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Omidian M, Mostafavi-Pour Z, Asadi M, Sharifdini M, Nezafat N, Pouryousef A, Savardashtaki A, Taheri-Anganeh M, Mikaeili F, Sarkari B. Design and expression of a chimeric recombinant antigen (SsIR-Ss1a) for the serodiagnosis of human strongyloidiasis: Evaluation of performance, sensitivity, and specificity. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012320. [PMID: 39008519 PMCID: PMC11271862 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012320] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The sensitivity of parasitological and molecular methods is unsatisfactory for the diagnosis of strongyloidiasis, and serological techniques are remaining as the most effective diagnostic approach. The present study aimed to design and produce a chimeric recombinant antigen from Strongyloides stercoralis immunoreactive antigen (SsIR) and Ss1a antigens, using immune-informatics approaches, and evaluated its diagnostic performance in an ELISA system for the diagnosis of human strongyloidiasis. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS The coding sequences for SsIR and Ss1a were selected from GenBank and were gene-optimized. Using bioinformatics analysis, the regions with the highest antigenicity that did not overlap with other parasite antigens were selected. The chimeric recombinant antigen SsIR- Ss1a, was constructed. The solubility and physicochemical properties of the designed construct were analyzed and its tertiary structures were built and evaluated. The construct was expressed into the pET-23a (+) expression vector and the optimized DNA sequences of SsIR-Ss1a (873 bp) were cloned into competent E. coli DH5α cells. Diagnostic performances of the produced recombinant antigen, along with a commercial kit were evaluated in an indirect ELISA system, using a panel of sera from strongyloidiasis patients and controls. The physicochemical and bioinformatics evaluations revealed that the designed chimeric construct is soluble, has a molecular with of 35 KDa, and is antigenic. Western blotting confirmed the immunoreactivity of the produced chimeric recombinant antigen with the sera of strongyloidiasis patients. The sensitivity and specificity of the indirect ELISA system, using the produced SsIR-Ss1a chimeric antigen, were found to be 93.94% (95% CI, 0.803 to 0.989) and 97.22% (95% CI, 0.921 to 0.992) respectively. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE The preliminary findings of this study suggest that the produced SsIR-Ss1a chimeric antigen shows promise in the diagnosis of human strongyloidiasis. However, these results are based on a limited panel of samples, and further research with a larger sample size is necessary to confirm its accuracy. The construct has potential as an antigen in the ELISA system for the serological diagnosis of this neglected parasitic infection, but additional validation is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mostafa Omidian
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Zohreh Mostafavi-Pour
- Recombinant Proteins Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Marzieh Asadi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences Shiraz, Iran
| | - Meysam Sharifdini
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Navid Nezafat
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ali Pouryousef
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Amir Savardashtaki
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mortaza Taheri-Anganeh
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Fattaneh Mikaeili
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Bahador Sarkari
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Prato M, Tamarozzi F, Tais S, Rizzi E, Mazzi C, Buonfrate D. Evaluation of the SsIR/NIE recombinant antigen ELISA for the follow up of patients infected by Strongyloides stercoralis: a diagnostic study. Parasitology 2024; 151:295-299. [PMID: 38185819 PMCID: PMC11007275 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182024000027] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Some serology assays demonstrated useful for post-treatment monitoring of Strongyloides stercoralis infection. Serology frequently has low specificity, which might be improved by the use of recombinant antigens. The Strongy Detect ELISA is based on 2 recombinant antigens (SsIR and NIE) and proved good accuracy. Aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of this test for the post-treatment monitoring of strongyloidiasis. We tested 38 paired sera, with matched fecal tests results, stored in our biobank and originating from a randomized controlled trial. At baseline, all patients tested positive for at least 1 fecal assay among PCR, direct stool microscopy and agar plate culture. Patients were re-tested with both serology and fecal assays 12 months after treatment. Primary outcome was the relative reduction in optical density (OD) between baseline and follow up. We observed that about 95% samples showed a reduction between pre and post-treatment OD, with a median relative reduction of 93.9% (IQR 77.3%–98.1%). In conclusion, the test proved reliable for post-treatment monitoring. However, some technical issues, including that the threshold for positivity has not be predefined, and that a substantial number of samples showed overflow signals, need to be fixed to permit use in routine practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Prato
- Department of Infectious Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Verona, Negrar di Valpolicella, Italy
| | - Francesca Tamarozzi
- Department of Infectious Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Verona, Negrar di Valpolicella, Italy
| | - Stefano Tais
- Department of Infectious Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Verona, Negrar di Valpolicella, Italy
| | - Eleonora Rizzi
- Department of Infectious Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Verona, Negrar di Valpolicella, Italy
| | - Cristina Mazzi
- Department of Infectious Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Verona, Negrar di Valpolicella, Italy
| | - Dora Buonfrate
- Department of Infectious Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Verona, Negrar di Valpolicella, Italy
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Tiberti N, Manfredi M, Piubelli C, Buonfrate D. Progresses and challenges in Strongyloides spp. proteomics. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2024; 379:20220447. [PMID: 38008115 PMCID: PMC10676815 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0447] [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: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The availability of high-quality data of helminth genomes provided over the past two decades has supported and accelerated large-scale 'omics studies and, consequently, the achievement of a more in-depth molecular characterization of a number of pathogens. This has also involved Strongyloides spp. and since their genome was made available transcriptomics has been rather frequently applied to investigate gene expression regulation across their life cycle. Strongyloides proteomics characterization has instead been somehow neglected, with only a few reports performing high-throughput or targeted analyses associated with protein identification by tandem mass spectrometry. Such investigations are however necessary in order to discern important aspects associated with human strongyloidiasis, including understanding parasite biology and the mechanisms of host-parasite interaction, but also to identify novel diagnostic and therapeutic targets. In this review article, we will give an overview of the published proteomics studies investigating strongyloidiasis at different levels, spanning from the characterization of the somatic proteome and excretory/secretory products of different parasite stages to the investigation of potentially immunogenic proteins. Moreover, in the effort to try to start filling the current gap in host-proteomics, we will also present the first serum proteomics analysis in patients suffering from human strongyloidiasis. This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue 'Strongyloides: omics to worm-free populations'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Tiberti
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, 37024 Negrar di Valpolicella (Verona), Italy
| | - Marcello Manfredi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Chiara Piubelli
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, 37024 Negrar di Valpolicella (Verona), Italy
| | - Dora Buonfrate
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, 37024 Negrar di Valpolicella (Verona), Italy
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Buonfrate D, Bradbury RS, Watts MR, Bisoffi Z. Human strongyloidiasis: complexities and pathways forward. Clin Microbiol Rev 2023; 36:e0003323. [PMID: 37937980 PMCID: PMC10732074 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00033-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Strongyloidiasis is a World Health Organization neglected tropical disease usually caused by Strongyloides stercoralis, a parasitic worm with a complex life cycle. Globally, 300-600 million people are infected through contact with fecally contaminated soil. An autoinfective component of the life cycle can lead to chronic infection that may be asymptomatic or cause long-term symptoms, including malnourishment in children. Low larval output can limit the sensitivity of detection in stool, with serology being effective but less sensitive in immunocompromise. Host immunosuppression can trigger catastrophic, fatal hyperinfection/dissemination, where large numbers of larvae pierce the bowel wall and disseminate throughout the organs. Stable disease is effectively treated by single-dose ivermectin, with disease in immunocompromised patients treated with multiple doses. Strategies for management include raising awareness, clarifying zoonotic potential, the development and use of effective diagnostic tests for epidemiological studies and individual diagnosis, and the implementation of treatment programs with research into therapeutic alternatives and medication safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dora Buonfrate
- Department of Infectious Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
| | - Richard S. Bradbury
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Federation University Australia, Berwick, Victoria, Australia
| | - Matthew R. Watts
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research – New South Wales Health Pathology and Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, Westmead Hospital, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Zeno Bisoffi
- Department of Infectious Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
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Boonroumkaew P, Sadaow L, Janwan P, Rodpai R, Sanpool O, Buadee P, Suprom C, Thanchomnang T, Intapan PM, Maleewong W. Improved diagnostic sensitivity of human strongyloidiasis using point-of-care mixed recombinant antigen-based immunochromatography. Parasite 2023; 30:60. [PMID: 38099622 PMCID: PMC10723528 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2023063] [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: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Strongyloidiasis is a neglected tropical disease that can cause fatal complications due to hyperinfection and disseminated strongyloidiasis in immunocompromised patients. We used two Strongyloides stercoralis recombinant antigenic proteins, L3NieAg.01 (NIE) and IgG-immunoreactive antigen (SsIR), to develop the recombinant antigen-based immunochromatography test (ICT) kit. We constructed and compared kits using either the NIE (NIE ICT kit) or the SsIR (SsIR ICT kit) antigens and a kit using a mixture of both (NIE-SsIR ICT kit) for detection of anti-Strongyloides IgG antibody in human serum samples. Serum samples from normal healthy individuals (Group I, n = 40), proven strongyloidiasis patients (Group II, n = 100), and those with other parasitic infections (Group III, n = 154) were evaluated. Sensitivity and specificity were 81.0% and 84.0% for the NIE ICT kit, 89.0% and 83.5% for the SsIR ICT kit, and 95.0% and 90.2% for the NIE-SsIR ICT kit, respectively. The NIE-SsIR ICT kit provided the best diagnostic results; it can supplement stool examination for clinical diagnosis and can be used to screen for asymptomatic S. stercoralis infection in people at risk in endemic areas. The NIE-SsIR ICT kit can also be used in large-scale sero-epidemiological investigations in endemic areas without the need for additional facilities or ancillary supplies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patcharaporn Boonroumkaew
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University 40002 Khon Kaen Thailand
- Mekong Health Science Research Institute, Khon Kaen University 40002 Khon Kaen Thailand
| | - Lakkhana Sadaow
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University 40002 Khon Kaen Thailand
- Mekong Health Science Research Institute, Khon Kaen University 40002 Khon Kaen Thailand
| | - Penchom Janwan
- Mekong Health Science Research Institute, Khon Kaen University 40002 Khon Kaen Thailand
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University 80161 Nakhon Si Thammarat Thailand
- Hematology and Transfusion Science Research Center, Walailak University 80161 Nakhon Si Thammarat Thailand
| | - Rutchanee Rodpai
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University 40002 Khon Kaen Thailand
- Mekong Health Science Research Institute, Khon Kaen University 40002 Khon Kaen Thailand
| | - Oranuch Sanpool
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University 40002 Khon Kaen Thailand
- Mekong Health Science Research Institute, Khon Kaen University 40002 Khon Kaen Thailand
| | - Punyisa Buadee
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University 40002 Khon Kaen Thailand
- Mekong Health Science Research Institute, Khon Kaen University 40002 Khon Kaen Thailand
| | - Chanida Suprom
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University 40002 Khon Kaen Thailand
- Mekong Health Science Research Institute, Khon Kaen University 40002 Khon Kaen Thailand
| | - Tongjit Thanchomnang
- Mekong Health Science Research Institute, Khon Kaen University 40002 Khon Kaen Thailand
- Faculty of Medicine, Mahasarakham University 44000 Maha Sarakham Thailand
| | - Pewpan M. Intapan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University 40002 Khon Kaen Thailand
- Mekong Health Science Research Institute, Khon Kaen University 40002 Khon Kaen Thailand
| | - Wanchai Maleewong
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University 40002 Khon Kaen Thailand
- Mekong Health Science Research Institute, Khon Kaen University 40002 Khon Kaen Thailand
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Wongphutorn P, Worasith C, Kopolrat KY, Homwong C, Sithithaworn J, Eamudomkarn C, Techasen A, Tippayawat P, Pitaksakurat O, Hongsrichan N, Crellen T, Sithithaworn P. Diagnostic performance of Strongyloides-specific IgG4 detection in urine for diagnosis of human strongyloidiasis. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:298. [PMID: 37641157 PMCID: PMC10464225 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05935-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Detection of parasite-specific IgG in urine is a sensitive method for diagnosis of strongyloidiasis and gives similar accuracy to serum IgG. However, there are no data concerning detection of IgG subclass in urine. To further explore the utility of diagnosis from urine samples, we evaluated the diagnostic performance of IgG4 in urine compared with parasitological and other immunological methods. METHODS The urine and sera included proven strongyloidiasis (group 1, n = 93), other parasitic infections (group 2, n = 40) and parasite negatives (group 3, n = 93). The performance of Strongyloides-specific IgG4 in urine for diagnosis of strongyloidiasis using fecal examinations as the reference standard was assessed. RESULTS With fecal examination as a gold standard, Strongyloides-specific IgG4 in urine had 91.4% sensitivity and 93.2% specificity while serum IgG4 had 93.6% sensitivity and 91.0% specificity. IgG4 in both urine and serum had almost perfect diagnostic agreements with fecal examination (Cohen's kappa coefficient was > 0.8). Cross-reactivity to Opisthorchis viverrini and Taenia spp. of IgG4 in urine were 7.5% and 12.5% in serum. Concurrent analyses of total IgG in urine and serum showed that the sensitivities (97.9-100%) and specificities (88.7-91.0%) were similar (P > 0.05). The sensitivity for parasitological examination by the formalin-ethyl acetate concentration technique (FECT) was 49.5% and that for agar plate culture technique (APC) it was 92.6%. CONCLUSION Our findings showed that specific IgG4 detection in urine yielded similar diagnostic performance to the same biomarkers in serum. This suggests that accurate diagnosis of strongyloidiasis can be performed using urine samples and IgG4 is a valid choice of diagnostic marker. Further assessment is required to assess the utility of urine IgG4 for measuring the response treatment in strongyloidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chanika Worasith
- Department of Adult Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Kulthida Y Kopolrat
- Faculty of Public Health, Kasetsart University Chalermphrakiat Sakon Nakhon Province Campus, Sakon Nakhon, Thailand
| | - Chutima Homwong
- Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | | | - Chatanun Eamudomkarn
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Anchalee Techasen
- Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | | | - Opal Pitaksakurat
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Nuttanan Hongsrichan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Thomas Crellen
- School of Biodiversity One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Graham Kerr Building, Glasgow, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, University of Glasgow, Sir Graeme Davies Building, Glasgow, UK
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Paiboon Sithithaworn
- Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.
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Magnaval JF, Fillaux J, Fabre R, Cassaing S, Valentin A, Iriart X, Berry A. Epidemiological, Clinical and Laboratory Features of Strongyloidiasis in 69 Attendees at a French Outpatient Clinic. Pathogens 2023; 12:983. [PMID: 37623943 PMCID: PMC10459160 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12080983] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The present retrospective study analyzed the characteristics of strongyloidiasis in patients who were diagnosed at the Outpatient Clinic of the Department of Parasitology-Mycology, Toulouse, France. Sixty-nine file records were included in the study on the basis of a positive stool examination that used Baermann's method. The prominent epidemiological findings were the presence of former immigrants from Italy or Portugal, veterans from the 1st Indochina war, and autochthonous cases. Almost 1/4 of the patients were asymptomatic. Manifestations of skin allergy were the main clinical feature. Blood eosinophilia was present in 76.8% of the patients, and serum total IgE was ≥150 kIU/L in 79.7%. Immunodiagnosis was achieved from 1990 to 2001 by indirect immunofluorescence (IFAT) that was then replaced with ELISA, both methods using Strongyloides ratti filariform larvae. ELISA was found to be similar to IFAT in terms of specificity but exhibited a greater sensitivity. Patients were primarily treated with albendazole or ivermectin beginning in 1993. Forty-eight patients attended the follow-up consultation. Kinetics of the clinical picture and blood eosinophilia were found to be the most convenient parameters to assess the efficacy of anthelmintic therapy. In conclusion, strongyloidiasis remains a neglected disease in Southwestern France. The resolution of clinical features along with the kinetics of eosinophilia appeared to be the most appropriate parameters to check during the posttreatment follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-François Magnaval
- Service de Parasitologie Médicale, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Toulouse, 31000 Toulouse, France
| | - Judith Fillaux
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Hôpital Purpan, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, TSA 4003, 31059 Toulouse, France
| | - Richard Fabre
- DENDRIS, 335 Rue du Chêne Vert, 31670 Labège, France
| | - Sophie Cassaing
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Hôpital Purpan, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, TSA 4003, 31059 Toulouse, France
- FLAMES/RESTORE (Inserm UMR 1301/CNRS UMR 5070/EFS), Université de Toulouse, 31100 Toulouse, France
| | - Alexis Valentin
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Hôpital Purpan, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, TSA 4003, 31059 Toulouse, France
- PHARMA-DEV (UMR 152), Institut de Recherche Pour le Développement, Université de Toulouse, 31062 Toulouse, France
| | - Xavier Iriart
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Hôpital Purpan, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, TSA 4003, 31059 Toulouse, France
- Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses et Inflammatoires (UMR “Infinity”, Inserm/CNRS/Université de Toulouse III), 31024 Toulouse, France
| | - Antoine Berry
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Hôpital Purpan, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, TSA 4003, 31059 Toulouse, France
- Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses et Inflammatoires (UMR “Infinity”, Inserm/CNRS/Université de Toulouse III), 31024 Toulouse, France
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Chan AHE, Thaenkham U. From past to present: opportunities and trends in the molecular detection and diagnosis of Strongyloides stercoralis. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:123. [PMID: 37041645 PMCID: PMC10088203 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05763-8] [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: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Strongyloides stercoralis is a soil-transmitted helminth that is mainly found in the tropical and subtropical regions and affects approximately 600 million people globally. The medical importance of strongyloidiasis lies in its capacity to remain asymptomatic and chronically unnoticed until the host is immunocompromised. Additionally, in severe strongyloidiasis, hyperinfection syndrome and larva dissemination to various organs can occur. Parasitological techniques such as Baermann-Moraes and agar plate culture to detect larvae in stool samples are the current gold standard. However, the sensitivity might be inadequate, especially with reduced worm burden. Complementing parasitological techniques, immunological techniques including immunoblot and immunosorbent assays are employed, with higher sensitivity. However, cross-reactivity to other parasites may occur, hampering the assay's specificity. Recently, advances in molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction and next-generation sequencing technology have provided the opportunity to detect parasite DNA in stool, blood, and environmental samples. Molecular techniques, known for their high sensitivity and specificity, have the potential to circumvent some of the challenges associated with chronicity and intermittent larval output for increased detection. Here, as S. stercoralis was recently included by the World Health Organization as another soil-transmitted helminth targeted for control from 2021 to 2030, we aimed to present a review of the current molecular techniques for detecting and diagnosing S. stercoralis in a bid to consolidate the molecular studies that have been performed. Upcoming molecular trends, especially next-generation sequencing technologies, are also discussed to increase the awareness of its potential for diagnosis and detection. Improved and novel detection methods can aid in making accurate and informed choices, especially in this era where infectious and non-infectious diseases are increasingly commonplace.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Urusa Thaenkham
- Department of Helminthology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Tamarozzi F, Guevara ÁG, Anselmi M, Vicuña Y, Prandi R, Marquez M, Vivero S, Robinzón Huerlo F, Racines M, Mazzi C, Denwood M, Buonfrate D. Accuracy, acceptability, and feasibility of diagnostic tests for the screening of Strongyloides stercoralis in the field (ESTRELLA): a cross-sectional study in Ecuador. Lancet Glob Health 2023; 11:e740-e748. [PMID: 36972722 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(23)00108-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND WHO recommends the implementation of control programmes for strongyloidiasis, a neglected tropical disease caused by Strongyloides stercoralis. Specific recommendations on the diagnostic test or tests to be used for such programmes have yet to be defined. The primary objective of this study was to estimate the accuracy of five tests for strongyloidiasis. Secondary objectives were to evaluate acceptability and feasibility of use in an endemic area. METHODS The ESTRELLA study was a cross-sectional study for which we enrolled school-age children living in remote villages of Ecuador. Recruitment took place in two periods (Sept 9-19, 2021, and April 18-June 11, 2022). Children supplied one fresh stool sample and underwent blood collection via finger prick. Faecal tests were a modified Baermann method and an in-house real-time PCR test. Antibody assays were a recombinant antigen rapid diagnostic test; a crude antigen-based ELISA (Bordier ELISA); and an ELISA based on two recombinant antigens (Strongy Detect ELISA). A Bayesian latent class model was used to analyse the data. FINDINGS 778 children were enrolled in the study and provided the required samples. Strongy Detect ELISA had the highest sensitivity at 83·5% (95% credible interval 73·8-91·8), while Bordier ELISA had the highest specificity (100%, 99·8-100). Bordier ELISA plus either PCR or Baermann had the best performance in terms of positive and negative predictive values. The procedures were well accepted by the target population. However, study staff found the Baermann method cumbersome and time-consuming and were concerned about the amount of plastic waste produced. INTERPRETATION The combination of Bordier ELISA with either faecal test performed best in this study. Practical aspects (including costs, logistics, and local expertise) should, however, also be taken into consideration when selecting tests in different contexts. Acceptability might differ in other settings. FUNDING Italian Ministry of Health. TRANSLATION For the Spanish translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Tamarozzi
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, Verona, Italy
| | - Ángel G Guevara
- Instituto de Investigación en Biomedicina, carrera de Medicina, Universidad Central del Ecuador (UCE), Quito, Ecuador
| | - Mariella Anselmi
- Centro de Epidemiologia Comunitaria y Medicina Tropical (CECOMET), Esmeraldas, Ecuador
| | - Yosselin Vicuña
- Instituto de Investigación en Biomedicina, carrera de Medicina, Universidad Central del Ecuador (UCE), Quito, Ecuador
| | - Rosanna Prandi
- Centro de Epidemiologia Comunitaria y Medicina Tropical (CECOMET), Esmeraldas, Ecuador
| | - Monica Marquez
- Centro de Epidemiologia Comunitaria y Medicina Tropical (CECOMET), Esmeraldas, Ecuador
| | - Sandra Vivero
- Instituto de Investigación en Biomedicina, carrera de Medicina, Universidad Central del Ecuador (UCE), Quito, Ecuador
| | | | - Marcia Racines
- Instituto de Investigación en Biomedicina, carrera de Medicina, Universidad Central del Ecuador (UCE), Quito, Ecuador
| | - Cristina Mazzi
- Clinical Research Unit, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, Verona, Italy
| | - Matthew Denwood
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Dora Buonfrate
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, Verona, Italy.
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Dishnica K, Piubelli C, Manfredi M, Kondaveeti RT, Longoni SS, Degani M, Buonfrate D, Giorgetti A, Tiberti N. Novel insights into the somatic proteome of Strongyloides stercoralis infective third-stage larvae. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:45. [PMID: 36721249 PMCID: PMC9890704 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05675-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Strongyloidiasis is a neglected tropical disease affecting an estimated 600 million people, particularly in resource-limited settings. The infection can persist lifelong due to unusual auto-infective cycle of Strongyloides stercoralis. The lack of a diagnostic gold standard and limited knowledge of the mechanisms underpinning this chronic infection are key issues in disease management. To date, only a few proteomics studies have been conducted to elucidate the molecular mechanisms associated with Strongyloides parasitism or to highlight novel immunological markers, with the result that our knowledge of S. stercoralis proteome remains limited. This study aims at expanding the characterization of S. stercoralis infective larvae (iL3) in order to further explore the mechanisms of parasitism and to highlight possible novel targets for serodiagnosis. METHODS iL3 obtained from an infected subject were analysed by high-throughput tandem mass spectrometry. To achieve a more comprehensive characterization of the iL3 proteome we analysed the experimental dataset using an automatic search strategy combined with manual annotation, which included gene ontology (GO) analysis, InterPro annotation, assessment of the homology with Homo sapiens and other pathogens of clinical importance and B-cell epitope prediction. RESULTS Our pipeline identified 430 S. stercoralis proteins, 187 (43%) of which were uncharacterized. Oxidoreductases and peptidases were amongst the most represented protein categories, as highlighted by molecular function GO analyses, while membrane and mitochondrial proteins were the most represented cellular component GO categories. A high proportion of proteins bearing the CAP, SCP or thioredoxin domain or belonging to cysteine-rich secretory, transthyretin-like or peptidase protein families were also identified. Additionally, we highlighted nine proteins displaying low homology with H. sapiens or other related pathogens and bearing amino acid sequences with immunogenic properties. CONCLUSIONS Our comprehensive description and annotation of the S. stercoralis iL3 proteome contribute to expanding the 'omics characterization of this parasite and provide experimental evidence on the most represented proteins associated with S. stercoralis parasitism, as inferred from genomic and transcriptomic data. Moreover, novel candidate immunogenic proteins to be evaluated as novel serological diagnostic markers are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klevia Dishnica
- grid.5611.30000 0004 1763 1124Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Chiara Piubelli
- grid.416422.70000 0004 1760 2489Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar Di Valpolicella, Italy
| | - Marcello Manfredi
- grid.16563.370000000121663741Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Ravi Teja Kondaveeti
- grid.416422.70000 0004 1760 2489Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar Di Valpolicella, Italy
| | - Silvia Stefania Longoni
- grid.416422.70000 0004 1760 2489Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar Di Valpolicella, Italy
| | - Monica Degani
- grid.416422.70000 0004 1760 2489Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar Di Valpolicella, Italy
| | - Dora Buonfrate
- grid.416422.70000 0004 1760 2489Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar Di Valpolicella, Italy
| | - Alejandro Giorgetti
- grid.5611.30000 0004 1763 1124Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Natalia Tiberti
- grid.416422.70000 0004 1760 2489Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar Di Valpolicella, Italy
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