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09:24
Studying Inherited Immunity in a Caenorhabditis elegans Model of Microsporidia Infection
Published on: April 6, 2022
Microsporidia: diverse, dynamic, and emergent pathogens in aquatic systems
Grant D Stentiford1, Stephen W Feist, David M Stone
1European Union Reference Laboratory for Crustacean Diseases, Centre for Environment, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Weymouth Laboratory, Dorset, DT4 8UB, UK; Aquatic Pests and Pathogens Group, Centre for Environment, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Weymouth Laboratory, Dorset, DT4 8UB, UK.
Trends in Parasitology
|October 5, 2013
Summary
Microsporidia are significant aquatic pathogens affecting diverse hosts. Research uses molecular phylogenetics and genomics to understand their transmission, impact, and potential zoonotic risks.
Area of Science:
- Aquatic microbiology
- Eukaryotic pathogens
- Molecular parasitology
Background:
- Microsporidia cause diseases across a wide range of aquatic organisms, from protists to mammals.
- Existing known genera are a small representation of the full diversity of Microsporidia in global aquatic environments.
- Their transmission can be horizontal or vertical, with impacts ranging from subtle to severe at individual, population, and ecosystem levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the taxonomic positioning and phylogenetic structure of Microsporidia using molecular approaches.
- To investigate host-pathogen interactions and transmission dynamics in aquatic systems.
- To assess the potential for zoonotic transfer of Microsporidia.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing molecular phylogenetic analyses to refine Microsporidia taxonomy.
- Employing genomic sequencing projects to develop models of host-pathogen interactions.
- Investigating transmission routes across different host trophic statuses and habitats.
Main Results:
- Molecular phylogenetics has advanced the understanding of Microsporidia's evolutionary relationships and taxonomy.
- Genomic data are enabling the development of accessible models for host-pathogen interactions.
- The ubiquity of Microsporidia in aquatic systems and their phylogenetic links between invertebrate and vertebrate hosts suggest zoonotic potential.
Conclusions:
- Microsporidia represent a diverse and ecologically significant group of aquatic pathogens.
- Advanced molecular and genomic tools are crucial for understanding Microsporidia biology, ecology, and host interactions.
- The potential for zoonotic transfer highlights the importance of studying these pathogens in aquatic ecosystems.
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