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Mesquita SG, Gadd G, Coelho FS, Cieplinski A, Emery A, Lugli EB, Simões TC, Fonseca CT, Caldeira RL, Webster B. Laboratory and field validation of the recombinase polymerase amplification assay targeting the Schistosoma mansoni mitochondrial minisatellite region (SmMIT-RPA) for snail xenomonitoring for schistosomiasis. Int J Parasitol 2024; 54:247-256. [PMID: 38311021 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2024.01.005] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Improvements in diagnostics for schistosomiasis in both humans and snail hosts are priorities to be able to reach the World Health Organization (WHO) goal of eliminating the disease as a public health problem by 2030. In this context, molecular isothermal amplification tests, such as Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA), are promising for use in endemic areas at the point-of-need for their accuracy, robustness, simplicity, and time-effectiveness. The developed recombinase polymerase amplification assay targeting the Schistosoma mansoni mitochondrial minisatellite region (SmMIT-RPA) was used to detect S. mansoni DNA from both laboratory and field Biomphalaria snails. Laboratory snails were experimentally infected and used at one, seven, and 28 days post-exposure (dpe) to 10 S. mansoni miracidia to provide samples in the early pre-patent infection stage. Field samples of Biomphalaria spp. were collected from the Mucuri Valley and Jequitinhonha Valley regions in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, which are endemic for S. mansoni. The sensitivity and specificity of the SmMIT-RPA assay were analysed and compared with existing loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), PCR-based methods, parasitological examination of the snails, and nucleotide sequencing. The SmMIT-RPA assay was able to detect S. mansoni DNA in the experimentally infected Biomphalaria glabrata as early as one dpe to 10 miracidia. It also detected S. mansoni infections (55.5% prevalence) in the field samples with the highest accuracy (100% sensitivity and specificity) compared with the other molecular tests used as the reference. Results from this study indicate that the SmMIT-RPA assay is a good alternative test to be used for snail xenomonitoring of S. mansoni due to its high sensitivity, accuracy, and the possibility of detecting early pre-patent infection. Its simplicity and portability also make it a suitable methodology in low-resource settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Gonçalves Mesquita
- Department of Science, Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom; Grupo de Pesquisa em Helmintologia e Malacologia Médica, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil.
| | - Grace Gadd
- Department of Science, Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom; Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Fernanda Sales Coelho
- Department of Science, Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom; Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Adam Cieplinski
- Department of Science, Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
| | - Aidan Emery
- Department of Science, Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Taynãna César Simões
- Núcleo de Estudos em Saúde Pública e Envelhecimento, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil
| | - Cristina Toscano Fonseca
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Biologia e Imunologia Parasitária, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil
| | - Roberta Lima Caldeira
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Helmintologia e Malacologia Médica, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil
| | - Bonnie Webster
- Department of Science, Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom.
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Hammoud C, Mulero S, Van Bocxlaer B, Boissier J, Verschuren D, Albrecht C, Huyse T. Simultaneous genotyping of snails and infecting trematode parasites using high-throughput amplicon sequencing. Mol Ecol Resour 2021; 22:567-586. [PMID: 34435445 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Several methodological issues currently hamper the study of entire trematode communities within populations of their intermediate snail hosts. Here we develop a new workflow using high-throughput amplicon sequencing to simultaneously genotype snail hosts and their infecting trematode parasites. We designed primers to amplify four snail and five trematode markers in a single multiplex PCR. While also applicable to other genera, we focused on medically and economically important snail genera within the superorder Hygrophila and targeted a broad taxonomic range of parasites within the class Trematoda. We tested the workflow using 417 Biomphalaria glabrata specimens experimentally infected with Schistosoma rodhaini, two strains of Schistosoma mansoni and combinations thereof. We evaluated the reliability of infection diagnostics, the robustness of the workflow, its specificity related to host and parasite identification, and the sensitivity to detect co-infections, immature infections and changes of parasite biomass during the infection process. Finally, we investigated its applicability in wild-caught snails of other genera naturally infected with a diverse range of trematodes. After stringent quality control the workflow allows the identification of snails to species level, and of trematodes to taxonomic levels ranging from family to strain. It is sensitive to detect immature infections and changes in parasite biomass described in previous experimental studies. Co-infections were successfully identified, opening the possibility to examine parasite-parasite interactions such as interspecific competition. Together, these results demonstrate that our workflow provides a powerful tool to analyse the processes shaping trematode communities within natural snail populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyril Hammoud
- Limnology Unit, Department of Biology, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium.,Department of Biology, Royal Museum for Central Africa, Tervuren, Belgium
| | - Stephen Mulero
- IHPE, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, Univ. Perpignan Via Domitia, IFREMER, Perpignan, France
| | - Bert Van Bocxlaer
- Limnology Unit, Department of Biology, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium.,Univ. Lille, UMR 8198 Evo-Eco-Paleo, CNRS, Lille, France
| | - Jérôme Boissier
- IHPE, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, Univ. Perpignan Via Domitia, IFREMER, Perpignan, France
| | - Dirk Verschuren
- Limnology Unit, Department of Biology, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Christian Albrecht
- Systematics & Biodiversity Lab, Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Tine Huyse
- Department of Biology, Royal Museum for Central Africa, Tervuren, Belgium.,Laboratory of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Genomics, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Mesquita SG, Neves FGDS, Scholte RGC, Carvalho ODS, Fonseca CT, Caldeira RL. A loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay for Schistosoma mansoni detection in Biomphalaria spp. from schistosomiasis-endemic areas in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:388. [PMID: 34362440 PMCID: PMC8343921 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04888-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosomiasis a neglected tropical disease endemic in Brazil. It is caused by the trematode Schistosoma mansoni, which is transmitted by snails of the genus Biomphalaria. Among measures used to control and eliminate schistosomiasis, accurate mapping and monitoring of snail breeding sites are recommended. Despite the limitations of parasitological methods, they are still used to identify infected snails. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is a sensitive, rapid, and cost-effective diagnostic method for the identification of infected snails. In the work reported here, we aimed to validate the use of LAMP for the detection of S. mansoni in snails of the genus Biomphalaria. METHODS Snails were collected in five municipalities of the Mucuri Valley and Jequitinhonha Valley regions in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Snails were pooled according to collection site and then squeezed for the detection of S. mansoni and other trematode larvae. Pooled snails were subjected to pepsin digestion and DNA extraction. Molecular assays were performed for species-specific identification and characterization of the samples. A previously described LAMP assay was adapted, evaluated, and validated using laboratory and field samples. RESULTS Using the parasitological method described here, S. mansoni cercariae were detected in snails from two collection sites, and cercariae of the family Spirorchiidae were found in snails from one site. The snails were identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). Biomphalaria glabrata, the main snail host of S. mansoni in Brazil, was detected in 72.2% of the collection sites. Biomphalaria kuhniana, which is resistant to S. mansoni infection, was found in the remaining sites. Multiplex, low stringency (LS), and conventional PCR allowed the detection of positive snails in four additional sites. Trematodes belonging to the families Strigeidae and Echinostomatidae were detected by multiplex PCR in two sites. The LAMP assay was effective in detecting the presence of S. mansoni infection in laboratory (7 days post-infection) and field samples with no cross-reactivity for other trematodes. When compared to LS and conventional PCR, LAMP showed 100% specificity, 85.7% sensitivity, and a κ index of 0.88. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that LAMP is a good alternative method for the detection and monitoring of transmission foci of S. mansoni, as it was three times as effective as the parasitological examination used here for the detection of infection, and is more directly applicable in the field than other molecular techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Gonçalves Mesquita
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Helmintologia e Malacologia Médica, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais Brazil
| | - Floria Gabriela dos Santos Neves
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Helmintologia e Malacologia Médica, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais Brazil
| | - Ronaldo Guilherme Carvalho Scholte
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Helmintologia e Malacologia Médica, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais Brazil
| | - Omar dos Santos Carvalho
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Helmintologia e Malacologia Médica, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais Brazil
| | - Cristina Toscano Fonseca
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Biologia e Imunologia Parasitária, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais Brazil
| | - Roberta Lima Caldeira
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Helmintologia e Malacologia Médica, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais Brazil
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Multiplex PCR for simultaneous identification of the most common European Opisthorchiid and Heterophyid in fish or fish products. Food Waterborne Parasitol 2020; 19:e00081. [PMID: 32435707 PMCID: PMC7232091 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2020.e00081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Among others, the families Opisthorchiidae and Heterophyidae includes several genera causing fish-borne zoonoses and distributed also in European Countries and that are included in the ParaFishControl (Advanced Tools and Research Strategies for Parasite Control in European farmed fish) H2020 EU project. Due to the small size of the metacercariae, the infective stage for human, these parasites cannot be detected visually in fish and monitoring requires expert application of time-consuming techniques. The aim of this was to develop a rapid and affordable molecular method based on multiplex PCR for simultaneous identification of metacercariae of the most common European Opisthorchiid and Heterophyid in fish or fish products.
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Weerakoon KG, Gordon CA, McManus DP. DNA Diagnostics for Schistosomiasis Control. Trop Med Infect Dis 2018; 3:tropicalmed3030081. [PMID: 30274477 PMCID: PMC6160968 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed3030081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2018] [Revised: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite extensive efforts over the last few decades, the global disease burden of schistosomiasis still remains unacceptably high. This could partly be attributed to the lack of accurate diagnostic tools for detecting human and animal schistosome infections in endemic areas. In low transmission and low prevalence areas where schistosomiasis elimination is targeted, case detection requires a test that is highly sensitive. Diagnostic tests with low sensitivity will miss individuals with low infection intensity and these will continue to contribute to transmission, thereby interfering with the efficacy of the control measures operating. Of the many diagnostic approaches undertaken to date, the detection of schistosome DNA using DNA amplification techniques including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) provide valuable adjuncts to more conventional microscopic and serological methods, due their accuracy, high sensitivity, and the capacity to detect early pre-patent infections. Furthermore, DNA-based methods represent important screening tools, particularly in those endemic areas with ongoing control where infection prevalence and intensity have been reduced to very low levels. Here we review the role of DNA diagnostics in the path towards the control and elimination of schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosala G Weerakoon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane 4006, Australia.
- School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4006, Australia.
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Saliyapura 50008, Sri Lanka.
| | - Catherine A Gordon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane 4006, Australia.
| | - Donald P McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane 4006, Australia.
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Gandasegui J, Fernández-Soto P, Muro A, Simões Barbosa C, Lopes de Melo F, Loyo R, de Souza Gomes EC. A field survey using LAMP assay for detection of Schistosoma mansoni in a low-transmission area of schistosomiasis in Umbuzeiro, Brazil: Assessment in human and snail samples. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018. [PMID: 29534072 PMCID: PMC5849311 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In Brazil, schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease of public health relevance, mainly in poor areas where Schistosoma mansoni is the only human species encountered and Biomphalaria straminea is one of the intermediate host snails. A nested-PCR based on a specific mitochondrial S. mansoni minisatellite DNA region has been successfully developed and applied as a reference method in Brazil for S. mansoni detection, mainly in host snails for epidemiological studies. The amplification efficiency of LAMP is known to be higher than PCR. The present work aimed to assess the utility of our previously described SmMIT-LAMP assay for S. mansoni detection in human stool and snail samples in a low-transmission area of schistosomiasis in the municipality of Umbuzeiro, Paraíba State, Northeast Region of Brazil. Methodology/Principal findings A total of 427 human stool samples were collected during June-July 2016 in the municipality of Umbuzeiro and an overall prevalence of 3.04% (13/427) resulted positive by duplicate Kato-Katz thick smear. A total of 1,175 snails identified as Biomphalaria straminea were collected from 14 breeding sites along the Paraíba riverbank and distributed in 46 pools. DNA from human stool samples and pooled snails was extracted using the phenol/chloroform method. When performing the SmMIT-LAMP assay a total of 49/162 (30.24%) stool samples resulted positive, including 12/13 (92.31%) that were Kato-Katz positive and 37/149 (24.83%) previously Kato-Katz negative. By nested-PCR, only 1/46 pooled DNA snail samples was positive. By SmMIT-LAMP assay, the same sample also resulted positive and an additional one was positive from a different breeding site. Data of human and snail surveys were used to build risk maps of schistosomiasis incidence using kernel density analysis. Conclusions/Significance This is the first study in which a LAMP assay was evaluated in both human stool and snail samples from a low-transmission schistosomiasis-endemic area. Our SmMIT-LAMP proved to be much more efficient in detection of S. mansoni in comparison to the 'gold standard' Kato-Katz method in human stool samples and the reference molecular nested-PCR in snails. The SmMIT-LAMP has demonstrated to be a useful molecular tool to identify potential foci of transmission in order to build risk maps of schistosomiasis. In Brazil, around 1.8 million people, mostly in the northeastern region of the country, are thought to be infected with Schistosoma mansoni. Snails of the genus Biomphalaria serve as intermediate hosts of the S. mansoni. A special program for schistosomiasis control was implemented more than 40 years ago in Brazil, decreasing prevalence, morbidity, and mortality over the past years. PCR-based diagnostic methods have been successfully applied in a few endemic areas of schistosomiasis in Brazil, although they are not still widely used due to the highly technical requirements making them unviable for routine application in field conditions. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technology could be a powerful tool to apply for point-of-care testing in resource-poor settings. In previous work, a LAMP-based method to detect S. mansoni DNA, called SmMIT-LAMP, was developed by our research group to detect S. mansoni DNA testing stool samples from experimentally infected mice. Here, with the aim to apply SmMIT-LAMP as a cost-effective molecular tool for the detection of S. mansoni in field applicable conditions, we assess SmMIT-LAMP in human and snail samples collected in an endemic area of Brazil. The results obtained by Kato-Katz analysis of human stool samples and nested-PCR performed in snails were compared with the SmMIT-LAMP assay. It is the first time that a LAMP-based method has been used to identify potential transmission foci and to evaluate the epidemiological risk of acquiring schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Gandasegui
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Group (e-INTRO), Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca-Research Centre for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Pedro Fernández-Soto
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Group (e-INTRO), Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca-Research Centre for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- * E-mail: (PFS); (AM)
| | - Antonio Muro
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Group (e-INTRO), Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca-Research Centre for Tropical Diseases at the University of Salamanca (IBSAL-CIETUS), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- * E-mail: (PFS); (AM)
| | - Constança Simões Barbosa
- Schistosomiasis Laboratory and Reference Service, Department of Parasitology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Fiocruz - Ministry of Health (MoH), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Fabio Lopes de Melo
- Schistosomiasis Laboratory and Reference Service, Department of Parasitology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Fiocruz - Ministry of Health (MoH), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Loyo
- Schistosomiasis Laboratory and Reference Service, Department of Parasitology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Fiocruz - Ministry of Health (MoH), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Elainne Christine de Souza Gomes
- Schistosomiasis Laboratory and Reference Service, Department of Parasitology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Fiocruz - Ministry of Health (MoH), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
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Bakuza JS, Gillespie R, Nkwengulila G, Adam A, Kilbride E, Mable BK. Assessing S. mansoni prevalence in Biomphalaria snails in the Gombe ecosystem of western Tanzania: the importance of DNA sequence data for clarifying species identification. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:584. [PMID: 29169384 PMCID: PMC5701381 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2525-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2016] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Snails are essential for the transmission and maintenance of schistosomiasis in endemic areas, as they serve as intermediate hosts for schistosome parasites. A clear understanding of the snail species present, their local distribution and infection status is therefore a prerequisite for effective control of schistosomiasis. The purpose of this study was to establish the infection status and distribution of Schistosoma mansoni in snails in the Gombe area along the shores of Lake Tanganyika in western Tanzania, using both detection of cercarial shedding and molecular approaches. Methods Snails were collected from streams located close to human settlements in Gombe National Park, as well as from nearby villages (Kiziba, Mtanga, Mwamgongo and Bugamba) and the largest town in the region (Kigoma). Snails were individually exposed to light to induce shedding of schistosome larvae, which were examined using a compound light microscope. Additionally, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the ribosomal RNA gene cluster was simultaneously amplified in both snails and their trematodes using a single polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequenced to confirm species identification. Results Snails morphologically identified as Biomphalaria pfeifferi were present in all streams except at Mtanga but their distribution was patchy in both time and space. Sequencing of PCR products indicated that not all snails were B. pfeifferi. None of the snails from Gombe or Bugamba shed schistosome larvae, while larvae were shed at all other sites. Overall, an infection prevalence of only 12% was observed in snails based on cercarial shedding. While 47% of the snails were PCR-positive for the 500 bp ITS fragment, which was predicted to indicate infection with S. mansoni, sequence data demonstrated that these bands are not species-specific and can be amplified from other trematode infections. In addition, a 1000 bp band was amplified in 14% of samples, which was identified as a trematode in the family Derogenidae. Conclusions The results support the previous assumption that B. pfeifferi snails may be involved in transmitting schistosomiasis in the area but suggest that the community structure of both snails and trematodes may be more complicated than previously thought. This emphasises the importance of confirming species identifications using sequencing, rather than relying only on PCR-based diagnostics or cercarial shedding. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-017-2525-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared S Bakuza
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK. .,Department of Biological Sciences, Dar es Salaam University College of Education, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
| | - Robert Gillespie
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Gamba Nkwengulila
- Department of Zoology and Wildlife Conservation, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Aileen Adam
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Elizabeth Kilbride
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Barbara K Mable
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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Biompha-LAMP: A New Rapid Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Assay for Detecting Schistosoma mansoni in Biomphalaria glabrata Snail Host. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0005225. [PMID: 27941967 PMCID: PMC5179122 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2016] [Revised: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Schistosomiasis remains one of the most common endemic parasitic diseases affecting over 230 million people worlwide. Schistosoma mansoni is the main species causing intestinal and hepatic schistosomiasis and the fresh water pulmonate snails of the genus Biomphalaria are best known for their role as intermediate hosts of the parasite. The development of new molecular monitoring assays for large-scale screening of snails from transmission sites to detect the presence of schistosomes is an important point to consider for snail control interventions related to schistosomiasis elimination. Our work was focussed on developing and evaluating a new LAMP assay combined with a simple DNA extraction method to detect S. mansoni in experimentally infected snails as a diagnostic tool for field conditions. Methodology/Principal findings A LAMP assay using a set of six primers targeting a sequence of S. mansoni ribosomal intergenic spacer 28S-18S rRNA was designed. The detection limit of the LAMP assay was 0.1 fg of S. mansoni DNA at 63°C for 50 minutes. LAMP was evaluated by examining S. mansoni DNA in B. glabrata snails experimentally exposed to miracidia at different times post-exposure: early prepatent period (before cercarial shedding), light infections (snails exposed to a low number of miracidia) and detection of infected snails in pooled samples (within a group of uninfected snails). DNA for LAMP assays was obtained by using a commercial DNA extraction kit or a simple heat NaOH extraction method. We detected S. mansoni DNA in all groups of snails by using no complicated requirement procedure for DNA obtaining. Conclusions/Significance Our LAMP assay, named Biompha-LAMP, is specific, sensitive, rapid and potentially adaptable as a cost-effective method for screening of intermediate hosts infected with S. mansoni in both individual snails and pooled samples. The assay could be suitable for large-scale field surveys for schistosomes control campaigns in endemic areas. Schistosoma mansoni is the main species causing intestinal and hepatic schistosomiasis worldwide and the snails of the genus Biomphalaria are best known for their role as intermediate hosts of the parasite. Molecular xenomonitoring for large-scale screening of snails from transmission sites to detect the presence of schistosomes is an important point to consider for snail control interventions related to schistosomiasis elimination. In our study, we have developed a new simple rapid LAMP assay to detect S. mansoni in Biomphalaria glabrata snails under different situations of infection: early prepatent period, light or low-grade infections and in snails pooled samples. Besides, a simple and rapid method for DNA extraction from snails' tissues was successfully used. This LAMP assay (named Biompha-LAMP) could be potentially useful for large-scale screening in searching infected snails with S. mansoni in field applicable conditions.
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He P, Song LG, Xie H, Liang JY, Yuan DY, Wu ZD, Lv ZY. Nucleic acid detection in the diagnosis and prevention of schistosomiasis. Infect Dis Poverty 2016; 5:25. [PMID: 27025210 PMCID: PMC4812660 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-016-0116-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2015] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is an important zoonotic parasitic disease that causes serious harms to humans and animals. Surveillance and diagnosis play key roles in schistosomiasis control, however, current techniques for surveillance and diagnosis of the disease have limitations. As genome data for parasites are increasing, novel techniques for detection incorporating nucleotide sequences are receiving widespread attention. These sensitive, specific, and rapid detection methods are particularly important in the diagnosis of low-grade and early infections, and may prove to have clinical significance. This paper reviews the progress of nucleic acid detection in the diagnosis and prevention of schistosomiasis, including such aspects as the selection of target genes, and development and application of nucleic acid detection methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping He
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, China.,Department of Pathogenic Biology, Medical School, Xizang Minzu University, Xianyang, 712082, China
| | - Lan-Gui Song
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Hui Xie
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jin-Yi Liang
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Dong-Ya Yuan
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Medical School, Xizang Minzu University, Xianyang, 712082, China
| | - Zhong-Dao Wu
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China. .,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Zhi-Yue Lv
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China. .,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
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10
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Lu L, Zhang SM, Mutuku MW, Mkoji GM, Loker ES. Relative compatibility of Schistosoma mansoni with Biomphalaria sudanica and B. pfeifferi from Kenya as assessed by PCR amplification of the S. mansoni ND5 gene in conjunction with traditional methods. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:166. [PMID: 27000855 PMCID: PMC4802880 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1457-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Schistosoma mansoni is hosted by several species of Biomphalaria spp. snails in Africa. We were interested in determining if there were differences in compatibility of S. mansoni with Biomphalaria sudanica from Lake Victoria, or with B. pfeifferi from streams and smaller water bodies in Kenya. Does this parasite develop with equal efficiency in both snail species, and does this have implications for transmission in different habitat types? Methods Primers for PCR amplification of the S. mansoni ND5 gene were designed and tested for sensitivity and specificity. We exposed laboratory-reared B. sudanica and field-derived B. pfeifferi to single miracidium infections and at 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 24 days post-exposure (dpe), snails were extracted for the PCR assay. Snails were also shed for cercariae and/or dissected prior to extraction. Additionally, B. sudanica and B. pfeifferi were collected from field locations and tested with the PCR assay. Results The ND5 PCR assay was sensitive (>0.1 fg S. mansoni genomic DNA) and allowed S. mansoni to be differentiated from other relevant schistosome species or snails. The number of PCR positive snails at 1–4 dpe was higher for B. pfeifferi than for B. sudanica, but not significantly so (P = 0.052). From 8–24 dpe, more B. pfeifferi harbored successfully developing parasites (positive by both dissection and PCR) than did B. sudanica (P = 0.008). At 40 dpe, more B. pfeifferi than B. sudanica shed cercariae or harbored dissection positive/PCR positive infections (P < 0.001). Both immature and failed (dissection negative but PCR positive) S. mansoni infections could also be detected in naturally infected snails of both species. Conclusions The PCR assay detected S. mansoni infections in snails exposed to one miracidium for one day. Both B. sudanica and B. pfeifferi supported full development of S. mansoni, but B. pfeifferi was more compatible, with significantly more dissection positive/PCR positive or shedding infections, and significantly fewer failed infections (dissection negative/PCR positive). This highlights the relatively lower compatibility of B. sudanica with S. mansoni, and suggests the factors responsible for incompatibility and how they might affect transmission of S. mansoni in habitats like Lake Victoria deserve additional study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Lu
- Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, 87131, USA.
| | - Si-Ming Zhang
- Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, 87131, USA
| | - Martin W Mutuku
- Center for Biotechnology Research and Development, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), P.O Box 54840-00200, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Gerald M Mkoji
- Center for Biotechnology Research and Development, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), P.O Box 54840-00200, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Eric S Loker
- Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, 87131, USA.,Parasitology Division, Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, 87131, USA
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11
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Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a major neglected tropical disease that afflicts more than 240 million people, including many children and young adults, in the tropics and subtropics. The disease is characterized by chronic infections with significant residual morbidity and is of considerable public health importance, with substantial socioeconomic impacts on impoverished communities. Morbidity reduction and eventual elimination through integrated intervention measures are the focuses of current schistosomiasis control programs. Precise diagnosis of schistosome infections, in both mammalian and snail intermediate hosts, will play a pivotal role in achieving these goals. Nevertheless, despite extensive efforts over several decades, the search for sensitive and specific diagnostics for schistosomiasis is ongoing. Here we review the area, paying attention to earlier approaches but emphasizing recent developments in the search for new diagnostics for schistosomiasis with practical applications in the research laboratory, the clinic, and the field. Careful and rigorous validation of these assays and their cost-effectiveness will be needed, however, prior to their adoption in support of policy decisions for national public health programs aimed at the control and elimination of schistosomiasis.
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12
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Detection and quantification of schistosome DNA in freshwater snails using either fluorescent probes in real-time PCR or oligochromatographic dipstick assays targeting the ribosomal intergenic spacer. Acta Trop 2013; 128:241-9. [PMID: 22100540 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2011.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2011] [Revised: 10/19/2011] [Accepted: 10/23/2011] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Several DNA probes were designed for use in real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays to target sequence variation within the ribosomal intergenic spacer (IGS) of schistosomes. A sub-section of the IGS (∼300bp) was amplified, with cross-specific primers, after which group-specific fluorescent, locked nucleic acid probes were assessed for their ability to differentiate and quantify DNA from Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma mansoni group parasites. A number of fluorescent probe candidates were screened and validated against genomic DNA from adult schistosome worms and laboratory infected freshwater snails. Two fluorescent, locked nucleic acid probes ShaemLNA5 and SmanLNA2, of 20-26bp in length, were identified and found to be effective in providing evidence of infection in field-collected snails. To adapt these real-time PCR assays for more resource-poor laboratory settings, a PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assay was developed and primer/probe combinations were modified for use in oligochromatography, a DNA 'dipstick' technology. An appropriate dipstick was developed, inclusive of internal amplification and amplicon migration controls that could be of particular importance for assessing schistosome transmission dynamics. These assays and tools also have future potential for use in detection of schistosome infections in humans and livestock.
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13
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Zhao GH, Li J, Blair D, Li XY, Elsheikha HM, Lin RQ, Zou FC, Zhu XQ. Biotechnological advances in the diagnosis, species differentiation and phylogenetic analysis of Schistosoma spp. Biotechnol Adv 2012; 30:1381-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2012.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2011] [Revised: 01/08/2012] [Accepted: 02/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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14
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Developing species-specific primers to identify Bulinus truncatus and Bulinus beccari, the intermediate hosts of Schistosoma haematobium in Saudi Arabia. Gene 2012; 499:256-61. [PMID: 22441124 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2012.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2011] [Revised: 01/31/2012] [Accepted: 03/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
This work aimed to determine the inter- and intra-specific variations in populations of Bulinus truncatus and Bulinus beccari, the intermediate hosts of Schistosoma haematobium in Saudi Arabia, and to develop species-specific primers to identify these snails as a first step in the development of multiplex PCR for simultaneously identifying the snails and diagnosing its infections in a single step. Two populations of B. truncatus were collected from Asser and Bisha (A and B), and two B. beccari populations were collected from Mahial Asser and Merba (C and D). The snails' genomic DNA was extracted and amplified using 5 different primers. The primers displayed variable intra- and inter-specific differences across the populations. The largest RAPD-PCR fragments were cloned into a vector as a preparatory step for sequencing. Similarity searches for the sequenced cloned inserts revealed no similar sequences in the GenBank database or its associated databases. Specific primers used to target the B. truncatus and B. beccari genomes were designed using the Gene Runner program and based on the DNA sequences obtained from RAPD fragment sequence analyses. Using these primers for specific PCRs resulted in expected single-band PCR products of 536 bp for B. beccari and 478 bp for B. truncatus. These results will be helpful for simultaneously identifying B. truncatus and B. beccari snails and diagnosing S. haematobium infections within the snails using single step multiplex PCR.
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15
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Abstract
Since 1977, >2000 research papers described attempts to detect, identify and/or quantify parasites, or disease organisms carried by ecto-parasites, using DNA-based tests and 148 reviews of the topic were published. Despite this, only a few DNA-based tests for parasitic diseases are routinely available, and most of these are optional tests used occasionally in disease diagnosis. Malaria, trypanosomiasis, toxoplasmosis, leishmaniasis and cryptosporidiosis diagnosis may be assisted by DNA-based testing in some countries, but there are very few cases where the detection of veterinary parasites is assisted by DNA-based tests. The diagnoses of some bacterial (e.g. lyme disease) and viral diseases (e.g. tick borne encephalitis) which are transmitted by ecto-parasites more commonly use DNA-based tests, and research developing tests for these species makes up almost 20% of the literature. Other important uses of DNA-based tests are for epidemiological and risk assessment, quality control for food and water, forensic diagnosis and in parasite biology research. Some DNA-based tests for water-borne parasites, including Cryptosporidium and Giardia, are used in routine checks of water treatment, but forensic and food-testing applications have not been adopted in routine practice. Biological research, including epidemiological research, makes the widest use of DNA-based diagnostics, delivering enhanced understanding of parasites and guidelines for managing parasitic diseases. Despite the limited uptake of DNA-based tests to date, there is little doubt that they offer great potential to not only detect, identify and quantify parasites, but also to provide further information important for the implementation of parasite control strategies. For example, variant sequences within species of parasites and other organisms can be differentiated by tests in a manner similar to genetic testing in medicine or livestock breeding. If an association between DNA sequence and phenotype has been demonstrated, then qualities such as drug resistance, strain divergence, virulence, and origin of isolates could be inferred by DNA-based tests. No such tests are in clinical or commercial use in parasitology and few tests are available for other organisms. Why have DNA-based tests not had a bigger impact in veterinary and human medicine? To explore this question, technological, biological, economic and sociological factors must be considered. Additionally, a realistic expectation of research progress is needed. DNA-based tests could enhance parasite management in many ways, but patience, persistence and dedication will be needed to achieve this goal.
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Caldeira RL, Jannotti-Passos LK, Carvalho OS. Molecular epidemiology of Brazilian Biomphalaria: a review of the identification of species and the detection of infected snails. Acta Trop 2009; 111:1-6. [PMID: 19426656 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2009.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2007] [Revised: 07/23/2008] [Accepted: 02/16/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The three vector species of Schistosoma mansoni in Brazil, Biomphalaria glabrata, B. tenagophila and B. straminea show different susceptibility levels to the trematode besides a wide geographical distribution. The identification of such molluscs is important to further understand the disease epidemiology. Considering the fact that morphological identification may become difficult or even impossible under particular circumstances, the use of molecular-based methods have permitted the generation of more consistent information concerning the population structure of Biomphalaria furthering knowledge on taxonomy and diagnosis of infection. We have developed methodologies in order to provide simultaneous species identification of the intermediate host and diagnosis of infection with S. mansoni.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta L Caldeira
- Laboratório de Helmintologia e Malacologia Médica, Centro de Pesquisa René Rachou/Fiocruz, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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King CH, Sturrock RF, Kariuki HC, Hamburger J. Transmission control for schistosomiasis - why it matters now. Trends Parasitol 2006; 22:575-82. [PMID: 17030017 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2006.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2006] [Revised: 08/30/2006] [Accepted: 09/26/2006] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Current population-based schistosomiasis treatment programs are a first step to reducing the global burden of Schistosoma-related disease; however, they might not dramatically reduce parasite transmission in highly endemic areas. Consequently, the benefits of these programs remain in doubt because recurring low-level reinfection is likely to be associated with subtle but persistent morbidities such as anemia, undernutrition and diminished performance status. The real health benefits of transmission control need to be reconsidered and attention given to more aggressive and, ultimately, more affordable parasite elimination strategies. The next generation of schistosomiasis control can be optimized using new monitoring tools and effective transmission containment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles H King
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Wolstein 4126, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106-7286, USA.
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