Graduation Year

2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

M.S.P.H.

Degree Name

MS in Public Health (M.S.P.H.)

Degree Granting Department

Public Health

Major Professor

Kami Kim, M.D.

Co-Major Professor

John Adams, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Li-Min Ting, Ph.D.

Keywords

fluorescence microscopy, host-parasite interactions, pathogenesis, toxoplasmosis

Abstract

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan with a broad host range of hosts, including various warm-blooded mammals, including humans. While infections can often be asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, they can pose significant risks to those who are immunocompromised, as well as pregnant women. Toxoplasmosis represents a significant burden on public health in the United States, with over 800,000 annual infections reported, often leading to severe complications such as symptomatic eye disease and congenital infections. Recent attention has developed regarding its potential association with human neuropathies such as Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and mood disorders. This project investigated differences in host mitochondrial function during T. gondii infection by comparing mitochondrial membrane potential in the highly virulent Type I (RH strain) and less virulent Type II (Pru strain). Human foreskin fibroblasts (HFFs) were used for parasite culturing and infection, followed by Mitotracker™ staining. Subsequent fluorescence microscopy was used to observe differences in mitochondrial membrane potential in host cell infections. Initial qualitative observations revealed an increase in mitochondrial signal during the early stages of infection (twenty-four hours), suggesting potential alterations induced by the parasite. These preliminary findings offer a basis for further exploration, particularly concerning the differences in host cell mitochondrial membrane potential in type I and II T. gondii infection and their consequent impact on host mitochondrial dynamics. The observed differences provide evidence for the potential use of the methodologies to elucidate differences in mitochondrial membrane potential and associated phenotypic traits, such as mitochondrial morphology (fission and fusion) in the context of T. gondii. This research highlights the critical role of mitochondrial function in infectious diseases and emphasizes the importance of sustained future initiatives to refine and establish tools and methodologies for subsequent research.

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