A comprehensive analysis of direct and photosensitized attenuation of Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites

Publication date: Available online 7 October 2017
Source:Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology
Author(s): Juan G. Yañuk, M. Lis Alomar, M. Micaela Gonzalez, Andrés M. Alonso, Sergio O. Angel, Verónica M. Coceres, Franco M. Cabrerizo
In the present work, we have evaluated the effect of three different types of radiation: UVC (254±5nm), UVA (365±20nm) and visible (420±20nm) on different morphological and biological functions of Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites. Briefly, UVC and UVA showed an inhibitory effect on parasite invasion in a dose-dependent manner. UVC showed the strongest effect inducing both structural damage (antigens) and functional inhibition (i.e., invasion and replication). On its own, visible light induces a quite distinctive and selective pattern of parasite-attenuation. This type of incident radiation inhibits the replication of the parasite affecting neither the capability of invasion/attachment nor the native structure of proteins (antigens) on parasites. Such effects are a consequence of photosensitized processes where phenol red might act as the active photosensitizer. The potential uses of the methodologies investigated herein are discussed.

Graphical abstract