1
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Rodrigues DC, de Oliveira da Cunha CN, Mattos GT, Martins LHR, Nogueira TCM, de Souza MVN, da Costa de Avila LF, Ramos DF, Scaini CJ. Larvicidal activity of coumarin derivatives on Toxocara canis larvae, cytotoxicity analysis, and in silico bioavailability studies. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:246. [PMID: 38896311 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08272-4] [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: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Human toxocariasis is a neglected anthropozoonosis with global distribution. Treatment is based on the administration of anthelmintics; however, their effectiveness at the tissue level is low to moderate, necessitating the discovery of new drug candidates. Several groups of synthetic compounds, including coumarin derivatives, have demonstrated bioactivity against fungi, bacteria, and even parasites, such as Dactylogyrus intermedius, Leishmania major, and Plasmodium falciparum. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ten coumarin-derived compounds against Toxocara canis larvae using in vitro, cytotoxicity, and in silico tests for selecting new drug candidates for preclinical tests aimed at evaluating the treatment of visceral toxocariasis. The compounds were tested in vitro in duplicate at a concentration of 1 mg/mL, and compounds with larvicidal activity were serially diluted to obtain concentrations of 0.5 mg/mL; 0.25 mg/mL; 0.125 mg/mL; and 0.05 mg/mL. The tests were performed in a microculture plate containing 100 T. canis larvae in RPMI-1640 medium. One compound (COU 9) was selected for cytotoxicity analysis using J774.A1 murine macrophages and it was found to be non-cytotoxic at any concentration tested. The in silico analysis was performed using computational models; the compound presented adequate results of oral bioavailability. To confirm the non-viability of the larvae, the contents of the microplate wells of COU 9 were inoculated intraperitoneally (IP) into female Swiss mice at 7-8 weeks of age. This confirmed the larvicidal activity of this compound. These results show that COU 9 exhibited larvicidal activity against T. canis larvae, which, after exposure to the compound, were non-viable, and that COU 9 inhibited infection in a murine model. In addition, COU 9 did not exhibit cytotoxicity and presented adequate bioavailability in silico, similar to albendazole, an anthelmintic, which is the first choice for treatment of human toxocariasis, supporting the potential for future investigations and preclinical tests on COU 9.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gabriela Torres Mattos
- Parasitology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande, Rio Grande, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Daniela Fernandes Ramos
- New Drug Development Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande, Rio Grande, Brazil
| | - Carlos James Scaini
- Parasitology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande, Rio Grande, Brazil
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2
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Netto de Oliveira da Cunha C, Rodeghiero Collares S, Carvalho Rodrigues D, Walcher DL, Quintana de Moura M, Rodrigues Martins LH, Baracy Klafke G, de Oliveira Arias JL, Carapelli R, do Santos Espinelli Junior JB, Scaini CJ, Farias da Costa de Avila L. The larvicidal effect of the supernatant of Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 4356 on Toxocara canis. Exp Parasitol 2024; 258:108720. [PMID: 38367945 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108720] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Human toxocariasis is a parasitic anthropozoonosis that is difficult to treat and control. A previous study carried out with Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 4356 revealed that the cell free supernatant (CFS) of this probiotic killed 100% of Toxocara canis larvae in vitro. The present study aimed to investigate the characteristics of the CFS of L. acidophilus ATCC 4356, which may be involved in its larvicidal effects on T. canis. L. acidophilus ATCC 4356 was cultured, and lactic and acetic acids present in the CFS were quantified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The levels of pH and H2O2 were also analyzed. To assess the larvicidal effect of the CFS, this was tested pure and diluted (1:2 to 1:128) on T. canis larvae. High concentrations of lactic and acetic acids were detected in the CFS. The acidity of the pure CFS was observed at pH 3.8, remaining acidic at dilutions of 1:2 to 1:16. Regarding the in vitro larvicidal effect, 100% death of T. canis larvae was observed using the pure CFS and 1:2 dilution. Based on these results, it can be inferred that the presence of higher concentrations of organic acids and low pH of the medium contributed to the larvicidal activity of the CFS of L. acidophilus ATCC 4356. In addition, the maintenance of the larvicidal effect, even after dilution, suggests a greater chance of the larvicidal effect of this CFS against T. canis in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Netto de Oliveira da Cunha
- Faculty of Medicine (FAMED)/Parasitology Laboratory, Federal University of Rio Grande, General Osório, S/N, CEP 96200-190, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil.
| | | | - Débora Carvalho Rodrigues
- Faculty of Medicine (FAMED)/Parasitology Laboratory, Federal University of Rio Grande, General Osório, S/N, CEP 96200-190, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Débora Liliane Walcher
- Faculty of Medicine (FAMED)/Parasitology Laboratory, Federal University of Rio Grande, General Osório, S/N, CEP 96200-190, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Micaele Quintana de Moura
- Faculty of Medicine (FAMED)/Parasitology Laboratory, Federal University of Rio Grande, General Osório, S/N, CEP 96200-190, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Lourdes Helena Rodrigues Martins
- Faculty of Medicine (FAMED)/Parasitology Laboratory, Federal University of Rio Grande, General Osório, S/N, CEP 96200-190, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Baracy Klafke
- Faculty of Medicine (FAMED)/Parasitology Laboratory, Federal University of Rio Grande, General Osório, S/N, CEP 96200-190, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Jean Lucas de Oliveira Arias
- Integrated Analysis Center, School of Chemistry and Food, Federal University of Rio Grande, Av. Italia, Km 6 - Campus Carreiros, CEP 96203-900, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Rodolfo Carapelli
- School of Chemistry and Food, Federal University of Rio Grande, Avenida Itália, Km 08 - Campus Carreiros, CEP 96.203-900, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - João Batista do Santos Espinelli Junior
- School of Chemistry and Food, Federal University of Rio Grande, Avenida Itália, Km 08 - Campus Carreiros, CEP 96.203-900, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Carlos James Scaini
- Faculty of Medicine (FAMED)/Parasitology Laboratory, Federal University of Rio Grande, General Osório, S/N, CEP 96200-190, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Luciana Farias da Costa de Avila
- Faculty of Medicine (FAMED)/Parasitology Laboratory, Federal University of Rio Grande, General Osório, S/N, CEP 96200-190, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
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3
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Walcher DL, de Sousa NFGC, Rocha LS, Mattos GT, Klafke GB, Scaini JLR, Berne MEA, Avila LFC, Scaini CJ. LARVICIDE ACTIVITY OF LACTOBACILLUS SPP. AND SACCHAROMYCES BOULARDII SUPERNATANTS ON TOXOCARA CANIS. J Parasitol 2023; 109:15-19. [PMID: 36805241 DOI: 10.1645/20-161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Experimental studies have demonstrated the potential of probiotics to control visceral toxocariasis, which is a tissue parasitosis that is difficult to treat. This study evaluated the in vitro activity of probiotics and their supernatants on Toxocara canis larvae. The probiotics Lactobacillus rhamnosus (ATCC 7469), Lactobacillus paracasei (ATCC 335), Saccharomyces boulardii, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Bacillus cereus var. toyoi were tested in the following preparations: probiotic (P) 1 × 102 to 1 × 109 colony-forming units (CFUs), inactivated probiotic (IP) 1 × 102 to 1 × 109 CFUs, supernatant probiotic (SUpP), and inactivated probiotic supernatant (SupIP). The probiotics and their respective supernatants were separately incubated with 100 T. canis larvae per well using microculture plates with RPMI-1640 medium for 48 hr at 37 C and 5% CO2. The evaluation of the in vitro tests was based on the viability of T. canis larvae, through morphologic integrity, positive motility, and the absence of trypan blue stain. Only culture supernatants (SUpP and SUpIP) of Lactobacillus spp. resulted in 100% dead larvae, whereas S. boulardii showed larvicidal activity in T. canis >70%. The rest of the tests did not show larvicide activity. Therefore, it is important to investigate the supernatant effects of Lactobacillus spp. and S. boulardii in vivo on T. canis visceral infections, their mechanisms of action, and major metabolites involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- D L Walcher
- Post-Graduate Program in Parasitology, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel), Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil 96203900
| | - N F G C de Sousa
- Graduate Program in Medicine-School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil 96203900
| | - L S Rocha
- Graduate Program in Medicine-School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil 96203900
| | - G T Mattos
- Post-Graduate Program in Health Sciences-Parasitology Laboratory, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Academic Area of the University Hospital-FURG, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil 96203900
| | - G B Klafke
- Parasitology Laboratory, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Academic Area of the University Hospital-FURG, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil 96203900
| | - J L R Scaini
- Post-Graduate Program in Health Sciences-Parasitology Laboratory, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Academic Area of the University Hospital-FURG, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil 96203900
| | - M E A Berne
- Post-Graduate Program in Parasitology, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel), Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil 96203900
| | - L F C Avila
- Post-Graduate Program in Health Sciences-Parasitology Laboratory, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Academic Area of the University Hospital-FURG, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil 96203900
| | - C J Scaini
- Post-Graduate Program in Health Sciences-Parasitology Laboratory, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Academic Area of the University Hospital-FURG, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil 96203900
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4
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Saracino MP, Vila CC, Baldi PC, González Maglio DH. Searching for the one(s): Using Probiotics as Anthelmintic Treatments. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:714198. [PMID: 34434110 PMCID: PMC8381770 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.714198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Helminths are a major health concern as over one billion people are infected worldwide and, despite the multiple efforts made, there is still no effective human vaccine against them. The most important drugs used nowadays to control helminth infections belong to the benzimidazoles, imidazothiazoles (levamisole) and macrocyclic lactones (avermectins and milbemycins) families. However, in the last 20 years, many publications have revealed increasing anthelmintic resistance in livestock which is both an economical and a potential health problem, even though very few have reported similar findings in human populations. To deal with this worrying limitation of anthelmintic drugs, alternative treatments based on plant extracts or probiotics have been developed. Probiotics are defined by the Food and Agriculture Organization as live microorganisms, which, when consumed in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit to the host. It has been proven that probiotic microbes have the ability to exert an immunomodulatory effect both at the mucosa and the systemic level. The immune response against gastrointestinal helminths is characterized as a type 2 response, with high IgE levels, increased numbers and/or activity of Th2 cells, type 2 innate lymphoid cells, eosinophils, basophils, mast cells, and alternatively activated macrophages. The oral administration of probiotics may contribute to controlling gastrointestinal helminth infections since it has been demonstrated that these microorganisms stimulate dendritic cells to elicit a type 2 or regulatory immune response, among other effects on the host immune system. Here we review the current knowledge about the use of probiotic bacteria as anthelmintic therapy or as a complement to traditional anthelmintic treatments. Considering all research papers reviewed, we may conclude that the effect generated by probiotics on helminth infection depends not only on the parasite species, their stage and localization but also on the administration scheme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Priscila Saracino
- Cátedra de Inmunología, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral (IDEHU), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Cecilia Celeste Vila
- Cátedra de Inmunología, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral (IDEHU), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pablo César Baldi
- Cátedra de Inmunología, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral (IDEHU), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Daniel Horacio González Maglio
- Cátedra de Inmunología, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral (IDEHU), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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5
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Chieffi PP, Zevallos Lescano SA, Rodrigues E Fonseca G, Dos Santos SV. Human Toxocariasis: 2010 to 2020 Contributions from Brazilian Researchers. Res Rep Trop Med 2021; 12:81-91. [PMID: 34040480 PMCID: PMC8141392 DOI: 10.2147/rrtm.s274733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
This is a review of the published contributions made by Brazilian researchers between 2010 and 2020 on the natural history of human toxocariasis and the effects of human toxocariasis on nonhuman paratenic hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Paulo Chieffi
- Department of Pathological Sciences, Santa Casa Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Gabriela Rodrigues E Fonseca
- Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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6
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Cadore PS, Walcher DL, Sousa NFGCD, Martins LHR, Hora VPD, Groll AV, Moura MQD, Berne MEA, Avila LFDCD, Scaini CJ. Protective effect of the probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 4356 in BALB/c mice infected with Toxocara canis. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2021; 63:e9. [PMID: 33533812 PMCID: PMC7845935 DOI: 10.1590/s1678-9946202163009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Human toxocariasis consists of chronic tissue parasitosis that is difficult to treat and control. This study aimed to evaluate the action of the probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 4356 on larvae of Toxocara canis and the effect of IFN-γ cytokine on parasite-host in vivo (1.109 CFU) and in vitro (1.106, 1.107, 1.108, 1.109 CFU) interactions. Four groups of six BALB/c mice were formed: G1 - L. acidophilus supplementation and T. canis infection; G2 - T. canis infection; G3 - L. acidophilus supplementation; and G4 - PBS administration. Mice were intragastrically suplemented with probiotics for 15 days before inoculation and 48 h after inoculation with 100 T. canis eggs. The inoculation of T. canis was also perfomed intragastrically. The recovery of larvae took place through digestion of liver and lung tissues; the evaluation of IFN-γ gene transcription in leukocytes was performed by qPCR. The in vitro test consisted of incubating the probiotic with T. canis larvae. The supplementation of probiotics produced a reduction of 57.7% (p = 0.025) in the intensity of infection of T. canis larvae in mice, whereas in the in vitro test, there was no larvicidal effect. In addition, a decrease in the IFN-γ gene transcription was observed in both, T. canis-infected and uninfected mice, regardless of whether or not they received supplementation. The probiotic L. acidophilus ATCC 4356 reduced T. canis infection intensity in mice, however, the probiotic did not have a direct effect on larvae, demonstrating the need of interaction with the host for the beneficial effect of the probiotic to occur. Yet, the proinflammatory cytokine IFN-γ did not apparently contributed to the observed beneficial effect of probiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila Silva Cadore
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Área Acadêmica do Hospital Universitário, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Laboratório de Parasitologia, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Débora Liliane Walcher
- Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Parasitologia, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | | | - Lourdes Helena Rodrigues Martins
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Área Acadêmica do Hospital Universitário, Laboratório de Parasitologia, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Vanusa Pousada da Hora
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Área Acadêmica do Hospital Universitário, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Laboratório de Parasitologia, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Andrea Von Groll
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Área Acadêmica do Hospital Universitário, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Laboratório de Parasitologia, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Micaele Quintana de Moura
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Área Acadêmica do Hospital Universitário, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Laboratório de Parasitologia, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Maria Elisabeth Aires Berne
- Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Parasitologia, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Luciana Farias da Costa de Avila
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Área Acadêmica do Hospital Universitário, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Laboratório de Parasitologia, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Carlos James Scaini
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Área Acadêmica do Hospital Universitário, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Laboratório de Parasitologia, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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7
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Reda AA. Probiotics for the Control of Helminth Zoonosis. J Vet Med 2018; 2018:4178986. [PMID: 29666821 PMCID: PMC5831688 DOI: 10.1155/2018/4178986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 12/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper is a comprehensive, concise, and an up to date review about probiotics effect and mechanisms against helminth infections of zoonotic importance. Zoonoses are diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans in a reversible way. Despite zoonotic helminth diseases being still a challenge to the public health and the agriculture industries globally, they were still neglected in both human and veterinary medicine. Moreover, the increasing emergence of anthelmintic drug resistance constitutes failures of most disease control strategies, alarming for a quest to new alternative control approaches. Consequently, the use of beneficial microorganisms, probiotics, is becoming interesting for its prophylactic or therapeutic application against several diseases including helminths. Recent studies on probiotics against parasites and the interactions between bacteria, parasites, and the immune system in the gut draw much attention. However, the effects of these beneficial microorganisms in helminth infections remain largely unexplored. Therefore, the aim of the present review is to raise attention and to summarize recent findings on probiotics research against helminth parasites of zoonotic significance. State-of-the-art research on beneficial effects of bacteria on helminth infections and their proposed mechanisms of action is thoroughly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abadi Amare Reda
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Wollo University, P.O. Box 1145, Dessie, Ethiopia
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8
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Lactobacillus rhamnosus reduces parasite load on Toxocara canis experimental infection in mice, but has no effect on the parasite in vitro. Parasitol Res 2017; 117:597-602. [PMID: 29243027 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-017-5712-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Human toxocariasis is a neglected global parasitic zoonosis. The efficacy of drug treatment for this disease has been hindered by the biological complexity of the main etiological agent, the nematode Toxocara canis. Experimental studies have shown the potential of probiotics to promote a reduction in the parasite load of T. canis larvae. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus ATCC 7469 on the parasite load of BALB/c mice with acute toxocariasis and evaluate the direct effect of this probiotic on T. canis larvae in vitro. In vivo administration of probiotics reduced the parasite load of T. canis larvae by 53.3% (p = 0.0018) during the early stage of infection in mice. However, when analyzed in vitro, it was observed that the probiotic did not present a deleterious effect on the larvae, as approximately 90% of these remained viable. These results demonstrate the potential of the probiotic L. rhamnosus in the reduction of T. canis larvae in BALB/c mice and suggest it could be used as an alternative means for the controlling of visceral toxocariasis. However, further studies are required to elucidate the mechanisms of action promoted by this probiotic.
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9
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Jõgi NO, Svanes C, Siiak SP, Logan E, Holloway JW, Igland J, Johannessen A, Levin M, Real FG, Schlunssen V, Horsnell WGC, Bertelsen RJ. Zoonotic helminth exposure and risk of allergic diseases: A study of two generations in Norway. Clin Exp Allergy 2017; 48:66-77. [PMID: 29117468 DOI: 10.1111/cea.13055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Revised: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Animal and human studies indicate that definitive host helminth infections may confer protection from allergies. However, zoonotic helminths, such as Toxocara species (spp.), have been associated with increased allergies. OBJECTIVE We describe the prevalence of Toxocara spp. and Ascaris spp. seropositivity and associations with allergic diseases and sensitization, in 2 generations in Bergen, Norway. METHODS Serum levels of total IgG4, anti-Toxocara spp. IgG4 and Ascaris spp. IgG4 were established by ELISA in 2 cohorts: parents born 1945-1972 (n = 171) and their offspring born 1969-2003 (n = 264). Allergic outcomes and covariates were recorded through interviews and clinical examinations including serum IgEs and skin prick tests. RESULTS Anti-Ascaris spp. IgG4 was detected in 29.2% of parents and 10.3% of offspring, and anti-Toxocara spp. IgG4 in 17.5% and 8.0% of parents and offspring, respectively. Among offspring, anti-Toxocara spp. IgG4 was associated with pet keeping before age 15 (OR = 6.15; 95% CI = 1.37-27.5) and increasing BMI (1.16[1.06-1.25] per kg/m2 ). Toxocara spp. seropositivity was associated with wheeze (2.97[1.45- 7.76]), hayfever (4.03[1.63-9.95]), eczema (2.89[1.08-7.76]) and cat sensitization (5.65[1.92-16.6]) among offspring, but was not associated with allergic outcomes among parents. Adjustment for childhood or current pet keeping did not alter associations with allergies. Parental Toxocara spp. seropositivity was associated with increased offspring allergies following a sex-specific pattern. CONCLUSIONS & CLINICAL RELEVANCE Zoonotic helminth exposure in Norway was less frequent in offspring than parents; however, Toxocara spp. seropositivity was associated with increased risk of allergic manifestations in the offspring generation, but not among parents. Changes in response to helminth exposure may provide insights into the increase in allergy incidence in affluent countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- N O Jõgi
- University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.,Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - C Svanes
- Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Occupational Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - E Logan
- University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - J W Holloway
- Human Development & Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - J Igland
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - A Johannessen
- Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - M Levin
- University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - F G Real
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - V Schlunssen
- Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - W G C Horsnell
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine/Division of Immunology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Institute of Microbiology and Infection, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,Laboratory of Molecular and Experimental Immunology and Neurogenetics, UMR 7355, CNRS-University of Orleans and Le Studium Institute for Advanced Studies, Orléans, France
| | - R J Bertelsen
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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10
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Evaluation of the transcription of interleukin-12 in the intestinal mucosa of mice subjected to experimental toxocariasis and supplemented with Saccharomyces boulardii. Vet Parasitol 2017; 242:59-62. [PMID: 28606326 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Revised: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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11
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Mattos GT, Santos PCD, Telmo PDL, Berne MEA, Scaini CJ. Human Toxocariasis: Prevalence and Factors Associated with Biosafety in Research Laboratories. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2016; 95:1428-1431. [PMID: 27698276 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.16-0196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 08/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Human toxocariasis is a neglected parasitic disease worldwide. Researchers studying this disease use infectious strains of Toxocara for experiments. Health workers are at risk in the course of their daily routine and must adhere to biosafety standards while carrying out the activities. Researchers on biosafety concerning working with these parasites are insufficient. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of seroprevalence of Toxocara species among health-care research laboratory workers (professors, technicians, and students), and to investigate the risk factors of Toxocara infection associated with laboratory practices. This cross-sectional study involved 74 researchers at two federal universities in southern Brazil from February 2014 to February 2015; 29 researchers manipulated infective strains of Toxocara canis (test group) and 45 did not (control group). Serum samples were examined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Epidemiological data were obtained via a questionnaire containing information about laboratory routine, eating behavior, and contact with dogs. The seroprevalence of anti-T. canis IgG was 14.9% (11/74; 13.8% [4/29] in the test group and 15.6% [7/45] in the control group). Most individuals in the test group correctly understood the primary mode of infection; however, 13.8% did not use gloves while manipulating T. canis eggs. Knowledge of biosafety must be well understood by health-care professionals doing laboratory work with biological agents. To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the rate of seroprevalence of IgG against Toxocara spp. among professionals and students who handle infective forms of the nematode T. canis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Torres Mattos
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine (FAMED), Area Interdisciplinary Biomedical Sciences (AICB), Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
| | - Paula Costa Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine (FAMED), Area Interdisciplinary Biomedical Sciences (AICB), Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Paula de Lima Telmo
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine (FAMED), Area Interdisciplinary Biomedical Sciences (AICB), Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Maria Elisabeth Aires Berne
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Carlos James Scaini
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine (FAMED), Area Interdisciplinary Biomedical Sciences (AICB), Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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de Avila LFDC, de Leon PMM, de Moura MQ, Berne MEA, Scaini CJ, Leivas Leite FP. Modulation of IL-12 and IFNγ by probiotic supplementation promotes protection againstToxocara canisinfection in mice. Parasite Immunol 2016; 38:326-30. [DOI: 10.1111/pim.12314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Accepted: 03/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L. F. d. C. de Avila
- Post-Graduate Program in Parasitology; Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel); Pelotas Brazil
| | - P. M. M. de Leon
- Center for Technological Development - Biotechnology; UFPel; Pelotas Brazil
| | - M. Q. de Moura
- Post-Graduate Program in Parasitology; Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel); Pelotas Brazil
| | - M. E. A. Berne
- Post-Graduate Program in Parasitology; Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel); Pelotas Brazil
| | - C. J. Scaini
- Post-Graduate Program in Health Science; Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG); Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul Brazil
| | - F. P. Leivas Leite
- Post-Graduate Program in Parasitology; Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel); Pelotas Brazil
- Center for Technological Development - Biotechnology; UFPel; Pelotas Brazil
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Human toxocariasis: current advances in diagnostics, treatment, and interventions. Trends Parasitol 2014; 30:456-64. [PMID: 25089038 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2014.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2014] [Revised: 07/10/2014] [Accepted: 07/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Toxocariasis is a neglected zoonosis caused by the nematodes Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati. This disease is widespread in many countries, reaching high prevalence independently of the economic conditions. However, the true number of cases of toxocariasis is likely to be underestimated owing to the lack of adequate surveillance programs. Although some diagnostic tests are available, their sensitivity and specificity need to be improved. In addition, treatment options for toxocariasis are limited and are non-specific. Toxocariasis is listed as one of the five most important neglected diseases by the CDC. This review presents recent advances related to the control of toxocariasis, including new immunodiagnostics, therapies, and drug formulations, as well as novel interventions using DNA vaccines, immunomodulators, and probiotics.
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