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Šmídová B, Majer M, Novák J, Revalová A, Horák P, Macháček T. The neurotropic schistosome vs experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis: are there any winners? Parasitology 2024; 151:412-420. [PMID: 38443998 PMCID: PMC11044066 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182024000210] [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: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
The incidences of multiple sclerosis have risen worldwide, yet neither the trigger nor efficient treatment is known. Some research is dedicated to looking for treatment by parasites, mainly by helminths. However, little is known about the effect of helminths that infect the nervous system. Therefore, we chose the neurotropic avian schistosome Trichobilharzia regenti, which strongly promotes M2 polarization and tissue repair in the central nervous system, and we tested its effect on the course of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in mice. Surprisingly, the symptoms of EAE tended to worsen after the infection with T. regenti. The infection did not stimulate tissue repair, as indicated by the similar level of demyelination. Eosinophils heavily infiltrated the infected tissue, and the microglia number increased as well. Furthermore, splenocytes from T. regenti-infected EAE mice produced more interferon (IFN)-γ than splenocytes from EAE mice after stimulation with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein. Our research indicates that the combination of increased eosinophil numbers and production of IFN-γ tends to worsen the EAE symptoms. Moreover, the data highlight the importance of considering the direct effect of the parasite on the tissue, as the migrating parasite may further tissue damage and make tissue repair even more difficult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbora Šmídová
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Martin Majer
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jan Novák
- Institute of Immunology and Microbiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Alena Revalová
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Petr Horák
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Tomáš Macháček
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
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Schols R, Smitz N, Vanderheyden A, Huyse T. Expanding the swimmer's itch pool of the Benelux: a first record of the neurotropic Trichobilharzia regenti and potential link to human infection. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:126. [PMID: 38481352 PMCID: PMC10938770 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06218-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Swimmer's itch, an allergic contact dermatitis caused by avian and mammalian blood flukes, is a parasitic infection affecting people worldwide. In particular, avian blood flukes of the genus Trichobilharzia are infamous for their role in swimmer's itch cases. These parasites infect waterfowl as a final host, but incidental infections by cercariae in humans are frequently reported. Upon accidental infections of humans, parasite larvae will be recognized by the immune system and destroyed, leading to painful itchy skin lesions. However, one species, Trichobilharzia regenti, can escape this response in experimental animals and reach the spinal cord, causing neuroinflammation. In the last few decades, there has been an increase in case reports across Europe, making it an emerging zoonosis. METHODS Following a reported case of swimmer's itch in Kampenhout in 2022 (Belgium), the transmission site consisting of a private pond and an adjacent creek was investigated through a malacological and parasitological survey. RESULTS Six snail species were collected, including the widespread Ampullaceana balthica, a well-known intermediate host for Trichobilharzia parasites. Shedding experiments followed by DNA barcoding revealed a single snail specimen to be infected with T. regenti, a new species record for Belgium and by extension the Benelux. Moreover, it is the most compelling case to date of the link between this neurotropic parasite and cercarial dermatitis. Additionally, an Echinostomatidae sp. and Notocotylus sp. were isolated from two other specimens of A. balthica. However, the lack of reference DNA sequences for these groups in the online repositories prevented genus- and species-level identification, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The presence of T. regenti in Belgium might have severe clinical implications and its finding highlights the need for increased vigilance and diagnostic awareness among medical professionals. The lack of species-level identification of the other two parasite species showcases the barcoding void for trematodes. Overall, these findings demonstrate the need for a Belgian framework to rapidly detect and monitor zoonotic outbreaks of trematode parasites within the One Health context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben Schols
- Department of Biology & BopCo, Royal Museum for Central Africa, Tervuren, Belgium.
- Laboratory of Aquatic Biology, KU Leuven, Campus Kortrijk, Kortrijk, Belgium.
| | - Nathalie Smitz
- Department of Biology & BopCo, Royal Museum for Central Africa, Tervuren, Belgium
| | - Ann Vanderheyden
- BopCo, Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Tine Huyse
- Department of Biology & BopCo, Royal Museum for Central Africa, Tervuren, Belgium
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Macháček T, Fuchs CD, Winkelmann F, Frank M, Scharnagl H, Stojakovic T, Sombetzki M, Trauner M. Bsep/Abcb11 knockout ameliorates Schistosoma mansoni liver pathology by reducing parasite fecundity. Liver Int 2023; 43:2469-2478. [PMID: 37641872 PMCID: PMC10947390 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Schistosoma mansoni infection is one of the worldwide leading causes of liver fibrosis and portal hypertension. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether polyhydroxylated bile acids (BAs), known to protect mice from the development of acquired cholestatic liver injury, counteract S. mansoni-induced inflammation and fibrosis. METHODS Adult FVB/N wild type (WT) and Abcb11/Bsep-/- mice were infected with either 25 or 50 S. mansoni cercariae. Eight weeks post infection, effects on liver histology, serum biochemistry, gene expression profile of proinflammatory cytokines and fibrotic markers, hepatic hydroxyproline content and FACS analysis were performed. RESULTS Bsep-/- mice infected with S. mansoni showed significantly less hepatic inflammation and tendentially less fibrosis compared to infected WT mice. Despite elevated alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase levels in infected Bsep-/- mice, inflammatory cells such as M2 macrophages and Mac-2/galectin-3+ cells were reduced in these animals. Accordingly, mRNA-expression levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4 and IL-13) were increased in Bsep-/- mice upon infection. Furthermore, infected Bsep-/- mice exhibited decreased hepatic egg load and parasite fecundity, consequently affecting the worm reproduction rate. This outcome could arise from elevated serum BA levels and lower blood pH in Bsep-/- mice. CONCLUSIONS The loss of Bsep and the resulting changes in bile acid composition and blood pH are associated with the reduction of parasite fecundity, thus attenuating the development of S. mansoni-induced hepatic inflammation and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomáš Macháček
- Division of Tropical Medicine and Infectious DiseasesCenter of Internal Medicine IIRostock University Medical CenterRostockGermany
- Department of ParasitologyFaculty of ScienceCharles UniversityPragueCzechia
| | - Claudia D. Fuchs
- Hans Popper Laboratory of Molecular HepatologyDivision of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of Internal Medicine IIIMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Franziska Winkelmann
- Division of Tropical Medicine and Infectious DiseasesCenter of Internal Medicine IIRostock University Medical CenterRostockGermany
| | - Marcus Frank
- Medical Biology and Electron Microscopy CenterUniversity Medical Center RostockRostockGermany
- Department LifeLight and MatterUniversity of RostockRostockGermany
| | - Hubert Scharnagl
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory DiagnosticsMedical University of GrazGrazAustria
| | - Tatjana Stojakovic
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory DiagnosticsUniversity Hospital GrazGrazAustria
| | - Martina Sombetzki
- Division of Tropical Medicine and Infectious DiseasesCenter of Internal Medicine IIRostock University Medical CenterRostockGermany
| | - Michael Trauner
- Hans Popper Laboratory of Molecular HepatologyDivision of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of Internal Medicine IIIMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
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Omar M, Abdelal HO. Nitric oxide in parasitic infections: a friend or foe? J Parasit Dis 2022; 46:1147-1163. [PMID: 36457767 PMCID: PMC9606182 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-022-01518-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The complex interaction between the host and the parasite remains a puzzling question. Control of parasitic infections requires an efficient immune response that must be balanced against destructive pathological consequences. Nitric oxide is a nitrogenous free radical which has many molecular targets and serves diverse functions. Apart from being a signaling messenger, nitric oxide is critical for controlling numerous infections. There is still controversy surrounding the exact role of nitric oxide in the immune response against different parasitic species. It proved protective against intracellular protozoa, as well as extracellular helminths. At the same time, it plays a pivotal role in stimulating detrimental pathological changes in the infected hosts. Several reports have discussed the anti-parasitic and immunoregulatory functions of nitric oxide, which could directly influence the control of the infection. Nevertheless, there is scarce literature addressing the harmful cytotoxic impacts of this mediator. Thus, this review provides insights into the most updated concepts and controversies regarding the dual nature and opposing sides of nitric oxide during the course of different parasitic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Omar
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Gameyet Almohafza St. 1, Menya Al-Kamh, City of Zagazig, 44511 Sharkia Governorate Egypt
| | - Heba O. Abdelal
- LIS: Cross-National Data Center, Maison des Sciences Humaines - 5e étage, 11- porte des Sciences, L-4366 Esch-Belval, Luxembourg
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Dibo N, Liu X, Chang Y, Huang S, Wu X. Pattern recognition receptor signaling and innate immune responses to schistosome infection. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:1040270. [PMID: 36339337 PMCID: PMC9633954 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.1040270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis remains to be a significant public health problem in tropical and subtropical regions. Despite remarkable progress that has been made in the control of the disease over the past decades, its elimination remains a daunting challenge in many countries. This disease is an inflammatory response-driven, and the positive outcome after infection depends on the regulation of immune responses that efficiently clear worms and allow protective immunity to develop. The innate immune responses play a critical role in host defense against schistosome infection and pathogenesis. Initial pro-inflammatory responses are essential for clearing invading parasites by promoting appropriate cell-mediated and humoral immunity. However, elevated and prolonged inflammatory responses against the eggs trapped in the host tissues contribute to disease progression. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of innate immune responses is important for developing effective therapies and vaccines. Here, we update the recent advances in the definitive host innate immune response to schistosome infection, especially highlighting the critical roles of pattern recognition receptors and cytokines. The considerations for further research are also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nouhoum Dibo
- Department of medical parasitology, Xiangya School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xianshu Liu
- Department of medical parasitology, Xiangya School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yunfeng Chang
- Department of Forensic Medicine Science, Xiangya School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Yueyang, China
| | - Shuaiqin Huang
- Department of medical parasitology, Xiangya School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Provincial Key Lab of Immunology and Transmission Control on Schistosomiasis, Hunan Provincial Institute of Schistosomiasis Control, Yueyang, China
| | - Xiang Wu
- Department of medical parasitology, Xiangya School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Provincial Key Lab of Immunology and Transmission Control on Schistosomiasis, Hunan Provincial Institute of Schistosomiasis Control, Yueyang, China
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Macháček T, Leontovyč R, Šmídová B, Majer M, Vondráček O, Vojtěchová I, Petrásek T, Horák P. Mechanisms of the host immune response and helminth-induced pathology during Trichobilharzia regenti (Schistosomatidae) neuroinvasion in mice. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010302. [PMID: 35120185 PMCID: PMC8849443 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Helminth neuroinfections represent serious medical conditions, but the diversity of the host-parasite interplay within the nervous tissue often remains poorly understood, partially due to the lack of laboratory models. Here, we investigated the neuroinvasion of the mouse spinal cord by Trichobilharzia regenti (Schistosomatidae). Active migration of T. regenti schistosomula through the mouse spinal cord induced motor deficits in hindlimbs but did not affect the general locomotion or working memory. Histological examination of the infected spinal cord revealed eosinophilic meningomyelitis with eosinophil-rich infiltrates entrapping the schistosomula. Flow cytometry and transcriptomic analysis of the spinal cord confirmed massive activation of the host immune response. Of note, we recorded striking upregulation of the major histocompatibility complex II pathway and M2-associated markers, such as arginase or chitinase-like 3. Arginase also dominated the proteins found in the microdissected tissue from the close vicinity of the migrating schistosomula, which unselectively fed on the host nervous tissue. Next, we evaluated the pathological sequelae of T. regenti neuroinvasion. While no demyelination or blood-brain barrier alterations were noticed, our transcriptomic data revealed a remarkable disruption of neurophysiological functions not yet recorded in helminth neuroinfections. We also detected DNA fragmentation at the host-schistosomulum interface, but schistosomula antigens did not affect the viability of neurons and glial cells in vitro. Collectively, altered locomotion, significant disruption of neurophysiological functions, and strong M2 polarization were the most prominent features of T. regenti neuroinvasion, making it a promising candidate for further neuroinfection research. Indeed, understanding the diversity of pathogen-related neuroinflammatory processes is a prerequisite for developing better protective measures, treatment strategies, and diagnostic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomáš Macháček
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
- * E-mail:
| | - Roman Leontovyč
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Barbora Šmídová
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Martin Majer
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Oldřich Vondráček
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Iveta Vojtěchová
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology of Memory, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Tomáš Petrásek
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology of Memory, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Petr Horák
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
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