Anti-Anisakis antibodies in colon cancer patients and their relationship with γδ T-cells.

Many pathogens are related to carcinogenesis. Chronic inflammation, as a result of persistent infection, leads to DNA damage, higher expression of oncogenes, decreased apoptosis and immunosuppression, which are some of the reasons for cancer induction. Among parasites, Schistosoma, Opistorchis and Clonorchis are recognised as infectious agents which contribute to cancer. A relationship between Anisakis and cancer was hypothesised because cellular responses to Anisakis products could result in inflammation and DNA damage. Previous research has shown a decrease in CD8+ γδ T-cells and an increase in αß and γδ T-cell apoptosis in colon cancer (CC) samples. Ninety-two CC patients and 60 healthy subjects were recruited. γδ and αß T-cells were analysed, and their apoptosis was evaluated. Anti-Anisakis antibodies were tested in sera from CC patients and controls. Anti-Anisakis IgG, IgM, IgA and IgE antibodies were significantly higher in CC patients. A significant increase in anti-Anisakis IgA levels was observed in patients with angiolymphatic invasion. The number of all γδ T-cells, as well as CD3+ CD4+ αß T-cells, was significantly lower in CC patients. The apoptosis of all T-cells was significantly increased in patients with CC. We observed a significantly higher percentage of anti-Anisakis IgE positive patients having a deficit of CD3+ γδ T-cells. Our results suggest a relationship between Anisakis and CC.

Latent Microsporidia Infection Prevalence as a Risk Factor in Colon Cancer Patients.

Microsporidia are opportunistic intracellular parasites, generating serious pathology in individuals with a compromised immune system. Infection by microsporidia inhibits p53 and Caspase 3, proteins involved in apoptosis and the cell cycle, which are vital in the malignant process of epithelial cells. The presence of microsporidia in the intestinal tissues of 87 colon cancer (CC) patients and 25 healthy controls was analyzed by real-time PCR and an immunofluorescence antibody test. Anti-Encephalitozoon antibodies were analyzed in serum samples by ELISA (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay). In 36 (41.3%) CC cases, microsporidia infections were identified in their tissues vs. no cases among control subjects (p < 0.0001). An increase in IgG and IgE anti-Encephalitozoon antibodies was found in patients with CC, which would demonstrate continuous and previous contact with the parasite. The high prevalence of microsporidia in tissues and the seroprevalence in patients with CC suggest a relationship between microsporidia and the etiopathogenesis of CC.

Microsporidia as a Potential Threat to the Iberian Lynx (Lynx pardinus).

Lynx pardinus is one of the world's most endangered felines inhabiting the Iberian Peninsula. The present study was performed to identify the presence of microsporidia due to the mortality increase in lynxes. Samples of urine (n = 124), feces (n = 52), and tissues [spleen (n = 13), brain (n = 9), liver (n = 11), and kidney (n = 10)] from 140 lynxes were studied. The determination of microsporidia was evaluated using Weber's chromotrope stain and Real Time-PCR. Of the lynxes analyzed, stains showed 10.48% and 50% positivity in urine and feces samples, respectively. PCR confirmed that 7.69% and 65.38% belonged to microsporidia species. The imprints of the tissues showed positive results in the spleen (38.46%), brain (22.22%), and liver (27.27%), but negative results in the kidneys. PCR confirmed positive microsporidia results in 61.53%, 55.55%, 45.45%, and 50%, respectively. Seroprevalence against Encephalitozoon cuniculi was also studied in 138 serum samples with a positivity of 55.8%. For the first time, the results presented different species of microsporidia in the urine, feces, and tissue samples of Lynx pardinus. The high titers of anti-E. cuniculi antibodies in lynx sera confirmed the presence of microsporidia in the lynx environment. New studies are needed to establish the impact of microsporidia infection on the survival of the Iberian lynx.

Legionella feeleii: Ubiquitous Pathogen in the Environment and Causative Agent of Pneumonia.

L. feeleii is one of the most frequent Legionella species isolated from natural pools of the central region of Spain. This study aimed to evaluate its ecology and to identify this Legionella species as a respiratory pathogen. A PCR assay for detecting the L. feeleii mip gene was developed to identify it in clinical and environmental samples. Culture and PCR were performed in environmental samples from four drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs). Free L. feeleii was only detected in raw water samples (3.4%), while L. feeleii as an Acanthamoeba endosymbiont was found in 30.7% of raw water, 11.5% of decanter biofilm, and 32% of finished water samples. Therefore, Acanthamoeba spp. plays an essential role in the multiplication, persistence, and spread of Legionella species in the environment. The first case of Legionnaires' disease caused by L. feeleii in Spain is described in this study. The case was diagnosed in an older woman through PCR and sequencing from urine and sputum samples. A respiratory infection could be linked with health care procedures, and the patient presented several risk factors (age, insulin-dependent diabetes, and heart disease). The detection of non-L. pneumophila, such as L. feeleii, is a factor that must be considered when establishing or reviewing measures for the control and prevention of legionellosis.