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Glidden CK, Singleton AL, Chamberlin A, Tuan R, Palasio RGS, Caldeira RL, Monteiro AMV, Lwiza KMM, Liu P, Silva V, Athni TS, Sokolow SH, Mordecai EA, De Leo GA. Climate and urbanization drive changes in the habitat suitability of Schistosoma mansoni competent snails in Brazil. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4838. [PMID: 38898012 PMCID: PMC11186836 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48335-9] [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: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by Schistosoma parasites. Schistosoma are obligate parasites of freshwater Biomphalaria and Bulinus snails, thus controlling snail populations is critical to reducing transmission risk. As snails are sensitive to environmental conditions, we expect their distribution is significantly impacted by global change. Here, we used machine learning, remote sensing, and 30 years of snail occurrence records to map the historical and current distribution of forward-transmitting Biomphalaria hosts throughout Brazil. We identified key features influencing the distribution of suitable habitat and determined how Biomphalaria habitat has changed with climate and urbanization over the last three decades. Our models show that climate change has driven broad shifts in snail host range, whereas expansion of urban and peri-urban areas has driven localized increases in habitat suitability. Elucidating change in Biomphalaria distribution-while accounting for non-linearities that are difficult to detect from local case studies-can help inform schistosomiasis control strategies.
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Grants
- R01 AI102918 NIAID NIH HHS
- R01 AI168097 NIAID NIH HHS
- R35 GM133439 NIGMS NIH HHS
- T32 GM144273 NIGMS NIH HHS
- This work was supported by the Belmont Collaborative Forum on Climate, Environment and Health (US-NSF ICER-2024383, FAPESP), by a grant of the Stanford Center for Innovation in Global Health, and the Stanford Program for Disease Ecology, Health and the Environment. GADL was partially supported also by an NSF EEID grant (DEB – 2011179). EAM and CKG were supported by the National Science Foundation and the Fogarty International Center (grant no. DEB-2011147). EAM was additionally supported by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (grant nos R01AI168097 and R01AI102918), the National Institutes of Health (grant no. R35GM133439), and by seed grants from the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment, King Center on Global Development, Center for Innovation in Global Health, and the Terman Award. CKG was additionally supported by a Stanford Institute for Human-centered Artificial Intelligence Postdoctoral Fellowship. TSA was supported by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences under grant number T32GM144273. SHS was supported by NSF grant number 2024385.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline K Glidden
- Stanford University, Department of Biology, Institute for Human-Centered AI, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Stanford University, Department of Biology, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Alyson L Singleton
- Stanford University, Emmett Interdisciplinary Program in Environment and Resources, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Andrew Chamberlin
- Stanford University, Department of Oceans, Hopkins Marine Station, Pacific Grove, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ping Liu
- Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, NY, USA
| | - Vivian Silva
- National Institute for Space Research, São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | | | - Susanne H Sokolow
- Stanford University, Woods Institute for the Environment, Stanford, CA, USA
- Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Erin A Mordecai
- Stanford University, Department of Biology, Institute for Human-Centered AI, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford University, Department of Biology, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Giulio A De Leo
- Stanford University, Department of Oceans, Hopkins Marine Station, Pacific Grove, CA, USA
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Ponzo E, Midiri A, Manno A, Pastorello M, Biondo C, Mancuso G. Insights into the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and differential diagnosis of schistosomiasis. Eur J Microbiol Immunol (Bp) 2024; 14:86-96. [PMID: 38498078 PMCID: PMC11097794 DOI: 10.1556/1886.2024.00013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease that is prevalent in low- and middle-income countries. There are five human pathogenic species, of which Schistosoma haematobium, Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma japonicum are the most prevalent worldwide and cause the greatest burden of disease in terms of mortality and morbidity. In addition, hybrid schistosomes have been identified through molecular analysis. Human infection occurs when cercariae, the larval form of the parasite, penetrate the skin of people while bathing in contaminated waters such as lakes and rivers. Schistosomiasis can cause both urogenital and intestinal symptoms. Urogenital symptoms include haematuria, bladder fibrosis, kidney damage, and an increased risk of bladder cancer. Intestinal symptoms may include abdominal pain, sometimes accompanied by diarrhoea and blood in the stool. Schistosomiasis affects more than 250 million people and causes approximately 70 million Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs), mainly in Africa, South America, and Asia. To control infection, it is essential to establish sensitive and specific diagnostic tests for epidemiological surveillance and morbidity reduction. This review provides an overview of schistosomiasis, with a focus on available diagnostic tools for Schistosoma spp. Current molecular detection methods and progress in the development of new diagnostics for schistosomiasis infection are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Ponzo
- Department of Human Pathology, Laboratory of Parasitology, University of Messina, 98125Messina, Italy
| | - Angelina Midiri
- Department of Human Pathology, Laboratory of Parasitology, University of Messina, 98125Messina, Italy
| | - Andrea Manno
- Department of Human Pathology, Laboratory of Parasitology, University of Messina, 98125Messina, Italy
| | - Martina Pastorello
- Department of Human Pathology, Laboratory of Parasitology, University of Messina, 98125Messina, Italy
| | - Carmelo Biondo
- Department of Human Pathology, Laboratory of Parasitology, University of Messina, 98125Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Mancuso
- Department of Human Pathology, Laboratory of Parasitology, University of Messina, 98125Messina, Italy
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Aribodor OB, Azugo NO, Jacob EC, Ngenegbo UC, Onwusulu ND, Obika I, Obikwelu EM, Nebe OJ. Assessing urogenital schistosomiasis and female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) among adolescents in Anaocha, Anambra State, Nigeria: implications for ongoing control efforts. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:952. [PMID: 38566137 PMCID: PMC10988871 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18378-0] [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] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Urogenital schistosomiasis (UgS) remains a persistent health challenge among adolescents in Anambra State, Nigeria, despite ongoing control efforts. Mass praziquantel treatment programs, initiated in 2013, primarily target primary school-aged children (5-14 years old), leaving adolescents (10-19 years old) enrolled in secondary schools vulnerable to urogenital schistosomiaisis. Additionally, the extent of female genital schistosomiasis (FGS), a neglected gynaecological manifestation of UgS remains unclear. METHODOLOGY To address these gaps, a cross-sectional study was conducted in Anaocha Local Government Area from February to May 2023. Four hundred and seventy consenting adolescents aged 10-19 years were enrolled. Urinalysis including urine filtration was employed to confirm haematuria and detect urogenital schistosomiasis (UGS) among the participants. For females with heavy infections (≥ 50 eggs/10 ml urine), a gynaecologist performed colposcopy examinations, complemented by acetic acid and Lugol's iodine staining to assess for female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) lesions or other related reproductive health conditions. Socio-demographic data, including information on potential risk factors, were systematically collected using the Kobo ToolBox software, following gender-sensitive data collection guidelines. Data were analysed using SPSS version 25, incorporating descriptive statistics, multinomial logistic regression, odds ratios, and significance testing. RESULTS Among the 470 adolescents (52.8% females, 47.2% males) examined, an overall UgS prevalence of 14.5% was observed, with an average of 5.25 eggs per 10 ml of urine. Females had a slightly higher prevalence (16.1%), and 7.5% had heavy infections. Although gender differences in infection rates were not statistically significant, males had slightly higher odds of infection (OR: 1.332; 95% CI: 0.791-2.244; p-value: 0.280). Adolescents aged 10-14 had the highest prevalence, with significantly increased odds of infection (OR: 1.720; 95% CI: 1.012-2.923; p-value: 0.045). Colposcopy examinations of females with heavy infections revealed FGS lesions and co-infections with Trichomonas vaginalis. Haematuria, though prevalent (24.6%), was not the sole indicator, as those without it faced significantly higher odds of infection (OR: 2.924; 95% CI: 1.731-4.941; p-value: 0.000). Dysuria and genital itching/burning sensation were other UgS and FGS associated symptoms. Direct water contact was associated with higher infection odds (OR: 2.601; 95% CI: 1.007-6.716; p-value: 0.048). Various risk factors were associated with UgS. CONCLUSION The study highlights the need for a comprehensive Urogenital Schistosomiasis (UGS) control strategy that includes secondary school adolescents, emphasizes risk factor management, promotes safe water practices, and raises awareness about UGS and Female Genital Schistosomiasis (FGS) among adolescents, thus improving control efforts and mitigating this health challenge in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ogechukwu B Aribodor
- Department of Zoology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.
- Social Innovation in Health Initiative (SIHI) Hub, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.
| | - Nwadiuto O Azugo
- Department of Zoology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
- Social Innovation in Health Initiative (SIHI) Hub, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
| | - Eunice C Jacob
- Department of Zoology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
- Social Innovation in Health Initiative (SIHI) Hub, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
| | - Uche C Ngenegbo
- Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
| | - Nnaemeka D Onwusulu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
| | - Ifeanyi Obika
- Department of Zoology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
| | - Emmanuel M Obikwelu
- Neglected Tropical Diseases Unit, Anambra State Ministry of Health, Awka, Nigeria
| | - Obiageli J Nebe
- Neglected Tropical Diseases Division, Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, Nigeria
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Nursafingi A, Widjaja J, Widayati AN, Kurniawan A, Lobo LT, Rauf A, Mananta O, Pangaribuan HU. Spatial Cluster Change of Schistosoma japonicum Transmission Foci in Indonesia During the Schistosomiasis Elimination Program. Acta Parasitol 2024; 69:759-768. [PMID: 38416327 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-024-00802-5] [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] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The Government of Indonesia committed to eliminating schistosomiasis by 2025. Collaboratively snail control became one of the crucial strategies to ensure that the prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum in Oncomelania hupensis lindoensis reaches zero by the end of the program. This research investigated the spatial cluster change of S. japonicum transmission foci in Indonesia between 2017 and 2021. METHODS We mapped the snail foci, collected the snails, and calculated the snail density. We also conducted laboratory tests to detect the existence of cercariae in the snails. Identified infected snails were used to calculate the infection rate (IR) or snails' prevalence of schistosome cercariae among freshwater snails. We then analysed the spatial cluster using the Getis-Ord Gi* statistic to identify the hot and cold spots. RESULTS The 5-year schistosomiasis elimination program successfully declined 18.84% of the snail foci and reduced 40.37% of the infected snail foci. Local spatial autocorrelation of snail density and infection rate identified that in 2017 and 2021, the number of cold spots decreased by 53.91% and 0%, while hot spots increased by 2.63% and 56.1%. The presence of more hot spots suggests a rise in the number of foci with high snail density and infection rates. The implementation of snail control was not optimal, and the parasite transmission through domestic animals still existed, causing the spatial cluster of hot spots to change during this period. Most hotspots have been observed near settlements, primarily in cocoa plantations, developed and deserted rice fields, grassland, and bush wetlands. CONCLUSION During the schistosomiasis elimination program, the number of hot spots increased while cold spots decreased, and there were notable changes in the geographical distribution of hot spots, indicating a shift in the clustering pattern of schistosomiasis cases. The findings become essential for policymakers, particularly in selecting priority areas for intervention. In the Discussion section, we demonstrated the selection process based on the existence of hot and cold spots. Furthermore, we proposed that enhancing cross-sector integration is crucial, particularly in connection with the management of S. japonicum transmission through domestic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afi Nursafingi
- Research Center for Public Health and Nutrition, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jakarta, Indonesia.
- National Institute of Health Research and Development, Ministry of Health, Jakarta, Indonesia.
| | - Junus Widjaja
- Research Center for Public Health and Nutrition, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jakarta, Indonesia
- National Institute of Health Research and Development, Ministry of Health, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Anis Nur Widayati
- Research Center for Public Health and Nutrition, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jakarta, Indonesia
- National Institute of Health Research and Development, Ministry of Health, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Ade Kurniawan
- National Institute of Health Research and Development, Ministry of Health, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Leonardo Taruk Lobo
- National Institute of Health Research and Development, Ministry of Health, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Abdul Rauf
- Central Sulawesi Health Provincial Office, Palu, Indonesia
| | | | - Helena Ullyartha Pangaribuan
- National Institute of Health Research and Development, Ministry of Health, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Center for Biomedical Research, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jakarta, Indonesia
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Vance GM, Khouri MI, Neto APDS, James S, Leite LCC, Farias LP, Wilson RA. Antigenic epitope targets of rhesus macaques self-curing from Schistosoma mansoni infection. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1269336. [PMID: 38464672 PMCID: PMC10921417 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1269336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The self-cure of rhesus macaques from a schistosome infection and their subsequent strong immunity to a cercarial challenge should provide novel insights into the way these parasites can be eliminated by immunological attack. High-density arrays comprising overlapping 15-mer peptides from target proteins printed on glass slides can be used to screen sera from host species to determine antibody reactivity at the single epitope level. Careful selection of proteins, based on compositional studies, is crucial to encompass only those exposed on or secreted from the intra-mammalian stages and is intended to focus the analysis solely on targets mediating protection. We report the results of this approach using two pools of sera from hi- and lo-responder macaques undergoing self-cure, to screen arrays comprising tegument, esophageal gland, and gastrodermis proteins. We show that, overall, the target epitopes are the same in both groups, but the intensity of response is twice as strong in the high responders. In addition, apart from Sm25, tegument proteins elicit much weaker responses than those originating in the alimentary tract, as was apparent in IFNγR KO mice. We also highlight the most reactive epitopes in key proteins. Armed with this knowledge, we intend to use multi-epitope constructs in vaccination experiments, which seek to emulate the self-cure process in experimental animals and potentially in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mariana I. Khouri
- Laboratório de Inflamação e Biomarcadores, Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Almiro Pires da Silva Neto
- Laboratório de Inflamação e Biomarcadores, Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Sally James
- Department of Biology, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Luciana C. C. Leite
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Paiva Farias
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - R. Alan Wilson
- Department of Biology, University of York, York, United Kingdom
- Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York, United Kingdom
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Glidden CK, Singleton AL, Chamberlin A, Tuan R, Palasio RGS, Caldeira RL, Monteiro AMV, Lwiza KMM, Liu P, Silva V, Athni TS, Sokolow SH, Mordecai EA, De Leo GA. Climate and urbanization drive changes in the habitat suitability of Schistosoma mansoni competent snails in Brazil. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.03.574120. [PMID: 38260310 PMCID: PMC10802398 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.03.574120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by Schistosoma parasites. Schistosoma are obligate parasites of freshwater Biomphalaria snails, so controlling snail populations is critical to reducing transmission risk. As snails are sensitive to environmental conditions, we expect their distribution is significantly impacted by global change. Here, we leveraged machine learning, remote sensing, and 30 years of snail occurrence records to map the historical and current distribution of competent Biomphalaria throughout Brazil. We identified key features influencing the distribution of suitable habitat and determined how Biomphalaria habitat has changed with climate and urbanization over the last three decades. Our models show that climate change has driven broad shifts in snail host range, whereas expansion of urban and peri-urban areas has driven localized increases in habitat suitability. Elucidating change in Biomphalaria distribution - while accounting for non-linearities that are difficult to detect from local case studies - can help inform schistosomiasis control strategies.
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Machado FP, Folly D, Esteves R, Ruppelt BM, da Silva VM, Matos APDS, dos Santos JAA, Rangel LDS, Santos MG, von Ranke NL, Rodrigues CR, Ricci-Junior E, Rocha L, Faria RX. Molluscicidal and Cercaricidal Effects of Myrciaria floribunda Essential Oil Nanoemulsion. Molecules 2023; 28:5944. [PMID: 37630195 PMCID: PMC10458193 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28165944] [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: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a tropical disease transmitted in an aqueous environment by cercariae from the Schistosoma genus. This disease affects 200 million people living in risk areas around the world. The control of schistosomiasis is realized by chemotherapy, wastewater sanitation, health education, and mollusk control using molluscicidal agents. This work evaluates the effects of a nanoemulsion containing essential oil from Myrciaria floribunda leaves as a molluscicidal and cercaricidal agent against Biomphalaria glabrata mollusks and Schistosoma mansoni cercariae. The Myrciaria floribunda essential oil from leaves showed nerolidol, β-selinene, 1,8 cineol, and zonarene as major constituents. The formulation study suggested the F3 formulation as the most promising nanoemulsion with polysorbate 20 and sorbitan monooleate 80 (4:1) with 5% (w/w) essential oil as it showed a smaller droplet size of approximately 100 nm with a PDI lower than 0.3 and prominent bluish reflection. Furthermore, this nanoemulsion showed stability after 200 days under refrigeration. The Myrciaria floribunda nanoemulsion showed LC50 values of 48.11 µg/mL, 29.66 µg/mL, and 47.02 µg/mL in Biomphalaria glabrata embryos, juveniles, and adult mollusks, respectively, after 48 h and 83.88 µg/mL for Schistosoma mansoni cercariae after 2 h. In addition, a survival of 80% was observed in Danio rerio, and the in silico toxicity assay showed lower overall human toxicity potential to the major compounds in the essential oil compared to the reference molluscicide niclosamide. These results suggest that the nanoemulsion of Myrciaria floribunda leaves may be a promising alternative for schistosomiasis control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Paiva Machado
- Laboratório de Tecnologia de Produtos Naturais (LTPN), Departamento de Tecnologia Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua, Mario Viana, 523, Santa Rosa, Niterói 24241-000, RJ, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia Vegetal e Bioprocessos (PBV), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-599, RJ, Brazil
| | - Diogo Folly
- Laboratório de Tecnologia de Produtos Naturais (LTPN), Departamento de Tecnologia Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua, Mario Viana, 523, Santa Rosa, Niterói 24241-000, RJ, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia Vegetal e Bioprocessos (PBV), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-599, RJ, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Esteves
- Laboratório de Tecnologia de Produtos Naturais (LTPN), Departamento de Tecnologia Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua, Mario Viana, 523, Santa Rosa, Niterói 24241-000, RJ, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia Vegetal e Bioprocessos (PBV), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-599, RJ, Brazil
| | - Bettina Monika Ruppelt
- Laboratório de Tecnologia de Produtos Naturais (LTPN), Departamento de Tecnologia Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua, Mario Viana, 523, Santa Rosa, Niterói 24241-000, RJ, Brazil
| | - Victoria Marques da Silva
- Laboratório de Tecnologia de Produtos Naturais (LTPN), Departamento de Tecnologia Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua, Mario Viana, 523, Santa Rosa, Niterói 24241-000, RJ, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula dos Santos Matos
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento Galênico (LADEG), Departamento de Fármacos e Medicamentos, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-599, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Leonardo da Silva Rangel
- Laboratório de Avaliação e Promoção da Saúde Ambiental (LAPSA), Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, RJ, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências e Biotecnologia (PPBI), Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói 24241-000, RJ, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Guerra Santos
- Departamento de Ciências, Faculdade de Formação de Professores, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Dr. Francisco Portela 1470, São Gonçalo 24435-000, RJ, Brazil
| | - Natalia Lidmar von Ranke
- Laboratório de Modelagem Molecular e QSAR (ModMolQSAR), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-599, RJ, Brazil
| | - Carlos Rangel Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Modelagem Molecular e QSAR (ModMolQSAR), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-599, RJ, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Ricci-Junior
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento Galênico (LADEG), Departamento de Fármacos e Medicamentos, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-599, RJ, Brazil
| | - Leandro Rocha
- Laboratório de Tecnologia de Produtos Naturais (LTPN), Departamento de Tecnologia Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua, Mario Viana, 523, Santa Rosa, Niterói 24241-000, RJ, Brazil
| | - Robson Xavier Faria
- Laboratório de Avaliação e Promoção da Saúde Ambiental (LAPSA), Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, RJ, Brazil
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Akinsolu FT, Abodunrin OR, Olagunju MT, Adewole IE, Rahman NO, Dabar AM, Njuguna DW, Soneye IY, Salako AO, Ezechi OC, Varga OE, Akinwale OP. Community perception of school-based mass drug administration program for soil-transmitted helminths and Schistosomiasis in Ogun State, Nigeria. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011213. [PMID: 37459322 PMCID: PMC10374069 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neglected tropical diseases, such as soil-transmitted helminths and Schistosomiasis, are prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Ogun State, Nigeria. School-based mass drug administration program is the primary control intervention, but the coverage and uptake of this intervention have been inadequate. This study aimed to investigate community perceptions of school-based mass drug administration programs for these infections in Ogun State, Nigeria, and identify the barriers to their uptake and coverage. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS The study used a qualitative research approach involving focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with community members and stakeholders engaged in neglected tropical disease control programs in Ogun State, Nigeria. A semi-structured questionnaire guided the exploration of ideas, and the data were analyzed using the QRS Nvivo 12 software package. The study found several barriers, such as the influence of parents, lack of sufficient knowledge, and side effects. The study recommended strategies such as improving community sensitization and engagement, drug distribution and performance, and enhancing partner collaboration and coordination to improve the school-based mass drug administration programs. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE The study revealed correct perceptions of transmission but some misconceptions about disease causation, transmission, and drug safety. Participants expressed a desire for better sensitization campaigns and more assurances of their safety. The study recommends strengthening health education messages and increasing the visibility of on-site medical personnel. The findings have implications for improving the performance of these programs and reducing the burden of intestinal parasitic infections in the community. The study highlights the need for community engagement and education, health system support, and partner collaboration to successfully implement mass drug administration programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Folahanmi T Akinsolu
- Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Olunike R Abodunrin
- Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Lagos State Health Management Agency, Lagos, Nigeria
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Abideen O Salako
- Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Oliver C Ezechi
- Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria
| | | | - Olaoluwa P Akinwale
- Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria
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9
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Santos MCS, Oliveira GLD, Mingoti SA, Heller L. Effect of environmental factors in reducing the prevalence of schistosomiasis in schoolchildren: An analysis of three extensive national prevalence surveys in Brazil (1950-2018). PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0010804. [PMID: 37459358 PMCID: PMC10374055 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over seven decades, Brazil has made admirable progress in controlling schistosomiasis, and a frequent question about the explanation for this reduction refers to the effect of improving environmental factors in the country. This article seeks to identify factors related to the change in the epidemiological situation of schistosomiasis mansoni infection by analyzing three national prevalence surveys conducted since 1950. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS This is an ecological study analyzing an unbalanced panel of data based on national surveys and considering the municipality as the unit of analysis. The sample consisted of 1,721 Brazilian municipalities, in which a total of 1,182,339 schoolchildren aged 7-14 were examined during the three periods corresponding to each survey (1947-1953, 1975-1979, and 2010-2015). The percentage of municipalities with zero cases of schistosomiasis was: 45.4%, 54.2% and 73.7%, respectively for those periods. A zero-inflated Poisson regression model, with fixed and random effects, was fitted to assess the association between candidate factors and disease prevalence using a significance level of 5%. There was a significant decrease in disease prevalence between the first and last periods analyzed (RR 0.214, CI 0.184-0.249), with a protective association with access to sanitation (RR 0.996, CI 0.994-0.998), urbanization (RR 0.991, CI 0.989-0.993), and living in own households (RR 0.986, CI 0.983-0.989); and an inverse association with piped water supply (RR 1.010, CI 1.008-1.011). CONCLUSION The findings of this study indicate a decrease in the prevalence of schistosomiasis over seven decades in schoolchildren from the analyzed Brazilian municipalities, associated with environmental factors and social conditions. The increased access to piped water in the municipalities apparently triggers other ways of contact with unsafe water bodies, generating new transmission routes and suggesting the need for a systemic approach concerning contact with water.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Léo Heller
- Instituto René Rachou, Fiocruz Minas, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Wang W, Ali A, Wang H, Feng Y, Dai S. EKC hypothesis testing and environmental impacts of transportation infrastructure investments in China, Turkey, India, and Japan. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023:10.1007/s11356-023-27580-3. [PMID: 37204576 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-27580-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
A key strategy for social development and sustainable urban expansion is building sustainable and affordable transport systems. In this study, we aim to test the validity of the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis and reveal the impact of infrastructure investment in transportation systems in China, Turkey, India, and Japan over the period 1995-2020 on environmental degradation. According to dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS) method analysis, per capita GDP and per capita GDP3 have a significant positive impact on per capita CO2 emission, while per capita GDP2 has a significant adverse impact on per capita CO2 emission. These results confirm the validity of the N-shaped EKC assumption, while inconsistent with the results of the FMOLS technique, showing that per capita GDP is significantly positive, while per capita GDP2 and per capita GDP3 have a significant negative impact on per capita carbon emissions. Moreover, as clarified by the fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) and DOLS methods, road infrastructure investment (RO), aviation infrastructure investment, trade openness, and foreign direct investment (FDI) have significant positive effects, while railway infrastructure investment (RA) has a significant negative effect on per capita carbon emission. Country-level estimates of per capita carbon emission-based DOLS strategies in the model show that only China and Japan have N-shaped EKC hypothesis. Road infrastructure investment, aviation infrastructure investment, and trade openness have significant positive effects, while railway infrastructure investment has a significant negative effect on per capita CO2 emission in selected central and east Asian countries. The latest electrified rail systems are well thought out and less polluting, so the contribution of rail infrastructure investment to the transport mix can support sustainable and safe transport systems at city center and intercity levels and reduce environmental pollution in central and east Asian countries. Moreover, the implementation of the basic environmental settings of trade agreements should be strengthened to condense the growing impact of free trade on environmental pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wennan Wang
- Academy of Management, Guangdong University of Science and Technology, Dongguan, China
- Department of Finance, School of Economics, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Arshad Ali
- Institute of economics and management, Northeast Agricultural university, Harbin, China
| | - Hoatian Wang
- Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Gdansk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Yu Feng
- School of Public Economics and Administration, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, Shanghai, China
| | - Shugeng Dai
- Department of Finance, School of Economics, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
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11
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Liu Y, Ali A, Chen Y, She X. The effect of transport infrastructure (road, rail, and air) investments on economic growth and environmental pollution and testing the validity of EKC in China, India, Japan, and Russia. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:32585-32599. [PMID: 36469273 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-24448-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
A key factor in social development and sustainable urban expansion is the establishment of sustainable and affordable transport systems. This study aims to investigate the impact of transport infrastructure investment on environmental degradation and economic growth and to test the validity of the EKC hypothesis in China, India, Russia, and Japan over the period 1995-2020. The results show that GDP has a significant positive effect, and GDP2 and GDP3 have significant adverse effects on environmental degradation, respectively. These results confirm the validity of the inverted U-shaped EKC hypothesis in selected emerging Asian economies. Rail infrastructure investment has significant adverse effects, while road infrastructure investment and aviation infrastructure investment have significant positive effects on environmental degradation. Likewise, the impact of investment in transport infrastructure system (roads, rail, and aviation) on economic growth is positive and statistically significant. Country-level estimates confirm the validity of the inverted U-shaped EKC hypothesis in China, India, and Russia, while the N-shaped EKC is only valid in Japan. Investments in rail infrastructure based on modern rail systems that run on electricity are believed to be less polluting in the transport mix, help create sustainable and safe transport systems, and reduce emissions at the urban and intercity levels in emerging Asian countries. In addition, the growing impact of free trade on environmental pollution should be strengthened to harmonize the strict enforcement of environmental conditions dominated by trade agreements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanhao Liu
- Faculty of Management and Economics, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Arshad Ali
- Northeast Agriculture University (NEAU), Harbin, China
| | - Yuanchun Chen
- Business School, Zhengzhou University of Industrial Technology, Henan, 451199, China
| | - Xiao She
- Department of Industrial Economics, University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Beijing, China.
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12
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Accuracy Study of Kato-Katz and Helmintex Methods for Diagnosis of Schistosomiasis Mansoni in a Moderate Endemicity Area in Sergipe, Northeastern Brazil. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13030527. [PMID: 36766631 PMCID: PMC9914664 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13030527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) caused by blood flukes from the genus Schistosoma. Brazil hosts the main endemic area in the Americas, where Schistosoma mansoni is the only species causing the disease. Kato-Katz (KK) thick smear is the WHO recommended screening test for populational studies, but there is growing evidence for the sensitivity limitations associated with KK, especially in areas with low parasite loads. Helmintex (HTX) is another highly sensitive egg-detection method, based on the magnetic properties of S. mansoni eggs and their isolation in a magnetic field. The objective of this study is to evaluate both KK and HTX in a moderate endemic locality, Areia Branca, located in the municipality of Pacatuba, in the state of Sergipe in northeastern Brazil. From 234 individual fecal samples, two KK thick smears were prepared and evaluated for each sample. Similarly, 30 g of each fecal sample was processed by HTX protocol. Eggs were detected in 80 (34.18%) residents. Twenty-three (9.83%) samples were positive for eggs (only by KK), and 77 (32.91%) samples showed positive for eggs (only by HTX). Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy estimates gave values of 28.75%, 100% and 75.64%, respectively, for KK, and 96.25%, 100% and 98.72% respectively, for HTX. The positive predictive value was 100% for both methods, while the negative predictive value was 72.99% for KK and 98.09% for HTX. Overall, HTX presented a superior performance compared to the one sample, two slides KK examination. The study confirms the role of HTX as a reference method for the definition of true-positive samples in comparative accuracy studies and its potential role in the late stages when the certification of schistosomiasis transmission interruption is required. Diagnostic tests are important tools for the elimination of this NTD, besides the effective implementation of safe water, basic sanitation, snail control, and the treatment of infected populations.
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El-Derbawy MM, Salem HS, Raboo M, Baiuomy IR, Fadil SA, Fadil HA, Ibrahim SRM, El Kholy WA. In Vivo Evaluation of the Anti-Schistosomal Potential of Ginger-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles on Schistosoma mansoni: Histopathological, Ultrastructural, and Immunological Changes. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12111834. [PMID: 36362992 PMCID: PMC9696985 DOI: 10.3390/life12111834] [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: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy is the most widely advocated method of Schistosome control. However, repeated chemotherapy leads to the emergence of drug-resistant Schistosoma strains. Therefore, efforts to find alternative drugs, especially those of natural origin, have risen globally. Nanoparticles (NPs) have received special interest as efficient drug delivery systems. This work aimed to investigate the anti-schistosomal potential of Zingiber officinale (ginger, Zingiberaceae)-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (GCsNPs) on Schistosoma mansoni experimentally infected mice that were exposed to 80 ± 10 cercariae/mouse. The study groups are: (G1) negative control; (G2) positive control; (G3) praziquantel in a dose of 500 mg/kg/day for two consecutive days; (G4) ginger in a dose of 500 mg/kg treated; (G5) chitosan nanoparticles in a dose 3 mg/kg (G6) GCsNPs in a dose 250 mg/kg; and (G7) GCsNPs in a dose 500 mg/kg. The anti-schistosome potential was assessed using histopathological scanning electron microscopically and immunological parameters. The results showed that there was a significant decrease in cellular granuloma count (p < 0.05) and granuloma diameter (p < 0.001) in all infected treated mice groups, in comparison to the infected non-treated group with the highest reduction in both G3 and G7. SEM of S. mansoni adult worm recovered from G3 showed mild edema of oral and ventral suckers with some peeling and blebs around them, while that recovered from G7 showed abnormal oedematous oral and retracted ventral sucker, edema of the tegument, rupture of many tubercles with vacuolation and complete loss of spines. All infected treated mice groups, in comparison to positive control G2, showed a significant reduction in IL-4, IL-10, and TNF-α levels (p-value < 0.001), especially groups G6 and G7 (p-value < 0.05); both G6 and G7 values were nearer to the normal that indicated recovery of the liver tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona M. El-Derbawy
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11751, Egypt
| | - Hala S. Salem
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11751, Egypt
| | - Mona Raboo
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11751, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim R. Baiuomy
- Department of Immunology and Parasitology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza 12411, Egypt
| | - Sana A. Fadil
- Department of Natural Products and Alternative Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Haifa A. Fadil
- Department of Clinical and Hospital Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Almadinah Almunawarah 30078, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sabrin R. M. Ibrahim
- Preparatory Year Program, Department of Chemistry, Batterjee Medical College, Jeddah 21442, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +966-581183034
| | - Walaa A. El Kholy
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11751, Egypt
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Chaves CF, Sabino-Santos G, Cedraz FMA, Santos-Muccillo P, Filho JR, Zanardi VS, Moretto VT, Santos APC, Simões F, Barbosa LM, Silva LK, Reis MG, Blanton RE. Evidence for local transmission and maintenance of schistosomiasis in an urban neighbourhood in Northeast Brazil. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:3153-3159. [PMID: 36057790 PMCID: PMC11013574 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14692] [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: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a tropical neglected disease commonly associated with rural areas; however, urban schistosomiasis has been reported worldwide, and increasing urbanization is one of the most important demographic shifts of the 20th and now 21st centuries. The pattern of urbanization is not uniform so that within the same city the rates and sources of population increase vary. Here, we report on the parasite composition in one neighbourhood in the metropolitan area of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. Using epidemiological data and population genetics, we find evidence for local transmission and maintenance of Schistosoma mansoni infection within an urban population and little contribution from rural-urban migration. Our findings provide direction for local mitigation strategies and to assist the public living in this neighbourhood to interrupt the local transmission cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila F. Chaves
- Gonçalo Moniz Research Centre, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Gilberto Sabino-Santos
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
- Centre for Virology Research, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - João Ricardo Filho
- Gonçalo Moniz Research Centre, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Vanessa S. Zanardi
- Gonçalo Moniz Research Centre, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Vanessa T. Moretto
- Gonçalo Moniz Research Centre, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | | | - Fabiano Simões
- Gonçalo Moniz Research Centre, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- Centre for Zoonoses Control, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Lucio M. Barbosa
- Gonçalo Moniz Research Centre, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- Bahiana School of Medicine and Public Health, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Luciano K. Silva
- Gonçalo Moniz Research Centre, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Mitermayer G. Reis
- Gonçalo Moniz Research Centre, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- School of Medicine, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
| | - Ronald E. Blanton
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
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15
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Lu H, Liu Y, Ali A, Tian R, Chen Y, Luo Y. Empirical analysis of the impact of China-Japan-South Korea transportation infrastructure investment on environmental degradation and the validity of the environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis. Front Psychol 2022; 13:977466. [PMID: 36329750 PMCID: PMC9624248 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.977466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Building sustainable and affordable transport systems is a key issue for social development and sustainable urban expansion. The study used dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS) and fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) to examine the impact of transport infrastructure investment on environmental degradation in China, Japan, and South Korea over the period 1995-2020 and the validity of the EKC hypothesis. The results show that GDP has a significant positive effect, and GDP2 and GDP3 have significant adverse effects on environmental degradation, respectively. These results confirm the validity of the inverted U shaped EKC hypothesis in selected Asian countries. Road infrastructure investment has a significant positive effect, while railway infrastructure investment has a significant adverse effect on environmental degradation. Air infrastructure investment and trade opening have a progressive and statistically significant impact on environmental pollution. Modern rail systems that run on electricity are considered less polluting, so the share of rail infrastructure investment in the transport mix can help build sustainable and safe transport systems at the city Centre and intercity levels and reduce emissions in Asian countries. Moreover, strict enforcement of the prevailing environmental conditions of trade agreements should be encouraged to reduce the increasing impact of free trade on environmental pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongbo Lu
- School of Economics, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuanhao Liu
- Faculty of Management and Economics, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Arshad Ali
- Department of Economics and Finance, Greenwich University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Rongzhi Tian
- Institute for International Strategic Studies, CCPS Central Party School, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanchun Chen
- Business School, Zhengzhou University of Industrial Technology, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yuanwei Luo
- Guangxi University of Finance and Economics, Nanning, China
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Ebbs ET, Loker ES, Bu L, Locke SA, Tkach VV, Devkota R, Flores VR, Pinto HA, Brant SV. Phylogenomics and Diversification of the Schistosomatidae Based on Targeted Sequence Capture of Ultra-Conserved Elements. Pathogens 2022; 11:769. [PMID: 35890014 PMCID: PMC9321907 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11070769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomatidae Stiles and Hassall 1898 is a medically significant family of digenetic trematodes (Trematoda: Digenea), members of which infect mammals or birds as definitive hosts and aquatic or amphibious gastropods as intermediate hosts. Currently, there are 17 named genera, for many of which evolutionary interrelationships remain unresolved. The lack of a resolved phylogeny has encumbered our understanding of schistosomatid evolution, specifically patterns of host-use and the role of host-switching in diversification. Here, we used targeted sequence capture of ultra-conserved elements (UCEs) from representatives of 13 of the 17 named genera and 11 undescribed lineages that are presumed to represent either novel genera or species to generate a phylogenomic dataset for the estimation of schistosomatid interrelationships. This study represents the largest phylogenetic effort within the Schistosomatidae in both the number of loci and breadth of taxon sampling. We present a near-comprehensive family-level phylogeny providing resolution to several clades of long-standing uncertainty within Schistosomatidae, including resolution for the placement of the North American mammalian schistosomes, implying a second separate capture of mammalian hosts. Additionally, we present evidence for the placement of Macrobilharzia at the base of the Schistosoma + Bivitellobilharzia radiation. Patterns of definitive and intermediate host use and a strong role for intermediate host-switching are discussed relative to schistosomatid diversification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika T. Ebbs
- Department of Biology, Purchase College, The State University of New York, Purchase, NY 10577, USA
| | - Eric S. Loker
- Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, Department of Biology, Museum of Southwestern Biology Parasite Division, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA; (E.S.L.); (L.B.); (S.V.B.)
| | - Lijing Bu
- Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, Department of Biology, Museum of Southwestern Biology Parasite Division, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA; (E.S.L.); (L.B.); (S.V.B.)
| | - Sean A. Locke
- Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, Box 9000, Mayagüez 00681-9000, Puerto Rico;
| | - Vasyl V. Tkach
- Grand Forks Department of Biology, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58202, USA;
| | - Ramesh Devkota
- Vance Granville Community College, Henderson, NC 27536, USA;
| | - Veronica R. Flores
- Laboratorio de Parasitología, INIBIOMA (CONICET-Universidad Nacional del Comahue), Quintral 1250, San Carlos de Bariloche 8400, Argentina;
| | - Hudson A. Pinto
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Science, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil;
| | - Sara V. Brant
- Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, Department of Biology, Museum of Southwestern Biology Parasite Division, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA; (E.S.L.); (L.B.); (S.V.B.)
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Ricafrente A, Cwiklinski K, Nguyen H, Dalton JP, Tran N, Donnelly S. Stage-specific miRNAs regulate gene expression associated with growth, development and parasite-host interaction during the intra-mammalian migration of the zoonotic helminth parasite Fasciola hepatica. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:419. [PMID: 35659245 PMCID: PMC9167548 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08644-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background MiRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression in organisms ranging from viruses to mammals. There is great relevance in understanding how miRNAs regulate genes involved in the growth, development, and maturation of the many parasitic worms (helminths) that together afflict more than 2 billion people. Results Here, we describe the miRNAs expressed by each of the predominant intra-mammalian development stages of Fasciola hepatica, a foodborne flatworm that infects a wide range of mammals worldwide, most importantly humans and their livestock. A total of 124 miRNAs were profiled, 72 of which had been previously reported and three of which were conserved miRNA sequences described here for the first time. The remaining 49 miRNAs were novel sequences of which, 31 were conserved with F. gigantica and the remaining 18 were specific to F. hepatica. The newly excysted juveniles express 22 unique miRNAs while the immature liver and mature bile duct stages each express 16 unique miRNAs. We discovered several sequence variant miRNAs (IsomiRs) as well as miRNA clusters that exhibit strict temporal expression paralleling parasite development. Target analysis revealed the close association between miRNA expression and stage-specific changes in the transcriptome; for example, we identified specific miRNAs that target parasite proteases known to be essential for intestinal wall penetration (cathepsin L3). Moreover, we demonstrate that miRNAs fine-tune the expression of genes involved in the metabolic pathways that allow the parasites to move from an aerobic external environment to the anerobic environment of the host. Conclusions These results provide novel insight into the regulation of helminth parasite development and identifies new genes and miRNAs for therapeutic development to limit the virulence and pathogenesis caused by F. hepatica. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-022-08644-z.
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Mtemeli FL, Shoko R, Ndlovu J, Mugumbate G. In Silico Study of Cucurbita maxima Compounds as Potential Therapeutics Against Schistosomiasis. Bioinform Biol Insights 2022; 16:11779322221100741. [PMID: 35615403 PMCID: PMC9125113 DOI: 10.1177/11779322221100741] [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: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, a disease usually related to poverty and poor sanitation, affects more than 200 million people worldwide. Since the 1970s, the medical sector has depended on a single drug, praziquantel, for the treatment of the disease. The emerging evidence of resistance of the Schistosoma parasite to praziquantel and the drug’s inefficacy against juvenile stages of the parasite makes the need to find alternative drugs an urgent matter. In this study, we explored the inhibition potential of compounds from Cucurbita maxima using molecular docking studies on Schistosoma mansoni purine nucleoside phosphorylase ( SmPNP) and Schistosoma haematobium 28-kDa glutathione S-transferase ( Sh28kDaGST). Following molecular docking studies and analysis of the active sites, the primary amino acids that were observed and shown to be involved in the SmPNP-ligand interaction are CYS 33, ARG 86, HIS 88, TYR 90, ALA 118, ALA 119, PRO 200, TYR 202, GLU 203, VAL 219, MET 221, THR 244, ASN 245, PRO 257 and HIS 259. For the Sh28dKa-ligand interaction, the primary amino acids were PHE 11, ARG 16, TRP 41, LEU 53, GLU 70 and SER 71. Momordicoside I aglycone binds to SmPNP with the lowest binding affinity of -7.9 kcal/mol by pi sigma bond interactions with HIS 88. Balsaminoside B binds to Sh28kDaGST with a binding affinity of −7.6 kcal/mol by hydrogen bond interaction with TRP 41, LEU 53 and SER 71. Pharmacokinetic studies showed favourable drug-like properties for the 10 compounds that exhibited the lowest binding energies. Therefore, we propose that bioactive compounds from C. maxima be considered as potential novel drug hits in the treatment of schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Floryn Lynorah Mtemeli
- Department of Biology, School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe
| | - Ryman Shoko
- Department of Biology, School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe
| | - Joice Ndlovu
- Department of Biology, School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe
| | - Grace Mugumbate
- Department of Chemical Technology, Midlands State University, Gweru, Zimbabwe
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Effects of Atmospheric Turbulence on Optical Wireless Communication in NEOM Smart City. PHOTONICS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/photonics9040262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The foundation of any smart city requires an innovative and robust communication infrastructure. Many research communities envision free-space optical communication (FSO) as a promising backbone technology for the services and applications provided by such cities. However, the channel through which the FSO signal travels is the atmosphere. Therefore, the FSO performance is limited by the local weather conditions. The variation in meteorological variables leads to variations of the refractive index along the transmission path. These index inhomogeneities (i.e., atmospheric turbulence) can significantly degrade the performance of FSO systems. Thus, a practical implementation of the FSO link must carefully consider the atmospheric turbulence effect. This paper aims to investigate the feasibility of FSO communication for NEOM, a promising smart city in Saudi Arabia. We study the effect of weather conditions on FSO links using the micrometeorology model, taking into account actual weather data. The FSO performance in winter and summer was compared in terms of the bit error rate, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), link availability, and transmission distance. The study shows that the atmospheric turbulence strength is moderate and strong in winter and summer, respectively. The temperature has the biggest impact on the FSO system when compared to the other meteorological elements included in this study. Furthermore, at transmission distances less than 300 m, atmospheric turbulence does not significantly affect the FSO for the operating wavelength of 1550 nm. Furthermore, it has been shown that at transmission distances greater than 300 m, the SNR in summer is more than 18% higher than in winter. The findings of this research enable understanding of the effect of turbulence caused by NEOM weather on the FSO link, thus assisting engineers in establishing a reliable FSO backbone link by adjusting the relevant parameters.
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Long JC, Taylor SE, Barbosa LM, Silva LK, Reis MG, Blanton RE. Cryptic population structure and transmission dynamics uncovered for Schistosoma mansoni populations by genetic analyses. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1059. [PMID: 35058485 PMCID: PMC8776789 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-04776-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Patterns of diversity in pathogen genomes provide a window into the spatiotemporal spread of disease. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that Schistosoma mansoni parasites form genetic clusters that coincide with the communities of their human hosts. We also looked for genetic clustering of parasites at the sub-community level. Our data consists of 14 microsatellite DNA markers, typed from pooled DNA samples from [Formula: see text] infected individuals living in three Brazilian communities. We found a one-to-one correspondence between genetic clusters found by K-means cluster analysis and communities when [Formula: see text]. These clusters are also easily identified in a neighbor-joining tree and principal coordinates plots. K-means analysis with [Formula: see text] also reveals genetic clusters of parasites at the sub-community level. These sub-clusters also appear on the neighbor-joining tree and principal coordinates plots. A surprising finding is a genetic relationship between subgroups in widely separated human communities. This connection suggests the existence of common transmission sites that have wide influence. In summary, the genetic structure of S. mansoni in Brazil juxtaposes local isolation that is occasionally broken by long-range migration. Permanent eradication of schistosomes will require both local efforts and the identification of regional infection reservoirs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey C Long
- Department of Anthropology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA.
| | - Sarah E Taylor
- Department of Anthropology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Lucio M Barbosa
- Bahiana School of Medicine and Public Health, Av. Silveira Martins, n 3386, Salvador, Bahia, 41150-100, Brazil
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Ministry of Health, Waldemar Falcão Street, 121, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Luciano K Silva
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Ministry of Health, Waldemar Falcão Street, 121, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Mitermayer G Reis
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Ministry of Health, Waldemar Falcão Street, 121, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- Faculty of Medicine of Bahia, Federal University of Bahia, Praça Conselheiro Almeida Couto, s/n - Largo do Terreiro de Jesus, Salvador, BA, 40025-010, Brazil
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College Street, P.O. Box 208034, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ronald E Blanton
- Department of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, 1440 Canal Street, Suite 2306, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
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Fifty years of the schistosome tegument: discoveries, controversies, and outstanding questions. Int J Parasitol 2021; 51:1213-1232. [PMID: 34767805 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2021.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The unique multilaminate appearance of the tegument surface of schistosomes was first described in 1973, in one of the earliest volumes of the International Journal for Parasitology. The present review, published almost 50 years later, traces the development of our knowledge of the tegument, starting with those earliest cytological advances, particularly the surface plasma membrane-membranocalyx complex, through an era of protein discovery to the modern age of protein characterization, aided by proteomics. More recently, analysis of single cell transcriptomes of schistosomes is providing insight into the organisation of the cell bodies that support the surface syncytium. Our understanding of the tegument, notably the nature of the proteins present within the plasma membrane and membranocalyx, has provided insights into how the schistosomes interact with their hosts but many aspects of how the tegument functions remain unanswered. Among the unresolved aspects are those concerned with maintenance and renewal of the surface membrane complex, and whether surface proteins and membrane components are recycled. Current controversies arising from investigations about whether the tegument is a source of extracellular vesicles during parasitism, and if it is covered with glycolytic enzymes, are evaluated in the light of cytological and proteomic knowledge of the layer.
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Chala B, Hamde F. Emerging and Re-emerging Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases and the Challenges for Control: A Review. Front Public Health 2021; 9:715759. [PMID: 34676194 PMCID: PMC8524040 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.715759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Vector-borne emerging and re-emerging diseases pose considerable public health problem worldwide. Some of these diseases are emerging and/or re-emerging at increasing rates and appeared in new regions in the past two decades. Studies emphasized that the interactions among pathogens, hosts, and the environment play a key role for the emergence or re-emergence of these diseases. Furthermore, social and demographic factors such as human population growth, urbanization, globalization, trade exchange and travel and close interactions with livestock have significantly been linked with the emergence and/or re-emergence of vector-borne diseases. Other studies emphasize the ongoing evolution of pathogens, proliferation of reservoir populations, and antimicrobial drug use to be the principal exacerbating forces for emergence and re-emergence of vector-borne infectious diseases. Still other studies equivocally claim that climate change has been associated with appearance and resurgence of vector-borne infectious diseases. Despite the fact that many important emerging and re-emerging vector-borne infectious diseases are becoming better controlled, our success in stopping the many new appearing and resurging vector-borne infectious diseases that may happen in the future seems to be uncertain. Hence, this paper reviews and synthesizes the existing literature to explore global patterns of emerging and re-emerging vector-borne infections and the challenges for their control. It also attempts to give insights to the epidemiological profile of major vector-borne diseases including Zika fever, dengue, West Nile fever, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, Chikungunya, Yellow fever, and Rift Valley fever.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bayissa Chala
- Department of Applied Biology, School of Applied Natural Science, Adama Science and Technology University, Adama, Ethiopia
| | - Feyissa Hamde
- Department of Applied Biology, School of Applied Natural Science, Adama Science and Technology University, Adama, Ethiopia
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