Person:
Moreno-Iruela, Inmaculada

First Name

Inmaculada

Last Name

Moreno-Iruela

Institution

ISCIII

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ISCIII::Centro Nacional de Microbiología (CNM)

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Now showing 1 - 10 of 23

Detection of caprine paratuberculosis (Johne's disease) in pre- and post-vaccinated herds: morphological diagnosis, lesion grading, and bacterial identification.
(Frontiers Media, 2024-07-31) Stefanova, Elena Plamenova; Sierra, Eva; Fernández, Antonio; Quesada-Canales, Oscar; Paz-Sánchez, Yania; Colom-Rivero, Ana; Espinosa de Los Monteros, Antonio; Herráez, Pedro; Domínguez, Lucas; Bezos, Javier; Pérez-Sancho, Marta; Risalde, María A; Andrada, Marisa; Moreno-Iruela, Inmaculada; Fundación CajaCanarias; Fundación La Caixa; Gobierno de Canarias (España); Ministerio de Economía (España); Unión Europea. Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER/ERDF); Ministerio de Universidades (España); Agencia Canaria de Investigación, Innovación y Sociedad de la Información
Samples from the mesenteric lymph nodes (MS LNs) and ileocecal valves (ICV) of 105 goats, comprising 61 non-vaccinated and 44 vaccinated against subspecies (MAP), were collected at slaughter from a farm with a confirmed history of paratuberculosis (PTB). These goats had subclinical infections. PTB-compatible lesions in the MS LNs, ICV lamina propria (LP), and Peyer's patches (PPs) were graded separately. Furthermore, the load of acid-fast bacilli was quantified using Ziehl-Neelsen staining (ZN), MAP antigens by immunohistochemistry (IHC), and MAP DNA by PCR targeting the IS900 sequence. Gross PTB-compatible lesions were found in 39% of the goats, with 31.72% vaccinated (V) and 68.29% non-vaccinated (nV). Histopathological lesions induced MAP were observed in 58% of the animals, with 36.07% vaccinated and 63.93% non-vaccinated. The inclusion of histopathology as a diagnostic tool led to a 28% increase in diagnosed cases in MS LNs and 86.05% in ICV. Grade IV granulomas with central mineralization and necrosis were the most common lesions in MS LNs. In the ICV, mild granulomatous enteritis with multifocal foci of epithelioid macrophages was predominant, occurring more frequently in the PPs than in the LP. Furthermore, statistical differences in the presence of histopathological lesions between vaccinated and non-vaccinated goats were noted in MS LNs, ICV LPs, and ICV PPs. Non-vaccinated animals showed higher positivity rates in ZN, IHC, and PCR tests, underscoring the benefits of anti-MAP vaccination in reducing PTB lesions and bacterial load in target organs. Our findings emphasize the necessity of integrating gross and histopathological assessments with various laboratory techniques for accurate morphological and etiological diagnosis of PTB in both vaccinated and non-vaccinated goats with subclinical disease. However, further studies are required to refine sampling protocols for subclinical PTB in goats to enhance the consistency of diagnostic tools.
Evidence of Leishmania infantum infection in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in a natural area in Madrid, Spain
(Hindawi, 2014) García, Nerea; Moreno-Iruela, Inmaculada; Álvarez, Julio; de la Cruz, María Luisa; Navarro, Alejandro; Pérez-Sancho, Marta; García-Seco, Teresa; Rodríguez-Bertos, Antonio; Conty, María Luisa; Toraño, Alfredo; Prieto, Antonio; Domínguez, Lucas; Dominguez-Rodriguez, Mercedes; Ministerio de Ciencia y Tecnología (España); Comunidad de Madrid (España); Unión Europea. Comisión Europea. 7 Programa Marco
Leishmaniasis is one of the most important neglected zoonosis and remains endemic in at least 88 developing countries in the world. In addition, anthropogenic environmental changes in urban areas are leading to its emergency world wide. Zoonotic leishmaniasis control might only be achieved by an integrated approach targeting both the human host and the animal reservoirs, which in certain sylvatic cycles are yet to be identified. Recently, hares have been pointed out as competent reservoirs of Leishmania infantum in Spain, but the role of other lagomorphs has not been clarified. Here, 69 rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) from a natural area in Madrid in which a high density was present were analyzed using indirect (immunofluorescence antibody test, IFAT) and direct (PCR, culture) techniques. Fifty-seven (82.6%) of the animals were positive to at least one technique, with IFAT yielding the highest proportion of positive samples. L. infantum was isolated in 13% animals demonstrating the occurrence of infection in this setting. Our results suggest that rabbits could play a role of competent reservoir of L. infantum and demonstrate that the prevalence of infection is high in the analyzed area.
Is serology a realistic approach for monitoring red deer tuberculosis in the field?
(Elsevier, 2022-05) Ferreras-Colino, Elisa; Moreno-Iruela, Inmaculada; Arnal, María Cruz; Balseiro, Ana; Acevedo, Pelayo; Dominguez-Rodriguez, Mercedes; Fernández de Luco, Daniel; Gortázar, Christian; Risalde, María A; Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Competitividad (España); Unión Europea. Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER/ERDF); University of Castilla-La Mancha (España); Unión Europea. Fondo Social Europeo (ESF/FSE)
Tuberculosis (TB) is a zoonotic mycobacterial infection with great importance in human health, animal production, and wildlife conservation. Although an ambitious eradication programme in cattle has been implemented for decades, TB-free status has not yet been achieved in most of Spain, where animal TB persists in a multi-host system of domestic and wild hosts, including the red deer (Cervus elaphus). However, information on long time series and trends of TB prevalence in wildlife is scarce. The diagnosis of TB in wild red deer is often based on gross pathology and bacteriological culture confirmation, although recently serological assays have been developed to detect anti- Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex (MTC) antibodies. Particularly, protein complex P22 has demonstrated to yield good specificity and sensitivity in the serological diagnosis of MTC for red deer, as well as cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, wild boar, and European badger. Thus, the objective of the present study was to compare the performance of the P22-ELISA with TB-compatible lesion detection, as well as to assess the potential application of each technique for determining spatiotemporal trends and risk factors of MTC infection in wild red deer from low and high TB prevalence areas of Spain over the last two decades. We tested 5095 sera from 13 wild populations by indirect ELISA using P22 as antigen. Mean seroprevalence (13.22%, CI95: 12.32-14.18) was compared with the prevalence of macroscopic TB-compatible lesions (6.94%, CI95: 6.18-7.79). The results evidenced a poor agreement between both techniques (K < 0.3), although generalized TB-lesions and anti-P22 antibodies showed a positive association (χ² = 9.054, P = 0.004). Consequently, TB-lesion based prevalence and seroprevalence cannot be considered as equivalent for TB surveillance in red deer. Regarding the spatiotemporal trend of TB in red deer in Spain, we observed a North-South gradient of TB occurrence [North: 1.23% (CI95: 0.77-1.97) of TB-lesions and 12.55% (CI95: 10.91-14.41) of P22-ELISA; Centre: 7.10% (CI95: 6.04-8.33) and 8.74% (CI95: 7.57-10.08); South: 21.04% (CI95:17.81-24.69) and 23.09% (CI95: 19.73-26.84), respectively]. Overall, there was a stability over time, with higher prevalence in adults belonging to densely populated sites. We conclude that the P22-ELISA alone is not sufficiently reliable for TB surveillance in red deer at large spatiotemporal scales. Instead, we recommend combining gross pathology and P22-ELISA.
Large-scale study on virological and serological prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in cats and dogs in Spain
(Wiley, 2022-07) Barroso-Arévalo, Sandra; Barneto, Alberto; Ramos, Ángel Manuel; Rivera, Belén; Sánchez, Rocío; Sánchez-Morales, Lidia; Pérez-Sancho, Marta; Buendía, Aránzazu; Ferreras, Elisa; Ortiz-Menéndez, Juan Carlos; Moreno-Iruela, Inmaculada; Serres, Consuelo; Vela, Carmen; Risalde, María Ángeles; Domínguez, Lucas; Sánchez-Vizcaíno, José M; Instituto de Salud Carlos III
The disease produced by the severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is currently one of the primary concerns worldwide. Knowing the zoonotic origin of the disease and that several animal species, including dogs and cats, are susceptible to viral infection, it is critical to assess the relevance of pets in this pandemic. Here, we performed a large-scale study on SARS-CoV-2 serological and viral prevalence in cats and dogs in Spain in order to elucidate their role and susceptibility. Samples from animals in contact with COVID-19 positive people and/or compatible symptoms (n = 492), as well as from random animals (n = 1024), were taken. Despite the large number of animals analyzed, only 12 animals (eight dogs and four cats), which represents 0.79% of the total analyzed animals (n = 1516), were positive for viral SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection by reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) in which viral isolation was possible in four animals. We detected neutralizing antibodies in 34 animals, four of them were also positive for PCR. This study evidences that pets are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection in natural conditions but at a low level, as evidenced by the low percentage of positive animals detected, being infected humans the main source of infection. However, the inclusion of animals in the surveillance of COVID-19 is still recommended.
Método de obtención de anticuerpos anti-hHDC y aplicaciones de los mismos
(2009-05-08) Dominguez-Rodriguez, Mercedes; Torao-Garcia, Alfredo; Moreno-Iruela, Inmaculada; Diez-Lorenzo, Manuela; Sanchez-Jimenez, Francisca Maria; Urdiales-Ruiz, Jose Luis
La presente invención proporciona un método para la obtención de anticuerpos, mono y/o policlonales, que interaccionan frente a la histidina descarboxilasa humana (hHDC), así como los polinucleótidos y polipéptidos necesarios para llevarlo a cabo. Del mismo modo, los usos de los mencionados anticuerpos, así como los kits de diagnóstico de los que formen parte también son objeto de la presente invención.
Serum Removal from Culture Induces Growth Arrest, Ploidy Alteration, Decrease in Infectivity and Differential Expression of Crucial Genes in Leishmania infantum Promastigotes
(Public Library of Science (PLOS), 2016-03-09) Alcolea, Pedro J; Alonso, Ana; Moreno-Izquierdo, Miguel A; Degayón, María A; Moreno-Iruela, Inmaculada; Larraga, Vicente; Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (España)
Leishmania infantum is one of the species responsible for visceral leishmaniasis. This species is distributed basically in the Mediterranean basin. A recent outbreak in humans has been reported in Spain. Axenic cultures are performed for most procedures with Leishmania spp. promastigotes. This model is stable and reproducible and mimics the conditions of the gut of the sand fly host, which is the natural environment of promastigote development. Culture media are undefined because they contain mammalian serum, which is a rich source of complex lipids and proteins. Serum deprivation slows down the growth kinetics and therefore, yield in biomass. In fact, we have confirmed that the growth rate decreases, as well as infectivity. Ploidy is also affected. Regarding the transcriptome, a high-throughput approach has revealed a low differential expression rate but important differentially regulated genes. The most remarkable profiles are: up-regulation of the GINS Psf3, the fatty acyl-CoA synthase (FAS1), the glyoxylase I (GLO1), the hydrophilic surface protein B (HASPB), the methylmalonyl-CoA epimerase (MMCE) and an amastin gene; and down-regulation of the gPEPCK and the arginase. Implications for metabolic adaptations, differentiation and infectivity are discussed herein.
Leishmania infantum UBC1 in Metacyclic Promastigotes from Phlebotomus perniciosus, a Vaccine Candidate for Zoonotic Visceral Leishmaniasis
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2022-02-03) Larraga, Jaime; Alcolea, Pedro J; Alonso, Ana M; Martins, Luis T C; Moreno-Iruela, Inmaculada; Dominguez-Rodriguez, Mercedes; Larraga, Vicente; CZ Vaccines; Fundación Ramón Areces
Leishmania parasites cause outstanding levels of morbidity and mortality in many developing countries in tropical and subtropical regions. Numerous gene expression profiling studies have been performed comparing different Leishmania species' life-cycles and stage forms in regard to their distinct infective ability. Based on expression patterns, homology to human orthologues, in silico HLA-binding predictions, and annotated functions, we were able to select several vaccine candidates which are currently under study. One of these candidates is the Leishmania infantum ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 (LiUBC1), whose relative levels, subcellular location, in vitro infectivity in the U937 myeloid human cell model, and protection levels in Syrian hamsters against L. infantum infection were studied herein. LiUBC1 displays a low level of similarity with the mammalian orthologs and relevant structure differences, such as the C-terminal domain, which is absent in the human ortholog. LiUBC1 is present in highly infective promastigotes. Knock-in parasites overexpressing the enzyme increased their infectivity, according to in vitro experiments. Syrian hamsters immunized with the recombinant LiUBC1 protein did not show any parasite burden in the spleen, unlike the infection control group. The IFN-γ transcript levels in splenocytes were significantly higher in the LiUBC1 immunized group. Therefore, LiUBC1 induced partial protection against L. infantum in the Syrian hamster model.
Tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium caprae in a camel (Camelus dromedarius).
(BioMed Central (BMC), 2020-11-10) Infantes-Lorenzo, Jose Antonio; Romero, B; Rodríguez-Bertos, A; Roy, A; Ortega, J; de Juan, Lucía; Moreno-Iruela, Inmaculada; Dominguez-Rodriguez, Mercedes; Domínguez, L; Bezos, J; Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Competitividad (España); Unión Europea
Animal tuberculosis (TB) is distributed worldwide and has a wide range of wild and domestic reservoirs. Few studies concerning TB in camelids have been published in the last decade, particularly as regards Old World Camelids (OWC), but the increase in reports of TB outbreaks in these species in recent years suggests a high susceptibility to the infection. We studied a dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) herd (n = 24) in which a Mycobacterium caprae infection was detected. The TB infection was confirmed in one animal at necropsy through the detection of TB lesions, mainly in the abdominal organs, and the subsequent isolation of M. caprae (SB0157 spoligotype). The whole herd was additionally tested using cellular and humoral based diagnostic techniques. The intradermal tuberculin test results were compared with those obtained using P22 ELISA for the detection of specific antibodies against the M. tuberculosis complex. The TB infected animal was a positive reactor to both the intradermal tuberculin tests and P22 ELISA, while the others were negative to all the diagnostic tests. The present study found M. caprae infection in OWC. This is the first report of M. caprae infection in an OWC not living in a zoo. Since the animal was born in the herd and fed with goat's milk, this practice was suspected to be the potential source of TB infection, which was not confirmed in the other animals present in the herd. Moreover, our results highlight that the intradermal tuberculin test and the P22 ELISA could be valuable tools for the diagnosis of TB in OWC.
Seroepidemiology of tuberculosis in sheep in southern Spain
(Elsevier, 2023-04-13) Jiménez-Martín, Débora; Cano-Terriza, David; Risalde, María A; Napp, Sebastián; Álvarez, Julio; Fernández-Morente, Manuel; Fernández-Molera, Vicente; Moreno-Iruela, Inmaculada; Infantes-Lorenzo, Jose Antonio; García-Bocanegra, Ignacio; Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (España); Instituto de Salud Carlos III; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (España); Unión Europea; University of Córdoba (España); Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red - CIBERINFEC (Enfermedades Infecciosas)
Tuberculosis (TB) is a multi-host infectious disease caused by members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC). In Mediterranean ecosystems, where multiple animal hosts of TB are present, identifying the role of the different species involved in the epidemiology of TB is a key point to be able to implement proper control measures. Sheep are susceptible to MTC infection but have traditionally been considered a spillover host. However, the occurrence of outbreaks involving sheep in recent years evidences the need to better understand the role of this small ruminant species in the epidemiology of the disease. Here, we aimed to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with MTC seropositivity in sheep in Andalusia (southern Spain), a region with one of the highest prevalence of MTC infection in both cattle and wild ungulates. A total of 2266 sheep from 83 flocks were tested for antibodies against MTC using an in-house indirect ELISA. Anti-MTC antibodies were detected in 16 (0.7%) of the 2266 sheep (adjusted true prevalence 0.29%, 95% posterior probability interval 0.01-1.05). Seropositivity was found in 14.5% (12/83; 95%CI: 6.9-22.0) of the sheep farms analyzed. A semi-extensive management system was identified as a risk factor associated with MTC seropositivity in sheep farms (OR = 3.7; p < 0.038; 95%CI: 1.1-12.4) in the study area. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first active TB surveillance study carried out to assess MTC exposure in sheep. Our results indicate MTC circulation in sheep farms in southern Spain. However, the low individual seroprevalence obtained suggests that sheep may play a limited role in the epidemiology of TB in this region. Serosurveillance programs could be a valuable tool to detect MTC circulation in sheep in risk scenarios or target farms, in order to optimize control measures on TB animal in multi-host Mediterranean ecosystems.
Sistema de vigilancia de leishmaniosis en gatos en la Comunidad de Madrid
(Sociedad Española de Sanidad Ambiental (SESA), 2024-05) De la Cruz Pérez, M; Chicharro, Carmen; Moreno-Iruela, Inmaculada; García Benzaquén, N; Mañas Urbón, J