Interactions between Babesia microti merozoites and rat kidney cells in a short-term in vitro culture and animal model

Abstract

Babesiosis is one of the most common infections in free-living animals and is rapidly becoming significant among human zoonoses. Cases of acute renal failure in humans caused by Babesia spp. have been described in the literature. The kidneys are characterised by intense blood flow through the blood vessels, which increases the likelihood of contact with the intra-erythrocyte parasite. The aim of this study was to observe the influence of B. microti (ATCC 30221) on renal epithelial cells in vitro cultured (NRK-52E line) and Wistar rats’ kidney. Both NRK-52E cells and rats’ kidney sections were analysed by light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Necrotic changes in renal epithelial cells have been observed in vitro and in vivo. In many cross-sections through the rats’ kidney, adhesion of blood cells to the vascular endothelium, accumulation of erythrocytes and emboli were demonstrated. In NRK-52E culture, elements with a distinctly doubled cell membrane resembling B. microti were found inside the cytoplasm and adjacent to the cell layer. The study indicates a chemotactic tendency for B. microti to adhere to the renal tubules' epithelium, a possibility of piroplasms entering the renal epithelial cells, their proliferation within the cytoplasm and emboli formation.

Histopathological Aspects of the Influence of Babesia microti on the Placentas of Infected Female Rats

“…The presence of vacuoles in the trophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast may be a consequence of significant disturbances in lipid metabolism and fat metabolism, both of which are observed during pathological processes. Cell vacuolation has also been observed in kidney and liver cells in other studies [ 42 , 43 ].…”

Histopathological Analysis of Selected Organs of Rats with Congenital Babesiosis Caused by Babesia microti

“…The impact of Babesia spp. infection on the processes leading to kidney dysfunction was described and confirmed in studies conducted by Krawitz, Kavathia, and Choxy [25].…”

“…A blood smear confirmed infection with babesiosis, and parasitemia was about 30%. Histopathological analysis of the kidneys showed damage to the renal tubules and inflammation of the kidneys [25].…”

Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) Tests for Identifying Protozoan and Bacterial Pathogens in Infectious Diseases

“…The clinical diagnosti acteristics and simple methodology of the FISH tests show that they can complem isting diagnostic methods to meet an increasing need to specifically and easily id Babesia infections in patients and animals. FISH tests can be used in mixed infection is also useful for histopathological investigations to identify Babesia parasites seque in tissues [45]. Species-specific Babesia FISH tests, that are presently being develop address more precise diagnostic requirements in babesiosis.…”

“…FISH tests can be used in mixed infections. FISH is also useful for histopathological investigations to identify Babesia parasites sequestered in tissues [45]. Species-specific Babesia FISH tests, that are presently being developed, can address more precise diagnostic requirements in babesiosis.…”