1
|
Khatir AA, Mousavi F, Sepidarkish M, Arshadi M, Arjmandi D, Aldaghi M, Rostami A. Association between Alzheimer's disease and Toxocara infection/exposure: a case-control study. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2024:trae039. [PMID: 38899453 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trae039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infections may contribute to Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk. Limited evidence suggests Toxocara spp. infection/exposure could influence AD development. METHODS We investigated Toxocara seropositivity and AD in Iranian adults using a matched case-control study. Our sample included 90 AD cases and 91 healthy older adults. Anti-Toxocara immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies were assessed via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We computed the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) through univariable and multivariable analyses, adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS There were 33/90 (36.67% [95% CI 26.75 to 47.48]) anti-Toxocara IgG seropositive individuals identified among the AD cases and 21/91 (23.07% [95% CI 14.89 to 33.09]) among the healthy controls. In univariable analysis, a significant association was identified between anti-Toxocara IgG seropositivity and AD (OR 1.93 [95% CI 1.01 to 3.69], p<0.001). Moreover, the association remained significant (OR 2.18 [95% CI 1.05 to 4.49], p<0.001) in multivariable analysis after adjustment for covariates. There was no association between anti-Toxocara IgG seropositivity and the severity of AD (OR 0.75 [95% CI 0.21 to 2.61], p=0.47). CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicated that Toxocara exposure/infection could be a potential risk factor for development of AD. To better understand a real causality between Toxocara exposure/infection and AD and related dementias, follow-up designed and adequately powered studies are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Alizadeh Khatir
- Mobility Impairment Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Fariborz Mousavi
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Mahdi Sepidarkish
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Mahdi Arshadi
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Delaram Arjmandi
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Maryam Aldaghi
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Ali Rostami
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yang Y, Chen Y, Zheng Z, Lin L, Chen X, Yang C, Zhong D, Wu H, Xiong Z, Liu S, Wang T, Yang Y, Du A, Ma G. Alterations of plasma circulating microRNAs in BALB/c mice with Toxocara canis visceral and cerebral larva migrans. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:256. [PMID: 38867315 PMCID: PMC11167859 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06327-0] [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: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human toxocariasis is a neglected parasitic disease characterised by the syndromes visceral, cerebral, and ocular larva migrans. This disease is caused by the migrating larvae of Toxocara roundworms from dogs and cats, affecting 1.4 billion people globally. Via extracellular vesicles (EVs), microRNAs have been demonstrated to play roles in host-parasite interactions and proposed as circulating biomarkers for the diagnosis and follow-up of parasitic diseases. METHODS Small RNA-seq was conducted to identify miRNAs in the infective larvae of T. canis and plasma EV-containing preparations of infected BALB/c mice. Differential expression analysis and target prediction were performed to indicate miRNAs involved in host-parasite interactions and miRNAs associated with visceral and/or cerebral larva migrans in the infected mice. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify circulating miRNAs from the infected mice. RESULTS This study reports host and parasite miRNAs in the plasma of BALB/c mice with visceral and cerebral larva migrans and demonstrates the alterations of these miRNAs during the migration of larvae from the livers through the lungs and to the brains of infected mice. After filtering unspecific changes in an irrelevant control, T. canis-derived miRNAs and T. canis infection-induced differential miRNAs are predicted to modulate genes consistently involved in mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling and pathways regulating axon guidance and pluripotency of stem in the infected mice with visceral and cerebral larva migrans. For these plasma circulating miRNAs predicted to be involved in host-parasite crosstalk, two murine miRNAs (miR-26b-5p and miR-122-5p) are experimentally verified to be responsive to larva migrans and represent circulating biomarker candidates for visceral and cerebral toxocariasis in BALB/c mice. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide novel insights into the crosstalk of T. canis and the mammalian host via plasma circulating miRNAs, and prime agents and indicators for visceral and cerebral larva migrans. A deep understanding of these aspects will underpin the diagnosis and control of toxocariasis in humans and animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Yang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi Chen
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhiwan Zheng
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lijun Lin
- School of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xueqiu Chen
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chenyu Yang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Die Zhong
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haiyan Wu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhiwei Xiong
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Sishi Liu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tao Wang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi Yang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Aifang Du
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guangxu Ma
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- ZJU-Xinchang Joint Innovation Centre (TianMu Laboratory), Gaochuang Hi-Tech Park, Xinchang, Zhejiang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ebrahimipour M, Parsa H, Kianifard N, Nasibi S, Rostami A. Understanding the research and practical needs required to control toxocariasis in Iran. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2024; 25:e00351. [PMID: 38708129 PMCID: PMC11067375 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2024.e00351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Human toxocariasis (HT) is a widespread zoonotic infection globally, notably prevalent in tropical areas. Enhancing our understanding of toxocariasis can lead to increased attention towards the socioeconomic impact and control of this neglected zoonosis. We conducted a comprehensive review of all available articles and official documents on toxocariasis in Iran to identify research gaps and critical needs for its control. This review highlights that despite numerous studies exploring various aspects of toxocariasis in definitive and paratenic hosts, as well as humans and environmental contamination, significant data deficiencies and gaps persist across different regions in the country. These gaps involve investigating the worm burden and reinfection rates in definitive hosts, developing more sensitive methods to detect and differentiate of Toxocara species, and understanding the behavior of definitive host animals. Additionally, identifying potential paratenic hosts for HT and exploring the organ-specific affinity and survival duration of Toxocara larvae within these hosts are essential areas for exploration. It's also imperative to comprehend the sylvatic and domestic cycles of the parasite in paratenic hosts. Furthermore, assessing egg density in the environment, exploring potential new sources such as water, and identifying regions with optimal climatic conditions for the survival and development of Toxocara eggs are crucial for the formulation of effective prevention and control strategies. Identifying at-risk groups, developing early diagnosis techniques, employing imaging methods, and identifying long-term complications in humans are also crucial. Community health organizations should prioritize health education for the public and professionals. Furthermore, accurately estimating definitive host populations, monitoring and preventing their movements in public places, implementing regular deworming practices for pets and stray hosts, and recognizing the infection's significance as a health priority are critical. This comprehensive understanding advocates for a holistic "one health" approach to control of HT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Ebrahimipour
- Research Center for Hydatid Disease in Iran, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Hamid Parsa
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nazanin Kianifard
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeid Nasibi
- Research Center for Hydatid Disease in Iran, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ali Rostami
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Elgendy DI, Elmahy RA, Amer AIM, Ibrahim HA, Eltantawy AF, Mansour FR, Salama AM. Efficacy of artemether against toxocariasis in mice: parasitological and immunopathological changes in brain, liver, and lung. Pathog Glob Health 2024; 118:47-64. [PMID: 37978995 PMCID: PMC10769145 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2023.2285182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxocariasis is a zoonosis that represents a serious threat to public health particularly in tropical and subtropical areas. Currently, albendazole, the most effective drug for treating visceral toxocariasis, shows moderate efficacy against the larvae in tissues and has some adverse effects. Artemether is an antiparasitic drug mainly used in the treatment of malaria and showed effectiveness against numerous helminthic infections. Besides, it possesses potent anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, antifibrotic, and neuroprotective properties. Thus, the study's aim was to investigate artemether's effects in comparison with albendazole on the therapeutic outcome of experimental toxocariasis. For this aim, 140 laboratory-bred mice were divided into four main groups: uninfected control, treatment control, albendazole-treated, and artemether-treated groups. The treatment regimens were started at the 15th dpi (early treatment), and at the 35th dpi (late treatment). The effectiveness of treatment was determined by brain larval count, histopathological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical examination. Artemether showed more effectiveness than albendazole in reducing brain larval counts, markers of brain injury including NF-κB, GFAP, and caspase-3, the diameter and number of hepatic granulomas, hepatic oxidative stress, hepatic IL-6, and TG2 mRNA, and pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis. The efficacy of artemether was the same when administered early or late in the infection. Finally, our findings illustrated that artemether might be a promising therapy for T. canis infection and it could be a good substitution for albendazole in toxocariasis treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dina I. Elgendy
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Rasha A. Elmahy
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | | | - Hoda A. Ibrahim
- Medical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Asmaa Fawzy Eltantawy
- Medical Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Fotouh Rashed Mansour
- Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Amina M. Salama
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Salama AM, Elmahy RA, Ibrahim HA, Amer AIM, Eltantawy AF, Elgendy DI. Effects of metformin on parasitological, pathological changes in the brain and liver and immunological aspects during visceral toxocariasis in mice. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:3213-3231. [PMID: 37874393 PMCID: PMC10667394 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08011-1] [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: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
There are currently insufficient anthelmintic medications available for the treatment of toxocariasis. For instance, Albendazole (ABZ) is the preferred medication, but its effectiveness against tissue-dwelling parasites is limited. In addition, Metformin (MTF) is a widely used oral antidiabetic medication that is considered to be safe for treatment. This study aimed to investigate any potential effects of MTF, alone or in combination with ABZ, on mice infections caused by Toxocara canis (T. canis). The efficacy of the treatment was assessed in the acute and chronic phases of the infection by larval recovery and histopathological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical studies. The results showed that combined therapy significantly reduced larval counts in the liver, brain, and muscles and ameliorated hepatic and brain pathology. It reduced oxidative stress and TGF-β mRNA expression and increased FGF21 levels in the liver. It decreased TNF-α levels and MMP-9 expression in the brain. In addition, it increased serum levels of IL-12 and IFN-γ and decreased serum levels of IL-4 and IL-10. In the acute and chronic phases of the infection, the combined treatment was more effective than ABZ alone. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential role of MTF as an adjuvant in the treatment of experimental T. canis infection when administered with ABZ.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amina M Salama
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Rasha A Elmahy
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, 31527, Egypt
| | - Hoda A Ibrahim
- Medical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | | | - Asmaa Fawzy Eltantawy
- Medical Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Dina I Elgendy
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Henke K, Ntovas S, Xourgia E, Exadaktylos AK, Klukowska-Rötzler J, Ziaka M. Who Let the Dogs Out? Unmasking the Neglected: A Semi-Systematic Review on the Enduring Impact of Toxocariasis, a Prevalent Zoonotic Infection. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6972. [PMID: 37947530 PMCID: PMC10649795 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20216972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Toxocariasis remains an important neglected parasitic infection representing one of the most common zoonotic infections caused by the parasite Toxocara canis or, less frequently, by Toxocara cati. The epidemiology of the disease is complex due to its transmission route by accidental ingestion of embryonated Toxocara eggs or larvae from tissues from domestic or wild paratenic hosts. Even though the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control classified toxocariasis amongst the top six parasitic infections of priority to public health, global epidemiological data regarding the relationship between seropositivity and toxocariasis is limited. Although the vast majority of the infected individuals remain asymptomatic or experience a mild disease, the infection is associated with important health and socioeconomic consequences, particularly in underprivileged, tropical, and subtropical areas. Toxocariasis is a disease with multiple clinical presentations, which are classified into five distinct forms: the classical visceral larva migrans, ocular toxocariasis, common toxocariasis, covert toxocariasis, and cerebral toxocariasis or neurotoxocariasis. Anthelmintic agents, for example, albendazole or mebendazole, are the recommended treatment, whereas a combination with topical or systemic corticosteroids for specific forms is suggested. Prevention strategies include educational programs, behavioral and hygienic changes, enhancement of the role of veterinarians, and anthelmintic regimens to control active infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Henke
- Department of Internal Medicine, Thun Hospital, Krankenhausstrasse 12, 3600 Thun, Switzerland;
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Inselspital, University Hospital, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (S.N.); (A.K.E.); (J.K.-R.)
| | - Sotirios Ntovas
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Inselspital, University Hospital, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (S.N.); (A.K.E.); (J.K.-R.)
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, lnselspital, University Hospital, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Eleni Xourgia
- Department of Heart Surgery, lnselspital, University Hospital, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland;
| | - Aristomenis K. Exadaktylos
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Inselspital, University Hospital, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (S.N.); (A.K.E.); (J.K.-R.)
| | - Jolanta Klukowska-Rötzler
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Inselspital, University Hospital, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (S.N.); (A.K.E.); (J.K.-R.)
| | - Mairi Ziaka
- Department of Internal Medicine, Thun Hospital, Krankenhausstrasse 12, 3600 Thun, Switzerland;
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Inselspital, University Hospital, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (S.N.); (A.K.E.); (J.K.-R.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Omonijo AO, Mukaratirwa S. Knowledge and practices on consumption of free-range chickens in selected rural communities of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, with focus on zoonotic transmission of Toxoplasma gondii and Toxocara spp. Trop Anim Health Prod 2022; 55:9. [PMID: 36527523 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-022-03393-3] [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: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Chickens are a host to a variety of pathogens of zoonotic importance and this depends more on the husbandry system practiced. Toxoplasma gondii and Toxocara spp which are more prevalent in free-range chickens (FRC) can be acquired by humans via the ingestion of raw or undercooked meat (muscle) and/or viscera contaminated with infective stages of T. gondii and Toxocara spp. This study aimed to assess knowledge and practices on the household consumption of FRC meat and viscera by rural communities in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province, South Africa, as a risk factor in the transmission of zoonotic pathogens with special emphasis on T. gondii and Toxocara spp. A cross-sectional study was conducted on twenty (20) randomly selected households in four selected communities located on the northern coast (Gingindlovu and Ozwathini) and southern coast (uMzinto and Shongweni) of KZN province using a semi-structured questionnaire. To determine the presence of selected zoonotic pathogens in FRC, birds were purchased from randomly selected households in the study localities for sacrifice. Brain tissues were collected and subjected to molecular detection of T. gondii using TOX4 and TOX5 primers while other tissues and organs that were collected were subjected to molecular detection of Toxocara spp using Nem 18S primers. Questionnaire data were analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 25.0. Descriptive and chi-square statistics were used to assess knowledge and practices related to FRC consumption and zoonosis transmission. Molecular results showed four positive samples for T. canis from Gingindlovu (n = 1), uMzinto (n = 1), and Shongweni (n = 2). The role of FRC consumption in zoonosis transmission is discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adejumoke Oluwatosin Omonijo
- Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Science, Federal University Oye - Ekiti, Oye - Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria. .,School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
| | - Samson Mukaratirwa
- School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.,One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical and Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, KN0101, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhou R, Jia H, Du Z, Jiang A, Song Z, Wang T, Du A, Gasser RB, Ma G. The non-glycosylated protein of Toxocara canis MUC-1 interacts with proteins of murine macrophages. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010734. [PMID: 36054186 PMCID: PMC9477421 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010734] [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: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxocariasis is a neglected parasitic disease caused predominantly by larvae of Toxocara canis. While this zoonotic disease is of major importance in humans and canids, it can also affect a range of other mammalian hosts. It is known that mucins secreted by larvae play key roles in immune recognition and evasion, but very little is understood about the molecular interactions between host cells and T. canis. Here, using an integrative approach (affinity pull-down, mass spectrometry, co-immunoprecipitation and bioinformatics), we identified 219 proteins expressed by a murine macrophage cell line (RAW264.7) that interact with prokaryotically-expressed recombinant protein (rTc-MUC-1) representing the mucin Tc-MUC-1 present in the surface coat of infective larvae of T. canis. Protein-protein interactions between rTc-MUC-1 and an actin binding protein CFL1 as well as the fatty acid binding protein FABP5 of RAW264.7 macrophages were also demonstrated in a human embryonic kidney cell line (HEK 293T). By combing predicted structural information on the protein-protein interaction and functional knowledge of the related protein association networks, we inferred roles for Tc-MUC-1 protein in the regulation of actin cytoskeletal remodelling, and the migration and phagosome formation of macrophage cells. These molecular interactions now require verification in vivo. The experimental approach taken here should be readily applicable to comparative studies of other ascaridoid nematodes (e.g. T. cati, Anisakis simplex, Ascaris suum and Baylisascaris procyonis) whose larvae undergo tissue migration in accidental hosts, including humans. Toxocariasis is a neglected parasitic disease of humans caused mainly by larvae of Toxocara canis. Given that T. canis is zoonotic and can infect a range of mammals, there has been substantial interest in host-parasite relationships, with studies showing that T. canis larvae secrete abundant mucins that effect/modulate immune responses and disease pathogenesis. To improve the understanding of immunomolecular interactions, we investigated the role(s) of the protein component of a mucin (Tc-MUC-1) secreted by infective larvae using a well-defined murine macrophage line (RAW264.7). The non-glycosylated recombinant protein of Tc-MUC-1 (designated rTc-MUC-1) was shown to interact with at least 219 proteins of RAW264.7 cells, particularly with the actin binding protein (CFL1) and a fatty acid binding protein (FABP5), which are involved in cell migration and phagocytosis, respectively. Based on these findings, we propose that Tc-MUC-1 regulates cytoskeletal organisation and signal transduction in host macrophages. It would be interesting to establish, using the integrative experimental approach employed here, whether the role(s) of Tc-MUC-1 protein homologues of related ascaridoids are conserved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rongqiong Zhou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Immunology Research Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongguo Jia
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhendong Du
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Aiyun Jiang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhenhui Song
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Aifang Du
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Robin B. Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail: (RBG); (GM)
| | - Guangxu Ma
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail: (RBG); (GM)
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Erickson LD, Hedges D, Stone A, Brown BL, Embley B, Gale SD. Association between toxocariasis seropositivity and serointensity and cognitive function in older U.S. adults. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2022; 69. [DOI: 10.14411/fp.2022.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
10
|
Köchle BR, Garijo-Toledo MM, Llobat L, Sansano-Maestre J. Prevalence of Toxocara Eggs in Public Parks in the City of Valencia (Eastern Spain). Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9050232. [PMID: 35622760 PMCID: PMC9145089 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9050232] [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: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxocara spp. is one of the most common zoonotic geohelminths in the world. Its infections are associated with the accidental ingestion of contaminated soil and affecting, especially children. In this study, feces, and soil samples from 14 public parks in the city of Valencia were analyzed. The Telemann method and a modified version of a sieving technique were used to process feces and soil, respectively. None of the fecal samples and 10.9% of soil samples from five parks (35.7%) tested positive for the presence of Toxocara eggs. The most contaminated areas were the canine sanitary parks (30.8% of the samples), followed by socialization areas for dogs (9.7%); no positive samples were found at children’s playgrounds. Our results suggest that most pets in Valencia are periodically dewormed, although additional preventive measures should be applied, since the risk of infection exists probably due to the presence of stray dogs and feral cats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Belinda Rose Köchle
- Department of Animal Production and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Experimental Sciences, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, Calle Guillem de Castro, 94, 46003 Valencia, Spain;
| | - María Magdalena Garijo-Toledo
- Department of Animal Production and Health, Public Veterinary Health and Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Calle Tirant Lo Blanc, 7, 46115 Valencia, Spain;
- Correspondence: (M.M.G.-T.); (J.S.-M.); Tel.: +34-961369000 (M.M.G.-T.); Fax: +34-961395272 (M.M.G.-T.)
| | - Lola Llobat
- Department of Animal Production and Health, Public Veterinary Health and Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Calle Tirant Lo Blanc, 7, 46115 Valencia, Spain;
| | - José Sansano-Maestre
- Department of Animal Production and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Experimental Sciences, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, Calle Guillem de Castro, 94, 46003 Valencia, Spain;
- Correspondence: (M.M.G.-T.); (J.S.-M.); Tel.: +34-961369000 (M.M.G.-T.); Fax: +34-961395272 (M.M.G.-T.)
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Waindok P, Janecek-Erfurth E, Lindenwald DL, Wilk E, Schughart K, Geffers R, Strube C. Toxocara canis- and Toxocara cati-Induced Neurotoxocarosis Is Associated with Comprehensive Brain Transcriptomic Alterations. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10010177. [PMID: 35056627 PMCID: PMC8779660 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10010177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati are globally occurring zoonotic roundworms of dogs and cats. Migration and persistence of Toxocara larvae in the central nervous system of paratenic hosts including humans may cause clinical signs of neurotoxocarosis (NT). As pathomechanisms of NT and host responses against Toxocara larvae are mostly unknown, whole-genome microarray transcription analysis was performed in cerebra and cerebella of experimentally infected C57Bl/6J mice as paratenic host model at days 14, 28, 70, 98, and 120 post-infection. Neuroinvasion of T. cati evoked 220 cerebral and 215 cerebellar differentially transcribed genes (DTGs), but no particular PANTHER (Protein ANalysis THrough Evolutionary Relationships) pathway was affected. In T. canis-infected mice, 1039 cerebral and 2073 cerebellar DTGs were identified. Statistically significant dysregulations occurred in various pathways, including cholesterol biosynthesis, apoptosis signaling, and the Slit/Robo mediated axon guidance as well as different pathways associated with the immune and defense response. Observed dysregulations of the cholesterol biosynthesis, as well as the Alzheimer disease-amyloid secretase pathway in conjunction with previous histopathological neurodegenerative findings, may promote the discussion of T. canis as a causative agent for dementia and/or Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, results contribute to a deeper understanding of the largely unknown pathogenesis and host-parasite interactions during NT, and may provide the basis for prospective investigations evaluating pathogenic mechanisms or designing novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Waindok
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hanover, Germany; (P.W.); (E.J.-E.); (D.L.L.)
| | - Elisabeth Janecek-Erfurth
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hanover, Germany; (P.W.); (E.J.-E.); (D.L.L.)
| | - Dimitri L. Lindenwald
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hanover, Germany; (P.W.); (E.J.-E.); (D.L.L.)
| | - Esther Wilk
- Department of Infection Genetics, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany; (E.W.); (K.S.)
| | - Klaus Schughart
- Department of Infection Genetics, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany; (E.W.); (K.S.)
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Centre, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
- Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hanover, Germany
| | - Robert Geffers
- Research Group Genome Analytics, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany;
| | - Christina Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hanover, Germany; (P.W.); (E.J.-E.); (D.L.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-511-953-8711
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Leal-Silva T, Vieira-Santos F, Oliveira FMS, Padrão LDLS, Kraemer L, da Paixão Matias PH, de Almeida Lopes C, Loiola Ruas AC, de Azevedo IC, Nogueira DS, Rachid MA, Caliari MV, Castro Russo R, Fujiwara RT, Bueno LL. Detrimental role of IL-33/ST2 pathway sustaining a chronic eosinophil-dependent Th2 inflammatory response, tissue damage and parasite burden during Toxocara canis infection in mice. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009639. [PMID: 34324507 PMCID: PMC8354467 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxocariasis is a neglected disease that affects people around the world. Humans become infected by accidental ingestion of eggs containing Toxocara canis infective larvae, which upon reaching the intestine, hatch, penetrate the mucosa and migrate to various tissues such as liver, lungs and brain. Studies have indicated that Th2 response is the main immune defense mechanism against toxocariasis, however, there are still few studies related to this response, mainly the IL-33/ST2 pathway. Some studies have reported an increase in IL-33 during helminth infections, including T. canis. By binding to its ST2 receptor, IL-33 stimulating the Th2 polarized immune cell and cytokine responses. Thus, we aimed to investigate the role of the IL-33/ST2 pathway in the context of T. canis larval migration and the immunological and pathophysiological aspects of the infection in the liver, lungs and brain from Wild-Type (WT) BALB/c background and genetically deficient mice for the ST2 receptor (ST2-/-). The most important findings revealed that the IL-33/ST2 pathway is involved in eosinophilia, hepatic and cerebral parasitic burden, and induces the formation of granulomas related to tissue damage and pulmonary dysfunction. However, ST2-/- mice, the immune response was skewed to Th1/Th17 type than Th2, that enhanced the control of parasite burden related to IgG2a levels, tissue macrophages infiltration and reduced lung dysfunction. Collectively, our results demonstrate that the Th2 immune response triggered by IL-33/ST2 pathway mediates susceptibility to T. canis, related to parasitic burden, eosinophilia and granuloma formation in which consequently contributes to tissue inflammation and injury. Toxocariasis is a neglected disease caused by Toxocara canis, which has 19% worldwide seroprevalence, and is associated with socioeconomic, geographic and environmental factors. Humans become infected by accidental ingestion of T. canis eggs present in contaminated food, water or soil. After ingestion, the larvae hatch in the intestine and can reach various tissues such as liver, lung and brain. Helminth infections usually trigger a Th2 immune response in the host, by releasing cytokines such as IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and IL-33. IL-33 is an alarmin that binds to the ST2 receptor, and some studies have observed an increase in this cytokine in toxocariasis, however there are no studies regarding the IL-33/ST2 role in this infection. Thus, we evaluated the influence of this pathway by analyzing immunological and pathophysiological aspects in T. canis-infected mice. Our results demonstrated that the IL-33/ST2 pathway is related to parasite burden on the liver and brain and also increases the number of eosinophils in the blood and tissues. In addition, it involved with the pulmonary immune response and granulomas with impact in lung function. In conclusion, the IL-33/ST2 pathway governs the host susceptibility to T. canis in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thaís Leal-Silva
- Laboratory of Immunology and Genomics of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Post-graduation Program in Health Sciences: Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Flaviane Vieira-Santos
- Laboratory of Immunology and Genomics of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Fabrício Marcus Silva Oliveira
- Laboratory of Immunology and Genomics of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Luiza de Lima Silva Padrão
- Laboratory of Immunology and Genomics of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Lucas Kraemer
- Laboratory of Immunology and Genomics of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Pablo Hemanoel da Paixão Matias
- Laboratory of Immunology and Genomics of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Camila de Almeida Lopes
- Laboratory of Immunology and Genomics of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ana Cristina Loiola Ruas
- Laboratory of Immunology and Genomics of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Isabella Carvalho de Azevedo
- Laboratory of Immunology and Genomics of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Denise Silva Nogueira
- Laboratory of Immunology and Genomics of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Milene Alvarenga Rachid
- Laboratory of Protozooses, Department of General Pathology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Vidigal Caliari
- Laboratory of Protozooses, Department of General Pathology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Remo Castro Russo
- Laboratory of Pulmonary Immunology and Mechanics, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Toshio Fujiwara
- Laboratory of Immunology and Genomics of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Lilian Lacerda Bueno
- Laboratory of Immunology and Genomics of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Cheraghali F, Fadaei Jouybari F, Tohidi F, Ghasemikhah R, Taghipour A, Sharbatkhori M. Seroprevalence, risk factors, and clinical symptoms of Toxocara spp. infection among children 3-15 years old in northern Iran. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2021; 76:101643. [PMID: 33819773 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2021.101643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The World Health Organization has categorized toxocarosis as a neglected tropical disease despite its significant impact on high-risk groups such as children. This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence, risk factors, and clinical symptoms of Toxocara spp. infection among children 3-15 years old in northern Iran. A total of 386 children were enrolled in the study. All serum samples were tested for the presence of IgG antibodies against Toxocara spp. infection using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Moreover, relevant risk factors and clinical symptom data were obtained using questionnaires. Data analysis was performed using the SPSS software version 24. The overall seroprevalence of Toxocara spp. infection was found 2.85 % (11/386). However, Toxocara spp. infection was high for some risk factors, including eating soil (14.3 %), contacting cats (6.7 %), and consuming raw vegetables (3.7 %). However, there were no statistically significant differences regarding the risk factors and socio-demographic characteristics. Considering the clinical symptoms, Toxocara spp. infection was different in children with eosinophilia (20 %), ocular disorders (8.3 %), skin disorders (7.7 %), liver disorders (4.5 %), and stomach ache (4.2 %), although not statistically significant. The results revealed that the seroprevalence of Toxocara spp. infection was relatively low in children in northern Iran. It is suggested to conduct more studies in different parts of Iran to gain a deeper understanding of the toxocarosis seroprevalence and its status in high-risk groups such as children with asthma, hypereosinophilic syndrome, allergic skin disorders, and epilepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Cheraghali
- Department of Pediatric Diseases, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | | | - Farideh Tohidi
- Laboratory Sciences Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Reza Ghasemikhah
- Infectious Diseases Research Center (IDRC), Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Ali Taghipour
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mitra Sharbatkhori
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran; Department of Parasitology & Mycology, School of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Raissi V, Masoumi MT, Ibrahim A, Etemadi S, Getso M, Jalali P, Babaei Pouya N, Zareie M, Ehsani Amraei F, Raiesi O. Spatial analysis of Toxocara spp. eggs in soil as a potential for serious human infection. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2021; 75:101619. [PMID: 33621915 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2021.101619] [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: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Toxocara spp. cause one of the most widespread soil-transmitted helminthic infections worldwide. In both developed and developing countries, soil contamination with Toxocara eggs is considered as a major threat to public health. A total of 515 soil samples from 89 sampling sites were collected from different locations of public health such as Wastelands and Streets, public parks, and marginal areas. The soil samples were examined for Toxocara eggs using a centrifugal-floatation technique utilizing a saturated sodium nitrate solution. centralization of positive soil samples in the province was studied by Spatial Statistics Techniques such as Average Nearest Neighbors and Spatial Autocorrelation and Kernel Density Function Toxocara spp. eggs were found in 94 (18.25 %) out of 515 samples collected from the studied areas. According to the results obtained, marginal areas are often contaminated with eggs of Toxocara. Consequently, preventive measures including health education should be implemented to reduce the potential risk of this parasitic infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Raissi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | | | - Asmaa Ibrahim
- Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute University of Sadat City Sadat, Egypt
| | - Soudabeh Etemadi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran; Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Muhammad Getso
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, Bayero University, PMB 3011, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Pantea Jalali
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Navid Babaei Pouya
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Zareie
- Department of Basic Sciences of Veterinary Medicine, Kazerun Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kazerun, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ehsani Amraei
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Omid Raiesi
- Department of Parasitology, School of Allied Medical Sciences. Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Hanh NTL, Lee YL, Lin CL, Chou CM, Cheng PC, Quang HH, Fan CK. Evidence for Asthma in the Lungs of Mice Inoculated with Different Doses of Toxocara canis. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 103:2305-2314. [PMID: 32975177 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.20-0484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxocara canis, a common roundworm that mainly causes toxocariasis, is a zoonotic parasite found worldwide. Humans, an accidental host, can acquire T. canis infection through accidental ingestion of T. canis-embryonated egg-contaminated food, water, and soil, and by encapsulated larvae in a paratenic host's viscera or meat. Long-term residence of T. canis larvae in a paratenic host's lungs may induce pulmonary inflammation that contributes to lung injury, airway inflammatory hyperresponsiveness, and collagen deposition in mice and clinical patients. This study intended to investigate the relationship between T. canis infection and allergic asthma in BALB/c mice inoculated with high, moderate, and low doses of T. canis eggs for a 13-week investigation. The airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) to methacholine, collagen deposition, cytokine levels, and pathological changes in lung tissues was assessed in infected mice at weeks 1, 5, and 13 postinfection. The cell composition in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of infected mice was assessed at weeks 5 and 13 postinfection. Compared with uninfected control mice, all groups of T. canis-infected mice exhibited significant AHR, a dose-dependent increase in eosinophilic infiltration leading to multifocal interstitial and alveolar inflammation with abundant mucus secretion, and collagen deposition in which the lesion size increased with the infective dose. Infected mice groups also showed significant expressions of eotaxin and type 2 T-helper-dominant cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13. Overall, these results suggest that T. canis larval invasion of the lungs may potentially cause pulmonary inflammatory injury and could subsequently contribute to the development of allergic manifestations such as asthma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen Thi Lien Hanh
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,International Ph.D. Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology, Quy Nhon, Ministry of Health, Vietnam.,Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yueh-Lun Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,International Ph.D. Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chu-Lun Lin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Mei Chou
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Po-Ching Cheng
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,International Ph.D. Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Huynh Hong Quang
- Institute of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology, Quy Nhon, Ministry of Health, Vietnam
| | - Chia-Kwung Fan
- International Ph.D. Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Cell Physiology and Molecular Image Research Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Hernández SA, Gabrie JA, Rodríguez CA, Matamoros G, Rueda MM, Canales M, Mergl R, Sanchez A. An Integrated Study of Toxocara Infection in Honduran Children: Human Seroepidemiology and Environmental Contamination in a Coastal Community. Trop Med Infect Dis 2020; 5:tropicalmed5030135. [PMID: 32842560 PMCID: PMC7559065 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed5030135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Infections caused by Toxocara canis and T. cati are considered zoonoses of global importance. Reports from North and South America indicate that human infections are widespread in both continents, but epidemiological information from Central America is still lacking. (2) Methodology: In the present cross-sectional multi-year study, we aimed to undertake the first seroepidemiological and environmental study on toxocariasis in Honduras. This included the determination of seroprevalence of anti-Toxocara spp. antibodies in children using a Toxocara spp. purified excretory-secretory antigens enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (TES-ELISA) and a confirmatory Western blot. As well, through statistical analysis including logistic regression we aimed at identifying relevant biological and epidemiological factors associated with seropositivity. The study also entailed detection of parasites' eggs in the soil samples both through Sheather's concentration method and a nested polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. (3) Results: The study was undertaken in a coastal community of Honduras in 2 different years, 2015 and 2017. A total of 88 healthy schoolchildren completed the study, with participation of 79% (73/92) and 65% (46/71) of the student body in 2015 and 2017, respectively. Thirty-one children participated in both years (i.e., dual participants). Through both serological tests, seropositivity was confirmed in 88.6% (78/88) of children. Due to the high number of seropositives, logistic regression analysis was not possible for most socio-economic and epidemiological variables. Eosinophilia, on the other hand, was associated with seropositivity, independently of other intestinal helminthic infections. Continued seropositivity was observed in most of the dual participants, while seroconversion was determined in 8 of these children. Microscopic examination of soil samples did not yield any positive results. Through nested PCR-RFLP, 3 of the 50 samples (6%) were positive for Toxocara spp.; two were identified as T. canis and one as T. cati. (4) Conclusions: This work documents for the first time, high levels of human exposure to Toxocara spp. in Honduras. These findings, along with the country's favorable epidemiological conditions for this zoonosis, emphasize the need for more research to determine whether this infection is underreported in the country.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergio A. Hernández
- Department of Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L3S 2A1, Canada; (S.A.H.); (J.A.G.); (G.M.)
| | - José A. Gabrie
- Department of Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L3S 2A1, Canada; (S.A.H.); (J.A.G.); (G.M.)
| | - Carol Anahelka Rodríguez
- Department of Parasitology, School of Microbiology and Institute of Microbiology Research, National Autonomous University of Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras; (C.A.R.); (M.M.R.); (M.C.)
| | - Gabriela Matamoros
- Department of Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L3S 2A1, Canada; (S.A.H.); (J.A.G.); (G.M.)
- Department of Parasitology, School of Microbiology and Institute of Microbiology Research, National Autonomous University of Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras; (C.A.R.); (M.M.R.); (M.C.)
| | - María Mercedes Rueda
- Department of Parasitology, School of Microbiology and Institute of Microbiology Research, National Autonomous University of Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras; (C.A.R.); (M.M.R.); (M.C.)
| | - Maritza Canales
- Department of Parasitology, School of Microbiology and Institute of Microbiology Research, National Autonomous University of Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras; (C.A.R.); (M.M.R.); (M.C.)
| | - Ronald Mergl
- Niagara Falls Animal Medical Centre, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6Z8, Canada;
| | - Ana Sanchez
- Department of Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L3S 2A1, Canada; (S.A.H.); (J.A.G.); (G.M.)
- Department of Parasitology, School of Microbiology and Institute of Microbiology Research, National Autonomous University of Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras; (C.A.R.); (M.M.R.); (M.C.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Gale SD, Hedges DW. Neurocognitive and neuropsychiatric effects of toxocariasis. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2020; 109:261-272. [PMID: 32381201 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2020.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Caused by the neuroinvasive nematodes Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati, human toxocariasis has a worldwide distribution with seroprevalence in humans associated with low socioeconomic status and low educational attainment. Third-stage Toxocara larvae can invade human tissues, including the brain and spine, where they can result in encephalitis, meningitis, and inflammation. Toxocara infection in animal models has been associated with cognitive and behavioural changes. In humans, preliminary cross-sectional research suggests that Toxocara seropositivity is associated with worse cognitive function in children and adults. Additional preliminary cross-sectional findings suggest associations between Toxocara seropositivity and neuropsychiatric function, including schizophrenia and neurologic conditions such as epilepsy. Given the widespread distribution of human toxocariasis and early evidence suggesting that it can be associated with cognitive and neuropsychiatric function in humans, additional research regarding the effects of toxocariasis on the human brain is required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shawn D Gale
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States; The Neuroscience Centre, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States.
| | - Dawson W Hedges
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States; The Neuroscience Centre, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Toxocara species environmental contamination of public spaces in New York City. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008249. [PMID: 32369482 PMCID: PMC7228133 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Human toxocariasis has been identified as an under-diagnosed parasitic zoonosis and health disparity of significant public health importance in the United States due to its high seropositivity among socioeconomically disadvantaged groups, and possible links to cognitive and developmental delays. Through microscopy and quantitative PCR, we detected that Toxocara eggs are widespread in New York City public spaces, with evidence of significant levels of contamination in all five boroughs. The Bronx had the highest contamination rate (66.7%), while Manhattan had the lowest contamination rate (29.6%). Moreover, infective eggs were only found in the Bronx playgrounds, with over 70% of eggs recovered in embryonic form and the highest egg burden (p = 0.0365). All other boroughs had eggs in the pre-infectious, unembronyated form. Toxocara cati, the cat roundworm, was the predominant species. These results suggest that feral or untreated cats in New York City represent a significant source of environmental contamination. These findings indicate that human toxocariasis has emerged as an important health disparity in New York City, with ongoing risk of acquiring Toxocara infection in public spaces, especially in poorer neighborhoods. There is a need for reducing environmental Toxocara contamination. Additional rigorous public health interventions should explore further approaches to interrupt transmission to humans. Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati are helminth worms that infect dogs and cats, respectively. Infected dogs and cats will defecate thousands of Toxocara eggs into the environment. Humans are incidental hosts and are exposed when consuming contaminated soils via the fecal-oral route. After leaving the gastrointestinal tract, the Toxocara larvae will enter the vasculature and can migrate to any major organ system, including lungs, ocular, and central nervous system. Symptoms can range from mild muscle aches to severe asthma, blindness, and encephalitis. Humans are not definitive hosts of the parasite and cannot transmit Toxocara eggs to the environment or other humans. There is a need for research on the sanitary impact of Toxocara for both humans and animals, especially in large urban cities such as New York City. Poverty is also associated with higher rates of toxocariasis, with more contamination in poorer neighborhoods where animal control, deworming of pets, and less sanitary conditions exist. This study aims to understand further the disparity of lower socioeconomic areas having higher rates of contaminated parks and playgrounds, comparing the five boroughs of New York City.
Collapse
|
20
|
Abstract
Toxocara canis and T. cati are among the most widely distributed helminthic species in the world with a high zoonotic impact. Millions of people are infecteda and hundreds of thousands are suffering from toxocarosis, a disease encompassing four different entities: larva migrans visceralis (VLM) syndrome, ocular larva migrans (OLM) syndrome, covert toxocarosis (covT), common toxocarosis (comT) and neurotoxocarosis (NT). Toxocara infections in humans may remain clinically inapparent but may also induce severe diseases. This contribution gives a synoptic overview of the most important historical, clinical, diagnostic and therapeutical aspects of toxocarosis in humans.
Collapse
|
21
|
Strube C, Waindok P, Raulf MK, Springer A. Toxocara-induced neural larva migrans (neurotoxocarosis) in rodent model hosts. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2020; 109:189-218. [PMID: 32381198 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2020.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Neural larva migrans (NLM), or neurotoxocarosis, induced by Toxocara canis or Toxocara cati results from migrating and persisting larvae in the central nervous system of paratenic hosts, including humans. As the diagnosis of NLM in humans is not straightforward, most knowledge on the disease is derived from only a few published clinical cases. To improve our understanding of human NLM, studies on the pathogenesis and clinical symptoms in laboratory animal model systems are indispensable, and rodents have been accepted as the most appropriate model organisms for NLM. As research has mostly focused on neuroinvasive T. canis-larvae, information regarding the pathogenesis of T. cati-induced NLM remains scarce. This review summarises the current state of knowledge on neuroinvasion by both T. canis and T. cati in different rodent model hosts, the resulting behavioural changes, and histopathological alterations during the course of NLM as well as the potential molecular pathogenic mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hanover, Germany.
| | - Patrick Waindok
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hanover, Germany
| | - Marie-Kristin Raulf
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hanover, Germany; Immunology Unit & Research Centre for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hanover, Germany
| | - Andrea Springer
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hanover, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Fan CK. Pathogenesis of cerebral toxocariasis and neurodegenerative diseases. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2020; 109:233-259. [PMID: 32381200 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2020.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Toxocara canis belongs to one of zoonotic parasites that commonly infects canines worldwide, and its eggs in host faeces may contaminate the food, water, soil and their fur as well as the larvae entrapped in the granuloma can infect paratenic hosts including mice and humans. Survivability of T. canis embryonated eggs under moist, cool conditions may be as long as 2-4 years or more. In paratenic hosts such as mice and humans, T. canis L3 larvae neither moult, grow, nor replicate and will wander through a number of internal organs in humans so as to cause Th2-dominant pathology in various internal organs as leading to neurotoxocariasis (NT), ocular toxocariasis (OT), or visceral larva migrans (VLM). Although the systemic immune response to T. canis has been widely reported, the immune response in the brain has received little attention. Differential cytokine expression and other brain injury-associated biomarkers or neurodegeneration-associated factors have been observed in infected versus uninfected outbred and inbred mice. Preliminary data have also suggested a possible link between significant memory impairment and cytokine production associated with T. canis infection in the hippocampus which has been long recognised as being responsible for learning and memory functions. Notably, it remains an enigma concerning cerebral invasion by T. canis larvae rarely induces a recognisable neurological syndrome or its involvement in neuropathological disorders in humans. Exploration of the relationship between host and parasite in the brain may elucidate the cryptic symptoms of human cerebral toxocariasis, with patients presenting with mental retardation, epilepsy, neurodegeneration and other central nervous system (CNS) disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Kwung Fan
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Research Center of International Tropical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Tropical Medicine Division, International PhD Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
A systematic review and meta-analysis of canine, feline and human Toxocara infections in sub-Saharan Africa. J Helminthol 2019; 94:e96. [PMID: 31679534 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x19000889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Toxocariasis is an emerging zoonotic disease caused by Toxocara canis and T. cati. Toxocariasis and its etiological agents are of global public health importance, whose burden appears underestimated, especially in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The diversity in the transmission routes of these parasites contributes to disease prevalence and often hinders disease control measures. This study aimed to review the epidemiological distribution of Toxocara infections in SSA region. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis). We identified 94 relevant, peer-reviewed articles, out of which, 75 articles were found eligible based on Toxocara infections in dogs, cats and humans. Overall, 27,102 samples were examined for T. canis in dogs, T. cati in cats and Toxocara serology in humans, out of which 6142 were positive for Toxocara infection: 3717 (13.7%) in dogs (faecal, 3487; necropsy, 180; hair, 50); 266 (1%) in cats (faecal, 101; necropsy, 165); and 2159 (8%) in humans (serology). Overall mean prevalences of 19% (95% confidence interval (CI): 14-23%), 9% (95% CI: 0-28%) and 36% (95% CI: 24-49%) were recorded in dogs, cats and humans, respectively. Substantial heterogeneity was observed between studies and subgroups (I2 = 99%, P < 0.01). Findings from the review showed that studies on the epidemiology of Toxocara infections in the SSA region are limited. We strongly recommend focused, collaborative and coordinated studies to determine Toxocara spp. prevalence in various hosts, including food animals and the environment, through a 'One Health' approach across SSA countries.
Collapse
|
24
|
Chou CM, Fan CK. Significant apoptosis rather autophagy predominates in astrocytes caused by Toxocara canis larval excretory-secretory antigens. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY, AND INFECTION = WEI MIAN YU GAN RAN ZA ZHI 2018; 53:250-258. [PMID: 30033092 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2018.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Revised: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Toxocariasis is a worldwide parasitic zoonosis and mainly caused by Toxocara canis. Humans can be infected by accidental ingestion of T. canis embryonated ova through contacting with contaminated food, water, or encapsulated larvae in paratenic hosts' viscera or meat. Since humans are the paratenic host of T. canis, the wandering and neuroinvasive larvae can cause mechanical tissue damage and the excretory-secretory antigens (TcES Ag) might induce neuroinflammatory responses in the brain. Human cerebral toxocariasis (CT) has been reported to cause several neurological symptoms and may develop into neurodegenerative diseases. However, the roles of astrocytes involved in the pathogenesis of CT remained largely unclear. METHODS This study intended to investigate the cytotoxic effects of TcES Ag on astrocytes as assessed by apoptosis and autophagy expression. RESULTS Our results showed TcES Ag treatment reduced cell viability and caused morphological changes. Expressions of autophagy associated proteins including Beclin 1, phosphor-mTOR and LC3-Ⅱ were not significantly changed; however, p62 as well as the cell survival protein, mTOR, was concomitantly decreased in TcES Ag treatment. Significantly accelerated cleaved caspase-3 and cytochrome c expression as well as enhanced caspase-9 and caspase-8 activation were found in astrocytes with TcES Ag treatment. Caspase-3 activity and apoptotic cells numbers were also increased as detected by fluorescence microscopy. CONCLUSION We concluded that TcES Ag may trigger astrocytes apoptosis predominantly through intrinsic and extrinsic pathways rather autophagy, revealing a novel role of astrocytes in the pathogenesis of CT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Mei Chou
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing St., Taipei 11031, Taiwan; Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing St., Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Kwung Fan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing St., Taipei 11031, Taiwan; Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing St., Taipei 11031, Taiwan; Research Center of International Tropical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing St., Taipei 11031, Taiwan; Tropical Medicine Division, International PhD Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing St., Taipei 11031, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Molecular detection of Cryptosporidium spp. and the occurrence of intestinal parasites in fecal samples of naturally infected dogs and cats. Parasitol Res 2018; 117:3033-3038. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-5986-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
|
26
|
Chou CM, Lee YL, Liao CW, Huang YC, Fan CK. Enhanced expressions of neurodegeneration-associated factors, UPS impairment, and excess Aβ accumulation in the hippocampus of mice with persistent cerebral toxocariasis. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:620. [PMID: 29273062 PMCID: PMC5741903 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2578-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxocariasis is a worldwide zoonotic parasitic disease mainly caused by Toxocara canis. Humans can be infected by accidental ingestion of T. canis embryonated ovum-contaminated food, water, or encapsulated larvae in paratenic hosts' viscera or meat. Since humans and mice are paratenic hosts of T. canis, the wandering larvae might cause mechanical tissue damage and excretory-secretory antigens may trigger inflammatory injuries to local organs. Long-term residence of T. canis larvae in a paratenic host's brain may cause cerebral toxocariasis (CT) that contributes to cerebral damage, neuroinflammation and neuropsychiatric disorders in mice and clinical patients. Since the hippocampus has been long recognized as being responsible for learning and memory functions, parasitic invasion of this site may cause neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders. The present study intended to assess pathological changes, expressions of neurodegeneration-associated factors (NDAFs), including transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, S100B, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), transglutaminase type 2 (TG2), claudin-5, substance P (SP) and interleukin (IL)-1β, and the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) function in the hippocampus and associated cognitive behavior in ICR mice orally inoculated with a high, medium or low-dose of T. canis embryonated ova during a 20-week investigation. RESULTS Results indicated although there were insignificant differences in learning and memory function between the experimental mice and uninfected control mice, possibly because the site where T. canis larvae invaded was the surrounding area but not the hippocampus per se. Nevertheless, enhanced expressions of NDAF, persistent UPS impairment and excess amyloid β (Aβ) accumulation concomitantly emerged in the experimental mice hippocampus at 8, 16 and 20 weeks post-infection. CONCLUSIONS We thus postulate that progressive CT may still progress to neurodegeneration due to enhanced NDAF expressions, persistent UPS impairment and excess Aβ accumulation in the hippocampus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Mei Chou
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing St, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan.,Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing St, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
| | - Yueh-Lun Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing St, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Wei Liao
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing St, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan.,Research Center of International Tropical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing St, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Chieh Huang
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing St, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Kwung Fan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing St, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan. .,Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing St, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan. .,Research Center of International Tropical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing St, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan. .,Tropical Medicine Division, International PhD Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing St, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Trehalose-6-phosphate phosphatase as a broad-spectrum therapeutic target against eukaryotic and prokaryotic pathogens. Emerg Top Life Sci 2017; 1:675-683. [DOI: 10.1042/etls20170106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Revised: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
As opposed to organism-based drug screening approaches, protein-based strategies have the distinct advantage of providing insights into the molecular mechanisms of chemical effectors and thus afford a precise targeting. Capitalising on the increasing number of genome and transcriptome datasets, novel targets in pathogens for therapeutic intervention can be identified in a more rational manner when compared with conventional organism-based methodologies. Trehalose-6-phosphate phosphatases (TPPs) are structurally and functionally conserved enzymes of the trehalose biosynthesis pathway which play a critical role for pathogen survival, in particular, in parasites. The absence of these enzymes and trehalose biosynthesis from mammalian hosts has recently given rise to increasing interest in TPPs as novel therapeutic targets for drugs and vaccines. Here, we summarise some key aspects of the current state of research towards novel therapeutics targeting, in particular, nematode TPPs.
Collapse
|
28
|
Novák J, Panská L, Macháček T, Kolářová L, Horák P. Humoral response of mice infected with Toxocara canis following different infection schemes. Acta Parasitol 2017; 62:823-835. [PMID: 29035857 DOI: 10.1515/ap-2017-0099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The study was focused on the dynamics of humoral response to Toxocara canis excretory-secretory antigens (TES antigens) in mice experimentally infected by T. canis L3 larvae in different ways. In particular, we compared the effect of infection with two doses of 1000 larvae vs. repeated infections with a low number of larvae (daily infection with 10 larvae and weekly infection with 100 larvae in the course of 22 weeks). In ELISA, all infections, including both schemes with lower larval doses, elicited significant antibody response. Elevated levels of total IgE and TES-antigen-specific IgM were detected on day 12 after the first infection, followed by IgG and IgG1, and later by IgG3, IgG2a and IgG2b; specific IgE response was not detected. It seems that the high levels of IgM and IgG1 represent the best markers of infection. In addition, gradual increase of IgG2a and IgG2b could help in determination of the infection course. As a byproduct of our work, a new method of infection by repeated drinking of larvae was introduced; it minimizes the pain and discomfort for the experimental mice.
Collapse
|
29
|
Herbison REH. Lessons in Mind Control: Trends in Research on the Molecular Mechanisms behind Parasite-Host Behavioral Manipulation. Front Ecol Evol 2017. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2017.00102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
|
30
|
Paller VGV, Besana CM, Valdez IKM. Dot enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of Toxocara infection using a rat model. J Parasit Dis 2017; 41:933-939. [PMID: 29114122 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-017-0914-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxocariasis is a zoonotic disease usually caused by dog and cat roundworms, Toxocara canis and T. cati. Detection and diagnosis is difficult in paratenic and accidental hosts, including humans, as they cannot be detected through conventional methods such as fecal examination. Diagnosis therefore relies on immunological methods and molecular methods such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western Blot, which are both time-consuming and requires sophisticated equipment. In the Philippines, only a few studies are available on Toxocara seroprevalence. Therefore, there is a need to adapt methods for serodiagnosis of Toxocara infection in humans for the Philippine setting. A dot enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (dot-ELISA) was standardized using T. canis excretory-secretory antigens. Test sera were collected from laboratory rats (Sprague-Dawley strain) experimentally infected with embryonated eggs of T. canis and Ascaris suum as well as rice field rats naturally infected with Taenia taeniaeformis and Nippostrongylus sp. Optimum conditions used were 20 µg/ml antigen concentration and 1:10 serum dilution. The sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values were 90% (95% CI 55.5-99.7%), 100% (95% CI 69.2-100.0%), 100% (95% CI 66.4-100%), and 90.9% (95% CI 58.7-99.8%), respectively. Dot-ELISA has the potential to be developed as a cheaper, simpler, and more practical method for detection of anti-Toxocara antibodies on accidental hosts. This is a preliminary study conducted on experimental animals before optimization and standardization for human serum samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vachel Gay V Paller
- Institute of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Los Baños, Laguna Philippines
| | - Cyrelle M Besana
- Institute of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Los Baños, Laguna Philippines
| | - Isabel Kristine M Valdez
- Institute of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Los Baños, Laguna Philippines
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Tissue distribution and functional analysis of vitellogenin-6 of Toxocara canis. Exp Parasitol 2017; 177:22-27. [PMID: 28351684 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2017.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Revised: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 03/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Toxocara canis is an common intestinal nematode of canids and the principal causative agent of human toxocariasis. Vitellogenin (Vg), a source of amino acids and lipids in the eggs, are considered to play an important role in embryo development of a wide range of organisms. In the present study, the transcriptional levels of Tc-vit-6 gene in male and female adult T. canis were determined by quantitative real-time PCR, which indicated high transcription of Tc-vit-6 in the intestine, reproductive tract and body wall of male and female adult T. canis. The fragment of Tc-vit-6 encoding a vWD domain, was cloned and expressed to produce a rabbit anti-TcvWD polyclonal antibody. Tissue distribution of TcVg6 was detected by immunohistochemical assays, which showed predominant distribution of TcVg6 in the tissues of intestine, as well as reproductive tract (including some of the germ cells) and musculature of male and female adult worms. Collectively, these results indicated multiple biological roles of TcVg6 apart from that in the reproduction of T. canis.
Collapse
|
32
|
Abstract
SUMMARYToxocara species infect a wide range of companion, domestic and wild animals as definitive and paratenic hosts, via multiple routes of transmission, producing long-lived tissue-inhabiting larvae and resistant eggs that can survive in the external environment. Therefore Toxocara and the disease it causes in humans, toxocariasis, represents an ideal aetiological agent for the development of the one health approach. However, despite increasing awareness of the public health significance of toxocariasis, gaps in our understanding of certain key aspects of the parasite's biology and epidemiology remain. These gaps hinder our ability to integrate research effort within the veterinary, medical and environmental disciplines. This review will highlight key deficits in our understanding of nine dimensions of Toxocara epidemiology and discuss a potential scenario to develop a more integrated, one health approach to improve our understanding of the prevention and control of this complex and cryptic zoonosis.
Collapse
|
33
|
Abstract
Toxocara canis and T. cati are highly prevalent nematode infections of the intestines of dogs and cats. In paratenic hosts, larvae do not mature in the intestine but instead migrate through the somatic tissues and organs of the body. The presence of these migrating larvae can contribute to pathology. Toxocara larvae can invade the brains of humans, and while case descriptions of cerebral toxocariasis are historically rare, improved diagnosis and greater awareness have contributed to increased detection. Despite this, cerebral or neurological toxocariasis (NT) remains a poorly understood phenomenon. Furthermore, our understanding of cognitive deficits due to toxocariasis in human populations remains particularly deficient. Recent data describe an enhanced expression of biomarkers associated with brain injury, such as GFAP, AβPP, transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), NF-L, S100B, tTG, and p-tau, in mice receiving even low doses of Toxocara ova. Finally, this review outlines a hypothesis to explore the relationship between the presence of T. canis larvae in the brain and the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) due to enhanced AD-associated neurodegenerative biomarker expression.
Collapse
|
34
|
Lack of Association between Toxocara Exposure and Suicide Attempts in Psychiatric Patients. J Parasitol Res 2015; 2015:608604. [PMID: 26483971 PMCID: PMC4592907 DOI: 10.1155/2015/608604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2015] [Revised: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 08/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection with Toxocara may affect the central nervous system. A high seroprevalence of Toxocara infection has been reported in psychiatric patients. To the best of our knowledge, there is no previous report about an association of Toxocara infection with suicide attempts. Therefore, we sought to determine whether Toxocara exposure is associated with suicide attempts in psychiatric patients. We studied 282 psychiatric outpatients (156 with suicide attempts and 126 without suicide attempts). Sera of patients were analyzed for the presence of anti-Toxocara IgG antibodies by using a commercially available enzyme immunoassay. One of the 156 (0.6%) suicide attempters and 1 (0.8%) of the 126 controls were positive for anti-Toxocara IgG antibodies (OR = 0.80; 95% CI: 0.04–13.02; P = 1.00). Toxocara seropositivity was significantly higher (P = 0.01) in male patients with consumption of raw dried goat meat than male patients without this consumption. Results suggest that Toxocara exposure is not associated with suicide attempts in psychiatric outpatients in Durango City, Mexico. However, further studies with larger samples sizes to confirm our results should be conducted. Too few patients were seropositive to assess further associations of Toxocara exposure with sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioral characteristics of the psychiatric patients.
Collapse
|
35
|
Erickson LD, Gale SD, Berrett A, Brown BL, Hedges DW. Association between toxocariasis and cognitive function in young to middle-aged adults. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2015; 62. [DOI: 10.14411/fp.2015.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2015] [Accepted: 07/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
36
|
Gyang PV, Akinwale OP, Lee YL, Chuang TW, Orok AB, Ajibaye O, Liao CW, Chen PC, Chou CM, Huang YC, Barghouth U, Fan CK. Seroprevalence, disease awareness, and risk factors for Toxocara canis infection among primary schoolchildren in Makoko, an urban slum community in Nigeria. Acta Trop 2015; 146:135-40. [PMID: 25812836 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2015.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2014] [Revised: 03/14/2015] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the seroprevalence of Toxocara canis infection in southern Nigeria, which previously was unknown, in addition to evaluating disease awareness and potential risk factors for schoolchildren in an urban slum community. In total, 366 primary schoolchildren were investigated for the presence of anti-Toxocara IgG antibodies. Blood was collected and screened by a Western blot analysis based on the excretory-secretory antigens of larval T. canis (TcES), targeting low molecular weight bands of 24-35kDa specific for T. canis. Children were considered seropositive if their serum reacted with TcES when diluted to a titer of 1:32. Questionnaires concerning possible risk factors were given to the schoolchildren to acquire data on this infection. The overall seroprevalence of Toxocara infection was 86.1% (315/366). The logistic regression analysis of risk factors showed that children's age (odds ratio (OR)=2.88, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.08-7.66, p=0.03), contact with dogs (OR=0.51, 95% CI=0.28-0.94, p=0.03), the age of the dog (OR=0.34, 95% CI=0.18-0.68, p=0.002), the feeding location of the dog (OR=0.31, 95% CI=0.12-0.79, p=0.01), the consumption of raw vegetables (OR=0.89, 95% CI=0.54-1.48, p=0.004), and the drinking of unboiled water (OR=0.48, 95% CI=0.26-0.90, p=0.02) were risk factors associated with Toxocara infection. Although there was a high awareness of dogs being hosts of some parasites in this study, not much was known about T. canis. This is the first serological investigation of T. canis infection among primary schoolchildren in southern Nigeria. The high seroprevalence recorded is an indication of high transmission with the consequent risk of visceral or ocular larval migrans and neurologic toxocariasis in these children. Our findings suggest the need for prompt interventional measures, particularly health education on personal hygiene.
Collapse
|
37
|
Eid MM, El-Kowrany SI, Othman AA, El Gendy DI, Saied EM. Immunopathological changes in the brain of immunosuppressed mice experimentally infected with Toxocara canis. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2015; 53:51-8. [PMID: 25748709 PMCID: PMC4384791 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2015.53.1.51] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2014] [Revised: 10/09/2014] [Accepted: 10/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Toxocariasis is a soil-transmitted helminthozoonosis due to infection of humans by larvae of Toxocara canis. The disease could produce cognitive and behavioral disturbances especially in children. Meanwhile, in our modern era, the incidence of immunosuppression has been progressively increasing due to increased incidence of malignancy as well as increased use of immunosuppressive agents. The present study aimed at comparing some of the pathological and immunological alterations in the brain of normal and immunosuppressed mice experimentally infected with T. canis. Therefore, 180 Swiss albino mice were divided into 4 groups including normal (control) group, immunocompetent T. canis-infected group, immunosuppressed group (control), and immunosuppressed infected group. Infected mice were subjected to larval counts in the brain, and the brains from all mice were assessed for histopathological changes, astrogliosis, and IL-5 mRNA expression levels in brain tissues. The results showed that under immunosuppression, there were significant increase in brain larval counts, significant enhancement of reactive gliosis, and significant reduction in IL-5 mRNA expression. All these changes were maximal in the chronic stage of infection. In conclusion, the immunopathological alterations in the brains of infected animals were progressive over time, and were exaggerated under the effect of immunosuppression as did the intensity of cerebral infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed M Eid
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Gharbiya, Egypt
| | - Samy I El-Kowrany
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Gharbiya, Egypt
| | - Ahmad A Othman
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Gharbiya, Egypt
| | - Dina I El Gendy
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Gharbiya, Egypt
| | - Eman M Saied
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Kafr El-Sheikh University, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Corrêa FM, Chieffi PP, Lescano SAZ, Santos SVD. Behavioral and memory changes in Mus musculus coinfected by Toxocara canis and Toxoplasma gondii. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2014; 56:353-6. [PMID: 25076438 PMCID: PMC4131823 DOI: 10.1590/s0036-46652014000400014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2013] [Accepted: 03/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Several researchers have stated that parasites can alter the behavior of
their hosts, in order to increase the transmission rate, principally when
prey-predator relationships are a reliable way of infection transmission. The aim of
this study was to verify the occurrence of changes in anxiety and short-term memory
patterns in experimentally infected Mus musculus by Toxocara
canis and/or Toxoplasma gondii. Forty male Mus
musculus (Balb/c) eight-week-old were divided into four groups of 10 mice
each. One group was infected with 300 eggs of Toxocara canis; a
second group was submitted to infection with 10 cysts of Toxoplasma
gondii; a third group was concomitantly infected with both parasites with
the same inoculums and the last group was maintained without infection. The anxiety
levels were evaluated using an elevated plus maze and an actometer; the short-term
memory was determined by a two-way active avoidance equipment. The determination of
anxiety levels were conducted 40 and 70 days after infection and the short-term
memory was evaluated 140 days after infection. Mice chronically infected by
Toxoplasma gondii showed impaired learning and short-term memory,
but no significant differences were found in mice infected by Toxocara
canis or concomitantly infected by Toxocara canis and
Toxoplasma gondii when compared to non infected mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Flávia Motta Corrêa
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Santa Casa de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Pedro Paulo Chieffi
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Santa Casa de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Fu CJ, Chuang TW, Lin HS, Wu CH, Liu YC, Langinlur MK, Lu MY, Hsiao WWW, Fan CK. Seroepidemiology of Toxocara canis infection among primary schoolchildren in the capital area of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. BMC Infect Dis 2014; 14:261. [PMID: 24886153 PMCID: PMC4024650 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-14-261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2013] [Accepted: 05/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxocariasis, which is predominantly caused by Toxocara canis (T. canis) infection, is a common zoonotic parasitosis worldwide; however, the status of toxocariasis endemicity in the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) remains unknown. METHODS A seroepidemiological investigation was conducted among 166 primary school children (PSC) aged 7-12 years from the capital area of the RMI. Western blots based the excretory-secretory antigens of larval T. canis (TcES) was employed, and children were considered seropositive if their serum reacted with TcES when diluted at a titer of 1:64. Information regarding demographic characteristics of and environmental risk factors affecting these children was collected using a structured questionnaire. A logistic regression model was applied to conduct a multivariate analysis. RESULTS The overall seropositive rate of T. canis infection was 86.75% (144/166). In the univariate analysis, PSC who exhibited a history of feeding dogs at home (OR = 5.52, 95% CI = 1.15-26.61, p = 0.02) and whose parents were employed as nonskilled workers (OR = 2.86, 95% CI = 1.08-7.60, p = 0.03) demonstrated a statistically elevated risk of contracting T. canis infections. Cleaning dog huts with gloves might prevent infection, but yielded nonsignificant effects. The multivariate analysis indicated that parental occupation was the critical risk factor in this study because its effect remained significant after adjusting for other variables; by contrast, the effect of dog feeding became nonsignificant because of other potential confounding factors. No associations were observed among gender, age, consuming raw meat or vegetables, drinking unboiled water, cleaning dog huts with gloves, or touching soil. CONCLUSIONS This is the first serological investigation of T. canis infection among PSC in the RMI. The high seroprevalence indicates the commonness of T. canis transmission and possible human risk. The fundamental information that the present study provides regarding T. canis epidemiology can facilitate developing strategies for disease prevention and control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Chia-Kwung Fan
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Weinersmith K, Faulkes Z. Parasitic manipulation of hosts' phenotype, or how to make a zombie--an introduction to the symposium. Integr Comp Biol 2014; 54:93-100. [PMID: 24771088 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icu028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Nearly all animals in nature are infected by at least one parasite, and many of those parasites can significantly change the phenotype of their hosts, often in ways that increase the parasite's likelihood of transmission. Hosts' phenotypic changes are multidimensional, and manipulated traits include behavior, neurotransmission, coloration, morphology, and hormone levels. The field of parasitic manipulation of hosts' phenotype has now accrued many examples of systems where parasites manipulate the phenotypes of their hosts and focus has shifted to answering three main questions. First, through what mechanisms do parasites manipulate the hosts' phenotype? Parasites often induce changes in the hosts' phenotypes that neuroscientists are unable to recreate under laboratory conditions, suggesting that parasites may have much to teach us about links between the brain, immune system, and the expression of phenotype. Second, what are the ecological implications of phenotypic manipulation? Manipulated hosts are often abundant, and changes in their phenotype may have important population, community, and ecosystem-level implications. Finally, how did parasitic manipulation of hosts' phenotype evolve? The selective pressures faced by parasites are extremely complex, often with multiple hosts that are actively resisting infection, both in physiological and evolutionary time-scales. Here, we provide an overview of how the work presented in this special issue contributes to tackling these three main questions. Studies on parasites' manipulation of their hosts' phenotype are undertaken largely by parasitologists, and a major goal of this symposium is to recruit researchers from other fields to the study of these phenomena. Our ability to answer the three questions outlined above would be greatly enhanced by participation from individuals trained in the fields of, for example, neurobiology, physiology, immunology, ecology, evolutionary biology, and invertebrate biology. Conversely, because parasites that alter their hosts' phenotype are widespread, these fields will benefit from such study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Weinersmith
- *Graduate Group in Ecology, University of California Davis, 1005 Wickson Hall, Davis, CA 95616, USA; Department of Biology, The University of Texas-Pan American, 1201 W. University Drive, Edinburg, TX 78539, USA
| | - Zen Faulkes
- *Graduate Group in Ecology, University of California Davis, 1005 Wickson Hall, Davis, CA 95616, USA; Department of Biology, The University of Texas-Pan American, 1201 W. University Drive, Edinburg, TX 78539, USA
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Behavioural changes and muscle strength in Rattus norvegicus experimentally infected with Toxocara cati and T. canis. J Helminthol 2014; 89:465-70. [PMID: 24725503 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x14000303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati are nematode parasites in dogs and cats, respectively, transmitted by ingestion of embryonated eggs, transmammary and transplacental (T. canis) routes and paratenic host predation. Many parasites use mechanisms that change the behaviour of their hosts to ensure continued transmission. Several researchers have demonstrated behavioural changes in mouse models as paratenic hosts for T. canis. However, there have been no studies on behavioural changes in laboratory rats (Rattus norvegicus) experimentally infected with T. cati. This study investigated behavioural changes and muscle strength in male and female rats experimentally infected with T. cati or T. canis in acute and chronic phases of infection. Regardless of sex, rats infected with T. cati showed a greater decrease in muscle strength 42 days post infection compared to rats infected with T. canis. However, behavioural changes were only observed in female rats infected with T. canis.
Collapse
|
42
|
The epidemiology and public health importance of toxocariasis: A zoonosis of global importance. Int J Parasitol 2013; 43:999-1008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2013.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 264] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2013] [Revised: 07/16/2013] [Accepted: 07/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
43
|
HSIAO WW, LIAO HS, LIN HH, LEE YL, FAN CK, LIAO CW, LIN PY, HWU ET, CHANG CS. Biophysical Analysis of Astrocytes Apoptosis Triggered by Larval E/S Antigen from Cerebral Toxocarosis-Causing Pathogen Toxocara canis. ANAL SCI 2013; 29:885-92. [DOI: 10.2116/analsci.29.885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wesley W. HSIAO
- Institute of Physics, Academia Sinica
- Taiwan International Graduate Program–Chemical Biology and Molecular Biophysics, Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica
- College of Life Sciences, National Tsing Hua University
| | | | - Hsing-Hung LIN
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica
- Taiwan International Graduate Program–Chemical Biology and Molecular Biophysics, Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica
| | - Yueh-Lun LEE
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Taipei Medical University
| | - Chia-Kwung FAN
- Department of Parasitology, Taipei Medical University
- Master Program in Global Health and Development, Taipei Medical University
| | - Chien-Wei LIAO
- Department of Parasitology, Taipei Medical University
- Master Program in Global Health and Development, Taipei Medical University
| | | | - En-Te HWU
- Institute of Physics, Academia Sinica
| | - Chia-Seng CHANG
- Institute of Physics, Academia Sinica
- Taiwan International Graduate Program–Chemical Biology and Molecular Biophysics, Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Helluy S. Parasite-induced alterations of sensorimotor pathways in gammarids: collateral damage of neuroinflammation? J Exp Biol 2013; 216:67-77. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.073213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Summary
Some larval helminths alter the behavior of their intermediate hosts in ways that favor the predation of infected hosts, thus enhancing trophic transmission. Gammarids (Crustacea: Amphipoda) offer unique advantages for the study of the proximate factors mediating parasite-induced behavioral changes. Indeed, amphipods infected by distantly related worms (acanthocephalans, cestodes and trematodes) encysted in different microhabitats within their hosts (hemocoel, brain) present comparable, chronic, behavioral pathologies. In order to evaluate the potential connection between behavioral disturbances and immune responses in parasitized gammarids, this Review surveys the literature bearing on sensorimotor pathway dysfunctions in infected hosts, on the involvement of the neuromodulator serotonin in altered responses to environmental stimuli, and on systemic and neural innate immunity in arthropods. Hemocyte concentration and phenoloxidase activity associated with melanotic encapsulation are depressed in acanthocephalan-manipulated gammarids. However, other components of the arsenal deployed by crustaceans against pathogens have not yet been investigated in helminth-infected gammarids. Members of the Toll family of receptors, cytokines such as tumor necrosis factors (TNFs), and the free radical nitric oxide are all implicated in neuroimmune responses in crustaceans. Across animal phyla, these molecules and their neuroinflammatory signaling pathways are touted for their dual beneficial and deleterious properties. Thus, it is argued that neuroinflammation might mediate the biochemical events upstream of the serotonergic dysfunction observed in manipulated gammarids – a parsimonious hypothesis that could explain the common behavioral pathology induced by distantly related parasites, both hemocoelian and cerebral.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Helluy
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA 02481, USA
| |
Collapse
|