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Berry SPDG, Honkpèhedji YJ, Ludwig E, Mahmoudou S, Prodjinotho UF, Adamou R, Nouatin OP, Adégbitè BR, Dejon-Agobe JC, Mba RB, Maloum M, Nkoma AMM, Zinsou JF, Luty AJF, Esen M, Adégnika AA, Prazeres da Costa C. Impact of helminth infections during pregnancy on maternal and newborn Vitamin D and on birth outcomes. Sci Rep 2024; 14:14845. [PMID: 38937587 PMCID: PMC11211496 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65232-9] [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: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Poor birth outcomes in low- and middle income countries are associated with maternal vitamin D deficiency and chronic helminth infections. Here, we investigated whether maternal Schistosoma haematobium affects maternal or cord vitamin D status as well as birth outcomes. In a prospective cross-sectional study of pregnant women conducted in Lambaréné, Gabon, we diagnosed maternal parasitic infections in blood, urine and stool. At delivery we measured vitamin D in maternal and cord blood. S. haematobium, soil-transmitted helminths, and microfilariae were found at prevalences of 30.2%, 13.0%, and 8.8%, respectively. Insufficient vitamin D and calcium levels were found in 28% and 15% of mothers, and in 11.5% and 1.5% of newborns. Mothers with adequate vitamin D had lower risk of low birthweight babies (aOR = 0.11, 95% CI 0.02-0.52, p = 0.01), whilst offspring of primipars had low cord vitamin D levels, and low vitamin D levels increased the risk of maternal inflammation. Maternal filariasis was associated with low calcium levels, but other helminth infections affected neither vitamin D nor calcium levels in either mothers or newborns. Healthy birth outcomes require maintenance of adequate vitamin D and calcium levels. Chronic maternal helminth infections do not disrupt those levels in a semi-rural setting in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sèyigbéna P Déo-Gracias Berry
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Trogerstrasse 30, 81675, Munich, Germany
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
- Center for Global Health, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Yabo Josiane Honkpèhedji
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Institut Für Tropenmedizin, Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Fondation Pour La Recherche Scientifique (FORS), Cotonou, Benin
| | - Esther Ludwig
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Trogerstrasse 30, 81675, Munich, Germany
- Center for Global Health, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | | | - Ulrich Fabien Prodjinotho
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Trogerstrasse 30, 81675, Munich, Germany
- Center for Global Health, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Rafiou Adamou
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
| | - Odilon P Nouatin
- Institut de Recherche Clinique du Bénin (IRCB), Abomey-Calavi, Benin
| | - Bayode R Adégbitè
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
- Institut Für Tropenmedizin, Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jean Claude Dejon-Agobe
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
- Institut Für Tropenmedizin, Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Romuald Beh Mba
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
| | | | | | - Jeannot Fréjus Zinsou
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
- Institut Für Tropenmedizin, Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Fondation Pour La Recherche Scientifique (FORS), Cotonou, Benin
| | | | - Meral Esen
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
- Institut Für Tropenmedizin, Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ayôla Akim Adégnika
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
- Institut Für Tropenmedizin, Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Fondation Pour La Recherche Scientifique (FORS), Cotonou, Benin
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Clarissa Prazeres da Costa
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Trogerstrasse 30, 81675, Munich, Germany.
- Center for Global Health, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany.
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner site Munich, Munich, Germany.
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Fimbo AM, Mnkugwe RH, Mlugu EM, Kunambi PP, Malishee A, Minzi OMS, Kamuhabwa AAR, Aklillu E. Efficacy of ivermectin and albendazole combination in suppressing transmission of lymphatic filariasis following mass administration in Tanzania: a prospective cohort study. Infect Dis Poverty 2024; 13:44. [PMID: 38867265 PMCID: PMC11167743 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-024-01214-3] [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: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preventive chemotherapy with ivermectin and albendazole (IA) in mass drug administration (MDA) programs for all at-risk populations is the core public health intervention to eliminate lymphatic filariasis (LF). Achieving this goal depends on drug effectiveness in reducing parasite reservoirs in the community to halt transmission. We assessed the efficacy of ivermectin and albendazole in clearing microfilariae and circulating filarial antigens (CFA) following MDA. METHODS This community-based prospective study was conducted in Mkinga district, Tanga region, Tanzania, from November 2018 to June 2019. A total of 4115 MDA-eligible individuals were screened for CFA using Filarial test strips. CFA positives were re-examined for microfilariae by microscopy. CFA and microfilariae positive individuals were enrolled and received IA through MDA campaign. The status of microfilariae and CFA was monitored before MDA, and on day 7 and six-month following MDA. The primary efficacy outcomes were the clearance rates of microfilariae on day 7 and six-months, and CFA at 6 months of post-MDA. The McNemar test assessed the proportions of microfilariae positive pre- and post-MDA, while Chi-square tests were utilized to examine factors associated with CFA status six months post-MDA. RESULTS Out of 4115 individuals screened, 239 (5.8%) tested positive for CFA, of whom 11 (4.6%) were also positive for microfilariae. Out of the ten microfilariae-positive individuals available for follow-up on day 7, nine tested negative, yielding a microfilariae clearance rate of 90% [95% confidence interval (CI): 59.6-98.2%]. Participants who tested negative for microfilariae on day 7 remained free of microfilariae six months after MDA. However, those who did not clear microfilariae on day-7 remained positive six-months post-MDA. The McNemar test revealed a significant improvement in microfilariae clearance on day 7 following MDA (P = 0.02). Out of 183 CFA-positive individuals who were available at 6-month follow-up, 160 (87.4%) remained CFA positive, while 23 became CFA negative. The CFA clearance rate at 6 months post-MDA was 12.6% (95% CI: 8.5-8.5%). There was no significant association of variability in ivermectin plasma exposure, measured by maximum concentration or area under the curve, and the clearance status of microfilariae or CFA post-MDA. CONCLUSIONS Preventive chemotherapy with IA effectively clears microfilariae within a week. However, it is less effective in clearing CFA at six months of post-MDA. The low clearance rate for filarial antigenemia underscores the need for alternative drug combinations and additional preventive measures to achieve LF elimination by 2030.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam M Fimbo
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet at Karolinska University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (TMDA), P. O, Box 77150, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Rajabu Hussein Mnkugwe
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Campus College of Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P. O, Box 65013, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Eulambius Mathias Mlugu
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P. O, Box 65013, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Peter P Kunambi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Campus College of Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P. O, Box 65013, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Alpha Malishee
- National Institute for Medical Research, P. O. Box 9653, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Omary M S Minzi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P. O, Box 65013, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Appolinary A R Kamuhabwa
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P. O, Box 65013, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Eleni Aklillu
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet at Karolinska University, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Opoku M, de Souza DK. Identification and characterisation of Mansonella perstans in the Volta Region of Ghana. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0295089. [PMID: 38848396 PMCID: PMC11161070 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295089] [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: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Mansonella spp. have been reported to have a wide global distribution. Despite the distribution and co-occurrence with other filarial parasites like Wuchereria bancrofti, Onchocerca volvulus and Loa loa, it is given little attention. There are few surveillance programmes for assessing the distribution of mansonellosis, due to the associated mild to no symptoms experienced by infected people. However, addressing this infection is critical to the onchocerciasis control program as current rapid diagnostic tools targeting O. volvulus have the tendency to cross react with Mansonella species. In this study we identified and characterised M. perstans from five sites in two districts in the Volta Region of Ghana and compared them to samples from other regions. Night blood smears and filter blood blots were obtained from individuals as part of a study on lymphatic filariasis. The Giemsa-stained smears were screened by microscopy for the presence of filarial parasites. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood blots from 39 individuals that were positive for M. perstans and Nested PCR targeting the internal spacer 1 (ITS-1) was conducted. Of these, 30 were sequenced and 24 sequences were kept for further analysis. Phylogenetic analysis of 194 nucleotide positions showed no differences in the samples collected. The similarities suggests that there could be one species in this area. However, more robust studies with larger sample sizes are required to draw such conclusions. We also observed a clustering of the samples from Ghana with reference sequences from Africa and Brazil, suggesting they could be related. This study draws further attention to a neglected infection, presents the first characterisation of M. perstans in Ghana and calls for more population-based studies across different geographical zones to ascertain species variations and disease distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Millicent Opoku
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Environment and Genetics Department, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Dziedzom K. de Souza
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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Pietrzak D, Łuczak JW, Wiśniewski M. Beyond Tradition: Exploring Cutting-Edge Approaches for Accurate Diagnosis of Human Filariasis. Pathogens 2024; 13:447. [PMID: 38921745 PMCID: PMC11206659 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13060447] [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: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Filariasis is recognised as a global public health threat, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. It is caused by infection with a nematode parasite of the superfamily Filarioidea, including Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, Onchocerca volvulus, and Onchocerca lupi. Three main types of filariasis have been classified: lymphatic filariasis, subcutaneous filariasis, and serous cavity filariasis. The symptoms exhibited by individuals afflicted with filariasis are diverse and contingent upon several variables, including the species of parasite, the host's health and immune response, and the stage of infection. While many classical parasitological techniques are considered indispensable tools for the diagnosis of parasitic infections in humans, alternative methods are being sought due to their limitations. Novel tests based on host-parasite interactions offer a rapid, simple, sensitive, and specific diagnostic tool in comparison to traditional parasitological methods. This article presents methods developed in the 21st century for the diagnosis of filariasis caused by invasion from W. bancrofti, B. malayi, O. volvulus, and O. lupi, as well as techniques that are currently in use. The development of modern diagnostic methods based on molecular biology constitutes a significant advancement in the fight against filariasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damian Pietrzak
- Division of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Preclinical Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences—SGGW, 02-786 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Julia Weronika Łuczak
- Faculty of Animal Breeding, Bioengineering and Conservation, Warsaw University of Life Sciences—SGGW, 02-786 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Marcin Wiśniewski
- Division of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Preclinical Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences—SGGW, 02-786 Warsaw, Poland;
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Junsiri W, Kamkong P, Phojun A, Taweethavonsawat P. Unveiling zoonotic threats: molecular identification of Brugia sp. infection in a lion. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1376208. [PMID: 38681850 PMCID: PMC11047776 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1376208] [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: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Brugia malayi and B. pahangi, potential zoonotic pathogens transmitted by mosquitoes, are believed to primarily infect dogs and cats as reservoir hosts. Although previous studies have indicated nematode infections in lions, particularly in zoo environments where human contact with these reservoirs is possible, limited documentation exists regarding Brugia sp. infections in lions in Thailand. This study aims to investigate a case of Brugia infection in a lion from a zoo in Thailand. The blood sample was collected and examined from a female lion, using staining methods to morphologically identify microfilaria at the genus level. Subsequently, the PCR was employed targeting specific genes, including mitochondrial 12S rDNA, 18S rDNA, cytochrome oxidase I (COI) and Wolbachia surface protein (wsp), to confirm the species of the filarial nematode parasite. The genetic sequencing results revealed a high similarity (99-100%) to B. malayi for the 12S rDNA, 18S rDNA, COI and wsp genes. Phylogenetic analysis based on nucleotide sequences from the 12S rDNA, 18S rDNA, COI and wsp genes showed that the sequences from this study belong to different clusters. This marks the inaugural documentation of molecular identification of Brugia infection in a lion, signifying that lions could function as reservoirs for this parasite and present a potential public health risk in the region. Our research underscores the effectiveness of molecular techniques and phylogenetic analysis in discerning and comprehending the evolution of filarial parasites. Additionally, it emphasizes the significance of these methods in enhancing the diagnosis, control, and prevention of zoonotic filarial nematode infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Witchuta Junsiri
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Patchana Kamkong
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Aunchisa Phojun
- Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo, The Zoological Park Organization, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
| | - Piyanan Taweethavonsawat
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Biomarkers in Animals Parasitology Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Lenz B, Ehrens A, Ajendra J, Risch F, Gal J, Neumann AL, Reichwald JJ, Strutz W, McSorley HJ, Martin C, Hoerauf A, Hübner MP. Repeated sensitization of mice with microfilariae of Litomosoides sigmodontis induces pulmonary eosinophilia in an IL-33-dependent manner. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012071. [PMID: 38457461 PMCID: PMC10954174 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012071] [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: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Eosinophilia is a hallmark of helminth infections and eosinophils are essential in the protective immune responses against helminths. Nevertheless, the distinct role of eosinophils during parasitic filarial infection, allergy and autoimmune disease-driven pathology is still not sufficiently understood. In this study, we established a mouse model for microfilariae-induced eosinophilic lung disease (ELD), a manifestation caused by eosinophil hyper-responsiveness within the lung. METHODS Wild-type (WT) BALB/c mice were sensitized with dead microfilariae (MF) of the rodent filarial nematode Litomosoides sigmodontis three times at weekly intervals and subsequently challenged with viable MF to induce ELD. The resulting immune response was compared to non-sensitized WT mice as well as sensitized eosinophil-deficient dblGATA mice using flow cytometry, lung histology and ELISA. Additionally, the impact of IL-33 signaling on ELD development was investigated using the IL-33 antagonist HpARI2. RESULTS ELD-induced WT mice displayed an increased type 2 immune response in the lung with increased frequencies of eosinophils, alternatively activated macrophages and group 2 innate lymphoid cells, as well as higher peripheral blood IgE, IL-5 and IL-33 levels in comparison to mice challenged only with viable MF or PBS. ELD mice had an increased MF retention in lung tissue, which was in line with an enhanced MF clearance from peripheral blood. Using eosinophil-deficient dblGATA mice, we demonstrate that eosinophils are essentially involved in driving the type 2 immune response and retention of MF in the lung of ELD mice. Furthermore, we demonstrate that IL-33 drives eosinophil activation in vitro and inhibition of IL-33 signaling during ELD induction reduces pulmonary type 2 immune responses, eosinophil activation and alleviates lung lacunarity. In conclusion, we demonstrate that IL-33 signaling is essentially involved in MF-induced ELD development. SUMMARY Our study demonstrates that repeated sensitization of BALB/c mice with L. sigmodontis MF induces pulmonary eosinophilia in an IL-33-dependent manner. The newly established model recapitulates the characteristic features known to occur during eosinophilic lung diseases (ELD) such as human tropical pulmonary eosinophilia (TPE), which includes the retention of microfilariae in the lung tissue and induction of pulmonary eosinophilia and type 2 immune responses. Our study provides compelling evidence that IL-33 drives eosinophil activation during ELD and that blocking IL-33 signaling using HpARI2 reduces eosinophil activation, eosinophil accumulation in the lung tissue, suppresses type 2 immune responses and mitigates the development of structural damage to the lung. Consequently, IL-33 is a potential therapeutic target to reduce eosinophil-mediated pulmonary pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Lenz
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Alexandra Ehrens
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Bonn-Cologne, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jesuthas Ajendra
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Frederic Risch
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Joséphine Gal
- Unité Molécules de Communication et Adaptation des Microorganismes (MCAM, UMR 7245), Equipe Parasites et Protistes Libres, Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, CNRS; CP52, Paris, France
| | - Anna-Lena Neumann
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Julia J. Reichwald
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Wiebke Strutz
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Henry J. McSorley
- Division of Cell Signaling and Immunology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Coralie Martin
- Unité Molécules de Communication et Adaptation des Microorganismes (MCAM, UMR 7245), Equipe Parasites et Protistes Libres, Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, CNRS; CP52, Paris, France
| | - Achim Hoerauf
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Bonn-Cologne, Bonn, Germany
| | - Marc P. Hübner
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Bonn-Cologne, Bonn, Germany
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Dahmer KJ, Palma-Cuero M, Ciuoderis K, Patiño C, Roitman S, Li Z, Sinha A, Hite JL, Cuellar OB, Hernandez-Ortiz JP, Osorio JE, Christensen BM, Carlow CKS, Zamanian M. Molecular Surveillance Detects High Prevalence of the Neglected Parasite Mansonella ozzardi in the Colombian Amazon. J Infect Dis 2023; 228:1441-1451. [PMID: 37566913 PMCID: PMC10640775 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad331] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mansonellosis is an undermapped insect-transmitted disease caused by filarial nematodes that are estimated to infect hundreds of millions of people. Despite their prevalence, there are many outstanding questions regarding the general biology and health impacts of the responsible parasites. Historical reports suggest that the Colombian Amazon is endemic for mansonellosis and may serve as an ideal location to pursue these questions. METHODS We deployed molecular and classical approaches to survey Mansonella prevalence among adults belonging to indigenous communities along the Amazon River and its tributaries near Leticia, Colombia. RESULTS Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays on whole-blood samples detected a much higher prevalence of Mansonella ozzardi infection (approximately 40%) compared to blood smear microscopy or LAMP performed using plasma, likely reflecting greater sensitivity and the ability to detect low microfilaremias and occult infections. Mansonella infection rates increased with age and were higher among men. Genomic analysis confirmed the presence of M. ozzardi that clusters closely with strains sequenced in neighboring countries. We successfully cryopreserved M. ozzardi microfilariae, advancing the prospects of rearing infective larvae in controlled settings. CONCLUSION These data suggest an underestimation of true mansonellosis prevalence, and we expect that these methods will help facilitate the study of mansonellosis in endemic and laboratory settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kendra J Dahmer
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Monica Palma-Cuero
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- One Health Colombia, Global Health Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Karl Ciuoderis
- One Health Colombia, Global Health Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- One Health Colombia, Universidad Nacional de Colombia–University of Wisconsin-Global Health Institute, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Claudia Patiño
- One Health Colombia, Universidad Nacional de Colombia–University of Wisconsin-Global Health Institute, Medellín, Colombia
| | | | - Zhiru Li
- New England Biolabs, Ipswich, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Amit Sinha
- New England Biolabs, Ipswich, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jessica L Hite
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | | | - Juan P Hernandez-Ortiz
- One Health Colombia, Global Health Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- One Health Colombia, Universidad Nacional de Colombia–University of Wisconsin-Global Health Institute, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Jorge E Osorio
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- One Health Colombia, Global Health Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Bruce M Christensen
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- One Health Colombia, Global Health Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | | | - Mostafa Zamanian
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- One Health Colombia, Global Health Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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Weppelmann TA, Harvey K, Narain S. Man With Disappearing Subconjunctival Foreign Body. JAMA Ophthalmol 2023; 141:1002-1003. [PMID: 37676654 DOI: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2023.4043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
A 33-year-old man reported a “pulling and popping sensation” in his left eye and had a photograph showing an irregular, serpiginous extension that was present during the episode. Examination was unremarkable. What would you do next?
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A Weppelmann
- Department of Ophthalmology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa
- James A. Haley Eye Clinic, Department of Veterans' Affairs, Tampa, Florida
| | - Kevin Harvey
- Department of Ophthalmology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa
- James A. Haley Eye Clinic, Department of Veterans' Affairs, Tampa, Florida
| | - Sahas Narain
- Department of Ophthalmology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa
- James A. Haley Eye Clinic, Department of Veterans' Affairs, Tampa, Florida
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Singh AK, de Gooyer T, Singh OP, Pandey S, Neyaz A, Cloots K, Kansal S, Malaviya P, Rai M, Nylén S, Chakravarty J, Hasker E, Sundar S. Wuchereria bancrofti infection is associated with progression to clinical visceral leishmaniasis in VL- endemic areas in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, India. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011729. [PMID: 37903175 PMCID: PMC10635566 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011729] [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: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Co-endemicity of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) necessitates that these diseases should be considered concomitantly to understand the relationship between pathology and to support disease management and control programs. The aims of the study were to assess the prevalence of filarial infection in asymptomatic Leishmania donovani infected individuals and the correlation of Wuchereria bancrofti infection with progression to clinical visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in Bihar, India. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Within the Muzaffarpur-TMRC Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) area, a cohort of Leishmania seropositive (n = 476) or seronegative individuals (n = 1130) were sampled annually for three years for filarial infection and followed for progression to clinical VL. To corroborate the results from the cohort study, we also used a retrospective case-control study of 36 VL cases and 71 controls selected from a subset of the HDSS population to investigate the relationship between progression to clinical VL and the prevalence of filarial infection at baseline. Our findings suggest a higher probability of progression to clinical VL in individuals with a history of filarial infection: in both the cohort and case-control studies, progression to clinical VL was higher among filaria infected individuals (RR = 2.57, p = 0.056, and OR = 2.52, p = 0.046 respectively). CONCLUSION This study describes that progression to clinical VL disease is associated with serological evidence of prior infection with W. bancrofti. The integration of disease programs for Leishmania and lymphatic filariasis extend beyond the relationship of sequential or co-infection with disease burden. To ensure elimination targets can be reached and sustained, we suggest areas of co-endemicity would benefit from overlapping vector control activities, health system networks and surveillance infrastructure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Kumar Singh
- Infectious Disease Research Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Tanyth de Gooyer
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Om Prakash Singh
- Infectious Disease Research Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Sundaram Pandey
- Infectious Disease Research Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Aziza Neyaz
- Infectious Disease Research Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Kristien Cloots
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Sangeeta Kansal
- Department of Community Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Paritosh Malaviya
- Infectious Disease Research Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Madhukar Rai
- Infectious Disease Research Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Susanne Nylén
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Jaya Chakravarty
- Infectious Disease Research Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Epco Hasker
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Shyam Sundar
- Infectious Disease Research Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
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10
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Gupta S, Kumar P, Kumari N, Soni A. Cervical lymphadenopathy with dual pathology: Interesting finding. Cytojournal 2023; 20:25. [PMID: 37681078 PMCID: PMC10481814 DOI: 10.25259/cytojournal_52_2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Shruti Gupta
- Department of Pathology, AIIMS, Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Pawan Kumar
- Department of Pathology, AIIMS, Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Niraj Kumari
- Department of Pathology, AIIMS, Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Annanya Soni
- Department of Otolaryngology, AIIMS, Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, India
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11
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Ferreira MU, Crainey JL, Gobbi FG. The search for better treatment strategies for mansonellosis: an expert perspective. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2023; 24:1685-1692. [PMID: 37477269 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2023.2240235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Four species of the Mansonella genus infect millions of people across sub-Saharan Africa and Central and South America. Most infections are asymptomatic, but mansonellosis can be associated with nonspecific clinical manifestations such as fever, headache, arthralgia, and ocular lesions (M. ozzardi); pruritus, arthralgia, abdominal pain, angioedema, skin rash, and fatigue (M. perstans and perhaps Mansonella sp. 'DEUX'); and pruritic dermatitis and chronic lymphadenitis (M. perstans). AREAS COVERED We searched the PubMed and SciELO databases for publications on mansonelliasis in English, Spanish, Portuguese, or French that appeared until 1 May 2023. Literature data show that anthelmintics - single-dose ivermectin for M. ozzardi, repeated doses of mebendazole alone or in combination with diethylcarbamazine (DEC) for M. perstans, and DEC alone for M. streptocerca - are effective against microfilariae. Antibiotics that target Wolbachia endosymbionts, such as doxycycline, are likely to kill adult worms of most, if not all, Mansonella species, but the currently recommended 6-week regimen is relatively impractical. New anthelmintics and shorter antibiotic regimens (e.g. with rifampin) have shown promise in experimental filarial infections and may proceed to clinical trials. EXPERT OPINION We recommend that human infections with Mansonella species be treated, regardless of any apparent clinical manifestations. We argue that mansonellosis, despite being widely considered a benign infection, may represent a direct or indirect cause of significant morbidity that remains poorly characterized at present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo U Ferreira
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, NOVA University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - James Lee Crainey
- Laboratory of Ecology and Transmissible Diseases in the Amazon, Leônidas and Maria Deane Institute, Fiocruz, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Federico G Gobbi
- Department of Infectious-Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, Verona, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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12
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Hochberg NS, Dinculescu VV, Nutman TB. Case 17-2023: A 58-Year-Old Woman with Fatigue, Abdominal Bloating, and Eosinophilia. N Engl J Med 2023; 388:2180-2189. [PMID: 37285529 PMCID: PMC10986646 DOI: 10.1056/nejmcpc2201248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Natasha S Hochberg
- From the Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine (N.S.H.), the Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital (V.V.D.), and the Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School (V.V.D.) - all in Boston; and the Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (T.B.N.)
| | - Vincent V Dinculescu
- From the Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine (N.S.H.), the Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital (V.V.D.), and the Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School (V.V.D.) - all in Boston; and the Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (T.B.N.)
| | - Thomas B Nutman
- From the Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine (N.S.H.), the Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital (V.V.D.), and the Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School (V.V.D.) - all in Boston; and the Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (T.B.N.)
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13
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Grzegorek K, Kroidl I, Prazeres da Costa C, Rothe C. Spectrum of Helminth Infections in Migrants from Sub-Saharan Africa to Europe: A Literature Review. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2023; 108:1096-1104. [PMID: 37094791 PMCID: PMC10540113 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.22-0354] [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: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is endemic to numerous neglected tropical diseases, including many helminth diseases. With the migration of people from this part of the world to Europe, as has been happening on a large scale since 2015, these diseases are becoming more relevant to European physicians. This work aims to summarize the recent literature on this topic and to raise awareness of helminth diseases afflicting SSA migrants. The databases PubMed, Embase, and MEDLINE were screened for literature published in English and German between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2020. In total, 74 articles were included in this review. The spectrum of helminth infections in migrants from SSA found in the literature review is broad; current research, however, is particularly focused on infections with Schistosoma spp. and Strongyloides stercoralis. Both diseases are often characterized by a long course, with few or no symptoms, with the risk of long-term organ damage. Successful and reliable screening for schistosomiasis and strongyloidiasis is strongly recommended. However, the current diagnostic methods lack sensitivity and specificity, rendering the diagnosis challenging and reliable assessment of disease prevalence difficult. Novel diagnostic methods and a greater awareness of these diseases are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Grzegorek
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Inge Kroidl
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, Munich, Germany
| | - Clarissa Prazeres da Costa
- German Center for Infection Research, Munich, Germany
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
- Center for Global Health, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Camilla Rothe
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Munich, Germany
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14
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Dahmer KJ, Palma-Cuero M, Ciuoderis K, Patiño C, Roitman S, Li Z, Sinha A, Hite JL, Bellido Cuellar O, Hernandez-Ortiz JP, Osorio JE, Christensen BM, Carlow CKS, Zamanian M. Molecular surveillance detects high prevalence of the neglected parasite Mansonella ozzardi in the Colombian Amazon. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.05.10.23289806. [PMID: 37215049 PMCID: PMC10197819 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.10.23289806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Mansonellosis is an undermapped insect-transmitted disease caused by filarial nematodes that are estimated to infect hundreds of millions of people globally. Despite their prevalence, there are many outstanding questions regarding the general biology and health impacts of the responsible parasites. Historical reports suggest that the Colombian Amazon is endemic for mansonellosis and may serve as an ideal location to pursue these questions in the backdrop of other endemic and emerging pathogens. We deployed molecular and classical diagnostic approaches to survey Mansonella prevalence among adults belonging to indigenous communities along the Amazon River and its tributaries near Leticia, Colombia. Deployment of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay on blood samples revealed an infection prevalence of ∼40% for Mansonella ozzardi . This assay identified significantly more infections than blood smear microscopy or LAMP assays performed using plasma, likely reflecting greater sensitivity and the ability to detect low microfilaremias or occult infections. Mansonella infection rates increased with age and were higher among males compared to females. Genomic analysis confirmed the presence of M. ozzardi that clusters closely with strains sequenced in neighboring countries. We successfully cryopreserved and revitalized M. ozzardi microfilariae, advancing the prospects of rearing infective larvae in controlled settings. These data suggest an underestimation of true mansonellosis prevalence, and we expect that these methods will help facilitate the study of mansonellosis in endemic and laboratory settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- KJ Dahmer
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
| | - M Palma-Cuero
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
- University of Wisconsin Global Health Institute One Health Colombia, Madison, WI USA
| | - K Ciuoderis
- University of Wisconsin Global Health Institute One Health Colombia, Madison, WI USA
- Universidad Nacional de Colombia - UW-GHI One Health Colombia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - C Patiño
- Universidad Nacional de Colombia - UW-GHI One Health Colombia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - S Roitman
- New England Biolabs, 240 County Road, Ipswich, MA USA
| | - Z Li
- New England Biolabs, 240 County Road, Ipswich, MA USA
| | - A Sinha
- New England Biolabs, 240 County Road, Ipswich, MA USA
| | - JL Hite
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
| | | | - JP Hernandez-Ortiz
- University of Wisconsin Global Health Institute One Health Colombia, Madison, WI USA
- Universidad Nacional de Colombia - UW-GHI One Health Colombia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - JE Osorio
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
- University of Wisconsin Global Health Institute One Health Colombia, Madison, WI USA
| | - BM Christensen
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
- University of Wisconsin Global Health Institute One Health Colombia, Madison, WI USA
| | - CKS Carlow
- New England Biolabs, 240 County Road, Ipswich, MA USA
| | - M Zamanian
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
- University of Wisconsin Global Health Institute One Health Colombia, Madison, WI USA
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15
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Pilotte N, Thomas T, Zulch MF, Sirois AR, Minetti C, Reimer LJ, Williams SA, Saunders LJ. Targeting a highly repetitive genomic sequence for sensitive and specific molecular detection of the filarial parasite Mansonella perstans from human blood and mosquitoes. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010615. [PMID: 36580452 PMCID: PMC9833530 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mansonella perstans is among the most neglected of the neglected tropical diseases and is believed to cause more human infections than any other filarial pathogen in Africa. Based largely upon assumptions of limited infection-associated morbidity, this pathogen remains understudied, and many basic questions pertaining to its pathogenicity, distribution, prevalence, and vector-host relationships remain unanswered. However, in recent years, mounting evidence of the potential for increased Mansonella infection-associated disease has sparked a renewal in research interest. This, in turn, has produced a need for improved diagnostics, capable of providing more accurate pictures of infection prevalence, pathogen distribution, and vector-host interactions. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Utilizing a previously described pipeline for the discovery of optimal molecular diagnostic targets, we identified a repetitive DNA sequence, and developed a corresponding assay, which allows for the sensitive and species-specific identification of M. perstans in human blood samples. Testing also demonstrated the ability to utilize this assay for the detection of M. perstans in field-collected mosquito samples. When testing both sample types, our repeat-targeting index assay outperformed a ribosomal sequence-targeting reference assay, facilitating the identification of additional M. perstans-positive samples falsely characterized as "negative" using the less sensitive detection method. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Through the development of an assay based upon the systematic identification of an optimal DNA target sequence, our novel diagnostic assay will provide programmatic efforts with a sensitive and specific testing platform that is capable of accurately mapping M. perstans infection and determining prevalence. Furthermore, with the added ability to identify the presence of M. perstans in mosquito samples, this assay will help to define our knowledge of the relationships that exist between this pathogen and the various geographically relevant mosquito species, which have been surmised to represent potential secondary vectors under certain conditions. Detection of M. perstans in mosquitoes will also demonstrate proof-of-concept for the mosquito-based monitoring of filarial pathogens not vectored primarily by mosquitoes, an approach expanding opportunities for integrated surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils Pilotte
- Department of Biological Sciences, Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Biological Sciences, Quinnipiac University, Hamden, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Tamara Thomas
- Department of Biological Sciences, Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Michael F. Zulch
- Department of Biological Sciences, Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Allison R. Sirois
- Department of Biological Sciences, Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Corrado Minetti
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa J. Reimer
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Steven A. Williams
- Department of Biological Sciences, Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Lori J. Saunders
- Department of Biological Sciences, Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts, United States of America
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16
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Nicolini AL, Tamarozzi F, Pomari E, Mistretta M, Camera M, Sepulcri C, Bassetti M, Gobbi FG. Loiasis from where you don't expect it: an illustrative case of misled diagnosis. J Travel Med 2022; 29:6582207. [PMID: 35532187 PMCID: PMC9635057 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taac060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
In the absence of pathognomonic signs, the diagnosis of filarial infections relies on geographical exposure and morphology of microfilariae, which requires expertise. We present a case of loiasis in a patient not reporting exposure in areas of known Loa loa endemicity, whose diagnosis was achieved by molecular analysis of microfilariae.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesca Tamarozzi
- Department of Infectious-Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, Verona, Italy
| | - Elena Pomari
- Department of Infectious-Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, Verona, Italy
| | - Manuela Mistretta
- Department of Infectious-Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, Verona, Italy
| | - Marco Camera
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Policlinico San Martino-IRCCS, Genoa, Italy
| | - Chiara Sepulcri
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Matteo Bassetti
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Policlinico San Martino-IRCCS, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Federico G Gobbi
- Department of Infectious-Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, Verona, Italy
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17
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Ta-Tang TH, Febrer-Sendra B, Berzosa P, Rubio JM, Romay-Barja M, Ncogo P, Agudo D, Herrador Z, Fernández-Soto P, Muro A, Benito A. Comparison of three PCR-based methods to detect Loa loa and Mansonella perstans in long-term frozen storage dried blood spots. Trop Med Int Health 2022; 27:686-695. [PMID: 35653502 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Loa loa and Mansonella perstans are two very common filarial species in Africa. Although microscopy is the traditional diagnostic method for human filariasis, several polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods have emerged as an alternative approach for identifying filarial parasites. The aim of this study is to compare three molecular methods and decide which is the most suitable for diagnosing human loiasis and mansonellosis in non-endemic regions using dried blood spot (DBS) as a medium for sample collection and storage. METHODS A total of 100 DBS samples, with their corresponding thin and thick blood smears, were selected for this study. Microscopy was used as the reference method to diagnose and calculate the microfilaraemia. Filarial DNA was extracted using the saponin/Chelex method and the DNA isolated was assayed by Filaria-real time-PCR, filaria-nested PCR, and cytochrome oxidase I PCR. All PCR products were subsequently purified and sequenced. The statistical values for each molecular test were calculated and compared. RESULTS Overall, 64 samples were identified as negative by all tests and a further 36 samples were positive by at least one of the methods used. The sensitivity and specificity were similar for the different molecular methods, all of which demonstrated good agreement with microscopy. CONCLUSIONS Based on this study, and from a practical point of view (single and short amplification round), the optimal technique for diagnosing filarial infection in non-endemic regions is filaria-real time-PCR, which presents high sensitivity and specificity and is also able to detect a wide range of human filariae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuy-Huong Ta-Tang
- Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases Laboratory, National Centre of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Health Carlos III, Biomedical Research Networking Center of Infectious Diseases, Madrid, Spain.,Cooperative Research Network in Tropical Diseases, Madrid, Spain
| | - Begoña Febrer-Sendra
- Cooperative Research Network in Tropical Diseases, Madrid, Spain.,Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Group (e-INTRO), Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca-Research Centre for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Pedro Berzosa
- Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases Laboratory, National Centre of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Health Carlos III, Biomedical Research Networking Center of Infectious Diseases, Madrid, Spain.,Cooperative Research Network in Tropical Diseases, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Miguel Rubio
- Cooperative Research Network in Tropical Diseases, Madrid, Spain.,Malaria and Emerging Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, National Microbiology Center, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Romay-Barja
- Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases Laboratory, National Centre of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Health Carlos III, Biomedical Research Networking Center of Infectious Diseases, Madrid, Spain.,Cooperative Research Network in Tropical Diseases, Madrid, Spain
| | - Policarpo Ncogo
- Ministry of Health, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.,Fundación Estatal, Salud, Infancia y Bienestar Social, Madrid, Spain
| | - Diego Agudo
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Zaida Herrador
- Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases Laboratory, National Centre of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Health Carlos III, Biomedical Research Networking Center of Infectious Diseases, Madrid, Spain.,Cooperative Research Network in Tropical Diseases, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro Fernández-Soto
- Cooperative Research Network in Tropical Diseases, Madrid, Spain.,Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Group (e-INTRO), Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca-Research Centre for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Antonio Muro
- Cooperative Research Network in Tropical Diseases, Madrid, Spain.,Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Group (e-INTRO), Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca-Research Centre for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Agustín Benito
- Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases Laboratory, National Centre of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Health Carlos III, Biomedical Research Networking Center of Infectious Diseases, Madrid, Spain.,Cooperative Research Network in Tropical Diseases, Madrid, Spain
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18
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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.
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19
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Breast filariasis presenting fibroadenoma like nodules: a rare diagnosis. J Parasit Dis 2022; 46:334-336. [DOI: 10.1007/s12639-022-01470-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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20
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Musumeci S, Ramu L, Chappuis F, Eperon G. Loiasis and diurnal microfilaremia: searching at the right moment. J Travel Med 2022; 29:6414503. [PMID: 34718684 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taab176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
A healthy young woman from Cameroon was addressed to the tropical medicine consultation of the University Hospitals of Geneva to investigate an asymptomatic eosinophilia of 1.22 G/l and a history of ‘eye worms’ during childhood. Direct microscopic observation found viable microfilariae, and the stained blood smear confirmed Loa loa species.
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21
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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.
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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
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22
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Momčilović S, Gabrielli S, Đenić N, Živković N, Stevanović G, Krstić M, Ranđelović M, Tasić-Otašević S. New cases of human dirofilariosis on the Balkan Peninsula - "Masked intruders" uncovered by a surgeon. Parasitol Int 2021; 86:102482. [PMID: 34673233 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2021.102482] [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: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Dirofilaria spp. nematodes are accidental parasites of humans causing mild to serious, superficial or visceral infections. Superficial dirofilariosis is rather common in Europe and is typically manifested as subcutaneous form. Herein we report 46 new cases of human dirofilariosis (19 patients with subcutaneous, 18 patients with ocular, 4 patients wih genital, 2 patients with submucosal, 2 patients with pulmonary and 1 patient with intramuscular form of infection) that were recorded from the beginning of 2015 to May 2021 on the Balkan Peninsula with a goal to update the prevalence of this parasitosis and point out potential problems in diagnosis and treatment. Besides, given the high possibility of misinterpretation as tumor, our second aim was to encourage the inclusion of this pathogen in the differential diagnosis of subcutaneous nodules. Although quite common forms, subcutaneous and ocular dirofilariosis can be very often misdiagnosed in clinical practice due to the absence of specific clinical manifestations. Therefore, raising awareness of clinicians about this zoonosis is needed as well as closer collaboration between physicians and veterinarians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Momčilović
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Clinic, Clinical Center Niš, Blvd Zorana Djindjica 48, 18000 Niš, Serbia; Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, Blvd Zorana Djindjica 81, 18000 Niš, Serbia.
| | - Simona Gabrielli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Piazza le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Nebojša Đenić
- Department of Surgical Diseases, Military Hospital Niš, Blvd Zorana Djindjica bb, 18 000 Niš, Serbia
| | - Nataša Živković
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Military Hospital Niš, Blvd Zorana Djindjica bb, 18 000 Niš, Serbia
| | - Goran Stevanović
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Clinic, Clinical Center Niš, Blvd Zorana Djindjica 48, 18000 Niš, Serbia; Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, Blvd Zorana Djindjica 81, 18000 Niš, Serbia
| | - Miljan Krstić
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, Blvd Zorana Djindjica 81, 18000 Niš, Serbia
| | - Marina Ranđelović
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, Blvd Zorana Djindjica 81, 18000 Niš, Serbia; Center of Microbiology and Parasitology, Public Health Institute Niš, Blvd Zorana Djindjica 81, 18000 Niš, Serbia
| | - Suzana Tasić-Otašević
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, Blvd Zorana Djindjica 81, 18000 Niš, Serbia; Center of Microbiology and Parasitology, Public Health Institute Niš, Blvd Zorana Djindjica 81, 18000 Niš, Serbia
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23
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Pabutta C, Bangkaew N, Inthawong P, Mahadthai P, Jairak W, Soda N, Sukmak M, Sripiboon S. The first report on internal transcribed spacer region-based characterization of microfilaria in Asian elephants ( Elephas maximus) in Thailand. Vet World 2021; 14:2260-2266. [PMID: 34566347 PMCID: PMC8448634 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2021.2260-2266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Filarial infections can significantly impact the health of both humans and animals. In elephants, filariasis has been associated with cutaneous dermatitis and skin nodules. However, molecular evidence for such infections is limited in Thailand. This study aimed to identify the morphological and molecular characteristics of microfilaria in captive Asian elephants in Thailand. Materials and Methods Whole blood collected from the ear vein of 129 captive Asian elephants was hematologically analyzed, and the blood parasites were evaluated using three standard techniques: The microcapillary test, thin blood smears, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results Conventional PCR revealed that approximately 17% (22/129) of the sampled elephants were positive for microfilaria. Microscopy revealed that microfilariae are large, unsheathed, with extended nuclei, a short headspace, and a curved tail tapering at the end. Results of internal transcribed spacer region analysis show that the elephant microfilariae are closely related to Onchocerca spp. All of the elephants positive for microfilaria presented with neither skin lesion nor anemic signs. Microfilaria infection was not associated with age; however, microfilariae were more likely to be detected in male elephants due to differences in management systems. Conclusion This is the first study to provide both morphological and molecular evidence of microfilaria in Thai elephants. There is an urgent need to investigate the long-term and large-scale effects of microfilaria on the health of elephants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Choenkwan Pabutta
- Elephant Kingdom Project, Zoological Park Organization of Thailand, Tha Tum, Surin, Thailand.,Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Diseases in Wildlife and Exotic Animals, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Nuttapon Bangkaew
- Elephant Kingdom Project, Zoological Park Organization of Thailand, Tha Tum, Surin, Thailand
| | - Pratthana Inthawong
- Elephant Kingdom Project, Zoological Park Organization of Thailand, Tha Tum, Surin, Thailand.,Center of Excellence in Elephant and Wildlife Research, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Pannarai Mahadthai
- Bureau of Conservation and Research, Zoological Park Organization of Thailand, Bang Sue, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Waleemas Jairak
- Bureau of Conservation and Research, Zoological Park Organization of Thailand, Bang Sue, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nantana Soda
- Kamphaeng Saen Veterinary Diagnostic Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Manakorn Sukmak
- Department of Farm Resources and Production Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Supaphen Sripiboon
- Department of Large Animal and Wildlife Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
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24
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Pastor AF, Silva MR, Dos Santos WJT, Rego T, Brandão E, de-Melo-Neto OP, Rocha A. Recombinant antigens used as diagnostic tools for lymphatic filariasis. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:474. [PMID: 34526120 PMCID: PMC8442287 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04980-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a parasitic disease caused by the worms Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, or Brugia timori. It is a tropical and subtropical illness that affects approximately 67 million people worldwide and that still requires better diagnostic tools to prevent its spread and enhance the effectiveness of control procedures. Traditional parasitological tests and diagnostic methods based on whole protein extracts from different worms are known for problems related to sample time collection, sensitivity, and specificity. More recently, new diagnostic tools based on immunological methods using recombinant antigens have been developed. The current review describes the several recombinant antigens used as tools for lymphatic filariasis diagnosis in antigen and antibody capture assays, highlighting their advantages and limitations as well as the main commercial tests developed based on them. The literature chronology is from 1991 to 2021. First, it describes the historical background related to the identification of relevant antigens and the generation of the recombinant polypeptides used for the LF diagnosis, also detailing features specific to each antigen. The subsequent section then discusses the use of those proteins to develop antigen and antibody capture tests to detect LF. So far, studies focusing on antibody capture assays are based on 13 different antigens with at least six commercially available tests, with five proteins further used for the development of antigen capture tests. Five antigens explored in this paper belong to the SXP/RAL-2 family (BmSXP, Bm14, WbSXP-1, Wb14, WbL), and the others are BmShp-1, Bm33, BmR1, BmVAH, WbVAH, BmALT-1, BmALT-2, and Wb123. It is expected that advances in research with these antigens will allow further development of tests combining both sensitivity and specificity with low costs, assisting the Global Program to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF). ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- André Filipe Pastor
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Recife, PE, Brazil. .,Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Sertão Pernambucano (IFSertao-PE), Campus Floresta, Floresta, PE, Brazil.
| | | | | | - Tamisa Rego
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Brandão
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Recife, PE, Brazil.,Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Serviço de Referência Nacional em Filarioses, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | | | - Abraham Rocha
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Recife, PE, Brazil.,Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Serviço de Referência Nacional em Filarioses, Recife, PE, Brazil.,Laboratório do Hospital Otávio de Freitas, Secretaria de Saúde do Estado de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
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25
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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.
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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
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26
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Kumar A, Shashindran N. Diagnosis of Ocular Loiasis in a Patient from a Dirofilaria-Endemic Area. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2021; 54:e03432021. [PMID: 34431952 PMCID: PMC8405203 DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0343-2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Anil Kumar
- Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Ponekara, Kochi, Kerala India
| | - Nandita Shashindran
- Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Ponekara, Kochi, Kerala India
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27
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Silva JT, Fernández-Ruiz M, Grossi PA, Hernández-Jimenez P, López-Medrano F, Mularoni A, Prista-Leão B, Santos L, Aguado JM. Reactivation of latent infections in solid organ transplant recipients from sub-Saharan Africa: What should be remembered? Transplant Rev (Orlando) 2021; 35:100632. [PMID: 34130253 DOI: 10.1016/j.trre.2021.100632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
International migration from Sub-Saharan African countries to the European Union and the United States has significantly increased over the past decades. Although the vast majority of these immigrants are young and healthy people, a minority can be affected by chronic conditions eventually leading to solid organ transplantation (SOT). Importantly, these candidates can bear geographically restricted fungal and parasitic latent infections that can reactivate after the procedure. An appropriate evaluation before transplantation followed by treatment, whenever necessary, is essential to minimize such risk, as covered in the present review. In short, infection due to helminths (Schistosoma spp. and Strongyloides stercoralis) and intestinal protozoa (Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia or Cyclospora cayetanensis) can be diagnosed by multiple direct stool examination, serological assays and stool antigen testing. Leishmaniasis can be assessed by means of serology, followed by nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) if the former test is positive. Submicroscopic malaria should be ruled out by NAAT. Screening for Histoplasma spp. or Cryptococcus spp. is not routinely indicated. Consultation with an Infectious Diseases specialist is recommended in order to adjust preemptive treatment among Sub-Saharan African SOT candidates and recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Tiago Silva
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital "12 de Octubre", Research Institute Hospital "12 de Octubre" (imas12), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Mario Fernández-Ruiz
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital "12 de Octubre", Research Institute Hospital "12 de Octubre" (imas12), Madrid, Spain; Department of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Paolo Antonio Grossi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria and ASST Sette Laghi, Ospedale di Circolo of Varese, Varese, Italy
| | - Pilar Hernández-Jimenez
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital "12 de Octubre", Research Institute Hospital "12 de Octubre" (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco López-Medrano
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital "12 de Octubre", Research Institute Hospital "12 de Octubre" (imas12), Madrid, Spain; Department of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alessandra Mularoni
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad alta specializzazione (IRCCS-ISMETT), Palermo, Italy
| | - Beatriz Prista-Leão
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Center "São João", School of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Lurdes Santos
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Center "São João", School of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - José María Aguado
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital "12 de Octubre", Research Institute Hospital "12 de Octubre" (imas12), Madrid, Spain; Department of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
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28
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Agrawal S, Singh M, Phulware RH. Fine needle aspiration cytology of lymphatic filariasis presenting as a swelling over the left elbow. Diagn Cytopathol 2021; 49:896-898. [PMID: 33945671 DOI: 10.1002/dc.24764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shruti Agrawal
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Monika Singh
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Ravi Hari Phulware
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
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29
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Assessing the Filariasis Causing Parasites in Adult Mosquitoes and the Vector Mosquito Larval Breeding in Selected Medical Officer of Health Areas in Gampaha District, Sri Lanka. J Trop Med 2021; 2021:6643226. [PMID: 33927771 PMCID: PMC8053054 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6643226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of filariasis causing parasites in adult mosquitoes and vector mosquito larval breeding in four Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas in Gampaha district, Sri Lanka. Adult female mosquitoes at their resting places were collected using a prokopack aspirator operated twice a day from 7.00 am to 8.00 am and 8.00 pm to 9 pm in predetermined dates. Microfilarial worms in dissected mosquitoes were morphologically identified. Nine species of mosquitoes, namely, Culex quinquefasciatus, Cx. pipiens, Cx. fuscocephala, Cx. gelidus, Armigeres subalbatus, Mansonia uniformis, Ma. annulifera, Aedes aegypti, and Ae. Albopictus, were captured. A total of 1194 mosquito larvae were collected that belonged into three genera, namely, Culex (62.73%), Armigeres (25.62%), and Mansonia (11.64%), from blocked drains, polluted drains, blocked canals, large polluted water bodies, stagnant water bodies, marsh lands, rice field mudflats, and concrete pits. Large polluted water bodies (Shannon-Wiener diversity index/H' = 1.5591) were the most diversed habitat type. In breeding water, average pH mainly lied in between 6 and 8 and average dissolved oxygen ranged from 3 to 7 mg/L. Cx. quinquefasciatus and Armigeres subalbatus adult female mosquitoes captured from Kelaniya MOH area were positive for microfilariae and were identified as Wuchereria bancrofti and Dirofilaria repens, respectively. This study concludes possible lymphatic filariasis situation is in extremely very low level persistent (0.06%) where transmission cannot be sustained and is restricted only to isolated pockets in the study area. The zoonotic strains of filariasis causing subcutaneous dirofilariasis in humans by Dirofilaria repens is continuing to survive due to the presence of stray dogs that serve as reservoir hosts.
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30
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Drews SJ, Spencer BR, Wendel S, Bloch EM. Filariasis and transfusion-associated risk: a literature review. Vox Sang 2021; 116:741-754. [PMID: 33491765 DOI: 10.1111/vox.13073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Filariae are parasitic worms that include the pathogens Loa loa, Onchocerca volvulus, Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia spp. and Mansonella spp. which are endemic in parts of Africa, Asia, Asia-Pacific, South and Central America. Filariae have a wide clinical spectrum spanning asymptomatic infection to chronic debilitating disease including blindness and lymphedema. Despite successful eradication programmes, filarial infections remain an important -albeit neglected - source of morbidity. We sought to characterize the risk of transfusion transmission of microfilaria with a view to guide mitigation practices in both endemic and non-endemic countries. MATERIALS AND METHODS A scoping review of scientific publications as well as grey literature was carried out by a group of domain experts in microbiology, transfusion medicine and infectious diseases, representing the parasite subgroup of the International Society of Blood Transfusion. RESULTS Cases of transfusion-transmitted filariasis are rare and confined to case reports of variable quality. Transfusion-associated adverse events related to microfilariae are confined to isolated reports of transfusion reactions. Serious outcomes have not been reported. No known strategies have been implemented, specifically, to mitigate transfusion-transmitted filariasis yet routine blood donor screening for other transfusion-transmissible infections (e.g. hepatitis B, malaria) may indirectly defer donors with microfilaremia in endemic areas. CONCLUSION Rare examples of transfusion-transmitted filariasis, without serious clinical effect, suggest that filariasis poses low transfusion risk. Dedicated mitigation strategies against filarial transfusion transmission are not recommended. Given endemicity in low-resource regions, priority should be on the control of filariasis with public health measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J Drews
- Canadian Blood Services, Microbiology, Donor and Clinical Services, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - Silvano Wendel
- Banco de Sangue Medical Director, Blood Bank, Hospital Sirio Libanês, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Evan M Bloch
- Department of Pathology, Transfusion Medicine Division, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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31
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Flaherty BR, Barratt J, Lane M, Talundzic E, Bradbury RS. Sensitive universal detection of blood parasites by selective pathogen-DNA enrichment and deep amplicon sequencing. MICROBIOME 2021; 9:1. [PMID: 33388088 PMCID: PMC7778815 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-020-00939-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Targeted amplicon deep sequencing (TADS) has enabled characterization of diverse bacterial communities, yet the application of TADS to communities of parasites has been relatively slow to advance. The greatest obstacle to this has been the genetic diversity of parasitic agents, which include helminths, protozoa, arthropods, and some acanthocephalans. Meanwhile, universal amplification of conserved loci from all parasites without amplifying host DNA has proven challenging. Pan-eukaryotic PCRs preferentially amplify the more abundant host DNA, obscuring parasite-derived reads following TADS. Flaherty et al. (2018) described a pan-parasitic TADS method involving amplification of eukaryotic 18S rDNA regions possessing restriction sites only in vertebrates. Using this method, host DNA in total DNA extracts could be selectively digested prior to PCR using restriction enzymes, thereby increasing the number of parasite-derived reads obtained following NGS. This approach showed promise though was only as sensitive as conventional PCR. RESULTS Here, we expand on this work by designing a second set of pan-eukaryotic primers flanking the priming sites already described, enabling nested PCR amplification of the established 18S rDNA target. This nested approach facilitated introduction of a second restriction digestion between the first and second PCR, reducing the proportional mass of amplifiable host-derived DNA while increasing the number of PCR amplification cycles. We applied this method to blood specimens containing Babesia, Plasmodium, various kinetoplastids, and filarial nematodes and confirmed its limit of detection (LOD) to be approximately 10-fold lower than previously described, falling within the range of most qPCR methods. CONCLUSIONS The assay detects and differentiates the major malaria parasites of humans, along with several other clinically important blood parasites. This represents an important step towards a TADS-based universal parasite diagnostic (UPDx) test with a sufficient LOD for routine applications. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Briana R Flaherty
- Parasitic Diseases Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, TN, USA
| | - Joel Barratt
- Parasitic Diseases Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, TN, USA.
| | - Meredith Lane
- Parasitic Diseases Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Synergy America Inc., Duluth, GA, USA
| | - Eldin Talundzic
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Richard S Bradbury
- Parasitic Diseases Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Federation University, Ballarat, Australia.
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Ta-Tang TH, Berzosa P, Rubio JM, Romay-Barja M, Ncogo P, Agudo D, Herrador Z, Cerrada-Gálvez L, Benito A. Evaluation of LAMP for the diagnosis of Loa loa infection in dried blood spots compared to PCR-based assays and microscopy. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2021; 116:e210210. [PMID: 35170676 PMCID: PMC8843042 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760210210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loa loa is a filarial species found exclusively in West and Central Africa. Microscopy is the traditional diagnosis method for human loiasis. Several molecular methods have developed as an alternative approach for identification of L. loa filarial parasites. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate a Loa-Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay to diagnose loiasis disease on dried blood spots (DBS) samples, compared to microscopy, filaria-real time-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and nested-Loa PCR. METHODS A total of 100 DBS samples and 100 blood smears were used for this study. DNA was extracted using saponin/Chelex method. DNA isolated was assayed by a Loa-LAMP assay in parallel to microscopy, filaria-real time PCR and nested-Loa PCR. The sensitivities and specificities of Loa-LAMP assay was computed comparing to each one of the reference methods. FINDINGS Loa-LAMP’s sensitivity was more than 90% and specificity was nearly 100% when compared to molecular methods. On the other hand, sensitivity was decreased a bit when Loa-LAMP faced microscopy, but keeping the other statistical values high. MAIN CONCLUSIONS Loa-LAMP is an appropriate method for loiasis diagnosis in endemic areas. Though, it has disadvantages like the reagents’ high price at the moment and not to be able to detect more filarial species at once.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuy-Huong Ta-Tang
- National Centre of Tropical Medicine, Spain; Cooperative Research Network on Tropical Diseases, Spain
| | - Pedro Berzosa
- National Centre of Tropical Medicine, Spain; Cooperative Research Network on Tropical Diseases, Spain
| | - José Miguel Rubio
- National Microbiology Centre, Spain; Cooperative Research Network on Tropical Diseases, Spain
| | - María Romay-Barja
- National Centre of Tropical Medicine, Spain; Cooperative Research Network on Tropical Diseases, Spain
| | - Policarpo Ncogo
- Ministry of Health, Equatorial Guinea; Fundación Estatal, Spain
| | | | - Zaida Herrador
- National Centre of Tropical Medicine, Spain; Cooperative Research Network on Tropical Diseases, Spain
| | | | - Agustín Benito
- National Centre of Tropical Medicine, Spain; Cooperative Research Network on Tropical Diseases, Spain
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The Brief Case: Loa loa in a Patient from Nigeria. J Clin Microbiol 2020; 59:59/1/e01587-20. [PMID: 33335076 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01587-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Shivkumar V, Deshmukh A, Mangam S, Ghongade P. Cytopathological diagnosis of filariasis by fine-needle aspiration cytology in different body locations: A retrospective study of 5 years in central India. SAUDI JOURNAL FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2020. [DOI: 10.4103/sjhs.sjhs_63_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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