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Macalanda AMC, Wanlop A, Ona KAL, Galon EMS, Khieu V, Sayasone S, Yajima A, Angeles JMM, Kawazu SI. Current advances in serological and molecular diagnosis of Schistosoma mekongi infection. Trop Med Health 2024; 52:32. [PMID: 38650044 PMCID: PMC11034094 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-024-00598-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease, caused by blood flukes belonging to the genus Schistosoma; it persists as a public health problem in selected regions throughout Africa, South America, and Asia. Schistosoma mekongi, a zoonotic schistosome species endemic to the Mekong River in Laos and Cambodia, is one of the significant causes of human schistosomiasis along with S. japonicum, S. mansoni, S. haematobium and S. intercalatum. Since its discovery, S. mekongi infection has been highly prevalent in communities along the Mekong River. Although surveillance and control measures have shown success in recent years, more robust diagnostic tools are still needed to establish more efficient control and prevention strategies to achieve and sustain an elimination status. Diagnosis of S. mekongi infection still relies on copro-parasitological techniques, commonly made by Kato-Katz stool examination. Serological techniques such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) may also be applicable but in a limited setting. Targeted molecular and serological tools specific to the species, on the other hand, have been limited. This is due, in part, to the limited research and studies on the molecular biology of S. mekongi since genome information of this species has not yet been released. In this review, current advances, and gaps and limitations in the molecular and immunological diagnosis of S. mekongi are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Miki C Macalanda
- Department of Immunopathology and Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Cavite State University, Indang, 4122, Cavite, Philippines.
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan.
| | - Atcharaphan Wanlop
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, 852-8131, Japan
| | - Kevin Austin L Ona
- College of Medicine, The University of the Philippines - Manila, Pedro Gil St., Ermita Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Eloiza May S Galon
- Department of Immunopathology and Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Cavite State University, Indang, 4122, Cavite, Philippines
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan
| | - Virak Khieu
- National Center for Parasitology, Entomology and Malaria Control, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | | | - Aya Yajima
- World Health Organization Regional Office for Southeast Asia, New Delhi, India
| | - Jose Ma M Angeles
- Department of Parasitology, College of Public Health, The University of the Philippines - Manila, Pedro Gil St., Ermita Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Shin-Ichiro Kawazu
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan.
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Sayasone S, Khattignavong P, Keomalaphet S, Prasayasith P, Soundala P, Sannikone S, Kumagai T, Phomhaksa S, Inthavong P, Matsumoto-Takahashi ELA, Hongvanthong B, Brey PT, Kano S, Iwagami M. Low Prevalence of Schistosoma mekongi Infection and High Prevalence of Other Helminth Infections among Domestic Animals in Southern Lao People's Democratic Republic. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:372. [PMID: 37505668 PMCID: PMC10384648 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8070372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of Schistosoma mekongi in humans in the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) has been relatively well monitored and has decreased due to effective interventions such as preventative chemotherapy with mass drug administration of praziquantel and community awareness programs. However, the prevalence among potential domestic reservoir animals remains broadly unclear, except for a few villages in the endemic area. Therefore, we conducted S. mekongi surveys for the domestic animals that had contact with Mekong River water. We conducted a cross-sectional study of the domestic animals in the seven sentinel villages in the Khong and Mounlapamok Districts of Champasak Province in southern Lao PDR in 2018 by random sampling with a statistically reliable sample size. Stool samples of the five predominant domestic animal species, cattle (n = 160), pig (n = 154), buffalo (n = 149), dog (n = 143), and goat (n = 85), were collected and examined using parasitological FECT method and the LAMP technique. The microscopic analysis did not detect any eggs of S. mekongi in the stool samples of any animal species. However, S. mekongi DNA was detected by the LAMP test in dog stool samples (0.7%; 1/143). On the other hand, the prevalence of other helminths was quite high and heterogeneous among animal species and sentinel sites by the microscopic analysis. These findings suggested that an intervention for S. mekongi infection should focus solely on human populations. However, periodic surveillance for S. mekongi infection among dogs should be conducted to monitor a possible resurgence of S. mekongi infection in the domestic animal population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somphou Sayasone
- Lao Tropical and Public Health Institute, Ministry of Health, Vientiane Capital 0103, Laos
| | | | | | | | - Pheovaly Soundala
- Institut Pasteur du Laos, Ministry of Health, Vientiane Capital P.O. Box 3560, Laos
| | | | - Takashi Kumagai
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| | - Souk Phomhaksa
- National Animal Health Laboratory, Department of Livestock and Fishery, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Vientiane Capital P.O. Box 6644, Laos
| | - Phouth Inthavong
- National Animal Health Laboratory, Department of Livestock and Fishery, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Vientiane Capital P.O. Box 6644, Laos
| | - Emilie Louise Akiko Matsumoto-Takahashi
- Graduate School of Public Health, St. Luke's International University, 3-6-2-5F Tsukiji, Chuo, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Malaria, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-21-1 Toyama, Shinjuku, Tokyo 162-8655, Japan
| | - Bouasy Hongvanthong
- Center of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology, Ministry of Health, Vientiane Capital P.O. Box 0100, Laos
| | - Paul T Brey
- Institut Pasteur du Laos, Ministry of Health, Vientiane Capital P.O. Box 3560, Laos
| | - Shigeyuki Kano
- Institut Pasteur du Laos, Ministry of Health, Vientiane Capital P.O. Box 3560, Laos
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Malaria, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-21-1 Toyama, Shinjuku, Tokyo 162-8655, Japan
| | - Moritoshi Iwagami
- Institut Pasteur du Laos, Ministry of Health, Vientiane Capital P.O. Box 3560, Laos
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Malaria, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-21-1 Toyama, Shinjuku, Tokyo 162-8655, Japan
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Detection of Schistosoma mekongi DNA in Human Stool and Intermediate Host Snail Neotricula aperta via Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Assay in Lao PDR. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11121413. [PMID: 36558747 PMCID: PMC9785648 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11121413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis mekongi infection represents a public health concern in Laos and Cambodia. While both countries have made significant progress in disease control over the past few decades, eradication has not yet been achieved. Recently, several studies reported the application of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for detecting Schistosoma DNA in low-transmission settings. The objective of this study was to develop a LAMP assay for Schistosoma mekongi using a simple DNA extraction method. In particular, we evaluated the utility of the LAMP assay for detecting S. mekongi DNA in human stool and snail samples in endemic areas in Laos. We then used the LAMP assay results to develop a risk map for monitoring schistosomiasis mekongi and preventing epidemics. A total of 272 stool samples were collected from villagers on Khon Island in the southern part of Laos in 2016. DNA for LAMP assays was extracted via the hot-alkaline method. Following the Kato-Katz method, we determined that 0.4% (1/272) of the stool samples were positive for S. mekongi eggs, as opposed to 2.9% (8/272) for S. mekongi DNA based on the LAMP assays. Snail samples (n = 11,762) were annually collected along the riverside of Khon Island from 2016 to 2018. DNA was extracted from pooled snails as per the hot-alkaline method. The LAMP assay indicated that the prevalence of S. mekongi in snails was 0.26% in 2016, 0.08% in 2017, and less than 0.03% in 2018. Based on the LAMP assay results, a risk map for schistosomiasis with kernel density estimation was created, and the distribution of positive individuals and snails was consistent. In a subsequent survey of residents, schistosomiasis prevalence among villagers with latrines at home was lower than that among villagers without latrines. This is the first study to develop and evaluate a LAMP assay for S. mekongi detection in stools and snails. Our findings indicate that the LAMP assay is an effective method for monitoring pathogen prevalence and creating risk maps for schistosomiasis.
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Limpanont Y, Phuphisut O, Reamtong O, Adisakwattana P. Recent advances in Schistosoma mekongi ecology, transcriptomics and proteomics of relevance to snail control. Acta Trop 2020; 202:105244. [PMID: 31669533 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.105244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Mekong schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma mekongi is a public health problem that occurs along the border between southern Laos and northern Cambodia. Given its restricted distribution and low prevalence, eventual eradication via an effective control program can be expected to be successful. To achieve this goal detailed knowledge of its basic biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, and pathology is urgently required. In this regard, recent studies on transcriptome analysis of adult male and female S. mekongi worms, and proteome analysis of developmental stages have been reported and are discussed here. The biology, habitat, and distribution of the snail intermediate host Neotricula aperta, which are factors in disease transmission, are discussed in this review. These have initiated renewed interest in S. mekongi research and contributed promising data that will be utilized in the generation of effective control and prevention strategies.
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Grant JR, Pilotte N, Williams SA. A Case for Using Genomics and a Bioinformatics Pipeline to Develop Sensitive and Species-Specific PCR-Based Diagnostics for Soil-Transmitted Helminths. Front Genet 2019; 10:883. [PMID: 31608116 PMCID: PMC6768101 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The balance of expense and ease of use vs. specificity and sensitivity in diagnostic assays for helminth disease is an important consideration, with expense and ease often winning out in endemic areas where funds and sophisticated equipment may be scarce. In this review, we argue that molecular diagnostics, specifically new assays that have been developed with the aid of next-generation sequence data and robust bioinformatic tools, more than make up for their expense with the benefit of a clear and precise assessment of the situation on the ground. Elimination efforts associated with the London Declaration and the World Health Organization (WHO) 2020 Roadmap have resulted in areas of low disease incidence and reduced infection burdens. An accurate assessment of infection levels is critical for determining where and when the programs can be successfully ended. Thus, more sensitive assays are needed in locations where elimination efforts are approaching a successful conclusion. Although microscopy or more general PCR targets have a role to play, they can mislead and cause study results to be confounded. Hyper-specific qPCR assays enable a more definitive assessment of the situation in the field, as well as of shifting dynamics and emerging diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica R. Grant
- Department of Biological Sciences, Smith College, Northampton, MA, United States
| | - Nils Pilotte
- Department of Biological Sciences, Smith College, Northampton, MA, United States
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States
| | - Steven A. Williams
- Department of Biological Sciences, Smith College, Northampton, MA, United States
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States
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Tantrawatpan C, Saijuntha W, Manochantr S, Kheolamai P, Thanchomnang T, Sadaow L, Intapan PM, Maleewong W. A singleplex real-time fluorescence resonance energy transfer PCR with melting curve analysis for the differential detection of Paragonimus heterotremus, Echinostoma malayanum and Fasciola gigantica eggs in faeces. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2016; 110:74-83. [PMID: 26740365 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trv098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Because the eggs of Paragonimus, Echinostoma and Fasciola are very similar in size and shape, it is difficult to distinguish and accurately identify species by the morphology of their eggs, which is a standard diagnostic method. METHODS In this study, a novel assay combining a real-time fluorescence resonance energy transfer PCR and melting curve analysis using one set of primers and fluorophore-labelled hybridization probes specific for the 28S rDNA region was developed for the molecular detection of Paragonimus heterotremus, Echinostoma malayanum and Fasciola gigantica eggs. RESULTS This assay could detect and distinguish P. heterotremus, E. malayanum and F. gigantica DNA with the distinct melting temperature (Tm) values of 57.99±0.08, 62.12±0.15 and 74.10±0.18, respectively. The assay can also be used to detect and distinguish DNA from P. bangkokensis, P. harinasutai, P. machorchis, E. revolutum, Hypodereum conoideum and F. hepatica, which have different Tm values. The sensitivity of this assay enabled the detection of one egg of P. heterotremus, E. malayanum or F. gigantica per 100 mg of faeces. In addition, the specificity testing showed no fluorescence signal for other parasites. CONCLUSIONS Due to the sensitivity and specificity of our assay in detecting P. heterotremus, E. malayanum and F. gigantica, our method could be used to accurately diagnose these three medically important parasitic groups and has potential implications for molecular epidemiological investigations of human and/or animal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chairat Tantrawatpan
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, Thailand Center of Excellence in Stem Cell Research, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, Thailand Research and Diagnostic Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Weerachai Saijuntha
- Walai Rukhavej Botanical Research Institute (WRBRI), Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham, Thailand
| | - Sirikul Manochantr
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, Thailand Center of Excellence in Stem Cell Research, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, Thailand
| | - Pakpoom Kheolamai
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, Thailand Center of Excellence in Stem Cell Research, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, Thailand
| | - Tongjit Thanchomnang
- Research and Diagnostic Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand Faculty of Medicine, Mahasarakham University, Mahasarakham, Thailand
| | - Lakkhana Sadaow
- Research and Diagnostic Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Pewpan M Intapan
- Research and Diagnostic Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Wanchai Maleewong
- Research and Diagnostic Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
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Kongklieng A, Kaewkong W, Intapan PM, Sanpool O, Janwan P, Thanchomnang T, Lulitanond V, Sri-Aroon P, Limpanont Y, Maleewong W. Molecular differentiation of Schistosoma japonicum and Schistosoma mekongi by real-time PCR with high resolution melting analysis. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2013; 51:651-6. [PMID: 24516269 PMCID: PMC3916453 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2013.51.6.651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2013] [Revised: 08/07/2013] [Accepted: 10/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Human schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma japonicum and Schistosoma mekongi is a chronic and debilitating helminthic disease still prevalent in several countries of Asia. Due to morphological similarities of cercariae and eggs of these 2 species, microscopic differentiation is difficult. High resolution melting (HRM) real-time PCR is developed as an alternative tool for the detection and differentiation of these 2 species. A primer pair was designed for targeting the 18S ribosomal RNA gene to generate PCR products of 156 base pairs for both species. The melting points of S. japonicum and S. mekongi PCR products were 84.5±0.07℃ and 85.7±0.07℃, respectively. The method permits amplification from a single cercaria or an egg. The HRM real-time PCR is a rapid and simple tool for differentiation of S. japonicum and S. mekongi in the intermediate and final hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amornmas Kongklieng
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand. ; Research and Diagnostic Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Worasak Kaewkong
- Research and Diagnostic Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand. ; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, 65000 Thailand
| | - Pewpan M Intapan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand. ; Research and Diagnostic Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Oranuch Sanpool
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand. ; Research and Diagnostic Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Penchom Janwan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand. ; Research and Diagnostic Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Tongjit Thanchomnang
- Research and Diagnostic Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand. ; Faculty of Medicine, Mahasarakham University, Mahasarakham 44000, Thailand
| | - Viraphong Lulitanond
- Research and Diagnostic Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand. ; Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Pusadee Sri-Aroon
- Applied Malacology Center, Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Yanin Limpanont
- Applied Malacology Center, Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Wanchai Maleewong
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand. ; Research and Diagnostic Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
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Pyrosequencing for rapid molecular identification of Schistosoma japonicum and S. mekongi eggs and cercariae. Exp Parasitol 2013; 135:148-52. [PMID: 23831037 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2013.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2013] [Revised: 05/17/2013] [Accepted: 06/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, which is caused by Schistosoma japonicum and S. mekongi, is a chronic and dangerous widespread disease affecting several countries in Asia. Differentiation between S. japonicum and S. mekongi eggs and/or cercariae via microscopic examination is difficult due to morphological similarities. It is important to identify these etiological agents isolated from animals and humans at the species or genotype level. In this study, a pyrosequencing assay designed to detect S. japonicum and S. mekongi DNA in fecal samples and infected snails was developed and evaluated as an alternative tool to diagnose schistosomiasis. New primers targeting the 18S ribosomal RNA gene were designated for specific amplification. S. japonicum and S. mekongi were identified using a 43-nucleotide pattern of the 18S ribosomal RNA gene and were differentiated using 7 nucleotides within this region. S. japonicum and S. mekongi-infected snails and fecal samples derived from infected mice and rats were differentially detected within a short period of time. The analytical sensitivity of the method enabled the identification of as little as a single cercaria artificially introduced into a pool of 10 non-infected snails and 2 eggs inoculated in 100mg of non-infected fecal sample. To evaluate the comparative efficacy of the assay, identical samples were also analyzed via microscopy and Sanger sequencing. The pyrosequencing technique was found to be superior to the microscopy method and more rapid than the Sanger sequencing method. These results suggest that the pyrosequencing assay is rapid, simple, sensitive and accurate in identifying S. japonicum and S. mekongi in intermediate hosts and fecal samples of the final host.
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