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Nature Reviews. Neurology Jun 2020Zoonotic and vector-borne parasites are important preventable risk factors for epilepsy. Three parasitic infections - cerebral malaria, Taenia solium cysticercosis and... (Review)
Review
Zoonotic and vector-borne parasites are important preventable risk factors for epilepsy. Three parasitic infections - cerebral malaria, Taenia solium cysticercosis and onchocerciasis - have an established association with epilepsy. Parasitoses are widely prevalent in low-income and middle-income countries, which are home to 80% of the people with epilepsy in the world. Once a parasitic infection has taken hold in the brain, therapeutic measures do not seem to influence the development of epilepsy in the long term. Consequently, strategies to control, eliminate and eradicate parasites represent the most feasible way to reduce the epilepsy burden at present. The elucidation of immune mechanisms underpinning the parasitic infections, some of which are parasite-specific, opens up new therapeutic possibilities. In this Review, we explore the pathophysiological basis of the link between parasitic infections and epilepsy, and we consider preventive and therapeutic approaches to reduce the burden of epilepsy attributable to parasitic disorders. We conclude that a concerted approach involving medical, veterinary, parasitological and ecological experts, backed by robust political support and sustainable funding, is the key to reducing this burden.
Topics: Animals; Cysticercosis; Developing Countries; Epilepsy; Humans; Malaria, Cerebral; Neurocysticercosis; Onchocerciasis; Parasites; Parasitic Diseases; Poverty; Vector Borne Diseases; Zoonoses
PubMed: 32427939
DOI: 10.1038/s41582-020-0361-3 -
International Journal of Infectious... Jul 2020Parasitic infections of the eye are a major cause of ocular-surface diseases globally. While most infections are treatable, parasites can cause varying levels of damage...
INTRODUCTION
Parasitic infections of the eye are a major cause of ocular-surface diseases globally. While most infections are treatable, parasites can cause varying levels of damage mostly due to late diagnosis or misdiagnosis as a result of doctors' unfamiliarity with their characteristics of latency and crypsis, as well as lack of awareness by the patients.
CASE REPORTS
In this study, we present three cases of phthiriasis palpebrarum, thelaziasis, and ophthalmomyiasis, respectively. Two of the cases were treated at the clinic and did not recur. One patient refused treatment and was lost to follow-up.
DISCUSSION
By evaluating the natural histories, morphology, symptoms, clinical findings, and treatment of these parasitic diseases, we systematically analyzed several distinct and unique parasite characteristics, especially latency and crypsis. Furthermore, we have proposed specific examination techniques and methods as well as prevention and treatment strategies from these specific perspectives, aiming to prompt timely diagnoses and early interventions for these diseases by health care workers and improve the public's awareness of parasitic infections.
CONCLUSION
Parasitosis on the ocular surface is a global infectious disease, and prevention strategies include maintaining personal and environmental hygiene and limiting contact with animals. We recommend that health care workers should enhance their ability to detect and diagnose these diseases while promoting the public's awareness of them in the context of our new perspectives.
Topics: Aged, 80 and over; Animals; Child; Delayed Diagnosis; Diagnostic Errors; Eye Infections, Parasitic; Eyelashes; Female; Humans; Lice Infestations; Male; Middle Aged; Myiasis; Phthirus; Recurrence; Spirurida Infections; Thelazioidea
PubMed: 32447120
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2020.05.061 -
Experimental Biology and Medicine... Oct 2022Parasitic infections acquired by the population cause substantial morbidity worldwide, with individuals from developing countries being most affected. Some parasites... (Review)
Review
Parasitic infections acquired by the population cause substantial morbidity worldwide, with individuals from developing countries being most affected. Some parasites remain in the host for long periods, settling in different organs, manipulating the flow of nutrients and metabolites, and influencing the immune response, favoring their adaptation. The host attempts to counteract the metabolic and immunological alterations and the possible damage caused by infection. These metabolic and immunological changes experienced by the host can influence the progression of other existing morbidities or those that will be acquired in the future. Cancer and metabolic diseases are also frequent causes of morbidity in the world population. The large numbers of individuals affected by cancer and metabolic diseases and the high prevalence of morbidity caused by parasitic diseases favor the development of comorbidity involving these pathologies. This review provides an overview of major advances in research on cancer and metabolic diseases associated with parasitic infections. Information about hosts and parasites such as alterations of the immune response, metabolism and adaptation mechanisms of the parasites, and parasitic molecules with therapeutic potential is provided, as well as the beneficial results or complications related to the comorbidities discussed herein. We emphasize the need to conduct additional studies addressing comorbidities associated with parasitic infections to improve the understanding of the impact of this association on the progression of morbidities, as well as the possibility of the therapeutic use of and therapeutic approaches involving parasites.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Parasitic Diseases; Parasites; Comorbidity; Prevalence
PubMed: 35876147
DOI: 10.1177/15353702221108387 -
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical... Nov 2017Allergic diseases are on the increase globally in parallel with a decrease in parasitic infection. The inverse association between parasitic infections and allergy at an... (Review)
Review
Allergic diseases are on the increase globally in parallel with a decrease in parasitic infection. The inverse association between parasitic infections and allergy at an ecological level suggests a causal association. Studies in human subjects have generated a large knowledge base on the complexity of the interrelationship between parasitic infection and allergy. There is evidence for causal links, but the data from animal models are the most compelling: despite the strong type 2 immune responses they induce, helminth infections can suppress allergy through regulatory pathways. Conversely, many helminths can cause allergic-type inflammation, including symptoms of "classical" allergic disease. From an evolutionary perspective, subjects with an effective immune response against helminths can be more susceptible to allergy. This narrative review aims to inform readers of the most relevant up-to-date evidence on the relationship between parasites and allergy. Experiments in animal models have demonstrated the potential benefits of helminth infection or administration of helminth-derived molecules on chronic inflammatory diseases, but thus far, clinical trials in human subjects have not demonstrated unequivocal clinical benefits. Nevertheless, there is sufficiently strong evidence to support continued investigation of the potential benefits of helminth-derived therapies for the prevention or treatment of allergic and other inflammatory diseases.
Topics: Allergens; Allergy and Immunology; Animals; Antigens, Helminth; Clinical Trials as Topic; Disease Models, Animal; Helminthiasis; Helminths; Humans; Hypersensitivity; Immunomodulation; Parasitic Diseases; Therapy with Helminths
PubMed: 29108604
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2017.09.005 -
Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology 2022Infectious diseases can be of serious public concerns because of its transmissibility. The parasitic infectious diseases in particular are often seen as neglected... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Infectious diseases can be of serious public concerns because of its transmissibility. The parasitic infectious diseases in particular are often seen as neglected diseases of poverty. The diagnostic tests for parasitic diseases barring malaria are not easily available specially in low resources settings where they are needed most. The conventional mode of diagnosis based on centralized laboratory is time consuming and resource intensive. The modern-day medicine has shifted the focus to patient care. The use of point of care tests (POCT) has increased worldwide because they provide rapid diagnosis within the consultation time that too near patient care areas. This is very useful for starting initial treatment. These POCT provide excellent solution for rural and hard to reach areas where parasitic diseases are most prevalent. Despite the high demand, a relatively limited number of validated rapid diagnostics are commercially available for parasitic infections.
OBJECTIVES AND CONTENT
This review aims to discuss various POCT available for these neglected parasitic diseases. Accurate detection of parasitic infection underpins a holistic approach to its control and management. The POCT can also be used to screen mass population to detect asymptomatic reservoirs and monitor interventions planned for elimination programs for many parasitic diseases. Recently focus is on integrated platforms and analysis of multiple analytes from single sample. Researchers are striving to produce POCT based on innovative technology such as lab-on-chip that can be made more affordable and suitable for low resource settings.
Topics: Communicable Diseases; Delivery of Health Care; Humans; Malaria; Parasitic Diseases; Point-of-Care Systems; Point-of-Care Testing
PubMed: 35248402
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmmb.2022.02.003 -
Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology 2015During infection significant alterations in lipid metabolism and lipoprotein composition occur. Triglyceride and VLDL cholesterol levels increase, while reduced HDL... (Review)
Review
During infection significant alterations in lipid metabolism and lipoprotein composition occur. Triglyceride and VLDL cholesterol levels increase, while reduced HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) and LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) levels are observed. More importantly, endotoxemia modulates HDL composition and size: phospholipids are reduced as well as apolipoprotein (apo) A-I, while serum amyloid A (SAA) and secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) dramatically increase, and, although the total HDL particle number does not change, a significant decrease in the number of small- and medium-size particles is observed. Low HDL-C levels inversely correlate with the severity of septic disease and associate with an exaggerated systemic inflammatory response. HDL, as well as other plasma lipoproteins, can bind and neutralize Gram-negative bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and Gram-positive bacterial lipoteichoic acid (LTA), thus favoring the clearance of these products. HDLs are emerging also as a relevant player during parasitic infections, and a specific component of HDL, namely, apoL-1, confers innate immunity against trypanosome by favoring lysosomal swelling which kills the parasite. During virus infections, proteins associated with the modulation of cholesterol bioavailability in the lipid rafts such as ABCA1 and SR-BI have been shown to favor virus entry into the cells. Pharmacological studies support the benefit of recombinant HDL or apoA-I mimetics during bacterial infection, while apoL-1-nanobody complexes were tested for trypanosome infection. Finally, SR-BI antagonism represents a novel and forefront approach interfering with hepatitis C virus entry which is currently tested in clinical studies. From the coming years, we have to expect new and compelling observations further linking HDL to innate immunity and infections.
Topics: Animals; Bacterial Infections; Biomarkers; Host-Parasite Interactions; Host-Pathogen Interactions; Humans; Lipoproteins, HDL; Parasitic Diseases; Sepsis; Virus Diseases
PubMed: 25522999
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-09665-0_15 -
Neurosurgical Focus Jan 2019OBJECTIVEAlthough parasitic infections are endemic to parts of the developing world and are more common in areas with developing economies and poor sanitary conditions,... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVEAlthough parasitic infections are endemic to parts of the developing world and are more common in areas with developing economies and poor sanitary conditions, rare cases may occur in developed regions of the world.METHODSArticles eligible for the authors' literature review were initially searched using PubMed with the phrases "parasitic infections" and "spine." After the authors developed a list of parasites associated with spinal cord infections from the initial search, they expanded it to include individual diagnoses, using search terms including "neurocysticercosis," "schistosomiasis," "echinococcosis," and "toxoplasmosis."RESULTSTwo recent cases of parasitic spinal infections from the authors' institution are included.CONCLUSIONSKey findings on imaging modalities, laboratory studies suggestive of parasitic infection, and most importantly a thorough patient history are required to correctly diagnose parasitic spinal infections.
Topics: Animals; Developing Countries; Echinococcosis; Humans; Parasites; Parasitic Diseases; Spine
PubMed: 30611161
DOI: 10.3171/2018.10.FOCUS18472 -
Trends in Parasitology Jun 2017Ivermectin is one of the most important drugs in veterinary and human medicine for the control of parasitic infection and was the joint focus of the 2015 Nobel Prize in... (Review)
Review
Ivermectin is one of the most important drugs in veterinary and human medicine for the control of parasitic infection and was the joint focus of the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, some 35 years after its remarkable discovery. Although best described for its activity on glutamate-gated chloride channels in parasitic nematodes, understanding of its mode of action remains incomplete. In the field of veterinary medicine, resistance to ivermectin is now widespread, but the mechanisms underlying resistance are unresolved. Here we discuss the history of this versatile drug and its use in global health. Based on recent studies in a variety of systems, we question whether ivermectin could have additional modes of action on parasitic nematodes.
Topics: Animals; Drug Resistance; History, 20th Century; History, 21st Century; Ivermectin; Parasitic Diseases
PubMed: 28285851
DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2017.02.004 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2021Protozoan parasite infection causes severe diseases in humans and animals, leading to tremendous economic and medical pressure. Natural immunity is the first line of... (Review)
Review
Protozoan parasite infection causes severe diseases in humans and animals, leading to tremendous economic and medical pressure. Natural immunity is the first line of defence against parasitic infection. Currently, the role of natural host immunity in combatting parasitic infection is unclear, so further research on natural host immunity against parasites will provide a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of related parasitic diseases. Extracellular traps (ETs) are an important natural mechanism of immunity involving resistance to pathogens. When immune cells such as neutrophils and macrophages are stimulated by external pathogens, they release a fibrous network structure, consisting mainly of DNA and protein, that can capture and kill a variety of extracellular pathogenic microorganisms. In this review, we discuss the relevant recently reported data on ET formation induced by protozoan parasite infection, including the molecular mechanisms involved, and discuss the role of ETs in the occurrence and development of parasitic diseases.
Topics: Animals; Extracellular Traps; Host-Parasite Interactions; Humans; Immunity, Innate; Leishmania; Neutrophils; Plasmodium; Protozoan Infections; Protozoan Infections, Animal; Signal Transduction; Toxoplasma
PubMed: 34970259
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.770246 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2021As a relatively successful pathogen, several parasites can establish long-term infection in host. This "harmonious symbiosis" status relies on the "precise" manipulation... (Review)
Review
As a relatively successful pathogen, several parasites can establish long-term infection in host. This "harmonious symbiosis" status relies on the "precise" manipulation of host immunity and metabolism, however, the underlying mechanism is still largely elusive. Immunometabolism is an emerging crossed subject in recent years. It mainly discusses the regulatory mechanism of metabolic changes on reprogramming the key transcriptional and post-transcriptional events related to immune cell activation and effect, which provides a novel insight for understanding how parasites regulate the infection and immunity in hosts. The present study reviewed the current research progress on metabolic reprogramming mechanism exploited by parasites to modulate the function in various immune cells, highlighting the future exploitation of key metabolites or metabolic events to clarify the underlying mechanism of anti-parasite immunity and design novel intervention strategies against parasitic infection.
Topics: Animals; Dendritic Cells; Host-Parasite Interactions; Humans; Lymphocytes; Macrophages; Parasitic Diseases; Plasmodium; Schistosoma; Trypanosoma
PubMed: 34122419
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.661241