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Sékré JBK, Diakité NR, Assaré RK, Kouadio JN, Coulibaly G, Konan CK, Kouamin AC, Méité A, Hattendorf J, Ouattara M, Utzinger J, N'Goran EK. Potential associations between Schistosoma mansoni infection and physico-chemical characteristics and water-related human activities in Côte d'Ivoire: a cross-sectional study. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:422. [PMID: 39380000 PMCID: PMC11462818 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06466-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 10/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosomiasis remains a public health problem, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The disease is intimately connected to poverty and environmental factors. Our research was readily embedded into a multi-country schistosomiasis oversampling study. The aim of the study presented here was to determine the prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni and to investigate the role of water body characteristics and water-related human activities in disease transmission. METHODS In August and September 2022, a cross-sectional study was conducted in the western part of Côte d'Ivoire. Stool and urine samples were collected from 1602 and 1729 children aged 5-14 years, respectively, in 65 villages in the health districts of Biankouma, Ouaninou and Touba. Additionally, data were collected from direct observation of water-related activities at water bodies and interviews conducted with community leaders and health workers. The prevalence and risk factors for Schistosoma infection were assessed using generalised estimating equation models. RESULTS The prevalence ofS. mansoni and S. haematobium were 27.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 21.5-34.3%) and 0.1% (95% CI 0.03-0.5%), respectively. Low prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths was observed with 2.4%, 0.4% and 0.2% for hookworm, Trichuris trichiura and Ascaris lumbricoides, respectively. At the health district level, we found S. mansoni prevalence of 34.4% (95% CI 25.0-45.3%), 34.3% (95% CI 24.0-46.2%) and 16.3% (95% CI 9.5-26.6%) for Biankouma, Ouaninou and Touba, respectively. Female and male participants were at a similar risk of infection (29.0% vs. 26.0%, odds ratio [OR]: 1.18, 95% CI 0.92-1.50). Children aged 9-14 years showed a higher prevalence than their younger counterparts aged 5-8 years (34.5% vs. 22.7%, OR: 1.80, 95% CI 1.42-2.27). High infection prevalence was observed in villages where children were washing clothes and dishes at open surface water sites and pursued recreational activities (e.g. swimming and playing in the water). The temperature, total dissolved solids and pH of water samples showed no significant association with S. mansoni infection at the village unit. CONCLUSIONS Human water-related activities such as washing clothes and playing in the water are risk factors for S. mansoni transmission. Hence, preventive chemotherapy should be combined with information, education and communication to avoid or reduce the frequency of water exposure in children as part of a comprehensive package of interventions towards elimination of schistosomiasis as a public health problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Baptiste K Sékré
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët‑Boigny, 22 BP 582, Abidjan 22, Côte d'Ivoire.
| | - Nana R Diakité
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët‑Boigny, 22 BP 582, Abidjan 22, Côte d'Ivoire
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, 01 BP 1303, Abidjan 01, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Rufin K Assaré
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët‑Boigny, 22 BP 582, Abidjan 22, Côte d'Ivoire
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, 01 BP 1303, Abidjan 01, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Jules N Kouadio
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët‑Boigny, 22 BP 582, Abidjan 22, Côte d'Ivoire
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, 01 BP 1303, Abidjan 01, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Gaoussou Coulibaly
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët‑Boigny, 22 BP 582, Abidjan 22, Côte d'Ivoire
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, 01 BP 1303, Abidjan 01, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Cyrille K Konan
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët‑Boigny, 22 BP 582, Abidjan 22, Côte d'Ivoire
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, 01 BP 1303, Abidjan 01, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Alain-Claver Kouamin
- Programme National de Lutte Contre les Maladies Tropicales Négligées à Chimiothérapie Préventive, Ministère de la Santé et de l'Hygiène Publique, 06 BP 6394, Abidjan 06, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Aboulaye Méité
- Programme National de Lutte Contre les Maladies Tropicales Négligées à Chimiothérapie Préventive, Ministère de la Santé et de l'Hygiène Publique, 06 BP 6394, Abidjan 06, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Jan Hattendorf
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, CH-4123, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, P. O. Box, CH‑4001, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mamadou Ouattara
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët‑Boigny, 22 BP 582, Abidjan 22, Côte d'Ivoire
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, 01 BP 1303, Abidjan 01, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Jürg Utzinger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, CH-4123, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, P. O. Box, CH‑4001, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Eliézer K N'Goran
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët‑Boigny, 22 BP 582, Abidjan 22, Côte d'Ivoire
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, 01 BP 1303, Abidjan 01, Côte d'Ivoire
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Mackenzie CD, Kapa DR, Krishnasastry S, Douglass J, Hoerauf A, Ottesen EA. Managing Lymphedema Induced by Lymphatic Filariasis: Implementing and Improving Care at the Individual and Programmatic Levels. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2024; 111:3-21. [PMID: 39084208 PMCID: PMC11448485 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Providing and improving the care of patients suffering from lymphedema remains an essential goal for the clinical management of populations affected by lymphatic filariasis. Although the Essential Package of Care (EPC) recommended by the WHO leads to important positive benefits for many of these lymphedema patients, it is important to continue to address the challenges that remain both in quantifying these effects and in ensuring optimal care. This report, based on the authors' scientific and field experience, focuses on the impact and significance of lymphedema, its clinical presentation, current treatment approaches, and the importance of lymphedema care to the Global Program to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis. It emphasizes specific practical issues related to managing lymphedema, such as the importance of beginning treatment in the condition's early stages and the development of effective approaches to assess patients' progress toward improving both their clinical status and their overall quality of life. Priorities for research are also examined, particularly the need for tools to identify patients and to assess disease burden in endemic communities, the creation of EPC accessibility to as many patients as possible (i.e., targeting 100% "geographic coverage" of care), and the empowerment of patients to ensure the sustainability, and ultimately the provision of care from sectors of the national public health systems of endemic countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles D. Mackenzie
- Coalition for Operational Research on Neglected Tropical Diseases (COR-NTD), Task Force for Global Health, Atlanta, Georgia
- The END Fund, New York, New York
| | - D Ramaiah Kapa
- Consultant Lymphatic Filariasis Epidemiologist, Pondicherry, India
| | - Suma Krishnasastry
- Filariasis Research Unit, WHO Collaborating Center for LF MMDP, Government T. D. Medical College Hospital, Kerala University of Health Sciences, Alappuzha, India
| | - Jan Douglass
- Division of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - Achim Hoerauf
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Germany
| | - Eric A. Ottesen
- Coalition for Operational Research on Neglected Tropical Diseases (COR-NTD), Task Force for Global Health, Atlanta, Georgia
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3
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Mudavanhu A, Goossens E, Schols R, Manyangadze T, Nhiwatiwa T, Lemmens P, Huyse T, Brendonck L. Ecosystem links: Anthropogenic activities, environmental variables, and macrophytes structure snail preferences in man-made waterbodies. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 954:176394. [PMID: 39353489 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.176394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 09/12/2024] [Accepted: 09/17/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024]
Abstract
Freshwater snails act as obligate intermediate hosts for trematode parasites that cause trematodiases threatening public and veterinary health, and biodiversity conservation. While interest in snail control for trematodiases has re-emerged, their ecology remains poorly understood. We examined the relationship between ecosystem indicators - such as environmental variables, macroinvertebrates, macrophytes, and land use - and their correlation with snail abundance, diversity, and infection prevalence in 19 man-made ponds in eastern Zimbabwe. In total, 926 freshwater snails from 10 species were collected, with 547 individuals belonging to five schistosome-competent species: Bulinus tropicus, Bulinus truncatus, Bulinus globosus, Bulinus forskalii, and Biomphalaria pfeifferi. The remaining 379 snails comprised Radix natalensis, Gyraulus sp., and the exotic invasive species Melanoides tuberculata, Pseudosuccinea columella, and Physella acuta. Six cercarial types - mammalian schistosomes, avian schistosomes, longifurcate pharyngeates, echinostomes, amphistomes, and xiphidiocercariae - were isolated from 104 out of 926 snails (11.2 %). PCR revealed a significantly higher infection rate, with 70.2 % of snails testing positive for trematodes. Snail taxon diversity and infection rate significantly varied across land use types, with the lowest values observed in the commercial tobacco farm section, highlighting the potential adverse effects of agriculture on biodiversity. Ponds with extensive Lagarosiphon major (oxygen weed) coverage appeared to facilitate the presence and abundance of P. acuta and P. columella. Schistosome-competent snails such as B. truncatus and B. tropicus seemed to favor shallow water depths and more eutrophic sites characterized by high levels of nitrates, phytoplankton biomass, turbidity, and phycocyanin. These ponds were predominantly associated with the emergent macrophyte Cladium mariscus, revealing a potential association with important intermediate snail hosts. In conclusion, our study emphasizes the complex interplay among environmental factors, macrophyte composition, land use, and the abundance, diversity, and infection prevalence of freshwater snails, offering insights into potential strategies for targeted snail control and disease management in man-made waterbodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aspire Mudavanhu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bindura University of Science Education, Bindura, Zimbabwe; Laboratory of Animal Ecology, Global Change and Sustainable Development, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Emilie Goossens
- Laboratory of Animal Ecology, Global Change and Sustainable Development, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ruben Schols
- Department of Biology, Royal Museum for Central Africa, Tervuren, Belgium; Laboratory of Aquatic Biology, KU Leuven Kulak, Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Tawanda Manyangadze
- Department of Geosciences, School of Geosciences, Disaster and Development, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Bindura University of Science Education, Bindura, Zimbabwe; Discipline of Public Health Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - Tamuka Nhiwatiwa
- Department of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, School of Agriculture and Fisheries, University of Namibia, Henties Bay, Namibia
| | - Pieter Lemmens
- Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology, Evolution and Conservation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Leibniz Institute für Gewasserökologie und Binnenfischerei (IGB), Berlin, Germany; Research Institute for Nature and Forest, Havenlaan 88 Box 73, Brussels 1000, Belgium
| | - Tine Huyse
- Department of Biology, Royal Museum for Central Africa, Tervuren, Belgium
| | - Luc Brendonck
- Laboratory of Animal Ecology, Global Change and Sustainable Development, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, South Africa
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4
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Hammer AJ, Gaulke CA, Garcia-Jaramillo M, Leong C, Morre J, Sieler MJ, Stevens JF, Jiang Y, Maier CS, Kent ML, Sharpton TJ. Gut microbiota metabolically mediate intestinal helminth infection in zebrafish. mSystems 2024; 9:e0054524. [PMID: 39191377 PMCID: PMC11406965 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00545-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Intestinal helminth parasite (IHP) infection induces alterations in the composition of microbial communities across vertebrates, although how gut microbiota may facilitate or hinder parasite infection remains poorly defined. In this work, we utilized a zebrafish model to investigate the relationship between gut microbiota, gut metabolites, and IHP infection. We found that extreme disparity in zebrafish parasite infection burden is linked to the composition of the gut microbiome and that changes in the gut microbiome are associated with variation in a class of endogenously produced signaling compounds, N-acylethanolamines, that are known to be involved in parasite infection. Using a statistical mediation analysis, we uncovered a set of gut microbes whose relative abundance explains the association between gut metabolites and infection outcomes. Experimental investigation of one of the compounds in this analysis reveals salicylaldehyde, which is putatively produced by the gut microbe Pelomonas, as a potent anthelmintic with activity against Pseudocapillaria tomentosa egg hatching, both in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, our findings underscore the importance of the gut microbiome as a mediating agent in parasitic infection and highlight specific gut metabolites as tools for the advancement of novel therapeutic interventions against IHP infection. IMPORTANCE Intestinal helminth parasites (IHPs) impact human health globally and interfere with animal health and agricultural productivity. While anthelmintics are critical to controlling parasite infections, their efficacy is increasingly compromised by drug resistance. Recent investigations suggest the gut microbiome might mediate helminth infection dynamics. So, identifying how gut microbes interact with parasites could yield new therapeutic targets for infection prevention and management. We conducted a study using a zebrafish model of parasitic infection to identify routes by which gut microbes might impact helminth infection outcomes. Our research linked the gut microbiome to both parasite infection and to metabolites in the gut to understand how microbes could alter parasite infection. We identified a metabolite in the gut, salicylaldehyde, that is putatively produced by a gut microbe and that inhibits parasitic egg growth. Our results also point to a class of compounds, N-acyl-ethanolamines, which are affected by changes in the gut microbiome and are linked to parasite infection. Collectively, our results indicate the gut microbiome may be a source of novel anthelmintics that can be harnessed to control IHPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin J Hammer
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Oregon, USA
| | - Christopher A Gaulke
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Connor Leong
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Oregon, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Jeffrey Morre
- Department of Chemistry, Oregon State University, Oregon, USA
| | - Michael J Sieler
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Oregon, USA
| | - Jan F Stevens
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Oregon State University, Oregon, USA
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Oregon, USA
| | - Yuan Jiang
- Department of Statistics, Oregon State University, Oregon, USA
| | - Claudia S Maier
- Department of Chemistry, Oregon State University, Oregon, USA
| | - Michael L Kent
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Oregon, USA
| | - Thomas J Sharpton
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, Oregon, USA
- Department of Statistics, Oregon State University, Oregon, USA
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5
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Mandal S, Mondal C, Lyndem LM. Probiotics: an alternative anti-parasite therapy. J Parasit Dis 2024; 48:409-423. [PMID: 39145362 PMCID: PMC11319687 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-024-01680-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
This paper review about probiotic effects and mechanism of action against the gut and non-gut helminths and protozoan parasites. Gastrointestinal parasitic infections are considered a serious health problem and are widely distributed globally. The disease process which emanates from this parasite infection provides some of the many public and veterinary health problems in the tropical and sub-tropical countries. Prevention and control of the parasite disease is through antihelmintic and anti-protozoan drugs, but, due to the increasing emergence of such drug resistance, eradication of parasite infestation in human and livestock still lingers a challenge, which requires the development of new alternative strategies. The use of beneficial microorganisms i.e. probiotics is becoming interesting due to their prophylactic application against several diseases including parasite infections. Recent studies on the interactions between probiotics, parasites and host immune cells using animal models and in vitro culture systems has increased considerably and draw much attention, yet the mechanisms of actions mediating the positive effects of these beneficial microorganisms on the hosts remain unexplored. Therefore, the aim of the present review is to summarize the latest findings on the probiotic research against the gut and non-gut parasites of significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudeshna Mandal
- Visva-Bharati, Parasitology Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Santiniketan, 731235 West Bengal India
| | - Chandrani Mondal
- Visva-Bharati, Parasitology Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Santiniketan, 731235 West Bengal India
| | - Larisha M. Lyndem
- Visva-Bharati, Parasitology Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Santiniketan, 731235 West Bengal India
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6
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Saha S, Mondal C, Mandal S, Ray MS, Lyndem LM. In vitro anthelmintic efficacy of Ferulic and Sinapic acid against zoonotic cestode Hymenolepis diminuta (Rudolphi, 1819). J Parasit Dis 2024; 48:501-513. [PMID: 39145371 PMCID: PMC11319579 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-024-01689-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The present study is aimed to investigate potential in vitro anthelmintic efficacy of two phenolic compounds Ferulic acid and Sinapic acid against the parasite H. diminuta. Adult parasites collected from infected rat's intestine (maintained in our laboratory) were treated with 1, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 mg/mL concentrations of both the compounds in RPMI-1640 media containing 1% Tween 20. Further, one group was treated in Praziquantel as a reference drug and another group of parasites were kept as control. The efficacy was evaluated on the basis of motility and mortality of the parasites. The paralyzed worms were further processed for the morphological and ultrastructural studies and observed through light and scanning electron microscopy. A significant dose-dependent efficacy was found in all treatment and decrease in relative movability value was also recorded in all the concentrations of two compounds treated parasites. The time taken for paralysis in 5 mg/mL of Ferulic acid and 10 mg/mL of Sinapic acid were 1.47 ± 0.04 h and 0.88 ± 0.03 h respectively which is accorded with the standard concentration of Praziquantel. Morphological micrographs revealed pronounced distortion and altered topography of scolex and tegument while histological study showed loss of uniform tegumental integrity with folds and cracks in the treated parasites. Further, extensive alteration in the scolex and irrevocable disruption all over the body surface with loss of trapezoid shape, shrinkage of tegument and sloughing off microtriches were observed in electron microscopic study. The study indicated that both the compounds possess strong activity against H. diminuta and further studies are required to understand their detailed mode of action to exploit them as potential alternative candidates for curing helminthiases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samiparna Saha
- Parasitology Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan, West Bengal 731235 India
| | - Chandrani Mondal
- Parasitology Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan, West Bengal 731235 India
| | - Sudeshna Mandal
- Parasitology Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan, West Bengal 731235 India
| | - Mou Singha Ray
- Parasitology Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan, West Bengal 731235 India
| | - Larisha M. Lyndem
- Parasitology Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan, West Bengal 731235 India
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7
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Mulate ST, Nur AM, Tasamma AT, Annose RT, Dawud EM, Ekubazgi KW, Mekonnen HD, Mohammed HY, Hailemeskel MB, Yimer SA. Colonic schistosomiasis mimicking cancer, polyp, and inflammatory bowel disease: Five case reports and review of literature. World J Gastrointest Endosc 2024; 16:472-482. [PMID: 39155995 PMCID: PMC11325876 DOI: 10.4253/wjge.v16.i8.472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosomiasis, officially named as a neglected tropical disease by The World Health Organization, is a serious parasitic disease caused by trematode flukes of the genus Schistosoma. It is a common infectious disease, endemic in more than 78 countries. The disease can involve various organs and poses far-reaching public health challenges. CASE SUMMARY Here, we present a series of five patients with variable presentations: an asymptomatic patient who was diagnosed with colonic schistosomiasis upon screening colonoscopy; 2 patients with clinical suspicion of colonic cancer; and 2 patients with a clinical diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease. All patients were subsequently confirmed to have colonic schistosomiasis after colonoscopy and histopathologic examination. The clinical manifestations, colonoscopy features and histologic findings of the patients are described. Most of the patients showed significant clinical improvement following administration of oral praziquantel. CONCLUSION Intestinal schistosomiasis can present with features mimicking other gastrointestinal conditions. This disease should be a diagnostic consideration in patients who live in or have traveled to endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebhatleab T Mulate
- Department of Internal Medicine, Addis Ababa University, College of Health Science, Addis Ababa 9086, Ethiopia
| | - Abdulsemed M Nur
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Addis Ababa University, College of Health Science, Addis Ababa 9086, Ethiopia
| | - Abel T Tasamma
- Department of Internal Medicine, Addis Ababa University, College of Health Science, Addis Ababa 9086, Ethiopia
| | - Rodas T Annose
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Addis Ababa University, College of Health Science, Addis Ababa 9086, Ethiopia
| | - Esmael M Dawud
- Department of Internal Medicine, St Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa 9086, Ethiopia
| | - Kinfe W Ekubazgi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hawassa University, Hawassa PO Box 05, Ethiopia
| | - Hailemichael D Mekonnen
- Department of Internal Medicine, St Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa 1271, Ethiopia
| | - Hidaya Y Mohammed
- Department of Pathology, Addis Ababa University, College of Health Science, Addis Ababa 9086, Ethiopia
| | - Meron B Hailemeskel
- Department of Pathology, St Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa 1271, Ethiopia
| | - Shimelis A Yimer
- Department of Pathology, Ethio Tebib General Hospital, Addis Ababa 1111, Ethiopia
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Alpizar-Sosa E, Zimbres FM, Mantilla BS, Dickie EA, Wei W, Burle-Caldas GA, Filipe LNS, Van Bocxlaer K, Price HP, Ibarra-Meneses AV, Beaudry F, Fernandez-Prada C, Whitfield PD, Barrett MP, Denny PW. Evaluation of the Leishmania Inositol Phosphorylceramide Synthase as a Drug Target Using a Chemical and Genetic Approach. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:2913-2928. [PMID: 39023360 PMCID: PMC11320567 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
The lack of effective vaccines and the development of resistance to the current treatments highlight the urgent need for new anti-leishmanials. Sphingolipid metabolism has been proposed as a promising source of Leishmania-specific targets as these lipids are key structural components of the eukaryotic plasma membrane and are involved in distinct cellular events. Inositol phosphorylceramide (IPC) is the primary sphingolipid in the Leishmania species and is the product of a reaction mediated by IPC synthase (IPCS). The antihistamine clemastine fumarate has been identified as an inhibitor of IPCS in L. major and a potent anti-leishmanial in vivo. Here we sought to further examine the target of this compound in the more tractable species L. mexicana, using an approach combining genomic, proteomic, metabolomic and lipidomic technologies, with molecular and biochemical studies. While the data demonstrated that the response to clemastine fumarate was largely conserved, unexpected disturbances beyond sphingolipid metabolism were identified. Furthermore, while deletion of the gene encoding LmxIPCS had little impact in vitro, it did influence clemastine fumarate efficacy and, importantly, in vivo pathogenicity. Together, these data demonstrate that clemastine does inhibit LmxIPCS and cause associated metabolic disturbances, but its primary target may lie elsewhere.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Flavia M. Zimbres
- Department
of Biosciences, University of Durham, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, U.K.
| | - Brian S. Mantilla
- Department
of Biosciences, University of Durham, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, U.K.
| | - Emily A. Dickie
- School
of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life
Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, U.K.
| | - Wenbin Wei
- Department
of Biosciences, University of Durham, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, U.K.
| | - Gabriela A. Burle-Caldas
- Department
of Biosciences, University of Durham, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, U.K.
- Departamento
de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade
Federal de Minas Gerais, Caixa Postal 486 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Laura N. S. Filipe
- Department
of Biosciences, University of Durham, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, U.K.
| | - Katrien Van Bocxlaer
- York
Biomedical Research Institute, Hull York Medical School, University of York, York YO10 5NG, U.K.
| | - Helen P. Price
- School
of Life Sciences, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, U.K.
| | - Ana V. Ibarra-Meneses
- Département
de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine
Vétérinaire, Université
de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - Francis Beaudry
- Département
de Biomédecine, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - Christopher Fernandez-Prada
- Département
de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine
Vétérinaire, Université
de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - Philip D. Whitfield
- School
of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life
Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, U.K.
| | - Michael P. Barrett
- School
of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life
Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, U.K.
| | - Paul W. Denny
- Department
of Biosciences, University of Durham, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, U.K.
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9
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Wheelock A, Sandhu S, Reifler K, Carrion M, Bourque DL, Hamer DH, Hochberg NS. Improving Clinician Awareness of and Screening for Chagas Disease with an Educational Intervention. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2024; 111:380-386. [PMID: 38889732 PMCID: PMC11310624 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease is an underrecognized, chronic, and potentially life-threatening disease caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. We aimed to improve awareness and screening for Chagas disease among patients from endemic areas using a large safety-net academic hospital system in the United States. We developed an educational intervention consisting of a case-based didactic session presented to physicians, trainees, and other healthcare providers at conferences across different departments. Performance on a knowledge assessment administered before and after the presentation was analyzed with paired Student's t-test for within-subject difference testing. Institutional testing rates for T. cruzi were evaluated for an equal time period (29 months) before and after the start of the intervention. Testing rates were compared by a Welch's unequal variances t-test and by interrupted time series based on multivariate linear regression. Eleven educational sessions were held over the intervention period, and 103 participants completed the pre- and post-presentation surveys. The mean survey scores were 59.2% before the presentation and 96.6% after presentation (P <0.001). Trypanosoma cruzi testing during the postintervention period was significantly higher than testing during the pre-intervention period (171 patients pre-intervention versus 378 patients postintervention [P = 0.015]). Notable increases in testing from the pre-intervention to postintervention periods occurred among midwives (1-68 patients tested) and trainees (57-133 patients tested). Overall, 56/537 (10.4%) nonduplicate T. cruzi commercial screening tests were positive. Testing increased over time, both at an institutional level and within targeted departments. In addition to the educational program, other factors likely influenced expanded testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyse Wheelock
- Section of Preventive Medicine, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sukhmeet Sandhu
- Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Katherine Reifler
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Malwina Carrion
- Boston University Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Daniel L. Bourque
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Davidson H. Hamer
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center on Emerging Infectious Diseases, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Natasha S. Hochberg
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
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10
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Alderton DL, Ackley C, Trueba ML. The psychosocial impacts of skin-neglected tropical diseases (SNTDs) as perceived by the affected persons: A systematic review. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012391. [PMID: 39093848 PMCID: PMC11324132 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) disproportionately affect marginalised groups within impoverished communities, conferring devastating physical, financial and psychosocial effects. Skin-NTDs (SNTDs) are uniquely stigmatising due to their visible nature, rendering affected individuals vulnerable to psychosocial risk and the associated decline in social participation, quality of life and mental health. In response to knowledge gaps identified by current global efforts for integrated control of SNTDs this review gathers existing evidence on the psychosocial effects of SNTDs, with consideration given to the influence of gender. METHODS The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022336676). Data was collected from Embase, Global Health, Medline and Web of Science, with additional articles identified through Google Scholar and bibliography tracking. Qualitative studies published in English between 2005 and 2024 reporting men's and women's experiences with SNTDs were searched. Appropriate data from each included study were inputted into NVivo software to facilitate thematic synthesis. Descriptive and analytic themes were generated through line-by-line coding using an inductive approach. RESULTS 27 articles of high and moderate quality were included. They pertained to buruli ulcer, cutaneous leishmaniasis, leprosy, lymphatic filariasis, tungiasis, onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis and podoconiosis. Men and women across SNTDs and contexts reported debilitating physical symptoms which impaired their ability to work, socialise and carry out usual daily activities. Some felt (at least initially) well supported by partners and relatives, whereas most experienced avoidance, abandonment and even violence, with women incurring worse SNTD-related social consequences. Many men and most women experienced stigma, with discriminatory behaviours largely attributed to fear of infection, decreased ability to perform gender-specific daily activities, and the perceived association between SNTDs and sinfulness. Self-reported impacts of SNTDs on men's and women's mental wellbeing included low mood, anxiety, low self-esteem, and suicidal ideation. Disease-specific knowledge, early treatment, social support, and disease acceptance were mentioned as protective factors. CONCLUSION SNTDs cause significant psychosocial harms, particularly for women. Implementing myth-busting and contact-based educational campaigns and improving access to treatment and to livelihood opportunities and social protection schemes for men and women with a SNTD will help prevent and mitigate these.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dasha L. Alderton
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS), University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline Ackley
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS), University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Mei L. Trueba
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS), University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
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11
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Hammer AJ, Gaulke CA, Garcia-Jaramillo M, Leong C, Morre J, Sieler MJ, Stevens JF, Jiang Y, Maier CS, Kent ML, Sharpton TJ. Gut microbiota metabolically mediate intestinal helminth infection in Zebrafish. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.26.605207. [PMID: 39091873 PMCID: PMC11291147 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.26.605207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Intestinal helminth parasite (IHP) infection induces alterations in the composition of microbial communities across vertebrates, although how gut microbiota may facilitate or hinder parasite infection remains poorly defined. In this work we utilized a zebrafish model to investigate the relationship between gut microbiota, gut metabolites, and IHP infection. We found that extreme disparity in zebrafish parasite infection burden is linked to the composition of the gut microbiome, and that changes in the gut microbiome are associated with variation in a class of endogenously-produced signaling compounds, N-acylethanolamines, that are known to be involved in parasite infection. Using a statistical mediation analysis, we uncovered a set of gut microbes whose relative abundance explains the association between gut metabolites and infection outcomes. Experimental investigation of one of the compounds in this analysis reveals salicylaldehyde, which is putatively produced by the gut microbe Pelomonas, as a potent anthelmintic with activity against Pseudocapillaria tomentosa egg hatching, both in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, our findings underscore the importance of the gut microbiome as a mediating agent in parasitic infection and highlights specific gut metabolites as tools for the advancement of novel therapeutic interventions against IHP infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chris A. Gaulke
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign
| | | | - Connor Leong
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University
| | | | | | - Jan F. Stevens
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Oregon State University
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University
| | - Yuan Jiang
- Department of Statistics, Oregon State University
| | | | | | - Thomas J. Sharpton
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University
- Department of Statistics, Oregon State University
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12
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Asmamaw G, Minwagaw T, Samuel M, Ayenew W. Availability and readiness of health facilities providing services for other infectious diseases to treat neglected tropical diseases in Ethiopia: implications for service integration in high burden areas. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:850. [PMID: 39061057 PMCID: PMC11282672 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-11257-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The burden of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria pose significant public health challenges in Ethiopia. This study aimed to the explore service availability and readiness for NTD care among Ethiopian health facilities treating tuberculosis (TB), HIV/AIDS, and/or malaria. METHODS This study utilized secondary data from the Ethiopian Service Provision Assessment 2021-22 survey. The availability of services was calculated as the percentage of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, or malaria facilities providing NTD services. Facilities were considered highly prepared to manage any type of NTD if they scored at least half (> 50%) of the tracer items listed in each of the three domains (staff training and guidelines, equipment, and essential medicines). Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were employed to present the study findings and analyze factors influencing facility readiness, respectively. RESULTS Out of 403 health facilities providing NTD care nationally, 179, 183, and 197 also offer TB, HIV/AIDS, and malaria services, respectively. The majority of TB (90.1%), HIV/AIDS (89.6%), and malaria (90.9%) facilities offer soil-transmitted helminth services, followed by trachoma (range 87-90%). The percentages of the aforementioned facilities with at least one trained staff member for any type of NTD were 87.2%, 88.4%, and 82.1%, respectively. The percentage of facilities with guidelines for any type of NTD was relatively low (range 3.7-4.1%). Mebendazole was the most widely available essential medicine, ranging from 69 to 70%. The overall readiness analysis indicated that none of the included facilities (TB = 11.9%; HIV/AIDS = 11.6%; and malaria = 10.6%) were ready to offer NTD care. Specifically, a higher level of readiness was observed only in the domain of medicines across these facilities. Hospitals had better readiness to offer NTD care than did health centers and clinics. Furthermore, a significant associations were observed between facility readiness and factors such as facility type, region, presence of routine management meetings, types of NTD services provided, and fixed costs for services. CONCLUSIONS Ethiopian health facilities treating TB, HIV/AIDS, and malaria had an unsatisfactory overall service availability and a lack of readiness to provide NTD care. Given the existing epidemiological risks and high burden of TB, HIV/AIDS, malaria, and NTDs in Ethiopia, there is an urgent need to consider preparing and implementing a collaborative infectious disease care plan to integrate NTD services in these facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Getahun Asmamaw
- Unit of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
| | - Tefera Minwagaw
- Department of Pharmacy, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Mastewal Samuel
- Department of Pharmacy, Wachemo University, Hassana, Ethiopia
| | - Wondim Ayenew
- Department of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.
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13
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Chen X, Le J, Hu Y. Predicting Schistosomiasis Intensity in Africa: A Machine Learning Approach to Evaluate the Progress of WHO Roadmap 2030. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2024; 111:73-79. [PMID: 38772355 PMCID: PMC11229641 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organization (WHO) 2030 Roadmap aims to eliminate schistosomiasis as a public health issue, targeting reductions in the heavy intensity of infections. Previous studies, however, have predominantly used prevalence as the primary indicator of schistosomiasis. We introduce several machine learning (ML) algorithms to predict infection intensity categories, using morbidity prevalence, with the aim of assessing the elimination of schistosomiasis in Africa, as outlined by the WHO. We obtained morbidity prevalence and infection intensity data from the Expanded Special Project to Eliminate Neglected Tropical Diseases, which spans 12 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. We then used a series of ML algorithms to predict the prevalence of infection intensity categories for Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma mansoni, with morbidity prevalence and several relevant environmental and demographic covariates from remote-sensing sources. The optimal model had high accuracy and stability; it achieved a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.02, a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.05, and a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.84 in predicting heavy-intensity prevalence for S. mansoni; and an MAE of 0.02, an RMSE of 0.04, and an R2 value of 0.81 for S. haematobium. Based on this optimal model, we found that most areas in the surveyed countries have not achieved the target of the WHO road map for 2030. The ML algorithms used in our analysis showed a high overall predictive power in estimating infection intensity for each species, and our methods provided a low-cost, effective approach to evaluating the disease target in Africa set in the WHO road map for 2030.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China; Laboratory for Spatial Analysis and Modeling, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaxu Le
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China; Laboratory for Spatial Analysis and Modeling, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Hu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China; Laboratory for Spatial Analysis and Modeling, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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14
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Manca F, Ciminata G, Grieve E, Reboud J, Cooper J, McIntosh E. Cost-effectiveness of sentinel screening of endemic diseases alongside malaria diagnosis: A case study in schistosomiasis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012339. [PMID: 39074148 PMCID: PMC11309411 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In countries where malaria is endemic, the use of rapid diagnostic tests(RDTs) has become routine, especially in rural settings. Such regions are characterised by often having other co-endemic infectious diseases, at high levels of prevalence. AIM To illustrate the potential added-value of "sentinel" screening for patients presenting for a routine diagnostic test for malaria, at healthcare facilities in Uganda. METHODS We developed an economic model by combining two decision trees, one for malaria and a second for the co-endemic disease schistosomiasis. The integrated model was designed to inform policy strategies for the co-endemic disease in addition to malaria (i.e., whether to test opportunistically for schistosomiasis or use mass drug administration(MDA) as per usual practice).We performed the analysis on three comparators varying testing accuracy and costs. RESULTS Sentinel screening can provide added value to the testing of patients compared with the status quo: when schistosomiasis prevalence is high then MDA is preferential; if low prevalence, treating no one is preferred. If the disease has average levels of prevalence, then a strategy involving testing is preferred. Prevalence thresholds driving the dominant strategy are dependent upon the model parameters, which are highly context specific. At average levels of prevalence for schistosomiasis and malaria for Uganda, adding a sentinel screening was cost-effective when the accuracy of test was higher than current diagnostics and when economies of scope were generated(Expected value clinical Information = 0.65$ per DALY averted, 137.91$ per correct diagnoses).Protocols using diagnostics with current accuracy levels were preferred only for levels of MDA coverage below 75%. CONCLUSION The importance of the epidemiological setting is crucial in determining the best cost-effective strategy for detecting endemic disease. Economies of scope can make sentinel screenings cost-effective strategies in specific contexts. Blanket thresholds recommended for MDA may not always be the preferred option for endemic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Manca
- School of health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Giorgio Ciminata
- School of health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Eleanor Grieve
- School of health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Julien Reboud
- James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Cooper
- James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Emma McIntosh
- School of health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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15
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Ishida K, Osakunor DNM, Rossi M, Lamanna OK, Mbanefo EC, Cody JJ, Le L, Hsieh MH. RNA-seq gene expression profiling of the bladder in a mouse model of urogenital schistosomiasis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.29.601185. [PMID: 38979184 PMCID: PMC11230422 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.29.601185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Background Parasitic flatworms of the Schistosoma genus cause schistosomiasis, which affects over 230 million people. Schistosoma haematobium causes the urogenital form of schistosomiasis (UGS), which can lead to hematuria, fibrosis, and increased risk of secondary infections by bacteria or viruses. UGS is also linked to bladder cancer. To understand the bladder pathology during S. haematobium infection, our group previously developed a mouse model that involves the injection of S. haematobium eggs into the bladder wall. Using this model, we studied changes in epigenetics profile, as well as changes in gene and protein expression in the host bladder tissues. In the current study, we expand upon this work by examining the expression level of both host and parasite genes using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) in the mouse bladder wall injection model of S. haematobium infection. Methods We used a mouse model of S. haematobium infection in which parasite eggs or vehicle control were injected into the bladder walls of female BALB/c mice. RNA-seq was performed on the RNA isolated from the bladders four days after bladder wall injection. Results/Conclusions RNA-seq analysis of egg- and vehicle control-injected bladders revealed the differential expression of 1025 mouse genes in the egg-injected bladders, including genes associated with cellular infiltration, immune cell chemotaxis, cytokine signaling, and inflammation We also observed the upregulation of immune checkpoint-related genes, which suggests that while the infection causes an inflammatory response, it also dampens the response to avoid excessive inflammation-related damage to the host. Identifying these changes in host signaling and immune responses improves our understanding of the infection and how it may contribute to the development of bladder cancer. Analysis of the differential gene expression of the parasite eggs between bladder-injected versus uninjected eggs revealed 119 S. haematobium genes associated with transcription, intracellular signaling, and metabolism. The analysis of the parasite genes also revealed fewer transcript reads compared to that found in the analysis of mouse genes, highlighting the challenges of studying parasite egg biology in the mouse model of S. haematobium infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Ishida
- Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children's National Research Institute, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
| | - Derick N M Osakunor
- Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children's National Research Institute, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
| | - Mario Rossi
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Olivia K Lamanna
- Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children's National Research Institute, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
| | - Evaristus C Mbanefo
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - James J Cody
- Charles River Laboratories, Rockville, Maryland, United States
| | - Loc Le
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Michael H Hsieh
- Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children's National Research Institute, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
- Department of Urology, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
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16
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Elizalde-Velázquez LE, Schlosser-Brandenburg J, Laubschat A, Oser L, Kundik A, Adjah J, Groenhagen S, Kühl AA, Rausch S, Hartmann S. Th2-biased immune responses to body migrating Ascaris larvae in primary infection are associated with pathology but not protection. Sci Rep 2024; 14:14919. [PMID: 38942904 PMCID: PMC11213949 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65281-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Helminth infections lead to an overdispersion of the parasites in humans as well as in animals. We asked whether early immune responses against migrating Ascaris larvae are responsible for the unequal distribution of worms in natural host populations and thus investigated a susceptible versus a resistant mouse strain. In mice, the roundworm larvae develop until the lung stage and thus early anti-Ascaris immune responses against the migrating larvae in the liver and lung can be deciphered. Our data show that susceptible C57BL/6 mice respond to Ascaris larval migration significantly stronger compared to resistant CBA mice and the anti-parasite reactivity is associated with pathology. Increased eosinophil recruitment was detected in the liver and lungs, but also in the spleen and peritoneal cavity of susceptible mice on day 8 post infection compared to resistant mice. In serum, eosinophil peroxidase levels were significantly higher only in the susceptible mice, indicating functional activity of the recruited eosinophils. This effect was associated with an increased IL-5/IL-13 production by innate lymphoid cells and CD4+ T cells and a pronounced type 2 macrophage polarization in the lungs of susceptible mice. Furthermore, a comparison of wildtype BALB/c and eosinophil-deficient dblGATA-1 BALB/c mice showed that eosinophils were not essential for the early control of migrating Ascaris larvae. In conclusion, in primary infection, a strong local and systemic type 2 immune response during hepato-tracheal helminth larval migration is associated with pathology rather than protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis E Elizalde-Velázquez
- Institute of Immunology, Centre for Infection Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Josephine Schlosser-Brandenburg
- Institute of Immunology, Centre for Infection Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alexandra Laubschat
- Institute of Immunology, Centre for Infection Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Larissa Oser
- Institute of Immunology, Centre for Infection Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Arkadi Kundik
- Institute of Immunology, Centre for Infection Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Joshua Adjah
- Institute of Immunology, Centre for Infection Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Saskia Groenhagen
- Institute of Immunology, Centre for Infection Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anja A Kühl
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, iPATH.Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sebastian Rausch
- Institute of Immunology, Centre for Infection Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Susanne Hartmann
- Institute of Immunology, Centre for Infection Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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17
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Kennedy GC, O’Brien K, Nyakundi H, Kitondo M, Biwott W, Wamai RG. Visceral leishmaniasis follow-up and treatment outcomes in Tiaty East and West sub-counties, Kenya: Cure, relapse, and Post Kala-azar Dermal Leishmaniasis. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0306067. [PMID: 38917127 PMCID: PMC11198830 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) with the highest regional burden in East Africa. Relapse and Post Kala-azar Dermal Leishmaniasis (PKDL) contribute to the spread of VL in endemic areas, making their surveillance imperative for control and elimination. Little is known about long-term patient outcomes in Kenya through follow-up after VL treatment, despite its requirement for control and elimination by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Kenya Ministry of Health (KMOH). METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS 36 follow-up patients in Tiaty East and West, sub-counties, Kenya, and records from 248 patients at the regional Chemolingot Sub-county Hospital (CSCH) were analyzed separately using Fisher's Exact Tests, two-sample t-tests, and Welch's t-tests in R (Version 4.3.0). The study found a prevalence rate of 88.89% (n = 32) final cure, 5.56% (n = 2) relapse, and 5.56% (n = 2) PKDL in follow-up patients and 92.74% (n = 230) initial cure, 6.86% (n = 17) relapse, and 0.80% (n = 2) PKDL in overall CSCH patients. The mean lengths of time at which follow-up patients relapsed and developed PKDL were 4.5 and 17 months, respectively. Young age (p = 0.04, 95% CI 0.63-24.31), shorter length of time from initial treatment to follow-up (p = 0.002, 95% CI 1.03-∞), lower Hb level at primary treatment (p = 0.0002, 95% CI 1.23-3.24), and living in Tiaty East sub-county (p = 0.04, 95% CI 0.00-1.43) were significantly associated (p<0.05) with VL relapse in follow-up study patients. Female sex (p = 0.04, 95% CI 0.84-∞) and living in Tiaty East sub-county (p = 0.03, 95% CI 0.00-1.43) were significantly associated with PKDL in follow-up study patients. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE More research should be done on PKDL in Kenya with active follow-up to understand its true burden. These results on prevalence and risk factors for PKDL and relapse in Kenya should inform knowledge of patient outcomes and interventions in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace C. Kennedy
- Department of Health Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States of America
- African Center for Community Investment in Health, Chemolingot, Baringo County, Kenya
| | - Katherine O’Brien
- Department of Health Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States of America
- African Center for Community Investment in Health, Chemolingot, Baringo County, Kenya
| | - Hellen Nyakundi
- African Center for Community Investment in Health, Chemolingot, Baringo County, Kenya
| | - Mwatela Kitondo
- African Center for Community Investment in Health, Chemolingot, Baringo County, Kenya
| | - Wilson Biwott
- Chemolingot Sub-County Hospital, Chemolingot, Baringo County, Kenya
| | - Richard G. Wamai
- African Center for Community Investment in Health, Chemolingot, Baringo County, Kenya
- Department of Cultures, Societies and Global Studies, College of Social Sciences and Humanities, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Integrated Initiative for Global Health, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria
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Gerstenberg J, Mishra S, Holtfreter M, Richter J, Davi SD, Okwu DG, Ramharter M, Mischlinger J, Schleenvoigt BT. Human Placental Schistosomiasis-A Systematic Review of the Literature. Pathogens 2024; 13:470. [PMID: 38921768 PMCID: PMC11206619 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13060470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosome egg deposition in pregnant women may affect the placenta of infected mothers and cause placental schistosomiasis (PS). Histopathological examination of placental tissue is an inadequate detection method due to low sensitivity. So far, there has not been any systematic review on PS. METHODS We conducted a systematic literature search on PubMed, EMBASE, and Medline and included all publications that reported microscopically confirmed cases of PS, as well as the relevant secondary literature found in the citations of the primarily included publications. RESULTS Out of 113 abstracts screened we found a total of 8 publications describing PS with a total of 92 cases describing egg deposition of dead and/or viable eggs and worms of S. haematobium and S. mansoni in placental tissue. One cross-sectional study investigating the prevalence of PS and its association with adverse birth outcomes, found 22% of placentas to be infested using a maceration technique but only <1% using histologic examination. Additionally, no direct link to deleterious pregnancy outcomes could be shown. CONCLUSIONS PS is a highly unattended and underdiagnosed condition in endemic populations, due to a lack of awareness as well as low sensitivity of histopathological examinations. However, PS may play an important role in mediating or reinforcing adverse birth outcomes (ABO) such as fetal growth restriction (FGR) in maternal schistosomiasis, possibly by placental inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Gerstenberg
- Institute for Tropical Medicine, Eberhard-Karls University Tübingen, 72074 Tübingen, Germany;
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné 242, Gabon
| | - Sasmita Mishra
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Heidekreis Klinikum, 29664 Walsrode, Germany
| | - Martha Holtfreter
- Tropical Medicine Unit, Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Heinrich-Heine-University, Moorenstr. 5, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Joachim Richter
- Institute of International Health, Global Health Center, Charité University Medicine, 13353 Berlin, Germany
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Saskia Dede Davi
- Center for Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine & I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Michael Ramharter
- Center for Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine & I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Mischlinger
- Center for Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine & I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Benjamin T. Schleenvoigt
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich-Schiller-University, 07747 Jena, Germany
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Hudu SA, Jimoh AO, Adeshina KA, Otalike EG, Tahir A, Hegazy AA. An insight into the Success, Challenges, and Future perspectives of eliminating Neglected tropical disease. SCIENTIFIC AFRICAN 2024; 24:e02165. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2024.e02165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2024] Open
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20
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Leibenguth MT, Coulibaly JT, Silué KD, N’Gbesso YK, El Wahed AA, Utzinger J, Becker SL, Schneitler S. Rapid appraisal of liver diseases using transient elastography, abdominal ultrasound, and microbiology in Côte d'Ivoire: A single-center study. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012262. [PMID: 38900826 PMCID: PMC11218973 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver diseases of infectious and non-infectious etiology cause considerable morbidity and mortality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, data on the prevalence of liver diseases and underlying risk factors in LMICs are scarce. The objective of this study was to elucidate the occurrence of infectious diseases among individuals with chronic liver damage in a rural setting of Côte d'Ivoire. METHODOLOGY In 2021, we screened 696 individuals from four villages in the southern part of Côte d'Ivoire for hepatic fibrosis and steatosis, employing transient elastography (TE) and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP). We classified CAP ≥248 dB/m as steatosis, TE ≥7.2 kPa as fibrosis, and did subgroup analysis for participants with TE ranging from 7.2 kPa to 9.1 kPa. Clinical and microbiologic characteristics were compared to an age- and sex-matched control group (TE <6.0 kPa; n = 109). Stool samples were subjected to duplicate Kato-Katz thick smears for diagnosis of Schistosoma mansoni. Venous blood samples were examined for hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus. Additionally, an abdominal ultrasound examination was performed. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Among 684 individuals with valid TE measurements, TE screening identified hepatic pathologies in 149 participants (17% with fibrosis and 6% with steatosis). 419 participants were included for further analyses, of which 261 had complete microbiologic analyses available. The prevalence of S. mansoni, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C were 30%, 14%, and 7%, respectively. Logistic regression analysis revealed higher odds for having TE results between 7.2 kPa and 9.1 kPa in individuals with S. mansoni infection (odds ratio [OR] = 3.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.58-5.76, P = 0.001), while HCV infection (OR = 5.02, 95% CI = 1.72-14.69, P = 0.003) and steatosis (OR = 4.62, 95% CI = 1.60-13.35, P = 0.005) were found to be risk factors for TE ≥9.2 kPa. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Besides viral hepatitis, S. mansoni also warrants consideration as a pathogen causing liver fibrosis in Côte d'Ivoire. In-depth diagnostic work-up among individuals with abnormal TE findings might be a cost-effective public health strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie T. Leibenguth
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Jean T. Coulibaly
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d’Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
| | - Kigbafori D. Silué
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d’Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
| | - Yves K. N’Gbesso
- Ministère de la Santé et de l’Hygiène Publique, Centre de Santé Urbain d’Azaguié, Azaguié, Côte d’Ivoire
| | - Ahmed Abd El Wahed
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jürg Utzinger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sören L. Becker
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sophie Schneitler
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
- Institute of Pneumology at the University of Cologne, Bethanien Hospital, Clinic for Pneumology and Allergology, Centre of Sleep Medicine and Respiratory Care, Solingen, Germany
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21
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Masaku J, Gachohi JM, Sinkeet A, Maghanga M, Wakesho F, Omondi W, Monnier N, Steinmann P, Reigl LS, Lange IL, Winkler AS, Njenga SM, Amuyunzu-Nyamongo M. Community preferred drug delivery approaches for pilot roll-out of a potential novel paediatric schistosomiasis treatment option in two endemic counties of Kenya: A mixed methods study. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0003221. [PMID: 38820456 PMCID: PMC11142487 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0003221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Treating preschool age children (PSAC) for schistosomiasis has remained a challenge due to lack of a pediatric formulation. In response to this unmet need, the Paediatric Praziquantel Consortium has developed a potential novel paediatric treatment option. In advance to its roll-out to follow regulatory response, we conducted a social science study to gather information on preferred drug delivery approaches to inform implementation. A cross-sectional study was conducted in eight villages in two purposively selected Kenyan counties. A questionnaire was administered on 690 parents/guardians of PSAC at household level. Preferred drug delivery approaches were analyzed using frequencies and proportions. We conducted key informant interviews with 17 opinion leaders and 28 healthcare workers, and 12 focus group discussions with parents/guardians of PSAC and 7 with community health volunteers (CHVs). Thematic analysis was performed on the qualitative data. Majority of the 690 respondents were women 594 (86.1%) with a mean age of 34.1 (SD = 11.3, min-max = 18-86). Community-based mass drug administration (cMDA) was the most preferred drug delivery method by 598 participants (86.7%), followed by health facility/fixed points by 398 participants (57.7%). Similarly, in the qualitative data participants indicated they prefer cMDA since the CHVs who would distribute the medication are familiar with households with PSAC and are trusted to explain the drug effects. Health facilities/fixed points were the second most preferred drug delivery approach, but some health workers we interviewed expressed concern about potential understaffing and overcrowding of facilities. Appropriate timing of the drug distribution, not to interfere with farming activities, was considered critical, irrespective of the approach used. All profiles of study participants preferred cMDA over the other delivery approaches due to the convenience of receiving drugs at home and providing explanations about the new drug. For positive outcomes, adequate planning, proper timings and community involvement are highly recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Masaku
- Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control (ESACIPAC), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
- School of Public Health, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - John M. Gachohi
- School of Public Health, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Alice Sinkeet
- African Institute for Health and Development (AIHD), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Mary Maghanga
- African Institute for Health and Development (AIHD), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Florence Wakesho
- Division of Vector Borne and Neglected Tropical Diseases (DVB/NTDs), Ministry of Health (MoH), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Wyckliff Omondi
- Division of Vector Borne and Neglected Tropical Diseases (DVB/NTDs), Ministry of Health (MoH), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Nora Monnier
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Peter Steinmann
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lisa Sophie Reigl
- Department of Neurology, Center for Global Health, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Isabelle L. Lange
- Department of Neurology, Center for Global Health, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Andrea S. Winkler
- Department of Neurology, Center for Global Health, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
- Department of Community Medicine and Global Health, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sammy M. Njenga
- Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control (ESACIPAC), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Mary Amuyunzu-Nyamongo
- Division of Vector Borne and Neglected Tropical Diseases (DVB/NTDs), Ministry of Health (MoH), Nairobi, Kenya
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22
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Gebreyesus TD, Makonnen E, Telele NF, Barry A, Mnkugwe RH, Gerba H, Dahl ML, Aklillu E. CYP2C19 and CYP2J2 genotypes predict praziquantel plasma exposure among Ethiopian school-aged children. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11730. [PMID: 38778126 PMCID: PMC11111788 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62669-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolism of praziquantel (PZQ), a racemic mixture and the only drug approved to treat S. mansoni infection, is mediated by genetically polymorphic enzymes. Periodic school-based mass drug administration (MDA) with PZQ is the core intervention to control schistosomiasis. However data on the impact of pharmacogenetic variation, nutrition, and infection status on plasma PZQ exposure is scarce. We investigated genetic and non-genetic factors influencing PZQ plasma concentration and its metabolic ratios (trans-4-OH-PZQ/PZQ and cis-4-OH-PZQ/PZQ). Four hundred forty-six school children aged 7-15 years from four primary schools in southern Ethiopia who received albendazole and PZQ preventive chemotherapy through MDA campaign were enrolled. Genotyping for common functional variants of CYP3A4 (*1B), CYP3A5 (*3, *6), CYP2C19 (*2, *3, *17), CYP2C9 (*2, *3), and CYP2J2*7 was performed. Plasma concentrations of PZQ, trans-4-OH-PZQ, and cis-4-OH-PZQ were quantified using UPLCMS/MS. Carriers of CYP2C19 defective variant alleles (*2 and *3) had significantly higher mean PZQ plasma concentration than CYP2C19*1/*1 or *17 carriers (p = 0.005). CYP2C19*1/*1 and CYP2C19*17 carriers had higher trans-4-OH-PZQ/PZQ and cis-4-OH-PZQ/PZQ metabolic ratios compared with CYP2C19*2 or *3 carriers (p < 0.001). CYP2J2*7 carriers had lower mean PZQ plasma concentration (p = 0.05) and higher trans-4-OH-PZQ/PZQ and cis-4-OH-PZQ/PZQ metabolic ratios. Male participants had significantly higher PZQ concentration (p = 0.006) and lower metabolic ratios (p = 0.001) than females. There was no significant effect of stunting, wasting, S. mansoni or soil-transmitted helminth infections, CYP3A4, CYP3A5, or CYP2C9 genotypes on plasma PZQ or its metabolic ratios. In conclusion, sex, CYP2C19 and CYP2J2 genotypes significantly predict PZQ plasma exposure among Ethiopian children. The impact of CYP2C19 and CYP2J2 genotypes on praziquantel treatment outcomes requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tigist Dires Gebreyesus
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Tomtebodavägen 18A, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
- Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Eyasu Makonnen
- Center for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Nigus Fikrie Telele
- Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Abbie Barry
- Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rajabu Hussein Mnkugwe
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Heran Gerba
- Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Marja-Liisa Dahl
- Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eleni Aklillu
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Tomtebodavägen 18A, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden.
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23
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Fuchs N, Zimmermann RA, Schwickert M, Gunkel A, Zimmer C, Meta M, Schwickert K, Keiser J, Haeberli C, Kiefer W, Schirmeister T. Dual Strategy to Design New Agents Targeting Schistosoma mansoni: Advancing Phenotypic and SmCB1 Inhibitors for Improved Efficacy. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:1664-1678. [PMID: 38686397 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
In this study, we have identified and optimized two lead structures from an in-house screening, with promising results against the parasitic flatworm Schistosoma mansoni and its target protease S. mansoni cathepsin B1 (SmCB1). Our correlation analysis highlighted the significance of physicochemical properties for the compounds' in vitro activities, resulting in a dual approach to optimize the lead structures, regarding both phenotypic effects in S. mansoni newly transformed schistosomula (NTS), adult worms, and SmCB1 inhibition. The optimized compounds from both approaches ("phenotypic" vs "SmCB1" approach) demonstrated improved efficacy against S. mansoni NTS and adult worms, with 2h from the "SmCB1" approach emerging as the most potent compound. 2h displayed nanomolar inhibition of SmCB1 (Ki = 0.050 μM) while maintaining selectivity toward human off-target cathepsins. Additionally, the greatly improved efficacy of compound 2h toward S. mansoni adults (86% dead worms at 10 μM, 68% at 1 μM, 35% at 0.1 μM) demonstrates its potential as a new therapeutic agent for schistosomiasis, underlined by its improved permeability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Fuchs
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Robert A Zimmermann
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Marvin Schwickert
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Annika Gunkel
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Collin Zimmer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Mergim Meta
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Kevin Schwickert
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Cécile Haeberli
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Werner Kiefer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Tanja Schirmeister
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany
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24
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Jutzeler KS, Le Clec'h W, Chevalier FD, Anderson TJC. Contribution of parasite and host genotype to immunopathology of schistosome infections. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:203. [PMID: 38711063 PMCID: PMC11073996 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06286-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of pathogen genotype in determining disease severity and immunopathology has been studied intensively in microbial pathogens including bacteria, fungi, protozoa and viruses but is poorly understood in parasitic helminths. The medically important blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni is an excellent model system to study the impact of helminth genetic variation on immunopathology. Our laboratory has demonstrated that laboratory schistosome populations differ in sporocyst growth and cercarial production in the intermediate snail host and worm establishment and fecundity in the vertebrate host. Here, we (i) investigate the hypothesis that schistosome genotype plays a significant role in immunopathology and related parasite life history traits in the vertebrate mouse host and (ii) quantify the relative impact of parasite and host genetics on infection outcomes. METHODS We infected BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice with four different laboratory schistosome populations from Africa and the Americas. We quantified disease progression in the vertebrate host by measuring body weight and complete blood count (CBC) with differential over a 12-week infection period. On sacrifice, we assessed parasitological (egg and worm counts, fecundity), immunopathological (organ measurements and histopathology) and immunological (CBC with differential and cytokine profiles) characteristics to determine the impact of parasite and host genetics. RESULTS We found significant variation between parasite populations in worm numbers, fecundity, liver and intestine egg counts, liver and spleen weight, and fibrotic area but not in granuloma size. Variation in organ weight was explained by egg burden and intrinsic parasite factors independent of egg burden. We found significant variation between infected mouse lines in cytokine levels (IFN-γ, TNF-α), eosinophils, lymphocytes and monocyte counts. CONCLUSIONS This study showed that both parasite and host genotype impact the outcome of infection. While host genotype explains most of the variation in immunological traits, parasite genotype explains most of the variation in parasitological traits, and both host and parasite genotypes impact immunopathology outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin S Jutzeler
- Host Parasite Interaction Program, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, P.O. Box 760549, San Antonio, TX, 78245, USA.
- UT Health, Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.
| | - Winka Le Clec'h
- Host Parasite Interaction Program, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, P.O. Box 760549, San Antonio, TX, 78245, USA
| | - Frédéric D Chevalier
- Host Parasite Interaction Program, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, P.O. Box 760549, San Antonio, TX, 78245, USA
| | - Timothy J C Anderson
- Disease Intervention and Prevention Program, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, P.O. Box 760549, San Antonio, TX, 78245, USA.
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25
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Fumagalli E, Pinna Pintor M, Suhrcke M. The impact of health on economic growth: A narrative literature review. Health Policy 2024; 143:105039. [PMID: 38493618 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2024.105039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
The nexus between health and economic growth is a dynamic and complex relationship. This article reviews the empirical evidence that has sought to assess the causal impact of health on growth, understood as growth in GDP per capita, and focusing on cross-country and selected single country studies. The review largely provides evidence in favour of a positive effect of population health on economic growth. However, the multitude of the factors at play and the possible bidirectional relationship between health and growth pose a challenge for the quantification of the effect and for the relative importance of the underlying mechanisms. There is notable heterogeneity between studies in the magnitude and, in some cases, even in the sign of the effect. The evidence suggests that the health-growth relationship may depend on three main factors: the sample composition (i.e. a country's demographic stage or GDP per capita); the health dimension considered (e.g. health improvements at different life stages may affect productivity differently); and the model specification (e.g. whether or not initial life expectancy is controlled for in the analysis or the quality of the instrument). These findings advocate for a policy approach that integrates health considerations into economic strategies and emphasizes intersectoral collaboration to maximize the economic returns from improved health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - M Pinna Pintor
- Luxembourg Institute of Socio-economic Research (LISER), Esch/Belval, Luxembourg
| | - Marc Suhrcke
- Luxembourg Institute of Socio-economic Research (LISER), Esch/Belval, Luxembourg; Centre for Health Economics, University of York, UK.
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26
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Ligero-López J, Corbacho-Loarte MD, Antón-Berenguer V, Merino-Fernández FJ, Rubio-Muñoz JM, Valle-Borrego B. A 14-year review (2007-2020) of helminthiasis epidemiology in a hospital in Southern Madrid, Spain. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2024; 43:659-671. [PMID: 38277032 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-024-04746-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Vast majority of helminth diseases remain neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), causing significant morbidity. The widespread and periodic distribution of antiparasitic drugs, remains the cornerstone for controlling these diseases. In Spain, most helminthiasis cases are imported, and suspicion and diagnosis have become increasingly important. Our primary objective is to present the epidemiological landscape of helminthiasis diagnoses within our facility, while also detailing the demographic characteristics of the affected population. METHODS A retrospective study was conducted at the Hospital Universitario Severo Ochoa (HUSO) from January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2020, encompassing all diagnosed cases of helminthiasis during this period. Comprehensive epidemiological, clinical, and microbiological data were gathered for all diagnosed patients. The study population comprised patients receiving treatment at the HUSO, as well as those receiving treatment at the Leganés and Fuenlabrada Primary Care Units. Subsequently, descriptive and comparative statistics were performed, comparing Spanish and foreign patients. RESULTS During this period, a total of 952 patients were diagnosed with some form of helminthiasis. Among them, 495 were Spanish, and 457 were foreign. The total number of helminths identified, including patients with multiple infections, was 1,010. Significant differences were observed between Africans and Americans in terms of age distribution, with a higher prevalence among Africans in the 0-15 age range and among Americans in the 31-60 age range. Variations were noted in the distribution of helminths, with S. stercoralis significantly affecting Americans. For Spanish patients, the presence of Trichuris trichiura and S. stercoralis was significantly associated with eosinophilia, whereas among foreign patients, it was associated with Trichuris trichiura, Ascaris lumbricoides among others. Regarding symptoms, skin manifestations were more frequent among Spanish, while digestive were more common among foreigners. CONCLUSIONS This study offers crucial epidemiological insights into helminth infections observed over time in a Madrid hospital. Although the prevalence of helminth infections has been decreasing, there is still a need for screening and diagnosing foreign patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Ligero-López
- Microbiology and Parasitology Department, Hospital Universitario Severo Ochoa, Madrid, Spain.
- Clinical Microbiology and Parasitology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa, C. de San Juan Bosco, 15, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - María Dolores Corbacho-Loarte
- National Referral Unit for Tropical Disease, Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Ramon y Cajal, IRYCIS, Madrid, Spain
| | - Víctor Antón-Berenguer
- Microbiology and Parasitology Department, Hospital Universitario Severo Ochoa, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Jesús Merino-Fernández
- Microbiology and Parasitology Department, Hospital Universitario Severo Ochoa, Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, Alfonso X el Sabio University, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Miguel Rubio-Muñoz
- Malaria & Parasitic Emerging Diseases Laboratory, National Microbiology Center, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica En Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Valle-Borrego
- Faculty of Medicine, Alfonso X el Sabio University, Madrid, Spain
- Internal Medicine, Emergency Department, Hospital Universitario Severo Ochoa, Madrid, Spain
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Zeynudin A, Degefa T, Belay T, Mumicha JB, Husen A, Yasin J, Abamecha A, Wieser A. Parasitic contamination of fresh vegetables and fruits sold in open-air markets in peri-urban areas of Jimma City, Oromia, Ethiopia: A community-based cross-sectional study. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0290655. [PMID: 38512863 PMCID: PMC10956833 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Consuming contaminated raw vegetables and fruits is one of the primary means of parasite transmission to humans. Periodic monitoring of parasitic contamination in these food items is a crucial step in preventing the spread of parasitic disease in the community. This study was aimed at detecting intestinal parasitic contamination caused by consuming raw vegetables and fruits sold in three open-air markets and its associated factors in peri-urban areas of Jimma City, Oromia, Ethiopia. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted on fruits and vegetables collected from three peri-urban open-aired markets (namely; Hora Gibe, Bore and Jiren markets) in peri-urban areas of Jimma City between July and September 2021. A total of 187 fresh vegetable samples and 188 fruits were collected and examined for intestinal parasite contamination. About 200g of fruit and vegetable samples were processed and examined microscopically for parasite contamination, utilizing direct wet mount and modified Zeihl-Neelson staining methods in accordance with standard protocols. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on the socio-demographic characteristics of vendors and risk factors for fruit and vegetable contamination. All data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. RESULT Of the 187 fresh vegetable samples and 188 fresh vegetable samples, 105 (56.1%) and 68/188 (36.2%) of vegetables and fruit samples, respectively, were found contaminated with one or more intestinal parasites. Remarkably, high level of contamination in fresh vegetable samples was recorded both in Carrot (Daucus carota) 63.8% (30/46) and Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) 63.1% (29/46) while Green pepper (Capsicum spp.) is the least contaminated. In fruit samples, Avokado (Persea americana) 42.6% (20/47) and Banana (Musa acuminata) 14.9% (7/47) were the most and the least commonly contaminated items respectively. The identified helminthes and protozoans were Ascaris lumbricoides, Strongyloides stercoralis, Hymenolepis nana, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium spp., Toxocara spp. And Fasciola spp. The most predominant parasite encountered was A. lumbricoides 46(12.3%) whereas both Toxocara spp. 12(6.9) and Fasciola spp. 2(0.5) were the least detected parasites. It is worth-mentioned that the rate of contamination in Bore market (38.15%) was higher compared with Jiren market (34.7%) and Hora Gibe market (27%). However, the rate of contamination in vegetables and fruit obtained from the three district was non-significant (p = 0.19). Contamination was more common in vegetables than fruits (AOR = 5.78, p<0.001). It was also observed that decreased parasitic contamination was significantly associated with washing the products before displaying it for selling (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION The study has identified a high rate of raw vegetables and fruits contaminated with intestinal helminthes and protozoan. Contaminated fresh vegetables and fruits in open-aired peri-urban markets of Jimma city, Ethiopia may play a significant role in transmission of intestinal parasitic infections to humans, particularly A. lumbricoides infection. Therefore, it is urgently needed for health authorities to educate the public on the proper handling of vegetables and fruits prior to consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Zeynudin
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Teshome Degefa
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Tariku Belay
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | | | - Abdusemed Husen
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | | | - Abdulhakim Abamecha
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Andreas Wieser
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat (LMU) Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Bacteriology, Max von Pettenkofer-Institute (LMU), Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich, Germany
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Abebe W, Asmare Z, Wondmagegn A, Awoke M, Adgo A, Derso A, Lemma W. Status of selected biochemical and coagulation profiles and platelet count in malaria and malaria-Schistosoma mansoni co-infection among patients attending at Dembiya selected Health Institutions, Northwest Ethiopia. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6135. [PMID: 38480873 PMCID: PMC10937987 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56529-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Malaria and schistosomiasis are infectious diseases that cause coagulation disorders, biochemical abnormalities, and thrombocytopenia. Malaria and Schistosoma mansoni co-infection cause exacerbations of health consequences and co-morbidities.This study aimed to compare the effect of malaria and Schistosoma mansoni co-infection and malaria infection on selected biochemical and coagulation profiles, and platelet count. An institutional-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from March 30 to August 10, 2022. A total of 70 individuals were enrolled in the study using a convenient sampling technique. Wet mount and Kato Katz techniques were conducted to detect Schistosoma mansoni in a stool sample. Blood films were prepared for the detection of plasmodium. The data was coded and entered into EpiData version 3.1 before being analyzed with SPSS version 25. An independent t test was used during data analysis. A P-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The mean [SD] of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatinine, total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin in the co-infected was higher than in malaria infected participants. However, the mean of total protein and glucose in co-infected was lower than in the malaria infected participants. The mean of prothrombin time, international normalization ratio, and activated partial thromboplastin time in co-infected was significantly higher, while the platelet count was lower compared to malaria infected participants. Biochemical and coagulation profiles, and platelet count status in co-infection were changed compared to malaria infected participants. Therefore, biochemical and coagulation profiles and platelet count tests should be used to monitor and manage co-infection related complications and to reduce co-infection associated morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wagaw Abebe
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia.
| | - Zelalem Asmare
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia
| | - Addis Wondmagegn
- Department of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia
| | - Mulat Awoke
- Department of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia
| | - Aderajew Adgo
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Natural and Computational Science, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia
| | - Adane Derso
- Department of Medical Parasitology, School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Wossenseged Lemma
- Department of Medical Parasitology, School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Hoefle-Bénard J, Salloch S. Mass drug administration for neglected tropical disease control and elimination: a systematic review of ethical reasons. BMJ Glob Health 2024; 9:e013439. [PMID: 38485140 PMCID: PMC10941120 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-013439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a diverse group of debilitating diseases and conditions afflicting more than one billion people in impoverished communities. Control of these diseases is crucial to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3 and the pledge to 'leave no one behind'. Relying on large-scale delivery of wide-spectrum drugs to individuals in at-risk communities irrespective of their health status, mass drug administration is a core strategy for tackling half of the NTDs targeted by the latest WHO roadmap (2021-2030). However, ethical challenges surround its implementation and long-term impact. This systematic review aims to give a comprehensive picture of the variety of ethical reasons for and against mass drug administration for NTD control and elimination, facilitating further debate in ethics and policy. METHODS PubMed and Web of Science Core Collection were searched for all relevant publications. Of the 486 retrieved records, 60 met the inclusion criteria for qualitative analysis. Ethical reasons discussing the topic at hand were extracted from full texts and synthesised through the Kuckartz method of qualitative content analysis. RESULTS Data extraction revealed 61 ethical reasons, of which 20 (32.7%) had positive, 13 (21.3%) had ambivalent and 28 (45.9%) had negative implications regarding mass drug administration for NTDs. The health benefits and cost-effectiveness of the measure were extensively highlighted. However, equity, autonomy and sustainability emerged as the domains with the most pressing ethical concerns. Many issues related to implementation are yet to be adequately addressed in policy documents. CONCLUSIONS This is the first systematic review of ethical reasons pertaining to mass drug administration for NTD control and elimination. Due to the diversity of included studies, no general recommendations can be made. Instead, context-specific strategies seem necessary. Alternative approaches tackling socioecological determinants of ill health are needed for long-term sustainability. Future research could benefit from contributions of non-Western philosophies and perspectives by local researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliette Hoefle-Bénard
- Institute for Ethics, History and Philosophy of Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sabine Salloch
- Institute for Ethics, History and Philosophy of Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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Li QF, Li YX, Yang YY, Dong PP, Mei CJ, Lu JL, Zhang JF, Hua HY, Xiong CR, Yu CX, Song LJ, Yang K. The egg ribonuclease SjCP1412 accelerates liver fibrosis caused by Schistosoma japonicum infection involving damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). Parasitology 2024; 151:260-270. [PMID: 38105713 PMCID: PMC11007278 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182023001361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, a parasite infectious disease caused by Schistosoma japonicum, often leads to egg granuloma and fibrosis due to the inflammatory reaction triggered by egg antigens released in the host liver. This study focuses on the role of the egg antigens CP1412 protein of S. japonicum (SjCP1412) with RNase activity in promoting liver fibrosis. In this study, the recombinant egg ribonuclease SjCP1412, which had RNase activity, was successfully prepared. By analysing the serum of the population, it has been proven that the anti-SjCP1412 IgG in the serum of patients with advanced schistosomiasis was moderately correlated with liver fibrosis, and SjCP1412 may be an important antigen associated with liver fibrosis in schistosomiasis. In vitro, the rSjCP1412 protein induced the human liver cancer cell line Hep G2 and liver sinusoidal endothelial cells apoptosis and necrosis and the release of proinflammatory damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). In mice infected with schistosomes, rSjCP1412 immunization or antibody neutralization of SjCP1412 activity significantly reduced cell apoptosis and necroptosis in liver tissue, thereby reducing inflammation and liver fibrosis. In summary, the SjCP1412 protein plays a crucial role in promoting liver fibrosis during schistosomiasis through mediating the liver cells apoptosis and necroptosis to release DAMPs inducing an inflammatory reaction. Blocking SjCP1412 activity could inhibit its proapoptotic and necrotic effects and alleviate hepatic fibrosis. These findings suggest that SjCP1412 may be served as a promising drug target for managing liver fibrosis in schistosomiasis japonica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Feng Li
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214064, China
| | - Yi-Xin Li
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214064, China
| | - Ying-Ying Yang
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214064, China
| | - Pan-Pan Dong
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214064, China
| | - Cong-Jin Mei
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214064, China
| | - Ju-Lu Lu
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214064, China
| | - Jian-Feng Zhang
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214064, China
| | - Hai-Yong Hua
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214064, China
| | - Chun-Rong Xiong
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214064, China
| | - Chuan-Xin Yu
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214064, China
| | - Li-Jun Song
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214064, China
| | - Kun Yang
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214064, China
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Abdissa D, Kebede Y, Sudhakar M, Abraham G, Bulcha G, Shiferaw T, Berhanu N, Teshome F, Miecha H, Birhanu Z. Community's knowledge, perceptions and preventive practices on Onchocerciasis in Jimma zone, Ethiopia, formative mixed study. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0011995. [PMID: 38478481 PMCID: PMC10936768 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Ethiopia, Onchocerciasis is a prevalent neglected tropical disease, currently targeted for elimination with mass drug administration and community behavioral changes towards sustained control and eventual elimination. This study aimed to elucidate the awareness, perceptions and practices of endemic communities in Jimma Zone, Ethiopia. METHODS AND MATERIALS Community-based cross-sectional study triangulated with qualitative method was conducted from October-November, 2021. A multistage sampling was employed and data were collected using a pre-tested interviewer-administered structured questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to identify the predictors of comprehensive knowledge and preventive practice. Adjusted odds ratios were calculated at 95% confidence interval (CI) and considered significant with a p-value of <0.05. Kruskal-Whallis and Mann-whitney tests were used to compare median risk perception score by socio-demographic factors. Qualitative data were collected through focus group discussions and key informant interviews and transcribed verbatim. Then the data were coded, categorized, and themes were developed. RESULT The overall prevalence of adequate comprehensive knowledge was 48.8% (95% CI: 44.9, 52.3), high risk perception was 18.7% (95%CI15.9, 21.4) and preventive practice was 46.9%(95%CI:(43.3,50.4). High risk perception[AOR = 1.95 95%CI: (1.32, 2.89] was statistically significant with comprehensive knowledge, likewise knowledge of mode of transmission [AOR = 2.64 95% CI: (1.44, 4.85)], knowledge of consequences [AOR = 2.12 95%CI: (1.21, 3.72)] and knowledge of preventive measures [AOR = 15.65,95%CI:(10.1, 24.2)] were statistically significant with preventive practice. The median risk perception was varied significantly between the groups by educational status, study district and age category. Qualitative evidence showed that there were great community knowledge gap about the disease. CONCLUSION Community knowledge, perceptions, and practices are unacceptably low. Risk perception was significantly associated with comprehensive knowledge, likewise knowledge of mode of transmission, consequences and preventive measures were significantly associated with preventive practice. This implies knowledge is a key component of effective prevention strategies as it is a necessary condition for the behavior change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daba Abdissa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Yohannes Kebede
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Morankar Sudhakar
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Gelila Abraham
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | | | | | | | - Firanbon Teshome
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Hirpa Miecha
- Oromia, regional health bureau, Oromia, Ethiopia
| | - Zewdie Birhanu
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
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Tabo Z, Breuer L, Fabia C, Samuel G, Albrecht C. A machine learning approach for modeling the occurrence of the major intermediate hosts for schistosomiasis in East Africa. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4274. [PMID: 38383705 PMCID: PMC10881506 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54699-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, a prevalent water-borne disease second only to malaria, significantly impacts impoverished rural communities, primarily in Sub-Saharan Africa where over 90% of the severely affected population resides. The disease, majorly caused by Schistosoma mansoni and S. haematobium parasites, relies on freshwater snails, specifically Biomphalaria and Bulinus species, as crucial intermediate host (IH) snails. Targeted snail control is advisable, however, there is still limited knowledge about the community structure of the two genera especially in East Africa. Utilizing a machine learning approach, we employed random forest to identify key features influencing the distribution of both IH snails in this region. Our results reveal geography and climate as primary factors for Biomphalaria, while Bulinus occurrence is additionally influenced by soil clay content and nitrogen concentration. Favorable climate conditions indicate a high prevalence of IHs in East Africa, while the intricate connection with geography might signify either dispersal limitations or environmental filtering. Predicted probabilities demonstrate non-linear patterns, with Bulinus being more likely to occur than Biomphalaria in the region. This study provides foundational framework insights for targeted schistosomiasis prevention and control strategies in the region, assisting health workers and policymakers in their efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zadoki Tabo
- Department of Animal Ecology and Systematics, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26 (iFZ), 35392, Giessen, Germany.
- Institute for Landscape Ecology and Resource Management, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26 (iFZ), 35392, Giessen, Germany.
| | - Lutz Breuer
- Institute for Landscape Ecology and Resource Management, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26 (iFZ), 35392, Giessen, Germany
- Centre for International Development and Environmental Research (ZEU), Justus Liebig University Giessen, Senckenbergstrasse 3, 35390, Giessen, Germany
| | - Codalli Fabia
- Institute for Landscape Ecology and Resource Management, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26 (iFZ), 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Gorata Samuel
- Institute for Landscape Ecology and Resource Management, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26 (iFZ), 35392, Giessen, Germany
- Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, University of Botswana, P/Bag UB00704, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Christian Albrecht
- Department of Animal Ecology and Systematics, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26 (iFZ), 35392, Giessen, Germany
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Mulè A, Crosato V, Kuhns DB, Lorenzi L, Chirico C, Maifredi G, Notarangelo LD, Castelli F, Tomasoni LR. Visceral Leishmaniasis in Immunocompetent Hosts in Brescia: A Case Series and Analysis of Cytokine Cascade. Microorganisms 2024; 12:394. [PMID: 38399799 PMCID: PMC10892745 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12020394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a parasitic zoonosis caused by Leishmania spp. that usually manifests itself in immunocompromised subjects. It is a rare and neglected disease, and it is not endemic in the province of Brescia (Italy). Three cases of human VL occurred in Brescia from October to December 2021 in immunocompetent patients. We evaluated the patients looking for signs of underlying immunodeficiencies and conducted further epidemiological evaluations in the province of Brescia without success. An analysis of the sera levels of the main cytokines involved in the immune response to VL was performed. All patients presented a significant augmentation of CXCL-10, CCL-4, and IL-6. The patients tested during the acute phase showed an elevation of IL-1α, IL-5, IL-10, and IL-12, while in the recovery phase, higher levels of TNF-α and IL-7 were detected. Altogether, a predominant activation of the T-helper-2 pathway emerged during the acute phase of the parasite infection, while the cytokines associated with the T-helper-1 pathway were less represented. This imbalanced immune response to the parasite infection might play a crucial role in the development of VL in immunocompetent patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Mulè
- Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (V.C.); (F.C.)
| | - Verena Crosato
- Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (V.C.); (F.C.)
| | - Douglas Byron Kuhns
- Neutrophil Monitoring Laboratory, Applied/Developmental Research Directorate, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 20701, USA;
| | - Luisa Lorenzi
- Pathology Unit, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Claudia Chirico
- Department of Hygiene and Health Prevention, Health Protection Agency of Brescia (ATS Brescia), 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Giovanni Maifredi
- Epidemiology Unit, Health Protection Agency of Brescia (ATS Brescia), 25124 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Luigi D. Notarangelo
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, Division of Intramural Research, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20852, USA;
| | - Francesco Castelli
- Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (V.C.); (F.C.)
| | - Lina R. Tomasoni
- Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy;
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Loredan DG, Devlin JC, Khanna KM, Loke P. Recruitment and Maintenance of CX3CR1+CD4+ T Cells during Helminth Infection. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2024; 212:632-644. [PMID: 38180236 PMCID: PMC10954162 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Distinct subsets of T lymphocytes express CX3CR1 under inflammatory conditions, but little is known about CX3CR1+CD4+ T cells during type 2 inflammation in helminth infections. In this study, we used a fate-mapping mouse model to characterize CX3CR1+CD4+ T cells during both acute Nippostrongylus brasiliensis and chronic Schistosoma mansoni murine models of helminth infections, revealing CX3CR1+CD4+ T cells to be an activated tissue-homing subset with varying capacity for cytokine production. Tracking these cells over time revealed that maintenance of CX3CR1 itself along with a TH2 phenotype conferred a survival advantage in the inflamed tissue. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of fate-mapped CX3CR1+CD4+ T cells from both the peripheral tissue and the spleen revealed a considerable level of diversity and identified a distinct population of BCL6+TCF-1+PD1+CD4+ T cells in the spleen during helminth infections. Conditional deletion of BCL6 in CX3CR1+ cells resulted in fewer CX3CR1+CD4+ T cells during infection, indicating a role in sustaining CD4+ T cell responses to helminth infections. Overall, our studies revealed the behavior and heterogeneity of CX3CR1+CD4+ T cells during type 2 inflammation in helminth infections and identified BCL6 to be important in their maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis G. Loredan
- Department of Microbiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Vilcek Institute of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Joseph C. Devlin
- Department of Microbiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Kamal M. Khanna
- Department of Microbiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - P’ng Loke
- Department of Microbiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Oyeyemi OT, Ogundahunsi O, Schunk M, Fatem RG, Shollenberger LM. Neglected tropical disease (NTD) diagnostics: current development and operations to advance control. Pathog Glob Health 2024; 118:1-24. [PMID: 37872790 PMCID: PMC10769148 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2023.2272095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) have become important public health threats that require multi-faceted control interventions. As late treatment and management of NTDs contribute significantly to the associated burdens, early diagnosis becomes an important component for surveillance and planning effective interventions. This review identifies common NTDs and highlights the progress in the development of diagnostics for these NTDs. Leveraging existing technologies to improve NTD diagnosis and improving current operational approaches for deployment of developed diagnostics are crucial to achieving the 2030 NTD elimination target. Point-of-care NTD (POC-NTD) diagnostic tools are recommended preferred diagnostic options in resource-constrained areas for mapping risk zones and monitoring treatment efficacy. However, few are currently available commercially. Technical training of remote health care workers on the use of POC-NTD diagnostics, and training of health workers on the psychosocial consequences of these diagnostics are critical in harnessing POC-NTD diagnostic potential. While the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the possibility of achieving NTD elimination in 2030 due to the disruption of healthcare services and dwindling financial support for NTDs, the possible contribution of NTDs in exacerbating COVID-19 pandemic should motivate NTD health system strengthening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oyetunde T. Oyeyemi
- Department of Biosciences and Biotechnology, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Nigeria
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Virginia, USA
| | - Olumide Ogundahunsi
- The Central Office for Research and Development (CORD), University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Nigeria
| | - Mirjam Schunk
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Center of the University of Munich (LMU) institution, Munich, Germany
| | - Ramzy G. Fatem
- Schistosome Biological Supply Center, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
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Nacife MBPESL, Siqueira LMV, Barbosa KF, Vianna VN, Masioli CZ, da Silva JC, Zicker F, Coelho PMZ, Katz N, Machado-Coelho GLL. Prevalence of helmintic infections in Brazilian Maxakali indigenous: a repeated cross-sectional design. Int J Equity Health 2024; 23:18. [PMID: 38302951 PMCID: PMC10832216 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-024-02105-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of intestinal parasites is known to be high among Amerindian populations; further, there are serious problems in the healthcare of these populations in Brazil. The Maxakali, located in the northeastern region of Minas Gerais, Brazil, is an indigenous group that still preserves many of its cultural aspects. This study aimed to compare the positivity rate of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths in this ethnic group in epidemiological surveys conducted in 1972 and 2014. METHODS Stool parasitological examinations were performed by the Kato-Katz technique during both periods in this population. In 2014, the parasitological diagnosis was also realized with the TF-Test® technique. RESULTS In 1972, 270 inhabitants were examined. The positivity rates were 67.4% for Schistosoma mansoni, 72.9% for hookworms, 43.7% for Ascaris lumbricoides, and 23.7% for Trichuris trichiura. In 2014, 545 individuals were examined, and the positivity rates obtained were 45.7% for S. mansoni, 22.8% for hookworms, 0.6% for A. lumbricoides, and 2.8% for T. trichiura. CONCLUSIONS The comparison of the parasitological surveys conducted in 1972 and 2014, indicates that the indigenous Maxakali remained neglected by the health and indigenous protection authorities during these four decades. The infection rate observed in 2014 for schistosomiasis and hookworm remains high, considering the current epidemiological view of these diseases in the Brazilian population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Beatriz Pena E Silva Leite Nacife
- Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Escola de Medicina, Laboratório de Epidemiologia, Rua Dois s/n, sala 203, Campus Universitário Morro do Cruzeiro, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, CEP 35402-145, Brasil
| | | | - Keila Furbino Barbosa
- Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Escola de Medicina, Laboratório de Epidemiologia, Rua Dois s/n, sala 203, Campus Universitário Morro do Cruzeiro, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, CEP 35402-145, Brasil
| | - Valeska Natiely Vianna
- Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Escola de Medicina, Laboratório de Epidemiologia, Rua Dois s/n, sala 203, Campus Universitário Morro do Cruzeiro, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, CEP 35402-145, Brasil
| | - Cássio Zumerle Masioli
- Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Escola de Medicina, Laboratório de Epidemiologia, Rua Dois s/n, sala 203, Campus Universitário Morro do Cruzeiro, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, CEP 35402-145, Brasil
| | - Jaime Costa da Silva
- Ministério da Saúde, Distrito Sanitário Especial Indígena/Minas Gerais-Espírito Santo, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil
| | | | | | - Naftale Katz
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto René Rachou, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil
| | - George Luiz Lins Machado-Coelho
- Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Escola de Medicina, Laboratório de Epidemiologia, Rua Dois s/n, sala 203, Campus Universitário Morro do Cruzeiro, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, CEP 35402-145, Brasil.
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Macchiaverna NP, Enriquez GF, Gaspe MS, Rodríguez-Planes LI, Martinez PR, Gürtler RE, Cardinal MV. Human Trypanosoma cruzi infection in the Argentinean Chaco: risk factors and identification of households with infected children for treatment. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:41. [PMID: 38287434 PMCID: PMC10826042 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06125-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chagas disease is a neglected tropical disease (NTD). Cost-effective strategies for large-scale implementation of diagnosis and etiological treatment are urgently needed to comply with NTD control goals. We determined the seroprevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi infection and associated risk factors in a well-defined rural population of Pampa del Indio municipality including creole and indigenous (Qom) households and developed two indices to identify houses harboring infected children. METHODS We serodiagnosed and administered a questionnaire to 1337 residents (48.2% of the listed population) in two sections of the municipality (named Areas II and IV) 6-9 years after deploying sustained vector control interventions. Multiple logistic regression models were used to evaluate the relationship between human infection and a priori selected predictors. Two risk indices were constructed based on environmental and serostatus variables, and we used spatial analysis to test whether households harboring T. cruzi-seropositive children were randomly distributed. RESULTS The global seroprevalence of T. cruzi infection was 24.8%. Human infection was positively and significantly associated with exposure time to triatomines, the household number of seropositive co-inhabitants, maternal seropositivity for T. cruzi, recent residence at the current house and the presence of suitable walls for triatomine colonization in the domicile. The pre-intervention mean annual force of infection (FOI) was 1.23 per 100 person-years. Creoles from Area IV exhibited the highest seroprevalence and FOI; Qom people from both areas displayed intermediate ones and creoles from Area II the lowest. Three hotspots of infected children were spatially associated with hotspots of triatomine abundance at baseline and persistent house infestation. No child born after vector control interventions was T. cruzi seropositive except for one putative transplacental case. Two simple risk indices (based on self-reported inhabiting an infested house and suitable walls for triatomines or maternal serostatus) identified 97.3-98.6% of the households with at least one T. cruzi-seropositive child. CONCLUSIONS We showed strong heterogeneity in the seroprevalence of T. cruzi infection within and between ethnic groups inhabiting neighboring rural areas. Developed indices can be used for household risk stratification and to improve access of rural residents to serodiagnosis and treatment and may be easily transferred to primary healthcare personnel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia P Macchiaverna
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Laboratorio de Eco-Epidemiología, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad Universitaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Gustavo F Enriquez
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Laboratorio de Eco-Epidemiología, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad Universitaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M Sol Gaspe
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Laboratorio de Eco-Epidemiología, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad Universitaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lucía I Rodríguez-Planes
- Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad Universitaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Universidad Nacional de Tierra del Fuego, Instituto de Ciencias Polares, Ambiente y Recursos Naturales, Onas 450, 9410, Ushuaia, Argentina
- Administración de Parques Nacionales, Dirección Regional Patagonia Austral, Ushuaia, Argentina
| | | | - Ricardo E Gürtler
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Laboratorio de Eco-Epidemiología, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad Universitaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M Victoria Cardinal
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Laboratorio de Eco-Epidemiología, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad Universitaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Toru M, Atnaf A, Mengist HM, Reta A. The COVID-19 Severity and Its Association with Intestinal Parasite Coinfection and Urine Biochemical Parameters among COVID-19-Confirmed Patients Admitted to Debre Markos University COVID-19 Center, Northwest Ethiopia. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 2024:3064374. [PMID: 38249633 PMCID: PMC10799708 DOI: 10.1155/2024/3064374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Background Though most people with COVID-19 disease show asymptomatic to mild illness, a substantial number of patients are at high risk of developing severe disease and adverse outcomes with long COVID-19 and death. Even though some studies showed that previously existing infections with parasites amend the host's body defenses to increase resistance to infection with SARS-CoV-2, there is limited data in Ethiopia. Objectives This study is aimed at determining the COVID-19 disease severity and its association with intestinal parasite coinfection and urine biochemical parameters among COVID-19-confirmed patients admitted at Debre Markos University COVID-19 Center, 2021. Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted on 136 RT-qPCR-confirmed COVID-19 patients admitted at Debre Markos University COVID-19 Center from January 1 to March 30, 2021. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected by using standardized data collection forms. A urine biochemical test was performed using a dry urine dipstick kit and stool examination using direct wet mount microscopic examination and formalin-ether concentration method. The chi-square test, Fisher exact test, and ordinal logistic regression analysis were computed to assess association with outcome variables using Statistical Package for Social Science software (version 24). Result A total of 136 COVID-19-confirmed patients participated in this study. The median age of the participants was 48 years. The majority (86 (62.5%)) of them were male in sex. Of the 136 cases, 39 (28.7%) had died. Among the 136 patients, 22 (16.2%) were coinfected with intestinal parasites. COVID-19 patients who have intestinal parasite coinfection had lower odds of developing clinically severe COVID-19 compared to noninfected (AOR = 0.37; 95% CI = 0.147-0.944; P = 0.037). The majority (104 (76.5%)) of them have abnormal urine biochemical results. From the abnormal urine biochemical tests observed, the urine blood, glucose, and ketone tests were positive for 54 (39.7%), 36 (26.5%), and 30 (21.1%) patients, respectively. Among the 31 critical COVID-19 patients, 25 (80.6%) showed abnormal urine biochemical parameters. Age and comorbidity were significantly associated with COVID-19 severity (P < 0.05). Conclusion Patients with old age and comorbidity had an increased risk of developing severe COVID-19 disease. Patients having SARS-CoV-2 and intestinal parasitic coinfections demonstrated mild COVID-19 disease severity. Abnormal urine biochemical results were common among critical COVID-19 patients. Thus, advanced study on the effect of the interaction among intestinal parasites on COVID-19 clinical severity and its mechanisms is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milkiyas Toru
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Science, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Aytenew Atnaf
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Science, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Hylemariam Mihiretie Mengist
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Science, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Alemayehu Reta
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Science, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
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Escrig JI, Miyamoto Y, Aznar AD, Eckmann L, Debnath A. Antigiardial and antiamebic activities of fexinidazole and its metabolites: new drug leads for giardiasis and amebiasis. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2024; 68:e0073123. [PMID: 38063401 PMCID: PMC10777846 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00731-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The intestinal parasites Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica are major causes of morbidity and mortality associated with diarrheal diseases. Metronidazole is the most common drug used to treat giardiasis and amebiasis. Despite its efficacy, treatment failures in giardiasis occur in up to 5%-40% of cases. Potential resistance of E. histolytica to metronidazole is an increasing concern. Therefore, it is critical to search for more effective drugs to treat giardiasis and amebiasis. We identified antigiardial and antiamebic activities of the rediscovered nitroimidazole compound, fexinidazole, and its sulfone and sulfoxide metabolites. Fexinidazole is equally active against E. histolytica and G. lamblia trophozoites, and both metabolites were 3- to 18-fold more active than the parent drug. Fexinidazole and its metabolites were also active against a metronidazole-resistant strain of G. lamblia. G. lamblia and E. histolytica cell extracts exhibited decreased residual nitroreductase activity when metabolites were used as substrates, indicating nitroreductase may be central to the mechanism of action of fexinidazole. In a cell invasion model, fexinidazole and its metabolites significantly reduced the invasiveness of E. histolytica trophozoites through basement membrane matrix. A q.d. oral dose of fexinidazole and its metabolites at 10 mg/kg for 3 days reduced G. lamblia infection significantly in mice compared to control. The newly discovered antigiardial and antiamebic activities of fexinidazole, combined with its FDA-approval and inclusion in the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines for the treatment of human African trypanosomiasis, offer decreased risk and a shortened development timeline toward clinical use of fexinidazole for treatment of giardiasis or amebiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Ignacio Escrig
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Yukiko Miyamoto
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Alejandro Delgado Aznar
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Lars Eckmann
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Anjan Debnath
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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Boonyong S, Hunnangkul S, Vijit S, Wattano S, Tantayapirak P, Loymek S, Wongkamchai S. High-throughput detection of parasites and ova in stool using the fully automatic digital feces analyzer, orienter model fa280. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:13. [PMID: 38185634 PMCID: PMC10771706 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06108-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intestinal parasitic infections can harm health by causing malnutrition, anemia, impaired growth and cognitive development, and alterations in microbiota composition and immune responses. Therefore, it is crucial to examine stool samples to diagnose parasitic infections. However, the traditional microscopic detection method is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and dependent on the expertise and training of microscopists. Hence, there is a need for a low-complexity, high-throughput, and cost-effective alternative to labor-intensive microscopic examinations. METHODS This study aimed to compare the performance of a fully automatic digital feces analyzer, Orienter Model FA280 (People's Republic of China) with that of the formalin-ethyl acetate concentration technique (FECT). We assessed and compared the agreement between the FA280 and the FECT for parasite detection and species identification in stool samples. The first part of the study analyzed 200 fresh stool samples for parasite detection using the FECT and FA280. With the FA280, the automatic feces analyzer performed the testing, and the digital microscope images were uploaded and automatically evaluated using an artificial intelligence (AI) program. Additionally, a skilled medical technologist conducted a user audit of the FA280 findings. The second set of samples comprised 800 preserved stool samples (preserved in 10% formalin). These samples were examined for parasites using the FECT and FA280 with a user audit. RESULTS For the first set of stool samples, there was no statistically significant difference in the pairwise agreements between the FECT and the FA280 with a user audit (exact binomial test, P = 1). However, there were statistically significant differences between the pairwise agreements for the FECT and the FA280 with the AI report (McNemar's test, P < 0.001). The agreement for the species identification of parasites between the FA280 with AI report and FECT showed fair agreement (overall agreement = 75.5%, kappa [κ] = 0.367, 95% CI 0.248-0.486). On the other hand, the user audit for the FA280 and FECT showed perfect agreement (overall agreement = 100%, κ = 1.00, 95% CI 1.00-1.00). For the second set of samples, the FECT detected significantly more positive samples for parasites than the FA280 with a user audit (McNemar's test, P < 0.001). The disparity in results may be attributed to the FECT using significantly larger stool samples than those used by the FA280. The larger sample size used by the FECT potentially contributed to the higher parasite detection rate. Regarding species identification, there was strong agreement between the FECT and the FA280 with a user audit for helminths (κ = 0.857, 95% CI 0.82-0.894). Similarly, there was perfect agreement for the species identification of protozoa between the FECT and the FA280 with user audit (κ = 1.00, 95% CI 1.00-1.00). CONCLUSIONS Although the FA280 has advantages in terms of simplicity, shorter performance time, and reduced contamination in the laboratory, there are some limitations to consider. These include a higher cost per sample testing and a lower sensitivity compared to the FECT. However, the FA280 enables rapid, convenient, and safe stool examination of parasitic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudarat Boonyong
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Saowalak Hunnangkul
- Department of Research and Development, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Sirirat Vijit
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Suphaluck Wattano
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Parwin Tantayapirak
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Sumas Loymek
- Filaria Project, Phikulthong Royal Development Study Center, Narathiwat, 96000, Thailand
| | - Sirichit Wongkamchai
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand.
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Carvalho L, Sarcinelli M, Patrício B. Nanotechnological approaches in the treatment of schistosomiasis: an overview. BEILSTEIN JOURNAL OF NANOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 15:13-25. [PMID: 38213572 PMCID: PMC10777326 DOI: 10.3762/bjnano.15.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis causes over 200,000 deaths annually. The current treatment option, praziquantel, presents limitations, including low bioavailability and resistance. In this context, nanoparticles have emerged as a promising option for improving schistosomiasis treatment. Several narrative reviews have been published on this topic. Unfortunately, the lack of clear methodologies presented in these reviews leads to the exclusion of many important studies without apparent justification. This integrative review aims to examine works published in this area with a precise and reproducible method. To achieve this, three databases (i.e., Pubmed, Web of Science, and Scopus) were searched from March 31, 2022, to March 31, 2023. The search results included only original research articles that used nanoparticles smaller than 1 µm in the treatment context. Additionally, a search was conducted in the references of the identified articles to retrieve works that could not be found solely using the original search formula. As a result, 65 articles that met the established criteria were identified. Inorganic and polymeric nanoparticles were the most prevalent nanosystems used. Gold was the primary material used to produce inorganic nanoparticles, while poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) and chitosan were commonly used to produce polymeric nanoparticles. None of these identified works presented results in the clinical phase. Finally, based on our findings, the outlook appears favorable, as there is a significant diversity of new substances with schistosomicidal potential. However, financial efforts are required to advance these nanoformulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Carvalho
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, FIOCRUZ, Avenida Brasil, 4365, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Post-Graduate Program in Industrial Pharmaceutical Technology, Farmanguinhos, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Michelle Sarcinelli
- Post-Graduate Program in Industrial Pharmaceutical Technology, Farmanguinhos, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Patrício
- Post-Graduate Program in Industrial Pharmaceutical Technology, Farmanguinhos, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Pharmaceutical and Technological Innovation Laboratory - Department of Physiological Sciences, Biomedical Institute, R. Frei Caneca, 94, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Oliveira FMS, Kraemer L, Vieira-Santos F, Leal-Silva T, Gazzinelli-Guimarães AC, Lopes CA, Amorim CCO, Pinheiro GRG, Moura MS, Matias PHP, Barbosa FS, Caliari MV, Weatherhead JE, Bueno LL, Russo RC, Fujiwara RT. The long-lasting Ascaris suum antigens in the lungs shapes the tissue adaptation modifying the pulmonary architecture and immune response after infection in mice. Microb Pathog 2024; 186:106483. [PMID: 38092133 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Ascariasis is the most prevalent helminth affecting approximately 819 million people worldwide. The acute phase of Ascariasis is characterized by larval migration of Ascaris spp., through the intestinal wall, carried to the liver and lungs of the host by the circulatory system. Most of the larvae subsequently transverse the lung parenchyma leading to tissue injury, reaching the airways and pharynx, where they can be expectorated and swallowed back to the gastrointestinal tract, where they develop into adult worms. However, some larvae are trapped in the lung parenchyma inciting an inflammatory response that causes persistent pulmonary tissue damage long after the resolution of infection, which returns to tissue homeostasis. However, the mechanism by which chronic lung disease develops and resolves remains unknown. Here, using immunohistochemistry, we demonstrate that small fragments and larval antigens of Ascaris suum are deposited and retained chronically in the lung parenchyma of mice following a single Ascaris infection. Our results reveal that the prolonged presence of Ascaris larval antigens in the lung parenchyma contributes to the persistent immune stimulation inducing histopathological changes observed chronically following infection, and clearly demonstrate that larval antigens are related to all phases of tissue adaptation after infection: lung injury, chronic inflammation, resolution, and tissue remodeling, in parallel to increased specific humoral immunity and the recovery of lung function in mice. Additional insight is needed into the mechanisms of Ascaris antigen to induce chronic immune responses and resolution in the host lungs following larval migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrício M S Oliveira
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Cellular and Molecular Immunology Group, René Rachou Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation - FIOCRUZ, Av. Augusto de Lima, 1.715, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Lucas Kraemer
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Flaviane Vieira-Santos
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Thaís Leal-Silva
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ana C Gazzinelli-Guimarães
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Camila A Lopes
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Chiara C O Amorim
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Guilherme R G Pinheiro
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Matheus S Moura
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Pablo H P Matias
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Marcelo V Caliari
- Laboratory of Protozooses, Department of General Pathology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Jill E Weatherhead
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lilian L Bueno
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Remo C Russo
- Laboratory of Pulmonary Immunology and Mechanics, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ricardo T Fujiwara
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
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Di Bari C, Venkateswaran N, Fastl C, Gabriël S, Grace D, Havelaar AH, Huntington B, Patterson GT, Rushton J, Speybroeck N, Torgerson P, Pigott DM, Devleesschauwer B. The global burden of neglected zoonotic diseases: Current state of evidence. One Health 2023; 17:100595. [PMID: 37545541 PMCID: PMC10400928 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The majority of emerging infectious diseases are zoonoses, most of which are classified as "neglected". By affecting both humans and animals, zoonoses pose a dual burden. The disability-adjusted life year (DALY) metric quantifies human health burden since it combines mortality and morbidity. This review aims to describe and analyze the current state of evidence on neglected zoonotic diseases (NZDs) burden and start a discussion on the current understanding of the global burden of NZDs. We identified 26 priority NZDs through consulting three international repositories for national prioritization exercises. A systematic review of global and national burden of disease (BoD) studies was conducted using pre-selected databases. Data on diseases, location and DALYs were extracted for each eligible study. A total of 1887 records were screened, resulting in 74 eligible studies. The highest number of BoD was found for non-typhoidal salmonellosis (23), whereas no estimates were found for West Nile, Marburg and Lassa fever. Geographically, the highest number of studies was performed in the Netherlands (11), China (5) and Iran (4). The number of BoD retrieved mismatched the perceived importance in national prioritization exercises. For example, anthrax was considered a priority NZD in 65 countries; however, only one national study estimating BoD was retrieved. By summing the available global estimates, the selected NZDs caused at least 21 million DALYs per year, a similar order of magnitude to (but less than) the burden due to foodborne disease (included in the Foodborne Disease Burden Epidemiology Reference Group). The global burden of disease landscape of NZDs remains scattered. There are several priority NZDs for which no burden estimates exist, and the number of BoD studies does not reflect national disease priorities. To have complete and consistent estimates of the global burden of NZDs, these diseases should be integrated in larger global burden of disease initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlotta Di Bari
- GBADs programme, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Narmada Venkateswaran
- GBADs programme, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Department of Health Metrics Sciences, Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, United States
| | - Christina Fastl
- GBADs programme, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sarah Gabriël
- Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Delia Grace
- GBADs programme, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, Chatham Maritime, United Kingdom
- Animal and Human Health, International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Arie H. Havelaar
- GBADs programme, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Department of Animal Sciences, Emerging Pathogens Institute and Global Food Systems Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, United States
| | - Ben Huntington
- GBADs programme, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, UK
- Pengwern Animal Health Ltd, 259 Wallasey Village, Wallasey Wirral, Merseyside, United Kingdom
| | - Grace T. Patterson
- GBADs programme, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jonathan Rushton
- GBADs programme, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Niko Speybroeck
- Insititute of Health and Society (IRSS), Université Catholique de Louvain, Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, Belgium
| | - Paul Torgerson
- GBADs programme, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Section of Epidemiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - David M. Pigott
- GBADs programme, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Department of Health Metrics Sciences, Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, United States
| | - Brecht Devleesschauwer
- GBADs programme, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
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Okon EM, Okocha RC, Taiwo AB, Michael FB, Bolanle AM. Dynamics of co-infection in fish: A review of pathogen-host interaction and clinical outcome. FISH AND SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY REPORTS 2023; 4:100096. [PMID: 37250211 PMCID: PMC10213192 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsirep.2023.100096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Co-infections can affect the transmission of a pathogen within a population and the pathogen's virulence, ultimately affecting the disease's dynamics. In addition, co-infections can potentially affect the host's immunological responses, clinical outcomes, survival, and disease control efficacy. Co-infections significantly impact fish production and can change several fish diseases' progression and severity. However, the effect of co-infection has only recently garnered limited attention in aquatic animals such as fish, and there is currently a dearth of studies on this topic. This study, therefore, presents an in-depth summary of the dynamics of co-infection in fish. This study reviewed the co-infection of fish pathogens, the interaction of pathogens and fish, clinical outcomes and impacts on fish immune responses, and fish survival. Most studies described the prevalence of co-infections in fish, with various parameters influencing their outcomes. Bacterial co-infection increased fish mortality, ulcerative dermatitis, and intestinal haemorrhage. Viral co-infection resulted in osmoregulatory effects, increased mortality and cytopathic effect (CPE). More severe histological alterations and clinical symptoms were related to the co-infection of fish than in single-infected fish. In parasitic co-infection, there was increased mortality, high kidney swelling index, and severe necrotic alterations in the kidney, liver, and spleen. In other cases, there were more severe kidney lesions, cartilage destruction and displacement. There was a dearth of information on mitigating co-infections in fish. Therefore, further studies on the mitigation strategies of co-infections in fish will provide valuable insights into this research area. Also, more research on the immunology of co-infection specific to each fish pathogen class (bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites) is imperative. The findings from such studies would provide valuable information on the relationship between fish immune systems and targeted responses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Reuben Chukwuka Okocha
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agricultural Sciences, Landmark University, P.M.B. 1001 Omu-Aran, Kwara State, Nigeria
- Climate Action Research Group, Landmark University SDG 13, Nigeria
| | | | - Falana Babatunde Michael
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agricultural Sciences, Landmark University, P.M.B. 1001 Omu-Aran, Kwara State, Nigeria
- Life Below Water Research Group, Landmark University SDG 14, Nigeria
| | - Adeniran Moji Bolanle
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agricultural Sciences, Landmark University, P.M.B. 1001 Omu-Aran, Kwara State, Nigeria
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Hoyos W, Aguilar J, Raciny M, Toro M. Case studies of clinical decision-making through prescriptive models based on machine learning. COMPUTER METHODS AND PROGRAMS IN BIOMEDICINE 2023; 242:107829. [PMID: 37837889 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmpb.2023.107829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The development of computational methodologies to support clinical decision-making is of vital importance to reduce morbidity and mortality rates. Specifically, prescriptive analytic is a promising area to support decision-making in the monitoring, treatment and prevention of diseases. These aspects remain a challenge for medical professionals and health authorities. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study, we propose a methodology for the development of prescriptive models to support decision-making in clinical settings. The prescriptive model requires a predictive model to build the prescriptions. The predictive model is developed using fuzzy cognitive maps and the particle swarm optimization algorithm, while the prescriptive model is developed with an extension of fuzzy cognitive maps that combines them with genetic algorithms. We evaluated the proposed approach in three case studies related to monitoring (warfarin dose estimation), treatment (severe dengue) and prevention (geohelminthiasis) of diseases. RESULTS The performance of the developed prescriptive models demonstrated the ability to estimate warfarin doses in coagulated patients, prescribe treatment for severe dengue and generate actions aimed at the prevention of geohelminthiasis. Additionally, the predictive models can predict coagulation indices, severe dengue mortality and soil-transmitted helminth infections. CONCLUSIONS The developed models performed well to prescribe actions aimed to monitor, treat and prevent diseases. This type of strategy allows supporting decision-making in clinical settings. However, validations in health institutions are required for their implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Hoyos
- Grupo de Investigaciones Microbiológicas y Biomédicas de Córdoba, Universidad de Córdoba, Montería, Colombia; Grupo de Investigación en I+D+i en TIC, Universidad EAFIT, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Jose Aguilar
- Grupo de Investigación en I+D+i en TIC, Universidad EAFIT, Medellín, Colombia; Centro de Estudios en Microelectrónica y Sistemas Distribuidos, Universidad de Los Andes, Merida, Venezuela; IMDEA Networks Institute, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Mayra Raciny
- Grupo de Investigaciones Microbiológicas y Biomédicas de Córdoba, Universidad de Córdoba, Montería, Colombia
| | - Mauricio Toro
- Grupo de Investigación en I+D+i en TIC, Universidad EAFIT, Medellín, Colombia
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Nìng C, Heckmann A, Mateos-Hernández L, Karadjian G, Šimo L. Functional characterization of three G protein-coupled acetylcholine receptors in parasitic nematode Trichinella spiralis. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2023; 23:130-139. [PMID: 38043189 PMCID: PMC10731000 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2023.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
The physiological significance of metabotropic acetylcholine receptors in parasitic nematodes remains largely unexplored. Here, three different Trichinella spiralis G protein-coupled acetylcholine receptors (TsGAR-1, -2, and -3) were identified in the genome of T. spiralis. The phylogenetic analyses showed that TsGAR-1 and -2 receptors belong to a distinct clade specific to invertebrates, while TsGAR-3 is closest to the cluster of mammalian-type muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChR). The mRNA of TsGAR-1, -2, and -3 was detected in muscle larvae, newborn larvae, and adults. The functional aequorin-based assay in Chinese hamster ovary cells revealed that all three types of T. spiralis GARs trigger the Gq/11 pathway upon activation of the receptor with the acetylcholine ligand. TsGAR-1 and TsGAR-2 showed atypical affinity with classical muscarinic agonists, while TsGAR-3 was sensitive to all muscarinic agonists tested. High concentrations of propiverine antagonist blocked the activities of all three TsGARs, while atropine and scopolamine antagonists effectively inhibited only TsGAR-3. Our data indicate that the distinct pharmacological profile of TsGAR-1 and -2 receptors, as well as the phylogenetic distance between them and their mammalian orthologs, place them as attractive targets for the development of selective anthelmintic drugs interfering with nematodes' cholinergic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cáinà Nìng
- Laboratoire de Santé Animale, UMR BIPAR, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, INRAE, ANSES, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Aurélie Heckmann
- Laboratoire de Santé Animale, UMR BIPAR, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, INRAE, ANSES, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Lourdes Mateos-Hernández
- Laboratoire de Santé Animale, UMR BIPAR, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, INRAE, ANSES, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Grégory Karadjian
- Laboratoire de Santé Animale, UMR BIPAR, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, INRAE, ANSES, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France.
| | - Ladislav Šimo
- Laboratoire de Santé Animale, UMR BIPAR, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, INRAE, ANSES, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France.
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Nyangiri OA, Mulindwa J, Namulondo J, Kitibwa A, Nassuuna J, Elliott A, Kimuda MP, Boobo A, Nerima B, Adriko M, Dunton NJ, Madhan GK, Kristiansen M, Casacuberta-Partal M, Noyes H, Matovu E. Variants of IL6, IL10, FCN2, RNASE3, IL12B and IL17B loci are associated with Schistosoma mansoni worm burden in the Albert Nile region of Uganda. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011796. [PMID: 38033168 PMCID: PMC10715658 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals genetically susceptible to high schistosomiasis worm burden may contribute disproportionately to transmission and could be prioritized for control. Identifying genes involved may guide development of therapy. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS A cohort of 606 children aged 10-15 years were recruited in the Albert Nile region of Uganda and assessed for Schistosoma mansoni worm burden using the Up-Converting Particle Lateral Flow (UCP-LF) test detecting circulating anodic antigen (CAA), point-of-care Circulating Cathodic Antigen (POC-CCA) and Kato-Katz tests. Whole genome genotyping was conducted on 326 children comprising the top and bottom 25% of worm burden. Linear models were fitted to identify variants associated with worm burden in preselected candidate genes. Expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) analysis was conducted for candidate genes with UCP-LF worm burden included as a covariate. Single Nucleotide Polymorphism loci associated with UCP-LF CAA included IL6 rs2066992 (OR = 0.43, p = 0.0006) and rs7793163 (OR = 2.0, p = 0.0007); IL21 SNP kgp513476 (OR 1.79, p = 0.0025) and IL17B SNP kgp708159 (OR = 0.35, p = 0.0028). A haplotype in the IL10 locus was associated with lower worm burden (OR = 0.53, p = 0.015) and overlapped SNPs rs1800896, rs1800871 and rs1800872. Significant haplotypes (p<0.05, overlapping significant SNP) associated with worm burden were observed in IL6 and the Th17 pathway IL12B and IL17B genes. There were significant eQTL in the IL6, IL5, IL21, IL25 and IFNG regions. CONCLUSIONS Variants associated with S. mansoni worm burden were in IL6, FCN2, RNASE3, IL10, IL12B and IL17B gene loci. However only eQTL associations remained significant after Bonferroni correction. In summary, immune balance, pathogen recognition and Th17 pathways may play a role in modulating Schistosoma worm burden. Individuals carrying risk variants may be targeted first in allocation of control efforts to reduce the burden of schistosomiasis in the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Asanya Nyangiri
- Department of Biotechnical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Julius Mulindwa
- Department of Biochemistry and Sports Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joyce Namulondo
- Department of Biotechnical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Anna Kitibwa
- Department of Biotechnical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jacent Nassuuna
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Alison Elliott
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Magambo Phillip Kimuda
- Department of Biotechnical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Alex Boobo
- Department of Biotechnical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Barbara Nerima
- Department of Biotechnical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Moses Adriko
- Vector Borne & NTD Control Division, Ministry of Health, Uganda
| | - Nathan J. Dunton
- UCL Genomics core facility, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Mark Kristiansen
- UCL Genomics core facility, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Harry Noyes
- Centre for Genomic Research, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Enock Matovu
- Department of Biotechnical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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Shari C, Prynn T, Abbas SM, Davis T, Lee J, Melhem G, Manji HK, Murray BL, Omore R, Patel S, Sirna SJ, Westbrook AL, Ugwu CV, Versi SA, Manji KP, Rees CA. A cross-sectional analysis of publication of pediatric global health abstracts from seven major international conferences. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0002523. [PMID: 37878568 PMCID: PMC10599509 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Research presented at conferences may increase context-specific evidence in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where global childhood disease burden is greatest and where massive relative deficits in research persist. Publication of studies presented at conferences is necessary for complete results dissemination. Our objective was to determine the frequency of publication of pediatric global health conference abstracts and to identify factors associated with publication. We conducted a cross-sectional study of abstracts that reported pediatric research conducted in at least one LMIC presented at seven major scientific conferences in 2017, 2018, and 2019. We used PubMed, EMBASE and Google Scholar to search for publications of the results presented as abstracts. We created a Kaplan-Meier curve to determine the cumulative incidence of publications and used predetermined abstract-level factors to create a multivariable Cox proportional hazard model to identify factors associated with time to publication. There were 8,105 abstracts reviewed and 1,433 (17.7%) reported pediatric research conducted in one or more LMICs. The probability of publication of pediatric global health abstracts was 33.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 31.2-36.1%) at 24 months and 46.6% (95% CI 44.0-49.3%) at 48 months. Abstracts that reported research conducted in East Asia and Pacific (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 3.06, 95% CI 1.74-5.24), South Asia (aHR 2.25, 95% CI 1.30-3.91%), and upper-middle-income countries (1.50, 95% CI 1.12-2.02) were published sooner than those that reported research in LMICs in Europe and Central Asia and lower-middle-income countries, respectively. Fewer than half of pediatric global health abstracts were published in peer-reviewed journals up to four years after presentation at international conferences. Efforts are urgently needed to promote the widespread and long-lasting dissemination of pediatric research conducted in LMICs presented as abstracts to provide a more robust evidence base for both clinical care and policy related to child health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Shari
- Emergency Medicine Department, Muhimbili National Hospital-Mloganzila, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Tory Prynn
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | | | - Tommy Davis
- Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Jeesoo Lee
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Gandolina Melhem
- University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Hussein K. Manji
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
- Accident and Emergency Department, Aga Khan Hospital Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Brittany L. Murray
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Emergency Medicine, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Richard Omore
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Center for Global Health Research, (KEMRI-CGHR), Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Shayli Patel
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Stephanie J. Sirna
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Adrianna L. Westbrook
- Pediatric Biostatistics Core, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Chidiebere V. Ugwu
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Emergency Medicine, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Sabira A. Versi
- Intensive Care Unit, The Aga Khan Hospital, Dar-es-salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Karim P. Manji
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Chris A. Rees
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Emergency Medicine, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
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Montagne J, Preza M, Koziol U. Stem cell proliferation and differentiation during larval metamorphosis of the model tapeworm Hymenolepis microstoma. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1286190. [PMID: 37908761 PMCID: PMC10614006 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1286190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Tapeworm larvae cause important diseases in humans and domestic animals. During infection, the first larval stage undergoes a metamorphosis where tissues are formed de novo from a population of stem cells called germinative cells. This process is difficult to study for human pathogens, as these larvae are infectious and difficult to obtain in the laboratory. Methods In this work, we analyzed cell proliferation and differentiation during larval metamorphosis in the model tapeworm Hymenolepis microstoma, by in vivo labelling of proliferating cells with the thymidine analogue 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU), tracing their differentiation with a suite of specific molecular markers for different cell types. Results Proliferating cells are very abundant and fast-cycling during early metamorphosis: the total number of cells duplicates every ten hours, and the length of G2 is only 75 minutes. New tegumental, muscle and nerve cells differentiate from this pool of proliferating germinative cells, and these processes are very fast, as differentiation markers for neurons and muscle cells appear within 24 hours after exiting the cell cycle, and fusion of new cells to the tegumental syncytium can be detected after only 4 hours. Tegumental and muscle cells appear from early stages of metamorphosis (24 to 48 hours post-infection); in contrast, most markers for differentiating neurons appear later, and the detection of synapsin and neuropeptides correlates with scolex retraction. Finally, we identified populations of proliferating cells that express conserved genes associated with neuronal progenitors and precursors, suggesting the existence of tissue-specific lineages among germinative cells. Discussion These results provide for the first time a comprehensive view of the development of new tissues during tapeworm larval metamorphosis, providing a framework for similar studies in human and veterinary pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Uriel Koziol
- Sección Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
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Sounart H, Voronin D, Masarapu Y, Chung M, Saarenpää S, Ghedin E, Giacomello S. Miniature spatial transcriptomics for studying parasite-endosymbiont relationships at the micro scale. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6500. [PMID: 37838705 PMCID: PMC10576761 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42237-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Several important human infectious diseases are caused by microscale-sized parasitic nematodes like filarial worms. Filarial worms have their own spatial tissue organization; to uncover this tissue structure, we need methods that can spatially resolve these miniature specimens. Most filarial worms evolved a mutualistic association with endosymbiotic bacteria Wolbachia. However, the mechanisms underlying the dependency of filarial worms on the fitness of these bacteria remain unknown. As Wolbachia is essential for the development, reproduction, and survival of filarial worms, we spatially explored how Wolbachia interacts with the worm's reproductive system by performing a spatial characterization using Spatial Transcriptomics (ST) across a posterior region containing reproductive tissue and developing embryos of adult female Brugia malayi worms. We provide a proof-of-concept for miniature-ST to explore spatial gene expression patterns in small sample types, demonstrating the method's ability to uncover nuanced tissue region expression patterns, observe the spatial localization of key B. malayi - Wolbachia pathway genes, and co-localize the B. malayi spatial transcriptome in Wolbachia tissue regions, also under antibiotic treatment. We envision our approach will open up new avenues for the study of infectious diseases caused by micro-scale parasitic worms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailey Sounart
- Department of Gene Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SciLifeLab, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Denis Voronin
- Systems Genomics Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Yuvarani Masarapu
- Department of Gene Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SciLifeLab, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Matthew Chung
- Systems Genomics Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sami Saarenpää
- Department of Gene Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SciLifeLab, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Elodie Ghedin
- Systems Genomics Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Stefania Giacomello
- Department of Gene Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SciLifeLab, Stockholm, Sweden.
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