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Gordon CA, Utzinger J, Muhi S, Becker SL, Keiser J, Khieu V, Gray DJ. Strongyloidiasis. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2024; 10:6. [PMID: 38272922 DOI: 10.1038/s41572-023-00490-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Strongyloidiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused primarily by the roundworm Strongyloides stercoralis. Strongyloidiasis is most prevalent in Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific. Although cases have been documented worldwide, global prevalence is largely unknown due to limited surveillance. Infection of the definitive human host occurs via direct skin penetration of the infective filariform larvae. Parasitic females reside in the small intestine and reproduce via parthenogenesis, where eggs hatch inside the host before rhabditiform larvae are excreted in faeces to begin the single generation free-living life cycle. Rhabditiform larvae can also develop directly into infectious filariform larvae in the gut and cause autoinfection. Although many are asymptomatic, infected individuals may report a range of non-specific gastrointestinal, respiratory or skin symptoms. Autoinfection may cause hyperinfection and disseminated strongyloidiasis in immunocompromised individuals, which is often fatal. Diagnosis requires direct examination of larvae in clinical specimens, positive serology or nucleic acid detection. However, there is a lack of standardization of techniques for all diagnostic types. Ivermectin is the treatment of choice. Control and elimination of strongyloidiasis will require a multifaceted, integrated approach, including highly sensitive and standardized diagnostics, active surveillance, health information, education and communication strategies, improved water, sanitation and hygiene, access to efficacious treatment, vaccine development and better integration and acknowledgement in current helminth control programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A Gordon
- Infection and Inflammation Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Jürg Utzinger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stephen Muhi
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- The University of Melbourne, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sören L Becker
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Virak Khieu
- National Centre for Parasitology, Entomology and Malaria Control, Ministry of Health, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Darren J Gray
- Population Health Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Rivera J, Mu Y, Gordon CA, Jones MK, Cheng G, Cai P. Current and upcoming point-of-care diagnostics for schistosomiasis. Trends Parasitol 2024; 40:60-74. [PMID: 38000956 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Point-of-care (POC) diagnostics are simple and effective portable tools that can be used for fast mapping of helminthic diseases and monitoring control programs. Most POC tests (POCTs) available for schistosomiasis diagnosis are lateral flow immunoassays (LFIAs). The emergence of simple and rapid DNA isolation methods, along with isothermal nucleic acid amplification strategies - for example, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) - and recent clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-based diagnostic methods facilitate the development of molecular-based POC diagnostics for schistosomiasis. Furthermore, smartphone-based techniques increase real-time connectivity and readout accuracy of POCTs. This review discusses the recent advances in immunological-, molecular-based POCTs and mobile phone microscopes for the diagnosis/screening of schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Rivera
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Yi Mu
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Catherine A Gordon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia; School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Malcolm K Jones
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia; School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Guofeng Cheng
- Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Institute for Infectious Diseases and Vaccine Development, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Pengfei Cai
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
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Mu Y, Rivera J, McManus DP, Weerakoon KG, Ross AG, Olveda RM, Gordon CA, You H, Jones MK, Cai P. Comparative assessment of the SjSAP4-incorporated gold immunochromatographic assay for the diagnosis of human schistosomiasis japonica. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1249637. [PMID: 37736084 PMCID: PMC10509475 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1249637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Schistosomiasis, a disease caused by parasites of the genus Schistosoma, remains a global public health threat. This study aimed to validate the diagnostic performance of a recently developed gold immunochromatographic assay (GICA) for the detection of S. japonicum infection in a rural endemic area of the Philippines. Methods Human clinical samples were collected from 412 subjects living in Laoang and Palapag municipalities, Northern Samar, the Philippines. The presence of Schistosoma-specific antibodies in serum samples was tested with the SjSAP4-incorporated GICA strips and the results were converted to fully quantitative data by introducing an R value. The performance of the established GICA was further compared with other diagnostic tools, including the Kato-Katz (KK) technique, point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen (POC-CCA), droplet digital (dd) PCR, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Results The developed GICA strip was able to detect KK positive individuals with a sensitivity of 83.3% and absolute specificity. When calibrated with the highly sensitive faecal ddPCR assay, the immunochromatographic assay displayed an accuracy of 60.7%. Globally, the GICA assay showed a high concordance with the SjSAP4-ELISA assay. The schistosomiasis positivity rate determined by the GICA test was similar to those obtained with the SjSAP4-ELISA assay and the ddPCR assay performed on serum samples (SR_ddPCR), and was 2.3 times higher than obtained with the KK method. Conclusion The study further confirms that the developed GICA is a valuable diagnostic tool for detecting light S. japonicum infections and implies that this point-of-care assay is a viable solution for surveying endemic areas of low-intensity schistosomiasis and identifying high-priority endemic areas for targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Mu
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Jonas Rivera
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Donald P. McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Kosala G. Weerakoon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Allen G. Ross
- Rural Health and Medical Research Institute, Charles Sturt University, Orange, NSW, Australia
| | - Remigio M. Olveda
- Department of Immunology, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Catherine A. Gordon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Hong You
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Malcolm K. Jones
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Pengfei Cai
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Aula OP, McManus DP, Jones MK, You H, Cai P, Gordon CA. Optimisation of the DNA dipstick as a rapid extraction method for Schistosoma japonicum in infected mice samples and spiked human clinical samples. Infect Dis Poverty 2023; 12:71. [PMID: 37550723 PMCID: PMC10405380 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-023-01118-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosomiasis remains a public health issue and the need for accurate and affordable diagnostics is crucial in the elimination of the disease. While molecular diagnostics are highly effective, they are expensive, with the main costs been associated with DNA extraction. The DNA dipstick is a rapid, affordable and simple purification method that allows DNA to be extracted from diagnostic samples within 30 s. We aimed to optimise the DNA dipstick method for samples from mice and egg-spiked human samples. METHODS Urine, blood and faeces were collected from mice exposed to Schistosoma japonicum infection at weekly intervals from Day 0 to Day 42. Urine and faecal samples were also collected from volunteer, uninfected humans and spiked with S. japonicum eggs. All samples were subject to several optimisation procedures and DNA extracted with the DNA dipstick. Amplification of the target DNA was carried out using LAMP and visualised using agarose gel electrophoresis and flocculation. RESULTS The DNA dipstick successfully identified S. japonicum from infected mice and human clinical samples spiked with cracked eggs or genomic DNA from S. japonicum. Amplification was observed from week 4 post infection in infected mice. For human samples, amplification was observed in sieved faecal samples, filtered urine samples heated at 95 °C for 30 min, and sera samples heated at 95 °C for 30 min. CONCLUSIONS The DNA dipstick combined with LAMP has huge potential in providing cost-effective, simple and accurate detection of schistosomiasis infection in endemic regions. This will allow for rapid treatment, tracking outbreaks-such as occur after typhoons, leading to better health outcomes and contributing to control and eventual elimination of schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oyime P Aula
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia.
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Donald P McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Malcolm K Jones
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Hong You
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Pengfei Cai
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Catherine A Gordon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia.
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
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MacGregor SR, McManus DP, Sivakumaran H, Egwang TG, Adriko M, Cai P, Gordon CA, Duke MG, French JD, Collinson N, Olveda RM, Hartel G, Graeff-Teixeira C, Jones MK, You H. Development of CRISPR/Cas13a-based assays for the diagnosis of Schistosomiasis. EBioMedicine 2023; 94:104730. [PMID: 37487416 PMCID: PMC10382885 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosomiasis is a disease that significantly impacts human health in the developing world. Effective diagnostics are urgently needed for improved control of this disease. CRISPR-based technology has rapidly accelerated the development of a revolutionary and powerful diagnostics platform, resulting in the advancement of a class of ultrasensitive, specific, cost-effective and portable diagnostics, typified by applications in COVID-19/cancer diagnosis. METHODS We developed CRISPR-based diagnostic platform SHERLOCK (Specific High-sensitivity Enzymatic Reporter unLOCKing) for the detection of Schistosoma japonicum and S. mansoni by combining recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) with CRISPR-Cas13a detection, measured via fluorescent or colorimetric readouts. We evaluated SHERLOCK assays by using 150 faecal/serum samples collected from Schistosoma-infected ARC Swiss mice (female), and 189 human faecal/serum samples obtained from a S. japonicum-endemic area in the Philippines and a S. mansoni-endemic area in Uganda. FINDINGS The S. japonicum SHERLOCK assay achieved 93-100% concordance with gold-standard qPCR detection across all the samples. The S. mansoni SHERLOCK assay demonstrated higher sensitivity than qPCR and was able to detect infection in mouse serum as early as 3 weeks post-infection. In human samples, S. mansoni SHERLOCK had 100% sensitivity when compared to qPCR of faecal and serum samples. INTERPRETATION These schistosomiasis diagnostic assays demonstrate the potential of SHERLOCK/CRISPR-based diagnostics to provide highly accurate and field-friendly point-of-care tests that could provide the next generation of diagnostic and surveillance tools for parasitic neglected tropical diseases. FUNDING Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre seed grant (2022) and National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) of Australia (APP1194462, APP2008433).
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Affiliation(s)
- Skye R MacGregor
- Infection and Inflammation Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Donald P McManus
- Infection and Inflammation Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Haran Sivakumaran
- Genetics & Computational Biology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Thomas G Egwang
- Department of Immunology and Parasitology, Med Biotech Laboratories, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Moses Adriko
- Vector Borne and NTD Control Division, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Pengfei Cai
- Infection and Inflammation Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Catherine A Gordon
- Infection and Inflammation Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Mary G Duke
- Infection and Inflammation Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Juliet D French
- Genetics & Computational Biology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Natasha Collinson
- Infection and Inflammation Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Remigio M Olveda
- Department of Health, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Gunter Hartel
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; Statistics, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Carlos Graeff-Teixeira
- Department of Pathology, Infectious Diseases Unit, Health Sciences Center, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
| | - Malcolm K Jones
- Infection and Inflammation Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
| | - Hong You
- Infection and Inflammation Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia.
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Mu Y, McManus DP, Gordon CA, You H, Ross AG, Olveda RM, Cai P. Development and assessment of a novel gold immunochromatographic assay for the diagnosis of schistosomiasis japonica. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1165480. [PMID: 37077910 PMCID: PMC10106775 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1165480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundThe neglected zoonosis, schistosomiasis japonica, remains a major public health problem in the Philippines. The current study aims to develop a novel gold immunochromatographic assay (GICA) and evaluate its performance in the detection of Schistosoma japonicum infection.MethodsA GICA strip incorporating a S. japonicum saposin protein, SjSAP4 was developed. For each GICA strip test, diluted serum sample (50 µl) was loaded and strips were scanned after 10 min to convert the results into images. ImageJ was used to calculate an R value, which was defined as the signal intensity of the test line divided by the signal intensity of the control line within the cassette. After determination of optimal serum dilution and diluent, the GICA assay was evaluated with sera collected from non-endemic controls (n = 20) and individuals living in schistosomiasis-endemic areas of the Philippines (n = 60), including 40 Kato Katz (KK)-positive participants and 20 subjects confirmed as KK-negative and faecal droplet digital PCR assay (F_ddPCR)-negative at a dilution of 1:20. An ELISA assay evaluating IgG levels against SjSAP4 was also performed on the same panel of sera.ResultsPhosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and 0.9% NaCl were determined as optimal dilution buffer for the GICA assay. The strips tested with serial dilutions of a pooled serum sample from KK-positive individuals (n = 3) suggested that a relatively wide range of dilutions (from 1:10 to 1:320) can be applied for the test. Using the non-endemic donors as controls, the GICA strip showed a sensitivity of 95.0% and absolute specificity; while using the KK-negative and F_ddPCR-negative subjects as controls, the immunochromatographic assay had a sensitivity of 85.0% and a specificity of 80.0%. The SjSAP4-incorperated GICA displayed a high concordance with the SjSAP4-ELISA assay.ConclusionsThe developed GICA assay exhibited a similar diagnostic performance with that of the SjSAP4-ELISA assay, yet the former can be performed by local personnel with minimal training with no requirement for specialised equipment. The GICA assay established here represents a rapid, easy-to-use, accurate and field-friendly diagnostic tool for the on-site surveillance/screening of S. japonicum infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Mu
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Donald P. McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Catherine A. Gordon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Hong You
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Allen G. Ross
- Rural Health and Medical Research Institute, Charles Sturt University, Orange, NSW, Australia
| | - Remigio M. Olveda
- Department of Immunology, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Pengfei Cai
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- *Correspondence: Pengfei Cai,
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Chiu CL, Li CG, Verschueren E, Wen RM, Zhang D, Gordon CA, Zhao H, Giaccia AJ, Brooks JD. NUSAP1 Binds ILF2 to Modulate R-Loop Accumulation and DNA Damage in Prostate Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:6258. [PMID: 37047232 PMCID: PMC10093842 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Increased expression of NUSAP1 has been identified as a robust prognostic biomarker in prostate cancer and other malignancies. We have previously shown that NUSAP1 is positively regulated by E2F1 and promotes cancer invasion and metastasis. To further understand the biological function of NUSAP1, we used affinity purification and mass spectrometry proteomic analysis to identify NUSAP1 interactors. We identified 85 unique proteins in the NUSAP1 interactome, including ILF2, DHX9, and other RNA-binding proteins. Using proteomic approaches, we uncovered a function for NUSAP1 in maintaining R-loops and in DNA damage response through its interaction with ILF2. Co-immunoprecipitation and colocalization using confocal microscopy verified the interactions of NUSAP1 with ILF2 and DHX9, and RNA/DNA hybrids. We showed that the microtubule and charged helical domains of NUSAP1 were necessary for the protein-protein interactions. Depletion of ILF2 alone further increased camptothecin-induced R-loop accumulation and DNA damage, and NUSAP1 depletion abolished this effect. In human prostate adenocarcinoma, NUSAP1 and ILF2 mRNA expression levels are positively correlated, elevated, and associated with poor clinical outcomes. Our study identifies a novel role for NUSAP1 in regulating R-loop formation and accumulation in response to DNA damage through its interactions with ILF2 and hence provides a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Lung Chiu
- Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Caiyun G. Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Erik Verschueren
- ULUA Besloten Vennootschap, Arendstraat 29, 2018 Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Ru M. Wen
- Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Dalin Zhang
- Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Catherine A. Gordon
- Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Hongjuan Zhao
- Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Amato J. Giaccia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Medical Research Council/Cancer Research United Kingdom Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology and Gray Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - James D. Brooks
- Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Stanford Cancer Research Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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You H, Jones MK, Gordon CA, Arganda AE, Cai P, Al-Wassiti H, Pouton CW, McManus DP. The mRNA Vaccine Technology Era and the Future Control of Parasitic Infections. Clin Microbiol Rev 2023; 36:e0024121. [PMID: 36625671 PMCID: PMC10035331 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00241-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite intensive long-term efforts, with very few exceptions, the development of effective vaccines against parasitic infections has presented considerable challenges, given the complexity of parasite life cycles, the interplay between parasites and their hosts, and their capacity to escape the host immune system and to regulate host immune responses. For many parasitic diseases, conventional vaccine platforms have generally proven ill suited, considering the complex manufacturing processes involved and the costs they incur, the inability to posttranslationally modify cloned target antigens, and the absence of long-lasting protective immunity induced by these antigens. An effective antiparasite vaccine platform is required to assess the effectiveness of novel vaccine candidates at high throughput. By exploiting the approach that has recently been used successfully to produce highly protective COVID mRNA vaccines, we anticipate a new wave of research to advance the use of mRNA vaccines to prevent parasitic infections in the near future. This article considers the characteristics that are required to develop a potent antiparasite vaccine and provides a conceptual foundation to promote the development of parasite mRNA-based vaccines. We review the recent advances and challenges encountered in developing antiparasite vaccines and evaluate the potential of developing mRNA vaccines against parasites, including those causing diseases such as malaria and schistosomiasis, against which vaccines are currently suboptimal or not yet available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong You
- Department of Infection and Inflammation, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Malcolm K. Jones
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Catherine A. Gordon
- Department of Infection and Inflammation, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Alexa E. Arganda
- Department of Infection and Inflammation, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Pengfei Cai
- Department of Infection and Inflammation, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Harry Al-Wassiti
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Colin W. Pouton
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Donald P. McManus
- Department of Infection and Inflammation, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
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Alene KA, Gordon CA, Clements ACA, Williams GM, Gray DJ, Zhou XN, Li Y, Utzinger J, Kurscheid J, Forsyth S, Zhou J, Li Z, Li G, Lin D, Lou Z, Li S, Ge J, Xu J, Yu X, Hu F, Xie S, McManus DP. Spatial Analysis of Schistosomiasis in Hunan and Jiangxi Provinces in the People's Republic of China. Diseases 2022; 10:93. [PMID: 36278592 PMCID: PMC9590053 DOI: 10.3390/diseases10040093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the spatial distribution of schistosome infection is critical for tailoring preventive measures to control and eliminate schistosomiasis. This study used spatial analysis to determine risk factors that may impact Schistosoma japonicum infection and predict risk in Hunan and Jiangxi Provinces in the People's Republic of China. The study employed survey data collected in Hunan and Jiangxi in 2016. Independent variable data were obtained from publicly available sources. Bayesian-based geostatistics was used to build models with covariate fixed effects and spatial random effects to identify factors associated with the spatial distribution of infection. Prevalence of schistosomiasis was higher in Hunan (12.8%) than Jiangxi (2.6%). Spatial distribution of schistosomiasis varied at pixel level (0.1 × 0.1 km), and was significantly associated with distance to nearest waterbody (km, β = -1.158; 95% credible interval [CrI]: -2.104, -0.116) in Hunan and temperature (°C, β = -4.359; 95% CrI: -9.641, -0.055) in Jiangxi. The spatial distribution of schistosomiasis in Hunan and Jiangxi varied substantially and was significantly associated with distance to nearest waterbody. Prevalence of schistosomiasis decreased with increasing distance to nearest waterbody in Hunan, indicating that schistosomiasis control should target individuals in close proximity to open water sources as they are at highest risk of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Catherine A. Gordon
- Infection and Inflammation Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane 4006, Australia
| | | | - Gail M. Williams
- School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
| | - Darren J. Gray
- Department of Global Health, Australian National University, Canberra 0200, Australia
| | - Xiao-Nong Zhou
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yuesheng Li
- Infection and Inflammation Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane 4006, Australia
- Hunan Institute of Schistosomiasis Control, Yueyang 414000, China
| | - Jürg Utzinger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, CH-4051 Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Johanna Kurscheid
- School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, CH-4051 Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Simon Forsyth
- School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
| | - Jie Zhou
- Hunan Institute of Schistosomiasis Control, Yueyang 414000, China
| | - Zhaojun Li
- Jiangxi Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Nanchang 330096, China
| | - Guangpin Li
- Hunan Institute of Schistosomiasis Control, Yueyang 414000, China
| | - Dandan Lin
- Jiangxi Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Nanchang 330096, China
| | - Zhihong Lou
- Hunan Institute of Schistosomiasis Control, Yueyang 414000, China
| | - Shengming Li
- Hunan Institute of Schistosomiasis Control, Yueyang 414000, China
| | - Jun Ge
- Jiangxi Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Nanchang 330096, China
| | - Jing Xu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Xinling Yu
- Hunan Institute of Schistosomiasis Control, Yueyang 414000, China
| | - Fei Hu
- Jiangxi Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Nanchang 330096, China
| | - Shuying Xie
- Jiangxi Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Nanchang 330096, China
| | - Donald P. McManus
- Infection and Inflammation Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane 4006, Australia
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10
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Kurcheid J, Gordon CA, Clarke NE, Wangdi K, Kelly M, Lal A, Mutombo PN, Wang D, Mationg ML, Clements ACA, Muhi S, Bradbury RS, Biggs B, Page W, Williams G, McManus DP, Gray D. Neglected tropical diseases in Australia: a narrative review. Med J Aust 2022; 216:532-538. [DOI: 10.5694/mja2.51533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Kurcheid
- Australian National University Canberra ACT
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute Basel Switzerland
| | | | - Naomi E Clarke
- Australian National University Canberra ACT
- Kirby Institute University of New South Wales Sydney NSW
| | | | | | - Aparna Lal
- Australian National University Canberra ACT
| | - Polydor N Mutombo
- National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine Southern Cross University Lismore NSW
| | | | | | | | - Stephen Muhi
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service Royal Melbourne Hospital Melbourne VIC
| | | | - Beverley‐Ann Biggs
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service Royal Melbourne Hospital Melbourne VIC
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11
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Nkouayep VR, McManus DP, Mbida M, Gordon CA, Nejsum P. Molecular epidemiology of Ascaris species recovered from humans and pigs in Cameroon. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2022; 116:949-958. [PMID: 35385862 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trac020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Cameroon, considerable research has been conducted on human ascariasis, but no studies have been undertaken to determine whether pigs contribute to the persistence of the infection in children or to unravel the evolutionary relationship between human-derived and pig-derived Ascaris. METHODS DNA was extracted from adult Ascaris worms collected from humans and pigs. Segments of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (nad1) genes were sequenced and analysed for 83 worms to dissect the local transmission dynamics of Ascaris in Cameroon. RESULTS The data showed high genetic diversity and revealed demographically expanding populations in the human and pig Ascaris samples. A restricted gene flow between Ascaris lumbricoides and Ascaris suum populations correlating with the preference for humans and pigs, respectively, as hosts was evident. Phylogenetic analyses and haplotype networks split the haplotypes into two major clusters, A and B. However, support for cross-transmission between hosts and hybridization were revealed through shared haplotypes among worms from both hosts. CONCLUSIONS This study provides useful baseline information for future studies of the genetics of Ascaris in Cameroon and suggests that effective and sustainable control of human ascariasis should target both human and pig hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa R Nkouayep
- Research Unit of Biology and Applied Ecology, Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, P.O. Box 067, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Donald P McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Mpoame Mbida
- Research Unit of Biology and Applied Ecology, Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, P.O. Box 067, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Catherine A Gordon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Peter Nejsum
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 99, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
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12
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Aung E, Han KT, Gordon CA, Hlaing NN, Aye MM, Htun MW, Wai KT, Myat SM, Thwe TL, Tun A, Wangdi K, Li Y, Williams GM, Clements ACA, Vaz Nery S, McManus DP, Gray DJ. High prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections in Myanmar schoolchildren. Infect Dis Poverty 2022; 11:28. [PMID: 35272701 PMCID: PMC8908594 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-022-00952-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Achieving the elimination of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections requires a sufficient understanding of the current epidemiological status of STH endemicity. We aimed to examine the status of STH in Myanmar – a country with the eighth highest STH prevalence in the world, 10 years after instigation of the national deworming programme. Methods In August 2016 we screened for STH infections using Kato Katz (KK) microscopy and real-time PCR (qPCR) in schoolchildren from the Bago Region township of Phyu, a STH sentinel site in Myanmar. Ten schools were randomly selected, and one stool sample each from a total of 264 students was examined. Prevalence and intensity of infection were calculated for each STH. Results High prevalence of STH was identified in the study area with 78.8% of the schoolchildren infected with at least one STH by qPCR, and 33.3% by KK. The most prevalent STH was Trichuris trichiura, diagnosed by both KK (26.1%) and qPCR (67.1%), followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (15.5% KK; 54.9% qPCR). No hookworm infections were identified by KK; however, the qPCR analysis showed a high prevalence of Ancylostoma sp. infection (29.6%) with few Necator americanus (1.1%) infections. Conclusions Despite bi-annual deworming of schoolchildren in the fourth-grade and below, STH prevalence remains stubbornly high. These results informed the expansion of the Myanmar National STH control programme to include all school-aged children by the Ministry of Health and Sports in 2017, however further expansion to the whole community should be considered along with improving sanitation and hygiene measures. This would be augmented by rigorous monitoring and evaluation, including national prevalence surveys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eindra Aung
- Department of Global Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia.,St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kay Thwe Han
- Parasitology Research Division, Department of Medical Research, Ministry of Health and Sports, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Catherine A Gordon
- Infectious Diseases Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Moe Moe Aye
- Department of Zoology, University of Yangon, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Myo Win Htun
- Parasitology Research Division, Department of Medical Research, Ministry of Health and Sports, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Khin Thet Wai
- Parasitology Research Division, Department of Medical Research, Ministry of Health and Sports, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Su Mon Myat
- Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health and Sports, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
| | - Thida Lay Thwe
- Department of Zoology, University of Yangon, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Aung Tun
- Ministry of Health and Sports, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
| | - Kinley Wangdi
- Department of Global Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Yuesheng Li
- Infectious Diseases Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Hunan Institute of Parasitic Diseases, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Research and Control On Schistosomiasis in Lake Region, Yueyang, China
| | - Gail M Williams
- School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Archie C A Clements
- Department of Global Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Susana Vaz Nery
- Department of Global Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia.,The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Donald P McManus
- Infectious Diseases Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Darren J Gray
- Department of Global Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia.
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13
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You H, Gordon CA, MacGregor SR, Cai P, McManus DP. Potential of the CRISPR-Cas system for improved parasite diagnosis: CRISPR-Cas mediated diagnosis in parasitic infections: CRISPR-Cas mediated diagnosis in parasitic infections. Bioessays 2022; 44:e2100286. [PMID: 35142378 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202100286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas technology accelerates development of fast, accurate, and portable diagnostic tools, typified by recent applications in COVID-19 diagnosis. Parasitic helminths cause devastating diseases afflicting 1.5 billion people globally, representing a significant public health and economic burden, especially in developing countries. Currently available diagnostic tests for worm infection are neither sufficiently sensitive nor field-friendly for use in low-endemic or resource-poor settings, leading to underestimation of true prevalence rates. Mass drug administration programs are unsustainable long-term, and diagnostic tools - required to be rapid, specific, sensitive, cost-effective, and user-friendly without specialized equipment and expertise - are urgently needed for rapid mapping of helminthic diseases and monitoring control programs. We describe the key features of the CRISPR-Cas12/13 system and emphasise its potential for the development of effective tools for the diagnosis of parasitic and other neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), a key recommendation of the NTDs 2021-2030 roadmap released by the World Health Organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong You
- Immunology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Queensland, Australia
| | - Catherine A Gordon
- Immunology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Queensland, Australia
| | - Skye R MacGregor
- Immunology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Queensland, Australia
| | - Pengfei Cai
- Immunology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Queensland, Australia
| | - Donald P McManus
- Immunology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Queensland, Australia
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14
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Gordon CA, Williams GM, Gray DJ, Clements ACA, Zhou XN, Li Y, Utzinger J, Kurscheid J, Forsyth S, Addis Alene K, Zhou J, Li Z, Li G, Lin D, Lou Z, Li S, Ge J, Xu J, Yu X, Hu F, Xie S, Chen J, Shi T, Li C, Zheng H, McManus DP. Schistosomiasis in the People's Republic of China - down but not out. Parasitology 2022; 149:218-233. [PMID: 35234601 PMCID: PMC11010531 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182021001724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis has been subjected to extensive control efforts in the People's Republic of China (China) which aims to eliminate the disease by 2030. We describe baseline results of a longitudinal cohort study undertaken in the Dongting and Poyang lakes areas of central China designed to determine the prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum in humans, animals (goats and bovines) and Oncomelania snails utilizing molecular diagnostics procedures. Data from the Chinese National Schistosomiasis Control Programme (CNSCP) were compared with the molecular results obtained.Sixteen villages from Hunan and Jiangxi provinces were surveyed; animals were only found in Hunan. The prevalence of schistosomiasis in humans was 1.8% in Jiangxi and 8.0% in Hunan determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), while 18.3% of animals were positive by digital droplet PCR. The CNSCP data indicated that all villages harboured S. japonicum-infected individuals, detected serologically by indirect haemagglutination assay (IHA), but very few, if any, of these were subsequently positive by Kato-Katz (KK).Based on the outcome of the IHA and KK results, the CNSCP incorporates targeted human praziquantel chemotherapy but this approach can miss some infections as evidenced by the results reported here. Sensitive molecular diagnostics can play a key role in the elimination of schistosomiasis in China and inform control measures allowing for a more systematic approach to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A. Gordon
- Department of Immunology, Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Gail M. Williams
- School of Population Health, Discipline of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Darren J. Gray
- Department of Global Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | | | - Xiao-Nong Zhou
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuesheng Li
- Department of Immunology, Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
- Hunan Institute of Schistosomiasis Control, Yueyang, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jürg Utzinger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Johanna Kurscheid
- Department of Global Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Simon Forsyth
- School of Population Health, Discipline of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | - Jie Zhou
- Hunan Institute of Schistosomiasis Control, Yueyang, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhaojun Li
- Jiangxi Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Guangpin Li
- Hunan Institute of Schistosomiasis Control, Yueyang, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Dandan Lin
- Jiangxi Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhihong Lou
- Hunan Institute of Schistosomiasis Control, Yueyang, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shengming Li
- Hunan Institute of Schistosomiasis Control, Yueyang, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Ge
- Jiangxi Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Xu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinling Yu
- Hunan Institute of Schistosomiasis Control, Yueyang, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Hu
- Jiangxi Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuying Xie
- Jiangxi Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Chen
- Chinese National Human Genome Center, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Shi
- Chinese National Human Genome Center, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Chong Li
- Chinese National Human Genome Center, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Huajun Zheng
- Chinese National Human Genome Center, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Donald P. McManus
- Department of Immunology, Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
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15
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Abstract
Parasitic neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affect over one billion people worldwide, with individuals from communities in low-socioeconomic areas being most at risk and suffering the most. Disease management programs are hindered by the lack of infrastructure and resources for clinical sample collection, storage, and transport and a dearth of sensitive diagnostic methods that are inexpensive as well as accurate. Many diagnostic tests and tools have been developed for the parasitic NTDs, but the collection and storage of clinical samples for molecular and immunological diagnosis can be expensive due to storage, transport, and reagent costs, making these procedures untenable in most areas of endemicity. The application of membrane technology, which involves the use of specific membranes for either sample collection and storage or diagnostic procedures, can streamline this process, allowing for long-term sample storage at room temperature. Membrane technology can be used in serology-based diagnostic assays and for nucleic acid purification prior to molecular analysis. This facilitates the development of relatively simple and rapid procedures, although some of these methods, mainly due to costs, lack accessibility in low-socioeconomic regions of endemicity. New immunological procedures and nucleic acid storage, purification, and diagnostics protocols that are simple, rapid, accurate, and cost-effective must be developed as countries progress control efforts toward the elimination of the parasitic NTDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine J. Rogers
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Donald P. McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Stephen Muhi
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Catherine A. Gordon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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16
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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.
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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
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17
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Mu Y, McManus DP, Gordon CA, Cai P. Parasitic Helminth-Derived microRNAs and Extracellular Vesicle Cargos as Biomarkers for Helminthic Infections. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:708952. [PMID: 34249784 PMCID: PMC8267863 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.708952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
As an adaption to their complex lifecycles, helminth parasites garner a unique repertoire of genes at different developmental stages with subtle regulatory mechanisms. These parasitic worms release differential components such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and extracellular vesicles (EVs) as mediators which participate in the host-parasite interaction, immune regulation/evasion, and in governing processes associated with host infection. MiRNAs are small (~ 22-nucleotides) non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level, and can exist in stable form in bodily fluids such as serum/plasma, urine, saliva and bile. In addition to reports focusing on the identification of miRNAs or in the probing of differentially expressed miRNA profiles in different development stages/sexes or in specific tissues, a number of studies have focused on the detection of helminth-derived miRNAs in the mammalian host circulatory system as diagnostic biomarkers. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), small membrane-surrounded structures secreted by a wide variety of cell types, contain rich cargos that are important in cell-cell communication. EVs have attracted wide attention due to their unique functional relevance in host-parasite interactions and for their potential value in translational applications such as biomarker discovery. In the current review, we discuss the status and potential of helminth parasite-derived circulating miRNAs and EV cargos as novel diagnostic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Mu
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Donald P McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Catherine A Gordon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Pengfei Cai
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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18
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Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a common neglected tropical disease of impoverished people and livestock in many developing countries in tropical Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America. Substantial progress has been made in controlling schistosomiasis in some African countries, but the disease still prevails in most parts of sub-Saharan Africa with an estimated 800 million people at risk of infection. Current control strategies rely primarily on treatment with praziquantel, as no vaccine is available; however, treatment alone does not prevent reinfection. There has been emphasis on the use of integrated approaches in the control and elimination of the disease in recent years with the development of health infrastructure and health education. However, there is a need to evaluate the present status of African schistosomiasis, primarily caused by Schistosoma mansoni and S. haematobium, and the factors affecting the disease as the basis for developing more effective control and elimination strategies in the future. This review provides an historical perspective of schistosomiasis in Africa and discusses the current status of control efforts in those countries where the disease is endemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oyime Poise Aula
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4006, Australia;
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane 4006, Australia
| | - Donald P. McManus
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4006, Australia;
| | - Malcolm K. Jones
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia;
| | - Catherine A. Gordon
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4006, Australia;
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19
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Mationg MLS, Tallo VL, Williams GM, Gordon CA, Clements ACA, McManus DP, Gray DJ. The control of soil-transmitted helminthiases in the Philippines: the story continues. Infect Dis Poverty 2021; 10:85. [PMID: 34118990 PMCID: PMC8196932 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-021-00870-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections have long been an important public health concern in the Philippines. In this review, we describe the current status of STH infections there and highlight the control efforts undertaken to reduce STH burden. Main text A nationwide STH mass drug administration (MDA) programme was started in 2006 but the overall STH prevalence remains stubbornly high across the Philippines, ranging from 24.9% to 97.4%. The continued increase in the prevalence may have been due to the challenges related to MDA implementation which include the lack of people’s awareness about the importance of regular treatment, misconceptions about the MDA strategy, lack of confidence on the drugs used, fear of adverse events and general distrust of government programs. There are existing water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) programmes implemented in communities [e.g., Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) program and providing toilet bowls and provision of subsidy for latrine construction] and schools [e.g., WASH in School (WINS) program], but sustained implementation is required to achieve expected outcomes. Although WASH in general is being taught in schools, integration of STH as a disease and community problem in the current public elementary school curriculum is still inadequate. The Integrated Helminth Control Program (IHCP) currently implemented in the country, which is focused on improved sanitation and personal hygiene, health education and preventive chemotherapy, will require continuous appraisal. The sustainability of this programme still continues to be a challenge. Conclusions Despite the major efforts to control STH infections for almost two decades in the Philippines, persistently high STH prevalence has been reported across the country, which is likely due to suboptimal MDA coverage and limitations in WASH and health education programs. Sustainable delivery of integrated control approaches will continue to play a pivotal role in the control and elimination of STH in the Philippines. Graphic abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Lorraine S Mationg
- Department of Global Health, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Building 62 Mills Rd, Acton ACT, Canberra, 2601, Australia. .,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines.
| | - Veronica L Tallo
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Gail M Williams
- School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Catherine A Gordon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | - Donald P McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Darren J Gray
- Department of Global Health, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Building 62 Mills Rd, Acton ACT, Canberra, 2601, Australia
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Gordon CA, Shield JM, Bradbury RS, Muhi S, Page W, Judd JA, Lee R, Biggs BA, Ross K, Kurscheid J, Gray DJ, McManus DP. HTLV-I and Strongyloides in Australia: The worm lurking beneath. Adv Parasitol 2021; 111:119-201. [PMID: 33482974 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2020.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Strongyloidiasis and HTLV-I (human T-lymphotropic virus-1) are important infections that are endemic in many countries around the world with an estimated 370 million infected with Strongyloides stercoralis alone, and 5-10 million with HTVL-I. Co-infections with these pathogens are associated with significant morbidity and can be fatal. HTLV-I infects T-cells thus causing dysregulation of the immune system which has been linked to dissemination and hyperinfection of S. stercoralis leading to bacterial sepsis which can result in death. Both of these pathogens are endemic in Australia primarily in remote communities in Queensland, the Northern Territory, and Western Australia. Other cases in Australia have occurred in immigrants and refugees, returned travellers, and Australian Defence Force personnel. HTLV-I infection is lifelong with no known cure. Strongyloidiasis is a long-term chronic disease that can remain latent for decades, as shown by infections diagnosed in prisoners of war from World War II and the Vietnam War testing positive decades after they returned from these conflicts. This review aims to shed light on concomitant infections of HTLV-I with S. stercoralis primarily in Australia but in the global context as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A Gordon
- Infectious Diseases Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
| | - Jennifer M Shield
- Department of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC, Australia; Department of Medicine, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne and the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Richard S Bradbury
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Federation University, Berwick, VIC, Australia
| | - Stephen Muhi
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Wendy Page
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Jenni A Judd
- School of Health Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Bundaberg, QLD, Australia; Centre for Indigenous Health Equity Research, Central Queensland University, Bundaberg, QLD, Australia
| | - Rogan Lee
- Westmead Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Beverley-Ann Biggs
- Department of Medicine, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne and the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Kirstin Ross
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Johanna Kurscheid
- Department of Global Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia
| | - Darren J Gray
- Department of Global Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia
| | - Donald P McManus
- Infectious Diseases Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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21
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Li FY, Hou XY, Tan HZ, Williams GM, Gray DJ, Gordon CA, Kurscheid J, Clements ACA, Li YS, McManus DP. Current Status of Schistosomiasis Control and Prospects for Elimination in the Dongting Lake Region of the People's Republic of China. Front Immunol 2020; 11:574136. [PMID: 33162989 PMCID: PMC7583462 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.574136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis japonica is an ancient parasitic disease that has severely impacted human health causing a substantial disease burden not only to the Chinese people but also residents of other countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia and, before the 1970s, Japan. Since the founding of the new People's Republic of China (P. R. China), effective control strategies have been implemented with the result that the prevalence of schistosomiasis japonica has decreased markedly in the past 70 years. Historically, the Dongting Lake region in Hunan province is recognised as one of the most highly endemic for schistosomiasis in the P.R. China. The area is characterized by vast marshlands outside the lake embankments and, until recently, the presence of large numbers of domestic animals such as bovines, goats and sheep that can act as reservoir hosts for Schistosoma japonicum. Considerable social, economic and environmental changes have expanded the Oncomelania hupensis hupensis intermediate snail host areas in the Dongting lake region increasing the potential for both the emergence of new hot spots for schistosomiasis transmission, and for its re-emergence in areas where infection is currently under control. In this paper, we review the history, the current endemic status of schistosomiasis and the control strategies in operation in the Dongting Lake region. We also explore epidemiological factors contributing to S. japonicum transmission and highlight key research findings from studies undertaken on schistosomiasis mainly in Hunan but also other endemic Chinese provinces over the past 10 years. We also consider the implications of these research findings on current and future approaches that can lead to the sustainable integrated control and final elimination of schistosomiasis from the P. R. China and other countries in the region where this unyielding disease persists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei-Yue Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Immunology and Diagnosis, Hunan Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Yueyang, China
| | - Xun-Ya Hou
- Department of Immunology and Diagnosis, Hunan Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Yueyang, China
| | - Hong-Zhuan Tan
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Gail M. Williams
- School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Darren J. Gray
- Department of Global Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Catherine A. Gordon
- Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Johanna Kurscheid
- Department of Global Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Archie C. A. Clements
- Faculty of Health Science, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia
- Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Yue-Sheng Li
- Department of Immunology and Diagnosis, Hunan Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Yueyang, China
- Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Donald P. McManus
- Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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22
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Adisakwattana P, Yoonuan T, Phuphisut O, Poodeepiyasawat A, Homsuwan N, Gordon CA, McManus DP, Atkinson LE, Mousley A, Gobert GN. Clinical helminthiases in Thailand border regions show elevated prevalence levels using qPCR diagnostics combined with traditional microscopic methods. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:416. [PMID: 32787935 PMCID: PMC7425172 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04290-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Under-regulated national borders in Southeast Asia represent potential regions for enhanced parasitic helminth transmission and present barriers to helminthiasis disease control. METHODS Three Thailand border regions close to Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia were surveyed for clinical parasitic helminth disease. In-field microscopy was performed on stools from 567 individuals. Sub-samples were transported to Bangkok for molecular analysis comprising three multiplex qPCR assays. RESULTS The overall helminth infection prevalence was 17.99% as assessed by Kato-Katz and 24.51% by qPCR. The combined prevalence of the two methods was 28.57%; the most predominant species detected were Opisthorchis viverrini (18.34%), hookworm (6.88%; Ancylostoma spp. and Necator americanus), Ascaris lumbricoides (2.29%) and Trichuris trichiura (1.76%). CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate the value of molecular diagnostics for determining more precise prevalence levels of helminthiases in Southeast Asia. Availability of such accurate prevalence information will help guide future public health initiatives and highlights the need for more rigorous surveillance and timely intervention in these regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poom Adisakwattana
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
| | - Tippayarat Yoonuan
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Orawan Phuphisut
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Akkarin Poodeepiyasawat
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Nirundorn Homsuwan
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - 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
| | - Louise E Atkinson
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 5DL, UK
| | - Angela Mousley
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 5DL, UK
| | - Geoffrey N Gobert
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 5DL, UK.
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23
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Gordon CA, Krause L, McManus DP, Morrison M, Weerakoon KG, Connor MC, Olveda RM, Ross AG, Gobert GN. Helminths, polyparasitism, and the gut microbiome in the Philippines. Int J Parasitol 2020; 50:217-225. [PMID: 32135180 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2019.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Polyparasitism, involving soil-transmitted helminths. and Schistosoma blood flukes, is common in low to middle income countries. These helminths impact on the gut environment and can cause changes to the gut microbiome composition. Here we examined the gut microbiome in individuals with polyparasitism from two human cohorts in the Philippines utilising DNA sequencing-based profiling. Multiple helminth species infections were high with 70.3% of study participants harbouring at least two parasite species, and 16% harbouring at least five species. Increased numbers of helminth co-infections, in particular with the gut-resident soil-transmitted helminths, were significantly associated with increased bacterial diversity; however no significant parasite-gut microbiome associations were evident for individuals infected only with Schistosoma japonicum. In general, a healthy gut is associated with high bacterial diversity, which in these human cohorts may be the result of helminth-mediated immune modulation, or due to changes in the gut environment caused by these parasitic helminths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A Gordon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Immunology Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Lutz Krause
- University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Donald P McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Immunology Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Mark Morrison
- University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Kosala G Weerakoon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Immunology Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia; School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Saliyapura, Sri Lanka
| | - Mairead C Connor
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Remigio M Olveda
- Department of Immunology, Research Institute of Tropical Medicine, Manilla, Philippines
| | - Allen G Ross
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Geoffrey N Gobert
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom.
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24
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Mutombo PN, Man NWY, Nejsum P, Ricketson R, Gordon CA, Robertson G, Clements ACA, Chacón-Fonseca N, Nissapatorn V, Webster JP, McLaws ML. Diagnosis and drug resistance of human soil-transmitted helminth infections: A public health perspective. Adv Parasitol 2019; 104:247-326. [PMID: 31030770 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2019.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections represent a major public health problem globally, particularly among socio-economically disadvantaged populations. Detection of STH infections is often challenging, requiring a combination of diagnostic techniques to achieve acceptable sensitivity and specificity, particularly in low infection-intensity situations. The microscopy-based Kato-Katz remains the most widely used method but has low sensitivity in the detection of, for instance, Strongyloides spp. infections, among others. Antigen/antibody assays can be more sensitive but are parasite species-specific. Highly sensitive PCR methods have been developed to be multiplexed to allow multi-species detection. Novel diagnostic tests for all STH species are needed for effective monitoring, evaluation of chemotherapy programmes, and to assess the potential emergence of parasite resistance. This review discusses available diagnostic methods for the different stages of STH control programmes, which vary in sensitivity and spectrum of detection requirements, and tools to evaluate drug efficacy and resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polydor Ngoy Mutombo
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, UNSW Medicine, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Centre for Biomedical Research, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Nicola W Y Man
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Peter Nejsum
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Robert Ricketson
- Hale O'mana'o Biomedical Research, Division of Emerging Pathogens, Edmond, OK, United States
| | - Catherine A Gordon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Gemma Robertson
- Public and Environmental Health, Forensic and Scientific Services, Department of Health, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Nathalie Chacón-Fonseca
- Soil-Transmitted Helminths Section, Tropical Medicine Institute, Tropical Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Central University of Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Veeranoot Nissapatorn
- School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand; Research Excellence Center for Innovation and Health Products (RECIHP), Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Joanne P Webster
- Centre for Emerging, Endemic and Exotic Diseases (CEEED), Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mary-Louise McLaws
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, UNSW Medicine, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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25
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Weerakoon KG, Gordon CA, Williams GM, Cai P, Gobert GN, Olveda RM, Ross AG, Olveda DU, McManus DP. Co-parasitism of intestinal protozoa and Schistosoma japonicum in a rural community in the Philippines. Infect Dis Poverty 2018; 7:121. [PMID: 30526666 PMCID: PMC6287361 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-018-0504-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Co-parasitism is a frequent occurrence in impoverished communities in the tropics resulting in a considerable disease burden. While there are extensive reports of intestinal helminthiases, including schistosomiasis japonica, the occurrence and extent of diseases caused by intestinal protozoa (IP) have yet to be investigated in depth in the Philippines. We present a detailed analysis of polyparasitism in a rural community of Northern Samar, focusing on co-infections of IP with Schistosoma japonicum. Methods A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out in 2015 across 18 barangays (villages) endemic for S. japonicum in Northern Samar, the Philippines to assess the burden of human schistosomiasis and IP infections. Faecal samples collected from 412 participants from the 18 barangays were included in the final molecular analysis. A multiplex quantitative PCR assay was developed and used for the detection of Blastocystis spp., Entamoeba histolytica, Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in stool samples. The findings were combined with previous results of droplet digital PCR diagnosis of individuals from the same 18 barangays infected with S. japonicum determined using the same stool samples for analysis. Results Mean age of the study participants was 40.3 years (95% CI: 38.8–41.8) with 53% (n = 218) being males. Prevalence of S. japonicum (74.5%) and Blastocystis spp. (58.7%) was significantly higher compared to other infections, with E. histolytica having the lowest prevalence (12.1%). A majority of individuals were infected with more than one parasite with two infections being most common (n = 175, 42.5%). The prevalence of individuals with two parasites was significantly higher than all others with 27.9% (n = 115) subjects harbouring a single parasite species. Of individuals with two infections, S. japonicum and Blastocystis spp. were the most common combination (n = 110, 62.9%). Examining age within the population, 58.5% (n = 38) of school-aged children and 60.1% (n = 14) of women of child bearing age harboured at least two parasite species. Conclusions The study revealed that polyparasitism with IP infections and schistosomiasis japonica is highly prevalent in individuals in Northern Samar which likely contributes to the significant public health and socio-economic burden suffered by this population. More generally, the findings are of relevance when considering implementation of integrated control strategies for intestinal parasites. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s40249-018-0504-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosala Gayan Weerakoon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, 4006, Australia. .,School of Public Health, The 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
| | - Gail M Williams
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4006, Australia
| | - Pengfei Cai
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, 4006, Australia
| | - Geoffrey N Gobert
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, 4006, Australia.,School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Remigio M Olveda
- Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Department of Health, Manila, 1781, Philippines
| | - Allen G Ross
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, 4222, Australia
| | - David U Olveda
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, 4222, Australia
| | - Donald P McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, 4006, Australia.
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26
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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: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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27
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Gordon CA, Jones MK, McManus DP. The History of Bancroftian Lymphatic Filariasis in Australasia and Oceania: Is There a Threat of Re-Occurrence in Mainland Australia? Trop Med Infect Dis 2018; 3:E58. [PMID: 30274454 PMCID: PMC6073764 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed3020058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Revised: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Lymphatic filariasis (LF) infects an estimated 120 million people worldwide, with a further 856 million considered at risk of infection and requiring preventative chemotherapy. The majority of LF infections are caused by Wuchereria bancrofti, named in honour of the Australian physician Joseph Bancroft, with the remainder due to Brugia malayi and B. timori. Infection with LF through the bite of an infected mosquito, can lead to the development of the condition known as elephantiasis, where swelling due to oedema leads to loss of function in the affected area and thickening of the skin, 'like an elephant'. LF has previously been endemic in Australia, although currently, no autochthonous cases occur there. Human immigration to Australia from LF-endemic countries, including those close to Australia, and the presence of susceptible mosquitoes that can act as suitable vectors, heighten the possibility of the reintroduction of LF into this country. In this review, we examine the history of LF in Australia and Oceania and weigh up the potential risk of its re-occurrence on mainland Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A Gordon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia.
| | - Malcolm K Jones
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Donald P McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia.
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28
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Abstract
We have previously identified nucleolar and spindle associated protein 1 (NUSAP1) as a prognostic biomarker in early stage prostate cancer. To better understand the role of NUSAP1 in prostate cancer progression, we tested the effects of increased and decreased NUSAP1 expression in cell lines, in vivo models, and patient samples. NUSAP1 promotes invasion, migration, and metastasis, possibly by modulating family with sequence similarity 101 member B (FAM101B), a transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1) signaling effector involved in the epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Our findings provide insights into the importance of NUSAP1 in prostate cancer progression and provide a rationale for further study of NUSAP1 function, regulation, and clinical utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A Gordon
- Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Xue Gong
- Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.,Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Durga Ganesh
- Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - James D Brooks
- Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.,Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
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29
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He P, Gordon CA, Williams GM, Li Y, Wang Y, Hu J, Gray DJ, Ross AG, Harn D, McManus DP. Real-time PCR diagnosis of Schistosoma japonicum in low transmission areas of China. Infect Dis Poverty 2018; 7:8. [PMID: 29394958 PMCID: PMC5796516 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-018-0390-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Schistosomiasis in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) can be traced back to antiquity. In the past 60 years, the Chinese government has made great efforts to control this persistent disease with elimination slated by 2020 through the implementation of a comprehensive control strategy. This strategy aims to reduce the role of bovines and humans as sources of infection as a pre-requisite for elimination through transmission interruption. The goal of elimination will be achievable only by the implementation of a sustainable surveillance and control system, with sensitive diagnosis a key feature so that the true disease burden is not underestimated. Currently used diagnostics lack the necessary sensitivity to accurately determine the prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum infection in areas with low infection intensities. It is of critical importance to find and treat people and to identify animals with low-level infections if the National Control Programme for China is to achieve schistosomiasis elimination. Methods We evaluated a real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay using 633 human stool samples collected from five villages in Hunan, Anhui, Hubei, and Jiangxi provinces, and 182 bovine (70 cattle and 112 buffalo) stool samples obtained from four villages in Hunan, Anhui, and Jiangxi provinces in the PRC. All stool samples were subjected to the miracidium hatching test (MHT, a diagnostic procedure used in the National Schistosomiasis Control Programme) and the qPCR assay. Samples positive by MHT were subjected to either the Kato-Katz technique for humans, or the formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation-digestion (FEA-SD) procedure for bovines, to determine infection intensities. Results The qPCR assay exhibited a high level of sensitivity in the detection of S. japonicum infections. With both the human and bovine samples, a significantly higher prevalence was determined using the qPCR assay (11.06% humans, 24.73% bovines) than with the MHT (0.93% humans, 7.69% bovines). The animal contamination index (calculated using data obtained with the qPCR technique) for all positive bovines was 27 618 000 eggs per day, indicating a considerable amount of environmental egg contamination that would be underestimated using less sensitive diagnostic procedures. Conclusions The qPCR assay we have evaluated will be applicable as a future field diagnostic and surveillance tool in low-transmission zones where schistosomiasis elimination is targeted and for monitoring post-intervention areas to verify that elimination has been maintained. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s40249-018-0390-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei He
- Hunan Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Yueyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Catherine A Gordon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Gail M Williams
- Discipline of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Yuesheng Li
- Hunan Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Yueyang, People's Republic of China.,Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Hunan Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Yueyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Junjian Hu
- Hunan Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Yueyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Darren J Gray
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia.,Discipline of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Allen G Ross
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Donald Harn
- University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Donald P McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia.
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Mationg MLS, Gordon CA, Tallo VL, Olveda RM, Alday PP, Reñosa MDC, Bieri FA, Williams GM, Clements ACA, Steinmann P, Halton K, Li Y, McManus DP, Gray DJ. Status of soil-transmitted helminth infections in schoolchildren in Laguna Province, the Philippines: Determined by parasitological and molecular diagnostic techniques. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0006022. [PMID: 29108026 PMCID: PMC5703569 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2017] [Revised: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) are the most common parasitic infections in impoverished communities, particularly among children. Current STH control is through school-based mass drug administration (MDA), which in the Philippines is done twice annually. As expected, MDA has decreased the intensity and prevalence of STH over time. As a result, the common Kato Katz (KK) thick smear method of detecting STH is less effective because it lacks sensitivity in low intensity infections, making it difficult to measure the impact of deworming programs. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS A cross-sectional study was carried out over a four-week period from October 27, 2014 until November 20, 2014 in Laguna province, the Philippines. Stool samples were collected from 263 schoolchildren, to determine the prevalence of STH and compare diagnostic accuracy of multiplex quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) with the KK. A large discrepancy in the prevalence between the two techniques was noted for the detection of at least one type of STH infection (33.8% by KK vs. 78.3% by qPCR), Ascaris lumbricoides (20.5% by KK vs. 60.8% by qPCR) and Trichuris trichiura (23.6% by KK vs. 38.8% by qPCR). Considering the combined results of both methods, the prevalence of at least one type of helminth infection, A. lumbricoides, and T. trichiura were 83.3%, 67.7%, and 53.6%, respectively. Sensitivity of the qPCR for detecting at least one type of STH infection, A. lumbricoides, and T. trichiura were 94.1%, 89.9%, and 72.3% respectively; whereas KK sensitivity was 40.6%, 30.3%, and 44.0%, respectively. The qPCR method also detected infections with Ancylostoma spp. (4.6%), Necator americanus (2.3%), and Strongyloides stercoralis (0.8%) that were missed by KK. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE qPCR may provide new and important diagnostic information to improve assessment of the effectiveness and impact of integrated control strategies particularly in areas where large-scale STH control has led to low prevalence and/or intensity of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Lorraine S. Mationg
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Catherine A. Gordon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Veronica L. Tallo
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Remigio M. Olveda
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Portia P. Alday
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Mark Donald C. Reñosa
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Franziska A. Bieri
- Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Gail M. Williams
- Discipline of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Archie C. A. Clements
- Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Peter Steinmann
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel Switzerland
| | - Kate Halton
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Yuesheng Li
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
- Hunan Institute of Parasitic Diseases, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Research and Control on Schistosomiasis in Lake Region, Yueyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Donald P. McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
- * E-mail: (DJG); (DPM)
| | - Darren J. Gray
- Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
- * E-mail: (DJG); (DPM)
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Gordon CA, Kurscheid J, Jones MK, Gray DJ, McManus DP. Soil-Transmitted Helminths in Tropical Australia and Asia. Trop Med Infect Dis 2017; 2:E56. [PMID: 30270913 PMCID: PMC6082059 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed2040056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Revised: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) infect 2 billion people worldwide including significant numbers in South-East Asia (SEA). In Australia, STH are of less concern; however, indigenous communities are endemic for STH, including Strongyloides stercoralis, as well as for serious clinical infections due to other helminths such as Toxocara spp. The zoonotic hookworm Ancylostoma ceylanicum is also present in Australia and SEA, and may contribute to human infections particularly among pet owners. High human immigration rates to Australia from SEA, which is highly endemic for STH Strongyloides and Toxocara, has resulted in a high prevalence of these helminthic infections in immigrant communities, particularly since such individuals are not screened for worm infections upon entry. In this review, we consider the current state of STH infections in Australia and SEA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A Gordon
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Queensland 4006, Australia.
| | - Johanna Kurscheid
- Australian National University, Department of Global Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia.
| | - Malcolm K Jones
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4067, Australia.
| | - Darren J Gray
- Australian National University, Department of Global Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia.
| | - Donald P McManus
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Queensland 4006, Australia.
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Weerakoon KG, Gordon CA, Williams GM, Cai P, Gobert GN, Olveda RM, Ross AG, Olveda DU, McManus DP. Droplet Digital PCR Diagnosis of Human Schistosomiasis: Parasite Cell-Free DNA Detection in Diverse Clinical Samples. J Infect Dis 2017; 216:1611-1622. [DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jix521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Ye J, Gordon CA, Chan AWH. Enhancement in Secondary Organic Aerosol Formation in the Presence of Preexisting Organic Particle. Environ Sci Technol 2016; 50:3572-9. [PMID: 26963686 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5b05512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Atmospheric models of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) typically assume organic species form a well-mixed phase. As a result, partitioning of semivolatile oxidation products into the particle phase to form SOA is thought to be enhanced by preexisting organic particles. In this work, the physicochemical properties that govern such enhancement in SOA yield were examined. SOA yields from α-pinene ozonolysis were measured in the presence of a variety of organic seeds which were chosen based on polarity and phase state at room temperature. Yield enhancement was only observed with seeds of medium polarities (tetraethylene glycol and citric acid). Solid hexadecanol seed was observed to enhance SOA yields only in chamber experiments with longer mixing time scales, suggesting that the mixing process for SOA and hexadecanol may be kinetically limited at shorter time scales. Our observations indicate that, in addition to kinetic limitations, intermolecular interactions also play a significant role in determining SOA yields. Here we propose for the first time to use the Hansen solubility framework to determine aerosol miscibility and predict SOA yield enhancement. These results highlight that current models may overestimate SOA formation, and parametrization of intermolecular forces is needed for accurate predictions of SOA formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhuai Ye
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto , Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E5, Canada
| | - Catherine A Gordon
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto , Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E5, Canada
| | - Arthur W H Chan
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto , Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E5, Canada
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Weerakoon KG, Gordon CA, Gobert GN, Cai P, McManus DP. Optimisation of a droplet digital PCR assay for the diagnosis of Schistosoma japonicum infection: A duplex approach with DNA binding dye chemistry. J Microbiol Methods 2016; 125:19-27. [PMID: 27021661 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2016.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Revised: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a chronically debilitating helminth infection with a significant socio-economic and public health impact. Accurate diagnostics play a pivotal role in achieving current schistosomiasis control and elimination goals. However, many of the current diagnostic procedures, which rely on detection of schistosome eggs, have major limitations including lack of accuracy and the inability to detect pre-patent infections. DNA-based detection methods provide a viable alternative to the current tests commonly used for schistosomiasis diagnosis. Here we describe the optimisation of a novel droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) duplex assay for the diagnosis of Schistosoma japonicum infection which provides improved detection sensitivity and specificity. The assay involves the amplification of two specific and abundant target gene sequences in S. japonicum; a retrotransposon (SjR2) and a portion of a mitochondrial gene (nad1). The assay detected target sequences in different sources of schistosome DNA isolated from adult worms, schistosomules and eggs, and exhibits a high level of specificity, thereby representing an ideal tool for the detection of low levels of parasite DNA in different clinical samples including parasite cell free DNA in the host circulation and other bodily fluids. Moreover, being quantitative, the assay can be used to determine parasite infection intensity and, could provide an important tool for the detection of low intensity infections in low prevalence schistosomiasis-endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosala G Weerakoon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia; School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Saliyapura, Sri Lanka.
| | - Catherine A Gordon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Geoffrey N Gobert
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Pengfei Cai
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Donald P McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
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Gordon CA, McManus DP, Jones MK, Gray DJ, Gobert GN. The Increase of Exotic Zoonotic Helminth Infections: The Impact of Urbanization, Climate Change and Globalization. Adv Parasitol 2016; 91:311-97. [PMID: 27015952 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2015.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Zoonotic parasitic diseases are increasingly impacting human populations due to the effects of globalization, urbanization and climate change. Here we review the recent literature on the most important helminth zoonoses, including reports of incidence and prevalence. We discuss those helminth diseases which are increasing in endemic areas and consider their geographical spread into new regions within the framework of globalization, urbanization and climate change to determine the effect these variables are having on disease incidence, transmission and the associated challenges presented for public health initiatives, including control and elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A Gordon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Donald P McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Malcolm K Jones
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Darren J Gray
- Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Geoffrey N Gobert
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Gordon CA, McManus DP, Acosta LP, Olveda RM, Williams GM, Ross AG, Gray DJ, Gobert GN. Multiplex real-time PCR monitoring of intestinal helminths in humans reveals widespread polyparasitism in Northern Samar, the Philippines. Int J Parasitol 2015; 45:477-83. [PMID: 25858090 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2015.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2014] [Revised: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 02/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The global socioeconomic importance of helminth parasitic disease is underpinned by the considerable clinical impact on millions of people. While helminth polyparasitism is considered common in the Philippines, little has been done to survey its extent in endemic communities. High morphological similarity of eggs between related species complicates conventional microscopic diagnostic methods which are known to lack sensitivity, particularly in low intensity infections. Multiplex quantitative PCR diagnostic methods can provide rapid, simultaneous identification of multiple helminth species from a single stool sample. We describe a multiplex assay for the differentiation of Ascaris lumbricoides, Necator americanus, Ancylostoma, Taenia saginata and Taenia solium, building on our previously published findings for Schistosoma japonicum. Of 545 human faecal samples examined, 46.6% were positive for at least three different parasite species. High prevalences of S. japonicum (90.64%), A. lumbricoides (58.17%), T. saginata (42.57%) and A. duodenale (48.07%) were recorded. Neither T. solium nor N. americanus were found to be present. The utility of molecular diagnostic methods for monitoring helminth parasite prevalence provides new information on the extent of polyparasitism in the Philippines municipality of Palapag. These methods and findings have potential global implications for the monitoring of neglected tropical diseases and control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A Gordon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia; Discipline of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Donald P McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Luz P Acosta
- Department of Immunology, Research Institute of Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Remigio M Olveda
- Department of Immunology, Research Institute of Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Gail M Williams
- Discipline of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Allen G Ross
- Griffith Health Institute, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia
| | - Darren J Gray
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia; Discipline of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Geoffrey N Gobert
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Overexpression of NUSAP1 is associated with poor prognosis in prostate cancer, but little is known about what leads to its overexpression. Based on previous observations that NUSAP1 expression is enhanced by E2F1, we hypothesized that NUSAP1 expression is regulated, at least in part, by loss of RB1 via the RB1/E2F1 axis. METHODS Using Significance Analysis of Microarrays, we examined RB1, E2F1, and NUSAP1 transcript levels in prostate cancer gene expression datasets. We compared NUSAP1 expression levels in DU145, LNCaP, and PC-3 prostate cancer cell lines via use of cDNA microarray data, RT-qPCR, and Western blots. In addition, we used lentiviral expression constructs to knockdown RB1 in prostate cancer cell lines and transient transfections to knockdown E2F1, and investigated RB1, E2F1, and NUSAP1 expression levels with RT-qPCR and Western blots. Finally, in DU145 cells or PC-3 cells that stably underexpress RB1, we used proliferation and invasion assays to assess whether NUSAP1 knockdown affects proliferation or invasion. RESULTS NUSAP1 transcript levels are positively correlated with E2F1 and negatively correlated with RB1 transcript levels in prostate cancer microarray datasets. NUSAP1 expression is elevated in the RB1-null DU145 prostate cancer cell line, as opposed to LNCaP and PC-3 cell lines. Furthermore, NUSAP1 expression increases upon knockdown of RB1 in prostate cancer cell lines (LNCaP and PC-3) and decreases after knockdown of E2F1. Lastly, knockdown of NUSAP1 in DU145 cells or PC-3 cells with stable knockdown of RB1 decreases proliferation and invasion of these cells. CONCLUSION Our studies support the notion that NUSAP1 expression is upregulated by loss of RB1 via the RB1/E2F1 axis in prostate cancer cells. Such upregulation may promote prostate cancer progression by increasing proliferation and invasion of prostate cancer cells. NUSAP1 may thus represent a novel therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A Gordon
- Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
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Gordon CA, Acosta LP, Gobert GN, Jiz M, Olveda RM, Ross AG, Gray DJ, Williams GM, Harn D, Li Y, McManus DP. High prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum and Fasciola gigantica in bovines from Northern Samar, the Philippines. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0003108. [PMID: 25643317 PMCID: PMC4313937 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2014] [Accepted: 07/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The cause of zoonotic schistosomiasis in the Philippines is Schistosoma japonicum, which infects up to 46 mammalian hosts, including humans and bovines. In China, water buffaloes have been identified as major reservoir hosts for schistosomiasis japonica, contributing up to 75% of human transmission. In the Philippines, water buffaloes (carabao; Bubalus bubalis carabanesis) have, historically, been considered unimportant reservoirs. We therefore revisited the possible role of bovines in schistosome transmission in the Philippines, using the recently described formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation (FEA-SD) technique and a qPCR assay to examine fecal samples from 153 bovines (both carabao and cattle) from six barangays in Northern Samar. A high prevalence of S. japonicum was found using qPCR and FEA-SD in both cattle (87.50% and 77.08%, respectively) and carabao (80.00% and 55.24%, respectively). The average daily egg output for each bovine was calculated at 195,000. High prevalence and infection intensity of F. gigantica was also found in the bovines by qPCR and FEA-SD (95.33% and 96.00%, respectively). The identification of bovines as major reservoir hosts for S. japonicum transmission suggests that bovine treatment and/or vaccination, as one becomes available, should be included in any future control program that aims to reduce the disease burden due to schistosomiasis in the Philippines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A. Gordon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Australia
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Unit, School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- * E-mail: (CAG); (DPM)
| | - Luz P. Acosta
- Department of Immunology, Research Institute of Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Geoffrey N. Gobert
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Mario Jiz
- Department of Immunology, Research Institute of Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Remigio M. Olveda
- Department of Immunology, Research Institute of Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Allen G. Ross
- Griffith Health Institute, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Darren J. Gray
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Australia
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Unit, School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Research School of Population Health, the Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Gail M. Williams
- Discipline of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Donald Harn
- University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Yuesheng Li
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Donald P. McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Australia
- * E-mail: (CAG); (DPM)
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Gordon CA, Gong X, Gulzar ZG, Brooks JD. Abstract B15: NuSAP is regulated by RB1 and modulates prostate cancer progression. Cancer Res 2013. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.fbcr13-b15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
We have recently shown that nucleolar and spindle-associated protein (NUSAP1; encoding NuSAP) is overexpressed in recurrent prostate cancer tumors. Correlation between NUSAP1 transcript levels and prognosis has been seen in melanomas, glioblastomas, and breast cancers, indicating that NuSAP plays an important role in cancer aggressiveness. Although NuSAP is known to be essential for cell cycle progression, faithfully binding to and stabilizing microtubules during mitosis, little is known about its role in cancer progression. Hence, in this study we performed an extensive analysis to understand the role of NuSAP in aggressive cancer, focusing on prostate cancer. We first aimed to identify a mechanism leading to NuSAP upregulation in prostate cancer. In our previous study we found that E2F transcription factor-1 (E2F1) directly binds to the promoter of NUSAP1, enhancing NUSAP1 expression. Since E2F1 is known to be negatively regulated by the retinoblastoma protein (RB1), and RB1 is frequently lost in aggressive prostate cancer, we hypothesized that the expression of NuSAP is regulated, at least in part, by the RB1/E2F1 axis. We confirmed that NUSAP1 transcripts are anti-correlated with RB1 transcripts and positively correlated with E2F1 transcripts in prostate cancer microarray datasets, and then used lentiviral-based technology to knockdown RB1 in human prostate cancer cell lines (PC3 and LNCaP). RT-qPCR and western blot revealed that NuSAP expression increased upon knockdown of RB1, and was reduced upon further knockdown of E2F1, supporting the notion that NuSAP is regulated by the RB1/E2F1 axis. We next aimed to determine the function of NuSAP in prostate cancer progression. Using lentiviral-based technology we knocked-down and overexpressed NuSAP in prostate cancer cell lines, and examined proliferation, invasion, apoptosis, cell cycle stages, migration, and global gene expression. Proliferation, invasion, and scratch assays revealed that knockdown of NuSAP consistently reduced proliferation, invasion, and migration, respectively, while overexpression of NuSAP significantly increased invasion. Flow cytometry analyses revealed that knockdown of NuSAP led to a significant increase in the number of apoptotic cells and number of cells in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle. RNA-Seq analysis further revealed genes significantly differentially expressed upon knockdown or overexpression of NuSAP. Of note, overexpression led to an activation of genes involved in invasion, cellular movement, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Examination of microarray datasets additionally revealed increased NUSAP1 transcripts in metastatic prostate tumors. Taken together, our work provides a mechanism accounting for NuSAP overexpression in prostate cancer, and identifies novel functions of NuSAP in aggressive cancers. Understanding the role of NuSAP in prostate cancer progression will provide insights into the inner workings of aggressive cancer cells, and may ultimately pave the way for new routes to prognosticate and treat prostate and other cancers.
Citation Format: Catherine A. Gordon, Xue Gong, Zulfiqar G. Gulzar, James D. Brooks. NuSAP is regulated by RB1 and modulates prostate cancer progression. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Third AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Basic Cancer Research; Sep 18-22, 2013; National Harbor, MD. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(19 Suppl):Abstract nr B15.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xue Gong
- Stanford University, Stanford, CA
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40
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Abstract
Inactive DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) 3B splice isoforms are associated with changes in DNA methylation, yet the mechanisms by which they act remain largely unknown. Using biochemical and cell culture assays, we show here that the inactive DNMT3B3 and DNMT3B4 isoforms bind to and regulate the activity of catalytically competent DNMT3A or DNMT3B molecules. DNMT3B3 modestly stimulated the de novo methylation activity of DNMT3A and also counteracted the stimulatory effects of DNMT3L, therefore leading to subtle and contrasting effects on activity. DNMT3B4, by contrast, significantly inhibited de novo DNA methylation by active DNMT3 molecules, most likely due to its ability to reduce the DNA binding affinity of co-complexes, thereby sequestering them away from their substrate. Immunocytochemistry experiments revealed that in addition to their effects on the intrinsic catalytic function of active DNMT3 enzymes, DNMT3B3 and DNMT34 drive distinct types of chromatin compaction and patterns of histone 3 lysine 9 tri-methylation (H3K9me3) deposition. Our findings suggest that regulation of active DNMT3 members through the formation of co-complexes with inactive DNMT3 variants is a general mechanism by which DNMT3 variants function. This may account for some of the changes in DNA methylation patterns observed during development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A. Gordon
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Stella R. Hartono
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Frédéric Chédin
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
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Xu B, Gordon CA, Hu W, McManus DP, Chen HG, Gray DJ, Ju C, Zeng XJ, Gobert GN, Ge J, Lan WM, Xie SY, Jiang WS, Ross AG, Acosta LP, Olveda R, Feng Z. A novel procedure for precise quantification of Schistosoma japonicum eggs in bovine feces. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2012; 6:e1885. [PMID: 23166847 PMCID: PMC3499414 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2012] [Accepted: 09/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis japonica is a zoonosis with a number of mammalian species acting as reservoir hosts, including water buffaloes which can contribute up to 75% to human transmission in the People's Republic of China. Determining prevalence and intensity of Schistosoma japonicum in mammalian hosts is important for calculating transmission rates and determining environmental contamination. A new procedure, the formalin–ethyl acetate sedimentation-digestion (FEA–SD) technique, for increased visualization of S. japonicum eggs in bovine feces, is described that is an effective technique for identifying and quantifying S. japonicum eggs in fecal samples from naturally infected Chinese water buffaloes and from carabao (water buffalo) in the Philippines. The procedure involves filtration, sedimentation, potassium hydroxide digestion and centrifugation steps prior to microscopy. Bulk debris, including the dense cellulosic material present in bovine feces, often obscures schistosome eggs with the result that prevalence and infection intensity based on direct visualization cannot be made accurately. This technique removes nearly 70% of debris from the fecal samples and renders the remaining debris translucent. It allows improved microscopic visualization of S. japonicum eggs and provides an accurate quantitative method for the estimation of infection in bovines and other ruminant reservoir hosts. We show that the FEA-SD technique could be of considerable value if applied as a surveillance tool for animal reservoirs of S. japonicum, particularly in areas with low to high infection intensity, or where, following control efforts, there is suspected elimination of schistosomiasis japonica. Schistosomiasis japonica, a chronic human parasitic disease in the People's Republic of China, the Philippines and areas of Indonesia, is a zoonosis with over 40 different mammals, including a number of ruminants, that can act as reservoir hosts for the infection. Precise identification of the major infection reservoirs is important for the control of Schistosoma japonicum as their targeted treatment can prevent environmental contamination and transmission of the parasite, thus reducing the risk to humans. Current copro-parasitological techniques are generally unsatisfactory for identifying and quantifying S. japonicum eggs in ruminant feces due to the large volume of cellulosic debris present. The new approach we describe here, the FEA–SD technique, removes much of this material by sieving and centrifugation with ethyl actate and renders any remaining debris transparent by use of a potassium hydroxide (KOH) digestion, providing much improved visualization of eggs, enabling the collection of more accurate data on S. japonicum infection in ruminants. This new tool will be of particular value for monitoring schistosome prevalence and intensity in animal reservoirs in areas of the People's Republic of China that are heading toward schistosomiasis elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Xu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Catherine A. Gordon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Australia
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Unit, School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- * E-mail: (CAG); (ZF)
| | - Wei Hu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Donald P. McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Hong-Gen Chen
- Jiangxi Provincial Institute of Parasitic Diseases Control, Nanchang, People's Republic of China
| | - Darren J. Gray
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Australia
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Unit, School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Chuan Ju
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Jun Zeng
- Jiangxi Provincial Institute of Parasitic Diseases Control, Nanchang, People's Republic of China
| | - Geoffrey N. Gobert
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Jun Ge
- Jiangxi Provincial Institute of Parasitic Diseases Control, Nanchang, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei-Ming Lan
- Jiangxi Provincial Institute of Parasitic Diseases Control, Nanchang, People's Republic of China
| | - Shu-Ying Xie
- Jiangxi Provincial Institute of Parasitic Diseases Control, Nanchang, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei-Sheng Jiang
- Jiangxi Provincial Institute of Parasitic Diseases Control, Nanchang, People's Republic of China
| | - Allen G. Ross
- Griffith Health Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Luz P. Acosta
- Research Institute of Tropical Medicine, Department of Immunology, Manila, Philippines
| | - Remigio Olveda
- Research Institute of Tropical Medicine, Department of Immunology, Manila, Philippines
| | - Zheng Feng
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- * E-mail: (CAG); (ZF)
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Wienholz BL, Kareta MS, Moarefi AH, Gordon CA, Ginno PA, Chédin F. DNMT3L modulates significant and distinct flanking sequence preference for DNA methylation by DNMT3A and DNMT3B in vivo. PLoS Genet 2010; 6:e1001106. [PMID: 20838592 PMCID: PMC2936528 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1001106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2009] [Accepted: 08/02/2010] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The DNTM3A and DNMT3B de novo DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) are responsible for setting genomic DNA methylation patterns, a key layer of epigenetic information. Here, using an in vivo episomal methylation assay and extensive bisulfite methylation sequencing, we show that human DNMT3A and DNMT3B possess significant and distinct flanking sequence preferences for target CpG sites. Selection for high or low efficiency sites is mediated by the base composition at the -2 and +2 positions flanking the CpG site for DNMT3A, and at the -1 and +1 positions for DNMT3B. This intrinsic preference reproducibly leads to the formation of specific de novo methylation patterns characterized by up to 34-fold variations in the efficiency of DNA methylation at individual sites. Furthermore, analysis of the distribution of signature methylation hotspot and coldspot motifs suggests that DNMT flanking sequence preference has contributed to shaping the composition of CpG islands in the human genome. Our results also show that the DNMT3L stimulatory factor modulates the formation of de novo methylation patterns in two ways. First, DNMT3L selectively focuses the DNA methylation machinery on properly chromatinized DNA templates. Second, DNMT3L attenuates the impact of the intrinsic DNMT flanking sequence preference by providing a much greater boost to the methylation of poorly methylated sites, thus promoting the formation of broader and more uniform methylation patterns. This study offers insights into the manner by which DNA methylation patterns are deposited and reveals a new level of interplay between members of the de novo DNMT family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany L. Wienholz
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Michael S. Kareta
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Amir H. Moarefi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Catherine A. Gordon
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Paul A. Ginno
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Frédéric Chédin
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
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Ioffreda MD, Gordon CA, Adams DR, Naides SJ, Miller JJ. Black tongue. Arch Dermatol 2001; 137:968-9. [PMID: 11453829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2023]
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Spenlehauer C, Gordon CA, Trkola A, Moore JP. A luciferase-reporter gene-expressing T-cell line facilitates neutralization and drug-sensitivity assays that use either R5 or X4 strains of human immunodeficiency virus type 1. Virology 2001; 280:292-300. [PMID: 11162843 DOI: 10.1006/viro.2000.0780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We describe the production and properties of a permanent cell line, CEM.NKR-CCR5-Luc. This line is a derivative of the CEM.NKR-CCR5 line, stably transfected to express the luciferase reporter gene under the transcriptional control of the HIV-2 LTR. Thus the cells respond to Tat expression during HIV-1 infection by producing luciferase, a protein that can be readily and accurately quantitated in a luminometer. The CEM.NKR-CCR5-Luc line expresses both the CCR5 and CXCR4 coreceptors and can therefore be infected with a range of HIV-1 isolates, irrespective of their tropism properties. This is true of HIV-1 isolates from several genetic subtypes and also of a group O isolate. Furthermore, luciferase expression is also activated by infection of the cells with SIVmac239 or SIVmac251. We show that the CEM.NKR-CCR5-Luc cells can be used in assays of HIV-1 neutralization and also for identifying inhibitors of HIV-1 entry targeted at the CCR5 and CXCR4 coreceptors. The luciferase end point simplifies the performance of neutralization and inhibitor-screening assays compared to the use of more conventional end points such as the detection of extracellular p24 antigen.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Spenlehauer
- Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York, USA
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45
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Abstract
PURPOSE To describe the effectiveness of 2-octyl cyanoacrylates (2-OCA) for repair of lacerations, reduction of needle-stick injuries to health care providers, patient satisfaction, and overall cost reduction. DATA SOURCES A descriptive study of typical lacerations (N = 38) presenting to a suburban urgent care center. CONCLUSIONS Wound approximation was complete (92.1%); with no erythema, drainage, or warmth (100%) and patients were satisfied (87%) and preferred 2-OCA (91%). No needle stick injuries occurred (100%) to providers or ancillary staff. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE 2-Octyl cyanoacrylates tissue adhesive effectively closes and heals wounds without infection, pain, or erythema. Health care providers can prevent the risk of blood and body fluid exposure from needle-stick injuries through the use of 2-OCA tissue adhesive.
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46
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Hammond ME, Lapointe GR, Feucht PH, Hilt S, Gallegos CA, Gordon CA, Giedlin MA, Mullenbach G, Tekamp-Olson P. IL-8 induces neutrophil chemotaxis predominantly via type I IL-8 receptors. The Journal of Immunology 1995. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.155.3.1428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
IL-8 is a potent proinflammatory cytokine that has a key role in the recruitment and activation of neutrophils during inflammation. IL-8 reacts with neutrophils via two distinct types of IL-8-R. Receptor-specific Abs were raised against peptides derived from the first extracellular domain of each IL-8-R. Anti-IL-8-R1 and anti-IL-8-R2 selectively block 125I-IL-8 binding to rIL-8-R type 1 or 2, respectively. The anti-peptide Abs were used to assess the role of each receptor in the chemotactic response of neutrophils to GRO alpha and to IL-8. Anti-IL-8-R2 blocks GRO alpha-induced chemotaxis of neutrophils. Chemotaxis to GRO alpha is not inhibited by anti-IL-8-R1. Thus GRO alpha stimulates chemotaxis exclusively through IL-8-R2 and independently of IL-8-R1. Surprisingly, anti-IL-8-R1 inhibits the majority (78 +/- 3%) of IL-8-induced neutrophil chemotaxis. Only a minor proportion of IL-8-induced chemotaxis (29 +/- 5%) is inhibited by anti-IL-8-R2. These findings indicate that chemotaxis to IL-8 is mediated predominantly by type 1 IL-8-Rs and suggest that IL-8-R1 is an appropriate target for therapeutic strategies to limit neutrophil influx in diseases where neutrophils contribute to pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- M E Hammond
- Chiron Corporation, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA
| | | | - P H Feucht
- Chiron Corporation, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA
| | - S Hilt
- Chiron Corporation, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA
| | | | - C A Gordon
- Chiron Corporation, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA
| | - M A Giedlin
- Chiron Corporation, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA
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Hammond ME, Lapointe GR, Feucht PH, Hilt S, Gallegos CA, Gordon CA, Giedlin MA, Mullenbach G, Tekamp-Olson P. IL-8 induces neutrophil chemotaxis predominantly via type I IL-8 receptors. J Immunol 1995; 155:1428-33. [PMID: 7636208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
IL-8 is a potent proinflammatory cytokine that has a key role in the recruitment and activation of neutrophils during inflammation. IL-8 reacts with neutrophils via two distinct types of IL-8-R. Receptor-specific Abs were raised against peptides derived from the first extracellular domain of each IL-8-R. Anti-IL-8-R1 and anti-IL-8-R2 selectively block 125I-IL-8 binding to rIL-8-R type 1 or 2, respectively. The anti-peptide Abs were used to assess the role of each receptor in the chemotactic response of neutrophils to GRO alpha and to IL-8. Anti-IL-8-R2 blocks GRO alpha-induced chemotaxis of neutrophils. Chemotaxis to GRO alpha is not inhibited by anti-IL-8-R1. Thus GRO alpha stimulates chemotaxis exclusively through IL-8-R2 and independently of IL-8-R1. Surprisingly, anti-IL-8-R1 inhibits the majority (78 +/- 3%) of IL-8-induced neutrophil chemotaxis. Only a minor proportion of IL-8-induced chemotaxis (29 +/- 5%) is inhibited by anti-IL-8-R2. These findings indicate that chemotaxis to IL-8 is mediated predominantly by type 1 IL-8-Rs and suggest that IL-8-R1 is an appropriate target for therapeutic strategies to limit neutrophil influx in diseases where neutrophils contribute to pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- M E Hammond
- Chiron Corporation, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA
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48
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Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa-derived alginate but no other neutral and negatively charged polysaccharides protected mucoid and nonmucoid strains of that organism against ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, ticarcillin, and ceftazidime. Data indicate that alginate has an intrinsic protective effect which is independent of diffusion, charge, or biofilm phenomena.
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Affiliation(s)
- N A Hodges
- Department of Pharmacy, Brighton Polytechnic, United Kingdom
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49
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Gordon CA, Hodges NA, Marriott C. Use of slime dispersants to promote antibiotic penetration through the extracellular polysaccharide of mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 1991; 35:1258-60. [PMID: 1929277 PMCID: PMC284327 DOI: 10.1128/aac.35.6.1258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Agents with the potential to reduce Pseudomonas aeruginosa alginate viscosity (slime dispersants) were shown to promote the diffusion of antipseudomonal antibiotics through alginate but were more effective in facilitating the diffusion of gentamicin than that of ceftazidime. EDTA increased the diffusion rates of these antibiotics by factors of 4.0 and 1.5, respectively, although sodium chloride significantly reduced viscosity and enhanced gentamicin diffusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Gordon
- Department of Pharmacy, Brighton Polytechnic, Moulsecoomb, United Kingdom
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50
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Gordon CA, Hodges NA, Marriott C. Antibiotic interaction and diffusion through alginate and exopolysaccharide of cystic fibrosis-derived Pseudomonas aeruginosa. J Antimicrob Chemother 1988; 22:667-74. [PMID: 3145268 DOI: 10.1093/jac/22.5.667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The interaction of five anti-pseudomonas antibiotics with both commercial and pseudomonas alginates was studied by investigation of their binding and diffusion characteristics. The two sources of alginate were qualitatively but not quantitatively similar in these respects. Unlike the beta-lactams, gentamicin and tobramycin bound avidly to both sources of alginate and, when the alginate gel to antibiotic ratio was high, the aminoglycosides exhibited diffusion coefficients which were approximately 20% of the beta-lactam values. At much lower ratios of alginate to antibiotic the aminoglycosides caused precipitation in the alginate with apparent disruption of the gel structure, and ultimately penetrated the gel at a faster rate than the beta-lactams. The strong aminoglycoside binding to alginate was reduced, but not eliminated by the presence of physiological concentrations of salts.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Gordon
- Department of Pharmacy, Brighton Polytechnic, Moulsecoomb, Brighton, UK
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