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Hogan JI, Mehta SA. Strongyloides stercoralis infection in solid organ transplant recipients. Curr Opin Infect Dis 2024:00001432-990000000-00168. [PMID: 39082077 DOI: 10.1097/qco.0000000000001046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/03/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Strongyloides stercoralis infection remains of concern due to its high associated morbidity among solid organ transplant recipients (SOTR) and the risk of donor-derived infection (DDI). We review key aspects of epidemiology to inform screening for and treatment of chronic infection among organ transplant candidates to reduce the risk of infectious complications in the posttransplant setting. RECENT FINDINGS In this work, we offer guidance regarding the optimal management of Strongyloides hyperinfection syndrome and disseminated infection and offer recommendations regarding posttreatment surveillance and the potential need for repeat treatment during subsequent periods of augmented immunosuppression. This review also provides updated recommendations for screening of deceased and living donors as recently proposed by the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network's Ad Hoc Disease Transmission Advisory Committee. SUMMARY Risk reduction of Strongyloides infection in the SOTR population can be further enhanced by optimized treatment of infection, posttreatment surveillance during at-risk periods and recent proposed policy shifts to universal donor screening.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sapna A Mehta
- NYU Grossman School of Medicine
- NYU Langone Transplant Institute, New York, New York, USA
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2
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Weitzel T, Dittrich S, Mockenhaupt FP, Lindner AK. Serological diagnosis of strongyloidiasis: An evaluation of three commercial assays. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012319. [PMID: 38968318 PMCID: PMC11253981 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012319] [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: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Strongyloidiasis is caused by a neglected nematode, manifesting as chronic intestinal infection with potentially severe manifestations. The disease is an emerging problem in non-endemic countries affecting travelers and migrants. Diagnosis of strongyloidiasis is hampered by the lack of standardization and absence of a gold standard. Since adequate direct methods to detect the motile larvae in stool samples are not widely available, other techniques such as serology have been developed. METHODS We evaluated three commercial ELISA kits (DRG Instruments, IVD Research, and Bordier Affinity Products) to detect IgG antibodies against Strongyloides stercoralis assays utilizing serum samples from travelers with microscopically confirmed strongyloidiasis (n = 50) and other imported helminthic infections (n = 159) as well as healthy controls (n = 50). RESULTS The DRG, IVD, and Bordier assays showed sensitivities of 58.0%, 64.0%, and 56.0%, respectively. Specificity values were 96.0%, 96.0%, and 92.0% in healthy controls, and 67.3%, 62.9%, and 76.7% in cases with other helminth infections, respectively. Cross-reactions were mostly observed in cases with other nematodes (37.5%, 42.5%, and 20.0%, respectively), but also in trematode (33.3%, 38.1%, and 19.0%, respectively) and in cestode infections (25.0%, 30.0%, and 32.5%, respectively). CONCLUSION The study demonstrates the diagnostic limitations of serological assays to detect or exclude cases of strongyloidiasis in returning travelers, who frequently present with recent or acute infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Weitzel
- Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of International Health, Charité Center for Global Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sabine Dittrich
- Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of International Health, Charité Center for Global Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frank P. Mockenhaupt
- Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of International Health, Charité Center for Global Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas K. Lindner
- Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of International Health, Charité Center for Global Health, Berlin, Germany
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3
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Gordon CA, Utzinger J, Muhi S, Becker SL, Keiser J, Khieu V, Gray DJ. Strongyloidiasis. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2024; 10:6. [PMID: 38272922 DOI: 10.1038/s41572-023-00490-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Strongyloidiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused primarily by the roundworm Strongyloides stercoralis. Strongyloidiasis is most prevalent in Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific. Although cases have been documented worldwide, global prevalence is largely unknown due to limited surveillance. Infection of the definitive human host occurs via direct skin penetration of the infective filariform larvae. Parasitic females reside in the small intestine and reproduce via parthenogenesis, where eggs hatch inside the host before rhabditiform larvae are excreted in faeces to begin the single generation free-living life cycle. Rhabditiform larvae can also develop directly into infectious filariform larvae in the gut and cause autoinfection. Although many are asymptomatic, infected individuals may report a range of non-specific gastrointestinal, respiratory or skin symptoms. Autoinfection may cause hyperinfection and disseminated strongyloidiasis in immunocompromised individuals, which is often fatal. Diagnosis requires direct examination of larvae in clinical specimens, positive serology or nucleic acid detection. However, there is a lack of standardization of techniques for all diagnostic types. Ivermectin is the treatment of choice. Control and elimination of strongyloidiasis will require a multifaceted, integrated approach, including highly sensitive and standardized diagnostics, active surveillance, health information, education and communication strategies, improved water, sanitation and hygiene, access to efficacious treatment, vaccine development and better integration and acknowledgement in current helminth control programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A Gordon
- Infection and Inflammation Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Jürg Utzinger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stephen Muhi
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- The University of Melbourne, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sören L Becker
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Virak Khieu
- National Centre for Parasitology, Entomology and Malaria Control, Ministry of Health, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Darren J Gray
- Population Health Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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4
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Buonfrate D, Bradbury RS, Watts MR, Bisoffi Z. Human strongyloidiasis: complexities and pathways forward. Clin Microbiol Rev 2023; 36:e0003323. [PMID: 37937980 PMCID: PMC10732074 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00033-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Strongyloidiasis is a World Health Organization neglected tropical disease usually caused by Strongyloides stercoralis, a parasitic worm with a complex life cycle. Globally, 300-600 million people are infected through contact with fecally contaminated soil. An autoinfective component of the life cycle can lead to chronic infection that may be asymptomatic or cause long-term symptoms, including malnourishment in children. Low larval output can limit the sensitivity of detection in stool, with serology being effective but less sensitive in immunocompromise. Host immunosuppression can trigger catastrophic, fatal hyperinfection/dissemination, where large numbers of larvae pierce the bowel wall and disseminate throughout the organs. Stable disease is effectively treated by single-dose ivermectin, with disease in immunocompromised patients treated with multiple doses. Strategies for management include raising awareness, clarifying zoonotic potential, the development and use of effective diagnostic tests for epidemiological studies and individual diagnosis, and the implementation of treatment programs with research into therapeutic alternatives and medication safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dora Buonfrate
- Department of Infectious Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
| | - Richard S. Bradbury
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Federation University Australia, Berwick, Victoria, Australia
| | - Matthew R. Watts
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research – New South Wales Health Pathology and Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, Westmead Hospital, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Zeno Bisoffi
- Department of Infectious Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
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5
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Corrêa LQ, do Couto BP, de Carvalho EFG, de Sousa JEN, da Silva Ribeiro V, Gonzaga HT, Costa-Cruz JM. Route of dexamethasone administration influences parasite burden in Strongyloides hyperinfection model. J Parasit Dis 2023; 47:520-526. [PMID: 37520210 PMCID: PMC10382442 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-023-01595-6] [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: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Rodents infected with Strongyloides venezuelensis are experimental models applied to strongyloidiasis research. This study evaluated oral and subcutaneous dexamethasone (DEX) treatments to establish immunosuppression in an experimental model of Strongyloides hyperinfection. Rattus norvegicus Wistar were divided: G I (-): untreated and uninfected animals, G II (+): untreated and infected, G III (o -) orally treated and uninfected, G IV (o +) orally treated and infected, G V (sc -) subcutaneously treated and uninfected, G VI (sc +) subcutaneously treated and infected. For oral administration, DEX was diluted in sterile water (5 µg/ml) and made available to the animals on intervals in experimental days - 5-0, 8-13 and 21-26. For subcutaneous administration, animals received daily injections of DEX disodium phosphate (2 mg/kg). Infection was established by the subcutaneous inoculation of 3000 S. venezuelensis filarioid larvae. Groups were evaluated by egg per gram of feces and parasite females counts and IgG, IgG1 and IgG2a detection. GIV (o +) had egg peaks count on days 13 and 26 and maintained egg elimination until the last experimental day. Parasitic females recovery at day 30 was significantly higher in G IV (o +) when compared to G VI (sc +). Levels of IgG, IgG1 and IgG2a of all groups, except the positive control GII (+), were below the detection threshold. Pharmacological immunosuppression induced by oral administration of DEX produced high parasitic burden, and is a noninvasive method, useful to establish immunosuppression in strongyloidiasis hyperinfection model in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Queiroz Corrêa
- Laboratório de Diagnóstico de Parasitoses, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais Brazil
| | - Bruna Patrícia do Couto
- Laboratório de Diagnóstico de Parasitoses, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais Brazil
| | - Edson Fernando Goulart de Carvalho
- Laboratório de Diagnóstico de Parasitoses, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais Brazil
| | - José Eduardo Neto de Sousa
- Laboratório de Diagnóstico de Parasitoses, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais Brazil
| | - Vanessa da Silva Ribeiro
- Laboratório de Diagnóstico de Parasitoses, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais Brazil
| | - Henrique Tomaz Gonzaga
- Laboratório de Diagnóstico de Parasitoses, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais Brazil
| | - Julia Maria Costa-Cruz
- Laboratório de Diagnóstico de Parasitoses, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais Brazil
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Mathison BA, Pritt BS. The Landscape of Parasitic Infections in the United States. Mod Pathol 2023; 36:100217. [PMID: 37182583 DOI: 10.1016/j.modpat.2023.100217] [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: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The landscape of parasitic infections in the United States has shifted dramatically over the past century. Although infections such as malaria have been successfully eliminated, others remain endemic and pose a significant public health risk. Numerous parasitic infections are also imported each year. This article focuses on endemic parasitic infections that may be commonly seen in anatomical pathology preparations and discusses their biology, diagnostic histopathological features, and epidemiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blaine A Mathison
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Pathology, ARUP Laboratories, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Bobbi S Pritt
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Divisions of Clinical Microbiology and Anatomic Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
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7
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Magnaval JF, Fillaux J, Fabre R, Cassaing S, Valentin A, Iriart X, Berry A. Epidemiological, Clinical and Laboratory Features of Strongyloidiasis in 69 Attendees at a French Outpatient Clinic. Pathogens 2023; 12:983. [PMID: 37623943 PMCID: PMC10459160 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12080983] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The present retrospective study analyzed the characteristics of strongyloidiasis in patients who were diagnosed at the Outpatient Clinic of the Department of Parasitology-Mycology, Toulouse, France. Sixty-nine file records were included in the study on the basis of a positive stool examination that used Baermann's method. The prominent epidemiological findings were the presence of former immigrants from Italy or Portugal, veterans from the 1st Indochina war, and autochthonous cases. Almost 1/4 of the patients were asymptomatic. Manifestations of skin allergy were the main clinical feature. Blood eosinophilia was present in 76.8% of the patients, and serum total IgE was ≥150 kIU/L in 79.7%. Immunodiagnosis was achieved from 1990 to 2001 by indirect immunofluorescence (IFAT) that was then replaced with ELISA, both methods using Strongyloides ratti filariform larvae. ELISA was found to be similar to IFAT in terms of specificity but exhibited a greater sensitivity. Patients were primarily treated with albendazole or ivermectin beginning in 1993. Forty-eight patients attended the follow-up consultation. Kinetics of the clinical picture and blood eosinophilia were found to be the most convenient parameters to assess the efficacy of anthelmintic therapy. In conclusion, strongyloidiasis remains a neglected disease in Southwestern France. The resolution of clinical features along with the kinetics of eosinophilia appeared to be the most appropriate parameters to check during the posttreatment follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-François Magnaval
- Service de Parasitologie Médicale, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Toulouse, 31000 Toulouse, France
| | - Judith Fillaux
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Hôpital Purpan, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, TSA 4003, 31059 Toulouse, France
| | - Richard Fabre
- DENDRIS, 335 Rue du Chêne Vert, 31670 Labège, France
| | - Sophie Cassaing
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Hôpital Purpan, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, TSA 4003, 31059 Toulouse, France
- FLAMES/RESTORE (Inserm UMR 1301/CNRS UMR 5070/EFS), Université de Toulouse, 31100 Toulouse, France
| | - Alexis Valentin
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Hôpital Purpan, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, TSA 4003, 31059 Toulouse, France
- PHARMA-DEV (UMR 152), Institut de Recherche Pour le Développement, Université de Toulouse, 31062 Toulouse, France
| | - Xavier Iriart
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Hôpital Purpan, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, TSA 4003, 31059 Toulouse, France
- Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses et Inflammatoires (UMR “Infinity”, Inserm/CNRS/Université de Toulouse III), 31024 Toulouse, France
| | - Antoine Berry
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Hôpital Purpan, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, TSA 4003, 31059 Toulouse, France
- Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses et Inflammatoires (UMR “Infinity”, Inserm/CNRS/Université de Toulouse III), 31024 Toulouse, France
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8
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La Hoz RM. Minimizing the Risk of Donor-Derived Events and Maximizing Organ Utilization Through Education and Policy Development. Infect Dis Clin North Am 2023:S0891-5520(23)00044-2. [PMID: 37302913 DOI: 10.1016/j.idc.2023.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Herein, we review the current knowledge of donor-derived disease and current US Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network policies to minimize the risk. During the process, we also consider actions to further mitigate the risk of donor-derived disease. The overarching goal is to provide an infectious disease perspective on the complex decision of organ acceptance for transplant programs and candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo M La Hoz
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390-9913, USA.
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9
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Strongyloides and COVID-19: Challenges and Opportunities for Future Research. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:tropicalmed8020127. [PMID: 36828543 PMCID: PMC9967524 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8020127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Strongyloides stercoralis is a soil transmitted helminth endemic to tropical and subtropical areas that can persist for decades in immunocompetent human hosts as a chronic asymptomatic infection. The use of corticosteroids, a mainstay of treatment for patients hospitalized with severe coronavirus disease (COVID-19), can trigger a life-threatening Strongyloides hyperinfection syndrome and disseminated disease. We identified 22 previously published cases of strongyloidiasis occurring in individuals with COVID-19, with one death reported among the seven patients who had Strongyloides hyperinfection syndrome. A total of seventeen patients had previously received corticosteroids, and of the five with no prior corticosteroid use, one presented with hyperinfection syndrome. We identify the key challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of Strongyloides within the context of COVID-19, including our imprecise knowledge of the global distribution of Strongyloides, the overlapping symptoms and signs of COVID-19 and Strongyloides hyperinfection syndrome, the limited utility of eosinophilia as a clinical marker for strongyloidiasis in this setting, the lack of validated algorithms to screen for Strongyloides prior to corticosteroid use, and the paucity of treatment options for critically ill patients with COVID-19 who cannot take oral ivermectin. Future research should focus on improved diagnostic methods and population prevalence estimates, optimizing the approaches for Strongyloides screening in persons with COVID-19 (including clinical trial participants and strategies for resource-limited settings) and better defining the role of pre-emptive treatment.
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10
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Song P, Li H, Liu T, Liu Y, Ma X, Su L. Disseminated Strongyloidiasis Misdiagnosed as Guillain-Barré Syndrome: The Value of High-Throughput Genetic Sequencing of Pathogenic Microorganisms in Parasitic Infections. Infect Drug Resist 2022; 15:5601-5607. [PMID: 36172625 PMCID: PMC9512064 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s381298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background With the widespread use of steroids and immunosuppressants in mainland China, disseminated strongyloidiasis is becoming a severely underestimated tropical disease due to the lack of disease-specific manifestations and well-established diagnostic methods. Case Presentation Here, we report a 70-year-old woman who was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome due to autonomic disturbance, symmetrical bulbar palsy, and lower-motor-nerve damage in the extremities; her symptoms continued to worsen after hormone and immunoglobulin therapy. Later, parasitic larvae were found in the patient’s gastric fluid, and metagenomic Next Generation Sequencing (mNGS) detection of bronchoalveolar-lavage fluid also found a large number of Strongyloides roundworms. The patient was diagnosed with disseminated strongyloidiasis. The patient was given albendazole for anthelmintic treatment, but died two days after being transferred to the ICU due to the excessive strongyloidiasis burden. Conclusion This case highlights the combined application of mNGS and traditional testing in the clinical diagnosis of difficult and critical parasitic infections in immunocompromised patients. mNGS is a new, adjunct diagnostic method to rapidly screen for possible parasitic etiologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Song
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Huaichen Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Tingting Liu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yao Liu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaobin Ma
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Lili Su
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
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11
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Herbert DR, Stoltzfus JDC, Rossi HL, Abraham D. Is Strongyloides stercoralis hyperinfection induced by glucocorticoids a result of both suppressed host immunity and altered parasite genetics? Mol Biochem Parasitol 2022; 251:111511. [PMID: 36007683 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2022.111511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The gastrointestinal (GI) nematode Strongyloides stercoralis (S.s.) causes human strongyloidiasis, a potentially life-threatening disease that currently affects over 600 million people globally. The uniquely pernicious aspect of S.s. infection, as compared to all other GI nematodes, is its autoinfective larval stage (L3a) that maintains a low-grade chronic infection, allowing undetectable persistence for decades. Infected individuals who are administered glucocorticoid therapy can develop a rapid and often lethal hyperinfection syndrome within days. Hyperinfection patients often present with dramatic increases in first- and second-stage larvae and L3a in their GI tract, with L3a widely disseminating throughout host organs leading to sepsis. How glucocorticoid administration drives hyperinfection remains a critical unanswered question; specifically, it is unknown whether these steroids promote hyperinfection through eliminating essential host protective mechanisms and/or through dysregulating parasite development. This current deficiency in understanding is largely due to the previous absence of a genetically defined mouse model that would support all S.s. life-cycle stages and the lack of successful approaches for S.s. genetic manipulation. However, there are currently new possibilities through the recent demonstration that immunodeficient NOD.Cg-PrkdcscidIl2rgtm1Wjl/SzJ (NSG) mice support sub-clinical infections that can be transformed to lethal hyperinfection syndrome following glucocorticoid administration. This is coupled with advances in transcriptomics, transgenesis, and gene inactivation strategies that now allow rigorous scientific inquiry into S.s. biology. We propose that combining in vivo manipulation of host immunity and deep immunoprofiling strategies with the latest advances in S.s. transcriptomics, piggyBac transposon-mediated transgene insertion, and CRISPR/Cas-9-mediated gene inactivation will facilitate new insights into the mechanisms that could be targeted to block lethality in humans with S.s. hyperinfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- De'Broski R Herbert
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3800 Spruce St., Philadelphia, PA 10104, USA.
| | - Jonathan D C Stoltzfus
- Department of Biology, Millersville University of Pennsylvania, 50 E. Frederick St., Millersville, PA 17551, USA.
| | - Heather L Rossi
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3800 Spruce St., Philadelphia, PA 10104, USA.
| | - David Abraham
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, 1025 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
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12
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Mendez P, Walsh B, Hallem EA. Using newly optimized genetic tools to probe Strongyloides sensory behaviors. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2022; 250:111491. [PMID: 35697205 PMCID: PMC9339661 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2022.111491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The oft-neglected human-parasitic threadworm, Strongyloides stercoralis, infects roughly eight percent of the global population, placing disproportionate medical and economic burden upon marginalized communities. While current chemotherapies treat strongyloidiasis, disease recrudescence and the looming threat of anthelminthic resistance necessitate novel strategies for nematode control. Throughout its life cycle, S. stercoralis relies upon sensory cues to aid in environmental navigation and coordinate developmental progression. Odorants, tastants, gases, and temperature have been shown to shape parasite behaviors that drive host seeking and infectivity; however, many of these sensory behaviors remain poorly understood, and their underlying molecular and neural mechanisms are largely uncharacterized. Disruption of sensory circuits essential to parasitism presents a promising strategy for future interventions. In this review, we describe our current understanding of sensory behaviors - namely olfactory, gustatory, gas sensing, and thermosensory behaviors - in Strongyloides spp. We also highlight the ever-growing cache of genetic tools optimized for use in Strongyloides that have facilitated these findings, including transgenesis, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutagenesis, RNAi, chemogenetic neuronal silencing, and the use of fluorescent biosensors to measure neuronal activity. Bolstered by these tools, we are poised to enter an era of rapid discovery in Strongyloides sensory neurobiology, which has the potential to shape pioneering advances in the prevention and treatment of strongyloidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Mendez
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Molecular Biology Interdepartmental PhD Program, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Breanna Walsh
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Molecular Biology Interdepartmental PhD Program, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Elissa A Hallem
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Abstract
Strongyloidiasis has been estimated to affect over 600 million people worldwide. It is caused by Strongyloides stercoralis, a roundworm endemic to the tropics and subtropics, especially areas where sanitation is suboptimal Autochthonous transmission has been documented in rural areas of the USA and Europe. Humans are infected when larvae penetrate the skin or are ingested. Autoinfection, in which larvae generated in the host go on to re-infect the host, leads to a state of chronic asymptomatic infection often with eosinophilia. Hyperinfection syndrome may develop when patients develop immune suppression, due to medications such as corticosteroids or following solid-organ transplantation. Hyperinfection is characterized by exponential increase in parasitic burden, leading to tissue invasion and life-threatening disease and associated bloodstream infections due to enteric organisms. Cases following use of corticosteroids for COVID-19 pneumonia have been described. Strongyloidiasis can be diagnosed by direct visualization of larvae in stool or other body fluids, or by serology. Ivermectin is highly effective in treating the disease. Patients with exposure to endemic areas and those expected to become immune suppressed should be screened and treated before starting immune suppressive agents. Empiric treatment should be considered when timely testing is not readily available.
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Inagaki K, Bradbury RS, Hobbs CV. Hospitalizations Associated with Strongyloidiasis in the United States, 2003-2018. Clin Infect Dis 2022; 75:1548-1555. [PMID: 35313336 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac220] [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: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Strongyloides stercoralis is considered to be historically endemic in Appalachia and the American South, but recent surveillance data, especially data evaluating strongyloidiasis associated with hospitalization, are lacking in most parts of the US. METHODS We performed a population-based retrospective analysis on strongyloidiasis using the National Inpatient Sample from 2003-2018. Geographic distribution of strongyloidiasis associated hospitalization was assessed. Logistic regression was used to identify risk factors associated with strongyloidiasis. RESULTS We identified 6931 hospitalizations associated with strongyloidiasis during the study period (11.8 per million hospitalizations). The rate of strongyloidiasis was highest in the US Northeast region including the Middle Atlantic division (47.1 cases per million population, adjusted odds ratio, aOR: 2.00 [95% confidence interval, CI: 1.58-2.53]), and the East South Central division (27.5 cases per million population, adjusted odds ratio, aOR: 2.77 [95% confidence interval, CI: 2.02-3.80]). Older age, male sex, non-white race/ethnicity particularly Hispanic and Asian, non-private insurance, and residence in neighborhoods with low median income were also associated with strongyloidiasis. Immunocompromising conditions, particularly human immunodeficiency virus infection, were present in 41.3% of hospitalizations with strongyloidiasis. In-hospital death was seen in 7.8% of cases with strongyloidiasis-associated hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS Strongyloidiasis-associated hospitalization is rare in the U.S. but can be associated with mortality. It occurs more frequently in poor and marginalized populations. Immunocompromised conditions were common among hospitalized patients with strongyloidiasis. Enhanced surveillance efforts are needed to inform health policies for improving the health of at-risk populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kengo Inagaki
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi.,Department of Population Health Science, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Richard S Bradbury
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Federation University, Berwick, Victoria, Australia
| | - Charlotte V Hobbs
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
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