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Singh M, Peter DK, Gupta S, Rani V V, Singh S. Case Report: Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis and Tropical Pulmonary Eosinophilia Co-Occurrence Masquerading as Refractory Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2024; 110:509-511. [PMID: 38350129 PMCID: PMC10919194 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0450] [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: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary infiltrates with eosinophilia are a heterogeneous group of disorders that are characterized by pulmonary infiltrates on chest radiograph and elevated levels of eosinophils in the peripheral blood. Among patients with these disorders, reports of either allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) or tropical pulmonary eosinophilia (TPE) are common. However, the simultaneous occurrence of ABPA and TPE is not often reported. We present the case of a young man with a history of asthma who was diagnosed with ABPA and TPE. Initially, the patient exhibited a partial response to treatment of ABPA, but persistent symptoms and eosinophilia led to suspicion and subsequent diagnosis of TPE. With implementation of antifilarials and steroids, the patient experienced satisfactory clinical and serological improvements. This case underscores the importance of considering multiple diagnoses in patients with overlapping symptoms and highlights the need for comprehensive management strategies in complex lung diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Singh
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Command Hospital (NC), Udhampur, India
| | - Deepu K. Peter
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Command Hospital (NC), Udhampur, India
| | - Simple Gupta
- Department of Ophthalmology, Command Hospital (NC), Udhampur, India
| | - Vandana Rani V
- Department of Pediatrics, Command Hospital (NC), Udhampur, India
| | - Shalendra Singh
- Deparment of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, Command Hospital (NC), Udhampur, India
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Khatri V, Chauhan N, Kalyanasundaram R. Fecundity of adult female worms were affected when Brugia malayi infected Mongolian gerbils were immunized with a multivalent vaccine (rBmHAXT) against human lymphatic filarial parasite. Acta Trop 2020; 208:105487. [PMID: 32437645 PMCID: PMC7655632 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
A multivalent recombinant fusion protein prophylactic vaccine, rBmHAXT developed against lymphatic filariasis (LF) demonstrated over 57% protection against challenge infection in rhesus macaque model. Currently, we do not know if the rBmHAXT vaccination has any effect on adult worms and/or on the fecundity of adult female worms. Thus, the major focus of this study was to determine the effect of rBmHAXT vaccination on Brugia malayi infected mongolian gerbils. We performed two sets of experiments. In the first set of experiment, gerbils were infected with 100 B. malayi L3. After confirming the establishment of infection, four rounds of DEC treatment and rBmHAXT vaccination was given. Results showed that following vaccination with rBmHAXT, the microfilaria (Mf) count was significantly decreased in all vaccinated animals compared to controls. At the end of these experiments, we collected and counted the established adult worms. There was a 36% reduction in the recovery of adult female worms, which might account for the low Mf load in vaccinated animals. In the second set of experiments, animals were vaccinated first with rBmHAXT followed by surgically implanting adult male or female B. malayi parasites into the peritoneal cavity to determine the effect of vaccination on each sex of the parasite. Our results show that the rBmHAXT vaccination has no effect on male adult worms compared to controls. However, there was 40% reduction in the Mf load in vaccinated animals that were transplanted with adult female worms. These findings suggested that the rBmHAXT vaccination has potential damaging effect on the fecundity of adult female worms. Scanning electron microscopy studies showed cuticular damage on the surface of adult female worms. These studies thus show that the rBmHAXT vaccination in infected gerbils has partial microfilaricidal effect and potentially affect the fecundity of adult female worms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishal Khatri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Rockford, IL, USA
| | - Nikhil Chauhan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Rockford, IL, USA
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Elimination of diurnally sub-periodic Wuchereria bancrofti in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India, using mass DEC-fortified salt as a supplementary intervention to MDA. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:1467-1483. [PMID: 32219550 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06659-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/15/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Feasibility of implementing a DEC-fortified (DEC at 0.2% w/w and iodine) salt strategy to hasten elimination of diurnally sub-periodic Wuchereria bancrofti (DspWB) from the lone foci in Nancowry islands, Nicobar district, India, was assessed. This is a two-arm community-based study: one arm (12 villages, population 2936) received double fortified salt along with annual mass drug administration (MDA) of DEC plus albendazole (DEC-salt+MDA-arm), and another (14 villages; population 4840) received MDA under the National Filaria Elimination Programme. DEC salt was distributed on camp mode supplemented by door delivery. Monthly survey was carried out in fixed and random households to assess the coverage, usage of DEC salt and DEC content. The impact on prevalence of mf at community level and antigenaemia among children was assessed. A total of 21 metric tonnes of free-flow DEC salt manufactured by Tamil Nadu Salt Corporation, India, was distributed for 1 year. In the DEC-salt+MDA-arm, > 90% of the households received and used the DEC salt. DEC was within therapeutic range (0.2-0.32% w/w) in the samples collected from kitchens. Community mf prevalence reduced from 2.27 to 0.14% in the DEC-salt-arm (< 1% in all the villages) and 1.26 to 0.74% (> 1% in 4 out of 14 villages) in the MDA-arm. Ag prevalence reduced to zero from 1.0 (DEC-salt+MDA-arm) and 6.3% (MDA-arm) in 2-3 years old, 1.2 and 3.6% from 2.9 in the DEC-salt-arm and 4.5% in the MDA-arm among 6-7 years old. It was feasible to deliver DEC-fortified salt covering > 90% of the households with compliance reaching the elimination target in the islands.
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Sadarama PV, Chirayath D, Pillai UN, Lakshmanan B. Comparison of efficacy of ivermectin and diethylcarbamazine against naturally infected Brugia malayi microfilaria in dogs. J Parasit Dis 2019; 43:554-559. [PMID: 31749524 PMCID: PMC6841773 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-019-01126-2] [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: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Filarial parasites like Brugia pahangi and Brugia malayi can infect dogs. Adults of Brugia genus resides in the lymphatic system and microfilariae, in blood. There are increasing reports of detection of B. malayi microfilariae in dogs. A study was undertaken to compare the efficacy of repeated oral dosing of ivermectin (IVT) and diethylcarbamazine (DEC), individually and in combination against naturally infected B. malayi microfilariae in dogs. The species of the microfilariae was confirmed by acid phosphatase staining and polymerase chain reaction. The three treatment groups were 200 mcg/kg body weight IVT daily for 14 days (I), 6.6 mg/kg body weight DEC daily for 14 days (II) and IVT and DEC together in the same dose for a period of 5 days (III). Microfilarial status of the peripheral blood was assessed on the 0th, 7th, 14th and 21st day. Haematological parameters were measured on day zero and on the 21st day. Though, all the three treatment groups showed a reduction in the microfilarial concentration through the study period, complete absence of detectable microfilaremia was not noticed in any of the three groups by 21st day. Among the haematological parameters, statistically significant difference was observed in the post-treatment means of haemoglobin levels of group III when compared with group II. Since group III regime (IVT + DEC) was shorter and just as effective as the longer ones, it is considered superior to the other two.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poojary Vineeta Sadarama
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, Ethics & Jurisprudence, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Pookode, India
| | - Deepa Chirayath
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, Ethics & Jurisprudence, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Pookode, India
| | - Usha Narayana Pillai
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, Ethics & Jurisprudence, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Pookode, India
| | - Bindu Lakshmanan
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Pookode, India
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Kanamitie JN, Ahorlu CS, Otchere J, Aboagye-Antwi F, Kwansa-Bentum B, Boakye DA, Biritwum NK, Wilson MD, de Souza DK. Twelve-month longitudinal parasitological assessment of lymphatic filariasis-positive individuals: impact of a biannual treatment with ivermectin and albendazole. Trop Med Int Health 2017; 22:1451-1456. [PMID: 28891597 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.12974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Mass drug administration (MDA) for the control of lymphatic filariasis (LF), in Ghana, started in the year 2000. While this had great success in many implementation units, there remain areas with persistent transmission, after more than 10 years of treatment. A closer examination of the parasite populations could help understand the reasons for persistent infections and formulate appropriate strategies to control LF in these areas of persistent transmission. MATERIALS AND METHODS In a longitudinal study, we assessed the prevalence of microfilaraemia (mf) in two communities with 12 years of MDA in Ghana. In baseline surveys 6 months after the National MDA in 2014, 370 consenting individuals were tested for antigenaemia using immunochromatographic test (ICT) cards and had their mf count determined through night blood surveys. 48 ICT positives, of whom, 17 were positive for mf, were treated with 400 μg/kg ivermectin + 400 mg albendazole and subsequently followed for parasitological assessment at 3-month intervals for 1 year. This overlapped with the National MDA in 2015. RESULTS There was a 68% parasite clearance 3 months after treatment. The pre-treatment mf count differed significantly from the post-treatment mf counts at 3 months (P = 0.0023), 6 months (P = 0.0051), 9 months (P = 0.0113) and 12 months (P = 0.0008). CONCLUSION In these settings with persistent LF transmission, twice-yearly treatment may help accelerate LF elimination. Further large-scale evaluations are required to ascertain these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- John N Kanamitie
- Department of Animal Biology and Conservation Science, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.,Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Collins S Ahorlu
- Department of Epidemiology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Joseph Otchere
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Fred Aboagye-Antwi
- Department of Animal Biology and Conservation Science, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Bethel Kwansa-Bentum
- Department of Animal Biology and Conservation Science, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Daniel A Boakye
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Michael D Wilson
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Dziedzom K de Souza
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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Kwarteng A, Ahuno ST, Akoto FO. Killing filarial nematode parasites: role of treatment options and host immune response. Infect Dis Poverty 2016; 5:86. [PMID: 27716412 PMCID: PMC5047298 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-016-0183-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background There is compelling evidence that not only do anti-filarials significantly reduce larval forms, but that host immune responses also contribute to the clearance of filarial parasites; however, the underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Main text Filarial infections caused by Wuchereria bancrofti and Brugia species (lymphatic filariasis) and Onchocerca volvulus (onchocerciasis) affect almost 200 million individuals worldwide and pose major public health challenges in endemic regions. Indeed, the collective disability-adjusted life years for both infections is 3.3 million. Infections with these thread-like nematodes are chronic and, although most individuals develop a regulated state, a portion develop severe forms of pathology. Mass drug administration (MDA) programmes on endemic populations focus on reducing prevalence of people with microfilariae, the worm's offspring in the blood, to less than 1 %. Although this has been successful in some areas, studies show that MDA will be required for longer than initially conceived. Conclusion This paper highlights the mode of action of the various antifilarial treatment strategies and role of host immune response. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40249-016-0183-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Kwarteng
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR), PMB, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana. .,Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science Technology, PMB, Kumasi, Ghana.
| | - Samuel Terkper Ahuno
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science Technology, PMB, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Freda Osei Akoto
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science Technology, PMB, Kumasi, Ghana
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Al-Abd NM, Nor ZM, Mansor M, Hasan MS, Kassim M. Antifilarial and Antibiotic Activities of Methanolic Extracts of Melaleuca cajuputi Flowers. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2016; 54:273-80. [PMID: 27417081 PMCID: PMC4977777 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2016.54.3.273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Revised: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
We evaluated the activity of methanolic extracts of Melaleuca cajuputi flowers against the filarial worm Brugia pahangi and its bacterial endosymbiont Wolbachia. Anti-Wolbachia activity was measured in worms and in Aedes albopictus Aa23 cells by PCR, electron microscopy, and other biological assays. In particular, microfilarial release, worm motility, and viability were determined. M. cajuputi flower extracts were found to significantly reduce Wolbachia endosymbionts in Aa23 cells, Wolbachia surface protein, and microfilarial release, as well as the viability and motility of adult worms. Anti-Wolbachia activity was further confirmed by observation of degraded and phagocytized Wolbachia in worms treated with the flower extracts. The data provided in vitro and in vivo evidence that M. cajuputi flower extracts inhibit Wolbachia, an activity that may be exploited as an alternative strategy to treat human lymphatic filariasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazeh M Al-Abd
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Zurainee Mohamed Nor
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Marzida Mansor
- Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - M S Hasan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mustafa Kassim
- Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Hamdani N, Doukhan R, Picard A, TAmouza R, Leboyer M. A bipolar disorder patient becoming asymptomatic after adjunctive anti-filiarasis treatment: a case report. BMC Psychiatry 2013; 13:81. [PMID: 23497411 PMCID: PMC3623878 DOI: 10.1186/1471-244x-13-81] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2012] [Accepted: 02/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence suggests that neurotropic infectious agents might be involved in bipolar disorder. So far, few have been written for the association between parasitic infection and bipolar disorder. Filariasis is a parasitic disease acting ruthlessly via mosquitos and affecting more than 120 million people worldwide. We present here, to our knowledge, the first description of a filariasis infected manic bipolar disorder patient fully improved in terms of psychiatric symptoms by anti-heminthic treatment. CASE PRESENTATION The patient is a 31 years-old man native of Congo. At inclusion, he presented a severe manic episode with dangerous behaviour unresolved by classic treatments. A diagnosis of filariasis bancrofti infection was made after the discovery of a systemic hypereosinophilia. Therefore, a bi-therapy of anthelmintics was conducted allowing a successful improvement with clear reduction of agitation and aggressive behaviours that could not be attributed to a modification of psychotropic treatments or filarial encephalopathy or acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. CONCLUSION The ineffectiveness of psychotropic treatment of a manic episode requires the evaluation of co-morbid medical conditions such as infections which can interfere with adequate mood stabilizing medication. Filariasis by inducing chronic inflammation and immunopathologic reactions seems to play a major role in infected affective disorders patients by changing levels of cytokines of the Th1 system or indirectly damaging the brain tissue. The beneficial combination of antihelmintics and mood stabilizers, in this case, could be explained by the potential of such association to downregulate neuroinflammation and excitotoxicity processes.Altogether, these data pinpoint the requirement to explore the parasitic infectious status in case of bipolar disorder patients resistant to classic treatments and originating or living in endemic geographical areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Hamdani
- Faculté de médecine, Université Paris Est, Créteil 94000, France.
| | - Raphaël Doukhan
- A. Chenevier, Pôle de psychiatrie, AP-HP, Hopital H. Mondor, Créteil 94000, France
| | - Aline Picard
- A. Chenevier, Pôle de psychiatrie, AP-HP, Hopital H. Mondor, Créteil 94000, France
| | - Ryad TAmouza
- AP-HP, Laboratoire Jean Dausset d’Immunologie et d’Histocompatibilité & INSERM, UMRS 940, Hôpital Saint Louis, Paris, France,Univ Paris Diderot, Paris, F75010, France
| | - Marion Leboyer
- Faculté de médecine, Université Paris Est, Créteil 94000, France,A. Chenevier, Pôle de psychiatrie, AP-HP, Hopital H. Mondor, Créteil 94000, France,Equipe Psychiatrie Génétique, INSERM, U955, Créteil, 94000, France,Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, 94000, France
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Musso D. Relevance of the eosinophil blood count in bancroftian filariasis as a screening tool for the treatment. Pathog Glob Health 2013; 107:96-102. [PMID: 23683336 PMCID: PMC4001484 DOI: 10.1179/2047773213y.0000000083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lymphatic filariasis constitutes a major public health issue in French Polynesia. Diagnosis has been revolutionized with the availability of circulating filarial antigen (CFA) tests which are easy to perform but are costly. Filariasis is responsible for acquired eosinophilia and eosinophil blood count (EBC) is commonly used as a screening tool. METHODS We retrospectively analysed all the results of EBCs and CFA tests performed in our laboratory over a 2-year period. We calculated the prevalence of antigenemia for nine different eosinophil cutoffs. We calculated the number of patients detected by CFA testing and the number of estimated CFA-positive patients according to their EBC. RESULTS Over a 2-year period, we detected 7503 eosinophilic patients. For an EBC above 500/mm(3), the prevalence of positive CFA was 25·78% and the estimated number of positive CFA patients was 1934. During the same period, as CFA determination is not routinely performed, only 141 patients were detected and treated. CONCLUSION Our current strategy against lymphatic filariasis which combines annual mass drug administration, systematic treatment of antigenemic and microfilaraemic patients, and vector control; failed to reach the target of 1% prevalence. Unfortunately, mainly for economical reasons, the antigenemia cannot be determined for all patients. In complement to existing strategy, we propose an additional action based on the treatment of eosinophilic patients in order to reduce the filariasis prevalence in our country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Didier Musso
- Emerging Infectious Disease Unit, Institut Louis Malardé, Tahiti, French Polynesia.
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Gürtler L, Bauerfeind U, Blümel J, Burger R, Drosten C, Gröner A, Heiden M, Hildebrandt M, Jansen B, Montag-Lessing T, Offergeld R, Pauli G, Seitz R, Schlenkrich U, Schottstedt V, Strobel J, Willkommen H. Arbonematodes - nematode infections transmissible by arthropods: arbeitskreis blut, untergruppe «bewertung blutassoziierter krankheitserreger»*. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 40:50-62. [PMID: 23637651 DOI: 10.1159/000345752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2012] [Accepted: 06/02/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Serbus LR, Landmann F, Bray WM, White PM, Ruybal J, Lokey RS, Debec A, Sullivan W. A cell-based screen reveals that the albendazole metabolite, albendazole sulfone, targets Wolbachia. PLoS Pathog 2012; 8:e1002922. [PMID: 23028321 PMCID: PMC3447747 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1002922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2012] [Accepted: 08/07/2012] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Wolbachia endosymbionts carried by filarial nematodes give rise to the neglected diseases African river blindness and lymphatic filariasis afflicting millions worldwide. Here we identify new Wolbachia-disrupting compounds by conducting high-throughput cell-based chemical screens using a Wolbachia-infected, fluorescently labeled Drosophila cell line. This screen yielded several Wolbachia-disrupting compounds including three that resembled Albendazole, a widely used anthelmintic drug that targets nematode microtubules. Follow-up studies demonstrate that a common Albendazole metabolite, Albendazole sulfone, reduces intracellular Wolbachia titer both in Drosophila melanogaster and Brugia malayi, the nematode responsible for lymphatic filariasis. Significantly, Albendazole sulfone does not disrupt Drosophila microtubule organization, suggesting that this compound reduces titer through direct targeting of Wolbachia. Accordingly, both DNA staining and FtsZ immunofluorescence demonstrates that Albendazole sulfone treatment induces Wolbachia elongation, a phenotype indicative of binary fission defects. This suggests that the efficacy of Albendazole in treating filarial nematode-based diseases is attributable to dual targeting of nematode microtubules and their Wolbachia endosymbionts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura R Serbus
- Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, California, USA.
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Ashton RA, Kyabayinze DJ, Opio T, Auma A, Edwards T, Matwale G, Onapa A, Brooker S, Kolaczinski JH. The impact of mass drug administration and long-lasting insecticidal net distribution on Wuchereria bancrofti infection in humans and mosquitoes: an observational study in northern Uganda. Parasit Vectors 2011; 4:134. [PMID: 21756371 PMCID: PMC3158553 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-4-134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2011] [Accepted: 07/15/2011] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lymphatic filariasis (LF) in Uganda is caused by Wuchereria bancrofti and transmitted by anopheline mosquitoes. The mainstay of elimination has been annual mass drug administration (MDA) with ivermectin and albendazole, targeted to endemic districts, but has been sporadic and incomplete in coverage. Vector control could potentially contribute to reducing W. bancrofti transmission, speeding up progress towards elimination. To establish whether the use of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) can contribute towards reducing transmission of W. bancrofti in a setting with ongoing MDA, a study was conducted in an area of Uganda highly endemic for both LF and malaria. Baseline parasitological and entomological assessments were conducted in 2007, followed by high-coverage LLIN distribution. Net use and entomological surveys were carried out after one year, and final parasitological and entomological evaluations were conducted in 2010. Three rounds of MDA had taken place before the study commenced, with a further three rounds completed during the course of the study. RESULTS In 2007, rapid mapping indicated 22.3% of schoolchildren were W. bancrofti antigen positive, and a baseline survey during the same year found age-adjusted microfilaraemia prevalence was 3.7% (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.6-5.3%). In 2010, age-adjusted microfilaraemia prevalence had fallen to 0.4%, while antigenaemia rates were 0.2% in children < 5 years and 6.0% in ≥ 5 years. In 2010, universal coverage of mosquito nets in a household was found to be protective against W. bancrofti antigen (odds ratio = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.22-0.89). Prevalence of W. bancrofti larvae in anopheline mosquitoes had decreased significantly between the 2007 and 2010 surveys, but there was an apparent increase in vector densities. CONCLUSION A marked reduction in W. bancrofti infection and infectivity in humans was observed in the study area, where both MDA and LLINs were used to reduce transmission. The extent to which LLINs contributed to this decline is equivocal, however. Further work investigating the impact of vector control on anopheline-transmitted LF in an endemic area not benefitting from MDA would be valuable to determine the effect of such interventions on their own.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth A Ashton
- Malaria Consortium Africa, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Tom Opio
- District Health Office, Dokolo, Uganda
| | - Anna Auma
- Vector Control Division, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Tansy Edwards
- MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Gabriel Matwale
- Vector Control Division, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Simon Brooker
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Malaria Public Health & Epidemiology Group, Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jan H Kolaczinski
- Malaria Consortium Africa, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Weckelmann A, Viebahn C, Püschel B. Subcellular Redistribution of the Mitochondrial PG2 Epitope during Development from Cleavage to Primordial Germ Cell Formation in the Rabbit Embryo. Sex Dev 2008; 2:31-42. [DOI: 10.1159/000117717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2007] [Accepted: 01/17/2008] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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