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Steyn TJS, Awala AN, de Lange A, Raimondo JV. What Causes Seizures in Neurocysticercosis? Epilepsy Curr 2022; 23:105-112. [PMID: 37122403 PMCID: PMC10131564 DOI: 10.1177/15357597221137418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is the most prevalent parasitic infection of the central nervous system. It is caused by the presence of larvae of the cestode Taenia solium in the brain. The most common symptom of NCC is seizures, and it is widely considered the world’s leading cause of preventable epilepsy. Despite the prevalence and impact of NCC, a thorough, mechanistic understanding of seizure generation is still lacking. In this review, we address the question “What causes seizures in NCC?” by summarizing and discussing the major theories that seek to explain the seizurogenic and epileptogenic processes in this disorder. In addition, we highlight the potential for recent advances in disease modeling to help accelerate progress in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Julieta Simões Steyn
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Human Biology, Neuroscience Institute and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Amalia Naita Awala
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Human Biology, Neuroscience Institute and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Anja de Lange
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Human Biology, Neuroscience Institute and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Joseph Valentino Raimondo
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Human Biology, Neuroscience Institute and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
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Sitali MC, Schmidt V, Mwenda R, Sikasunge CS, Mwape KE, Simuunza MC, da Costa CP, Winkler AS, Phiri IK. Experimental animal models and their use in understanding cysticercosis: A systematic review. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0271232. [PMID: 35853079 PMCID: PMC9295976 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cysticercosis and Neurocysticercosis (NCC) can be studied using several animal species in experimental models which contributes to the understanding of the human form of the disease. Experimental infections of Taenia spp. are vital in explaining the modes of transmission of the parasite and helps the understanding of transmission of the parasite in humans and thus may be useful in designing therapeutic and immune-prophylactic studies to combat the disease. Thus, this systematic review aims to explore the existing experimental animal models to the understanding of cysticercosis in both humans and animals and elucidate the risk factors of cysticercosis and identify the Taenia spp. used in these models. METHODOLOGY We systematically identified all publications from the Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Pubmed regarding experimental animal models using Taenia spp. that cause cysticercosis in both humans and animals. 58 studies were identified for eligibility. Of these, only 48 studies met the inclusion criteria from which data extraction was done and presented descriptively. RESULTS Pigs, cattle, gerbils, mice, rats, voles, monkeys, cats, dogs, and goats were used in which T. solium, T. saginata, T. saginata asiatica, T. crassiceps and T. asiatica were studied. The routes used to induce disease were; oral, intravenous, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, intraarterial, intracranial, intraduodenal, and surgical routes using eggs, oncospheres, and proglottids. Besides, the establishment of infection using eggs and oncospheres was affected by the route used to induce infection in the experimental animals. The cysticerci recovery rate in all the experimental studies was low and the number of animals used in these experiments varied from 1 to 84. Although not analysed statistically, sex, age, and breed of animals influenced the cysticerci recovery rate. Additionally, the cysticerci recovery rate and antibody-antigen levels were shown to increase with an increase in the dose of oncospheres and eggs inoculated in the animals. Contrasting results were reported in which the cysticerci recovery rate decreased with an increase in the dose of eggs inoculated. CONCLUSION This review describes the various animal experiments using Taenia species that cause cysticercosis highlighting the animals used, age and their breed, the routes of infection used to induce disease and the sample size used, and the cysticerci recovery rate in these animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muloongo C. Sitali
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Veronika Schmidt
- Centre for Global Health, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Racheal Mwenda
- Department of Paraclinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Chummy S. Sikasunge
- Department of Paraclinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Kabemba E. Mwape
- Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Martin C. Simuunza
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Clarissa P. da Costa
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Andrea S. Winkler
- Department of Neurology, Centre for Global Health, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Isaac K. Phiri
- Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
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Arroyo G, Toribio L, Vargas-Calla A, Calcina JF, Bernal E, Chile N, Zambrano M, Gomez-Puerta LA, Chacaltana J, Marzal M, Bustos JA, Verastegui MR, Gilman RH, O’Neal SE, Gonzalez AE, Garcia HH. Porcine model of neurocysticercosis by intracarotid injection of Taenia solium oncospheres: Dose assessment, infection outcomes and serological responses. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010449. [PMID: 35653367 PMCID: PMC9162370 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is the infection of the human central nervous system (CNS) by Taenia solium larvae that cause significant neurological morbidity. Studies on NCC pathophysiology, host-parasite interactions or therapeutic agents are limited by the lack of suitable animal models. We have previously reported that carotid injection of activated T. solium oncospheres directs parasites into the CNS and consistently reproduces NCC. This study assessed the minimal dose required to consistently obtain NCC by intracarotid oncosphere injection and compared antigen and antibody response profiles by dose-group. METHODS/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Three groups of pigs were infected with either 2500 (n = 10), 5000 (n = 11), or 10000 (n = 10) oncospheres. Two pigs died during the study. Necropsy exam at day 150 post-infection (PI) demonstrated viable NCC in 21/29 pigs (72.4%), with higher NCC rates with increasing oncosphere doses (4/9 [44.4%], 9/11 [81.8%] and 8/9 [88.9%] for 2500, 5000, and 10000 oncospheres respectively, P for trend = 0.035). CNS cyst burden was also higher in pigs with increasing doses (P for trend = 0.008). Viable and degenerated muscle cysticerci were also found in all pigs, with degenerated cysticerci more frequent in the 2500 oncosphere dose-group. All pigs were positive for circulating parasite antigens on ELISA (Ag-ELISA) from day 14 PI; circulating antigens markedly increased at day 30 PI and remained high with plateau levels in pigs infected with either 5000 or 10000 oncospheres, but not in pigs infected with 2500 oncospheres. Specific antibodies appeared at day 30 PI and were not different between dose-groups. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE Intracarotid injection of 5000 or more oncospheres produces high NCC rates in pigs with CNS cyst burdens like those usually found in human NCC, making this model appropriate for studies on the pathogenesis of NCC and the effects of antiparasitic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianfranco Arroyo
- Center for Global Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- Cysticercosis Unit, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurologicas, Lima, Peru
| | - Luz Toribio
- Center for Global Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- * E-mail:
| | - Ana Vargas-Calla
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Juan F. Calcina
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Edson Bernal
- Infectious Diseases Laboratory Research-LID, Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Nancy Chile
- Infectious Diseases Laboratory Research-LID, Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Miguel Zambrano
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Luis A. Gomez-Puerta
- Center for Global Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Juan Chacaltana
- Department of Imaging Diagnosis, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurologicas de Lima, Lima, Peru
| | - Miguel Marzal
- School of Medical Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Javier A. Bustos
- Center for Global Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- Cysticercosis Unit, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurologicas, Lima, Peru
| | - Manuela R. Verastegui
- Infectious Diseases Laboratory Research-LID, Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Robert H. Gilman
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Seth E. O’Neal
- School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Sciences University-Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Armando E. Gonzalez
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Hector H. Garcia
- Center for Global Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- Cysticercosis Unit, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurologicas, Lima, Peru
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Dixon MA, Winskill P, Harrison WE, Basáñez MG. Taenia solium taeniasis/cysticercosis: From parasite biology and immunology to diagnosis and control. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2021; 112:133-217. [PMID: 34024358 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2021.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Infection with the pork tapeworm (Taenia solium) is responsible for a substantial global burden of disease, not only restricted to its impact on human health, but also resulting in a considerable economic burden to smallholder pig farmers due to pig cysticercosis infection. The life-cycle, parasitology and immunology of T. solium are complex, involving pigs (the intermediate host, harbouring the larval metacestode stage), humans (the definitive host, harbouring the adult tapeworm, in addition to acting as accidental intermediate hosts) and the environment (the source of infection with eggs/proglottids). We review the parasitology, immunology, and epidemiology of the infection associated with each of the T. solium life-cycle stages, including the pre-adult/adult tapeworm responsible for human taeniasis; post-oncosphere and cysticercus associated with porcine and human cysticercosis, and the biological characteristics of eggs in the environment. We discuss the burden associated, in endemic settings, with neurocysticercosis (NCC) in humans, and the broader cross-sectoral economic impact associated both with NCC and porcine cysticercosis, the latter impacting food-value chains. Existing tools for diagnostics and control interventions that target different stages of the T. solium transmission cycle are reviewed and their limitations discussed. Currently, no national T. solium control programmes have been established in endemic areas, with further work required to identify optimal strategies according to epidemiological setting. There is increasing evidence suggesting that cross-sectoral interventions which target the parasite in both the human and pig host provide the most effective approaches for achieving control and ultimately elimination. We discuss future avenues for research on T. solium to support the attainment of the goals proposed in the revised World Health Organisation neglected tropical diseases roadmap for 2021-2030 adopted at the 73rd World Health Assembly in November 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A Dixon
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research (LCNTDR), Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; Schistosomiasis Control Initiative Foundation (SCI Foundation), London, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Winskill
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Wendy E Harrison
- Schistosomiasis Control Initiative Foundation (SCI Foundation), London, United Kingdom
| | - Maria-Gloria Basáñez
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research (LCNTDR), Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.
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Alroy KA, Arroyo G, Gilman RH, Gonzales-Gustavson E, Gallegos L, Gavidia CM, Verastegui M, Rodriguez S, Lopez T, Gomez-Puerta LA, Alroy J, Garcia HH, Gonzalez AE, For The Cysticercosis Working Group In Peru. Carotid Taenia solium Oncosphere Infection: A Novel Porcine Neurocysticercosis Model. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2018; 99:380-387. [PMID: 29893202 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.17-0912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurocysticercosis (NCC), the infection of the human central nervous system (CNS) with larval cysts of Taenia solium causes widespread neurological morbidity. Animal models are crucial for studying the pathophysiology and treatment of NCC. Some drawbacks of current NCC models include differences in the pathogenesis of the model and wild-type parasite, low rates of infection efficiency and lack of reproducibility. We describe a novel porcine model that recreates infection in the CNS with high efficiency. Activated oncospheres, either in a high (45,000-50,000) or low (10,000) dose were inoculated in the common carotid artery of 12 pigs by ultrasound-guided catheterization. Following oncosphere injection, either a high (30 mL) or low (1-3 mL) volume of saline flush was also administered. Cyst burden in the CNS was evaluated independently according to oncosphere dose and flush volume. Neurocysticercosis was achieved in 8/12 (66.7%) pigs. Cyst burden in the CNS of pigs was higher in the high versus the low oncosphere dose category (median: 4.5; interquartile ranges [IQR]: 1-8 and median: 1; IQR: 0-4, respectively) and in the high versus the low flush volume category (median 5.5; IQR: 1-8 and median: 1; IQR: 0-2, respectively), although not statistically different. All cysts in the CNS were viable, whereas both viable and degenerated cysts were found in the musculature. Carotid injection of activated oncospheres in pigs is effective in reproducing NCC. Oncosphere entry into the CNS by way of vasculature mimics wild-type infection, and provides a useful alternative for future investigations on the pathogenesis and antiparasitic treatment of NCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen A Alroy
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Gianfranco Arroyo
- School of Public Health and Management, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Robert H Gilman
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Linda Gallegos
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Cesar M Gavidia
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Manuela Verastegui
- Departments of Pathology, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Silvia Rodriguez
- Microbiology of the School of Science, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Teresa Lopez
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Luis A Gomez-Puerta
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Joseph Alroy
- School of Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Hector H Garcia
- Microbiology of the School of Science, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Armando E Gonzalez
- Microbiology of the School of Science, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
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Braae UC, Devleesschauwer B, Gabriël S, Dorny P, Speybroeck N, Magnussen P, Torgerson P, Johansen MV. CystiSim - An Agent-Based Model for Taenia solium Transmission and Control. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0005184. [PMID: 27984581 PMCID: PMC5161321 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Taenia solium taeniosis/cysticercosis was declared eradicable by the International Task Force for Disease Eradication in 1993, but remains a neglected zoonosis. To assist in the attempt to regionally eliminate this parasite, we developed cystiSim, an agent-based model for T. solium transmission and control. The model was developed in R and available as an R package (http://cran.r-project.org/package=cystiSim). cystiSim was adapted to an observed setting using field data from Tanzania, but adaptable to other settings if necessary. The model description adheres to the Overview, Design concepts, and Details (ODD) protocol and consists of two entities—pigs and humans. Pigs acquire cysticercosis through the environment or by direct contact with a tapeworm carrier's faeces. Humans acquire taeniosis from slaughtered pigs proportional to their infection intensity. The model allows for evaluation of three interventions measures or combinations hereof: treatment of humans, treatment of pigs, and pig vaccination, and allows for customary coverage and efficacy settings. cystiSim is the first agent-based transmission model for T. solium and suggests that control using a strategy consisting of an intervention only targeting the porcine host is possible, but that coverage and efficacy must be high if elimination is the ultimate goal. Good coverage of the intervention is important, but can be compensated for by including an additional intervention targeting the human host. cystiSim shows that the scenarios combining interventions in both hosts, mass drug administration to humans, and vaccination and treatment of pigs, have a high probability of success if coverage of 75% can be maintained over at least a four year period. In comparison with an existing mathematical model for T. solium transmission, cystiSim also includes parasite maturation, host immunity, and environmental contamination. Adding these biological parameters to the model resulted in new insights in the potential effect of intervention measures. Taenia solium is the leading cause of preventable epilepsy and the highest ranking foodborne parasite in terms of disease burden worldwide. Currently there are no large scale control programmes implemented against T. solium, but efficacious intervention tools are there, making control programmes the next step forward. Because of the zoonotic properties of the parasite, existing in both humans and pigs, a combination of intervention tools is likely to be needed. cystiSim is an agent-based disease model that provides insight into which intervention tools, and the frequency of administration of these tools, are needed to yield an effect on disease prevalence. cystiSim is a valuable tool in designing future control programmes and will assist in the elimination of T. solium as a public health problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uffe Christian Braae
- Section for Parasitology and Aquatic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
- * E-mail:
| | - Brecht Devleesschauwer
- Department of Public Health and Surveillance, Scientific Institute of Public Health (WIV-ISP), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sarah Gabriël
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Pierre Dorny
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Niko Speybroeck
- Institute of Health and Society (IRSS), Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pascal Magnussen
- Section for Parasitology and Aquatic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Paul Torgerson
- Section of Epidemiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maria Vang Johansen
- Section for Parasitology and Aquatic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
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Abstract
SUMMARYComplex life cycles are common in free-living and parasitic organisms alike. The adaptive decoupling hypothesis postulates that separate life cycle stages have a degree of developmental and genetic autonomy, allowing them to be independently optimized for dissimilar, competing tasks. That is, complex life cycles evolved to facilitate functional specialization. Here, I review the connections between the different stages in parasite life cycles. I first examine evolutionary connections between life stages, such as the genetic coupling of parasite performance in consecutive hosts, the interspecific correlations between traits expressed in different hosts, and the developmental and functional obstacles to stage loss. Then, I evaluate how environmental factors link life stages through carryover effects, where stressful larval conditions impact parasites even after transmission to a new host. There is evidence for both autonomy and integration across stages, so the relevant question becomes how integrated are parasite life cycles and through what mechanisms? By highlighting how genetics, development, selection and the environment can lead to interdependencies among successive life stages, I wish to promote a holistic approach to studying complex life cycle parasites and emphasize that what happens in one stage is potentially highly relevant for later stages.
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Verastegui MR, Mejia A, Clark T, Gavidia CM, Mamani J, Ccopa F, Angulo N, Chile N, Carmen R, Medina R, García HH, Rodriguez S, Ortega Y, Gilman RH. Novel rat model for neurocysticercosis using Taenia solium. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2016. [PMID: 26216286 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2015.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Neurocysticercosis is caused by Taenia solium infecting the central nervous system and is the leading cause of acquired epilepsy and convulsive conditions worldwide. Research into the pathophysiology of the disease and appropriate treatment is hindered by lack of cost-effective and physiologically similar animal models. We generated a novel rat neurocysticercosis model using intracranial infection with activated T. solium oncospheres. Holtzman rats were infected in two separate groups: the first group was inoculated extraparenchymally and the second intraparenchymally, with different doses of activated oncospheres. The groups were evaluated at three different ages. Histologic examination of the tissue surrounding T. solium cysticerci was performed. Results indicate that generally infected rats developed cysticerci in the brain tissue after 4 months, and the cysticerci were observed in the parenchymal, ventricle, or submeningeal brain tissue. The route of infection did not have a statistically significant effect on the proportion of rats that developed cysticerci, and there was no dependence on infection dose. However, rat age was crucial to the success of the infection. Epilepsy was observed in 9% of rats with neurocysticercosis. In histologic examination, a layer of collagen tissue, inflammatory infiltrate cells, perivascular infiltrate, angiogenesis, spongy change, and mass effect were observed in the tissue surrounding the cysts. This study presents a suitable animal model for the study of human neurocysticercosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela R Verastegui
- Cysticercosis Working Group in Peru, Lima, Peru; Infectious Diseases Laboratory Research-LID, Faculty of Science and Philosophy, Alberto Cazorla Talleri, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru.
| | - Alan Mejia
- Cysticercosis Working Group in Peru, Lima, Peru; Infectious Diseases Laboratory Research-LID, Faculty of Science and Philosophy, Alberto Cazorla Talleri, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Taryn Clark
- Cysticercosis Working Group in Peru, Lima, Peru; Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Cesar M Gavidia
- Cysticercosis Working Group in Peru, Lima, Peru; Public Health Section, School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Javier Mamani
- Cysticercosis Working Group in Peru, Lima, Peru; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Fredy Ccopa
- Cysticercosis Working Group in Peru, Lima, Peru; Infectious Diseases Laboratory Research-LID, Faculty of Science and Philosophy, Alberto Cazorla Talleri, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Noelia Angulo
- Cysticercosis Working Group in Peru, Lima, Peru; Infectious Diseases Laboratory Research-LID, Faculty of Science and Philosophy, Alberto Cazorla Talleri, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Nancy Chile
- Cysticercosis Working Group in Peru, Lima, Peru; Infectious Diseases Laboratory Research-LID, Faculty of Science and Philosophy, Alberto Cazorla Talleri, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Rogger Carmen
- Cysticercosis Working Group in Peru, Lima, Peru; Infectious Diseases Laboratory Research-LID, Faculty of Science and Philosophy, Alberto Cazorla Talleri, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Roxana Medina
- Cysticercosis Working Group in Peru, Lima, Peru; Department of Biology Science, Universidad Nacional del Altiplano, Puno, Peru
| | - Hector H García
- Cysticercosis Working Group in Peru, Lima, Peru; Infectious Diseases Laboratory Research-LID, Faculty of Science and Philosophy, Alberto Cazorla Talleri, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru; Cysticercosis Unit, Instituto de Ciencias Neurologicas, Lima, Peru
| | - Silvia Rodriguez
- Cysticercosis Working Group in Peru, Lima, Peru; Cysticercosis Unit, Instituto de Ciencias Neurologicas, Lima, Peru
| | - Ynes Ortega
- Cysticercosis Working Group in Peru, Lima, Peru; Department of Food Science & Technology, The University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Robert H Gilman
- Cysticercosis Working Group in Peru, Lima, Peru; Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Hygiene and Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland; Asociación Benéfica PRISMA, San Miguel, Lima, Peru
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9
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Fleury A, Trejo A, Cisneros H, García-Navarrete R, Villalobos N, Hernández M, Villeda Hernández J, Hernández B, Rosas G, Bobes RJ, S. de Aluja A, Sciutto E, Fragoso G. Taenia solium: Development of an Experimental Model of Porcine Neurocysticercosis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0003980. [PMID: 26252878 PMCID: PMC4529300 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Accepted: 07/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Human neurocysticercosis (NC) is caused by the establishment of Taenia solium larvae in the central nervous system. NC is a severe disease still affecting the population in developing countries of Latin America, Asia, and Africa. While great improvements have been made on NC diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, the management of patients affected by extraparenchymal parasites remains a challenge. The development of a T. solium NC experimental model in pigs that will allow the evaluation of new therapeutic alternatives is herein presented. Activated oncospheres (either 500 or 1000) were surgically implanted in the cerebral subarachnoid space of piglets. The clinical status and the level of serum antibodies in the animals were evaluated for a 4-month period after implantation. The animals were sacrificed, cysticerci were counted during necropsy, and both the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of cysts were described. Based on the number of established cysticerci, infection efficiency ranged from 3.6% (1000 oncospheres) to 5.4% (500 oncospheres). Most parasites were caseous or calcified (38/63, 60.3%) and were surrounded by an exacerbated inflammatory response with lymphocyte infiltration and increased inflammatory markers. The infection elicited specific antibodies but no neurological signs. This novel experimental model of NC provides a useful tool to evaluate new cysticidal and anti-inflammatory approaches and it should improve the management of severe NC patients, refractory to the current treatments. Neurocysticercosis (NC) is caused by the implantation of the larval stage of Taenia solium in the human central nervous system. Although NC diagnosis, treatment, and prevention have clearly improved in the last 40 years, the disease still causes significant morbidity and mortality in endemic regions of Latin America, Asia, and Africa. In industrialized countries, the number of diagnosed cases has increased in recent years due to immigration. In this paper, we introduce a new experimental model of T. solium neurocysticercosis in pigs. Activated oncospheres were surgically implanted in the subarachnoid space of the cerebral convexity in piglets. Then, the animals were observed during 4 months. An increase in anti-cysticercal antibodies was detected, along with an inflammatory reaction surrounding the established parasites. This experimental model of T. solium NC will improve our knowledge on the pathogenesis of the disease; additionally, it will let us evaluate new promising treatments for inflammation and improve the effectiveness of cysticidal drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnès Fleury
- Unidad Periférica del Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en el Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México D.F., México
- Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, Secretaría de Salud, México D.F., México
- * E-mail:
| | - Armando Trejo
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México D.F., México
| | - Humberto Cisneros
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México D.F., México
| | - Roberto García-Navarrete
- Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Secretaría de Salud, México D.F., México
- Hospital General Naval de Alta Especialidad, Secretaría de Marina (SEMAR), México D.F., México
| | - Nelly Villalobos
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México D.F., México
| | - Marisela Hernández
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México D.F., México
| | | | - Beatriz Hernández
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México D.F., México
| | - Gabriela Rosas
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Morelos, México
| | - Raul J. Bobes
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México D.F., México
| | - Aline S. de Aluja
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México D.F., México
| | - Edda Sciutto
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México D.F., México
| | - Gladis Fragoso
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México D.F., México
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Mkupasi EM, Ngowi HA, Sikasunge CS, Leifsson PS, Johansen MV. Distribution and histopathological changes induced by cysts of Taenia solium in the brain of pigs from Tanzania. J Helminthol 2014:1-6. [PMID: 24905052 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x1400042x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Neurocysticercosis (NCC) caused by Taenia solium cysts is a frequent but neglected parasitic disease of the central nervous system (CNS) worldwide. The aim of this study was to describe anatomical locations of cysts in the CNS and the corresponding inflammation. A total of 17 naturally infected pigs were used to evaluate the distribution of cysts and, of these, seven were used to evaluate the corresponding inflammation further, through histopathology. Clinical signs in the pigs included dullness, sluggishness, somnolence, apathy and loss of consciousness. Cysts were distributed in all cerebral lobes, i.e. 39.7% in the frontal lobe, 20.3% in the parietal lobe, 20.0% in the occipital lobe and 19.7% in the temporal lobe, and only 0.4% in the cerebellum. No cysts were found in the spinal cord. Cysts were localized as follows: 47.9% in the dorsal subarachnoid, 46.9% in the parenchyma, 4.4% in the subarachnoid base and 0.9% in the ventricles. The results of the histopathology revealed lesions in an early inflammatory stage, i.e. stage I, in all anatomical locations except for two, which showed more of an inflammatory reaction, stage III, in one pig. It was concluded that clinical signs in pigs were neither pathognomonic nor consistent. These signs, therefore, cannot be used as a reliable indicator of porcine NCC. Furthermore, T. solium cysts were found to be in abundance in all cerebral lobes, and only a few were found in the cerebellum. Regarding the inflammatory response, no significant differences were found in the location and total number of cysts. Thus, further studies are needed to explain the determinants of cyst distribution in the CNS and assess in detail clinical signs associated with porcine NCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- E M Mkupasi
- Department of Veterinary Disease Biology,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen,Thorvaldsensvej 57,1871Frederiksberg C,Denmark
| | - H A Ngowi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Public Health,Sokoine University of Agriculture,PO Box 3021,Morogoro,Tanzania
| | - C S Sikasunge
- Department of Para-clinical Studies,School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia,PO Box 32379,Lusaka,Zambia
| | - P S Leifsson
- Department of Veterinary Disease Biology,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen,Thorvaldsensvej 57,1871Frederiksberg C,Denmark
| | - M V Johansen
- Department of Veterinary Disease Biology,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen,Thorvaldsensvej 57,1871Frederiksberg C,Denmark
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11
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Distribution and histopathological changes induced by cysts ofTaenia soliumin the brain of pigs from Tanzania. J Helminthol 2014; 89:559-64. [DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x14000418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
AbstractNeurocysticercosis (NCC) caused byTaenia soliumcysts is a frequent but neglected parasitic disease of the central nervous system (CNS) worldwide. The aim of this study was to describe anatomical locations of cysts in the CNS and the corresponding inflammation. A total of 17 naturally infected pigs were used to evaluate the distribution of cysts and, of these, seven were used to evaluate the corresponding inflammation further, through histopathology. Clinical signs in the pigs included dullness, sluggishness, somnolence, apathy and loss of consciousness. Cysts were distributed in all cerebral lobes, i.e. 39.7% in the frontal lobe, 20.3% in the parietal lobe, 20.0% in the occipital lobe and 19.7% in the temporal lobe, and only 0.4% in the cerebellum. No cysts were found in the spinal cord. Cysts were localized as follows: 47.9% in the dorsal subarachnoid, 46.9% in the parenchyma, 4.4% in the subarachnoid base and 0.9% in the ventricles. The results of the histopathology revealed lesions in an early inflammatory stage, i.e. stage I, in all anatomical locations except for two, which showed more of an inflammatory reaction, stage III, in one pig. It was concluded that clinical signs in pigs were neither pathognomonic nor consistent. These signs, therefore, cannot be used as a reliable indicator of porcine NCC. Furthermore,T. soliumcysts were found to be in abundance in all cerebral lobes, and only a few were found in the cerebellum. Regarding the inflammatory response, no significant differences were found in the location and total number of cysts. Thus, further studies are needed to explain the determinants of cyst distribution in the CNS and assess in detail clinical signs associated with porcine NCC.
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Evolution, molecular epidemiology and perspectives on the research of taeniid parasites with special emphasis on Taenia solium. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2014; 23:150-60. [PMID: 24560729 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2014.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2013] [Revised: 02/09/2014] [Accepted: 02/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Human cysticercosis is known since old historical times in Greece and China; however, human infections by tapeworms have accompanied human beings for more that hundred thousand years. The disease is tightly bound to poverty and lack of hygiene, and has been eradicated in developed countries, but continues being a public health problem in developing countries of Latin-American, Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia, and is also remerging in a number of non endemic countries. It is considered a neglected disease. Here we revise a number of key scientific contributions on taeniid biology that open new avenues for more effective approaches to the control of cysticercosis. The evolution of flatworms and class Cestoda is analyzed, with special emphasis on the emergence of taeniid parasites and the colonization of the human species by tapeworms. The complex molecular host-parasite interplay in this relationship as result of co-evolution between two distantly related organisms. The relevant host and parasite's factors, in the prospect of identifying species-specific molecular markers useful in epidemiological studies carried out in endemic countries. The new possibilities arising with the characterization of the genomes for several species of tapeworms, including a deeper understanding of these organisms, as well as improved tools for diagnosis, vaccination and drug treatment. The need to revise the current control and management strategies for this tropical neglected disease.
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13
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Singh AK, Prasad KN, Prasad A, Tripathi M, Gupta RK, Husain N. Immune responses to viable and degenerative metacestodes of Taenia solium in naturally infected swine. Int J Parasitol 2013; 43:1101-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2013.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2013] [Revised: 07/15/2013] [Accepted: 07/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Garcia HH, Gonzalez AE, Gilman RH. Cysticercosis of the central nervous system: how should it be managed? Curr Opin Infect Dis 2011; 24:423-7. [PMID: 21788891 PMCID: PMC3272367 DOI: 10.1097/qco.0b013e32834a1b20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Taenia solium neurocysticercosis (NCC) has been long recognized as an important cause of neurological morbidity in most of the world. Unwarranted generalization of diagnostic and treatment recommendations made it difficult to assess individual prognosis and responses for each type of NCC. Understanding of the main clinical presentations (dependent on number, location, size, and stage of parasites, as well as on the immune response of the host) allows a better view of treatment options and expected outcomes. RECENT FINDINGS Current treatment options are still limited and involve symptomatic agents, antiparasitic agents, or surgery. The importance of adequate symptomatic management, the potential for improved antiparasitic treatment regimes, in particular combination therapy, and the increasingly important role of minimally invasive neurosurgery are also reviewed in this article. SUMMARY Treatment decisions in NCC should be individualized in relation to the type of NCC. Initial measures should focus on the symptomatic management before considering antiparasitic therapy when appropriate. Appropriate patient categorization, new antiparasitic regimes, and minimally invasive surgery are improving the prognosis of patients with NCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hector H Garcia
- Department of Microbiology, Center for Global Health - Tumbes, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru.
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15
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Zimic MJ, Infantes J, López C, Velásquez J, Farfán M, Pajuelo M, Sheen P, Verastegui M, Gonzalez A, Garciá HH, Gilman RH. Comparison of the peptidase activity in the oncosphere excretory/secretory products of Taenia solium and Taenia saginata. J Parasitol 2010; 93:727-34. [PMID: 17918349 DOI: 10.1645/ge-959r.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
We compared the peptidase activities of the excretory/secretory (E/S) antigens of oncospheres of Taenia solium and related, but nonpathogenic, Taenia saginata. Taenia solium and T. saginata oncospheres were cultured, and the spent media of 24-, 48-, 72-, and 96-hr fractions were analyzed. Activities for serine peptidases (chymotrypsin-, trypsin-, and elastase-like), cysteine peptidases (cathepsin B-, cathepsin L-, and calpaine-like), and aminopeptidase (B-like peptidases) were tested fluorometrically with peptides coupled to 7-amino-4-methylcoumarin. In both species, the E/S antigens showed cysteine, serine, and aminopeptidase activities. Although no particular peptidase had high activity in T. solium, and was absent in T. saginata, or vice versa, different patterns of activity were found. A chymotrypsin-like peptidase showed the highest activity in both parasites, and it had 10 times higher activity in T. solium than in T. saginata. Trypsin-like and cathepsin B-like activities were significantly higher in T. solium. Minimal levels of cathepsin B were present in both species, and higher levels of elastase-like and cathepsin L-like activity were observed in T. saginata. Taenia solium and T. saginata have different levels and temporal activities of proteolytic enzymes that could play a modulator role in the host specificity for larval invasion through penetration of the intestinal mucosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirko J Zimic
- Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Av. Honorio Delgado 430, SMP, Lima, Perú
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16
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Kyngdon CT, Gauci CG, Rolfe RA, Velásquez Guzmán JC, Farfán Salazar MJ, Verástegui Pimentel MR, Gonzalez AE, Garcia HH, Gilmanl RH, Strugnell RA, Lightowlers MW. IN VITRO ONCOSPHERE-KILLING ASSAYS TO DETERMINE IMMUNITY TO THE LARVAE OF TAENIA PISIFORMIS, TAENIA OVIS, TAENIA SAGINATA, AND TAENIA SOLIUM. J Parasitol 2006; 92:273-81. [PMID: 16729683 DOI: 10.1645/ge-619r.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Taeniid cestodes infect humans and livestock, causing considerable morbidity and mortality, as well as economic loss. Substantial progress has been made toward the production of recombinant vaccines against cysticercosis in livestock animals. Further development of these vaccines would be aided if a reliable in vitro test were available to measure host-protective immune responses in vaccinated animals. Here, we describe in vitro oncosphere-killing assays for the quantification of host-protective serum antibodies against Taenia pisiformis, Taenia ovis, Taenia saginata, and Taenia solium in rabbits, sheep, cattle, and pigs, respectively. Activated oncospheres of T. pisiformis, T. ovis, T. saginata, and T. solium were incubated in vitro in culture medium, test serum, and a source of complement, and oncosphere killing was assessed after 10 days of culture. In vitro oncosphere killing reflected the presence of specific antibody, and the oncosphere-killing assay typically indicated immunity to the homologous parasite that had been determined in vivo. This study describes the first reliable oncosphere-killing assays for T. pisiformis, T. ovis, T. saginata, and T. solium. These assays will be used for further research into the optimization of recombinant vaccines against cysticercosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig T Kyngdon
- Veterinary Clinical Centre, The University of Melbourne, 250 Princes Hwy, Werribee, Victoria 3030, Australia.
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Prasad KN, Chawla S, Prasad A, Tripathi M, Husain N, Gupta RK. Clinical signs for identification of neurocysticercosis in swine naturally infected with Taenia solium. Parasitol Int 2006; 55:151-4. [PMID: 16516537 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2006.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2005] [Revised: 01/10/2006] [Accepted: 01/14/2006] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Taenia solium infection is a zoonotic disease and swine is the natural intermediate host. Till date no literatures have described clinical signs in swine indicative of brain involvement by cysticerci. In the present study we describe such clinical signs of porcine neurocysticercosis (NCC). These signs were excessive salivation, excessive blinking and tearing, and subconjunctival nodule. A total of 30 swine (18 with 2 or all 3 clinical signs and 12 without any sign) underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). All 18 swine with above signs had NCC on MRI along with variable involvement of other organs that were subsequently confirmed by ex vivo MRI, necropsy and histopathology, while none of the 12 animals without any sign had NCC. As development of a porcine NCC model has proved difficult, we propose that naturally infected swine can be identified on the basis of these clinical signs and thus used as a model for further research on NCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kashi N Prasad
- Department of Microbiology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow-226014, India.
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18
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Rodrìguez ML, Rodriguez S, Gonzalez AE, Verastegui M, Bernal T, Jimenez JA, Garcia HH. Can Taenia solium Latent Post-Oncospheral Stages be Found in Muscle Tissue of Cysticercosis-Infected Pigs (Sus scrofa)? J Parasitol 2006; 92:199-201. [PMID: 16629340 DOI: 10.1645/ge-571r1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The existence of latent Taenia solium post-oncospheral stages in the tissues of infected pigs has been postulated. To assess whether such structures exist and can be detected, we examined muscle samples from cysticercosis-infected and uninfected pigs. Pork samples were homogenized, centrifuged, and resuspended in saline solution. Round microscopic structures of approximately 10 microm with variable refringence were found in the pellets of all samples from both infected and uninfected pigs. These became homogeneously red after staining with Sudan IV and disappeared after ether extraction. The only difference between samples from infected and uninfected pigs was the presence of inflammatory cells and tissue necrosis debris in the former group. Taenia solium oncospheres were stained and observed for comparative purposes, before and after inoculation into pork. Control oncospheres were ellipsoidal, had nucleated basophile cells in their interior, and showed red aggregates on their surfaces when stained with 3% Sudan IV. While rounded microscopical structures similar to those previously reported were found, these differed morphologically from oncospheres, were of a lipid nature, and occurred in both infected and uninfected animals. No evidence supporting the presence of latent post-oncospheral stages of Taenia solium was generated in this series of experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary L Rodrìguez
- Department of Microbiology, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Av. H. Delgado 430, SMP, Lima 31, Lima, Peru
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19
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Soares K, Silva M, Poleti M, Maia A. Imunodiagnóstico da cisticercose em suíno experimentalmente infectado com ovos de Taenia solium, utilizando antígeno de escólex de Cysticercus cellulosae. ARQ BRAS MED VET ZOO 2006. [DOI: 10.1590/s0102-09352006000100003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Colheu-se sangue de sete suínos infectados com ovos de Taenia solium, semanalmente, durante 140 dias, para realizar ELISA no soro, utilizando antígeno de escólex (Es-Tso) de C. cellulosae. Em todos os animais, após o 21º dia pós-infecção, houve incremento significativo de anticorpos IgG, que assim se mantiveram até o final do experimento. A sensibilidade do ELISA variou entre 87,5 e 100%. À necropsia, foram identificados 238 cisticercos. Seis suínos apresentaram pelo menos um cisto no coração, língua ou masseter. Não se observou correlação entre concentração de anticorpos e número de cisticercos identificados.
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20
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Abstract
The larval stage of the pork tapeworm (Taenia solium) infects the human nervous system, causing neurocysticercosis. This disease is one of the main causes of epileptic seizures in many less developed countries and is also increasingly seen in more developed countries because of immigration from endemic areas. Little information is available on the natural evolution of taeniasis or cysticercosis. Available therapeutic measures include steroids, treatments for symptoms, surgery, and, more controversially, antiparasitic drugs to kill brain parasites. Efforts to control and eliminate this disease are underway through antiparasitic treatment of endemic populations, development of pig vaccines, and other measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Héctor H García
- Cysticercosis Unit, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurologicas, Jr Ancash 1271, Barrios Altos, Lima, Peru.
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Londoño DP, Alvarez JI, Trujillo J, Jaramillo MM, Restrepo BI. The inflammatory cell infiltrates in porcine cysticercosis: immunohistochemical analysis during various stages of infection. Vet Parasitol 2002; 109:249-59. [PMID: 12423936 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-4017(02)00290-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Taenia solium metacestodes cause cysticercosis in both humans and pigs. In the former host species, the central nervous system involvement (neurocysticercosis (NCC)) may range from asymptomatic to life-threatening, but little is known about the corresponding variation in tissue response due to the difficulty in obtaining parasite-infected brain biopsies. The use of pigs as animal models for cysticercosis is ideal because the histological description of the animal's response around the parasites resembles the one recorded in human specimens. In this study the histological features of the immune response in swine were complemented by immunohistochemical analysis to determine the phenotype of the inflammatory cells. The presence of mononuclear cells and eosinophils, and the co-localization of MHC-II with B lymphocytes and monocytes/macrophages within the granulomas surrounding the parasites, were features that closely resembled the descriptions made in prior studies with human specimens. In addition, there were novel findings such as the upregulation of the adhesin CD44 in cells resembling monocytes/macrophages, eosinophils and in astrocytes from the central nervous system. The upregulation of CD44 may be important for the recruitment of inflammatory cells to the site of the lesion. Finally, the presence of null-gamma delta-T cells since stage I of the immune response was similar to the early detection of these cells in mouse models for cysticercosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana P Londoño
- Molecular Parasitology Group, Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas, Medellín, Colombia
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Verastegui M, Gilman RH, Gonzales A, Garcia HH, Gavidia C, Falcon N, Bernal T, Arana Y, Tsang VCW. Taenia solium oncosphere antigens induce immunity in pigs against experimental cysticercosis. Vet Parasitol 2002; 108:49-62. [PMID: 12191899 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-4017(02)00182-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Immunity to Taenia solium infection was investigated using an experimental intramuscular oncosphere infection assay (IMOA) model in pigs. Three naturally infected pigs with cysticercosis were treated with oxfendazole (OFZ), a drug demonstrated to kill cysts in porcine muscle. These animals were then challenged with oncospheres but did not develop any cysts while three uninfected pigs that were similarly challenged, did develop intramuscular cysts. In another study, two groups of three pigs each were immunized with crude T. solium oncosphere and metacestode antigens, respectively, and tested with the IMOA. Immunization with crude oncosphere antigens (OAs) induced 100% protection, while metacestode antigens provided only partial protection. Immunoblots showed that pigs with complete immune protection to oncosphere intramuscular challenge had antibodies to two OAs at 31.3 and 22.5 kDa, respectively. Antibody to these two antigens was absent in pigs immunized with metacestodes or in uninfected control pigs. This study demonstrated the presence of two antigens that are unique to the oncosphere. Although, antibody to these two antigens is consistently present in pigs that are protected from an oncosphere intramuscular challenge their role in preventing infection by T. solium larval cysts is still hypothetical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Verastegui
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
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