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Gandasegui J, Fleitas PE, Petrone P, Grau-Pujol B, Novela V, Rubio E, Muchisse O, Cossa A, Jamine JC, Sacoor C, Brienen EAT, van Lieshout L, Muñoz J, Casals-Pascual C. Baseline gut microbiota diversity and composition and albendazole efficacy in hookworm-infected individuals. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:387. [PMID: 39267171 PMCID: PMC11395646 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06469-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections account for a significant global health burden, necessitating mass drug administration with benzimidazole-class anthelmintics, such as albendazole (ALB), for morbidity control. However, ALB efficacy shows substantial variability, presenting challenges for achieving consistent treatment outcomes. We have explored the potential impact of the baseline gut microbiota on ALB efficacy in hookworm-infected individuals through microbiota profiling and machine learning (ML) techniques. Our investigation included 89 stool samples collected from hookworm-infected individuals that were analyzed by microscopy and quantitative PCR (qPCR). Of these, 44 were negative by microscopy for STH infection using the Kato-Katz method and qPCR 21 days after treatment, which entails a cure rate of 49.4%. Microbiota characterization was based on amplicon sequencing of the V3-V4 16S ribosomal RNA gene region. Alpha and beta diversity analyses revealed no significant differences between participants who were cured and those who were not cured, suggesting that baseline microbiota diversity does not influence ALB treatment outcomes. Furthermore, differential abundance analysis at the phylum, family and genus levels yielded no statistically significant associations between bacterial communities and ALB efficacy. Utilizing supervised ML models failed to predict treatment response accurately. Our investigation did not provide conclusive insights into the relationship between gut microbiota and ALB efficacy. However, the results highlight the need for future research to incorporate longitudinal studies that monitor changes in the gut microbiota related to the infection and the cure with ALB, as well as functional metagenomics to better understand the interaction of the microbiome with the drug, and its role, if there is any, in modulating anthelmintic treatment outcomes in STH infections. Interdisciplinary approaches integrating microbiology, pharmacology, genetics and data science will be pivotal in advancing our understanding of STH infections and optimizing treatment strategies globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Gandasegui
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Pedro E Fleitas
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paula Petrone
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Berta Grau-Pujol
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Manhiça Health Research Centre (CISM), Manhiça City, Mozambique
- Mundo Sano Foundation, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Elisa Rubio
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Clinical Microbiology (CDB), Hospital Clínic-University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Anélsio Cossa
- Manhiça Health Research Centre (CISM), Manhiça City, Mozambique
| | | | | | - Eric A T Brienen
- Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases, Parasitology Research Group, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Lisette van Lieshout
- Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases, Parasitology Research Group, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - José Muñoz
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Climent Casals-Pascual
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Clinical Microbiology (CDB), Hospital Clínic-University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Dommann J, Kerbl-Knapp J, Albertos Torres D, Egli A, Keiser J, Schneeberger PHH. A novel barcoded nanopore sequencing workflow of high-quality, full-length bacterial 16S amplicons for taxonomic annotation of bacterial isolates and complex microbial communities. mSystems 2024:e0085924. [PMID: 39254034 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00859-24] [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: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Due to recent improvements, Nanopore sequencing has become a promising method for experiments relying on amplicon sequencing. We describe a flexible workflow to generate and annotate high-quality, full-length 16S rDNA amplicons. We evaluated it for two applications, namely, (i) identification of bacterial isolates and (ii) species-level profiling of microbial communities. We assessed the identification of single bacterial isolates by sequencing, using a set of barcoded full-length 16S rRNA gene primer pairs (pair A), on 47 isolates encompassing multiple genera and compared those results with matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS)-based identification. Species-level community profiling was tested with two sets of barcoded full-length 16S primer pairs (A and B) and compared to the results obtained with shotgun Illumina sequencing using 27 stool samples. We developed a Nextflow pipeline to retain high-quality reads and taxonomically annotate them. We found high agreement between our workflow and MALDI-TOF data for isolate identification (positive predictive value = 0.90, Cramér's V = 0.857, and Theil's U = 0.316). For species-level community profiling, we found strong correlations (rs > 0.6) of alpha diversity indices between the two primer sets and Illumina sequencing. At the community level, we found significant but small differences when comparing sequencing techniques. Finally, we found a moderate to strong correlation when comparing the relative abundances of individual species (average rs = 0.6 and 0.533 for primers A and B). Despite identified shortcomings, the proposed workflow enabled accurate identification of single bacterial isolates and prominent features in microbial communities, making it a worthwhile alternative to MALDI-TOF MS and Illumina sequencing.IMPORTANCEA quick, robust, simple, and cost-effective method to identify bacterial isolates and communities in each sample is indispensable in the fields of microbiology and infection biology. Recent technological advances in Oxford Nanopore Technologies sequencing make this technique an attractive option considering the adaptability, portability, and cost-effectiveness of the platform, even with small sequencing batches. Here, we validated a flexible workflow to identify bacterial isolates and characterize bacterial communities using the Oxford Nanopore Technologies sequencing platform combined with the most recent v14 chemistry kits. For bacterial isolates, we compared our nanopore-based approach to matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry-based identification. For species-level profiling of complex bacterial communities, we compared our nanopore-based approach to Illumina shotgun sequencing. For reproducibility purposes, we wrapped the code used to process the sequencing data into a ready-to-use and self-contained Nextflow pipeline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Dommann
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jakob Kerbl-Knapp
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Diana Albertos Torres
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Clinical Bacteriology and Mycology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Applied Microbiology Research, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Adrian Egli
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Clinical Bacteriology and Mycology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Applied Microbiology Research, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Pierre H H Schneeberger
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Nguélé AT, Carrara C, Mozzicafreddo M, Chen H, Piersanti A, Salum SS, Ali SM, Miceli C. Association between Food or Nutrients and Gut Microbiota in Healthy and Helminth-Infected Women of Reproductive Age from Zanzibar, Tanzania. Nutrients 2024; 16:1266. [PMID: 38732513 PMCID: PMC11085056 DOI: 10.3390/nu16091266] [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: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Modulating the gut microbiota is recognised as one strategy for preventing and fighting diseases. While the significant impact of diet on the gut microbiota's composition and function has been extensively researched, there is a notable lack of studies on the interactions between diet, microbiota, and helminth infections. Here, we used a combination of self-reported food intake and a 16S rDNA sequencing approach to analyse the composition of the gut microbiota in women of reproductive age from the two main islands of the Zanzibar archipelago, where helminth infections are endemic. We also applied a Spearman correlation analysis to food/nutrients and gut microbiota. Our results reveal that, despite close ethnic and cultural ties, the participants' gut microbiota differs depending on their location. A nutrient intake analysis revealed deficiencies in minerals and vitamins, indicating an imbalanced diet. A correlation analysis identified bacterial taxa consistently correlated with specific food or nutrients in healthy women from both locations, and in two types of helminth infections. Escherichia/Shigella abundances, usually associated with Trichuris trichiura infection, consistently correlated with insufficient levels of vitamins B2 and B12. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the increased consumption of specific food like cassava and fish, as well as essential nutrients such as calcium, B vitamins, and vitamin A, may modulate the gut microbiota of populations residing in regions where helminth infections are endemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aristide Toussaint Nguélé
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (A.T.N.); (C.C.); (H.C.); (A.P.)
| | - Chiara Carrara
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (A.T.N.); (C.C.); (H.C.); (A.P.)
| | - Matteo Mozzicafreddo
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, 60126 Ancona, Italy;
| | - Hongliang Chen
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (A.T.N.); (C.C.); (H.C.); (A.P.)
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin Provincial Engineering Research Center of Animal Probiotics, Key Laboratory of Animal Production and Product Quality Safety of Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Angela Piersanti
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (A.T.N.); (C.C.); (H.C.); (A.P.)
| | - Salum Seif Salum
- School of Health and Medical Sciences, State University of Zanzibar, Zanzibar 146, Tanzania;
| | - Said M. Ali
- Public Health Laboratory Ivo de Carneri, Chake Chake 122, Tanzania;
| | - Cristina Miceli
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (A.T.N.); (C.C.); (H.C.); (A.P.)
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Yang L, Li D, Sun S, Liu D, Wang Y, Liu X, Zhou B, Nie W, Li L, Wang Y, Sha S, Li Y, Shen C, Tao J. Dupilumab therapy improves gut microbiome dysbiosis and tryptophan metabolism in Chinese patients with atopic dermatitis. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 131:111867. [PMID: 38493690 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dupilumab has demonstrate its potential to orchestrate inflammatory skin microenvironment, enhance skin barrier and shift skin microbiome dysbiosis, collectively contributing to clinical improvement in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). As the second genome of human body, growing evidence suggests that the gut microbiome might relate to the host response to treatments. Little is known about the association between dupilumab treatment and gut microbiome in AD patients. OBJECTIVE We aimed to characterize the gut microbiome among Chinese subjects with or without AD and determine the potential effect of dupilumab on the gut microbiome. RESULTS The 16 s rRNA gene sequencing was conducted on 48 healthy controls (HC), 44 AD patients and 27 AD patients who received dupilumab for 16 weeks. Prior to treatment, we identified the changed beta-diversity, increased Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, decreased Bifidobacterium and expanded Faecalibacterium among the AD patients compared to HC. After 16 weeks of dupilumab treatment, gut microbiome dysbiosis of the AD patients improved with reversed beta-diversity, closer bacterial connections, increased colonization of Bifidobacterium, Ruminococcus gnavus, and Coprococcus, which were negatively correlated with disease severity indicators. This shift was largely independent of the degree of clinical improvement. Bacterial function analysis revealed further metabolic alterations following dupilumab treatment, including up-regulated expression of genes involved in the indole pathway of tryptophan metabolism, corroborated by quantitative UHPLC-MS/MS analysis. CONCLUSION Dupilumab treatment tends to help shift the gut microbial dysbiosis in AD patients to a healthier state, along with improved intestinal tryptophan metabolism, suggesting the gut flora and its metabolites may mediate part of the synergistic therapeutic effects on the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu Yang
- Department of Dermatology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Hubei Engineering Research Center for Skin Repair and Theranostics, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Danqi Li
- Department of Dermatology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Hubei Engineering Research Center for Skin Repair and Theranostics, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Shuomin Sun
- Department of Dermatology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Hubei Engineering Research Center for Skin Repair and Theranostics, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Danping Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xiaohuan Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410007, Hunan, China
| | - Bin Zhou
- Department of Dermatology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Hubei Engineering Research Center for Skin Repair and Theranostics, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Wenjia Nie
- Department of Dermatology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Hubei Engineering Research Center for Skin Repair and Theranostics, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Lu Li
- Department of Dermatology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Hubei Engineering Research Center for Skin Repair and Theranostics, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Yifei Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Hubei Engineering Research Center for Skin Repair and Theranostics, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Shanshan Sha
- Department of Dermatology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Hubei Engineering Research Center for Skin Repair and Theranostics, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Dermatology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Hubei Engineering Research Center for Skin Repair and Theranostics, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Chen Shen
- Department of Dermatology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Hubei Engineering Research Center for Skin Repair and Theranostics, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Juan Tao
- Department of Dermatology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Hubei Engineering Research Center for Skin Repair and Theranostics, Wuhan 430022, China.
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5
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Welsche S, Schneeberger PHH, Hattendorf J, Sayasone S, Hürlimann E, Keiser J. Egg excretion patterns of soil-transmitted helminth infections in humans following albendazole-ivermectin and albendazole treatment. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012073. [PMID: 38517907 PMCID: PMC10990175 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012073] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Control efforts of soil-transmitted helminthiases rely primarily on large scale administration of anthelminthic drugs. The assessment of drug efficacies and understanding of drug behavior is pivotal to the evaluation of treatment successes, both in preventive chemo-therapy programs as well as in research of novel treatment options. The current WHO guidelines recommend an interval of 14-21 days between the treatment and follow-up, yet no in-depth analysis of egg excretion patterns of Trichuris trichiura after treatment has been conducted to date. METHODS Within the framework of a multi-country trial to assess the efficacy and safety of albendazole-ivermectin combination therapy vs albendazole monotherapy against T. trichiura infections, we conducted a study collecting daily stool samples over the period of 28 days post-treatment in 87 participants in Pak Khan, Lao PDR. Egg counts were derived by duplicate Kato-Katz on-site for T. trichiura, hookworm and Ascaris lumbricoides and stool sample aliquots were subsequently analyzed by qPCR for the detection of T. trichiura infections. Sensitivity and specificity was calculated for each day separately using data derived by Kato-Katz to determine the optimal timepoint at which to assess drug efficacy. RESULTS Egg excretion patterns varied across treatment arms. For T. trichiura, only the albendazole-ivermectin treatment led to a considerable reduction in mean egg counts, whereas both treatments reduced hookworm egg counts and A. lumbricoides were cleared in all participants after day 7. For T. trichiura, we found sensitivity to be highest at days 18 and 22 when using egg counts as outcome and days 19 and 24 when using qPCR. Specificity was high (>0.9) from day 14 onwards. For hookworm, the highest sensitivity and specificity were found at days 17 and 25, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Based on our study, the ideal time period to assess drug efficacy for soil-transmitted helminth infections would be between day 18 and 24. The current WHO recommendation of 14 to 21 days is likely to yield acceptable outcome measures for soil-transmitted helminth infections. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT03527732.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Welsche
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Pierre H. H. Schneeberger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jan Hattendorf
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Eveline Hürlimann
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Schärer A, Biendl S, Keiser J. Trichuris muris egg-hatching assay for anthelminthic drug discovery and characterization. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2023; 23:63-70. [PMID: 37856948 PMCID: PMC10590722 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2023.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Trichuriasis is a neglected tropical disease widely distributed among tropical and sub-tropical areas and associated with poverty and lack of access to safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene. Existing drugs have limited efficacy and face a constant risk of developing resistance, necessitating the search for alternative treatments. However, drug discovery efforts are sparse and little research has been performed on anthelminthic effects on embryonated eggs, the infectious life stage of Trichuris spp. We examined bacterial species dependent egg hatching of the murine model parasite Trichuris muris and identified Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter hormaechei effective as hatching inducers, resulting in hatching yields of 50-70%. Streptococcus salivarius, reported to be associated with reduced drug efficacy of ivermectin-albendazole coadministration in Trichuris trichiura infected patients, did not promote egg hatching in vitro. We optimized hatching conditions using E. coli grown in luria broth or brain-heart infusion media to reach consistently high hatching yields to provide a sensitive, robust and simple egg-hatching assay. Oxantel pamoate demonstrated the strongest potency in preventing hatching, with an EC50 value of 2-4 μM after 24 h, while pyrantel pamoate, levamisole and tribendimidine exhibited only moderate to weak inhibitory effects. Conversely, all tested benzimidazoles and macrolide anthelminthics as well as emodepside failed to prevent hatching (EC50 > 100 μM). Our study demonstrates that egg-hatching assays complement larval and adult stage drug sensitivity assays, to expand knowledge about effects of current anthelminthics on Trichuris spp. Further, the developed T. muris egg-hatching assay provides a simple and cheap screening tool that could potentially lead to the discovery of novel anthelminthic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Schärer
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, CH-4123 Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, CH-4003, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Biendl
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, CH-4123 Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, CH-4003, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, CH-4123 Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, CH-4003, Basel, Switzerland.
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7
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Liu L, Mahalak KK, Bobokalonov JT, Narrowe AB, Firrman J, Lemons JMS, Bittinger K, Hu W, Jones SM, Moustafa AM. Impact of Ivermectin on the Gut Microbial Ecosystem. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16125. [PMID: 38003317 PMCID: PMC10671733 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216125] [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: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Ivermectin is a an anti-helminthic that is critical globally for both human and veterinary care. To the best of our knowledge, information available regarding the influence of ivermectin (IVM) on the gut microbiota has only been collected from diseased donors, who were treated with IVM alone or in combination with other medicines. Results thus obtained were influenced by multiple elements beyond IVM, such as disease, and other medical treatments. The research presented here investigated the impact of IVM on the gut microbial structure established in a Triple-SHIME® (simulator of the human intestinal microbial ecosystem), using fecal material from three healthy adults. The microbial communities were grown using three different culture media: standard SHIME media and SHIME media with either soluble or insoluble fiber added (control, SF, ISF). IVM introduced minor and temporary changes to the gut microbial community in terms of composition and metabolite production, as revealed by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing analysis, flow cytometry, and GC-MS. Thus, it was concluded that IVM is not expected to induce dysbiosis or yield adverse effects if administered to healthy adults. In addition, the donor's starting community influences the relationship between IVM and the gut microbiome, and the soluble fiber component in feed could protect the gut microbiota from IVM; an increase in short-chain fatty acid production was predicted by PICRUSt2 and detected with IVM treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- LinShu Liu
- Dairy and Functional Foods Research Unit, Eastern Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Wyndmoor, PA 19038, USA
| | - Karley K. Mahalak
- Dairy and Functional Foods Research Unit, Eastern Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Wyndmoor, PA 19038, USA
| | - Jamshed T. Bobokalonov
- Dairy and Functional Foods Research Unit, Eastern Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Wyndmoor, PA 19038, USA
| | - Adrienne B. Narrowe
- Dairy and Functional Foods Research Unit, Eastern Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Wyndmoor, PA 19038, USA
| | - Jenni Firrman
- Dairy and Functional Foods Research Unit, Eastern Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Wyndmoor, PA 19038, USA
| | - Johanna M. S. Lemons
- Dairy and Functional Foods Research Unit, Eastern Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Wyndmoor, PA 19038, USA
| | - Kyle Bittinger
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Weiming Hu
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Steven M. Jones
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ahmed M. Moustafa
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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8
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Appiah-Twum F, Akorli J, Okyere L, Sagoe K, Osabutey D, Cappello M, Wilson MD. The effect of single dose albendazole (400 mg) treatment on the human gut microbiome of hookworm-infected Ghanaian individuals. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11302. [PMID: 37438457 PMCID: PMC10338455 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38376-3] [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: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbes play a key role in human gut homeostasis, metabolic, immunologic and physiopathology of the body. A longitudinal study conducted during 2018-2021 in the Kintampo North Municipality in Ghana demonstrated low hookworm infection cure rates following treatment with a single dose of 400 mg albendazole in some communities. To investigate associations between hookworm infection and the gut microbiome, we examined stool samples from consented participants who were either cured or remained infected after treatment. At each time point, stool was collected prior to and 10-14 days after albendazole treatment. We used 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing of DNA extracted from stool samples to investigate the composition and diversity of the gut microbiota and to identify potential microbial biomarkers associated with treatment outcomes. Hookworm infection was associated with increased species richness (p = 0.0093). Among treated individuals, there was also a significant variation in microbiota composition at 10-14 days following single-dose albendazole treatment. Individuals cured of hookworm infection after treatment showed a significant reduction in microbiota composition when compared to their pre-treatment state (ANOSIM; p = 0.02), whilst individuals who failed to clear the infection showed no change in microbiota composition (ANOSIM; p = 0.35). Uninfected individuals and those who were successfully treated were similar in their microbial composition and structure. We also found that the abundance of Clostridia spp. was increased in infected individuals pre- or post-treatment. Predictive functional profiling revealed the enrichment of two pyruvate ferredoxin oxidoreductase subunit pathways in individuals who remained infected after treatment (p < 0.05), alluding to an upturn of strictly anaerobic commensal bacteria such as Clostridia spp. This study suggests a relationship between human gut microbiome dysbiosis and albendazole therapy outcomes of hookworm infection. Future studies will further characterize specific biomarkers identified within this study to establish their potential for assessment of pharmacological responses to anthelminthic therapies, as well as explore the possibility of using probiotic supplementation as an adjunct treatment to increase albendazole effectiveness against hookworm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis Appiah-Twum
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, PO Box LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Jewelna Akorli
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, PO Box LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Lydia Okyere
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, PO Box LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, 2522 Vet Med Basic Sciences Bldg., 2001 South Lincoln Avenue, Urbana, IL, 61802, USA
| | - Kate Sagoe
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, PO Box LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- Pan African University Institute for Basic Sciences, Technology, and Innovation (PAUSTI), P. O. Box 62000 00200, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Dickson Osabutey
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, PO Box LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Michael Cappello
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College St, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Michael D Wilson
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, PO Box LG 581, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
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9
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Zlotnikov ID, Ezhov AA, Ferberg AS, Krylov SS, Semenova MN, Semenov VV, Kudryashova EV. Polymeric Micelles Formulation of Combretastatin Derivatives with Enhanced Solubility, Cytostatic Activity and Selectivity against Cancer Cells. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1613. [PMID: 37376064 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15061613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Combretastatin derivatives is a promising class of antitumor agents, tubulin assembly inhibitors. However, due to poor solubility and insufficient selectivity to tumor cells, we believe, their therapeutic potential has not been fully realized yet. This paper describes polymeric micelles based on chitosan (a polycation that causes pH and thermosensitivity of micelles) and fatty acids (stearic, lipoic, oleic and mercaptoundecanoic), which were used as a carrier for a range of combretastatin derivatives and reference organic compounds, demonstrating otherwise impossible delivery to tumor cells, at the same time substantially reduced penetration into normal cells. Polymers containing sulfur atoms in hydrophobic tails form micelles with a zeta potential of about 30 mV, which increases to 40-45 mV when cytostatics are loaded. Polymers with tails of oleic and stearic acids form poorly charged micelles. The use of polymeric 400 nm micelles provides the dissolution of hydrophobic potential drug molecules. Micelles could significantly increase the selectivity of cytostatics against tumors, which has been shown using MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. Atomic force microscopy presented the difference between the unloaded micelles and those loaded with the drug: the size of the former was 30 nm on average, while the latter had a "disc-like" shape and a size of about 450 nm. The loading of drugs into the core of micelles was confirmed by UV and fluorescence spectroscopy methods; shifts of absorption and emission maxima into the long-wavelength region by tens of nm was observed. With FTIR spectroscopy, a high interaction efficiency of micelles with the drug on cells was demonstrated, but at the same time, selective absorption was observed: micellar cytostatics penetrate into A549 cancer cells 1.5-2 times better than the simple form of the drugs. Moreover, in normal HEK293T, the penetration of the drug is reduced. The proposed mechanism for reducing the accumulation of drugs in normal cells is the adsorption of micelles on the cell surface and the preservation of cytostatics to penetrate inside the cells. At the same time, in cancer cells, due to the structural features of the micelles, they penetrate inside, merging with the membrane and releasing the drug by pH- and glutathione-sensitive mechanisms. From a methodological point of view, we have proposed a powerful approach to the observation of micelles using a flow cytometer, which, in addition, allows us to quantify the cells that have absorbed/adsorbed cytostatic fluorophore and distinguish between specific and non-specific binding. Thus, we present polymeric micelles as drug delivery systems in tumors using the example of combretastatin derivatives and model fluorophore-cytostatic rhodamine 6G.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor D Zlotnikov
- Faculty of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1/3, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander A Ezhov
- Faculty of Physics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1/2, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Artem S Ferberg
- Faculty of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1/3, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergey S Krylov
- N. D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry RAS, Leninsky Prospect 47, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Marina N Semenova
- N. K. Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology RAS, Vavilov Street 26, 119334 Moscow, Russia
| | - Victor V Semenov
- N. D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry RAS, Leninsky Prospect 47, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena V Kudryashova
- Faculty of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1/3, 119991 Moscow, Russia
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10
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Abstract
Just as mammals have coevolved with the intestinal bacterial communities that are part of the microbiota, intestinal helminths represent an important selective force on their mammalian host. The complex interaction between helminths, microbes, and their mammalian host is likely an important determinant of mutual fitness. The host immune system in particular is a critical interface with both helminths and the microbiota, and this crosstalk often determines the balance between tolerance and resistance against these widespread parasites. Hence, there are many examples of how both helminths and the microbiota can influence tissue homeostasis and homeostatic immunity. Understanding these processes at a cellular and molecular level is an exciting area of research that we seek to highlight in this review and that will potentially guide future treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- P'ng Loke
- Type 2 Immunity Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Nicola L Harris
- Department of Immunology and Pathology, Central Clinical School, Monash University, The Alfred Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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11
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Hürlimann E, Hofmann D, Keiser J. Ivermectin and moxidectin against soil-transmitted helminth infections. Trends Parasitol 2023; 39:272-284. [PMID: 36804383 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
Ivermectin and moxidectin, two macrocyclic lactones, are potent antiparasitic drugs currently registered and mainly used against filarial diseases; however, their potential value for improved soil-transmitted helminth (STH) control has been acknowledged. This review provides insights on recent studies evaluating the efficacy of ivermectin and moxidectin as single or coadministered therapy against human soil-transmitted helminthiases (including Strongyloides stercoralis infections) and on pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic parameters measured in treated populations. Furthermore, we discuss current gaps for research, highlight advantages - but also existing challenges - for uptake of ivermectin and/or moxidectin treatment schemes into routine STH control in endemic countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eveline Hürlimann
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniela Hofmann
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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12
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Boisseau M, Dhorne-Pollet S, Bars-Cortina D, Courtot É, Serreau D, Annonay G, Lluch J, Gesbert A, Reigner F, Sallé G, Mach N. Species interactions, stability, and resilience of the gut microbiota - Helminth assemblage in horses. iScience 2023; 26:106044. [PMID: 36818309 PMCID: PMC9929684 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The nature and strength of interactions entertained among helminths and their host gut microbiota remain largely unexplored. Using 40 naturally infected Welsh ponies, we tracked the gut microbiota-cyathostomin temporal dynamics and stability before and following anthelmintic treatment and the associated host blood transcriptomic response. High shedders harbored 14 species of cyathostomins, dominated by Cylicocyclus nassatus. They exhibited a highly diverse and temporal dynamic gut microbiota, with butyrate-producing Clostridia likely driving the ecosystem steadiness and host tolerance toward cyathostomins infection. However, anthelmintic administration sharply bent the microbial community. It disrupted the ecosystem stability and the time-dependent network of interactions, affecting longer term microbial resilience. These observations highlight how anthelmintic treatments alter the triangular relationship of parasite, host, and gut microbiota and open new perspectives for adding nutritional intervention to current parasite management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Boisseau
- , Université de Tours, INRAE, UMR1282 Infectiologie et Santé Publique, 37380 Nouzilly, France,IHAP, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, 31076 Toulouse, France
| | - Sophie Dhorne-Pollet
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - David Bars-Cortina
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Élise Courtot
- , Université de Tours, INRAE, UMR1282 Infectiologie et Santé Publique, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Delphine Serreau
- , Université de Tours, INRAE, UMR1282 Infectiologie et Santé Publique, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Gwenolah Annonay
- INRAE, US UMR 1426, Genomic platform, 31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France
| | - Jérôme Lluch
- INRAE, US UMR 1426, Genomic platform, 31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France
| | - Amandine Gesbert
- INRAE, UE Physiologie Animale de l’Orfrasière, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Fabrice Reigner
- INRAE, UE Physiologie Animale de l’Orfrasière, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Guillaume Sallé
- , Université de Tours, INRAE, UMR1282 Infectiologie et Santé Publique, 37380 Nouzilly, France,Corresponding author
| | - Núria Mach
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France,IHAP, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, 31076 Toulouse, France,Corresponding author
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13
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Loke P, Lee SC, Oyesola OO. Effects of helminths on the human immune response and the microbiome. Mucosal Immunol 2022; 15:1224-1233. [PMID: 35732819 DOI: 10.1038/s41385-022-00532-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Helminths have evolved sophisticated immune regulating mechanisms to prevent rejection by their mammalian host. Our understanding of how the human immune system responds to these parasites remains poor compared to mouse models of infection and this limits our ability to develop vaccines as well as harness their unique properties as therapeutic strategies against inflammatory disorders. Here, we review how recent studies on human challenge infections, self-infected individuals, travelers, and endemic populations have improved our understanding of human type 2 immunity and its effects on the microbiome. The heterogeneity of responses between individuals and the limited access to tissue samples beyond the peripheral blood are challenges that limit human studies on helminths, but also provide opportunities to transform our understanding of human immunology. Organoids and single-cell sequencing are exciting new tools for immunological analysis that may aid this pursuit. Learning about the genetic and immunological basis of resistance, tolerance, and pathogenesis to helminth infections may thus uncover mechanisms that can be utilized for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- P'ng Loke
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
| | - Soo Ching Lee
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Oyebola O Oyesola
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
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14
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Strongyloidiasis – diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas in hyperinfection patients: a case series. J Helminthol 2022; 96:e76. [DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x22000633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The helminth infection caused by Strongyloides stercoralis is widespread in tropical regions, but rare in European countries. Unfamiliarity with the disease and diagnostic obstacles could contribute to its lethal outcome. Frequent use of corticosteroids during the COVID-19 pandemic could increase its significance. The aim of this retrospective descriptive study was to explore disease patterns and discuss clinical dilemmas in patients with S. stercoralis hyperinfection treated at the University Hospital for Infectious Diseases ‘Dr. Fran Mihaljević’ in Zagreb, Croatia, between 2010 and 2021. Five out of 22 (22.7%) immunosuppressed patients treated due to strongyloidiasis developed hyperinfection. All patients were male, median 64 years; four were immunosuppressed by corticosteroids (although ileum resection could have been the trigger in one) and one by rituximab. The diagnosis was established after a median of 1.5 months of symptom duration, accidentally in all patients, by visualizing the parasite in the gastric/duodenal mucosa in four cases, and bronchial aspirate in one. All patients were cachectic, four out of five had severe hypoalbuminemia and all suffered secondary bacterial/fungal infection. Despite combined antibiotic, antifungal and antihelmintic therapy, three out of five of the patients died, after failing to clear living parasites from stool samples. We can conclude that significant delays in diagnosis and lack of clinical suspicion were observed among our patients with the most severe clinical presentations of strongyloidiasis. Although being beyond diagnostic recommendations for strongyloidiasis, an early upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with mucosal sample analysis could expedite diagnosis in severe, immunosuppressed patients. The persistence of viable parasites in the stool despite antihelmintic therapy should be further investigated.
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