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Background: Pathogens can impact host RNA modification machinery to establish a favorable cellular environment for their replication. In the present study, we investigated the effect of Toxoplasma gondii infection on host RNA modification profiles and explored how these modifications may influence the host-parasite interaction. Methodology/principal findings: We analyzed the modification levels of ∼ 80 nt tRNA and 17–50 nt sncRNAs in mouse liver, spleen, and serum using liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry analysis. The results revealed alterations in RNA modification profiles, particularly during acute infection. The liver exhibited more differentially abundant RNA modifications than the spleen. RNA modification levels in serum were mostly downregulated during acute infection compared to control mice. Correlations were detected between different RNA modifications in the liver and spleen during infection and between several RNA modifications and many cytokines. Alterations in RNA modifications affected tRNA stability and protein translation. Conclusions/significance: These findings provide new insight into the role of RNA modifications in mediating the murine host response to T. gondii infection. Author summary: The dynamic landscape of host tissue RNA modifications and its possible association with the immune response to Toxoplasma gondii infection are poorly understood. Here, we analyzed the patterns of 20 RNA modification types in the liver, spleen and serum of mice infected by T. gondii. We characterized the levels of modifications of total RNA, ∼ 80 nt tRNA and 17–50 nt sncRNAs using LC-MS/MS. Differentially abundant RNA modifications were more frequent during acute infection compared to chronic infection and were more pronounced in the liver than in the spleen. Multiple tRNA modifications were co-regulated during chronic infection. Several RNA modifications showed significant correlation with serum cytokines, highlighting the role of RNA modifications in the immune response to T. gondii infection. Alterations of RNA modifications affected tRNA stability and the translation of eukaryotic initiation factor 4A/E. These findings provide new insight into the role of RNA modifications in the pathogenesis of and immune response to T. gondii infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Enterocytozoon bieneusi are among the most common diarrhea-causing pathogens in humans and livestock. This was the first study to systematically and molecularly detect the prevalence of three intestinal protozoa in cattle in Heilongjiang Province, Northeast China. Our findings indicate that a variety of species/genotypes are prevalent in cattle in Heilongjiang Province and that some of them are zoonotic, indicating a risk of zoonotic disease transmission in endemic areas. This study helps to understand the epidemiology of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in cattle in Heilongjiang Province. Crytosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Enterocytozoon bieneusi are important diarrheal pathogens with a global distribution that threatens the health of humans and animals. Despite cattle being potential transmission hosts of these protozoans, the associated risks to public health have been neglected. In the present study, a total of 1155 cattle fecal samples were collected from 13 administrative regions of Heilongjiang Province. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp., G. duodenalis, and E. bieneusi were 5.5% (64/1155; 95% CI: 4.2–6.9), 3.8% (44/1155; 95% CI: 2.7–4.9), and 6.5% (75/1155; 95% CI: 5.1–7.9), respectively. Among these positive fecal samples, five Cryptosporidium species (C. andersoni, C. bovis, C. ryanae, C. parvum, and C. occultus), two G. duodenalis assemblages (E and A), and eight E. bieneusi genotypes (BEB4, BEB6, BEB8, J, I, CHS7, CHS8, and COS-I) were identified. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all eight genotypes of E. bieneusi identified in the present study belonged to group 2. It is worth noting that some species/genotypes of these intestinal protozoans are zoonotic, suggesting a risk of zoonotic disease transmission in endemic areas. The findings expanded our understanding of the genetic composition and zoonotic potential of Cryptosporidium spp., G. duodenalis, and E. bieneusi in cattle in Heilongjiang Province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Canine and feline parasitic zoonoses have not been given high priority in China, although the role of companion animals as reservoirs for zoonotic parasitic diseases has been recognized worldwide. With an increasing number of dogs and cats under unregulated conditions in China, the canine and feline parasitic zoonoses are showing a trend towards being gradually uncontrolled. Currently, canine and feline parasitic zoonoses threaten human health, and cause death and serious diseases in China. This article comprehensively reviews the current status of major canine and feline parasitic zoonoses in mainland China, discusses the risks dogs and cats pose with regard to zoonotic transmission of canine and feline parasites, and proposes control strategies and measures.