1
|
Liu Z, Vucetich S, DeToy K, Duran Saucedo G, Verastegui M, Carballo-Jimenez P, Mercado-Saavedra BN, Tinajeros F, Malaga-Machaca ES, Marcus R, Gilman RH, Bowman NM, McCall LI. Small molecule biomarkers predictive of Chagas disease progression. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.05.13.24307310. [PMID: 38798659 PMCID: PMC11118624 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.13.24307310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD) is a neglected tropical disease caused by the parasitic protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. However, only 20% to 30% of infected individuals will progress to severe symptomatic cardiac manifestations. Current treatments are benznidazole and nifurtimox, which are poorly tolerated regimens. Developing a biomarker to determine the likelihood of patient progression would be helpful for doctors to optimize patient treatment strategies. Such a biomarker would also benefit drug discovery efforts and clinical trials. In this study, we combined untargeted and targeted metabolomics to compare serum samples from T. cruzi-infected individuals who progressed to severe cardiac disease, versus infected individuals who remained at the same disease stage (non-progressors). We identified four unannotated biomarker candidates, which were validated in an independent cohort using both untargeted and targeted analysis techniques. Overall, our findings demonstrate that serum small molecules can predict CD progression, offering potential for clinical monitoring.
Collapse
|
2
|
Vasconcelos A, King JD, Nunes-Alves C, Anderson R, Argaw D, Basáñez MG, Bilal S, Blok DJ, Blumberg S, Borlase A, Brady OJ, Browning R, Chitnis N, Coffeng LE, Crowley EH, Cucunubá ZM, Cummings DAT, Davis CN, Davis EL, Dixon M, Dobson A, Dyson L, French M, Fronterre C, Giorgi E, Huang CI, Jain S, James A, Kim SH, Kura K, Lucianez A, Marks M, Mbabazi PS, Medley GF, Michael E, Montresor A, Mutono N, Mwangi TS, Rock KS, Saboyá-Díaz MI, Sasanami M, Schwehm M, Spencer SEF, Srivathsan A, Stawski RS, Stolk WA, Sutherland SA, Tchuenté LAT, de Vlas SJ, Walker M, Brooker SJ, Hollingsworth TD, Solomon AW, Fall IS. Accelerating Progress Towards the 2030 Neglected Tropical Diseases Targets: How Can Quantitative Modeling Support Programmatic Decisions? Clin Infect Dis 2024; 78:S83-S92. [PMID: 38662692 PMCID: PMC11045030 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciae082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, considerable progress has been made in the control, elimination, and eradication of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Despite these advances, most NTD programs have recently experienced important setbacks; for example, NTD interventions were some of the most frequently and severely impacted by service disruptions due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Mathematical modeling can help inform selection of interventions to meet the targets set out in the NTD road map 2021-2030, and such studies should prioritize questions that are relevant for decision-makers, especially those designing, implementing, and evaluating national and subnational programs. In September 2022, the World Health Organization hosted a stakeholder meeting to identify such priority modeling questions across a range of NTDs and to consider how modeling could inform local decision making. Here, we summarize the outputs of the meeting, highlight common themes in the questions being asked, and discuss how quantitative modeling can support programmatic decisions that may accelerate progress towards the 2030 targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreia Vasconcelos
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Centre for Global Health Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan D King
- Global Neglected Tropical Diseases Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Cláudio Nunes-Alves
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Roy Anderson
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, St Mary's Campus, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Argaw
- Global Neglected Tropical Diseases Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Maria-Gloria Basáñez
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, St Mary's Campus, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Shakir Bilal
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - David J Blok
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Seth Blumberg
- Francis I. Proctor Foundation, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Anna Borlase
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Oliver J Brady
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Centre for the Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Raiha Browning
- The Department of Statistics, The University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Nakul Chitnis
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Luc E Coffeng
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Emily H Crowley
- Zeeman Institute for System Biology and Infectious Disease Epidemiology Research, The University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Mathematics Institute, The University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Zulma M Cucunubá
- Departamento de Epidemiología Clínica y Bioestadística, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Pontificia Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Derek A T Cummings
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Christopher Neil Davis
- Zeeman Institute for System Biology and Infectious Disease Epidemiology Research, The University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Mathematics Institute, The University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Louise Davis
- Mathematics Institute, The University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Dixon
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, St Mary's Campus, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Dobson
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Louise Dyson
- Zeeman Institute for System Biology and Infectious Disease Epidemiology Research, The University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Mathematics Institute, The University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Michael French
- Schistosomiasis Control Initiative, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, St Mary's Campus, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- RTI International, Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Claudio Fronterre
- CHICAS, Lancaster Medical School, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Emanuele Giorgi
- CHICAS, Lancaster Medical School, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Ching-I Huang
- Zeeman Institute for System Biology and Infectious Disease Epidemiology Research, The University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Mathematics Institute, The University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Saurabh Jain
- Global Neglected Tropical Diseases Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ananthu James
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sung Hye Kim
- Global Neglected Tropical Diseases Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Klodeta Kura
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, St Mary's Campus, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ana Lucianez
- Communicable Diseases Prevention, Control, and Elimination, Pan American Health Organization, Washington D.C., USA
| | - Michael Marks
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Pamela Sabina Mbabazi
- Global Neglected Tropical Diseases Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Graham F Medley
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Edwin Michael
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Antonio Montresor
- Global Neglected Tropical Diseases Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nyamai Mutono
- Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Health, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Thumbi S Mwangi
- Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Health, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Kat S Rock
- Zeeman Institute for System Biology and Infectious Disease Epidemiology Research, The University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Mathematics Institute, The University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Martha-Idalí Saboyá-Díaz
- Communicable Diseases Prevention, Control, and Elimination, Pan American Health Organization, Washington D.C., USA
| | - Misaki Sasanami
- Lancaster Medical School, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Markus Schwehm
- ExploSYS GmbH, Interdisciplinary Institute for Exploratory Systems, Leinfelden-Echterdingen, Germany
| | - Simon E F Spencer
- Centre for the Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ariktha Srivathsan
- Francis I. Proctor Foundation, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Robert S Stawski
- Institute of Public Health and Wellbeing, School of Health and Social Care, University of Essex, Essex, United Kingdom
| | - Wilma A Stolk
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Samuel A Sutherland
- Zeeman Institute for System Biology and Infectious Disease Epidemiology Research, The University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Warwick Medical School, The University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | | | - Sake J de Vlas
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martin Walker
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - T Déirdre Hollingsworth
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony W Solomon
- Global Neglected Tropical Diseases Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ibrahima Socé Fall
- Global Neglected Tropical Diseases Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Uribe-Querol E, Rosales C. Neutrophils versus Protozoan Parasites: Plasmodium, Trichomonas, Leishmania, Trypanosoma, and Entameoba. Microorganisms 2024; 12:827. [PMID: 38674770 PMCID: PMC11051968 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12040827] [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: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Neutrophils are the most abundant polymorphonuclear granular leukocytes in human blood and are an essential part of the innate immune system. Neutrophils are efficient cells that eliminate pathogenic bacteria and fungi, but their role in dealing with protozoan parasitic infections remains controversial. At sites of protozoan parasite infections, a large number of infiltrating neutrophils is observed, suggesting that neutrophils are important cells for controlling the infection. Yet, in most cases, there is also a strong inflammatory response that can provoke tissue damage. Diseases like malaria, trichomoniasis, leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, and amoebiasis affect millions of people globally. In this review, we summarize these protozoan diseases and describe the novel view on how neutrophils are involved in protection from these parasites. Also, we present recent evidence that neutrophils play a double role in these infections participating both in control of the parasite and in the pathogenesis of the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eileen Uribe-Querol
- Laboratorio de Biología del Desarrollo, División de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Carlos Rosales
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kozela E, Meneghetti P, Regev-Rudzki N, Torrecilhas AC, Porat Z. Subcellular particles for characterization of host-parasite interactions. Microbes Infect 2024:105314. [PMID: 38367661 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2024.105314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Parasitic diseases remain a major global health problem for humans. Parasites employ a variety of strategies to invade and survive within their hosts and to manipulate host defense mechanisms, always in the pathogen's favor. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), membrane-bound nanospheres carrying a variety of bioactive compounds, were shown to be released by the parasites during all stages of the infection, enabling growth and expansion within the host and adaptation to frequently changing environmental stressors. In this review, we discuss how the use of existing nanotechnologies and high-resolution imaging tools assisted in revealing the role of EVs during parasitic infections, enabling the quantitation, visualization, and detailed characterization of EVs. We discuss here the cases of malaria, Chagas disease and leishmaniasis as examples of parasitic neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Unraveling the EVs' role in the NTD pathogenesis may enormously contribute to their early and reliable diagnostic, effective treatment, and prevention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Kozela
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Biochemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Paula Meneghetti
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Laboratório de Imunologia Celular e Bioquímica de Fungos e Protozoários, Brazil
| | - Neta Regev-Rudzki
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Biochemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ana Claudia Torrecilhas
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Laboratório de Imunologia Celular e Bioquímica de Fungos e Protozoários, Brazil.
| | - Ziv Porat
- Flow Cytometry Unit, Life Sciences Core Facilities, WIS, Rehovot, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Toru M, Atnaf A, Mengist HM, Reta A. The COVID-19 Severity and Its Association with Intestinal Parasite Coinfection and Urine Biochemical Parameters among COVID-19-Confirmed Patients Admitted to Debre Markos University COVID-19 Center, Northwest Ethiopia. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 2024:3064374. [PMID: 38249633 PMCID: PMC10799708 DOI: 10.1155/2024/3064374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Background Though most people with COVID-19 disease show asymptomatic to mild illness, a substantial number of patients are at high risk of developing severe disease and adverse outcomes with long COVID-19 and death. Even though some studies showed that previously existing infections with parasites amend the host's body defenses to increase resistance to infection with SARS-CoV-2, there is limited data in Ethiopia. Objectives This study is aimed at determining the COVID-19 disease severity and its association with intestinal parasite coinfection and urine biochemical parameters among COVID-19-confirmed patients admitted at Debre Markos University COVID-19 Center, 2021. Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted on 136 RT-qPCR-confirmed COVID-19 patients admitted at Debre Markos University COVID-19 Center from January 1 to March 30, 2021. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected by using standardized data collection forms. A urine biochemical test was performed using a dry urine dipstick kit and stool examination using direct wet mount microscopic examination and formalin-ether concentration method. The chi-square test, Fisher exact test, and ordinal logistic regression analysis were computed to assess association with outcome variables using Statistical Package for Social Science software (version 24). Result A total of 136 COVID-19-confirmed patients participated in this study. The median age of the participants was 48 years. The majority (86 (62.5%)) of them were male in sex. Of the 136 cases, 39 (28.7%) had died. Among the 136 patients, 22 (16.2%) were coinfected with intestinal parasites. COVID-19 patients who have intestinal parasite coinfection had lower odds of developing clinically severe COVID-19 compared to noninfected (AOR = 0.37; 95% CI = 0.147-0.944; P = 0.037). The majority (104 (76.5%)) of them have abnormal urine biochemical results. From the abnormal urine biochemical tests observed, the urine blood, glucose, and ketone tests were positive for 54 (39.7%), 36 (26.5%), and 30 (21.1%) patients, respectively. Among the 31 critical COVID-19 patients, 25 (80.6%) showed abnormal urine biochemical parameters. Age and comorbidity were significantly associated with COVID-19 severity (P < 0.05). Conclusion Patients with old age and comorbidity had an increased risk of developing severe COVID-19 disease. Patients having SARS-CoV-2 and intestinal parasitic coinfections demonstrated mild COVID-19 disease severity. Abnormal urine biochemical results were common among critical COVID-19 patients. Thus, advanced study on the effect of the interaction among intestinal parasites on COVID-19 clinical severity and its mechanisms is essential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Milkiyas Toru
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Science, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Aytenew Atnaf
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Science, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Hylemariam Mihiretie Mengist
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Science, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Alemayehu Reta
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Science, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Swe MMM, Phyo AP, Cooper BS, White NJ, Smithuis F, Ashley EA. A systematic review of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in Myanmar. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011706. [PMID: 37910592 PMCID: PMC10619876 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affect most impoverished communities in developing countries, like Myanmar in Southeast Asia. NTDs have been understudied and underreported in Myanmar. METHODS A systematic review of published and grey literature (1900-2023) on neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in Myanmar was conducted. The literature search included five international databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Ovid Global Health, and Web of Science Core Collection and one national database: the Myanmar Central Biomedical Library (locally published papers and grey literature). The selection criteria included articles with all types of study designs of current or previous infections conducted in humans, that reported NTDs, recognised by WHO, US CDC, and listed in PLoS NTDs. We included melioidosis and rickettsioses which we consider also meet the definition of an NTD. RESULTS A total of 5941 records were retrieved and screened, of which, 672 (11%) met the selection criteria and were included in this review. Of the included articles, 449 (65%) were published after 2000 and 369 (55%) were from two regions (Yangon and Mandalay) of Myanmar. Of the included articles, 238 (35%) reported bacterial NTDs, 212 (32%) viral NTDs, 153 (23%) helminth NTDs, 25 (4%) protozoal NTDs and 39 (6%) reported more than one aetiology. Based on reported frequency in descending order, the bacterial NTDs were leprosy, Escherichia coli enteritis, salmonellosis, cholera, shigellosis, melioidosis, leptospirosis and rickettsioses; the viral NTDs were dengue, chikungunya and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) infection; the protozoal NTDs were amoebiasis, giardiasis and leishmaniasis, and the helminth NTDs were ascariasis, trichuriasis, hookworm disease, filariasis and strongyloidiasis. CONCLUSION This review summarises NTDs reported in Myanmar over the past 100 years. The findings suggest that most NTDs are likely to be under reported, especially from the majority of the country which is far from academic centres. Research capacity building together with strengthening of laboratory systems would lead to better understanding of the true burden of NTDs in Myanmar. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO registration ID: CRD42018092627.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Myo Maung Maung Swe
- Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit (MOCRU), Yangon, Myanmar
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Aung Pyae Phyo
- Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit (MOCRU), Yangon, Myanmar
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit (SMRU), Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Ben S. Cooper
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nicholas J. White
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Frank Smithuis
- Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit (MOCRU), Yangon, Myanmar
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth A. Ashley
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit, Microbiology laboratory, Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Borlase A, Prada JM, Crellen T. Modelling morbidity for neglected tropical diseases: the long and winding road from cumulative exposure to long-term pathology. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2023; 378:20220279. [PMID: 37598702 PMCID: PMC10440174 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Reducing the morbidities caused by neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) is a central aim of ongoing disease control programmes. The broad spectrum of pathogens under the umbrella of NTDs lead to a range of negative health outcomes, from malnutrition and anaemia to organ failure, blindness and carcinogenesis. For some NTDs, the most severe clinical manifestations develop over many years of chronic or repeated infection. For these diseases, the association between infection and risk of long-term pathology is generally complex, and the impact of multiple interacting factors, such as age, co-morbidities and host immune response, is often poorly quantified. Mathematical modelling has been used for many years to gain insights into the complex processes underlying the transmission dynamics of infectious diseases; however, long-term morbidities associated with chronic or cumulative exposure are generally not incorporated into dynamic models for NTDs. Here we consider the complexities and challenges for determining the relationship between cumulative pathogen exposure and morbidity at the individual and population levels, drawing on case studies for trachoma, schistosomiasis and foodborne trematodiasis. We explore potential frameworks for explicitly incorporating long-term morbidity into NTD transmission models, and consider the insights such frameworks may bring in terms of policy-relevant projections for the elimination era. This article is part of the theme issue 'Challenges and opportunities in the fight against neglected tropical diseases: a decade from the London Declaration on NTDs'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Borlase
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3SZ, UK
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LF, UK
| | - Joaquin M. Prada
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Thomas Crellen
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LF, UK
- School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine, Graham Kerr Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, Sir Graeme Davies Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Parra Barrera EL, Reales-González J, Salas D, Reyes Santamaría E, Bello S, Rico A, Pardo L, Parra E, Rodriguez K, Alarcon Z, Guerra Vega AP, Porras MA, Gomez-Rangel SY, Duarte C, Moreno J. Fatal acute undifferentiated febrile illness among clinically suspected leptospirosis cases in Colombia, 2016-2019. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011683. [PMID: 37844106 PMCID: PMC10602388 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute undifferentiated febrile illness is a common challenge for clinicians, especially in tropical and subtropical countries. Incorrect or delayed diagnosis of febrile patients may result in medical complications or preventable deaths. Common causes of acute undifferentiated febrile illness in Colombia include leptospirosis, rickettsioses, dengue fever, malaria, chikungunya, and Zika virus infection. In this study, we described the acute undifferentiated febrile illness in postmortem patients reported as suspected cases of leptospirosis through the national leptospirosis surveillance in Colombia, 2016-2019. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We retrospectively analyze human fresh and formalin-fixed tissue samples from fatal suspected leptospirosis cases reported by the Public Health Laboratories in Colombia. Leptospirosis confirmation was made by immunohistochemistry, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the tissue samples. In some cases, the serum sample was used for confirmation by Microagglutination test (MAT). Simultaneously, tissue samples were tested by PCR for the most common viral (dengue, Zika, and chikungunya), bacterial (Brucella spp., and Rickettsia spp.), and parasitic (malaria). Fresh tissue samples from 92 fatal suspected leptospirosis cases were reported to the National Reference Laboratory from 22/32 departments in Colombia. We confirmed leptospirosis in 27% (25/92) of cases. Other pathogens identified by real-time PCR were Brucella spp. (10.9%), Rickettsia spp. (14.1%), and dengue (2.2%). Dengue (6.9%), hepatitis (3.5%), and Yellow Fever cases (2.2%) were detected by the pathology. All patients were negative for chikungunya and Plasmodium spp. Most cases were classified as undifferentiated febrile illnesses (45.7%; 42/92). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE This study underscores the importance of early and accurate recognition of leptospirosis to prevent mortalities. Moreover, it draws attention to the existence of other febrile syndromes in Colombia, including rickettsiosis and brucellosis, that currently lack sufficient human surveillance and regular reporting. Expanding laboratory surveillance to include viruses such as Hantavirus, Mayaro virus, Oropouche virus, and West Nile virus is crucial.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eliana L Parra Barrera
- Grupo de Microbiología, Subdirección Laboratorio Nacional de Referencia. Dirección de Redes en Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
- Grupo de Virología, Subdirección Laboratorio Nacional de Referencia. Dirección de Redes en Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Jhonatan Reales-González
- Grupo de Microbiología, Subdirección de Investigación en Salud Pública. Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Daniela Salas
- Grupo de Enfermedades Transmitidas por Vectores y Zoonosis, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Elizabeth Reyes Santamaría
- Departamento de Medicina interna y Departamento de Medicina crítica y cuidados intensivos. Hospital Universitario Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Solmara Bello
- Grupo de Microbiología, Subdirección Laboratorio Nacional de Referencia. Dirección de Redes en Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Angélica Rico
- Grupo de Virología, Subdirección Laboratorio Nacional de Referencia. Dirección de Redes en Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
- Grupo de Enfermedades Transmisibles Prevenibles por Vacunación en Salud, Dirección de Vigilancia y Análisis del Riesgo en Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Lissethe Pardo
- Grupo de Virología, Subdirección Laboratorio Nacional de Referencia. Dirección de Redes en Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Edgar Parra
- Grupo de Patología, Subdirección Laboratorio Nacional de Referencia. Dirección de Redes en Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Karina Rodriguez
- Grupo de Microbiología, Subdirección Laboratorio Nacional de Referencia. Dirección de Redes en Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Zonía Alarcon
- Grupo de Microbiología, Subdirección de Investigación en Salud Pública. Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Angela Patricia Guerra Vega
- Grupo de Parasitología, Subdirección Laboratorio Nacional de Referencia. Dirección de Redes en Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Mayra A Porras
- Grupo de Virología, Subdirección Laboratorio Nacional de Referencia. Dirección de Redes en Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Sergio Yebrail Gomez-Rangel
- Grupo de Virología, Subdirección Laboratorio Nacional de Referencia. Dirección de Redes en Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Carolina Duarte
- Grupo de Microbiología, Subdirección Laboratorio Nacional de Referencia. Dirección de Redes en Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Jaime Moreno
- Grupo de Microbiología, Subdirección de Investigación en Salud Pública. Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Gupta V, Singh H, Sandhu MR, Kaur R, Singh A, Gupta S. The RIGHT Scoring System for the Medicolegal Classification of Head Injury. Neurol India 2023; 71:953-958. [PMID: 37929433 DOI: 10.4103/0028-3886.388122] [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: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Background In India, in case of an allegation of assault, the medical officer is required to classify the nature of injury into simple, grievous, and dangerous based upon the Indian Penal Code, which is outdated and has numerous gray areas. Objective The aim of this study is twofold: first, to formulate an objective scoring system for the medicolegal classification of head injuries and Second to validate the proposed scoring system on patients with head injury. Methods and Material A panel of experts consisting of neurosurgeons, radiologists, and forensic specialists came up with an objective scoring system, coined as the RIGHT (radiological-intervention-Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)-based head trauma) scoring system consisting of three parameters, namely, the motor subscore of the GCS, computerized tomography image findings, and management of the patient. This was used to classify head injuries-into simple, grievous, and dangerous. A single-centre pilot study was planned-including patients with head trauma reporting to the emergency department. Medicolegal nature of the head injury was classified according to the proposed RIGHT score. A 6-month follow-up was performed using the Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS). Results In total, 130 patients with head injury reported to the emergency department. There was a significant correlation between the RIGHT score assigned upon admission and the GOS at 6 months (P < 0.001). Conclusions As the scoring system could be applied objectively and a significant correlation between nature of injury given by RIGHT score and 6-month outcome was present; therefore, the RIGHT scoring system proved to be an effective method in unambiguously classifying the nature of head injury for medicolegal opinions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vipin Gupta
- Department of Neurosurgery, Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh, India
| | - Hargunbir Singh
- Intern, Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh, India
| | | | - Ravinder Kaur
- Department of Radiology, Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh, India
| | - Amandeep Singh
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh, India
| | - Soumya Gupta
- Student, Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh, India
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Opoku NO, Doe F, Dubben B, Fetcho N, Fischer K, Fischer PU, Gordor S, Goss CW, Gyasi ME, Hoerauf A, Hong AR, Kanza E, King CL, Laryea R, Lew D, Seidu MA, Weil GJ. A randomized, open-label study of the tolerability and efficacy of one or three daily doses of ivermectin plus diethylcarbamazine and albendazole (IDA) versus one dose of ivermectin plus albendazole (IA) for treatment of onchocerciasis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011365. [PMID: 37205721 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Onchocerciasis ("river blindness") has been targeted for elimination. New treatments that kill or permanently sterilize female worms could accelerate this process. Prior studies have shown that triple drug treatment with ivermectin plus diethylcarbamazine and albendazole (IDA) leads to prolonged clearance of microfilaremia in persons with lymphatic filariasis. We now report results from a randomized clinical trial that compared the tolerability and efficacy of IDA vs. a comparator treatment (ivermectin plus albendazole, IA) in persons with onchocerciasis. METHODS AND FINDINGS The study was performed in the Volta region of Ghana. Persons with microfiladermia and palpable subcutaneous nodules were pre-treated with two oral doses of ivermectin (150 μg/kg) separated by at least 6 months prior to treatment with either a single oral dose of ivermectin 150 μg/kg plus albendazole 400 mg (IA), a single oral dose of IDA (IDA1, IA plus diethylcarbamazine (DEC. 6 mg/kg) or three consecutive daily doses of IDA (IDA3). These treatments were tolerated equally well. While adverse events were common (approximately 30% overall), no severe or serious treatment-emergent adverse events were observed. Skin microfilariae were absent or present with very low densities after all three treatments through 18 months, at which time nodules were excised for histological assessment. Nodule histology was evaluated by two independent assessors who were masked regarding participant infection status or treatment assignment. Significantly lower percentages of female worms were alive and fertile in nodules recovered from study participants after IDA1 (40/261, 15.3%) and IDA3 (34/281, 12.1%) than after IA (41/180, 22.8%). This corresponds to a 40% reduction in the percentage of female worms that were alive and fertile after IDA treatments relative to results observed after the IA comparator treatment (P = 0.004). Percentages of female worms that were alive (a secondary outcome of the study) were also lower after IDA treatments (301/574, 52.4%) than after IA (127/198, 64.1%) (P = 0.004). Importantly, some comparisons (including the reduced % of fertile female worms after IDA1 vs IA treatment, which was the primary endpoint for the study) were not statistically significant when results were adjusted for intraclass correlation of worm fertility and viability for worms recovered from individual study participants. CONCLUSIONS Results from this pilot study suggest that IDA was well tolerated after ivermectin pretreatment. They also suggest that IDA was more effective than the comparator treatment IA for killing or sterilizing female O. volvulus worms. No other short-course oral treatment for onchocerciasis has been demonstrated to have macrofilaricidal activity. However, this first study was too small to provide conclusive results. Therefore, additional studies will be needed to confirm these promising findings. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study is registered at Cinicaltrials.gov under the number NCT04188301.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas O Opoku
- Fred Newton Binka School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Felix Doe
- Hohoe Municipal Hospital, Hohoe, Ghana
| | - Bettina Dubben
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Nicole Fetcho
- Infectious Diseases Division, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Kerstin Fischer
- Infectious Diseases Division, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Peter U Fischer
- Infectious Diseases Division, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Shelter Gordor
- Fred Newton Binka School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Charles W Goss
- Division of Biostatistics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | | | - Achim Hoerauf
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Augustine R Hong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Eric Kanza
- Fred Newton Binka School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
- Centre de Recherche Clinique de Butembo, Université Catholique du Graben, Site Horizon, Butembo, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
| | - Christopher L King
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case-Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Ruth Laryea
- Fred Newton Binka School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Daphne Lew
- Division of Biostatistics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Mahmood A Seidu
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Biomedical and Allied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Gary J Weil
- Infectious Diseases Division, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Naing C, Tung WS, Htet NH, Aung HH, Whittaker MA. Community engagement in health services research on soil-transmitted helminthiasis in Asia Pacific region: Systematic review. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001694. [PMID: 36963099 PMCID: PMC10032488 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
The research question was what studies are available that have assessed community engagement in the health services research on soil-transmitted helminths? We aimed to synthesise evidence on how communities were engaged in health services research on soil-transmitted helminths in low-and-middle-income countries of the Asia-Pacific Region. We focused on this region because soil-transmitted helminths are endemic, and their burden is significant in this region. This review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) checklist. Relevant studies were searched in health-related databases including PubMed, Ovid, and Google Scholar. We selected studies based on the selection criteria set for this review. We collected textual information about the type of health services research, the degree of community engagement, the research phases involved, and the barriers/enablers affecting community engagement in research since they are pertinent to our review question and objective. Ten studies from seven countries in the Asia Pacific region were identified for this review. Albeit with variation in the extent of their involvement, various forms of communities/groups within communities were included such as Aboriginal communities, local communities, school children and their parents, school teachers and headmasters of schools, heads of villages, religious leaders, and so on. Overall, community engagement in health services research focused on of soil-transmitted helminths was limited. Six studies (60%) had collaboration at ‘developing methodology’, mainly through an explanation of the objectives of the study or study process to be conducted. Seven studies (70%) revealed community participation in soil-transmitted helminths at the “data collection” stage. Only one study (10%) documented that a community leader was involved as a co-author, reflecting an involvement in ‘report writing’ and further ‘dissemination’. Findings suggest that there were various forms of community engagement in various aspects of the health services research context. Overall, there was moderate level of participation, but there was insufficient information on the partnership between various stakeholders, which prevented in-depth analysis of the engagement. Future health services research on soil-transmitted helminth interventions needs to be carefully planned, well designed, grounded in principles of community engagement, and designed methodologically to allow in-depth participation by communities in all stages of the research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cho Naing
- Division of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Queensland, Australia
- * E-mail: (CN); (MAW)
| | - Wong Siew Tung
- School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Norah Htet Htet
- School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Htar Htar Aung
- School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Maxine A. Whittaker
- Division of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Queensland, Australia
- * E-mail: (CN); (MAW)
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Goethals O, Voge NV, Kesteleyn B, Chaltin P, Jinks T, De Marez T, Koul A, Draghia-Akli R, Neyts J, Van Loock M. A pan-serotype antiviral to prevent and treat dengue: A journey from discovery to clinical development driven by public-private partnerships. Antiviral Res 2023; 210:105495. [PMID: 36567021 PMCID: PMC9902276 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2022.105495] [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: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
While progress has been made in fighting diseases disproportionally affecting underserved populations, unmet medical needs persist for many neglected tropical diseases. The World Health Organization has encouraged strong public-private partnerships to address this issue and several public and private organizations have set an example in the past showing a strong commitment to combat these diseases. Pharmaceutical companies are contributing in different ways to address the imbalance in research efforts. With this review, we exemplify the role of a public-private partnership in research and development by the journey of our dengue antiviral molecule that is now in early clinical development. We detail the different steps of drug development and outline the contribution of each partner to this process. Years of intensive collaboration resulted in the identification of two antiviral compounds, JNJ-A07 and JNJ-1802, the latter of which has advanced to clinical development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Goethals
- Global Public Health R&D, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Natalia V. Voge
- Global Public Health R&D, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Spring House, PA, USA
| | - Bart Kesteleyn
- Janssen Research & Development, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Patrick Chaltin
- Centre for Drug Design and Discovery (CD3), KU Leuven, Bioincubator 2, Leuven, Belgium,Cistim Leuven vzw, Bioincubator 2, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Tine De Marez
- Global Public Health R&D, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Titusville, NJ, USA
| | - Anil Koul
- Global Public Health R&D, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Ruxandra Draghia-Akli
- Global Public Health R&D, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Spring House, PA, USA
| | - Johan Neyts
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Leuven, Belgium,Global Virus Network (GVN), Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Marnix Van Loock
- Global Public Health R&D, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Beerse, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Baptista S, Naidoo S, Suliman S, Nepolo E, Kanoi BN, Gitaka J, Blessing OM, Enany S. COVID-19 vaccinology landscape in Africa. Front Immunol 2022; 13:955168. [PMID: 36544758 PMCID: PMC9760752 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.955168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
More than two years after the start of COVID-19 pandemic, Africa still lags behind in terms vaccine distribution. This highlights the predicament of Africa in terms of vaccine development, deployment, and sustainability, not only for COVID-19, but for other major infectious diseases that plague the continent. This opinion discusses the challenges Africa faces in its race to vaccinate its people, and offers recommendations on the way forward. Specifically, to get out of the ongoing vaccine shortage trap, Africa needs to diversify investment not only to COVID-19 but also other diseases that burden the population. The continent needs to increase its capacity to acquire vaccines more equitably, improve access to technologies to enable local manufacture of vaccines, increase awareness on vaccines both in rural and urban areas to significantly reduce disease incidence of COVID-19 and as well as other prevalent diseases on the African continent such as HIV and TB. Such efforts will go a long way to reduce the disease burden in Africa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Baptista
- Department of Biology & Physiology of Malaria, Next Einstein Forum Community of Scientists, Kigali, Rwanda,Instituto de Medicina Molecular, João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sanushka Naidoo
- Department of Biology & Physiology of Malaria, Next Einstein Forum Community of Scientists, Kigali, Rwanda,Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Sara Suliman
- Department of Biology & Physiology of Malaria, Next Einstein Forum Community of Scientists, Kigali, Rwanda,Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, Division of Experimental Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States,Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Emmanuel Nepolo
- Department of Biology & Physiology of Malaria, Next Einstein Forum Community of Scientists, Kigali, Rwanda,Department of Human, Biological and Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Bernard N. Kanoi
- Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases, Directorate of Research and Innovation, Mount Kenya University, Thika, Kenya
| | - Jesse Gitaka
- Department of Biology & Physiology of Malaria, Next Einstein Forum Community of Scientists, Kigali, Rwanda,Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases, Directorate of Research and Innovation, Mount Kenya University, Thika, Kenya
| | - Oyedemi Mbaebie Blessing
- Department of Biology & Physiology of Malaria, Next Einstein Forum Community of Scientists, Kigali, Rwanda,Department of Biotechnology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria
| | - Shymaa Enany
- Department of Biology & Physiology of Malaria, Next Einstein Forum Community of Scientists, Kigali, Rwanda,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt,*Correspondence: Shymaa Enany,
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Springer A, Wagner L, Koehler S, Klinger S, Breves G, Brüggemann DA, Strube C. Modulation of the porcine intestinal microbiota in the course of Ascaris suum infection. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:433. [PMID: 36397169 PMCID: PMC9673396 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05535-w] [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: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The porcine roundworm Ascaris suum impairs feed conversion and weight gain, but its effects on intestinal microbiota remain largely unexplored. Methods Modulation of the intestinal microbiota was assessed in pigs that were infected once with 10,000 A. suum eggs and pigs that received a trickle infection (1000 eggs/day over 10 days), compared with a non-infected control group. Six pigs each were sacrificed per group at days 21, 35 and 49 post-infection (p.i.). Faecal samples taken weekly until slaughter and ingesta samples from different intestinal compartments were subjected to next-generation sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. Results The results revealed marked differences between the single- and the trickle-infected group. Single infection caused a remarkable but transient decrease in microbial diversity in the caecum, which was not observed in the trickle-infected group. However, an increase in short-chain fatty acid-producing genera in the caecum on day 21 p.i., which shifted to a decrease on day 35 p.i., was common to both groups, possibly related to changes in excretory–secretory products following the parasite’s final moult. Faecal microbial interaction networks were more similar between the single-infected and control group than the trickle-infected group. In addition, a lower degree of similarity over time indicated that A. suum trickle infection prevented microbiota stabilization. Conclusions These different patterns may have important implications regarding the comparability of experimental infections with natural scenarios characterized by continuous exposure, and should be confirmed by further studies. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05535-w.
Collapse
|
15
|
Smith JS, Diaconu K, Witter S, Weiland S, Zaizay FZ, Theobald S, McCollum R, Kollie K, Kollie J, Berrian H, Hotopf I, Sempe L, Tate W, Dean L. Financing care for Severe Stigmatizing Skin Diseases (SSSDs) in Liberia: challenges and opportunities. Int J Equity Health 2022; 21:160. [PMID: 36376897 PMCID: PMC9663287 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-022-01781-7] [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: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are an important global health challenge, however, little is known about how to effectively finance NTD related services. Integrated management in particular, is put forward as an efficient and effective treatment modality. This is a background study to a broader health economic evaluation, seeking to document the costs of integrated case management of NTDs versus standard care in Liberia. In the current study, we document barriers and facilitators to NTD care from a health financing perspective. Methods We carried out key informant interviews with 86 health professionals and 16 national health system policymakers. 46 participants were active in counties implementing integrated case management and 40 participants were active in counties implementing standard care. We also interviewed 16 patients and community members. All interviews were transcribed and analysed using the thematic framework approach. Findings We found that decentralization for NTD financing is not yet achieved – financing and reporting for NTDs is still centralized and largely donor-driven as a vertical programme; government involvement in NTD financing is still minimal, focused mainly on staffing, but non-governmental organisations (NGOs) or international agencies are supporting supply and procurement of medications. Donor support and involvement in NTDs are largely coordinated around the integrated case management. Quantification for goods and budget estimations are specific challenges, given the high donor dependence, particularly for NTD related costs and the government’s limited financial role at present. These challenges contribute to stockouts of medications and supplies at clinic level, while delays in payments of salaries from the government compromise staff attendance and retention. For patients, the main challenges are high transportation costs, with inflated charges due to fear and stigma amongst motorbike taxi riders, and out-of-pocket payments for medication during stockouts and food/toiletries (for in-patients). Conclusion Our findings contribute to the limited work on financing of SSSD services in West African settings and provide insight on challenges and opportunities for financing and large costs in accessing care by households, which is also being exacerbated by stigma.
Collapse
|
16
|
Antiplasmodial Activity of 80% Methanolic Extract and Solvent Fractions of Stem Bark of Acacia tortilis in Swiss Albino Mice. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:7493294. [PMID: 36387357 PMCID: PMC9652074 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7493294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Background Malarial infection has significant negative impact on the health of the world population. It is treated by modern and traditional medicines. Among traditional medicinal plants, Acacia tortilis is used by different communities as antimalarial agent. Therefore, the objective of this study is to validate antimalarial activity of the stem bark of Acacia tortilis in mice. Methods To evaluate antimalarial activity of the plant, 4-day suppressive, curative, and prophylactic antimalarial test models were used. Parasitemia, packed cell volume (PCV), survival time, rectal temperature, and body weight were used to evaluate the effect of the plant extracts. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 followed by Tukey's post hoc multiple comparison test. Results The crude extract and dichloromethane fraction significantly suppressed the level of parasitemia (p < 0.001) and increased mean survival time (p < 0.01) at all tested doses. Similarly, significant effects were observed in mean survival time, % change of PCV, weight, and temperature in both curative and prophylactic antimalarial test models. Conclusions The methanolic extract and solvent fractions of the stem bark of Acacia tortilis has shown antimalarial activity, and the finding supports the traditional use and the in vitro studies. Thus, this study can be used as an initiation for researchers to find the most active phytochemical entity and to conduct additional safety and efficacy tests.
Collapse
|
17
|
Dube M, Raphane B, Sethebe B, Seputhe N, Tiroyakgosi T, Imming P, Häberli C, Keiser J, Arnold N, Andrae-Marobela K. Medicinal Plant Preparations Administered by Botswana Traditional Health Practitioners for Treatment of Worm Infections Show Anthelmintic Activities. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:2945. [PMID: 36365400 PMCID: PMC9658373 DOI: 10.3390/plants11212945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths are some of the priority neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) targeted for elimination by the World Health Organization (WHO). They are prevalent in Botswana and although Botswana has begun mass drug administration with the hope of eliminating soil-transmitted helminths as a public health problem, the prevalence of schistosomiasis does not meet the threshold required to warrant large-scale interventions. Although Botswana has a modern healthcare system, many people in Botswana rely on traditional medicine to treat worm infections and schistosomiasis. In this study, ten plant species used by traditional health practitioners against worm infections were collected and tested against Ancylostoma ceylanicum (zoonotic hookworm), Heligmosomoides polygyrus (roundworm of rodents), Necator americanus (New World hookworm), Schistosoma mansoni (blood fluke) [adult and newly transformed schistosomula (NTS)], Strongyloides ratti (threadworm) and Trichuris muris (nematode parasite of mice) in vitro. Extracts of two plants, Laphangium luteoalbum and Commiphora pyaracanthoides, displayed promising anthelmintic activity against NTS and adult S. mansoni, respectively. L. luteoalbum displayed 85.4% activity at 1 μg/mL against NTS, while C. pyracanthoides displayed 78.5% activity against adult S. mansoni at 10 μg/mL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mthandazo Dube
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Weinberg 3, D-06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Boingotlo Raphane
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Botswana, Gaborone P.O. Box 0022, Botswana
| | - Bongani Sethebe
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Botswana, Gaborone P.O. Box 0022, Botswana
| | | | | | - Peter Imming
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, D-06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Cécile Häberli
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, CH-4123 Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, CH-4123 Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Norbert Arnold
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Weinberg 3, D-06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Kerstin Andrae-Marobela
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Botswana, Gaborone P.O. Box 0022, Botswana
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Chang T, Jung BK, Chai JY, Cho SI. The notable global heterogeneity in the distribution of COVID-19 cases and the association with pre-existing parasitic diseases. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010826. [PMID: 36215332 PMCID: PMC9584393 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory disease that has caused extensive ravages worldwide since being declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). Unlike initially predicted by WHO, the incidence and severity of COVID-19 appeared milder in many Low-to-Middle-Income Countries (LMIC). To explain this noticeable disparity between countries, many hypotheses, including socio-demographic and geographic factors, have been put forward. This study aimed to estimate the possible association of parasitic diseases with COVID-19 as either protective agents or potential risk factors. METHODS/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS A country-level ecological study using publicly available data of countries was conducted. We conceptualized the true number of COVID-19 infections based on a function of test positivity rate (TPR) and employed linear regression analysis to assess the association between the outcome and parasitic diseases. We considered demographic, socioeconomic, and geographic confounders previously suggested. A notable heterogeneity was observed across WHO regions. The countries in Africa (AFRO) showed the lowest rates of COVID-19 incidence, and the countries in the Americas (AMRO) presented the highest. The multivariable model results were computed using 165 countries, excluding missing values. In the models analyzed, lower COVID-19 incidence rates were consistently observed in malaria-endemic countries, even accounting for potential confounding variables, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita, the population aged 65 and above, and differences in the duration of COVID-19. However, the other parasitic diseases were not significantly associated with the spread of the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE This study suggests that malaria prevalence is an essential factor that explains variability in the observed incidence of COVID-19 cases at the national level. Potential associations of COVID-19 with schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiases (STHs) are worthy of further investigation but appeared unlikely, based on this analysis, to be critical factors of the variability in COVID-19 epidemic trends. The quality of publicly accessible data and its ecological design constrained our research, with fundamental disparities in monitoring and testing capabilities between countries. Research at the subnational or individual level should be conducted to explore hypotheses further.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taehee Chang
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Bong-Kwang Jung
- Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Korea Association of Health Promotion, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Yil Chai
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-il Cho
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Health and Environment, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Crosstalk between the Intestinal Virome and Other Components of the Microbiota, and Its Effect on Intestinal Mucosal Response and Diseases. J Immunol Res 2022; 2022:7883945. [PMID: 36203793 PMCID: PMC9532165 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7883945] [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: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, there has been ample evidence illustrating the effect of microbiota on gut immunity, homeostasis, and disease. Most of these studies have engaged more efforts in understanding the role of the bacteriome in gut mucosal immunity and disease. However, studies on the virome and its influence on gut mucosal immunity and pathology are still at infancy owing to limited metagenomic tools. Nonetheless, the existing studies on the virome have largely been focused on the bacteriophages as these represent the main component of the virome with little information on endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) and eukaryotic viruses. In this review, we describe the gut virome, and its role in gut mucosal response and disease progression. We also explore the crosstalk between the virome and other microorganisms in the gut mucosa and elaborate on how these interactions shape the gut mucosal immunity going from bacteriophages through ERVs to eukaryotic viruses. Finally, we elucidate the potential contribution of this crosstalk in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases and colon cancer.
Collapse
|
20
|
Investigating the Potential Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic on Intestinal Coccidian Infections. JOURNAL OF PURE AND APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.22207/jpam.16.3.51] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
New infectious agents pose a global threat to the healthcare system, and studies are conducted to estimate their health and epidemiological outcomes in the long run. The SARS-CoV-2 virus, which has caused the COVID-19 disease, was formerly assumed to be a respiratory virus; however, it can have serious systemic effects, affecting organs such as the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Viral RNA was reported in the stool in a subset of patients, indicating another mode of transmission and diagnosis. In COVID-19, prolonged GIT symptoms, especially diarrhea, were associated with reduced diversity and richness of gut microbiota, immunological dysregulation, and delayed viral clearance. Intestinal coccidian parasites are intracellular protozoa that are most typically transmitted to humans by oocysts found in fecally contaminated food and water. Their epidemiological relevance is coupled to opportunistic infections, which cause high morbidity and mortality among immunocompromised individuals. Among immunocompetent people, intestinal coccidia is also involved in acute diarrhea, which is usually self-limiting. Evaluating the available evidence provided an opportunity to carefully consider that; the COVID-19 virus and coccidian protozoan parasites: namely, Cryptosporidium spp., Cyclospora cayetanensis, and Isospora belli, could mutually influence each other from the microbiological, clinical, diagnostic, and elimination aspects. We further systemically highlighted the possible shared pathogenesis mechanisms, transmission routes, clinical manifestations, parasite-driven immune regulation, and intestinal microbiota alteration. Finally, we showed how this might impact developing and developed countries prevention and vaccination strategies. To the best of our knowledge, there is no review that has discussed the reciprocal effect between coccidian parasites and COVID-19 coinfection.
Collapse
|
21
|
Zheng Y, Müller J, Kunz S, Siderius M, Maes L, Caljon G, Müller N, Hemphill A, Sterk GJ, Leurs R. 3-nitroimidazo[1,2-b]pyridazine as a novel scaffold for antiparasitics with sub-nanomolar anti-Giardia lamblia activity. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2022; 19:47-55. [PMID: 35716585 PMCID: PMC9213561 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2022.05.004] [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: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
As there is a continuous need for novel anti-infectives, the present study aimed to fuse two modes of action into a novel 3-nitroimidazo[1,2-b]pyridazine scaffold to improve antiparasitic efficacy. For this purpose, we combined known structural elements of phosphodiesterase inhibitors, a target recently proposed for Trypanosoma brucei and Giardia lamblia, with a nitroimidazole scaffold to generate nitrosative stress. The compounds were evaluated in vitro against a panel of protozoal parasites, namely Giardia lamblia, Trypanosoma brucei, T. cruzi, Leishmania infantum and Plasmodium falciparum and for cytotoxicity on MRC-5 cells. Interestingly, selective sub-nanomolar activity was obtained against G. lamblia, and by testing several analogues with and without the nitro group, it was shown that the presence of a nitro group, but not PDE inhibition, is responsible for the low IC50 values of these novel compounds. Adding the favourable drug-like properties (low molecular weight, cLogP (1.2–4.1) and low polar surface area), the key compounds from the 3-nitroimidazo[1,2-b]pyridazine series can be considered as valuable hits for further anti-giardiasis drug exploration and development. Analogues fusing a nitroimidazole moiety and a PDE inhibitor scaffold were prepared. These compounds were tested in vitro against a panel of protozoal parasites. Against Giardia lamblia, sub-nanomolar IC50 values were determined. PDE inhibition provided no significant contribution to the anti-Giardia potency. High potency with drug-like properties warrants further study of this hit series.
Collapse
|
22
|
Ngatse JA, Ndziessi G, Missamou F, Kinouani R, Hemilembolo M, Pion SD, Bork KA, Abena AA, Boussinesq M, Chesnais CB. Historical overview and geographical distribution of neglected tropical diseases amenable to preventive chemotherapy in the Republic of the Congo: A systematic review. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010560. [PMID: 35816549 PMCID: PMC9302787 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010560] [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: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neglected Tropical Diseases amenable to Preventive Chemotherapy (PC-NTDs) affect the poorest populations around the world, especially in Africa. Scientific information on the distribution and level of endemicity of these diseases in the Republic of the Congo (RoC) is scarce in the published literature. We sought to collect all available epidemiological data on PC-NTDs in the RoC to document the historical and current situation and identify challenges in reaching the elimination of NTDs. Methods We searched Medline and Horizon databases for studies published until to July 4th, 2019, on onchocerciasis, lymphatic filariasis, soil-transmitted helminth infections, schistosomiasis, and trachoma in the RoC. Unpublished reports were also reviewed. We included all epidemiological studies containing community data and excluded case reports. Location, prevalence data, and dates of the studies were extracted. Principal findings We identified 933 records, of which 56 met the inclusion criteria. The articles published before 1960 mainly concerned onchocerciasis and schistosomiasis. Despite a low number over the studied period, since 2005 there has been a steady increase in the number of publications. Most of the studies were cross-sectional and conducted in the general population. Trachoma is endemic in the Sangha and Likouala departments (prevalence of trachomatous inflammation-follicular > 5% in some villages), and further mapping is essential to properly assess the burden of this disease in the country. While the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths is still high (over 20%) in a large part of Congo, cases of lymphatic filariasis (based on Wuchereria bancrofti antigenaemia and/or microfilaraemia) and onchocerciasis are becoming rare and very focused. To achieve the elimination of PC-NTDs, further intervention is required. Conclusions Except for trachoma, whose epidemiological situation should be better evaluated, PC-NTDs are endemic in the RoC, and actions to control them have been taken by health authorities. To eliminate PC-NTDs, which are still present in some locations, new mapping surveys are needed, and increased investment in scientific research should be encouraged in the country. For many years, the Republic of the Congo has implemented control programs to combat neglected tropical diseases that cause severe disabilities. By tracing the past and recent distribution of these diseases through the analysis of epidemiological studies, we show that most remaining NTDs are located in defined foci of infection, maintained depending on ecology and lifestyle habits. However, the small number of recent studies limits the production of new knowledge, which would be useful for a better understanding of epidemiological patterns and to accelerate NTD elimination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph A. Ngatse
- Faculté des Sciences de la Santé, Université Marien NGOUABI, Brazzaville, République du Congo
- UMI233, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD)-INSERM U1175-Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- * E-mail: (JAN); (CBC)
| | - Gilbert Ndziessi
- Faculté des Sciences de la Santé, Université Marien NGOUABI, Brazzaville, République du Congo
| | - François Missamou
- Programme National de Lutte contre l’Onchocercose, Brazzaville, République du Congo
| | - Rodrigue Kinouani
- Centre de Recherche Géographique et de Production Cartographique, Brazzaville, République du Congo
| | - Marlhand Hemilembolo
- Programme National de Lutte contre l’Onchocercose, Brazzaville, République du Congo
| | - Sébastien D. Pion
- UMI233, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD)-INSERM U1175-Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Kirsten A. Bork
- UMI233, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD)-INSERM U1175-Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Ange A. Abena
- Faculté des Sciences de la Santé, Université Marien NGOUABI, Brazzaville, République du Congo
| | - Michel Boussinesq
- UMI233, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD)-INSERM U1175-Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Cédric B. Chesnais
- UMI233, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD)-INSERM U1175-Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- * E-mail: (JAN); (CBC)
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Widdicombe J, Basáñez MG, Entezami M, Jackson D, Larrieu E, Prada JM. The economic evaluation of Cystic echinococcosis control strategies focused on zoonotic hosts: A scoping review. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010568. [PMID: 35797271 PMCID: PMC9262177 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic neglected tropical disease (zNTD) which imposes considerable financial burden to endemic countries. The 2021–2030 World Health Organization’s roadmap on NTDs has proposed that intensified control be achieved in hyperendemic areas of 17 countries by 2030. Successful interventions for disease control, and the scale-up of programmes applying such interventions, rely on understanding the associated costs and relative return for investment. We conducted a scoping review of existing peer-reviewed literature on economic evaluations of CE control strategies focused on Echinococcus granulosus zoonotic hosts. Methodology/Principal findings Database searches of Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, CABI Direct and JSTOR were conducted and comprehensively reviewed in March 2022, using predefined search criteria with no date, field or language restrictions. A total of 100 papers were initially identified and assessed for eligibility against strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. Bibliography review of included manuscripts was used to identify additional literature. Full review of the final manuscript selection (n = 9) was performed and cost data for control interventions were extracted. Conclusions/Significance There are very little published data pertaining to the cost and cost effectiveness of CE control interventions targeting its zoonotic hosts. Data given for costs are often incomplete, thus we were unable to perform an economic analysis and cost effectiveness study, highlighting a pressing need for this information. There is much scope for future work in this area. More detailed information and disaggregated costings need to be collected and made available. This would increase the accuracy of any cost-effective analyses to be performed and allow for a greater understanding of the opportunity cost of healthcare decisions and resource allocation by stakeholders and policy makers for effective and cost-effective CE control. Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic neglected tropical disease which predominantly affects poor pastoral communities globally. The parasite cycles between farm dogs and livestock, and is associated with livestock farming and feeding of infected offal to dogs. Although no noticeable clinical signs are seen in livestock, some production losses, such as reduced milk yield and live weight gain may be observed, and offal condemnation at slaughter is common. The disease can also affect people, due to accidental ingestion of parasite eggs on contaminated food and contact with dogs. Human morbidity and mortality occur due to cyst formation in body organs, exerting a substantial health and financial burden to the health sector of affected countries. Control interventions to reduce CE transmission include sheep vaccination and dog deworming. Long-term control programmes are often expensive, and the true costs of such programmes poorly documented. This scoping review aims to examine published literature on the costs of CE control in zoonotic hosts and report detailed costs of individual elements of a control programme, thereby furthering our understanding of the true economic cost of CE control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jo Widdicombe
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - María-Gloria Basáñez
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis and London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mahbod Entezami
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Jackson
- Surrey Health Economics Centre, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Edmundo Larrieu
- Universidad Nacional de Rio Negro, Choele Choel, Rio Negro, Argentina
| | - Joaquín M. Prada
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Soichot J, Guttmann N, Rehrauer H, Joller N, Tritten L. Nematode microRNAs can Individually Regulate Interferon Regulatory Factor 4 and mTOR in Differentiating T Helper 2 Lymphocytes and Modulate Cytokine Production in Macrophages. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:909312. [PMID: 35836928 PMCID: PMC9274173 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.909312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic nematodes are masterful immunomodulators. This class of pathogens has evolved a spectrum of sophisticated strategies to regulate and evade host immune responses, mediated through the release of various molecules. In this context, the release of microRNAs (miRNAs), short post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression, has been of particular interest in the host-parasite interplay. Evidence that parasite-derived miRNAs modulate host innate and adaptive immune responses has become increasingly compelling. However, since miRNAs are usually contained in extracellular vesicles containing other mediators, it is difficult to assign an observed effect on host cells to miRNAs specifically. Here, the effects of some abundantly secreted miRNAs by nematodes used as models of gastrointestinal infections (Heligmosomoides polygyrus bakeri, Trichuris muris and Ascaris suum) were evaluated, addressing the potential of parasite miRNAs to impair in vitro differentiation of two important types of immune cells in the context of helminth infections, Th2 lymphocytes and macrophages. Mimicking a continuous exposure to low concentrations of nematode miRNAs, the interferon gamma signaling, the IL-2/STAT5 signaling, and the mTOR signaling pathways were identified as downregulated by Hpo-miR-71-5p. Interferon regulatory factor 4 (Irf4) was validated as a target of Hpo-miR-71-5p, while Mtor is targeted by Asu-miR-791-3p, abundant in the T. muris secretions. By trend, Hpo-miR-71-5p impacts mildly but consistently on the amounts of inflammatory cytokines in unpolarized macrophages but leads to slightly increased IL-10 level in alternatively activated cells. In addition, our data suggests that transfected miRNAs remain for days in recipient cells, and that Hpo-miR-71-5p can incorporate into mouse Argonaute protein complexes. Nematode miRNAs can impair both innate and adaptive arms of host immunity. Hpo-miR-71-5p in particular, absent in mammals, interacts with host genes and pathways with crucial involvement in anthelmintic immune responses. This report brings new insights into the dynamics of miRNA-driven immunomodulation and highlights putative targeted pathways. Although the absolute repression is subtle, it is expected that the dozens of different miRNAs released by nematodes may have a synergistic effect on surrounding host cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julien Soichot
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nathalie Guttmann
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hubert Rehrauer
- Functional Genomics Center Zurich, ETH Zurich/University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Joller
- Department of Quantitative Biomedicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lucienne Tritten
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Lucienne Tritten,
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Evaluation of Commercial Concentration Methods for Microscopic Diagnosis of Protozoa and Helminths in Human Stool Samples in a Non-Endemic Area. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10061237. [PMID: 35744756 PMCID: PMC9230666 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10061237] [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: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The diagnosis of intestinal parasitic infections still widely relies on microscopic examination of stools and requires reliable reagents and staff expertise. The ParaFlo® assays (Eurobio Ingen) are ready-to-use concentration methods for parasite egg detection, and they could improve reagent traceability and ease of manipulation. Ninety-three stool samples were analyzed with the ParaFlo® concentration methods and then compared with routine microscopic methods for protozoa and helminth detection: seventy-eight were analyzed with ParaFlo® Bailenger and in-house Thebault or Bailenger concentrations, and fifty-five were analyzed with ParaFlo®DC and the in-house merthiolate-formalin diphasic concentration (DC) method. Fully concordant results were obtained for 75%, 70%, and 69% of samples when comparing ParaFlo® DC and in-house DC, ParaFlo® Bailenger and in-house Bailenger, and ParaFlo® Bailenger and Thebault, respectively. The performances of the ParaFlo® assays did not differ statistically from that obtained with their in-house counterparts (Bailenger and DC) for the detection of protozoa, but ParaFlo® Bailenger performed significantly poorer than the Thebault method (p < 0.001). No statistical differences were observed between the commercial and in-house methods for helminth detection. These marketed concentration methods could be used in routine if combined with other techniques for protozoa detection.
Collapse
|
26
|
Sykes AL, Larrieu E, Poggio TV, Céspedes MG, Mujica GB, Basáñez MG, Prada JM. Modelling diagnostics for Echinococcus granulosus surveillance in sheep using Latent Class Analysis: Argentina as a case study. One Health 2022; 14:100359. [PMID: 34977321 PMCID: PMC8683760 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2021.100359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato is a globally prevalent zoonotic parasitic cestode leading to cystic echinococcosis (CE) in both humans and sheep with both medical and financial impacts, whose reduction requires the application of a One Health approach to its control. Regarding the animal health component of this approach, lack of accurate and practical diagnostics in livestock impedes the assessment of disease burden and the implementation and evaluation of control strategies. We use of a Bayesian Latent Class Analysis (LCA) model to estimate ovine CE prevalence in sheep samples from the Río Negro province of Argentina accounting for uncertainty in the diagnostics. We use model outputs to evaluate the performance of a novel recombinant B8/2 antigen B subunit (rEgAgB8/2) indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detecting E. granulosus in sheep. Necropsy (as a partial gold standard), western blot (WB) and ELISA diagnostic data were collected from 79 sheep within two Río Negro slaughterhouses, and used to estimate individual infection status (assigned as a latent variable within the model). Using the model outputs, the performance of the novel ELISA at both individual and flock levels was evaluated, respectively, using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and simulating a range of sample sizes and prevalence levels within hypothetical flocks. The estimated (mean) prevalence of ovine CE was 27.5% (95%Bayesian credible interval (95%BCI): 13.8%-58.9%) within the sample population. At the individual level, the ELISA had a mean sensitivity and specificity of 55% (95%BCI: 46%-68%) and 68% (95%BCI: 63%-92%), respectively, at an optimal optical density (OD) threshold of 0.378. At the flock level, the ELISA had an 80% probability of correctly classifying infection at an optimal cut-off threshold of 0.496. These results suggest that the novel ELISA could play a useful role as a flock-level diagnostic for CE surveillance in the region, supplementing surveillance activities in the human population and thus strengthening a One Health approach. Importantly, selection of ELISA cut-off threshold values must be tailored according to the epidemiological situation.
Collapse
Key Words
- Argentina
- BCI, Bayesian Credible Interval
- Bayesian inference
- CE, Cystic Echinococcosis
- CI, Confidence Interval
- DALY, Disability-adjusted life year
- Diagnostics
- ELISA, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
- Echinococcosis
- JAGS, Just Another Gibbs Sampler
- LCA, Latent class analysis
- Latent class analysis
- MCAR, Missing completely at random
- MCMC, Markov Chain Monte Carlo
- OD, Optical density
- ROC, Receiver Operating Characteristic
- SD, Standard deviation
- Surveillance
- USD, United States Dollar
- WB, Western blot
- WHO, World Health Organization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abagael L. Sykes
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research and MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Edmundo Larrieu
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Pampa, General Pico, Argentina
- Escuela de Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional de Río Negro, Choele Choel, Argentina
| | | | | | | | - Maria-Gloria Basáñez
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research and MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Joaquin M. Prada
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Naqvi FA, Das JK, Salam RA, Raza SF, Lassi ZS, Bhutta ZA. Interventions for Neglected Tropical Diseases Among Children and Adolescents: A Meta-analysis. Pediatrics 2022; 149:186947. [PMID: 35503336 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2021-053852e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a group of communicable diseases affecting the poorest populations around the world. OBJECTIVE To assess the effectiveness of interventions, including mass drug administration (MDA), water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), vector control, health education, and micronutrients supplementation, for NTDs among children and adolescents. METHODS We conducted a literature search on the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, Medline, and other databases until December 2020. We included randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies conducted among children and adolescents. Two authors independently screened studies for relevance. Two authors independently extracted data, assessed the risk of bias, performed metaanalysis, and rated the quality of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation. RESULTS We included 155 studies (231 articles) involving 262 299 participants. For soil-transmitted helminthiasis, MDA may reduce the prevalence of Ascaris, Trichuris, and hookworm by 58%, 36%, and 57%, respectively. We are uncertain of the effect of health education, WASH, and iron supplementation on soil-transmitted helminthiasis prevalence. For Schistosomiasis, health education probably reduces the intensity and prevalence of S. mansoni, whereas micronutrient supplementation may reduce anemia prevalence and the infection intensity of S. hematobium compared with no supplementation. We are uncertain of the effect of MDA and vector control on Schistosomiasis outcomes. For trachoma, health education probably reduces the prevalence of active Trachoma, whereas we are uncertain of the effect of MDA, WASH, and vector control on Trachoma outcomes. There is limited data on the effectiveness of interventions for NTDs targeting children and adolescents. CONCLUSION Future studies are needed to evaluate the relative effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of various interventions specifically targeting children and adolescents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Abbas Naqvi
- Division of Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Jai K Das
- Division of Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Rehana A Salam
- Division of Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Syeda Fatima Raza
- Division of Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Zohra S Lassi
- Robinson Research Institute, the University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.,Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Zulfiqar A Bhutta
- Division of Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan.,Centre for Global Child Health, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Sharma A, Noon JB, Kontodimas K, Garo LP, Platten J, Quinton LJ, Urban JF, Reinhardt C, Bosmann M. IL-27 Enhances γδ T Cell–Mediated Innate Resistance to Primary Hookworm Infection in the Lungs. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 208:2008-2018. [PMID: 35354611 PMCID: PMC9012701 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2000945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
IL-27 is a heterodimeric IL-12 family cytokine formed by noncovalent association of the promiscuous EBI3 subunit and selective p28 subunit. IL-27 is produced by mononuclear phagocytes and unfolds pleiotropic immune-modulatory functions through ligation to IL-27 receptor α (IL-27RA). Although IL-27 is known to contribute to immunity and to limit inflammation after various infections, its relevance for host defense against multicellular parasites is still poorly defined. Here, we investigated the role of IL-27 during infection with the soil-transmitted hookworm, Nippostrongylus brasiliensis, in its early host intrapulmonary life cycle. IL-27(p28) was detectable in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of C57BL/6J wild-type mice on day 1 after s.c. inoculation. IL-27RA expression was most abundant on lung-invading γδ T cells. Il27ra-/- mice showed increased lung parasite burden together with aggravated pulmonary hemorrhage and higher alveolar total protein leakage as a surrogate for epithelial-vascular barrier disruption. Conversely, injections of recombinant mouse (rm)IL-27 into wild-type mice reduced lung injury and parasite burden. In multiplex screens, higher airway accumulations of IL-6, TNF-α, and MCP-3 (CCL7) were observed in Il27ra-/- mice, whereas rmIL-27 treatment showed a reciprocal effect. Importantly, γδ T cell numbers in airways were enhanced by endogenous or administered IL-27. Further analysis revealed a direct antihelminthic function of IL-27 on γδ T cells as adoptive intratracheal transfer of rmIL-27-treated γδ T cells during primary N. brasiliensis lung infection conferred protection in mice. In summary, this report demonstrates protective functions of IL-27 to control the early lung larval stage of hookworm infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arjun Sharma
- Pulmonary Center, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jason B Noon
- Pulmonary Center, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Konstantinos Kontodimas
- Pulmonary Center, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lucien P Garo
- Pulmonary Center, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Johannes Platten
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Lee J Quinton
- Pulmonary Center, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
- Division of Infectious Disease and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA
| | - Joseph F Urban
- Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory and Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, Diet, Genomics, and Immunology Laboratory, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD; and
| | - Christoph Reinhardt
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Markus Bosmann
- Pulmonary Center, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts;
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Research Center for Immunotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Cecílio P, Cordeiro-da-Silva A, Oliveira F. Sand flies: Basic information on the vectors of leishmaniasis and their interactions with Leishmania parasites. Commun Biol 2022; 5:305. [PMID: 35379881 PMCID: PMC8979968 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03240-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood-sucking arthropods transmit a variety of human pathogens acting as disseminators of the so-called vector-borne diseases. Leishmaniasis is a spectrum of diseases caused by different Leishmania species, transmitted quasi worldwide by sand flies. However, whereas many laboratories focus on the disease(s) and etiological agents, considerably less study the respective vectors. In fact, information on sand flies is neither abundant nor easy to find; aspects including basic biology, ecology, and sand-fly-Leishmania interactions are usually reported separately. Here, we compile elemental information on sand flies, in the context of leishmaniasis. We discuss the biology, distribution, and life cycle, the blood-feeding process, and the Leishmania-sand fly interactions that govern parasite transmission. Additionally, we highlight some outstanding questions that need to be answered for the complete understanding of parasite–vector–host interactions in leishmaniasis. In this review, numerous aspects of sand flies as vectors of Leishmania parasites—from biology to the vector parasite interactions—are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Cecílio
- Vector Molecular Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA. .,i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal. .,Parasite Disease Group, IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal. .,Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade do Porto (FFUP), Porto, Portugal.
| | - Anabela Cordeiro-da-Silva
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Parasite Disease Group, IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade do Porto (FFUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Fabiano Oliveira
- Vector Molecular Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Tirados I, Thomsen E, Worrall E, Koala L, Melachio TT, Basáñez MG. Vector control and entomological capacity for onchocerciasis elimination. Trends Parasitol 2022; 38:591-604. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2022.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
31
|
van 't Noordende AT, Aycheh MW, Moges NA, Tadesse T, Schippers AP. Family-based intervention for prevention and self-management of disabilities due to leprosy, podoconiosis and lymphatic filariasis versus usual care in Ethiopia: study protocol for a cluster-randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e056620. [PMID: 35354636 PMCID: PMC8968636 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Leprosy, podoconiosis and lymphatic filariasis (LF) are three skin-related neglected tropical diseases. All three conditions can lead to temporary and permanent impairments. These impairments progressively worsen and are major determinants of stigma, discrimination and participation restrictions. Self-care is essential to prevent disabilities and chronic disease complications. Many persons with leprosy-related, LF-related and podoconiosis-related disabilities need to practice self-management routines their entire life. This is difficult without support and encouragement of others. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a family-based intervention in terms of physical outcomes related to prevention and self-management of disabilities due to leprosy, podoconiosis and LF and family quality of life and well-being compared with usual practice and care. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The study will use a cluster-randomised controlled trial design with two study arms. The project will be carried out in endemic districts in East and West Gojjam zones in the Amhara region in Ethiopia. Clusters consist of kebeles (lower administrative structures in the district) that have been merged, based on their geographical proximity and the number of cases in each kebele. A total of 630 participants will be included in the study. The intervention group will consist of 105 persons affected by leprosy, 105 persons affected by LF or podoconiosis, and 210 family members. The control group will consist of 105 persons affected by leprosy and 105 persons affected by LF or podoconiosis. The family-based intervention comprises an essential care package that consists of the following three main components: (1) self-management of disabilities, (2) economic empowerment and (3) psychosocial support. Participants in the control areas will receive usual practice and care. Data analysis includes, but is not limited to, calculating the percentage of change and corresponding 95% CI of physical impairment outcomes in each group, before and after the intervention is implemented, effect sizes, intention to treat and difference in difference analysis. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval has been obtained from the Debre Markos University Health Sciences Institutional Research Ethics Review Committee. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and workshops. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER PACTR202108907851342.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Tiny van 't Noordende
- Disability Studies in the Netherlands, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Technical Department, NLR, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Public Health, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Moges Wubie Aycheh
- Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Nurilign Abebe Moges
- Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Tesfaye Tadesse
- Programme, Ethiopian National Association of Persons Affected by Leprosy (ENAPAL), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Alice P Schippers
- Disability Studies in the Netherlands, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Care ethics, University of Humanistic Studies, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Kwarteng EVS, Osei FB, Andam-Akorful SA, Kwarteng A, Asare DCBM, Quaye-Ballard JA, Duker AA. Mapping Spatial Variation and Impact of the National MDA Program on Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination in Ghana: An Initial Study. FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2022.811909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a public health menace, especially in developing countries. A periodic review of mass drug administration (MDA) performance is critical to monitoring elimination progress. However, investigating the spatial pattern of LF with respect to MDA intervention is yet to be documented. This is essential to appreciating the transmission dynamics across LF-endemic communities and how it is spatially impacted by MDA programs. The aim of this study was to map and explore the spatial variation and hotspots of LF infection among endemic communities and evaluate the impact of the MDA intervention program on its spatial pattern in Ghana. Relative risks, clustering and clusters, prevalence odds ratios, and their confidence intervals were studied with community-level LF data prior to intervention and post intervention periods. The overall risk of LF infection was 0.12% and 0.02% before and after MDA, respectively, suggesting reduced transmission. Using empirical Bayesian smoothing to map the relative risk, a substantial variation in the spatial distribution of the relative risk of LF among endemic communities was observed. Most of the excess prevalence communities were unexpectedly visible even after years of MDA. The Empirical Bayesian Moran’s Index for global clustering showed a reduction in clustering of LF prevalence after MDA with IM = 0.455 and 0.119 for before and after MDA, respectively. Furthermore, examining risks associated with ecological zones, it was observed that the Guinea Savannah and the Transition Zone were the most vulnerable zones for LF infection with prevalence odds ratios 18.70- and 13.20-fold higher than in the reference Moist evergreen zone, respectively. We observed a drastic reduction in risk in the Wet evergreen zone after MDA, while the Guinea Savannah sustained high levels of risk even after MDA. These findings should prompt public health officials to adopt stratified cluster sampling in LF-endemic regions to monitor the rate and density of microfilaria.
Collapse
|
33
|
Mehmood N, Muqaddas H, Ullah MI, Saarma U, Varcasia A. Genetic structure and phylogeography of Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto genotypes G1 and G3 in Pakistan and other regions of the world based on nad5 gene. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2022; 98:105223. [PMID: 35092843 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2022.105223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Pakistan is a neglected endemic focus for Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato, a zoonotic parasite species complex with the ability to infect wide spectrum of hosts. Wide gaps exist in literature for etiological agents of cystic echinococcosis (CE) in Pakistan due to a very low number of studies on identifying the exact genotypes involved in epidemiological manifestation of this disease. Focusing on transmission patterns and epidemiological dynamics, this study aimed at investigating infective genotypes among the cattle population of south Punjab, Pakistan, employing a mitochondrial marker nad5 (680 bp). Nucleotide sequences retrieved from 28 hydatid cyst isolates displayed considerable intraspecific variation revealing the existence of G3 and G1 strains of Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto. The G3 genotype emerged as the predominant cause (78.57%) of hydatidosis in cattle. Apart from this, to understand phylogeographical relations, homologous nucleotide sequences of the partial nad5 gene from six major regions of the world were employed in the population genetics analysis to have an insight into genetic variability and demographics of G3 genotype in particular. Diversification of G3 and its haplotypes in Pakistan (n = 11) and other regions of the world (India, Iran, Turkey, Italy and France) was demonstrated. It was further demonstrated that the South Asian population (Pakistan and India) was highly differentiated from the other regions. It could, therefore, be speculated that G3 is diverging and expanding its population with South Asia as the main focal point.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naunain Mehmood
- Department of Zoology, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan.
| | - Hira Muqaddas
- Department of Zoology, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan; Department of Zoology, The Women University Multan, Multan, Pakistan
| | | | - Urmas Saarma
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Antonio Varcasia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Luviano N, Duval D, Ittiprasert W, Allienne JF, Tavernier G, Chaparro C, Cosseau C, Grunau C. Hit-and-Run Epigenetic Editing for Vectors of Snail-Borne Parasitic Diseases. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:794650. [PMID: 35295851 PMCID: PMC8920497 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.794650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Snail-borne parasitic diseases represent an important challenge to human and animal health. Control strategies that target the intermediate snail host has proved very effective. Epigenetic mechanisms are involved in developmental processes and therefore play a fundamental role in developmental variation. DNA methylation is an important epigenetic information carrier in eukaryotes that plays a major role in the control of chromatin structure. Epigenome editing tools have been instrumental to demonstrate functional importance of this mark for gene expression in vertebrates. In invertebrates, such tools are missing, and the role of DNA methylation remains unknown. Here we demonstrate that methylome engineering can be used to modify in vivo the CpG methylation level of a target gene in the freshwater snail Biomphalaria glabrata, intermediate host of the human parasite Schistosoma mansoni. We used a dCas9-SunTag-DNMT3A complex and synthetic sgRNA to transfect B. glabrata embryos and observed an increase of CpG methylation at the target site in 50% of the hatching snails.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nelia Luviano
- IHPE, Univ Perpignan Via Domitia, CNRS, Ifremer, Univ Montpellier, Perpignan, France
| | - David Duval
- IHPE, Univ Perpignan Via Domitia, CNRS, Ifremer, Univ Montpellier, Perpignan, France
| | - Wannaporn Ittiprasert
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
- Research Center for Neglected Diseases of Poverty, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | | | - Geneviève Tavernier
- Transgenesis Core Facility of UMS006/Inserm/Paul Sabatier University/National Medical Veterinary School, Toulouse, France
- Inserm UMR 1048, Paul Sabatier University, Toulouse, France
| | - Cristian Chaparro
- IHPE, Univ Perpignan Via Domitia, CNRS, Ifremer, Univ Montpellier, Perpignan, France
| | - Celine Cosseau
- IHPE, Univ Perpignan Via Domitia, CNRS, Ifremer, Univ Montpellier, Perpignan, France
| | - Christoph Grunau
- IHPE, Univ Perpignan Via Domitia, CNRS, Ifremer, Univ Montpellier, Perpignan, France
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Transmission potential of human schistosomes can be driven by resource competition among snail intermediate hosts. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:2116512119. [PMID: 35121663 PMCID: PMC8833218 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2116512119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Predicting and disrupting transmission of human parasites from wildlife hosts or vectors remains challenging because ecological interactions can influence their epidemiological traits. Human schistosomes, parasitic flatworms that cycle between freshwater snails and humans, typify this challenge. Human exposure risk, given water contact, is driven by the production of free-living cercariae by snail populations. Conventional epidemiological models and management focus on the density of infected snails under the assumption that all snails are equally infectious. However, individual-level experiments contradict this assumption, showing increased production of schistosome cercariae with greater access to food resources. We built bioenergetics theory to predict how resource competition among snails drives the temporal dynamics of transmission potential to humans and tested these predictions with experimental epidemics and demonstrated consistency with field observations. This resource-explicit approach predicted an intense pulse of transmission potential when snail populations grow from low densities, i.e., when per capita access to resources is greatest, due to the resource-dependence of cercarial production. The experiment confirmed this prediction, identifying a strong effect of infected host size and the biomass of competitors on per capita cercarial production. A field survey of 109 waterbodies also found that per capita cercarial production decreased as competitor biomass increased. Further quantification of snail densities, sizes, cercarial production, and resources in diverse transmission sites is needed to assess the epidemiological importance of resource competition and support snail-based disruption of schistosome transmission. More broadly, this work illustrates how resource competition can sever the correspondence between infectious host density and transmission potential.
Collapse
|
36
|
Migliore S, D'Aurizio G, Altamura C, Brunelli N, Costa C, Curcio G, Vernieri F. Task-switching abilities in episodic and chronic migraine. Neurol Sci 2022; 43:3803-3810. [PMID: 35064344 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-021-05837-4] [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: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Migraineurs show impaired cognitive functions interictally, mainly involving information processing speed, basic attention, and executive functions. We aimed to assess executive impairment in migraine patients with different attack frequencies through a task-switching protocol designed to assess different sub-processes of executive functioning. We enrolled 42 migraine patients and divided them into three groups based on the attack frequency: 13 subjects had episodic migraine with a low frequency (LFEM, 4-7 migraine days per month), 14 subjects had high-frequency episodic migraine (HFEM, 8-14 days) and, finally, 15 subjects presented chronic migraine (≥ 15 headache days/month, CM); we compared them to 20 healthy control (HC), matched to both gender and education. Patients with high headache frequencies (CM and HFEM) showed worse performance than LFEM and HC controls, as indicated by poor accuracy, increased switch cost, and reaction times. Our study demonstrated a difference in task-switching abilities in patients with high frequency or chronic migraine compared with low-frequency episodic migraine and healthy controls. These difficulties in executive control processes could be related to altered functioning of the frontal cortex and its cortical and subcortical connections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Migliore
- Huntington and Rare Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo Della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy.
| | - Giulia D'Aurizio
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Claudia Altamura
- Headache and Neurosonology Unit, Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Brunelli
- Headache and Neurosonology Unit, Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Carmelinda Costa
- Headache and Neurosonology Unit, Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Curcio
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Vernieri
- Headache and Neurosonology Unit, Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Walker M, Freitas LT, Halder JB, Brack M, Keiser J, King CH, Levecke B, Ai-Lian Lim Y, Pieri O, Sow D, Stothard JR, Webster JP, Zhou XN, Terry RF, Guérin PJ, Basáñez MG. Improving anthelmintic treatment for schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiases through sharing and reuse of individual participant data. Wellcome Open Res 2022; 7:5. [PMID: 35493199 PMCID: PMC9020536 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.17468.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The Infectious Diseases Data Observatory (IDDO, https://www.iddo.org) has launched a clinical data platform for the collation, curation, standardisation and reuse of individual participant data (IPD) on treatments for two of the most globally important neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), schistosomiasis (SCH) and soil-transmitted helminthiases (STHs). This initiative aims to harness the power of data-sharing by facilitating collaborative joint analyses of pooled datasets to generate robust evidence on the efficacy and safety of anthelminthic treatment regimens. A crucial component of this endeavour has been the development of a Research Agenda to promote engagement with the SCH and STH research and disease control communities by highlighting key questions that could be tackled using data shared through the IDDO platform. Here, we give a contextual overview of the priority research themes articulated in the Research Agenda-a 'living' document hosted on the IDDO website-and describe the three-stage consultation process behind its development. We also discuss the sustainability and future directions of the platform, emphasising throughout the power and promise of ethical and equitable sharing and reuse of clinical data to support the elimination of NTDs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Walker
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London, Hatfield, UK
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis and London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Infectious Diseases Data Observatory, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Luzia T. Freitas
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London, Hatfield, UK
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis and London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Infectious Diseases Data Observatory, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Julia B. Halder
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London, Hatfield, UK
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis and London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Infectious Diseases Data Observatory, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Matthew Brack
- Infectious Diseases Data Observatory, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Charles H. King
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Bruno Levecke
- Department of Translational Physiology, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Yvonne Ai-Lian Lim
- Department of Parasitology, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Otavio Pieri
- Laboratory of Health and Environment Education, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janiero, Brazil
| | - Doudou Sow
- Service de Parasitologie, Université Gaston Berger de Saint Louis, Saint Louis, Senegal
| | - J. Russell Stothard
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Joanne P. Webster
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London, Hatfield, UK
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis and London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Xiao-Nong Zhou
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, China Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, China
| | - Robert F. Terry
- Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR), World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Maria-Gloria Basáñez
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis and London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Infectious Diseases Data Observatory, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Hong AR, Opoku NO, Weil GJ, Kanza EM, Gyasi ME. New Research Aims to Optimize Therapy Against Onchocerciasis. MISSOURI MEDICINE 2022; 119:55-59. [PMID: 36033145 PMCID: PMC9312456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Onchocerciasis is a parasitic disease that is the second most common cause of infectious blindness in the world, affecting 25 million people, mostly in sub-saharan Africa. Mass drug administration (MDA) with ivermectin has been the mainstay of a successful international effort to reduce the burden of vision loss. Despite improvements in infection rates and blindness through MDA with ivermectin, adult worms are not killed or permanently sterilized by this drug and can live for greater than 10 years. Therefore, new treatments for onchocerciasis are critical to accelerating the rate of elimination of this blinding disease. Here we discuss an ongoing study of a new treatment for onchocerciasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Augustine R Hong
- John F. Hardesty MD Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Nicholas O Opoku
- Senior Lecturer, School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Gary J Weil
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Lima-Cordón RA, Cahan SH, McCann C, Dorn PL, Justi SA, Rodas A, Monroy MC, Stevens L. Insights from a comprehensive study of Trypanosoma cruzi: A new mitochondrial clade restricted to North and Central America and genetic structure of TcI in the region. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0010043. [PMID: 34919556 PMCID: PMC8719664 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
More than 100 years since the first description of Chagas Disease and with over 29,000 new cases annually due to vector transmission (in 2010), American Trypanosomiasis remains a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD). This study presents the most comprehensive Trypanosoma cruzi sampling in terms of geographic locations and triatomine species analyzed to date and includes both nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. This addresses the gap of information from North and Central America. We incorporate new and previously published DNA sequence data from two mitochondrial genes, Cytochrome oxidase II (COII) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (ND1). These T. cruzi samples were collected over a broad geographic range including 111 parasite DNA samples extracted from triatomines newly collected across North and Central America, all of which were infected with T. cruzi in their natural environment. In addition, we present parasite reduced representation (Restriction site Associated DNA markers, RAD-tag) genomic nuclear data combined with the mitochondrial gene sequences for a subset of the triatomines (27 specimens) collected from Guatemala and El Salvador. Our mitochondrial phylogenetic reconstruction revealed two of the major mitochondrial lineages circulating across North and Central America, as well as the first ever mitochondrial data for TcBat from a triatomine collected in Central America. Our data also show that within mtTcIII, North and Central America represent an independent, distinct clade from South America, named here as mtTcIIINA-CA, geographically restricted to North and Central America. Lastly, the most frequent lineage detected across North and Central America, mtTcI, was also an independent, distinct clade from South America, noted as mtTcINA-CA. Furthermore, nuclear genome data based on Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) showed genetic structure of lineage TcI from specimens collected in Guatemala and El Salvador supporting the hypothesis that genetic diversity at a local scale has a geographical component. Our multiscale analysis contributes to the understanding of the independent and distinct evolution of T. cruzi lineages in North and Central America regions. Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) represents socioeconomic burden in most countries of Latin America. Chagas disease, a NTD, is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. The disease can be mild, causing swelling and fever, or it can be long-lasting. Left untreated, it often causes heart failure. This study focused on T. cruzi lineages, emphasizing the gap of information from Central America and complementing what is known in North America. Our diverse collection of kissing bugs from North America (United States and Mexico) and Central America identified two of the major mitochondrial lineages circulating in these regions, both representing distinct clades within the already established three clusters of the T. cruzi parasite (mtTcI-mtTcIII): mtTcINA-CA and mtTcIIINA-CA. At a local scale, population genetic structure of T. cruzi revealed that genetic diversity has a notable geographic component. The important insights into the genetic and evolutionary diversity of T. cruzi in North and Central America provide not only the necessity for referencing genomes to identify lineages but the basis to develop more precise and comprehensive diagnostic assays to better detect T. cruzi infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sara Helms Cahan
- Department of Biology, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, United States of America
| | - Cai McCann
- Department of Biology, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, United States of America
| | - Patricia L Dorn
- Department of Biological Sciences, Loyola University New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Silvia Andrade Justi
- The Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit, Smithsonian Institution Museum Support Center, Suitland, Maryland, United States of America.,Entomology Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America.,Smithsonian Institution-National Museum of Natural History, Department of Entomology, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Antonieta Rodas
- The Applied Entomology and Parasitology Laboratory, Biology School, Pharmacy Faculty, San Carlos University of Guatemala, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - María Carlota Monroy
- The Applied Entomology and Parasitology Laboratory, Biology School, Pharmacy Faculty, San Carlos University of Guatemala, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Lori Stevens
- Department of Biology, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
McMillan BE, Britch SC, Golden FV, Aldridge RL, Moreno BJ, Bayer BE, Linthicum KJ. Assessing transfluthrin mortality against Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus inside and outside US military tents in a northern Florida environment. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES 2021; 2:100067. [PMID: 36589865 PMCID: PMC9795342 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2021.100067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Mortality caused by passive resin transfluthrin diffusers (∼5 mg AI per 24 h release rate) suspended in small 2-person tents was measured for colony-reared sentinel pyrethroid susceptible Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus female mosquitoes, as well as a pyrethroid-resistant strain of Aedes aegypti, in a USA military field camp scenario. Mortality effects were investigated for impact by factors such as sentinel cage location (inside tent, tent doorway and outside tent), exposure time (15, 30, 45 and 60 min), and environmental temperature (°C), all of which were examined over an 8-week period. Analyses determined there was a significant interaction between mosquito strain and transfluthrin susceptibility, with the two susceptible strains experiencing significantly greater mean mortality than the resistant Ae. aegypti strain. Significant differences were likewise observed between the mosquito strains over the 8-week study period, where study week and temperature were both positively correlated with an increase in observed mean mosquito mortality. Mosquito proximity to the transfluthrin diffusers was also influenced by week and showed that sentinel cage placement in the environment demonstrates different mortality measurements, depending on the environmental conditions. The length of exposure to transfluthrin, however, was determined to not significantly impact transfluthrin efficacy on the examined mosquito strains, although increased exposure did result in increased susceptible strain mortality. These results suggest that transfluthrin is highly effective in causing mortality against susceptible Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus mosquitoes under field conditions but is minimally effective against pyrethroid-resistant Ae. aegypti mosquitoes. Transfluthrin-infused devices are influenced by environmental factors that can combine to impact mosquito mortality in the field.
Collapse
|
41
|
Current status of human liver fluke infections in the Greater Mekong Subregion. Acta Trop 2021; 224:106133. [PMID: 34509453 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) is a trans-national region of the Mekong River basin in Southeast Asia comprising Cambodia, the People's Republic of China (specifically Yunnan Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region), Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam home to more than 340 million people or almost 4.5% of the global population. Human liver fluke infections caused by Opisthorchis viverrini and Clonorchis sinensis have been major public health problems in this region for decades. Opisthorchiasis caused by O. viverrini is prevalent in Thailand, Lao PDR, Cambodia and central-southern Vietnam with more than 12 million people infected. Clonorchiasis caused by C. sinensis is endemic in northern Vietnam and Guangxi with estimated 3.5 -5 million infected. The infections can cause several liver and biliary diseases such as cholangitis, periductal fibrosis, gallstones, and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), a fatal bile duct cancer. Key determinants of the geographical distribution differences of the two liver fluke species are snail species and geographic barriers. Main risk behaviour of the infections is the culture of eating raw fish "the raw attitude" of people in the GMS, especially the Tai/Dai/Thai/Laos ethnic groups, the major population in the GMS. Over the past 20 years, there is a big change in prevalence of the infections. Opisthorchiasis has long been endemic, particularly in northern and northeastern Thailand and Lao PDR with over 8-10 million cases estimated. However, after several rounds of national campaign against opisthorchiasis using integrated control approach in Thailand over the past three decades, the prevalence of O. viverrini infection has reduced from over 15% in 1996 to 2.2% in 2019. High prevalence of O. viverrini infection continues in Lao PDR and central Vietnam. Emerging high prevalence, up to a maximum of 47.5%, has been noted in Cambodia during the past 10 years possibly due to more studies being conducted rather than increasing prevalence. O. viverrini infection has now also been reported in Lower Myanmar in recent years. Clonorchiasis has been known in northern Vietnam and southern China for a long time. Several surveys have reported infections in Guangxi in the last 10 years, and until now liver fluke infected cases have not been reported in Yunnan. Overall, nowadays, there is a shift in high risk areas for GMS liver fluke infection from northeastern Thailand to Lao PDR, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Guangxi P.R. China. Urgent systematic disease mapping and integrated liver fluke control using One Health approaches should be implemented nationwide in GMS countries.
Collapse
|
42
|
The yin and yang of human soil-transmitted helminth infections. Int J Parasitol 2021; 51:1243-1253. [PMID: 34774540 PMCID: PMC9145206 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2021.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The major soil-transmitted helminths that infect humans are the roundworms, whipworms and hookworms. Soil-transmitted helminth infections rank among the most important neglected tropical diseases in terms of morbidity, and almost one billion people are still infected with at least one species. While anthelmintic drugs are available, they do not offer long term protection against reinfection, precipitating the need for vaccines that provide long-term immunologic defense. Vaccine discovery and development is in advanced clinical development for hookworm infection, with a bivalent human hookworm vaccine in clinical trials in Brazil and Africa, but is in its infancy for both roundworm (ascariasis) and whipworm (trichuriasis) infections. One of the greatest hurdles to developing soil-transmitted helminth vaccines is the potent immunoregulatory properties of these helminths, creating a barrier to the induction of meaningful long-term protective immunity. While challenging for vaccinologists, this phenomenon presents unique opportunities to develop an entirely new class of anti-inflammatory drugs that capitalise on these immunomodulatory strategies. Epidemiologic studies and clinical trials employing experimental soil-transmitted helminth challenge models, when coupled with findings from animal models, show that at least some soil-transmitted helminth-derived molecules can protect against the onset of autoimmune, allergic and metabolic disorders, and several natural products with the desired bioactivity have been isolated and tested in pre-clinical settings. The yin and yang of soil-transmitted helminth infections reflect both the urgency for effective vaccines and the potential for new immunoregulatory molecules from parasite products.
Collapse
|
43
|
Maricuto AL, Velásquez VL, Pineda J, Flora-Noda DM, Rodríguez I, Rodríguez-Inés CA, Noya-González ÓO, Contreras R, Omaña-Ávila ÓD, Escalante-Pérez IA, Camejo-Ávila NA, Kuffaty-Akkou NA, Carrión-Nessi FS, Carballo M, Landaeta ME, Forero-Peña DA. Amoebic liver abscess in a COVID-19 patient: a case report. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:1134. [PMID: 34736397 PMCID: PMC8567734 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06819-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Amoebiasis is a parasitic disease caused by Entamoeba histolytica, which affects people living in low- and middle-income countries and has intestinal and extraintestinal manifestations. To date, knowledge on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) coinfection with enteric parasites is limited, and E. histolytica coinfection has not been previously described. Here we present the case of a patient with COVID-19 who, during hospitalisation, presented a clinical picture consistent with an amoebic liver abscess (ALA). Case presentation A 54-year-old man, admitted as a suspected case of COVID-19, presented to our hospital with dyspnoea, malaise, fever and hypoxaemia. A nasopharyngeal swab was positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. After 7 days, he developed diarrhoea, choluria and dysentery. An abdominal ultrasound showed a lesion compatible with a liver abscess; stool examination revealed E. histolytica trophozoites, and additional serology for E. histolytica was positive. After 12 days of treatment with metronidazole, ceftazidime and nitazoxanide, the patient reported acute abdominal pain, and an ultrasound examination revealed free liquid in the abdominal cavity. An emergency exploratory laparotomy was performed, finding 3000 mL of a thick fluid described as “anchovy paste”. Computed tomography scan revealed a second abscess. He ended up receiving 21 days of antibiotic treatment and was discharged with satisfactory improvement. Conclusion Here we present, to the best of our knowledge, the first report of ALA and COVID-19 co-presenting. Based on their pathophysiological similarities, coinfection with SARS-CoV-2 and E. histolytica could change the patient’s clinical course; however, larger studies are needed to fully understand the interaction between these pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L Maricuto
- Infectious Diseases Department, University Hospital of Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Viledy L Velásquez
- Infectious Diseases Department, University Hospital of Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Jacinto Pineda
- "Dr. José Antonio O'Daly" Anatomopathological Institute, Central University of Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - David M Flora-Noda
- Infectious Diseases Department, University Hospital of Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Isaac Rodríguez
- Radiodiagnosis Department, University Hospital of Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela
| | | | - Óscar O Noya-González
- "Dr. Félix Pifano" Tropical Medicine Institute, Central University of Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Rosa Contreras
- "Dr. Félix Pifano" Tropical Medicine Institute, Central University of Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Óscar D Omaña-Ávila
- "Luis Razetti" School of Medicine, Central University of Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela.,Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela
| | - Iván A Escalante-Pérez
- "Luis Razetti" School of Medicine, Central University of Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela.,Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela
| | | | - Nicolle A Kuffaty-Akkou
- "Luis Razetti" School of Medicine, Central University of Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela.,Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela
| | - Fhabián S Carrión-Nessi
- Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela.,"Dr. Francisco Battistini Casalta" Health Sciences School, University of Oriente - Bolivar Nucleus, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela
| | - Martín Carballo
- Infectious Diseases Department, University Hospital of Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - María E Landaeta
- Infectious Diseases Department, University Hospital of Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - David A Forero-Peña
- Infectious Diseases Department, University Hospital of Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela. .,Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Wattanawong O, Iamsirithaworn S, Kophachon T, Nak-ai W, Wisetmora A, Wongsaroj T, Dekumyoy P, Nithikathkul C, Suwannatrai AT, Sripa B. Current status of helminthiases in Thailand: A cross-sectional, nationwide survey, 2019. Acta Trop 2021; 223:106082. [PMID: 34364893 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Helminthiases are common neglected tropical diseases in Thailand, thus regular surveillance is necessary for their control. During fiscal year 2019, the Thailand Ministry of Public Health carried out a cross-sectional nationwide survey in people of all age groups from the 12 Regional Health Offices in 76 provinces of Thailand. Multi-stage cluster random sampling design was employed to assess the prevalence of helminth infections and certain behavioural risk factors. A total of 16,187 stool samples and demographic data were obtained from the participants. Stool examination was done and parasite eggs/lavae were identified microscopically by experienced technicians. Positive stool samples for Opisthorchis viverrini, hookworms, or Ascaris lumbricoides were further quantified and expressed in eggs per gram feces (EPG). The results revealed an overall prevalence of helminthic infections of 9.79% with over 14 species identified. The highest prevalence was hookworms (4.47%) followed by O. viverrini (2.2%) with mean infection intensities of 222.7 EPG and 120.9, respectively. The majority of the infections were low intensity (97.4% for hookworms and 99.1% for O. viverrini). Similarly for A. lumbricoides, 93.9% of the positive cases were low infections. Two major helminthiases caused by hookworms and O. viverrini were highlighted in this report. While the liver fluke was highly endemic in Northeast Thailand, the hookworms were prevalent in the southmost region of the country. Association with demographic characteristics and risk behaviors of the two parasites were analyzed and presented in this study. Overall, this countrywide survey provides basic information of the current status of helminth infections in Thailand. Moreover, the data clearly indicates a dramatic reduction of O. viverrini prevalence likely due to extensive control activities under the national campaign against the liver fluke over the past five years.
Collapse
|
45
|
|
46
|
An Integrated Approach to Assess Knowledge/Perceptions and Attitudes/Practices (KAP) Regarding Major Neglected Tropical Diseases Endemic in the Mbengwi Health District, North West Region, Cameroon. J Epidemiol Glob Health 2021; 11:426-434. [PMID: 34734385 PMCID: PMC8664336 DOI: 10.1007/s44197-021-00010-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and objectives Preventive chemotherapy (PCT) is the main strategy currently used to control and/or eliminate onchocerciasis, lymphatic filariasis (LF) and soil transmitted helminthiasis (STH), and community participation (through implementation or adherence to PCT) is critical. This study aimed at investigating knowledge/perceptions of populations of the Mbengwi health district (North West Region, Cameroon), in relation to their attitudes/practices regarding the most prevalent neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Methods A household-based cross-sectional survey was carried out in the Mbengwi health district (North West Region, Cameroon) using the cluster sampling technique. Clusters were selected using the probability proportionate to estimate size strategy. In each cluster, the random walk technique was used for the selection of households, and a structure questionnaire was administered to 2–3 of its members. Results A total of 254 households from 26 clusters were visited, and 514 individuals were interviewed. The sex ratio of interviewees (1.08) was unbiased, and their ages ranged between 10 and 99 years old. Though most of the respondents declared having already heard of these NTDs (41.6%, 73.9% and 90.5% for onchocerciasis, LF and STH, respectively), only a minority of them were aware of how they are acquired/transmitted (8.9%, 9.2% and 32.7% for onchocerciasis, LF and STH, respectively), or prevented (23.1%, 18.9% and 47.2% for onchocerciasis, LF and STH, respectively). Conclusions This study revealed poor knowledge/perceptions and wrong attitudes/practices of interviewees as regards to these NTDs, and these misconceptions can seriously affect the adherence and contribution of populations to the success of PCTs. It appears compulsory to reinforce information, education, and communication, with a focus on the rationale and importance behind PCTs, to optimize/improve community participation. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s44197-021-00010-8.
Collapse
|
47
|
Knowledge/perception and attitude/practices of populations of two first-line communities of the Centre Region of Cameroon regarding onchocerciasis and black fly nuisance and bio-ecology. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:546. [PMID: 34688311 PMCID: PMC8542320 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-05048-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite high black fly densities in persisting onchocerciasis foci in Cameroon, no vector control has ever been carried out to complement Community-Directed Treatment with Ivermectin (CDTI). As a prelude to community-based vector control, this study explored knowledge/perception and attitude/practice (KAP) of populations of two first-line communities regarding onchocerciasis, black fly nuisance and bio-ecology. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in two communities of the Bafia Health District, following a household-based interview approach using a structured questionnaire. KAP scores were calculated and categorised as good or poor based on the number of correct or positive responses. Associations between KAP and socio-demographic parameters were explored using logistic regression models. Results A total of 215 individuals aged 15–100 years were interviewed. Positive associations were observed between good knowledge/perception and age and the duration of residency in the community. Most respondents (91.6%) described having post-biting sequels (oedema, itching) and more than half (69.3%) admitted that black fly bites affect their productivity. Although 81.4% of the respondents stated that black fly densities are higher during the rainy season, only 10.7% of them knew that they breed in the river. Also, 59.5% of the interviewees stated that black flies bite not only outdoors but also indoors, and 78.6% of enrolees were ready to help to fight against black flies. Most of the respondents were well aware of onchocerciasis, even though the transmission mode and vector bio-ecology were not well known. Conclusion This study revealed the need to implement community-based vector control to support CDTI in the fight against onchocerciasis and to reduce black fly nuisance. Graphical abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-021-05048-y.
Collapse
|
48
|
Jayawardene KLTD, Palombo EA, Boag PR. Natural Products Are a Promising Source for Anthelmintic Drug Discovery. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1457. [PMID: 34680090 PMCID: PMC8533416 DOI: 10.3390/biom11101457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic nematodes infect almost all forms of life. In the human context, parasites are one of the major causative factors for physical and intellectual growth retardation in the developing world. In the agricultural setting, parasites have a great economic impact through a reduction in livestock performance or control cost. The main method of controlling these devastating conditions is the use of anthelmintic drugs. Unfortunately, there are only a few anthelmintic drug classes available in the market and significant resistance has developed in most of the parasitic species of livestock. Therefore, development of new anthelmintics with different modes of action is critical for sustainable parasitic control in the future. The drug development pipeline is broadly limited to two types of molecules, namely synthetic compounds and natural plant products. Compared to synthetic compounds, natural products are highly diverse, and many have historically proven valuable in folk medicine to treat various gastrointestinal ailments. This review focus on the use of traditional knowledge-based plant extracts in the development of new therapeutic leads, the approaches used as screening techniques, and common bottlenecks and opportunities in plant-based anthelmintic drug discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K. L. T. Dilrukshi Jayawardene
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia;
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Enzo A. Palombo
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Science, Computing and Engineering Technologies, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC 3122, Australia
| | - Peter R. Boag
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia;
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Mining nematode protein secretomes to explain lifestyle and host specificity. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009828. [PMID: 34587193 PMCID: PMC8504978 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic nematodes are highly successful pathogens, inflicting disease on humans, animals and plants. Despite great differences in their life cycles, host preference and transmission modes, these parasites share a common capacity to manipulate their host's immune system. This is at least partly achieved through the release of excretory/secretory proteins, the most well-characterized component of nematode secretomes, that are comprised of functionally diverse molecules. In this work, we analyzed published protein secretomes of parasitic nematodes to identify common patterns as well as species-specific traits. The 20 selected organisms span 4 nematode clades, including plant pathogens, animal parasites, and the free-living species Caenorhabditis elegans. Transthyretin-like proteins were the only component common to all adult secretomes; many other protein classes overlapped across multiple datasets. The glycolytic enzymes aldolase and enolase were present in all parasitic species, but missing from C. elegans. Secretomes from larval stages showed less overlap between species. Although comparison of secretome composition across species and life-cycle stages is challenged by the use of different methods and depths of sequencing among studies, our workflow enabled the identification of conserved protein families and pinpointed elements that may have evolved as to enable parasitism. This strategy, extended to more secretomes, may be exploited to prioritize therapeutic targets in the future.
Collapse
|
50
|
Kwarteng A, Asiedu E, Koranteng KK, Asiedu SO. Highlighting the Relevance of CD8 + T Cells in Filarial Infections. Front Immunol 2021; 12:714052. [PMID: 34603287 PMCID: PMC8481813 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.714052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The T cell immune responses in filarial infections are primarily mediated by CD4+ T cells and type 2-associated cytokines. Emerging evidence indicates that CD8+ T cell responses are important for anti-filarial immunity, however, could be suppressed in co-infections. This review summarizes what we know so far about the activities of CD8+ T cell responses in filarial infections, co-infections, and the associations with the development of filarial pathologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Kwarteng
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR), Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Ebenezer Asiedu
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR), Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Kelvin Kwaku Koranteng
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Samuel Opoku Asiedu
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR), Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
| |
Collapse
|