1
|
Macalanda AMC, Wanlop A, Ona KAL, Galon EMS, Khieu V, Sayasone S, Yajima A, Angeles JMM, Kawazu SI. Current advances in serological and molecular diagnosis of Schistosoma mekongi infection. Trop Med Health 2024; 52:32. [PMID: 38650044 PMCID: PMC11034094 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-024-00598-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease, caused by blood flukes belonging to the genus Schistosoma; it persists as a public health problem in selected regions throughout Africa, South America, and Asia. Schistosoma mekongi, a zoonotic schistosome species endemic to the Mekong River in Laos and Cambodia, is one of the significant causes of human schistosomiasis along with S. japonicum, S. mansoni, S. haematobium and S. intercalatum. Since its discovery, S. mekongi infection has been highly prevalent in communities along the Mekong River. Although surveillance and control measures have shown success in recent years, more robust diagnostic tools are still needed to establish more efficient control and prevention strategies to achieve and sustain an elimination status. Diagnosis of S. mekongi infection still relies on copro-parasitological techniques, commonly made by Kato-Katz stool examination. Serological techniques such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) may also be applicable but in a limited setting. Targeted molecular and serological tools specific to the species, on the other hand, have been limited. This is due, in part, to the limited research and studies on the molecular biology of S. mekongi since genome information of this species has not yet been released. In this review, current advances, and gaps and limitations in the molecular and immunological diagnosis of S. mekongi are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Miki C Macalanda
- Department of Immunopathology and Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Cavite State University, Indang, 4122, Cavite, Philippines.
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan.
| | - Atcharaphan Wanlop
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, 852-8131, Japan
| | - Kevin Austin L Ona
- College of Medicine, The University of the Philippines - Manila, Pedro Gil St., Ermita Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Eloiza May S Galon
- Department of Immunopathology and Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Cavite State University, Indang, 4122, Cavite, Philippines
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan
| | - Virak Khieu
- National Center for Parasitology, Entomology and Malaria Control, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | | | - Aya Yajima
- World Health Organization Regional Office for Southeast Asia, New Delhi, India
| | - Jose Ma M Angeles
- Department of Parasitology, College of Public Health, The University of the Philippines - Manila, Pedro Gil St., Ermita Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Shin-Ichiro Kawazu
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Molecular Techniques as Alternatives of Diagnostic Tools in China as Schistosomiasis Moving towards Elimination. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11030287. [PMID: 35335611 PMCID: PMC8951378 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11030287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis japonica caused by the trematode flukes of Schistosoma japonicum was one of the most grievous infectious diseases in China in the mid-20th century, while its elimination has been placed on the agenda of the national strategic plan of healthy China 2030 after 70 years of continuous control campaigns. Diagnostic tools play a pivotal role in warfare against schistosomiasis but must adapt to the endemic status and objectives of activities. With the decrease of prevalence and infection intensity of schistosomiasis in human beings and livestock, optimal methodologies with high sensitivity and absolute specificity are needed for the detection of asymptomatic cases or light infections, as well as disease surveillance to verify elimination. In comparison with the parasitological methods with relatively low sensitivity and serological techniques lacking specificity, which both had been widely used in previous control stages, the molecular detection methods based on the amplification of promising genes of the schistosome genome may pick up the baton to assist the eventual aim of elimination. In this article, we reviewed the developed molecular methods for detecting S. japonicum infection and their application in schistosomiasis japonica diagnosis. Concurrently, we also analyzed the chances and challenges of molecular tools to the field application process in China.
Collapse
|
3
|
Halili S, Grant JR, Pilotte N, Gordon CA, Williams SA. Development of a novel real-time polymerase chain reaction assay for the sensitive detection of Schistosoma japonicum in human stool. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009877. [PMID: 34695134 PMCID: PMC8568117 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elimination and control of Schistosoma japonicum, the most virulent of the schistosomiasis-causing blood flukes, requires the development of sensitive and specific diagnostic tools capable of providing an accurate measurement of the infection prevalence in endemic areas. Typically, detection of S. japonicum has occurred using the Kato-Katz technique, but this methodology, which requires skilled microscopists, has been shown to radically underestimate levels of infection. With the ever-improving capabilities of next-generation sequencing and bioinformatic analysis tools, identification of satellite sequences and other highly repetitive genomic elements for use as real-time PCR diagnostic targets is becoming increasingly common. Assays developed using these targets have the ability to improve the sensitivity and specificity of results for epidemiological studies that can in turn be used to inform mass drug administration and programmatic decision making. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Utilizing Tandem Repeat Analyzer (TAREAN) and RepeatExplorer2, a cluster-based analysis of the S. japonicum genome was performed and a tandemly arranged genomic repeat, which we named SjTR1 (Schistosoma japonicum Tandem Repeat 1), was selected as the target for a real-time PCR diagnostic assay. Based on these analyses, a primer/probe set was designed and the assay was optimized. The resulting real-time PCR test was shown to reliably detect as little as 200 ag of S. japonicum genomic DNA and as little as 1 egg per gram of human stool. Based on these results, the index assay reported in this manuscript is more sensitive than previously published real-time PCR assays for the detection of S. japonicum. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE The extremely sensitive and specific diagnostic assay described in this manuscript will facilitate the accurate detection of S. japonicum, particularly in regions with low levels of endemicity. This assay will be useful in providing data to inform programmatic decision makers, aiding disease control and elimination efforts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Halili
- Department of Biological Sciences, Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Program in Biochemistry, Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jessica R. Grant
- Department of Biological Sciences, Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Nils Pilotte
- Department of Biological Sciences, Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Biological Sciences, Quinnipiac University, Hamden, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Catherine A. Gordon
- QIMR Berghofer Institute of Medical Research, Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Steven A. Williams
- Department of Biological Sciences, Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Program in Biochemistry, Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yin Q, Nie M, Diwu Z, Zhang Y, Wang L, Yin D, Li L. Establishment and application of a novel fluorescence-based analytical method for the rapid detection of viable bacteria in different samples. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2020; 12:3933-3943. [PMID: 32724967 DOI: 10.1039/d0ay01247e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
A rapid method for readily detecting the total numbers of viable bacterial cells in numerous samples (including surface water, solid inoculants, and soil samples) is reported using a newly developed hand-held fluorometer and a fluorescent dye Calcein UltraGreen™ AM. Compared to the traditional plate counting method that requires 48 hours of cultivation, the newly established method does not require any incubation time, making the detection method faster and more convenient. The portable rapid detection fluorometer has a wide dynamic range of relative fluorescence intensity from 45 to 30 133. It can detect bacterial concentration ranging from 105 to 1010 cells per mL. This newly established method has good applicability for accurately and quickly detecting the cell number of viable bacteria in various samples. The results of the fluorescence-based method were compared with those of the traditional plate counting method, and it was found that the relative standard deviation was less than 6%. This new rapid measurement system provides a robust method for the rapid on-site detection of viable bacteria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiuyue Yin
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No. 13 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710055, Shanxi Province, People's Republic of China.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Chaimon S, Limpanont Y, Reamtong O, Ampawong S, Phuphisut O, Chusongsang P, Ruangsittichai J, Boonyuen U, Watthanakulpanich D, O'Donoghue AJ, Caffrey CR, Adisakwattana P. Molecular characterization and functional analysis of the Schistosoma mekongi Ca 2+-dependent cysteine protease (calpain). Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:383. [PMID: 31362766 PMCID: PMC6668146 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3639-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Schistosoma mekongi, which causes schistosomiasis in humans, is an important public health issue in Southeast Asia. Treatment with praziquantel is the primary method of control but emergence of praziquantel resistance requires the development of alternative drugs and vaccines. Calcium-dependent cysteine protease (calpain) is a novel vaccine candidate that has been studied in S. mansoni, S. japonicum, and protozoans including malaria, leishmania and trypanosomes. However, limited information is available on the properties and functions of calpain in other Schistosoma spp., including S. mekongi. In this study, we functionally characterized calpain 1 of S. mekongi (SmeCalp1). Results Calpain 1 of S. mekongi was obtained from transcriptomic analysis of S. mekongi; it had the highest expression level of all isoforms tested and was predominantly expressed in the adult male. SmeCalp1 cDNA is 2274 bp long and encodes 758 amino acids, with 85% to 90% homology with calpains in other Schistosoma species. Recombinant SmeCalp1 (rSmeCalp1), with a molecular weight of approximately 86.7 kDa, was expressed in bacteria and stimulated a marked antibody response in mice. Native SmeCalp1 was detected in crude worm extract and excretory-secretory product, and it was mainly localized in the tegument of the adult male; less signal was detected in the adult female worm. Thus, SmeCalp1 may play a role in surface membrane synthesis or host–parasite interaction. We assessed the protease activity of rSmeCalp1 and demonstrated that rSmeCalp1 could cleave the calpain substrate N-succinyl-Leu-Leu-Val-Tyr-7-amino-4-methylcoumarin, that was inhibited by calpain inhibitors (MDL28170 and E64c). Additionally, rSmeCalp1 could degrade the biological substrates fibronectin (blood clotting protein) and human complement C3, indicating important roles in the intravascular system and in host immune evasion. Conclusions SmeCalp1 is expressed on the tegumental surface of the parasite and can cleave host defense molecules; thus, it might participate in growth, development and survival during the entire life-cycle of S. mekongi. Information on the properties and functions of SmeCalp1 reported herein will be advantageous in the development of effective drugs and vaccines against S. mekongi and other schistosomes. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-019-3639-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Salisa Chaimon
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Yanin Limpanont
- Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Onrapak Reamtong
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Sumate Ampawong
- Department of Tropical Pathology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Orawan Phuphisut
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Phiraphol Chusongsang
- Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Jiraporn Ruangsittichai
- Department of Medical Entomology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Usa Boonyuen
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Dorn Watthanakulpanich
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Anthony J O'Donoghue
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Conor R Caffrey
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Poom Adisakwattana
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Li J, Zhao GH, Lin R, Blair D, Sugiyama H, Zhu XQ. Rapid detection and identification of four major Schistosoma species by high-resolution melt (HRM) analysis. Parasitol Res 2015; 114:4225-32. [PMID: 26253799 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4660-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Accepted: 07/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, caused by blood flukes belonging to several species of the genus Schistosoma, is a serious and widespread parasitic disease. Accurate and rapid differentiation of these etiological agents of animal and human schistosomiasis to species level can be difficult. We report a real-time PCR assay coupled with a high-resolution melt (HRM) assay targeting a portion of the nuclear 18S rDNA to detect, identify, and distinguish between four major blood fluke species (Schistosoma japonicum, Schistosoma mansoni, Schistosoma haematobium, and Schistosoma mekongi). Using this system, the Schistosoma spp. was accurately identified and could also be distinguished from all other trematode species with which they were compared. As little as 10(-5) ng genomic DNA from a Schistosoma sp. could be detected. This process is inexpensive, easy, and can be completed within 3 h. Examination of 21 representative Schistosoma samples from 15 geographical localities in seven endemic countries validated the value of the HRM detection assay and proved its reliability. The melting curves were characterized by peaks of 83.65 °C for S. japonicum and S. mekongi, 85.65 °C for S. mansoni, and 85.85 °C for S. haematobium. The present study developed a real-time PCR coupled with HRM analysis assay for detection and differential identification of S. mansoni, S. haematobium, S. japonicum, and S. mekongi. This method is rapid, sensitive, and inexpensive. It has important implications for epidemiological studies of Schistosoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510640, People's Republic of China
| | - Guang-Hui Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - RuiQing Lin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510642, People's Republic of China
| | - David Blair
- School of Marine and Tropical Biology, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
| | - Hiromu Sugiyama
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 113-8421, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Detection of Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma haematobium by Real-Time PCR with High Resolution Melting Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:16085-103. [PMID: 26193254 PMCID: PMC4519940 DOI: 10.3390/ijms160716085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2015] [Revised: 06/19/2015] [Accepted: 07/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study describes a real-time PCR approach with high resolution melting-curve (HRM) assay developed for the detection and differentiation of Schistosoma mansoni and S. haematobium in fecal and urine samples collected from rural Yemen. The samples were screened by microscopy and PCR for the Schistosoma species infection. A pair of degenerate primers were designed targeting partial regions in the cytochrome oxidase subunit I (cox1) gene of S. mansoni and S. haematobium using real-time PCR-HRM assay. The overall prevalence of schistosomiasis was 31.8%; 23.8% of the participants were infected with S. haematobium and 9.3% were infected with S. mansoni. With regards to the intensity of infections, 22.1% and 77.9% of S. haematobium infections were of heavy and light intensities, respectively. Likewise, 8.1%, 40.5% and 51.4% of S. mansoni infections were of heavy, moderate and light intensities, respectively. The melting points were distinctive for S. mansoni and S. haematobium, categorized by peaks of 76.49 ± 0.25 °C and 75.43 ± 0.26 °C, respectively. HRM analysis showed high detection capability through the amplification of Schistosoma DNA with as low as 0.0001 ng/µL. Significant negative correlations were reported between the real-time PCR-HRM cycle threshold (Ct) values and microscopic egg counts for both S. mansoni in stool and S. haematobium in urine (p < 0.01). In conclusion, this closed-tube HRM protocol provides a potentially powerful screening molecular tool for the detection of S. mansoni and S. haematobium. It is a simple, rapid, accurate, and cost-effective method. Hence, this method is a good alternative approach to probe-based PCR assays.
Collapse
|
8
|
Gopinath SC, Tang TH, Chen Y, Citartan M, Lakshmipriya T. Bacterial detection: From microscope to smartphone. Biosens Bioelectron 2014; 60:332-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2014.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2013] [Revised: 03/13/2014] [Accepted: 04/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
|