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Porter J, Sullivan W. The cellular lives of Wolbachia. Nat Rev Microbiol 2023; 21:750-766. [PMID: 37430172 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-023-00918-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Wolbachia are successful Gram-negative bacterial endosymbionts, globally infecting a large fraction of arthropod species and filarial nematodes. Efficient vertical transmission, the capacity for horizontal transmission, manipulation of host reproduction and enhancement of host fitness can promote the spread both within and between species. Wolbachia are abundant and can occupy extraordinary diverse and evolutionary distant host species, suggesting that they have evolved to engage and manipulate highly conserved core cellular processes. Here, we review recent studies identifying Wolbachia-host interactions at the molecular and cellular levels. We explore how Wolbachia interact with a wide array of host cytoplasmic and nuclear components in order to thrive in a diversity of cell types and cellular environments. This endosymbiont has also evolved the ability to precisely target and manipulate specific phases of the host cell cycle. The remarkable diversity of cellular interactions distinguishes Wolbachia from other endosymbionts and is largely responsible for facilitating its global propagation through host populations. Finally, we describe how insights into Wolbachia-host cellular interactions have led to promising applications in controlling insect-borne and filarial nematode-based diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian Porter
- Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, UC Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - William Sullivan
- Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, UC Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA.
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2
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Fordjour FA, Osei‐Poku P, Genfi AKA, Ainooson KG, Amponsah K, Arthur PK, Stephenson GR, Kwarteng A. Use of medicinal plants as a remedy against lymphatic filariasis: Current status and future prospect. Health Sci Rep 2023; 6:e1295. [PMID: 37251521 PMCID: PMC10224507 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.1295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the successes achieved so far with the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis, there is still an appreciable number of lymphatic filarial patients who need alternative treatment and morbidity management strategies. The unresponsiveness of some cohorts to the drugs used in the mass drug administration program is currently raising a lot of questions and this needs urgent attention. Natural medicinal plants have a long-standing history of being effective against most disease conditions. Countries such as India have been able to integrate their natural plant remedies into the treatment of lymphatic filarial conditions, and the results are overwhelmingly positive. Components of Azadirachta indica A. Juss, Parkia biglobosa, Adansonia digitata, and Ocimum spp have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anticancerous, and antimicrobial activities in animal models. Therefore, this review calls for attention toward the use of natural plant components as an alternate treatment against lymphatic filariasis to help reduce the World Health Organization's burden of providing drugs for people in need of treatment every year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima A. Fordjour
- Department of MicrobiologyUniversity for Development StudiesTamaleGhana
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, College of ScienceKwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKumasiGhana
| | - Priscilla Osei‐Poku
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, College of ScienceKwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKumasiGhana
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical MedicineKwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKumasiGhana
| | - Afua K. A. Genfi
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity for Development StudiesTamaleGhana
| | - Kwaw G. Ainooson
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical SciencesKwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKumasiGhana
| | - Kingsley Amponsah
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical SciencesKwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKumasiGhana
| | - Patrick K. Arthur
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular BiologyUniversity of GhanaAccraGhana
| | | | - Alexander Kwarteng
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, College of ScienceKwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKumasiGhana
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical MedicineKwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKumasiGhana
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3
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Liu J, Tao J, Chen W, Wang T, Chen X, Shen M, Ou Q, Zhang Y, Ding Y, Wu J, Cheng X, Lu G, Yan G. The application of metagenomic next-generation sequencing for Angiostrongylus eosinophilic meningitis in a pediatric patient: A case report. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1003013. [PMID: 36339212 PMCID: PMC9631770 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1003013] [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: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Angiostrongylus eosinophilic meningitis (AEM) is a rare yet emerging disease caused by Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection. Its atypical symptoms may delay the diagnosis and cause fatal outcomes, especially in the early stages of infection and among children. Case presentation Here we reported the use of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) to facilitate the diagnosis and treatment of an 8-year-old boy with severe A. cantonensis infection. The mNGS tests consistently identified the infection of A. cantonensis prior to the detection by the immunologic method and confirmed it as AEM. Owing to the multidisciplinary team (MDT)-administrated treatments and close disease monitoring based on regular clinical tests and sequential mNGS tests, the patients eventually fully recovered from severe infectious conditions. Conclusion This case demonstrated the advantages of mNGS for early diagnosis of AEM in pediatric patients, highlighting its application for pan-pathogen detection, as well as disease monitoring for severe A. cantonensis infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Liu
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Center for Children's Health, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinhao Tao
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Center for Children's Health, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiming Chen
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Center for Children's Health, Shanghai, China
| | - Tingting Wang
- Department of Research and Development, Nanjing Geneseeq Technology Inc., Nanjing, China,Department of Research and Development, Nanjing Dinfectome Technology Inc., Nanjing, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Geneseeq Research Institute, Nanjing Geneseeq Technology Inc., Nanjing, China
| | - Meili Shen
- Department of Medical, Nanjing Dinfectome Technology Inc., Nanjing, China
| | - Qiuxiang Ou
- Geneseeq Research Institute, Nanjing Geneseeq Technology Inc., Nanjing, China
| | - Yunjian Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Center for Children's Health, Shanghai, China
| | - Yifeng Ding
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Center for Children's Health, Shanghai, China
| | - Jufang Wu
- Institute of Antibiotics, Huashan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xunjia Cheng
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guoping Lu
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Center for Children's Health, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Guoping Lu
| | - Gangfeng Yan
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Center for Children's Health, Shanghai, China,Gangfeng Yan
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Campillo JT, Awaca-Uvon NP, Missamou F, Tambwe JP, Kuyangisa-Simuna G, Weil GJ, Louya F, Boussinesq M, Pion SDS, Chesnais CB. Results From 2 Cohort Studies in Central Africa Show That Clearance of Wuchereria bancrofti Infection After Repeated Rounds of Mass Drug Administration With Albendazole Alone Is Closely Linked to Individual Adherence. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 73:e176-e183. [PMID: 32856050 PMCID: PMC8246789 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa1232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Two community trials conducted from 2012 to 2018 in the Republic of Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo demonstrated the efficacy of semiannual mass drug administration (MDA) with albendazole (ALB) alone on lymphatic filariasis (LF). However, a high interindividual heterogeneity in the clearance of infection was observed. Methods We analyzed trial data to assess the effect of individual adherence to ALB MDA on clearance of circulating filarial antigenemia (CFA) and microfilaremia. Community residents were offered a single dose of ALB every 6 months and tested for LF with a rapid test for CFA at baseline and then annually. CFA test results were scored on a semiquantitative scale. At each round, microfilaremia was assessed in CFA-positive individuals. All CFA-positive individuals for whom at least 1 follow-up measure was available were included in the analyses. Parametric survival models were used to assess the influence of treatment adherence on LF infection indicators. Results Of 2658 individuals enrolled in the trials, 394 and 129 were eligible for analysis of CFA and microfilaremia clearance, respectively. After adjusting for age, sex, and initial CFA score, the predicted mean time for clearing CFA was shorter in persons who had taken 2 doses of ALB per year (3.9 years) than in persons who had taken 1 or 0 dose (4.4 and 5.3 years; P < .001 for both). A similar pattern was observed for microfilaremia clearance. Conclusions These results demonstrate a clear dose-response relationship for the effect of ALB on clearance of CFA and microfilaremia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérémy T Campillo
- UMI 233, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Montpellier, France.,Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,INSERM Unité 1175, Montpellier, France
| | - Naomi P Awaca-Uvon
- Ministère de la Santé Publique, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Francois Missamou
- Programme National de Lutte contre l'Onchocercose, Direction de l'Epidémiologie et de la Lutte contre la Maladie, Ministère de la Santé et de la Population, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
| | - Jean-Paul Tambwe
- Ministère de la Santé Publique, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | | | - Gary J Weil
- Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Frédéric Louya
- Programme National de Lutte contre l'Onchocercose, Direction de l'Epidémiologie et de la Lutte contre la Maladie, Ministère de la Santé et de la Population, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
| | - Michel Boussinesq
- UMI 233, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Montpellier, France.,Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,INSERM Unité 1175, Montpellier, France
| | - Sébastien D S Pion
- UMI 233, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Montpellier, France.,Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,INSERM Unité 1175, Montpellier, France
| | - Cédric B Chesnais
- UMI 233, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Montpellier, France.,Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,INSERM Unité 1175, Montpellier, France
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Ouattara AF, Bjerum CM, Aboulaye M, Kouadio O, Marius VK, Andersen B, Lew D, Goss CW, Weil GJ, Koudou BG, King CL. Semiannual Treatment of Albendazole Alone is Efficacious for Treatment of Lymphatic Filariasis: A Randomized Open-label Trial in Cote d'Ivoire. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 74:2200-2208. [PMID: 33674871 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciab194] [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: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ivermectin (IVM) plus albendazole (ALB), or IA, is widely used in mass drug administration (MDA) programs that aim to eliminate lymphatic filariasis (LF) in Africa. However, IVM can cause severe adverse events in persons with heavy Loa loa infections that are common in Central Africa. ALB is safe in loiasis, but more information is needed on its efficacy for LF. This study compared the efficacy and safety of three years of semiannual treatment with ALB to annual IA in persons with bancroftian filariasis. METHODS Adults with Wuchereria bancrofti microfilaremia (Mf) were randomized to receive either three annual doses of IA (N=52), six semiannual doses of ALB 400mg (N=45), or six semiannual doses of ALB 800mg (N=47). The primary outcome amicrofilaremia at 36 months. FINDINGS IA was more effective for completely clearing Mf than ALB 400mg or ALB 800mg (79%, CI 67-91; vs. 48%, CI 32-66 and 57%, CI 41-73, respectively). Mean % reductions in Mf counts at 36 months relative to baseline tended to be greater after IA (98%, CI 88-100) than after ALB 400mg (88%, CI 78-98) and ALB 800mg (89%, CI 79-99) (P=0.07 and P=0.06, respectively). Adult worm nest numbers (assessed by ultrasound) were reduced in all treatment groups. Treatments were well tolerated. INTERPRETATION Repeated semiannual treatment with ALB is macrofilaricidal for W. bancrofti and leads to sustained reductions in Mf counts. This is a safe and effective regimen that could be used as MDA to eliminate LF in areas ivermectin cannot be used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allassane F Ouattara
- Centre Suisse de Recherche Scientifique en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.,Université Nangui Abrogoua, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Catherine M Bjerum
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Méité Aboulaye
- Programme National de la Lutte Contre la Schistosomiase, les Geohelminthiases et la Filariose Lymphatique, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Olivier Kouadio
- Centre Suisse de Recherche Scientifique en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.,Université Nangui Abrogoua, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Vanga K Marius
- Université Alassane Ouattara Centre Hôspitalier Universitaire de Bouake, Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Britt Andersen
- Infectious Diseases Division, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Daphne Lew
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Charles W Goss
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Gary J Weil
- Infectious Diseases Division, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Benjamin G Koudou
- Centre Suisse de Recherche Scientifique en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.,Université Nangui Abrogoua, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Christopher L King
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Veterans Affairs Research Service, Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, USA
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Antifilarial effect of nanocomposite of silver nanoparticles with nitazoxanide against the microfilariae of Setaria cervi-infected albino rats. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2020; 393:1341-1356. [DOI: 10.1007/s00210-020-01821-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Gunderson EL, Vogel I, Chappell L, Bulman CA, Lim KC, Luo M, Whitman JD, Franklin C, Choi YJ, Lefoulon E, Clark T, Beerntsen B, Slatko B, Mitreva M, Sullivan W, Sakanari JA. The endosymbiont Wolbachia rebounds following antibiotic treatment. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008623. [PMID: 32639986 PMCID: PMC7371230 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic treatment has emerged as a promising strategy to sterilize and kill filarial nematodes due to their dependence on their endosymbiotic bacteria, Wolbachia. Several studies have shown that novel and FDA-approved antibiotics are efficacious at depleting the filarial nematodes of their endosymbiont, thus reducing female fecundity. However, it remains unclear if antibiotics can permanently deplete Wolbachia and cause sterility for the lifespan of the adult worms. Concerns about resistance arising from mass drug administration necessitate a careful exploration of potential Wolbachia recrudescence. In the present study, we investigated the long-term effects of the FDA-approved antibiotic, rifampicin, in the Brugia pahangi jird model of infection. Initially, rifampicin treatment depleted Wolbachia in adult worms and simultaneously impaired female worm fecundity. However, during an 8-month washout period, Wolbachia titers rebounded and embryogenesis returned to normal. Genome sequence analyses of Wolbachia revealed that despite the population bottleneck and recovery, no genetic changes occurred that could account for the rebound. Clusters of densely packed Wolbachia within the worm's ovarian tissues were observed by confocal microscopy and remained in worms treated with rifampicin, suggesting that they may serve as privileged sites that allow Wolbachia to persist in worms while treated with antibiotic. To our knowledge, these clusters have not been previously described and may be the source of the Wolbachia rebound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma L. Gunderson
- Dept. of Pharmaceutical Chemistry; University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Ian Vogel
- Dept. of Pharmaceutical Chemistry; University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Laura Chappell
- Dept. of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology; University of California, Santa Cruz; Santa Cruz, California, United States of America
| | - Christina A. Bulman
- Dept. of Pharmaceutical Chemistry; University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - K. C. Lim
- Dept. of Pharmaceutical Chemistry; University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Mona Luo
- Dept. of Pharmaceutical Chemistry; University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey D. Whitman
- Dept. of Laboratory Medicine; University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Chris Franklin
- Dept. of Pharmaceutical Chemistry; University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Young-Jun Choi
- Division of Infectious Diseases; Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis; St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Emilie Lefoulon
- Molecular Parasitology Division; New England BioLabs; Ipswich, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Travis Clark
- Veterinary Pathobiology; University of Missouri-Columbia; Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Brenda Beerntsen
- Veterinary Pathobiology; University of Missouri-Columbia; Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Barton Slatko
- Molecular Parasitology Division; New England BioLabs; Ipswich, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Makedonka Mitreva
- Division of Infectious Diseases; Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis; St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - William Sullivan
- Dept. of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology; University of California, Santa Cruz; Santa Cruz, California, United States of America
| | - Judy A. Sakanari
- Dept. of Pharmaceutical Chemistry; University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco, California, United States of America
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Dietrich CF, Chaubal N, Hoerauf A, Kling K, Piontek MS, Steffgen L, Mand S, Dong Y. Review of Dancing Parasites in Lymphatic Filariasis. Ultrasound Int Open 2019; 5:E65-E74. [PMID: 31312785 PMCID: PMC6629997 DOI: 10.1055/a-0918-3678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Revised: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Lymphatic filariasis is an infection transmitted by blood-sucking mosquitoes with filarial nematodes of the species Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi und B. timori . It is prevalent in tropical countries throughout the world, with more than 60 million people infected and more than 1 billion living in areas with the risk of transmission. Worm larvae with a length of less than 1 mm are transmitted by mosquitoes, develop in human lymphatic tissue to adult worms with a length of 7-10 cm, live in the human body for up to 10 years and produce millions of microfilariae, which can be transmitted further by mosquitoes. The adult worms can be easily observed by ultrasonography because of their size and fast movements (the so-called "filarial dance sign"), which can be differentiated from other movements (e. g., blood in venous vessels) by their characteristic movement profile in pulsed-wave Doppler mode. Therapeutic options include (combinations of) ivermectin, albendazole, diethylcarbamazine and doxycycline. The latter depletes endosymbiotic Wolbachia bacteria from the worms and thus sterilizes and later kills the adult worms (macrofilaricidal or adulticidal effect).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nitin Chaubal
- Thane Ultrasound Centre, Thane Ultrasound Centre, Thane, India
| | - Achim Hoerauf
- Institut für Med. Mikrobiologie, Immunologie und Parasitologie (IMMIP), Universität Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Kerstin Kling
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch-Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Markus Schindler Piontek
- Caritas Krankenhaus Bad Mergentheim, Academic Teaching Hospital of the University of Würzburg, Medical Clinic 2, Bad Mergentheim, Germany
| | - Ludwig Steffgen
- Trainings-Zentrum Ultraschall-Diagnostik LS GmbH, Ultrasound, Mainleus, Germany
| | - Sabine Mand
- Institut für Med. Mikrobiologie, Immunologie und Parasitologie (IMMIP), Universität Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Yi Dong
- Zhongshan Hospital, Ultrasound, Shanghai, China
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Macfarlane CL, Budhathoki SS, Johnson S, Richardson M, Garner P. Albendazole alone or in combination with microfilaricidal drugs for lymphatic filariasis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2019; 1:CD003753. [PMID: 30620051 PMCID: PMC6354574 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd003753.pub4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis recommends mass treatment of albendazole co-administered with the microfilaricidal (antifilarial) drugs diethylcarbamazine (DEC) or ivermectin; and recommends albendazole alone in areas where loiasis is endemic. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of albendazole alone, and the effects of adding albendazole to DEC or ivermectin, in people and communities with lymphatic filariasis. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group Specialized Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase (OVID), LILACS (BIREME), and reference lists of included trials. We also searched the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform and ClinicalTrials.gov to identify ongoing trials. We performed all searches up to 15 January 2018. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cluster-RCTs that compared albendazole to placebo or no placebo, or compared albendazole combined with a microfilaricidal drug to a microfilaricidal drug alone, given to people known to have lymphatic filariasis or communities where lymphatic filariasis was known to be endemic. We sought data on measures of transmission potential (microfilariae (mf) prevalence and density); markers of adult worm infection (antigenaemia prevalence and density, and adult worm prevalence detected by ultrasound); and data on clinical disease and adverse events. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS At least two review authors independently assessed the trials, evaluated the risks of bias, and extracted data. The main analysis examined albendazole overall, whether given alone or added to a microfilaricidal drug. We used data collected from all randomized individuals at time of longest follow-up (up to 12 months) for meta-analysis of outcomes. We evaluated mf density data up to six months and at 12 months follow-up to ensure that we did not miss any subtle temporal effects. We conducted additional analyses for different follow-up periods and whether trials reported on individuals known to be infected or both infected and uninfected. We analysed dichotomous data using the risk ratio (RR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). We could not meta-analyse data on parasite density outcomes and we summarized them in tables. Where data were missing, we contacted trial authors. We used GRADE to assess the certainty of evidence. MAIN RESULTS We included 13 trials (12 individually-randomized and one small cluster-randomized trial) with 8713 participants in total. No trials evaluated population-level effects of albendazole in mass drug administration programmes. Seven trials enrolled people with a variety of inclusion criteria related to filarial infection, and six trials enrolled individuals from endemic areas. Outcomes were reported as end or change values. Mf and antigen density data were reported using the geometric mean, log mean and arithmetic mean, and reductions in density were variously calculated. Two trials discounted any increases in mf density in individuals at follow-up by setting any density increase to zero.For mf prevalence over two weeks to 12 months, albendazole alone or added to another microfilaricidal drug makes little or no difference (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.07; 5027 participants, 12 trials, high-certainty evidence). For mf density there is no trend, with some trials reporting a greater reduction in mf density with albendazole and others a greater reduction with the control group. For mf density up to six months and at 12 months, we do not know if albendazole has an effect (one to six months: 1216 participants, 10 trials, very low-certainty evidence; at 12 months: 1052 participants, 9 trials, very low-certainty evidence).For antigenaemia prevalence between six to 12 months, albendazole alone or added to another microfilaricidal drug makes little or no difference (RR 1.04, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.12; 3774 participants, 7 trials, high-certainty evidence). For antigen density over six to 12 months, the trend shows little or no effect of albendazole; but we do not know if albendazole has an effect on antigen density (1374 participants, 5 trials, very low-certainty evidence). For adult worm prevalence detected by ultrasound at 12 months, albendazole added to a microfilaricidal drug may make little or no difference (RR 1.16, 95% CI 0.72 to 1.86; 165 participants, 3 trials, low-certainty evidence).For people reporting adverse events, albendazole makes little or no difference (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.13; 2894 participants, 6 trials, high-certainty evidence).We also provide meta-analyses and GRADE tables by drug, as operationally this may be of interest: for albendazole versus placebo (4 trials, 1870 participants); for albendazole with DEC compared to DEC alone (8 trials, 3405 participants); and albendazole with ivermectin compared to ivermectin alone (4 trials, 3438 participants). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There is good evidence that albendazole makes little difference to clearing microfilaraemia or adult filarial worms in the 12 months post-treatment. This finding is consistent in trials evaluating albendazole alone, or added to DEC or ivermectin. Trials reporting mf density included small numbers of participants, calculated density data variously, and gave inconsistent results.The review raises questions over whether albendazole has any important contribution to the elimination of lymphatic filariasis. To inform policy for areas with loiasis where only albendazole can be used, it may be worth conducting placebo-controlled trials of albendazole alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara L Macfarlane
- Liverpool School of Tropical MedicineDepartment of Clinical SciencesPembroke PlaceLiverpoolUKL3 5QA
| | - Shyam S Budhathoki
- B P Koirala Institute of Health SciencesSchool of Public Health & Community MedicineGhopa 18DharanNepal
| | - Samuel Johnson
- Liverpool School of Tropical MedicineDepartment of Clinical SciencesPembroke PlaceLiverpoolUKL3 5QA
| | - Marty Richardson
- Liverpool School of Tropical MedicineDepartment of Clinical SciencesPembroke PlaceLiverpoolUKL3 5QA
| | - Paul Garner
- Liverpool School of Tropical MedicineDepartment of Clinical SciencesPembroke PlaceLiverpoolUKL3 5QA
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Exploring the homolog of a novel proinflammatory microfilarial sheath protein (MfP) of Wuchereria bancrofti in the adult-stage bovine filarial parasite Setaria cervi. J Helminthol 2018; 94:e15. [PMID: 30477598 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x18001050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
A novel microfilarial sheath protein (MfP) of the human filarial parasite Wuchereria bancrofti and its proinflammatory activity on host macrophages were identified recently. MfP is a homolog of the nematode bestrophin-9 superfamily that acts as a ligand of macrophage Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) to induce inflammation through NF-κB activation. Therefore, the presence and functional implication of this novel protein in adult-stage parasites were open questions to answer. In this study, the bovine filarial parasite Setaria cervi was used to simulate adult W. bancrofti. We detected the presence of MfP in adult-stage S. cervi through clear immunological cross-reactivity and immunolocalization employing an anti-MfP antibody developed in mice. Therefore, our findings put forward S. cervi as a cost-effective source of immunodominant filarial antigen MfP to simulate its future utilization in the immunotherapeutic intervention of lymphatic filariasis.
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11
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Are the estrogenic hormonal effects of environmental toxins affecting small intestinal bacterial and microfilaria overgrowth? Med Hypotheses 2017; 109:90-94. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2017.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Revised: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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12
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Johnston KL, Cook DAN, Berry NG, David Hong W, Clare RH, Goddard M, Ford L, Nixon GL, O’Neill PM, Ward SA, Taylor MJ. Identification and prioritization of novel anti- Wolbachia chemotypes from screening a 10,000-compound diversity library. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2017; 3:eaao1551. [PMID: 28959730 PMCID: PMC5617373 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aao1551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis are two important neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) that cause severe disability. Control efforts are hindered by the lack of a safe macrofilaricidal drug. Targeting the Wolbachia bacterial endosymbionts in these parasites with doxycycline leads to a macrofilaricidal outcome, but protracted treatment regimens and contraindications restrict its widespread implementation. The Anti-Wolbachia consortium aims to develop improved anti-Wolbachia drugs to overcome these barriers. We describe the first screening of a large, diverse compound library against Wolbachia. This whole-organism screen, streamlined to reduce bottlenecks, produced a hit rate of 0.5%. Chemoinformatic analysis of the top 50 hits led to the identification of six structurally diverse chemotypes, the disclosure of which could offer interesting avenues of investigation to other researchers active in this field. An example of hit-to-lead optimization is described to further demonstrate the potential of developing these high-quality hit series as safe, efficacious, and selective anti-Wolbachia macrofilaricides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly L. Johnston
- Research Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Darren A. N. Cook
- Research Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Neil G. Berry
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZD, UK
| | - W. David Hong
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZD, UK
| | - Rachel H. Clare
- Research Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Megan Goddard
- Research Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Louise Ford
- Research Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Gemma L. Nixon
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZD, UK
| | - Paul M. O’Neill
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZD, UK
| | - Stephen A. Ward
- Research Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Mark J. Taylor
- Research Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
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13
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Mukherjee S, Mukherjee S, Maiti TK, Bhattacharya S, Sinha Babu SP. A Novel Ligand of Toll-like Receptor 4 From the Sheath of Wuchereria bancrofti Microfilaria Induces Proinflammatory Response in Macrophages. J Infect Dis 2017; 215:954-965. [PMID: 28453850 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jix067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 01/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Lymphatic filariasis, frequently caused from Wuchereria bancrofti infection, is endemic in several parts of the globe and responsible for human health problems and socioeconomic loss to a large extent. Inflammatory consequences originating from host-parasite interaction play a major role in the disease pathology and allied complications. The identity of the key mediator of this process is yet unknown in filarial research. Methods Microfilarial protein (MfP) was isolated from the sheath of W. bancrofti microfilariae through ultrafiltration, followed by chromatographic separation. Expression of signaling molecules was studied by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunoblotting. Binding of MfP to Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) was determined by co-immunoprecipitation, fluorescein isothiocyanate-probing, and surface plasmon resonance analysis. Results We found that MfP (approximately 70 kDa) binds to macrophage-TLR4 and triggers nuclear factor kappa beta activation that upregulates secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. Microfilarial protein failed to induce inflammation in either TLRKO macrophage or macrophage treated with TLR4 inhibitor, indicating that MfP acts through TLR4. We have also detected phenotypic transformation of macrophages from anti-inflammatory (M2) to proinflammatory (M1) subtype after incubation with MfP. Conclusions Microfilarial protein appears to be a new ligand of TLR4 from W. bancrofti. Determination of its functional attributions in the host-parasite relationship, especially immunopathogenesis of filarial infection, may improve our understanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suprabhat Mukherjee
- Department of Zoology (Centre for Advanced Studies), Visva-Bharati University, West Bengal, India
| | - Sandip Mukherjee
- Department of Zoology (Centre for Advanced Studies), Visva-Bharati University, West Bengal, India
| | - Tushar K Maiti
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Haryana (NCR Delhi), India
| | - Samir Bhattacharya
- Department of Zoology (Centre for Advanced Studies), Visva-Bharati University, West Bengal, India
| | - Santi P Sinha Babu
- Department of Zoology (Centre for Advanced Studies), Visva-Bharati University, West Bengal, India
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14
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Aljayyoussi G, Tyrer HE, Ford L, Sjoberg H, Pionnier N, Waterhouse D, Davies J, Gamble J, Metuge H, Cook DAN, Steven A, Sharma R, Guimaraes AF, Clare RH, Cassidy A, Johnston KL, Myhill L, Hayward L, Wanji S, Turner JD, Taylor MJ, Ward SA. Short-Course, High-Dose Rifampicin Achieves Wolbachia Depletion Predictive of Curative Outcomes in Preclinical Models of Lymphatic Filariasis and Onchocerciasis. Sci Rep 2017; 7:210. [PMID: 28303006 PMCID: PMC5428297 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-00322-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2016] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Lymphatic filariasis (LF) and onchocerciasis are priority neglected tropical diseases targeted for elimination. The only safe drug treatment with substantial curative activity against the filarial nematodes responsible for LF (Brugia malayi, Wuchereria bancrofti) or onchocerciasis (Onchocerca volvulus) is doxycycline. The target of doxycycline is the essential endosymbiont, Wolbachia. Four to six weeks doxycycline therapy achieves >90% depletion of Wolbachia in worm tissues leading to blockade of embryogenesis, adult sterility and premature death 18-24 months post-treatment. Long treatment length and contraindications in children and pregnancy are obstacles to implementing doxycycline as a public health strategy. Here we determine, via preclinical infection models of Brugia malayi or Onchocerca ochengi that elevated exposures of orally-administered rifampicin can lead to Wolbachia depletions from filariae more rapidly than those achieved by doxycycline. Dose escalation of rifampicin achieves >90% Wolbachia depletion in time periods of 7 days in B. malayi and 14 days in O. ochengi. Using pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modelling and mouse-human bridging analysis, we conclude that clinically relevant dose elevations of rifampicin, which have recently been determined as safe in humans, could be administered as short courses to filariasis target populations with potential to reduce anti-Wolbachia curative therapy times to between one and two weeks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghaith Aljayyoussi
- Department of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Hayley E Tyrer
- Department of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Louise Ford
- Department of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Hanna Sjoberg
- Department of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Nicolas Pionnier
- Department of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - David Waterhouse
- Department of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Jill Davies
- Department of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Joanne Gamble
- Department of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Haelly Metuge
- Research Foundation in Tropical Medicine and the Environment, Buea, Cameroon
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Darren A N Cook
- Department of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Andrew Steven
- Department of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Raman Sharma
- Department of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Ana F Guimaraes
- Department of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Rachel H Clare
- Department of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Andrew Cassidy
- Department of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Kelly L Johnston
- Department of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Laura Myhill
- Department of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Laura Hayward
- Department of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Samuel Wanji
- Research Foundation in Tropical Medicine and the Environment, Buea, Cameroon
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Joseph D Turner
- Department of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Mark J Taylor
- Department of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK.
| | - Stephen A Ward
- Department of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
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15
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Saini P, Gayen P, Kumar D, Nayak A, Mukherjee N, Mukherjee S, Pal BC, Babu SPS. Antifilarial effect of ursolic acid from Nyctanthes arbortristis: molecular and biochemical evidences. Parasitol Int 2014; 63:717-28. [PMID: 25009078 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2014.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2013] [Revised: 06/23/2014] [Accepted: 06/26/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
A bio-assay guided fractionation and purification approach was used to examine in vitro antifilarial activities of the crude methanolic extract of Nyctanthes arbortristis as well as fractions and isolated compound. From ethyl-acetate fraction we isolated and identified a triterpenoid compound which has been characterized as ursolic acid (UA) by HPLC and NMR data. We are reporting for the first time isolation and identification of UA from the leaves of N. arbortristis. The crude extract and UA showed significant micro- as well as macrofilaricidal activities against the oocyte, microfilaria and adult of Setaria cervi (S. cervi) by dye exclusion test and MTT reduction assay. Significant microfilaricidal activity of UA was further proved against mf of W. bancrofti by viability assay. The findings thus provide a new lead for development of a suitable filaricide from natural products. The molecular mechanism of UA was investigated by performing TUNEL, Hoechst staining, Annexin V-Cy3, flow cytometric analysis and DNA fragmentation assay. Differential expressions of pro- and anti-apoptotic genes were observed at the transcription and translational levels in a dose-dependent manner. Depletion in the worm GSH level and elevation in the parasite GST, SOD and super oxide anion indicated the generation of ROS. In this investigation we are reporting for the first time that UA acts its antifilarial effect through induction of apoptosis and by downregulating and altering the level of some key antioxidants like GSH, GST and SOD of S. cervi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasanta Saini
- Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Centre for Advanced Studies, Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan 731235, West Bengal, India
| | - Prajna Gayen
- Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Centre for Advanced Studies, Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan 731235, West Bengal, India
| | - Deepak Kumar
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), 4, Raja S.C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, West Bengal, India
| | - Ananya Nayak
- Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Centre for Advanced Studies, Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan 731235, West Bengal, India
| | - Niladri Mukherjee
- Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Centre for Advanced Studies, Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan 731235, West Bengal, India
| | - Suprabhat Mukherjee
- Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Centre for Advanced Studies, Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan 731235, West Bengal, India
| | - Bikas C Pal
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), 4, Raja S.C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, West Bengal, India
| | - Santi P Sinha Babu
- Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Centre for Advanced Studies, Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan 731235, West Bengal, India.
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Panic G, Duthaler U, Speich B, Keiser J. Repurposing drugs for the treatment and control of helminth infections. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2014; 4:185-200. [PMID: 25516827 PMCID: PMC4266803 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2014.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2014] [Revised: 07/04/2014] [Accepted: 07/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Drug repurposing continues to be the central drug discovery strategy for helminths. Most repurposed drugs come from veterinary medicine and known drug classes. Only a handful of drugs have advanced clinically. More collaborations and funding are needed to advance discoveries to the market.
Helminth infections are responsible for a considerable public health burden, yet the current drug armamentarium is small. Given the high cost of drug discovery and development, the high failure rates and the long duration to develop novel treatments, drug repurposing circumvents these obstacles by finding new uses for compounds other than those they were initially intended to treat. In the present review, we summarize in vivo and clinical trial findings testing clinical candidates and marketed drugs against schistosomes, food-borne trematodes, soil-transmitted helminths, Strongyloides stercoralis, the major human filariases lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis, taeniasis, neurocysticercosis and echinococcosis. While expanding the applications of broad-spectrum or veterinary anthelmintics continues to fuel alternative treatment options, antimalarials, antibiotics, antiprotozoals and anticancer agents appear to be producing fruitful results as well. The trematodes and nematodes continue to be most investigated, while cestodal drug discovery will need to be accelerated. The most clinically advanced drug candidates include the artemisinins and mefloquine against schistosomiasis, tribendimidine against liver flukes, oxantel pamoate against trichuriasis, and doxycycline against filariasis. Preclinical studies indicate a handful of promising future candidates, and are beginning to elucidate the broad-spectrum activity of some currently used anthelmintics. Challenges and opportunities are further discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jennifer Keiser
- Corresponding author. Address: Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland. Tel.: +41 61 284 8218; fax: +41 61 284 8105.
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17
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Mukherjee S, Mukherjee N, Saini P, Gayen P, Roy P, Sinha Babu SP. Molecular evidence on the occurrence of co-infection with Pichia guilliermondii and Wuchereria bancrofti in two filarial endemic districts of India. Infect Dis Poverty 2014; 3:13. [PMID: 24708881 PMCID: PMC4021973 DOI: 10.1186/2049-9957-3-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2013] [Accepted: 03/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Lymphatic filariasis (LF), a vector-borne parasitic disease, is endemic in several parts of India and mostly affects the poor or those with a low-income. The disease results in huge numbers of morbidities, disabilities, and deaths every year. Association of co-infection with other pathogens makes the condition more severe. Although co-infection is becoming a growing area of research, it is yet to emerge as a frontier research topic in filarial research specifically. This study reports the occurrence of a fungal infection in a large number of patients suffering from bancroftian filariasis in two districts of West Bengal, India. Methods Nocturnal blood samples from filarial patients containing parasites and fungus were initially co-cultured, and further the fungus was isolated and characterized. Molecular identification of the isolate was carried out by PCR-based selective amplification and sequencing of highly-conserved D1/D2 region of 26S rDNA, whereas pathogenicity was determined by amplification of the RPS0 gene. A phylogenetic tree was constructed to study the relationship between the isolate and common pathogenic yeasts. The isolate was studied for antibiotic sensitivity, whereas morphological characterization was performed by microscopic techniques. Results The isolate was identified as Pichia guilliermondii and this fungus was found to exist in co-infection with Wuchereria bancrofti in filarial patients. The fungus showed resistance to azole antifungals, griseofulvin, and, amphotericin B, whereas significant susceptibility was evident in cases of nystatin and cycloheximide. A total of 197 out of 222 patients showed this co-infection. Conclusion This study revealed, for the first time, that P. guilliermondii exists as a co-infection in microfilaraemic individuals living in a filarial endemic zone. The findings are important and have relevance to human health, especially for filarial patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Santi P Sinha Babu
- Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Zoology (Centre for Advanced Studies), Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan- 731 235, West Bengal, India.
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Antifilarial effects of polyphenol rich ethanolic extract from the leaves of Azadirachta indica through molecular and biochemical approaches describing reactive oxygen species (ROS) mediated apoptosis of Setaria cervi. Exp Parasitol 2014; 136:41-58. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2013.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2013] [Revised: 11/07/2013] [Accepted: 11/13/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Wolbachia: Can we save lives with a great pandemic? Trends Parasitol 2013; 29:385-93. [PMID: 23845310 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2013.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2013] [Revised: 06/07/2013] [Accepted: 06/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Wolbachia pipientis is the most common bacterial infection in the animal world and wields a vast influence on invertebrate reproduction, sex determination, speciation, and behavior worldwide. These avenues of research have made seminal gains, including the latest use of Wolbachia to alter mosquito populations and a strengthened focus on using anti-Wolbachia therapies against filarial nematode infections. This work is further bolstered by a more refined knowledge of Wolbachia biology spanning mechanisms to relevance. Here we tally the most up-to-date knowledge in the field and review the immense implications that this global infection has for the basic and applied life sciences.
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