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De Francesco MA, Villanacci V, Pasini M, Ciccarone A, Bertoni F, Gottardi F, Tomasoni LR. Amoebic colitis and liver abscess: A rare case of autochthonous invasive infection due to Entamoeba histolytica. J Infect Public Health 2024; 17:464-466. [PMID: 38262084 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2023.12.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
We report an unusual and confirmed case of invasive amebiasis in a non-endemic area where the source of infection remains unknown. During her admission, the patient developed amebic colitis and extraintestinal liver abscess with a favorable outcome following the antiparasitic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Antonia De Francesco
- Institute of Microbiology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia-Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy.
| | | | - Mario Pasini
- Department of Surgery ASST-Spedali Civili Brescia, Italy
| | - Andrea Ciccarone
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases ASST-Spedali Civili Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesca Bertoni
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases ASST-Spedali Civili Brescia, Italy
| | - Federica Gottardi
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases ASST-Spedali Civili Brescia, Italy
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2
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Pundir H, Pant M, Joshi T, Bhat S, Pathak R, Bajpai AB, Chandra S, Tamta S. Identification of essential oil phytocompounds as natural inhibitors of Odorant-binding protein to prevent malaria through in silico approach. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:8323-8333. [PMID: 36214706 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2132419] [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: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Malaria predominantly affects millions annually in the African and Asian tropical and subtropical countries. With no effective vaccine, malaria prevention is exclusively dependent on preventing human-vector interaction. Anopheles gambiae, the main vector of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum contains Odorant Binding proteins (OBPs) which are considered an attractive drug target for anti-malarial therapy. To identify a potential anti-malarial compound, we performed a structure-based screening of 876 phytocompounds derived from essential oils against the OBP4 by molecular docking. The compounds having better docking scores were assessed for drug-likeness, toxicity, and molecular interaction analysis. As per the results, strong affinities and high stability were demonstrated by two phytocompounds viz. Alpha-cyperone (-8.1 kcal mol-1) and Humulene oxide (-8.1 kcal mol-1) with OBP4. The hydrophobic interactions involve Phe123, Ala106, Thr57, Ala52, Thr69, and Ile64 within the binding cavities, which may block the OBP4 receptor resulting in disorientation. After that, the potential compounds were subjected to molecular dynamics (MD) simulation to evaluate their structural stability and dynamics at the active site of OBP4. The MM-PBSA result revealed that Alpha-cyperone and Humulene oxide had binding free energy of -92.44 kJ mol-1 and -113.25 kJ mol-1, respectively. Simulation outcomes demonstrate that these phytocompounds displayed considerable significant structural and pharmacological properties. The LD50 value of Alpha-cyperone and Humulene oxide also suggested that both are safe and suitable for use in natural repellent development. We suggest that the use of these compounds can minimize the treatment period and the various side effects associated with the currently available anti-malarial drugs.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hemlata Pundir
- Department of Botany, D.S.B Campus, Kumaun University, Nainital, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Manish Pant
- Department of Post-Harvest Process and Food Engineering, Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Tanuja Joshi
- Computational Biology & Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Botany, Soban Singh Jeena University, Almora, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Sunaullah Bhat
- Insect Biosystematics & Insect-Pest Management Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Kumaun University-SSJ Campus, Almora, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Ramanand Pathak
- Department of Botany, M.L.K. College, Balrampur, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | | | - Subhash Chandra
- Computational Biology & Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Botany, Soban Singh Jeena University, Almora, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Sushma Tamta
- Department of Botany, D.S.B Campus, Kumaun University, Nainital, Uttarakhand, India
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Gaona-López C, Martínez-Vázquez AV, Villalobos-Rocha JC, Juárez-Rendón KJ, Rivera G. Analysis of Giardia lamblia Nucleolus as Drug Target: A Review. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1168. [PMID: 37631082 PMCID: PMC10457859 DOI: 10.3390/ph16081168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Giardia lamblia (G. lamblia) is the main causative agent of diarrhea worldwide, affecting children and adults alike; in the former, it can be lethal, and in the latter a strong cause of morbidity. Despite being considered a predominant disease in low-income and developing countries, current migratory flows have caused an increase in giardiasis cases in high-income countries. Currently, there is a wide variety of chemotherapeutic treatments to combat this parasitosis, most of which have potentially serious side effects, such as genotoxic, carcinogenic, and teratogenic. The necessity to create novel treatments and discover new therapeutic targets to fight against this illness is evident. The current review centers around the controversial nucleolus of G. lamblia, providing a historical perspective that traces its apparent absence to the present evidence supporting its existence as a subnuclear compartment in this organism. Additionally, possible examples of ncRNAs and proteins ubiquitous to the nucleolus that can be used as targets of different therapeutic strategies are discussed. Finally, some examples of drugs under research that could be effective against G. lamblia are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Gaona-López
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Farmacéutica, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Reynosa 88710, Mexico
| | | | - Juan Carlos Villalobos-Rocha
- Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México 11340, Mexico;
| | - Karina Janett Juárez-Rendón
- Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Reynosa 88710, Mexico; (A.V.M.-V.); (K.J.J.-R.)
| | - Gildardo Rivera
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Farmacéutica, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Reynosa 88710, Mexico
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Current Epidemiological Characteristics of Imported Malaria, Vector Control Status and Malaria Elimination Prospects in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9071431. [PMID: 34361867 PMCID: PMC8307262 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9071431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria is the most common vector-borne parasitic infection causing significant human morbidity and mortality in nearly 90 tropical/sub-tropical countries worldwide. Significant differences exist in the incidence of malaria cases, dominant Plasmodium species, drug-resistant strains and mortality rates in different countries. Six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates, UAE) in the Middle East region with similar climates, population demographics and economic prosperity are aiming to achieve malaria elimination. In this narrative review, all studies indexed in PubMed describing epidemiological characteristics of indigenous and imported malaria cases, vector control status and how malaria infections can be controlled to achieve malaria elimination in GCC countries were reviewed and discussed. These studies have shown that indigenous malaria cases are absent in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and UAE and have progressively declined in Oman and Saudi Arabia. However, imported malaria cases continue to occur as GCC countries have large expatriate populations originating from malaria-endemic countries. Various malaria control and prevention strategies adopted by GCC countries including more stringent measures to reduce the likelihood of importing malaria cases by prior screening of newly arriving expatriates and vector elimination programs are likely to lead to malaria elimination in this region.
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Memariani H, Memariani M. Melittin as a promising anti-protozoan peptide: current knowledge and future prospects. AMB Express 2021; 11:69. [PMID: 33983454 PMCID: PMC8119515 DOI: 10.1186/s13568-021-01229-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Protozoan diseases such as malaria, leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, and sleeping sickness still levy a heavy toll on human lives. Deplorably, only few classes of anti-protozoan drugs have thus far been developed. The problem is further compounded by their intrinsic toxicity, emergence of drug resistance, and the lack of licensed vaccines. Thus, there is a genuine exigency to develop novel anti-protozoan medications. Over the past years, melittin, the major constituent in the venom of European honeybee Apis mellifera, has gathered the attention of researchers due to its potential therapeutic applications. Insofar as we are aware, there has been no review pertinent to anti-protozoan properties of melittin. The present review outlines the current knowledge about anti-protozoan effects of melittin and its underlying mechanisms. The peptide has proven to be efficacious in killing different protozoan parasites such as Leishmania, Plasmodium, Toxoplasma, and Trypanosoma in vitro. Apart from direct membrane-disruptive activity, melittin is capable of destabilizing calcium homeostasis, reducing mitochondrial membrane potential, disorganizing kinetoplast DNA, instigating apoptotic cell death, and induction of autophagy in protozoan pathogens. Emerging evidence suggests that melittin is a promising candidate for future vaccine adjuvants. Transmission-blocking activity of melittin against vector-borne pathogens underscores its potential utility for both transgenic and paratransgenic manipulations. Nevertheless, future research should focus upon investigating anti-microbial activities of melittin, alone or in combination with the current anti-protozoan medications, against a far broader spectrum of protozoan parasites as well as pre-clinical testing of the peptide in animal models.
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Rivera-Yañez N, Rivera-Yañez CR, Pozo-Molina G, Méndez-Catalá CF, Reyes-Reali J, Mendoza-Ramos MI, Méndez-Cruz AR, Nieto-Yañez O. Effects of Propolis on Infectious Diseases of Medical Relevance. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:428. [PMID: 34065939 PMCID: PMC8151468 DOI: 10.3390/biology10050428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Infectious diseases are a significant problem affecting the public health and economic stability of societies all over the world. Treatment is available for most of these diseases; however, many pathogens have developed resistance to drugs, necessitating the development of new therapies with chemical agents, which can have serious side effects and high toxicity. In addition, the severity and aggressiveness of emerging and re-emerging diseases, such as pandemics caused by viral agents, have led to the priority of investigating new therapies to complement the treatment of different infectious diseases. Alternative and complementary medicine is widely used throughout the world due to its low cost and easy access and has been shown to provide a wide repertoire of options for the treatment of various conditions. In this work, we address the relevance of the effects of propolis on the causal pathogens of the main infectious diseases with medical relevance; the existing compiled information shows that propolis has effects on Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, fungi, protozoan parasites and helminths, and viruses; however, challenges remain, such as the assessment of their effects in clinical studies for adequate and safe use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelly Rivera-Yañez
- Carrera de Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado de México, Mexico; (N.R.-Y.); (G.P.-M.); (J.R.-R.); (M.I.M.-R.); (A.R.M.-C.)
- División de Investigación y Posgrado, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado de México, Mexico;
| | - C. Rebeca Rivera-Yañez
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado de México, Mexico;
| | - Glustein Pozo-Molina
- Carrera de Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado de México, Mexico; (N.R.-Y.); (G.P.-M.); (J.R.-R.); (M.I.M.-R.); (A.R.M.-C.)
- Laboratorio de Genética y Oncología Molecular, Laboratorio 5, Edificio A4, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - Claudia F. Méndez-Catalá
- División de Investigación y Posgrado, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado de México, Mexico;
- Laboratorio de Genética y Oncología Molecular, Laboratorio 5, Edificio A4, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - Julia Reyes-Reali
- Carrera de Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado de México, Mexico; (N.R.-Y.); (G.P.-M.); (J.R.-R.); (M.I.M.-R.); (A.R.M.-C.)
- Laboratorio de Inmunología, Unidad de Morfofisiología y Función, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - María I. Mendoza-Ramos
- Carrera de Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado de México, Mexico; (N.R.-Y.); (G.P.-M.); (J.R.-R.); (M.I.M.-R.); (A.R.M.-C.)
- Laboratorio de Inmunología, Unidad de Morfofisiología y Función, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - Adolfo R. Méndez-Cruz
- Carrera de Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado de México, Mexico; (N.R.-Y.); (G.P.-M.); (J.R.-R.); (M.I.M.-R.); (A.R.M.-C.)
- Laboratorio de Inmunología, Unidad de Morfofisiología y Función, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - Oscar Nieto-Yañez
- Carrera de Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado de México, Mexico; (N.R.-Y.); (G.P.-M.); (J.R.-R.); (M.I.M.-R.); (A.R.M.-C.)
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7
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Imported diseases and travel medicine. Med Clin (Barc) 2021; 156:558-560. [PMID: 33648722 DOI: 10.1016/j.medcli.2020.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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Current Status and the Epidemiology of Malaria in the Middle East Region and Beyond. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9020338. [PMID: 33572053 PMCID: PMC7915327 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9020338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Vector-borne parasitic infectious diseases are important causes of morbidity and mortality globally. Malaria is one of the most common vector-borne parasitic infection and is caused by five Plasmodium species, namely P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae, and P. knowlesi. Epidemiologically, differences in the patterns of malaria cases, causative agent, disease severity, antimicrobial resistance, and mortality exist across diverse geographical regions. The world witnessed 229 million malaria cases which resulted in 409,000 deaths in 2019 alone. Although malaria cases are reported from 87 countries globally, Africa bears the brunt of these infections and deaths as nearly 94% of total malaria cases and deaths occur in this continent, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Most of the Middle East Region countries are malaria-free as no indigenous cases of infection have been described in recent years. However, imported cases of malaria continue to occur as some of these countries. Indeed, the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have large expatriate population originating from malaria endemic countries. In this review, the current status and epidemiology of malaria in the Middle East Region countries and other malaria-endemic countries that are home to a large migrant workforce being employed in Middle East Region countries are discussed.
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Shah R, Soni T, Shah U, Suhagia BN, Patel MN, Patel T, Gabr GA, Gorain B, Kesharwani P. Formulation development and characterization of lumefantrine nanosuspension for enhanced antimalarial activity. JOURNAL OF BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE-POLYMER EDITION 2021; 32:833-857. [PMID: 33380264 DOI: 10.1080/09205063.2020.1870378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Variable and low oral bioavailability (4-11%) of lumefantrine (LUF), an anti-malarial agent, is characterized by very low solubility in aqueous vehicle. Thus, the present study was intended to formulate lyophilized nanosuspensions of LUF to resolve its solubility issues for the improvement of oral bioavailability. A three level 32 factorial design was applied to analyze the influence of independent variables, concentration of polysorbate 80 (X1) and sonication time (X2) on the responses for dependent variables, particle size (Y1) and time to 90% release of LUF (t90) (Y2). Optimized formulation (F3) has shown to possess lowest particle size (95.34 nm) with minimum t90 value (⁓3 mins), which was lyophilized to obtain the dry powder form of the nanosuspension. The characterization parameters confirmed the amorphous form of LUF with good stability and no chemical interactions of the drug with the incorporated components. Further, saturation solubility study revealed increased solubility of the LUF nanosuspension (1670 µg/mL) when compared to the pure drug (212.33 µg/mL). Further, rate of dissolution of LUF from the nanosuspension formulations were found to be significantly (p < 0.05) higher when compared to the pure drug. Fabricated lyophilized nanosuspension was found to be stable at 25 ± 2 °C/60 ± 5% RH and 40 ± 2 °C/75 ± 5% RH for the duration of three months. In conclusion, lyophilized nanosuspension showed ∼8-folds increase in drug release, which indicated a better way to offer higher release of LUF in controlling malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ripalkumar Shah
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Dharamsinh Desai University, Nadiad, Gujarat, India.,Caplin Point Laboratories Limited (R&D), Chennai, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Tejal Soni
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Dharamsinh Desai University, Nadiad, Gujarat, India
| | - Unnati Shah
- Caplin Point Laboratories Limited (R&D), Chennai, Tamilnadu, India
| | - B N Suhagia
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Dharamsinh Desai University, Nadiad, Gujarat, India
| | - M N Patel
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Dharamsinh Desai University, Nadiad, Gujarat, India
| | - Tejas Patel
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Dharamsinh Desai University, Nadiad, Gujarat, India
| | - Gamal A Gabr
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia.,Agricultural Genetic Engineering Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center, Giza, Egypt
| | - Bapi Gorain
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya, Selengor, Malaysia.,Centre for Drug Delivery and Molecular Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Prashant Kesharwani
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, New Delhi, Delhi, India
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Iqbal J, Al-Awadhi M, Ahmad S. Decreasing trend of imported malaria cases but increasing influx of mixed P. falciparum and P. vivax infections in malaria-free Kuwait. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0243617. [PMID: 33306727 PMCID: PMC7732060 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0243617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria still continues to be the most important parasitic disease worldwide, affecting 228 million people and causing 405,000 deaths each year. In this retrospective study during 2013 to 2018, we documented the incidence of imported malaria infection and evaluated the impact of malaria preventive measures in Kuwait, a non-endemic country. The epidemiologic and demographic data of all malaria cases was collected from the Infectious Diseases Hospital, Kuwait where all suspected cases of malaria are referred for confirmation and therapeutic intervention. The diagnosis of malaria infection was done by microscopy of Giemsa stained blood films. Selected samples were retested with BinaxNOW® Malaria rapid test and molecular assay to reconfirm the Plasmodium spp. or mixed infection. Overall, 1913 (25.9%) malaria cases were detected, 81.5% of which were among male subjects. Male subjects had higher incidence of P. vivax malaria (113; 91.1%) and mixed infection with P. falciparum and P. vivax (1245; 90.0%) compared to females who had higher rate of P. falciparum infection (52.4%). An overwhelming majority of malaria cases (1895; 99.1%) were detected among expatriates from malaria-endemic countries; India (1012; 52.9%), Pakistan (390; 20.4%), Afghanistan (94; 4.9%) and African countries (313; 16.3%). Only 18 cases involved Kuwaiti nationals, all with a history of travel to African countries. The majority of malaria cases were detected during the summer and fall months (May-October). Our data showed that the incidence rate of imported malaria cases was stable during 2013 to 2018, however, the incidence of total malaria cases showed a declining trend over the years. This study confirms that the preventive program has been successful in reducing the incidence of imported malaria infections in Kuwait. The most striking finding of this study was high incidence of mixed infection with P. falciparum and P. vivax, with almost all (97%) cases among workers from India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamshaid Iqbal
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait, Kuwait
- * E-mail:
| | - Mohammad Al-Awadhi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait, Kuwait
| | - Suhail Ahmad
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait, Kuwait
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11
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Varikuti S, Jha BK, Holcomb EA, McDaniel JC, Karpurapu M, Srivastava N, McGwire BS, Satoskar AR, Parinandi NL. The role of vascular endothelium and exosomes in human protozoan parasitic diseases. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 4. [PMID: 33089078 PMCID: PMC7575144 DOI: 10.20517/2574-1209.2020.27] [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] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The vascular endothelium is a vital component in maintaining the structure and function of blood vessels. The endothelial cells (ECs) mediate vital regulatory functions such as the proliferation of cells, permeability of various tissue membranes, and exchange of gases, thrombolysis, blood flow, and homeostasis. The vascular endothelium also regulates inflammation and immune cell trafficking, and ECs serve as a replicative niche for many bacterial, viral, and protozoan infectious diseases. Endothelial dysfunction can lead to vasodilation and pro-inflammation, which are the hallmarks of many severe diseases. Exosomes are nanoscale membrane-bound vesicles that emerge from cells and serve as important extracellular components, which facilitate communication between cells and maintain homeostasis during normal and pathophysiological states. Exosomes are also involved in gene transfer, inflammation and antigen presentation, and mediation of the immune response during pathogenic states. Protozoa are a diverse group of unicellular organisms that cause many infectious diseases in humans. In this regard, it is becoming increasingly evident that many protozoan parasites (such as Plasmodium, Trypanosoma, Leishmania, and Toxoplasma) utilize exosomes for the transfer of their virulence factors and effector molecules into the host cells, which manipulate the host gene expression, immune responses, and other biological activities to establish and modulate infection. In this review, we discuss the role of the vascular endothelium and exosomes in and their contribution to pathogenesis in malaria, African sleeping sickness, Chagas disease, and leishmaniasis and toxoplasmosis with an emphasis on their actions on the innate and adaptive immune mechanisms of resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay Varikuti
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43201, USA.,Department of Bioscience & Biotechnology, Banasthali University, Banasthali 304022, India
| | - Bijay Kumar Jha
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43201, USA
| | - Erin A Holcomb
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43201, USA
| | - Jodi C McDaniel
- College of Nursing, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43201, USA
| | - Manjula Karpurapu
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43201, USA
| | - Nidhi Srivastava
- Department of Bioscience & Biotechnology, Banasthali University, Banasthali 304022, India
| | - Bradford S McGwire
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43201, USA
| | - Abhay R Satoskar
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43201, USA
| | - Narasimham L Parinandi
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43201, USA
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12
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Borro M, Murdaca G, Greco M, Negrini S, Setti M. A rare hepatic mass in an Italian resident. BMC Gastroenterol 2020; 20:295. [PMID: 32917150 PMCID: PMC7488516 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-020-01440-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Amebiasis is a rare condition in developed countries but epidemiologically growing. Clinical manifestation may range from asymptomatic to invasive disease, amoebic liver abscess being the most common manifestation. We report a peculiar case of left hepatic amoebic liver abscess in a patient without a well-known source of infection and presenting with left portal vein thrombosis. Case presentation Patient, working as longshoreman, presented with complaints of remittent-intermittent fever lasting from 2 weeks. Physical examination was normal. Blood tests showed mild anemia, neutrophilic leukocytosis and elevated inflammation markers. Chest x-rays was normal. Abdominal ultrasound showed multiple hypoechoic liver masses. CT-scan of abdomen showed enlarged left liver lobe due to the presence of large abscess cavity along with thrombosis of left portal vein. The indirect hemagglutination test for the detection of antibodies to Entamoeba histolytica (Eh) was positive. Ultrasound-guided percutaneous drainage revealed “anchovy sauce” pus. Metronidazole and a follow up imaging at 3 months showed resolution of abscess cavity. Conclusion This case shows that amoebic liver abscess is possible even in first world country patients without travel history. Left sided abscess and portal vein thrombosis are rare and hence reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Borro
- Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI), Clinical Immunology Unit, University of Genoa and Policlinico San Martino, Viale Benedetto XV, 6 -, 16132, Genova, Italy. .,Department of Internal Medicine, San Paolo Hospital, Via Genova 30 -, 17100, Savona, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Murdaca
- Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI), Clinical Immunology Unit, University of Genoa and Policlinico San Martino, Viale Benedetto XV, 6 -, 16132, Genova, Italy
| | - Monica Greco
- Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI), Clinical Immunology Unit, University of Genoa and Policlinico San Martino, Viale Benedetto XV, 6 -, 16132, Genova, Italy
| | - Simone Negrini
- Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI), Clinical Immunology Unit, University of Genoa and Policlinico San Martino, Viale Benedetto XV, 6 -, 16132, Genova, Italy
| | - Maurizio Setti
- Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI), Clinical Immunology Unit, University of Genoa and Policlinico San Martino, Viale Benedetto XV, 6 -, 16132, Genova, Italy
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Lamien-Meda A, Schneider R, Walochnik J, Auer H, Wiedermann U, Leitsch D. A novel 5-Plex qPCR-HRM assay detecting human diarrheal parasites. Gut Pathog 2020; 12:27. [PMID: 32514315 PMCID: PMC7257150 DOI: 10.1186/s13099-020-00365-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Intestinal parasitic diseases occur worldwide, and their diagnosis poses considerable challenges. Cryptosporidium spp., Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia intestinalis, (and, arguably, Dientamoeba fragilis and Blastocystis spp.) are among the most important and common parasitic protozoans causing diarrhea. Several multiplex real-time PCR assays have been developed for the synchronous detection of these parasites. However, most assays include the use of hydrolysis probes, increasing the cost of stool examination. In this study, we designed and evaluated a real-time PCR protocol, based on high-resolution melting (HRM) curve analysis, to simultaneously detect and differentiate five gastrointestinal parasites. Results Using a blinded panel of 143 clinical samples with laboratory diagnostic data to evaluate the method, we obtained a 95.8% concordance with conventional methods. Moreover, 4.2% of the samples were positive for D. fragilis and 2.8% additional Cryptosporidium infections were found with our multiplex assay. Our method is sensitive and specific for the selected parasites with the additional possibility of being run in single-plex as a backup control for mixed infections. Conclusions The assay is a convenient and cost-effective method that could contribute to a quicker and accurate diagnosis as well as to more targeted therapies of parasite-derived diarrhea. Finally, this new multiplex PCR assay could also be instrumental in epidemiology studies on these parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Lamien-Meda
- Institute for Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Renate Schneider
- Institute for Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Julia Walochnik
- Institute for Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Herbert Auer
- Institute for Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Ursula Wiedermann
- Institute for Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - David Leitsch
- Institute for Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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