Arbonematodes - nematode infections transmissible by arthropods: arbeitskreis blut, untergruppe «bewertung blutassoziierter krankheitserreger»*

Inference of essential genes in Brugia malayi and Onchocerca volvulus by machine learning and the implications for discovering new interventions

Detailed explorations of the model organisms Caenorhabditis elegans (elegant worm) and Drosophila melanogaster (vinegar fly) have substantially improved our knowledge and understanding of biological processes and pathways in metazoan organisms. Extensive functional genomic and multi-omic data sets have enabled the discovery and characterisation of 'essential' genes that are critical for the survival of these organisms. Recently, we showed that a machine learning (ML)-based pipeline could be utilised to predict essential genes in both C. elegans and D. melanogaster using features from DNA, RNA, protein and/or cellular data or associated information. As these distantly-related species are within the Ecdysozoa, we hypothesised that this approach could be suited for non-model organisms within the same group (phylum) of protostome animals. In the present investigation, we cross-predicted essential genes within the phylum Nematoda - between C. elegans and the parasitic filarial nematodes Brugia malayi and Onchocerca volvulus, and then ranked and prioritised these genes. Highly ranked genes were linked to key biological pathways or processes, such as ribosome biogenesis, translation and RNA processing, and were expressed at relatively high levels in the germline, gonad, hypodermis and/or nerves. The present in silico workflow is hoped to expedite the identification of drug targets in parasitic organisms for subsequent experimental validation in the laboratory.

COVID-19 unfolding filariasis: The first case of SARS-CoV-2 and Wuchereria bancrofti coinfection

With the evolution of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the number of patients brought to medical attention has increased. This has led to the unmasking of many coexisting occult infections and comorbidities such as tuberculosis, dengue, human immunodeficiency viral infection, diabetes, and hypertension. We report the first case of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, unveiling the diagnosis of asymptomatic filariasis. A 37-year-old gentleman presented with shortness of breath, fever, and cough. He was found to have COVID-19 pneumonia. During his stay, microfilaria of Wuchereria bancrofti was detected incidentally on a blood smear exam. Consequently, the patient received appropriate treatment for both conditions. In order not to miss relevant concomitant diagnoses, it is prudent to keep a broad differential diagnosis when faced with SARS-CoV-2–infected patients; this is especially true when atypical symptoms are present or in areas endemic with other infections.

Avermectin Derivatives, Pharmacokinetics, Therapeutic and Toxic Dosages, Mechanism of Action, and Their Biological Effects

Avermectins are a group of drugs that occurs naturally as a product of fermenting Streptomyces avermitilis, an actinomycetes, isolated from the soil. Eight different structures, including ivermectin, abamectin, doramectin, eprinomectin, moxidectin, and selamectin, were isolated and divided into four major components (A1a, A2a, B1a and B2a) and four minor components (A1b, A2b, B1b, and B2b). Avermectins are generally used as a pesticide for the treatment of pests and parasitic worms as a result of their anthelmintic and insecticidal properties. Additionally, they possess anticancer, anti-diabetic, antiviral, antifungal, and are used for treatment of several metabolic disorders. Avermectin generally works by preventing the transmission of electrical impulse in the muscle and nerves of invertebrates, by amplifying the glutamate effects on the invertebrates-specific gated chloride channel. Avermectin has unwanted effects or reactions, especially when administered indiscriminately, which include respiratory failure, hypotension, and coma. The current review examines the mechanism of actions, biosynthesis, safety, pharmacokinetics, biological toxicity and activities of avermectins.