1
|
Burger G, Adamou R, Kreuzmair R, Ndoumba WN, Mbassi DE, Mouima AMN, Tabopda CM, Adegnika RM, More A, Okwu DG, Mbadinga LBD, Calle CL, Veletzky L, Metzger WG, Mordmüller B, Ramharter M, Mombo-Ngoma G, Adegnika AA, Zoleko-Manego R, McCall MBB. Eosinophils, basophils and myeloid-derived suppressor cells in chronic Loa loa infection and its treatment in an endemic setting. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012203. [PMID: 38771861 PMCID: PMC11147522 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic infection by Loa loa remains an unsolved immunological paradox. Despite harboring subcutaneously migrating adult worms and often high densities of microfilariae, most patients experience only relatively mild symptoms, yet microfilaricidal treatment can trigger life-threatening inflammation. Here, we investigated innate cell populations hypothesized to play a role in these two faces of the disease, in an endemic population in Gabon. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We analyzed numbers and activation of eosinophils and basophils, as well as myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) subsets and associated circulating cytokine levels by flow cytometry in sex- and age-matched L. loa-uninfected (LL-), -amicrofilaraemic (MF-) and -microfilaraemic (MF+) individuals (n = 42), as well as microfilaraemic individuals treated with albendazole (n = 26). The percentage of eosinophils was lower in LL- (3.0%) than in the combined L. loa-infected population, but was similar in MF+ (13.1%) and MF- (12.3%). Upon treatment of MF+, eosinophilia increased from day 0 (17.2%) to day 14 (24.8%) and had decreased below baseline at day 168 (6.3%). Expression of the eosinophil activation marker CD123 followed the same pattern as the percentage of eosinophils, while the inverse was observed for CD193 and to some extent CD125. Circulating IL-5 levels after treatment followed the same pattern as eosinophil dynamics. Basophil numbers did not differ between infection states but increased after treatment of MF+. We did not observe differences in MDSC numbers between infection states or upon treatment. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE We demonstrate that both chronic infection and treatment of L. loa microfilaraemia are associated with eosinophil circulation and distinct phenotypical activation markers that might contribute to inflammatory pathways in this setting. In this first ever investigation into MDSC in L. loa infection, we found no evidence for their increased presence in chronic loiasis, suggesting that immunomodulation by L. loa is induced through other pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gerrit Burger
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné, Gabon
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Rafiou Adamou
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné, Gabon
| | - Ruth Kreuzmair
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné, Gabon
| | - Wilfrid Ndzebe Ndoumba
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné, Gabon
- Department of Implementation Research, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine & I Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, Partner sites Hamburg-Borstel-Lübeck-Riems, Germany
| | - Dorothea Ekoka Mbassi
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné, Gabon
- German Center for Infection Research, Partner sites Hamburg-Borstel-Lübeck-Riems, Germany
- Centre for Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine & I Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Ayong More
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné, Gabon
| | - Dearie Glory Okwu
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné, Gabon
- Department of Implementation Research, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine & I Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, Partner sites Hamburg-Borstel-Lübeck-Riems, Germany
| | | | | | - Luzia Veletzky
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné, Gabon
- Department of Medicine I, Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Benjamin Mordmüller
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné, Gabon
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Michael Ramharter
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné, Gabon
- German Center for Infection Research, Partner sites Hamburg-Borstel-Lübeck-Riems, Germany
- Centre for Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine & I Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ghyslain Mombo-Ngoma
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné, Gabon
- Department of Implementation Research, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine & I Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, Partner sites Hamburg-Borstel-Lübeck-Riems, Germany
| | - Ayola Akim Adegnika
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné, Gabon
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, Partner site Tübingen, Tübingen Germany
| | - Rella Zoleko-Manego
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné, Gabon
- German Center for Infection Research, Partner sites Hamburg-Borstel-Lübeck-Riems, Germany
- Centre for Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine & I Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Matthew B. B. McCall
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné, Gabon
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
M'Bondoukwé NP, Owono-Medang M, Moussavou-Boussougou MN, Akoue Y, Migueba V, Bulaev D, Neven A, James LAJ, Ntsame Ella SA, Mawili-Mboumba DP, Atsame J, Vaillant M, Bouyou Akotet MK. Low diagnostic performance of thick blood smears of 50 µl in comparison with direct examination of 10 µl blood and the leukoconcentration technique of 5ml blood among loiasis-suspected patients with low microfilaremia in Gabon, Central Africa, using the STARD-BLCM guidelines. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:138. [PMID: 38491557 PMCID: PMC10943916 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06089-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to determine performance indicators of thick blood smears of 50 µl (TBS-50), following the Standards for the Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-Bayesian Latent Class Model (STARD-BLCM) guidelines. TBS-50 was compared with two common parasitological techniques-direct examination of 10 µl blood and a leukoconcentration of 5 ml-for the diagnosis of microfilaremic loiasis. METHODS The study population was recruited among patients of the Department of Parasitology-Mycology-Tropical Medicine over a period of 1 year. Age, sex, symptoms, and eosinophilia variables were recorded from laboratory registers and medical files. Direct examination of 10 µl of blood, TBS-50, and the leukoconcentration technique with 5 ml of blood were performed for each patient. The classical formula and BLCM were used to determine the diagnostic accuracy of the three techniques as well as the prevalence of microfilaremic loiasis. Three models were built within the framework of BLCM-the BLCM model I and alternative models II and III-for sensitivity analysis. RESULTS In total, 191 patients consented to be included. The direct blood examination and TBS-50 yielded comparable qualitative and quantitative results. Hence, they are reported together. The prevalence of Loa loa microfilaremia was 9.4% (95% CI 5.7-14.5; n = 18/191) with direct blood examination/TBS-50 and 12.6% [8.2-18.1] (n = 24/191) for leukoconcentration. Comparing TBS-50 with the leukoconcentration method using the classical formula, the sensitivity was 75.0% [53.3-90.2], specificity was 100.0% [97.8-100.0], the positive predictive value was 100.0% [81.5-100.0], and the negative predictive value was 96.5% [92.6-98.7]. The prevalence of microfilaremic loiasis was estimated at 9.7% [6.2-13.7] using BLCM model I. The outputs of BLCM model I showed sensitivity of 78.9% [65.3-90.3], specificity of 100.0% [99.3-100.0], a positive predictive value of 99.1% [87.2-100.0], and a negative predictive value of 93.0% [87.3-97.7] for direct blood examination/TBS-50. CONCLUSIONS TBS-50 demonstrates low sensitivity relative to two other techniques. In one in five cases, the result will be falsely declared negative using these methods. However, this method can be deployed with limited funds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noé Patrick M'Bondoukwé
- Department of Parasitology-Mycology-Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université des Sciences de la Santé, 4009, Libreville, Gabon.
| | - Matthieu Owono-Medang
- Department of Parasitology-Mycology-Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université des Sciences de la Santé, 4009, Libreville, Gabon
| | - Marie Noëlle Moussavou-Boussougou
- Department of Parasitology-Mycology-Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université des Sciences de la Santé, 4009, Libreville, Gabon
| | - Yvan Akoue
- Department of Parasitology-Mycology-Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université des Sciences de la Santé, 4009, Libreville, Gabon
| | - Valentin Migueba
- Department of Parasitology-Mycology-Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université des Sciences de la Santé, 4009, Libreville, Gabon
| | - Dmitry Bulaev
- Competence Centre for Methodology and Statistics, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 1A-B Rue Thomas Edison, 1445, Strassen, Luxembourg
| | - Anouk Neven
- Competence Centre for Methodology and Statistics, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 1A-B Rue Thomas Edison, 1445, Strassen, Luxembourg
| | - Luice Aurtin Joel James
- Department of Parasitology-Mycology-Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université des Sciences de la Santé, 4009, Libreville, Gabon
| | | | - Denise Patricia Mawili-Mboumba
- Department of Parasitology-Mycology-Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université des Sciences de la Santé, 4009, Libreville, Gabon
| | - Julienne Atsame
- Programme de Lutte Contre les Maladies Parasitaires, Ministère de la Santé du Gabon, Libreville, Gabon
| | - Michel Vaillant
- Competence Centre for Methodology and Statistics, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 1A-B Rue Thomas Edison, 1445, Strassen, Luxembourg
| | - Marielle Karine Bouyou Akotet
- Department of Parasitology-Mycology-Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université des Sciences de la Santé, 4009, Libreville, Gabon
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Veletzky L, Eberhardt KA, Hergeth J, Stelzl DR, Zoleko Manego R, Kreuzmair R, Burger G, Mischlinger J, McCall MBB, Mombo-Ngoma G, Adegnika AA, Agnandji ST, Matsiegui PB, Lell B, Kremsner P, Mordmüller B, Tappe D, Ramharter M. Analysis of diagnostic test outcomes in a large loiasis cohort from an endemic region: Serological tests are often false negative in hyper-microfilaremic infections. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012054. [PMID: 38484012 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The parasitic disease loiasis is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Individuals with hyper-microfilaremia (greater than 20,000 microfilariae per mL of blood) may suffer from serious treatment-related or spontaneous adverse events. Diagnosing loiasis remains complex and primarily relies on direct parasite detection. In this study, we analyzed the performance of various diagnostic tests and the influence of parasitological and clinical factors on test outcomes in samples from individuals living in an endemic region. METHODS Data and samples were collected from rural Gabon. Loiasis was defined as either detectable microfilaremia, or a positive history of eyeworm as assessed by the RAPLOA questionnaire. Diagnostic testing included a quantitative PCR (qPCR) for detection of Loa loa DNA in blood samples, an in-house crude L. loa antigen IgG ELISA, and a rapid test for antibodies against the Ll-SXP-1 antigen (RDT). Sensitivity and specificity were determined for each test and factors potentially influencing outcomes were evaluated in an exploratory analysis. RESULTS ELISA, RDT and qPCR results were available for 99.8%, 78.5%, and 100% of the 1,232 participants, respectively. The ELISA and RDT had only modest diagnostic accuracy. qPCR was specific for L. loa microfilaremia and Cycle threshold values correlated with microfilarial density. Anti-L. loa IgG levels were highest in occult loiasis, and antibody levels correlated inversely with L. loa microfilarial density as did RDT line intensities. Only 84.6% and 16.7% of hyper-microfilaremic individuals tested positive by ELISA (11/13) and RDT (2/12), respectively. CONCLUSION None of the tests demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity for loiasis. Indirect diagnostic assays were characterized by low specificity. Additionally, hyper-microfilaremic individuals often tested negative by RDT and ELISA, indicating that these tests are not suitable for individual case management in endemic populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luzia Veletzky
- Department of Medicine I, Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine & I. Dep. of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Germany
| | - Kirsten Alexandra Eberhardt
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine & I. Dep. of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Daniel Robert Stelzl
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
- Department of Urology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Rella Zoleko Manego
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine & I. Dep. of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
| | - Ruth Kreuzmair
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
| | - Gerrit Burger
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany & German Center for Infection Research, partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Johannes Mischlinger
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine & I. Dep. of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
| | - Matthew B B McCall
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
- Radboud University Medical Center, Department of Medical Microbiology, HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ghyslain Mombo-Ngoma
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
- Department of Implementation Research, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine & I. Dep. of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ayôla Akim Adegnika
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany & German Center for Infection Research, partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Selidji Todagbe Agnandji
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany & German Center for Infection Research, partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Bertrand Lell
- Department of Medicine I, Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
| | - Peter Kremsner
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany & German Center for Infection Research, partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Benjamin Mordmüller
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany & German Center for Infection Research, partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Radboud University Medical Center, Department of Medical Microbiology, HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Dennis Tappe
- National Reference Centre for Tropical Pathogens, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Michael Ramharter
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine & I. Dep. of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Dieki R, Eyang Assengone ER, Nsi Emvo E, Akue JP. Profile of loiasis infection through clinical and laboratory diagnostics: the importance of biomarkers. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2022; 117:349-357. [PMID: 36520072 PMCID: PMC10153730 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trac116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background
Detection of Loa loa microfilariae in peripheral blood is insensitive given only 30% of individuals are microfilaraemic while 70% are amicrofilaraemic with a variety of clinical signs. Biomarkers may improve the diagnosis of loiasis.
Methods
A total of 545 individuals exposed to L. loa were analysed using clinical data collected through a questionnaire (requesting information on eye worm, Calabar swelling, pruritis) and detection of microfilariae, immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4), DNA and antigens using microscopy, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blot, respectively.
Results
The results revealed that the rates of detection of L. loa microfilariae in the blood, of DNA by qPCR, of IgG4 by ELISA and of antigen by Western blot were 4.7%, 5.5%, 15.60% and 10.09%, respectively.
Conclusions
This study showed that clinical signs based on a questionnaire are highly subjective. Therefore it is imperative to use IgG4 and DNA biomarkers as well as antigens detected by Western blot to identify individuals infected with L. loa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roland Dieki
- Department of Parasitology, Centre International of Medical Research of Franceville , Franceville , Gabon
- Department of Chemistry, Université des Sciences et Techniques de Masuku (USTM) , Franceville , Gabon
| | - E R Eyang Assengone
- Department of Parasitology, Centre International of Medical Research of Franceville , Franceville , Gabon
| | - E Nsi Emvo
- Department of Chemistry, Université des Sciences et Techniques de Masuku (USTM) , Franceville , Gabon
| | - J P Akue
- Department of Parasitology, Centre International of Medical Research of Franceville , Franceville , Gabon
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Pongui Ngondza B, Koumba Lengongo JV, Mickala P, M'bondoukwé NP, Ndong Ngomo JM, Moutombi Ditombi BC, Mawili-Mboumba DP, Bouyou-Akotet MK. Prevalence and risk factors for blood filariasis among HIV-infected adults in Gabon, Central Africa: a pilot study. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2022; 116:1015-1021. [PMID: 35474144 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trac034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The level of blood filariasis parasitaemia as well as the frequency of and the relationship between cotrimoxazole prophylaxis (CTX-P), antiretroviral therapy (ART) intake and CD4 cell count among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) in rural areas of Gabon were being studied. METHODS Sociodemographic data and recent biological tests of PLHIV and HIV-negative participants were collected. Loa loa and Mansonella perstans microfilaria were detected by direct microscopy examination and leucoconcentration. RESULTS Overall, 209 HIV-positive and 148 HIV-negative subjects were enrolled. The overall prevalence of microfilaria was comparable between PLHIV (19.9% [n=41/206]) and HIV-negative participants (14.8% [n=22/148]) (p=0.2). The L. loa infection rate was comparable between HIV-positive (9.2%) and HIV-negative participants (6.8%) (p=0.2), while the M. perstans infection rate was 14-fold higher among PLHIV (p<0.01). L. loa parasitaemia was 6-fold lower in PLHIV receiving CTX-P (median 150 mf/mL [interquartile range {IQR} 125-350]) than in patients without (900 [550-2225]) (p<0.01). Among subjects with a CD4 cell count <200 cells/μL, the prevalence of M. perstans was 7-fold higher than that of L. loa (20.6% vs 2.9%). CONCLUSIONS This study suggests a similar exposure to L. loa infection of PLHIV and HIV-negative patients while M. perstans is more frequently found in HIV-positive individuals, notably those with a CD4 count <200 cells/μL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B Pongui Ngondza
- Department of Parasitology-Mycology and Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université des Sciences de la Santé, BP 4009, Libreville, Gabon
| | - J V Koumba Lengongo
- Department of Parasitology-Mycology and Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université des Sciences de la Santé, BP 4009, Libreville, Gabon
| | - P Mickala
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Université des Sciences et Techniques de Masuku, BP 901, Franceville, Gabon
| | - N P M'bondoukwé
- Department of Parasitology-Mycology and Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université des Sciences de la Santé, BP 4009, Libreville, Gabon
| | - J M Ndong Ngomo
- Department of Parasitology-Mycology and Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université des Sciences de la Santé, BP 4009, Libreville, Gabon
| | - B C Moutombi Ditombi
- Department of Parasitology-Mycology and Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université des Sciences de la Santé, BP 4009, Libreville, Gabon
| | - D P Mawili-Mboumba
- Department of Parasitology-Mycology and Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université des Sciences de la Santé, BP 4009, Libreville, Gabon
| | - M K Bouyou-Akotet
- Department of Parasitology-Mycology and Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université des Sciences de la Santé, BP 4009, Libreville, Gabon
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Veletzky L, Eberhardt KA, Hergeth J, Stelzl DR, Zoleko Manego R, Mombo-Ngoma G, Kreuzmair R, Burger G, Adegnika AA, Agnandji ST, Matsiegui PB, Boussinesq M, Mordmüller B, Ramharter M. Distinct loiasis infection states and associated clinical and hematological manifestations in patients from Gabon. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010793. [PMID: 36121900 PMCID: PMC9521832 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Loiasis–a filarial disease endemic in Central and West Africa–is increasingly recognized as significant individual and public health concern. While the understanding of the disease characteristics remains limited, significant morbidity and excess mortality have been demonstrated. Here, we characterize clinical and hematological findings in a large cohort from Gabon. Methods Loiasis-related clinical manifestations and microfilaremia, hemoglobin and differential blood counts were recorded prospectively during a cross-sectional survey. For analysis, participants were categorized into distinct infection states by the diagnostic criteria of eye worm history and microfilaremia. Results Analysis of data from 1,232 individuals showed that occurrence of clinical and hematological findings differed significantly between the infection states. Eye worm positivity was associated with a wide range of clinical manifestations while microfilaremia by itself was not. Loa loa infection was associated with presence of eosinophilia and absolute eosinophil counts were associated with extent of microfilaremia (p-adj. = 0.012, ß-estimate:0.17[0.04–0.31]). Conclusions Loiasis is a complex disease, causing different disease manifestations in patients from endemic regions. The consequences for the affected individuals or populations as well as the pathophysiological consequences of correlating eosinophilia are largely unknown. High-quality research on loiasis should be fostered to improve patient care and understanding of the disease. Loiasis is a parasitic disease, endemic in parts of Western and Central Africa. While the disease has traditionally been considered to be benign, only recently significant disease morbidity and mortality have been shown. Most of the knowledge about loiasis, however, stems from reports on returning travelers, while comprehensive data from patients living in endemic areas are missing. Blood microfilaremia and reported eye worm are important diagnostic manifestations of the disease, but they can occur independent of each other in affected individuals. We analyzed hematological and clinical findings according to loiasis infection states, comprising reported eye worm and microfilaremia positivity, in a large group of individuals from a highly endemic area. While we found that all loiasis infection states were significantly associated with absolute blood eosinophilia, the eosinophilia was more pronounced in microfilaremic loiasis. Further, there was an association between the extent of microfilaremia and absolute eosinophilia. Analyzing the frequency of clinical disease manifestations, we found that eye worm positive loiasis was associated with a range of symptoms, but microfilaremic loiasis was not. Summarizing, even in highly endemic populations different loiasis infection states are associated with distinct disease manifestations, underlining that loiasis is a versatile and indeed relevant disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luzia Veletzky
- Department of Medicine I, Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine & I. Dep. of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
- German Center For Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Borstel-Riems, Germany
- * E-mail: (LV); (MR)
| | - Kirsten Alexandra Eberhardt
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine & I. Dep. of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Daniel Robert Stelzl
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
- Department of Urology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Rella Zoleko Manego
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine & I. Dep. of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany & German Center for Infection Research, partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ghyslain Mombo-Ngoma
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine & I. Dep. of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany & German Center for Infection Research, partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ruth Kreuzmair
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
| | - Gerrit Burger
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany & German Center for Infection Research, partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ayôla Akim Adegnika
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany & German Center for Infection Research, partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Selidji Todagbe Agnandji
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany & German Center for Infection Research, partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Michel Boussinesq
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), UMI 233-TransVIHMI-Inserm U1175-University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Benjamin Mordmüller
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany & German Center for Infection Research, partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Radboud University Medical Center, Department of Medical Microbiology, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Michael Ramharter
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine & I. Dep. of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
- German Center For Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Borstel-Riems, Germany
- * E-mail: (LV); (MR)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Colorimetric and Real-Time Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) for Detection of Loa loa DNA in Human Blood Samples. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12051079. [PMID: 35626235 PMCID: PMC9139441 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12051079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Loiasis, caused by the filarial nematode Loa loa, is endemic in Central and West Africa. Loa loa has been associated with severe adverse reactions in high Loa-infected individuals receiving ivermectin during mass drug administration programs for the control of onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis. Diagnosis of loiasis still depends on microscopy in blood samples, but this is not effective for large-scale surveys. New diagnostics methods for loiasis are urgently needed. Previously, we developed a colorimetric high-sensitive and species-specific LAMP for Loa loa DNA detection. Here, we evaluate it in a set of 100 field-collected clinical samples stored as dried blood spots. In addition, Loa loa-LAMP was also evaluated in real-time testing and compared with microscopy and a specific PCR/nested PCR. A simple saponin/Chelex-based method was used to extract DNA. Colorimetric and real-time LAMP assays detected more samples with microscopy-confirmed Loa loa and Loa loa/Mansonella perstans mixed infections than PCR/nested-PCR. Samples with the highest Loa loa microfilariae counts were amplified faster in real-time LAMP assays. Our Loa loa-LAMP could be a promising molecular tool for the easy, rapid and accurate screening of patients for loiasis in endemic areas with low-resource settings. The real-time testing (feasible in a handheld device) could be very useful to rule out high-microfilariae loads in infected patients.
Collapse
|
8
|
Manock SR, Nsue VU, Olotu A, Mpina M, Nyakarungu E, Raso J, Mtoro A, Ondo Mangue ME, Ntutumu Pasialo BE, Nguema R, Riyahi P, Schindler T, Daubenberger C, Church LWP, Billingsley PF, Richie TL, Abdulla S, Hoffman SL. OUP accepted manuscript. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2022; 116:745-749. [PMID: 35394038 PMCID: PMC9355999 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trac019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Loa loa microfilariae were found on thick blood smears (TBSs) from 8 of 300 (2.7%) residents of Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea, during a Plasmodium falciparum sporozoite malaria vaccine clinical trial. Only one subject was found to have microfilaraemia on his first exam; parasites were not discovered in the other seven until subsequent TBSs were performed, at times many weeks into the study. All infected individuals were asymptomatic, and were offered treatment with diethylcarbamazine, per national guidelines. L. loa microfilaraemia complicated the enrolment or continued participation of these eight trial subjects, and only one was able to complete all study procedures. If ruling out loiasis is deemed to be important during clinical trials, tests that are more sensitive than TBSs should be performed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Vicente Urbano Nsue
- National Malaria Control Program, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea
| | - Ally Olotu
- Department of Interventions & Clinical Trials, Ifakara Health Institute, Box 74, Bagamoyo, Tanzania
- KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme, P.O. Box 230-80108 Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Maximillian Mpina
- Department of Interventions & Clinical Trials, Ifakara Health Institute, Box 74, Bagamoyo, Tanzania
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Clinical Immunology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Elizabeth Nyakarungu
- Department of Interventions & Clinical Trials, Ifakara Health Institute, Box 74, Bagamoyo, Tanzania
| | - José Raso
- National Malaria Control Program, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea
| | - Ali Mtoro
- Department of Interventions & Clinical Trials, Ifakara Health Institute, Box 74, Bagamoyo, Tanzania
| | - Martín Eka Ondo Mangue
- National Malaria Control Program, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea
| | | | - Rufino Nguema
- National Program for Onchocerciasis and Other Filariasis Control, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea
| | | | - Tobias Schindler
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Clinical Immunology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Daubenberger
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Clinical Immunology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Salim Abdulla
- Department of Interventions & Clinical Trials, Ifakara Health Institute, Box 74, Bagamoyo, Tanzania
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sandri TL, Kreidenweiss A, Cavallo S, Weber D, Juhas S, Rodi M, Woldearegai TG, Gmeiner M, Veletzky L, Ramharter M, Tazemda-Kuitsouc GB, Matsiegui PB, Mordmüller B, Held J. Molecular Epidemiology of Mansonella Species in Gabon. J Infect Dis 2021; 223:287-296. [PMID: 33099649 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Mansonella perstans, a filarial nematode, infects large populations in Africa and Latin America. Recently, a potential new species, Mansonella sp "DEUX," was reported. Carriage of endosymbiotic Wolbachia opens treatment options for Mansonella infections. Within a cross-sectional study, we assessed the prevalence of filarial infections in 834 Gabonese individuals and the presence of the endosymbiont Wolbachia. Almost half of the participants (400/834 [48%]) were infected with filarial nematodes, with Mansonella sp "DEUX" being the most frequent (295/400 [74%]), followed by Loa loa (273/400 [68%]) and Mansonella perstans (82/400 [21%]). Being adult/elderly, male, and living in rural areas was associated with a higher risk of infection. Wolbachia carriage was confirmed in M. perstans and Mansonella sp "DEUX." In silico analysis revealed that Mansonella sp "DEUX" is not detected with currently published M. perstans-specific assays. Mansonella infections are highly prevalent in Gabon and might have been underreported, likely also beyond Gabon.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thaisa Lucas Sandri
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Laboratory of Molecular Immunopathology, Department of Clinical Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Andrea Kreidenweiss
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon.,German Center for Infection Research, partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Simon Cavallo
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - David Weber
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sascha Juhas
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Miriam Rodi
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Tamirat Gebru Woldearegai
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon.,German Center for Infection Research, partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Markus Gmeiner
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Luzia Veletzky
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon.,Department of Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine and I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Michael Ramharter
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon.,Department of Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine and I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Benjamin Mordmüller
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon.,German Center for Infection Research, partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jana Held
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon.,German Center for Infection Research, partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Veletzky L, Hergeth J, Stelzl DR, Mischlinger J, Manego RZ, Mombo-Ngoma G, McCall MBB, Adegnika AA, Agnandji ST, Metzger WG, Matsiegui PB, Lagler H, Mordmüller B, Budke C, Ramharter M. Burden of disease in Gabon caused by loiasis: a cross-sectional survey. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2020; 20:1339-1346. [PMID: 32585133 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(20)30256-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loiasis is a highly prevalent helminth infection found in distinct regions of sub-Saharan Africa. The disease has been considered to be of minor clinical significance, but this belief is being increasingly challenged by recent evidence. We aimed to prospectively quantify the overall burden of disease caused by loiasis in an endemic region of Gabon, using disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). METHODS We did a cross-sectional survey during 2017 and 2018 in rural Gabon. Volunteers underwent diagnostic tests for loiasis and were given a standardised questionnaire on symptoms. Participants reporting eye worm migration or harbouring Loa loa microfilariae were defined as loiasis positive. Morbidity-based DALYs associated with loiasis were estimated for the rural population of Gabon. FINDINGS Between Sept 1, 2017 and May 31, 2018, 1235 participants residing in 38 villages in the Gabonese departments of Tsamba-Magotsi and Ogooué et des Lacs were screened. 626 (50·8%) of 1232 eligible participants had loiasis. 520 (42·2%) of 1232 participants reported eye worm migration. 478 (93·9%) of 509 individuals with eye worm migration also reported associated pain, and 397 (78·6%) of 505 reported vision disturbances. After correcting for age and sex, loiasis was significantly associated with a variety of symptoms, including transient painful oedema (adjusted odds ratio 1·76 [95% CI 1·37-2·26]) and arthralgia (1·30 [1·01-1·69]). Application of attributable fractions of correlating symptoms resulted in 412·9 (95% CI 273·9-567·7) morbidity-based DALYs per 100 000 people in rural Gabon. INTERPRETATION Loiasis, with the pathognomonic sign of eye worm migration, appears to not be benign, but severely impeding to affected individuals. Furthermore, loiasis is associated with substantial morbidity, comparable to that of other neglected tropical parasitic diseases. These findings call for reconsideration of L loa as a relevant pathogen in affected populations, with a need for more concerted research and control of these infections. FUNDING Federal Ministry of Science, Research and Economy of Austria, and the European Union.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luzia Veletzky
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine & I Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Lambaréné Medical Research Centre, Lambaréné, Gabon; Department of Medicine I, Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | | | - Johannes Mischlinger
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine & I Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Rella Zoleko Manego
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine & I Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Lambaréné Medical Research Centre, Lambaréné, Gabon; Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ghyslain Mombo-Ngoma
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine & I Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Lambaréné Medical Research Centre, Lambaréné, Gabon; Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Matthew B B McCall
- Lambaréné Medical Research Centre, Lambaréné, Gabon; Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research, Tübingen, Germany; Radboud University Medical Centre, Department of Medical Microbiology, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Ayôla A Adegnika
- Lambaréné Medical Research Centre, Lambaréné, Gabon; Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Selidji T Agnandji
- Lambaréné Medical Research Centre, Lambaréné, Gabon; Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Wolfram G Metzger
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Heimo Lagler
- Department of Medicine I, Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Benjamin Mordmüller
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christine Budke
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Michael Ramharter
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine & I Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Lambaréné Medical Research Centre, Lambaréné, Gabon.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Batsa Debrah L, Phillips RO, Pfarr K, Klarmann-Schulz U, Opoku VS, Nausch N, Owusu W, Mubarik Y, Sander AL, Lämmer C, Ritter M, Layland LE, Jacobsen M, Debrah AY, Hoerauf A. The Efficacy of Doxycycline Treatment on Mansonella perstans Infection: An Open-Label, Randomized Trial in Ghana. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 101:84-92. [PMID: 31162017 PMCID: PMC6609185 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.18-0491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Treating Mansonella perstans is challenged by the low efficacy of registered antihelminthics. Wolbachia endobacteria provide an alternative treatment target because depletion results in amicrofilaremia in filarial infections with Wuchereria bancrofti and Onchocerca volvulus infections. This open-label, randomized study sought to confirm that i) Wolbachia are present in M. perstans in Ghana and ii) doxycycline treatment will deplete Wolbachia and cause a slow, sustained decline in microfilariae (MF). Two hundred and two Ghanaians with M. perstans infection were randomized into early (immediate) and delayed (6 months deferred) treatment groups, given doxycycline 200 mg/day for 6 weeks, and monitored for MF and Wolbachia levels at baseline, 4, 12, and 24 months after the study onset (= time of randomization and start of treatment for the early group). Per protocol analysis revealed that the median MF/mL in the early group declined from 138 at baseline to 64 at month 4 and further to 0 at month 12. In the delayed group, MF load did not change from a baseline median of 97 to 102 at month 4 but declined to 42 at month 12, that is, 6 months after receiving treatment, trailing the early group as expected. By month 24, both treatment groups had reached a median MF level of 0. After treatment, Wolbachia were depleted from MF by ≥ 1-log drop compared with baseline levels. We conclude that M. perstans in Ghana harbor Wolbachia that are effectively depleted by doxycycline with subsequent reduction in MF loads, most likely because of interruption of fertility of adult worms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linda Batsa Debrah
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.,Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR), Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Richard O Phillips
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR), Kumasi, Ghana.,Department of Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Kenneth Pfarr
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ute Klarmann-Schulz
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Bonn, Germany.,Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Vera Serwaa Opoku
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR), Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Norman Nausch
- Department of General Paediatrics, Neonatology, and Paediatric Cardiology, University Children's Hospital, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Wellington Owusu
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR), Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Yusif Mubarik
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR), Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Anna-Lena Sander
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Christine Lämmer
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Manuel Ritter
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Laura E Layland
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Marc Jacobsen
- Department of General Paediatrics, Neonatology, and Paediatric Cardiology, University Children's Hospital, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Alexander Yaw Debrah
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.,Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR), Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Achim Hoerauf
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Bonn, Germany.,Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
M’bondoukwé NP, Kendjo E, Mawili-Mboumba DP, Koumba Lengongo JV, Offouga Mbouoronde C, Nkoghe D, Touré F, Bouyou-Akotet MK. Prevalence of and risk factors for malaria, filariasis, and intestinal parasites as single infections or co-infections in different settlements of Gabon, Central Africa. Infect Dis Poverty 2018; 7:6. [PMID: 29378644 PMCID: PMC5789590 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-017-0381-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria, filariasis, and intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are common and frequently overlap in developing countries. The prevalence and predictors of these infections were investigated in three different settlements (rural, semi-urban, and urban) of Gabon. METHODS During cross-sectional surveys performed from September 2013 to June 2014, 451 individuals were interviewed. In addition, blood and stool samples were analysed for the presence of Plasmodium, filarial roundworm, intestinal protozoan, and helminth infections. RESULTS Intestinal parasitic infections (61.1%), including intestinal protozoa (56.7%) and soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) (22.2%), predominated, whereas Plasmodium falciparum (18.8%), Loa loa (4.7%), and Mansonella perstans (1.1%) were less prevalent. Filariasis and STHs were mainly found in rural settlements, whereas a higher plasmodial infection prevalence rate was observed in the periurban area. The most common IPI was blastocystosis (48.6%), followed by ascaridiasis (13.7%), trichuriasis (11.8%), amoebiasis (9.3%), giardiasis (4.8%), and strongyloidiasis (3.7%). Hookworm was detected in one adult from rural Dienga. Adults had a higher prevalence of Blastocystis hominis and STHs, whereas Giardia duodenalis was more frequently observed among children aged below 5 years (P < 0.01). The polyparasitism rate was 41.5%, with 7.0% Plasmodium-IPIs and 1.8% Plasmodium-STH co-infections. The multivariate analysis showed that living in a suburban area, belonging to the age group of 5-15 years, having none or a secondary education, or having an open body water close to home were significant risk factors for malaria (P ≤ 0.01). For STH infections, identified risk factors were drinking untreated water and living in a rural area (P ≤ 0.04). No significant predictors were identified for IPIs and malaria-IPI co-infection. CONCLUSIONS This study reports a high prevalence of IPIs and intestinal protozoa, but a low rate of malaria-IPI co-infections in the study sites. Improvements in the living conditions of the population such as adequate water supply and proper health education and sanitation should be integrated into control strategies for malaria, STHs, and IPIs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noé Patrick M’bondoukwé
- Department of Parasitology-Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 4009, Libreville, Gabon
| | - Eric Kendjo
- Department of Parasitology-Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 4009, Libreville, Gabon
| | - Denise Patricia Mawili-Mboumba
- Department of Parasitology-Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 4009, Libreville, Gabon
| | - Jeanne Vanessa Koumba Lengongo
- Department of Parasitology-Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 4009, Libreville, Gabon
| | - Christelle Offouga Mbouoronde
- Department of Parasitology-Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 4009, Libreville, Gabon
| | - Dieudonné Nkoghe
- International Center for Medical Research of Franceville, Franceville, Gabon
| | - Fousseyni Touré
- International Center for Medical Research of Franceville, Franceville, Gabon
| | - Marielle Karine Bouyou-Akotet
- Department of Parasitology-Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 4009, Libreville, Gabon
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Sangare MB, Coulibaly YI, Coulibaly SY, Coulibaly ME, Traore B, Dicko I, Sissoko IM, Samake S, Traore SF, Nutman TB, Valenzuela JG, Faye O, Kamhawi S, Oliveira F, Semnani RT, Doumbia S. A cross-sectional study of the filarial and Leishmania co-endemicity in two ecologically distinct settings in Mali. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:18. [PMID: 29310700 PMCID: PMC5759231 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2531-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Filariasis and leishmaniasis are two neglected tropical diseases in Mali. Due to distribution and associated clinical features, both diseases are of concern to public health. The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of co-infection with filarial (Wuchereria bancrofti and Mansonella perstans) and Leishmania major parasites in two ecologically distinct areas of Mali, the Kolokani district (villages of Tieneguebougou and Bougoudiana) in North Sudan Savanna area, and the district of Kolondieba (village of Boundioba) in the South Sudan Savanna area. METHODS The prevalence of co-infection (filarial and Leishmania) was measured based on (i) Mansonella perstans microfilaremia count and/or filariasis immunochromatographic test (ICT) for Wuchereria bancrofti-specific circulating antigen, and (ii) the prevalence of delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses to Leishmania measured by leishmanin skin test (LST). RESULTS In this study, a total of 930 volunteers between the age of 18 and 65 were included from the two endemic areas of Kolokani and Kolondieba. In general, in both areas, filarial infection was more prevalent than Leishmania infection with an overall prevalence of 15.27% (142/930) including 8.7% (81/930) for Mansonella perstans and 8% (74/930) for Wuchereria bancrofti-specific circulating antigen. The prevalence of Leishmania major infection was 7.7% (72/930) and was significantly higher in Tieneguebougou and Bougoudiana (15.05%; 64/425) than in Boundioba (2.04%; 8/505) (χ2 = 58.66, P < 0.0001). Among the filarial infected population, nearly 10% (14/142) were also positive for Leishmania with an overall prevalence of co-infection of 1.50% (14/930) varying from 2.82% (12/425) in Tieneguebougou and Bougoudiana to 0.39% (2/505) in Boundioba (P = 0.0048). CONCLUSION This study established the existence of co-endemicity of filarial and Leishmania infections in specific regions of Mali. Since both filarial and Leishmania infections are vector-borne with mosquitoes and sand flies as respective vectors, an integrated vector control approach should be considered in co-endemic areas. The effect of potential interaction between filarial and Leishmania parasites on the disease outcomes may be further studied.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Moussa Brema Sangare
- International Center of Excellence in Research, Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology, Point G, Bamako, Mali
| | - Yaya Ibrahim Coulibaly
- International Center of Excellence in Research, Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology, Point G, Bamako, Mali
| | - Siaka Yamoussa Coulibaly
- International Center of Excellence in Research, Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology, Point G, Bamako, Mali
| | - Michel Emmanuel Coulibaly
- International Center of Excellence in Research, Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology, Point G, Bamako, Mali
| | - Bourama Traore
- International Center of Excellence in Research, Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology, Point G, Bamako, Mali
| | - Ilo Dicko
- International Center of Excellence in Research, Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology, Point G, Bamako, Mali
| | - Ibrahim Moussa Sissoko
- International Center of Excellence in Research, Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology, Point G, Bamako, Mali
| | - Sibiry Samake
- International Center of Excellence in Research, Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology, Point G, Bamako, Mali
| | - Sekou Fantamady Traore
- International Center of Excellence in Research, Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology, Point G, Bamako, Mali
| | | | | | - Ousmane Faye
- Centre National d’Appui à la lutte contre la Maladie (CNAM), Bamako, Mali
| | | | | | | | - Seydou Doumbia
- International Center of Excellence in Research, Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology, Point G, Bamako, Mali
| |
Collapse
|