Human schistosome infection and allergic sensitisation

Prevalence and Hematological Changes in Urogenital Schistosomiasis: Infection Persistence in the Phase of Mass Drug Administration in Sempoa (Kwahu East, Ghana): A Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Schistosomiasis is a chronic neglected tropical disease and Ghana's second most prevalent helminth infection. The annual mass drug administration of praziquantel to school children is aimed at reducing disease morbidity as a public health problem.

Aim

The study aimed to assess the prevalence and hematological profile of urinary schistosomiasis in Sempoa after over a decade of consecutive Mass Drug Administration (MDA) of praziquantel.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study involving 126 participants was conducted. Schistosoma haematobium eggs were identified and quantified using the urine filtration-microscopy technique. The hematological profile was analyzed using a fully automated 5-part Sysmex XN-350 (Sysmex Co, Germany) analyzer.

Results

The study recorded a prevalence of 21.6% that was significantly related to water contact activities. Schistosomiasis was significantly associated with lower levels of Red Blood Cell (RBC) indices; MCV (p < 0.001), MCHC (p < 0.001), and MCH (p = 0.01) with higher platelet, lymphocytes, and basophil counts compared to the uninfected. Heavy infection was significantly associated with lower hemoglobin levels. The study further reported microhaematuria as a sensitive and specific proxy diagnostic tool for field surveillance in endemic communities.

Conclusion

Urinary schistosomiasis accompanied by an altered hematological profile persists in Sempoa under preventive praziquantel. Future control interventions must consider an integrated approach of marrying behavioral change, with preventive chemotherapy and vector control.

Biomolecular Mechanisms of Autoimmune Diseases and Their Relationship with the Resident Microbiota: Friend or Foe?

The use of innovative approaches to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms of autoimmune diseases, as well as to further study of the factors which can have either a positive or negative effect on the course of the disease, is essential. In this line, the development of new molecular techniques and the creation of the Human Genome Program have allowed access to many more solutions to the difficulties that exist in the identification and characterization of the microbiome, as well as changes due to various factors. Such innovative technologies can rekindle older hypotheses, such as molecular mimicry, allowing us to move from hypothesis to theory and from correlation to causality, particularly regarding autoimmune diseases and dysbiosis of the microbiota. For example, Prevotella copri appears to have a strong association with rheumatoid arthritis; it is expected that this will be confirmed by several scientists, which, in turn, will make it possible to identify other mechanisms that may contribute to the pathophysiology of the disease. This article seeks to identify new clues regarding similar correlations between autoimmune activity and the human microbiota, particularly in relation to qualitative and quantitative microbial variations therein.

Algorithm for diagnosis of early Schistosoma haematobium using prodromal signs and symptoms in pre-school age children in an endemic district in Zimbabwe

Introduction

Prompt diagnosis of acute schistosomiasis benefits the individual and provides opportunities for early public health intervention. In endemic areas schistosomiasis is usually contracted during the first 5 years of life, thus it is critical to look at how the infection manifests in this age group. The aim of this study was to describe the prodromal signs and symptoms of early schistosomiasis infection, correlate these with early disease progression and risk score to develop an easy to use clinical algorithm to identify early Schistosoma haematobium infection cases in resource limited settings.

Methodology

Two hundred and four, preschool age children who were lifelong residence of a schistosomiasis endemic district and at high risk of acquiring schistosomiasis were followed up from July 2019 to December 2019, during high transmission season. The children received interval and standard full clinical evaluations and laboratory investigations for schistosomiasis by clinicians blinded from their schistosomiasis infection status. Diagnosis of S. haematobium was by urine filtration collected over three consecutive days. Signs and symptoms of schistosomiasis at first examination visit were compared to follow-up visits. Signs and symptoms common on the last schistosomiasis negative visit (before a subsequent positive) were assigned as early schistosomiasis infection (ESI), after possible alternative causes were ruled out. Logistic regression identified clinical predictors. A model based score was assigned to each predictor to create a risk for every child. An algorithm was created based on the predictor risk scores and validated on a separate cohort of 537 preschool age children.

Results

Twenty-one percent (42) of the participants were negative for S. haematobium infection at baseline but turned positive at follow-up. The ESI participants at the preceding S. haematobium negative visit had the following prodromal signs and symptoms in comparison to non-ESI participants; pruritic rash adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 21.52 (95% CI 6.38–72.66), fever AOR = 82 (95% CI 10.98–612), abdominal pain AOR = 2.6 (95% CI 1.25–5.43), pallor AOR = 4 (95% CI 1.44–11.12) and a history of facial/body swelling within the previous month AOR = 7.31 (95% CI 3.49–15.33). Furthermore 16% of the ESI group had mild normocytic anaemia, whilst 2% had moderate normocytic anaemia. A risk score model was created using a rounded integer from the relative risks ratios. The diagnostic algorithm created had a sensitivity of 81% and a specificity of 96.9%, Positive predictive value = 87.2% and NPV was 95.2%. The area under the curve for the algorithm was 0.93 (0.90–0.97) in comparison with the urine dipstick AUC = 0.58 (0.48–0.69). There was a similar appearance in the validation cohort as in the derivative cohort.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates for the first time prodromal signs and symptoms associated with early S. haematobium infection in pre-school age children. These prodromal signs and symptoms pave way for early intervention and management, thus decreasing the harm of late diagnosis. Our algorithm has the potential to assist in risk-stratifying pre-school age children for early S. haematobium infection. Independent validation of the algorithm on another cohort is needed to assess the utility further.

Schistosoma haematobium causes urogenital infection and in endemic areas schistosomiasis is usually contracted during the first 5 years of life, thus it is critical to look at how the infection manifests in this age group. Prompt diagnosis of acute schistosomiasis is required to benefit the individuals and provide opportunities for early treatment and public health intervention. The study examined symptoms that correlated with early disease progression and risk scored to develop an easy to use clinical algorithm to identify early S. haematobium infection cases. The children received standard full clinical evaluations by clinicians who were blinded from schistosomiasis diagnosis by parasitological examination. An algorithm was created based on the predictor risk scores and participants had the following prodromal signs and symptoms; pruritic rash, abdominal pain, pallor, abdominal pain, inguinal lymphadenopathy and a history of facial/body swelling within the previous month. A risk score model, diagnostic algorithm, was created that compared to urine dipstick and parasitology. This study demonstrates the clinical signs and symptoms associated with early S. haematobium infection in pre-school age children. These prodromal signs and symptoms pave way for early intervention and management, thus decreasing the harm of late diagnosis common in populations from endemic areas.

Immunological and Biochemical Interplay between Cytokines, Oxidative Stress and Schistosomiasis

The host–parasite schistosome relationship relies heavily on the interplay between the strategies imposed by the schistosome worm and the defense mechanisms the host uses to counter the line of attack of the parasite. The ultimate goal of the schistosome parasite entails five important steps: evade elimination tactics, survive within the human host, develop into adult forms, propagate in large numbers, and transmit from one host to the next. The aim of the parasitized host on the other hand is either to cure or limit infection. Therefore, it is a battle between two conflicting aspirations. From the host’s standpoint, infection accompanies a plethora of immunological consequences; some are set in place to defend the host, while most end up promoting chronic disease, which ultimately crosses paths with oxidative stress and cancer. Understanding these networks provides attractive opportunities for anti-schistosome therapeutic development. Hence, this review discusses the mechanisms by which schistosomes modulate the human immune response with ultimate links to oxidative stress and genetic instability.

Schistosome Infection and Schistosome-Derived Products as Modulators for the Prevention and Alleviation of Immunological Disorders

Parasitic helminths, comprising the flatworms (tapeworms and flukes) and nematodes (roundworms), have plagued humans persistently over a considerable period of time. It is now known that the degree of exposure to these and other pathogens inversely correlates with the incidence of both T helper 1 (Th1)-mediated autoimmunity and Th2-mediated allergy. Accordingly, there has been recent increased interest in utilizing active helminth worm infections and helminth-derived products for the treatment of human autoimmune and inflammatory diseases and to alleviate disease severity. Indeed, there is an accumulating list of novel helminth derived molecules, including proteins, peptides, and microRNAs, that have been shown to exhibit therapeutic potential in a variety of disease models. Here we consider the blood-dwelling schistosome flukes, which have evolved subtle immune regulatory mechanisms that promote parasite survival but at the same time minimize host tissue immunopathology. We review and discuss the recent advances in using schistosome infection and schistosome-derived products as therapeutics to treat or mitigate human immune-related disorders, including allergic asthma, arthritis, colitis, diabetes, sepsis, cystitis, and cancer.

Clinical morbidity associated with Schistosoma haematobium infection in pre-school age children from an endemic district in Zimbabwe

OBJECTIVE

To investigate Schistosoma haematobium morbidity in infected pre-school age children and establish their disease burden.

METHODOLOGY

Pre-school age children (1-5 years) who were lifelong residents of the study area and had no other infections were included in the study. Participants underwent a physical examination with clinicians blinded to their infection status. Diagnosis of S. haematobium was by urine filtration.

RESULTS

The prevalence of S. haematobium was 35.1% (146/416). The clinical features observed in patients with Schistosoma haematobium were as follows: wheezes (morbidity attributable factor (AF = 93.9%), haematuria (AF = 92.6%), ascites (AF = 91.5%), atopy (AF = 76.9%), inguinal lymphadenopathy (AF = 68.4%), stunting (AF = 38.2), malnutrition (MUAC)(AF = 20%) and weight for height scales (AF = 5%). Schistosoma. haematobium infected children were at greater odds ratio of presenting with inguinal lymphadenopathy (AOR)=99.2(95% CI 24.2 to 854.5), wheezes in the chest (AOR = 35.4 95% CI 15.3 to 94.2), Distended abdomen with ascites (AOR = 23.9 95% CI 11.4 to 54), haematuria (AOR = 12.6 95% CI 11.6 to 14.1), atopy history (AOR = 5.6 95% CI 1.85 to 20.2), malnutrition (AOR = 2.3 95% CI 1.4 to 3.2) and stunting (AOR = 1.9 95% CI 1.1 to2.7).

CONCLUSION

The study is novel as it demonstrates for the first time clinical morbidity markers associated with S. haematobium infection in pre-school age children. Furthermore the study adds scientific evidence to the call for inclusion of pre-school age children in schistosomiasis control programmes. These morbidity markers highlight the need for early diagnosis and screening for S. haematobium in pre-school age children.

Antigenic cross-reactivity between Schistosoma mansoni and allergenic invertebrates putatively due to shared glycanic epitopes

Previous studies have shown that rabbit IgG antibodies against Schistosoma mansoni egg antigens (SmSEA) cross-react with allergens in natural rubber latex, peanuts and grass and tree pollens. Here we describe antigenic molecules that cross-react with rabbit anti-S. mansoni IgG antibodies in extracts of the house dust mite (HDM) Dermatophagoides farinae, the Australian cockroach (ACR) Periplaneta australasiae and in the venom of the honey bee Apis mellifera (HBV). Tandem mass spectrometry identified the cross-reactive allergens as Der f 15 in HDM, two homologues of the Periplaneta americana cockroach allergen Cr-PI/Per a 3 in ACR and two isoforms of the allergen Api m 1 (phospholipase A2: PLA2) in HBV. Cross-reactive rabbit anti-SmSEA IgG antibodies eluted from the three invertebrate allergens reacted with S. mansoni egg antigens and variably with schistosome cercarial and worm antigens. Treatment of the electroblotted allergens with sodium metaperiodate abrogated most of the cross-reactivity of the rabbit anti-SmSEA antibodies, suggesting it was due to cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCDs). Furthermore, analyses of the allergens’ amino acid sequences indicated that they had potential for both N- and O-linked glycosylation. A potential role for the CCDs shared by the schistosome and invertebrates in inducing an allergy-protective effect, as proposed by the hygiene hypothesis, is discussed.

Antigenic cross-reactivity between Schistosoma mansoni and pollen allergens from the birch tree (Betula verrucosa) and Timothy grass (Phleum pratense): involvement of shared glycan epitopes and implications for the hygiene hypothesis

Previous studies have shown that schistosome infection can protect against allergic symptoms, but the underlying mechanisms are still not fully understood. Here we have shown that rabbit IgG antibodies raised against Schistosoma mansoni soluble egg antigens (SmSEA) are cross-reactive with a wide array of molecules in Timothy grass pollen (TGP) and birch tree pollen (BTP). Five of the cross-reactive pollen molecules (two from TGP and three from BTP) were selected randomly and identified by tandem mass spectrometric (TMS) analysis to be, respectively, the TGP allergens Phl p 1 and Phl p 5b, and BTP glutathione S-transferase (GST), and the BTP allergens Bet v 1 and Bet v 6.0102. Rabbit anti-SmSEA IgG antibodies that cross-reacted with each of the five allergens were found to be reactive with three major S. mansoni egg antigens, IPSE/alpha-1, omega-1 and kappa-5. Pairwise alignment of the amino acid sequences of each of the five TMS-identified pollen allergens with each of the three egg antigens revealed a low level of amino acid sequence identity. Further experiments indicated that the schistosome antigen/allergen cross-reactivity was mostly due to similar glycans present in helminths and plants, but not in mammals: so called cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCDs). Previously, CCDs have been implicated in the cross-reactivity between many plants and invertebrates. Furthermore, pollen-induced anti-CCD IgGs have been found in sera of patients undergoing allergen-specific immunotherapy (SIT) and implicated in the treatment of the allergy. Thus, our finding provides not only possible explanations for the allergy-protective effect of helminth/schistosome infections as explained by the hygiene hypothesis, but also a potential starting point for improved SIT.

Antigenic cross-reactivity between Schistosoma mansoni and peanut: a role for cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCDs) and implications for the hygiene hypothesis

The antigenic reactivity of constituents of Schistosoma mansoni and peanut (Arachis hypogaea) was investigated to determine whether identical antigenic epitopes possessed by both organisms provided a possible explanation for the negative correlation between chronic schistosome infection and atopy to allergens. Aqueous extracts of peanuts were probed in Western immunoblots with rabbit IgG antibodies raised against the egg, cercarial and adult worm stages of S. mansoni. Several molecules in the peanut extract were antigenically reactive with antibodies from the various rabbit anti-schistosome sera. A pair of cross-reactive peanut molecules at ~30 000-33 000 molecular weight was purified and both proteins were identified by mass spectrometric analysis as the peanut allergen Ara h 1. Anti-S. mansoni soluble egg antigen antibodies that were eluted off the peanut molecules reacted with two S. mansoni egg antigens identified by mass spectrometry as IPSE/α-1 and κ-5. Alignments of the amino acid sequences of Ara h 1 and either IPSE/α-1 or κ-5 revealed a low level of peptide sequence identity. Incubation of nitrocellulose paper carrying electrophoresed peanut molecules, six constituents of other allergic plants and S. mansoni egg antigens in a mild solution of sodium metaperiodate before probing with antibodies, inhibited most of the cross-reactivities. The results are consistent with the antigenic cross-reactive epitopes of S. mansoni egg antigens, peanut and other allergic plants being cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCDs). These findings are novel and an explanation based on 'blocking antibodies' could provide an insight for the inverse relationship observed between schistosome infection and allergies.