1
|
Mansour A, Rodriguez L, Mansour H, Yehia M, Battaglia Parodi M. Presumed Onchocerciasis Chorioretinitis Spilling over into North America, Europe and Middle East. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:3626. [PMID: 38132210 PMCID: PMC10743067 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13243626] [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: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Newer generation ophthalmologists practicing in the developed world are not very familiar with some tropical ocular diseases due to the absence of reports in the ophthalmic literature over the past thirty years. Because of world globalization or due to influx of immigrants from sub-Saharan Africa, exotic retinal diseases are being encountered more often in ophthalmology clinics. METHODS A multicenter case series of chorioretinitis or optic neuritis with obscure etiology that used serial multimodal imaging. RESULTS Four cases qualified with the diagnosis of presumed ocular onchocerciasis based on their residence near fast rivers in endemic areas, multimodal imaging, long term follow-up showing progressive disease and negative workup for other diseases. Characteristic findings include peripapillary choroiditis with optic neuritis or atrophy, subretinal tracts of the microfilaria, progressive RPE atrophy around heavily pigmented multifocal chorioretinal lesions of varying shapes, subretinal white or crystalline dots, and response to ivermectin. Typical skin findings are often absent in such patients with chorioretinitis rendering the diagnosis more challenging. CONCLUSIONS Familiarity with the myriad ocular findings of onchocerciasis, and a high-degree of suspicion in subjects residing in endemic areas can help in the correct diagnosis and implementation of appropriate therapy. Onchocercal chorioretinitis is a slow, insidious, progressive, and prolonged polymorphous disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Mansour
- Retina Service, Department of Ophthalmology, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107, Lebanon
| | - Linnet Rodriguez
- Retina Service, Wills Eye Hospital, Thomas Jefferson Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA; (L.R.); (H.M.)
| | - Hana Mansour
- Retina Service, Wills Eye Hospital, Thomas Jefferson Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA; (L.R.); (H.M.)
| | - Madeleine Yehia
- Retina Service, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
| | - Maurizio Battaglia Parodi
- Retina Service, Department of Ophthalmology, Ospedale San Raffaele, University Vita-Salute, 20132 Milan, Italy;
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yotsu RR, Fuller LC, Murdoch ME, van Brakel WH, Revankar C, Barogui MYT, Postigo JAR, Dagne DA, Asiedu K, Hay RJ. A global call for action to tackle skin-related neglected tropical diseases (skin NTDs) through integration: An ambitious step change. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011357. [PMID: 37319139 PMCID: PMC10270348 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
On 8 June 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) released pivotal guidance, "Ending the neglect to attain the Sustainable Development Goals: A strategic framework for integrated control and management of skin-related neglected tropical diseases." Skin-related neglected tropical diseases, or skin NTDs, comprise a group of NTDs that produce signs and symptoms on the skin and include at least 9 diseases or disease groups. Moving away from disease-specific approaches, it is anticipated that synergies will be identified and integrated building on this shared feature, where possible, to achieve a greater health impact. This paper intends to draw attention to the prospects created by this scheme. The framework is a key basis for a proposal produced by WHO dedicated to skin NTD integration and describes the practical opportunities for this evolving strategy. It underlines the wider health benefits that will follow, thus working towards Universal Health Coverage and skin health for all.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rie R. Yotsu
- Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Dermatology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - L. Claire Fuller
- International Foundation for Dermatology, London, United Kingdom
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michele E. Murdoch
- Department of Dermatology, West Herts Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Watford General Hospital, Watford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Chandrakant Revankar
- Elimination of NTDs (Independent), North Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yotsu RR, Fuller LC, Murdoch ME, Revankar C, Barogui YT, Pemmaraju VRR, Ruiz-Postigo JA, Dagne DA, Asiedu K, Hay RJ. World Health Organization strategic framework for integrated control and management of skin-related neglected tropical diseases: what does this mean for dermatologists? Br J Dermatol 2023; 188:157-159. [PMID: 36630642 DOI: 10.1093/bjd/ljac031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Skin-related neglected tropical diseases, or skin NTDs, comprise a group of NTDs that produce signs and symptoms on the skin, and includes at least nine diseases and disease groups. The World Health Organization launched the ‘Ending the neglect to attain the Sustainable Development Goals: a strategic framework for integrated control and management of skin-related neglected tropical diseases’ in June 2022, which this article summarises and sets out the way forward including guidance on how dermatologists and dermatological communities along with public health communities may support this initiative to contribute towards achieving skin care for everyone everywhere.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rie R Yotsu
- Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA.,School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan.,Department of Dermatology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - L Claire Fuller
- International Foundation for Dermatology, London, UK.,Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Michele E Murdoch
- Department of Dermatology, West Herts Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Watford General Hospital, Watford, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
The antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effects of Ionophores for the treatment of human infection. J Inorg Biochem 2021; 227:111661. [PMID: 34896767 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2021.111661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Ionophores are a diverse class of synthetic and naturally occurring ion transporter compounds which demonstrate both direct and in-direct antimicrobial properties against a broad panel of bacterial, fungal, viral and parasitic pathogens. In addition, ionophores can regulate the host-immune response during communicable and non-communicable disease states. Although the clinical use of ionophores such as Amphotericin B, Bedaquiline and Ivermectin highlight the utility of ionophores in modern medicine, for many other ionophore compounds issues surrounding toxicity, bioavailability or lack of in vivo efficacy studies have hindered clinical development. The antimicrobial and immunomodulating properties of a range of compounds with characteristics of ionophores remain largely unexplored. As such, ionophores remain a latent therapeutic avenue to address both the global burden of antimicrobial resistance, and the unmet clinical need for new antimicrobial therapies. This review will provide an overview of the broad-spectrum antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties of ionophores, and their potential uses in clinical medicine for combatting infection.
Collapse
|
5
|
Grell T, Barbero M, Pattarino F, Giovenzana GB, Colombo V. Solvatomorphism of Moxidectin. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26164869. [PMID: 34443452 PMCID: PMC8398095 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26164869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The solvatomorphism of the anthelmintic drug moxidectin is investigated, and a new solvatomorph with nitromethane is reported. Moreover, the hitherto unknown crystal structures of the solvatomorphs with ethanol and 2-propanol are reported and discussed. The thermal characterization of these solvatomorphs through variable-temperature powder X-ray diffraction analysis (VT-PXRD) is also described, providing new insights into the crystallochemistry of this active pharmaceutical ingredient.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Toni Grell
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Golgi 19, I-20133 Milano, Italy;
| | - Mauro Barbero
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Università del Piemonte Orientale A. Avogadro, Largo Donegani 2/3, I-28100 Novara, Italy; (M.B.); (F.P.); (G.B.G.)
| | - Franco Pattarino
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Università del Piemonte Orientale A. Avogadro, Largo Donegani 2/3, I-28100 Novara, Italy; (M.B.); (F.P.); (G.B.G.)
| | - Giovanni Battista Giovenzana
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Università del Piemonte Orientale A. Avogadro, Largo Donegani 2/3, I-28100 Novara, Italy; (M.B.); (F.P.); (G.B.G.)
| | - Valentina Colombo
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Golgi 19, I-20133 Milano, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-02-5031-4450
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Forrer A, Wanji S, Obie ED, Nji TM, Hamill L, Ozano K, Piotrowski H, Dean L, Njouendou AJ, Ekanya R, Ndongmo WPC, Fung EG, Nnamdi DB, Abong RA, Beng AA, Eyong ME, Ndzeshang BL, Nkimbeng DA, Teghen S, Suireng A, Ashu EE, Kah E, Murdoch MM, Thomson R, Theobald S, Enyong P, Turner JD, Taylor MJ. Why onchocerciasis transmission persists after 15 annual ivermectin mass drug administrations in South-West Cameroon. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 6:bmjgh-2020-003248. [PMID: 33431378 PMCID: PMC7802695 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-003248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Onchocerciasis is targeted for elimination mainly with annual community-directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI). High infection levels have been reported in South-West Cameroon, despite ≥15 years of CDTI. The aim of this study was to assess factors associated with continued onchocerciasis transmission and skin disease. Methods A large-scale cross-sectional study was conducted in 2017 in 20 communities in a loiasis-risk area in South-West Cameroon. A mixed-methods approach was used. Associations between infection levels, skin disease and adherence to CDTI were assessed using mixed regression modelling. Different community members’ perception and acceptability of the CDTI strategy was explored using semi-structured interviews. Results Onchocerciasis prevalence was 44.4% among 9456 participants. 17.5% of adults were systematic non-adherers and 5.9% participated in ≥75% of CDTI rounds. Skin disease affected 1/10 participants, including children. Increasing self-reported adherence to CDTI was associated with lower infection levels in participants aged ≥15 years but not in children. Adherence to CDTI was positively influenced by perceived health benefits, and negatively influenced by fear of adverse events linked with economic loss. Concern of lethal adverse events was a common reason for systematic non-adherence. Conclusion CDTI alone is unlikely to achieve elimination in those high transmission areas where low participation is commonly associated with the fear of adverse events, despite the current quasi absence of high-risk levels of loiasis. Such persisting historical memories and fear of ivermectin might impact adherence to CDTI also in areas with historical presence but current absence of loiasis. Because such issues are unlikely to be tackled by CDTI adaptive measures, alternative strategies are needed for onchocerciasis elimination where negative perception of ivermectin is an entrenched barrier to community participation in programmes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Armelle Forrer
- Centre for Neglected Tropical Diseases, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
| | - Samuel Wanji
- Department of Disease Control, Research Foundation for Tropical Diseases and the Environment (REFOTDE), Buea, Cameroon.,Parasites and Vector Biology research unit (PAVBRU), Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Elisabeth Dibando Obie
- Department of Disease Control, Research Foundation for Tropical Diseases and the Environment (REFOTDE), Buea, Cameroon.,Parasites and Vector Biology research unit (PAVBRU), Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Theobald Mue Nji
- Department of Disease Control, Research Foundation for Tropical Diseases and the Environment (REFOTDE), Buea, Cameroon.,Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Louise Hamill
- Centre for Neglected Tropical Diseases, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
| | - Kim Ozano
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Helen Piotrowski
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Laura Dean
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Abdel J Njouendou
- Department of Disease Control, Research Foundation for Tropical Diseases and the Environment (REFOTDE), Buea, Cameroon.,Parasites and Vector Biology research unit (PAVBRU), Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Relindis Ekanya
- Department of Disease Control, Research Foundation for Tropical Diseases and the Environment (REFOTDE), Buea, Cameroon.,Parasites and Vector Biology research unit (PAVBRU), Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Winston Patrick Chounna Ndongmo
- Department of Disease Control, Research Foundation for Tropical Diseases and the Environment (REFOTDE), Buea, Cameroon.,Parasites and Vector Biology research unit (PAVBRU), Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Ebua Gallus Fung
- Department of Disease Control, Research Foundation for Tropical Diseases and the Environment (REFOTDE), Buea, Cameroon.,Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Dum-Buo Nnamdi
- Department of Disease Control, Research Foundation for Tropical Diseases and the Environment (REFOTDE), Buea, Cameroon.,Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Raphael A Abong
- Department of Disease Control, Research Foundation for Tropical Diseases and the Environment (REFOTDE), Buea, Cameroon.,Parasites and Vector Biology research unit (PAVBRU), Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Amuam Andrew Beng
- Department of Disease Control, Research Foundation for Tropical Diseases and the Environment (REFOTDE), Buea, Cameroon.,Parasites and Vector Biology research unit (PAVBRU), Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Mathias Esum Eyong
- Department of Disease Control, Research Foundation for Tropical Diseases and the Environment (REFOTDE), Buea, Cameroon.,Parasites and Vector Biology research unit (PAVBRU), Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Bertrand L Ndzeshang
- Department of Disease Control, Research Foundation for Tropical Diseases and the Environment (REFOTDE), Buea, Cameroon.,Parasites and Vector Biology research unit (PAVBRU), Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Desmond Akumtoh Nkimbeng
- Department of Disease Control, Research Foundation for Tropical Diseases and the Environment (REFOTDE), Buea, Cameroon.,Parasites and Vector Biology research unit (PAVBRU), Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Samuel Teghen
- Department of Disease Control, Research Foundation for Tropical Diseases and the Environment (REFOTDE), Buea, Cameroon.,Parasites and Vector Biology research unit (PAVBRU), Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Anicetus Suireng
- Department of Disease Control, Research Foundation for Tropical Diseases and the Environment (REFOTDE), Buea, Cameroon
| | - Ernerstine Ebot Ashu
- Department of Disease Control, Research Foundation for Tropical Diseases and the Environment (REFOTDE), Buea, Cameroon
| | - Emmanuel Kah
- Department of Disease Control, Research Foundation for Tropical Diseases and the Environment (REFOTDE), Buea, Cameroon.,Parasites and Vector Biology research unit (PAVBRU), Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Michele M Murdoch
- Watford General Hospital, West Herts Hospitals NHS Trust, Watford, UK
| | - Rachael Thomson
- Centre for Neglected Tropical Diseases, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
| | - Sally Theobald
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Peter Enyong
- Department of Disease Control, Research Foundation for Tropical Diseases and the Environment (REFOTDE), Buea, Cameroon.,Parasites and Vector Biology research unit (PAVBRU), Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Joseph D Turner
- Centre for Neglected Tropical Diseases, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
| | - Mark J Taylor
- Centre for Neglected Tropical Diseases, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Walker M, Hamley JID, Milton P, Monnot F, Kinrade S, Specht S, Pedrique B, Basáñez MG. Supporting drug development for neglected tropical diseases using mathematical modelling. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 73:e1391-e1396. [PMID: 33893482 PMCID: PMC8442785 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciab350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug-based interventions are at the heart of global efforts to reach elimination as a public health problem (trachoma, soil-transmitted helminthiases, schistosomiasis, lymphatic filariasis) or elimination of transmission (onchocerciasis) for 5 of the most prevalent neglected tropical diseases tackled via the World Health Organization preventive chemotherapy strategy. While for some of these diseases there is optimism that currently available drugs will be sufficient to achieve the proposed elimination goals, for others—particularly onchocerciasis—there is a growing consensus that novel therapeutic options will be needed. Since in this area no high return of investment is possible, minimizing wasted money and resources is essential. Here, we use illustrative results to show how mathematical modeling can guide the drug development pathway, yielding resource-saving and efficiency payoffs, from the refinement of target product profiles and intended context of use to the design of clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Walker
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences and London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Royal Veterinary College, UK.,MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Jonathan I D Hamley
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Philip Milton
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Frédéric Monnot
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sally Kinrade
- Medicines Development for Global Health, Southbank VIC, Australia
| | - Sabine Specht
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Bélen Pedrique
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Maria-Gloria Basáñez
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Imperial College London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Jawahar S, Tricoche N, Bulman CA, Sakanari J, Lustigman S. Drugs that target early stages of Onchocerca volvulus: A revisited means to facilitate the elimination goals for onchocerciasis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009064. [PMID: 33600426 PMCID: PMC7891776 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Several issues have been identified with the current programs for the elimination of onchocerciasis that target only transmission by using mass drug administration (MDA) of the drug ivermectin. Alternative and/or complementary treatment regimens as part of a more comprehensive strategy to eliminate onchocerciasis are needed. We posit that the addition of “prophylactic” drugs or therapeutic drugs that can be utilized in a prophylactic strategy to the toolbox of present microfilaricidal drugs and/or future macrofilaricidal treatment regimens will not only improve the chances of meeting the elimination goals but may hasten the time to elimination and also will support achieving a sustained elimination of onchocerciasis. These “prophylactic” drugs will target the infective third- (L3) and fourth-stage (L4) larvae of Onchocerca volvulus and consequently prevent the establishment of new infections not only in uninfected individuals but also in already infected individuals and thus reduce the overall adult worm burden and transmission. Importantly, an effective prophylactic treatment regimen can utilize drugs that are already part of the onchocerciasis elimination program (ivermectin), those being considered for MDA (moxidectin), and/or the potential macrofilaricidal drugs (oxfendazole and emodepside) currently under clinical development. Prophylaxis of onchocerciasis is not a new concept. We present new data showing that these drugs can inhibit L3 molting and/or inhibit motility of L4 at IC50 and IC90 that are covered by the concentration of these drugs in plasma based on the corresponding pharmacological profiles obtained in human clinical trials when these drugs were tested using various doses for the therapeutic treatments of various helminth infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shabnam Jawahar
- Molecular Parasitology, Lindsey F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Nancy Tricoche
- Molecular Parasitology, Lindsey F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Christina A Bulman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Judy Sakanari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Sara Lustigman
- Molecular Parasitology, Lindsey F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Verma S, Kulke D, McCall JW, Martin RJ, Robertson AP. Recording drug responses from adult Dirofilaria immitis pharyngeal and somatic muscle cells. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2020; 15:1-8. [PMID: 33348209 PMCID: PMC7753077 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2020.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Despite being considered one of the most pathogenic helminth infections of companion animals, members of macrocyclic lactone class are the only drugs available for the prevention of heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis. Alarmingly, heartworm prevention is at risk; several studies confirm the existence of macrocyclic lactone resistance in D. immitis populations across the United States. To safeguard the long term prevention and control of this disease, the identification and development of novel anthelmintics is urgently needed. To identify novel, resistance-breaking drugs, it is highly desirable to: Unfortunately, none of the three above statements can be answered sufficiently for D. immitis and most of our hypotheses derive from surrogate species and/or in vitro studies. Therefore, the present study aims to improve our fundamental understanding of the neuromuscular system of the canine heartworm by establishing new methods allowing the investigation of body wall and pharyngeal muscle responses and their modulation by anthelmintics. We found that the pharynx of adult D. immitis responds to both ivermectin and moxidectin with EC50s in the low micromolar range. We also demonstrate that the somatic muscle cells have robust responses to 30 μM acetylcholine, levamisole, pyrantel and nicotine. This is important preliminary data, demonstrating the feasibility of electrophysiological studies in this important parasite.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Verma
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - D Kulke
- Drug Discovery and External Innovation, Bayer Animal Health GmbH, 51373, Leverkusen, Germany.
| | | | - R J Martin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - A P Robertson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Gebrezgabiher G, Mekonnen Z, Yewhalaw D, Hailu A. Reaching the last mile: main challenges relating to and recommendations to accelerate onchocerciasis elimination in Africa. Infect Dis Poverty 2019; 8:60. [PMID: 31269966 PMCID: PMC6609392 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-019-0567-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2018] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Onchocerciasis (river blindness), caused by the filarial worm species Onchocerca volvulus, is a serious vector-borne neglected tropical disease (NTD) of public health and socioeconomic concern. It is transmitted through the bite of black flies of the genus Simulium, and manifested in dermal and ocular lesions. Ninety-nine percent of the total global risk and burden of onchocerciasis is in Africa. This scoping review examines the key challenges related to the elimination of onchocerciasis by 2020-2025 in Africa, and proposes recommendations to overcome the challenges and accelerate disease elimination. To find relevant articles published in peer-reviewed journals, a search of PubMed and Google Scholar databases was carried out. MAIN TEXT Rigorous regional interventions carried out to control and eliminate onchocerciasis in the past four decades in Africa have been effective in bringing the disease burden under control; it is currently not a public health problem in most endemic areas. Notably, transmission of the parasite is interrupted in some hyperendemic localities. Recently, there has been a policy shift from control to complete disease elimination by 2020 in selected countries and by 2025 in the majority of endemic African countries. The WHO has published guidelines for stopping mass drug administration (MDA) and verifying the interruption of transmission and elimination of human onchocerciasis. Therefore, countries have revised their plans, established a goal of disease elimination in line with an evidence based decision to stop MDA and verify elimination, and incorporated it into their NTDs national master plans. Nevertheless, challenges remain pertaining to the elimination of onchocerciasis in Africa. The challenge we review in this paper are: incomplete elimination mapping of all transmission zones, co-endemicity of onchocerciasis and loiasis, possible emergence of ivermectin resistance, uncoordinated cross-border elimination efforts, conflict and civil unrest, suboptimal program implementation, and technical and financial challenges. This paper also proposes recommendations to overcome the challenges and accelerate disease elimination. These are: a need for complete disease elimination mapping, a need for collaborative elimination activities between national programs, a need for a different drug distribution approach in conflict-affected areas, a need for routine monitoring and evaluation of MDA programs, a need for implementing alternative treatment strategies (ATSs) in areas with elimination anticipated beyond 2025, and a need for strong partnerships and continued funding. CONCLUSIONS National programs need to regularly monitor and evaluate the performance and progress of their interventions, while envisaging the complete elimination of onchocerciasis from their territory. Factors hindering the targeted goal of interruption of parasite transmission need to be identified and remedial actions should be taken. If possible and appropriate, ATSs need to be implemented to accelerate disease elimination by 2025.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gebremedhin Gebrezgabiher
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Institute of Health Sciences, Jimma University, P.O. Box 378, Jimma, Ethiopia
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Samara University, Samara, Ethiopia
| | - Zeleke Mekonnen
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Institute of Health Sciences, Jimma University, P.O. Box 378, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Delenasaw Yewhalaw
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Institute of Health Sciences, Jimma University, P.O. Box 378, Jimma, Ethiopia
- Tropical and Infectious Diseases Research Center, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Asrat Hailu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Njume FN, Ghogomu SM, Shey RA, Gainkam LOT, Poelvoorde P, Humblet P, Kamgno J, Robert A, Mutesa L, Lelubre C, Edelweiss E, Poterszman A, Anheuser S, Vanhamme L, Souopgui J. Identification and characterization of the Onchocerca volvulus Excretory Secretory Product Ov28CRP, a putative GM2 activator protein. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007591. [PMID: 31329585 PMCID: PMC6675134 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2018] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Onchocerca volvulus is the nematode pathogen responsible for human onchocerciasis also known as "River blindness", a neglected tropical disease that affects up to 18 million people worldwide. Helminths Excretory Secretory Products (ESPs) constitute a rich repertoire of molecules that can be exploited for host-parasite relationship, diagnosis and vaccine studies. Here, we report, using a range of molecular techniques including PCR, western blot, recombinant DNA technology, ELISA, high performance thin-layer chromatography and mass spectrometry that the 28 KDa cysteine-rich protein (Ov28CRP) is a reliable component of the O. volvulus ESPs to address the biology of this parasite. We showed that (1) Ov28CRP is a putative ganglioside GM2 Activator Protein (GM2AP) conserved in nematode; (2) OvGM2AP gene is transcriptionally activated in all investigated stages of the parasitic life cycle, including larval and adult stages; (3) The full-length OvGM2AP was detected in in-vitro O. volvulus ESPs of adult and larval stages; (4) the mass expressed and purified recombinant OvGM2AP purified from insect cell culture medium was found to be glycosylated at asparagine 173 and lacked N-terminal signal peptide sequence; (5) the recombinant OvGM2AP discriminated serum samples of infected and uninfected individuals; (6) OvGM2AP competitively inhibits MUG degradation by recombinant β-hexosaminidase A but not MUGS, and could not hydrolyze the GM2 to GM3; (7) humoral immune responses to the recombinant OvGM2AP revealed a negative correlation with ivermectin treatment. Altogether, our findings suggest for the first time that OvGM2AP is an antigenic molecule whose biochemical and immunological features are important to gain more insight into our understanding of host-parasite relationship, as well as its function in parasite development at large.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ferdinand Ngale Njume
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology and Molecular Medicine, IBMM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, Biotechnology Unit, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Stephen Mbigha Ghogomu
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, Biotechnology Unit, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Robert Adamu Shey
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology and Molecular Medicine, IBMM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, Biotechnology Unit, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Lea Olive Tchouate Gainkam
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology and Molecular Medicine, IBMM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Philippe Poelvoorde
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology and Molecular Medicine, IBMM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Perrine Humblet
- École de santé publique, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Joseph Kamgno
- Department of Epidemiology, Centre for research on filariasis and other tropical diseases, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Annie Robert
- Faculté de santé publique, Institut de recherche expérimentale et clinique, Pôle d'épidémiologie et biostatistique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Clos Chapelle-aux-champs, Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, Belgium
| | - Leon Mutesa
- Center for Human Genetics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Christophe Lelubre
- Laboratoire de Médecine Expérimentale, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB)—Unité 222, CHU Charleroi (Hôpital André Vésale), Rue de Gozée, Montigny-Le-Tilleul, Belgium
| | - Evelina Edelweiss
- Department of Integrated Structural Biology, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104, Illkirch, France
- Department of Integrated Structural Biology, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, UMR7104, Illkirch, France
- Department of Integrated Structural Biology, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Université de Strasbourg, UMR7104, Illkirch, France
| | - Arnaud Poterszman
- Department of Integrated Structural Biology, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104, Illkirch, France
- Department of Integrated Structural Biology, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, UMR7104, Illkirch, France
- Department of Integrated Structural Biology, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Université de Strasbourg, UMR7104, Illkirch, France
| | - Susi Anheuser
- LIMES Institute, Membrane Biology & Lipid Biochemistry Unit, c/o Kekulé-Institut für Organische Chemie und Biochemie, Universität Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Luc Vanhamme
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology and Molecular Medicine, IBMM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Jacob Souopgui
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology and Molecular Medicine, IBMM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|