalis DNA is that one-fourth of the genome is composed of repetitive sequences that apparently do not code for any proteins. There are two major subtypes of T. vaginalis, TV1 and TV2,7 based upon genome diversity. Surprisingly, T. vaginalis appears to be most closely related to parasites found in birds,8 suggesting that, in times past, it jumped from birds to humans. The organism also does not have mitochondria and instead contains a structure called a hydrogenosome.9
An Overview of Parasite Diversity
Published in Eric S. Loker, Bruce V. Hofkin, Parasitology, 2015
Eric S. Loker, Bruce V. Hofkin
Additionally, two organisms that can colonize humans, Blastocystis hominis and Chilomastix mesnili, are stramenopiles. Several species of Blastocystisoccur, and they are among the most common unicellular eukaryotes inhabiting the human intestine. They are probably transferred between humans and domestic animals and may cause mild illness in immunocompromised individuals. As with many parasitic eukaryotes inhabiting anaerobic or microaerophilic portions of the gut, Blastocystis does not possess conventional mitochondria capable of aerobic respiration. It has a mitochondrion-like organelle that seems intermediate in function between a mitochondrion and a hydrogenosome. The latter is an organelle that generates ATP from pyruvate, while giving off hydrogen (H2) as a by-product. Chilomastix mesnili is found in the cecum and colon of humans, other primates, and pigs, and is an example of a commensal organism, one that neither harms nor benefits its host but itself clearly benefits from making a living in the host.
Thio- and selenosemicarbazones as antiprotozoal agents against Trypanosoma cruzi and Trichomonas vaginalis
Published in Journal of Enzyme Inhibition and Medicinal Chemistry, 2022
Alexandra Ibáñez-Escribano, Cristina Fonseca-Berzal, Mónica Martínez-Montiel, Manuel Álvarez-Márquez, María Gómez-Núñez, Manuel Lacueva-Arnedo, Teresa Espinosa-Buitrago, Tania Martín-Pérez, José Antonio Escario, Penélope Merino-Montiel, Sara Montiel-Smith, Alicia Gómez-Barrio, Óscar López, José G. Fernández-Bolaños
Thus, to determine if the hydrogenosome could be involved in their mode of action, alterations in the membrane potential of this organelle were studied. Membrane potential is indicative of the correct functioning of the organelle, which is essential for parasite survival and also a key aspect for the activation of 5-nitroimidazoles. For this purpose, JC-1 dye (5,5′,6,6′-tetrachloro-1,1′,3,3′-tetraethylbenzimidazolocarbocyanine iodide) was used; this compound aggregates inside the mitochondria or hydrogenosomes in healthy cells, being detected by fluorescence at 590 nm. However, alterations in the membrane potential of the organelle preclude the agglutination of JC-1, which remains as a monomer in the cytoplasm with fluorescence emission at 535 nm.
Novel therapeutic opportunities for Toxoplasma gondii, Trichomonas vaginalis, and Giardia intestinalis infections
Published in Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Patents, 2023
Francesca Arrighi, Arianna Granese, Paola Chimenti, Paolo Guglielmi
Trichomonas vaginalis is a flagellate protozoan involved in the insurgence of trichomoniasis, an urogenital infection in humans that are the only natural hosts for the parasite [25]. Other species affecting humans, over Trichomonas vaginalis, are Trichomonas tenax, observed in oral gingival and tracheobronchial sites, and Pentatrichomonas hominis isolated from the intestinal tract; however, these are considered nonpathogenic [26]. With respect to T. gondii, T. vaginalis has a simpler life cycle presenting only the trophozoite stage, albeit pseudocysts have been described under stressful conditions [27]. Moreover, T. vaginalis presents hydrogenosomes in spite of mitochondria, as unique energy-producing organelles involved in the metabolism adaptation. T. vaginalis is considered the main non-viral sexually transmitted infection (STI), while transmission via fomites and water has been rarely described [28]. Even though T. vaginalis infected patients are often asymptomatic, this infection may result in a variety of clinical manifestations. In women, the site mainly affected by infection is the vagina, albeit urethra and endocervix are also reached by the trophozoites. As a result, symptoms may include vaginal discharge, pruritus, odor, and irritation up to endometritis, adnexitis, pyosalpinx, and atypical pelvic inflammatory [29]. Moreover, trichomoniasis can also affect the pregnancy course, leading to low birth weight, membrane’s premature rupture, and preterm delivery [30]. In men, the spectrum of trichomoniasis is less well characterized, albeit related with urethritis accompanied by scanty, clear to mucopurulent discharge, dysuria, and mild pruritus. Prostatitis, balanoposthitis, epididymo-orchitis, and possibly infertility are other complications that can occur as consequence of T. vaginalis infection [28]. Finally, an important aspect in T. vaginalis infection is the bidirectional relationship with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) due to positive association with both HIV transmission and acquisition [31].