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The Korean Journal of Parasitology Apr 2018The giant roundworm infects pigs and people worldwide and causes serious diseases. The taxonomic relationship between and is still unclear. The purpose of the present...
The giant roundworm infects pigs and people worldwide and causes serious diseases. The taxonomic relationship between and is still unclear. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the genetic diversity and population genetic structure of 258 specimens from humans and pigs from 6 sympatric regions in -endemic regions of China using existing simple sequence repeat data. The microsatellite markers showed a high level of allelic richness and genetic diversity in the samples. Each of the populations demonstrated excess homozygosity (Ho
0). According to a genetic differentiation index (Fst=0.0593), there was a high-level of gene flow in the populations. A hierarchical analysis on molecular variance revealed remarkably high levels of variation within the populations. Moreover, a population structure analysis indicated that populations fell into 3 main genetic clusters, interpreted as , , and a hybrid of the species. We speculated that humans can be infected with , , and the hybrid, but pigs were mainly infected with . This study provided new information on the genetic diversity and population structure of from human and pigs in China, which can be used for designing control strategies. It can also be beneficial to understand the introgression of host affiliation. Topics: Alleles; Animals; Ascariasis; Ascaris; China; Genetic Variation; Homozygote; Humans; Microsatellite Repeats; Swine; Swine Diseases
PubMed: 29742872
DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2018.56.2.175 -
International Journal of Infectious... May 2019Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-toff MS) is a reliable method for diagnosing a number of bacterial and fungal... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-toff MS) is a reliable method for diagnosing a number of bacterial and fungal infections. It is also effective as a method of rapid diagnosis of several parasitic agents. We used MALDI-toff MS to study the protein profiles of four nematodes: Dirofilaria repens, Dirofilaria. immitis, Ascaris suum and Ascaris lumbricoides.
METHODS
We studied the protein profiles of dirofilaria (five of each species: D. repens and D. immitis) and ascaris (five of each species: A. suum and A. lumbricoides), using a proteomic analysis based on MALDI-toff MS.
RESULTS
Analysis of protein extracts of dirofilaria and ascaris showed spectra with high-intensity peaks in the range of 2-20 kDa. The quality of the spectra (clear graphical reflection of mass/charge to luminous intensity, consistent in repeated analyzes) and the intensity of the spectral peaks were consistent in all samples of the same species. The spectra profiles of D. repens and D. immitis differed in eight major peaks which makes it possible to differentiate species according to the protein profile. The spectra profiles obtained from A. suum and A. lumbricoides proteins differed slightly in 3 major peaks in both species and were discovered in m/z 13000; 13400 and 14400. The protein peaks in diapason 3000 kD-7300 kD specific for all genus ascaris are constant.
CONCLUSIONS
MALDI-toff MS-based proteomic analysis can serve as an effective taxonomic tool for parasitological studies.
Topics: Animals; Ascaris; Dirofilaria immitis; Dirofilaria repens; Female; Proteomics; Species Specificity; Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization
PubMed: 30849497
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2019.02.047 -
Parasites & Vectors May 2024The giant roundworm Ascaris is an intestinal nematode, causing ascariasis by infecting humans and pigs worldwide. Recent estimates suggest that Ascaris infects over half...
BACKGROUND
The giant roundworm Ascaris is an intestinal nematode, causing ascariasis by infecting humans and pigs worldwide. Recent estimates suggest that Ascaris infects over half a billion people, with chronic infections leading to reduced growth and cognitive ability. Ascariasis affects innumerable pigs worldwide and is known to reduce production yields via decreased growth and condemnation of livers. The predominant anthelminthic drugs used to treat ascariasis are the benzimidazoles. Benzimidazoles interact with β-tubulins and block their function, and several benzimidazole resistance-associated mutations have been described in the β-tubulins of ruminant nematodes. Recent research on ascarids has shown that these canonical benzimidazole resistance-associated mutations are likely not present in the β-tubulins of Ascaris, Ascaridia or Parascaris, even in phenotypically resistant populations.
METHODS
To further determine the putative absence of key β-tubulin polymorphisms, we screened two β-tubulin isotypes of Ascaris, highly expressed in adult worms. Using adult and egg samples of Ascaris obtained from pigs and humans worldwide, we performed deep amplicon sequencing to look for canonical resistance-associated mutations in Ascaris β-tubulins. Subsequently, we examined these data in closer detail to study the population dynamics of Ascaris and genetic diversity within the two isotypes and tested whether genotypes appeared to partition across human and pig hosts.
RESULTS
In the 187 isolates, 69 genotypes were found, made up of eight haplotypes of β-tubulin isotype A and 20 haplotypes of isotype B. Single nucleotide polymorphisms were seen at 14 and 37 positions for β-tubulin isotype A and isotype B, respectively. No evidence of any canonical benzimidazole resistance-associated mutations was found in either human- or pig-derived Ascaris isolates. There was, however, a difference in the genetic diversity of each isotype and distribution of β-tubulin genotypes between human- and pig-derived Ascaris. Statistical tests of population differentiation show significant differences (p < 0.001) between pig- and human-derived worms; however, more diversity was seen between worms from different populations than worms from different hosts.
CONCLUSIONS
Our work suggests an absence of canonical β-tubulin mutations within Ascaris, but alternative modes of anthelminthic resistance may emerge necessitating continued genetic scrutiny alongside monitoring of drug efficacy.
Topics: Tubulin; Animals; Benzimidazoles; Drug Resistance; Ascariasis; Mutation; Anthelmintics; Swine; Ascaris; Humans; Swine Diseases
PubMed: 38755679
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06306-5 -
BMC Public Health Feb 2017Understanding the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections is necessary to plan control strategies and focus on highly endemic regions for preventive... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Understanding the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections is necessary to plan control strategies and focus on highly endemic regions for preventive chemotherapy and improved sanitation facilities. India is known to be endemic for soil-transmitted helminth infections.
METHODS
To understand the prevalence, spatial distribution and identify high-risk zones, a systematic search of published literature was carried out based on PRISMA guidelines from the year 2000 to 2015.
RESULTS
A careful screening of the identified literature yielded 39 studies that reported the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections from 19 different states of India. Ascaris lumbricoides was the most prevalent parasite. Higher than 50% prevalence was reported from six states. Nearly 90% studies reported the prevalence of more than one parasite species in the same sample population.
CONCLUSION
This is the first study to comprehensively review the literature associated with soil-transmitted helminth infections from India giving a clear idea of its prevalence, distribution and high endemic areas.
Topics: Animals; Ascaris lumbricoides; Feces; Helminthiasis; Humans; India; Prevalence; Risk; Risk Factors; Soil; Spatial Analysis
PubMed: 28209148
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-017-4113-2 -
PloS One 2022Specific collagens and insoluble proteins called cuticlins are major constituents of the nematode cuticles. The epicuticle, which forms the outermost electron-dense...
Specific collagens and insoluble proteins called cuticlins are major constituents of the nematode cuticles. The epicuticle, which forms the outermost electron-dense layer of the cuticle, is composed of another category of insoluble proteins called epicuticlins. It is distinct from the insoluble cuticlins localized in the cortical layer and the fibrous ribbon underneath lateral alae. Our objective was to identify and characterize genes and their encoded proteins forming the epicuticle. The combination between previously obtained laboratory results and recently made available data through the whole-genome shotgun contigs (WGS) and the transcriptome Shotgun Assembly (TSA) sequencing projects of Ascaris suum allowed us to identify the first epicuticlin gene, Asu-epic-1, on the chromosome VI. This gene is formed of exon1 (55 bp) and exon2 (1067 bp), separated by an intron of 1593 bp. Exon 2 is formed of tandem repeats (TR) whose number varies in different cDNA and genomic clones of Asu-epic-1. These variations could be due to slippage of the polymerases during DNA replication and RNA transcription leading to insertions and deletions (Indels). The deduced protein, Asu-EPIC-1, consists of a signal peptide of 20 amino acids followed by 353 amino acids composed of seven TR of 49 or 51 amino acids each. Three highly conserved tyrosine motifs characterize each repeat. The GYR motif is the Pfam motif PF02756 present in several cuticular proteins of arthropods. Asu-EPIC-1 is an intrinsically disordered protein (IDP) containing seven predicted molecular recognition features (MoRFs). This type of protein undergoes a disorder-to-order transition upon binding protein partners. Three epicuticular sequences have been identified in A. suum, Ascaris lumbricoides, and Toxocara canis. Homologous epicuticular proteins were identified in over 50 other nematode species. The potential of this new category of proteins in forming the nematode cuticle through covalent interactions with other cuticular components, particularly with collagens, is discussed. Their localization in the outermost layer of the nematode body and their unique structure render them crucial candidates for biochemical and molecular interaction studies and targets for new biotechnological and biomedical applications.
Topics: Animals; Arthropods; Nematoda; Ascaris suum; Collagen; Amino Acids
PubMed: 36301857
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274751 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Jun 2024The standard diagnosis of Ascaris lumbricoides and other soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections relies on the detection of worm eggs by copromicroscopy. However,...
BACKGROUND
The standard diagnosis of Ascaris lumbricoides and other soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections relies on the detection of worm eggs by copromicroscopy. However, this method is dependent on worm patency and shows only limited accuracy in low-intensity infection settings. We aimed to decipher the diagnostic accuracy of different antibodies using various Ascaris antigens in reference to copromicroscopy and quantitative PCR (qPCR), four months after national STH preventative chemotherapy among school children in western Kenya.
METHODOLOGY
STH infection status of 390 school children was evaluated via copromicroscopy (Kato-Katz and mini-FLOTAC) and qPCR. In parallel, Ascaris-specific antibody profiles against larval and adult worm lysates, and adult worm excretory-secretory (ES) products were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Antibody cross-reactivity was evaluated using the closely related zoonotic roundworm species Toxocara cati and Toxocara canis. The diagnostic accuracy of each antibody was evaluated using receiver operating curve analysis and the correspondent area under the curve (AUC).
PRINCIPAL FINDINGS
Ascaris was the predominant helminth infection with an overall prevalence of 14.9% (58/390). The sensitivity of mini-FLOTAC and Kato-Katz for Ascaris diagnosis reached only 53.5% and 63.8%, respectively compared to qPCR. Although being more sensitive, qPCR values correlated with microscopic egg counts (R = -0.71, P<0.001), in contrast to antibody levels. Strikingly, IgG antibodies recognizing the ES products of adult Ascaris worms reliably diagnosed active Ascaris infection as determined by qPCR and microscopy, with IgG1 displaying the highest accuracy (AUC = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.75-0.91).
CONCLUSION
IgG1 antibody responses against adult Ascaris-ES products hold a promising potential for complementing the standard fecal and molecular techniques employed for monitoring Ascaris infections. This is of particular importance in the context of deworming programs as the antibody diagnostic accuracy was independent of egg counts.
PubMed: 38889190
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012279 -
Malaria Journal Jul 2021Ascariasis and malaria are highly prevalent parasitic diseases in tropical regions and often have overlapping endemic areas, contributing to high morbidity and mortality...
Concomitant experimental coinfection by Plasmodium berghei NK65-NY and Ascaris suum downregulates the Ascaris-specific immune response and potentiates Ascaris-associated lung pathology.
BACKGROUND
Ascariasis and malaria are highly prevalent parasitic diseases in tropical regions and often have overlapping endemic areas, contributing to high morbidity and mortality rates in areas with poor sanitary conditions. Several studies have previously aimed to correlate the effects of Ascaris-Plasmodium coinfections but have obtained contradictory and inconclusive results. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate parasitological and immunopathological aspects of the lung during murine experimental concomitant coinfection by Plasmodium berghei and Ascaris suum during larvae ascariasis.
METHODS
C57BL/6J mice were inoculated with 1 × 10 P. berghei strain NK65-NY-infected red blood cells (iRBCs) intraperitoneally and/or 2500 embryonated eggs of A. suum by oral gavage. P. berghei parasitaemia, morbidity and the survival rate were assessed. On the seventh day postinfection (dpi), A. suum lung burden analysis; bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL); histopathology; NAG, MPO and EPO activity measurements; haematological analysis; and respiratory mechanics analysis were performed. The concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-12/IL-23p40, IL-6, IL-4, IL-33, IL-13, IL-5, IL-10, IL-17A, IFN-γ, TNF and TGF-β were assayed by sandwich ELISA.
RESULTS
Animals coinfected with P. berghei and A. suum show decreased production of type 1, 2, and 17 and regulatory cytokines; low leukocyte recruitment in the tissue; increased cellularity in the circulation; and low levels of NAG, MPO and EPO activity that lead to an increase in larvae migration, as shown by the decrease in larvae recovered in the lung parenchyma and increase in larvae recovered in the airway. This situation leads to severe airway haemorrhage and, consequently, an impairment respiratory function that leads to high morbidity and early mortality.
CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates that the Ascaris-Plasmodium interaction is harmful to the host and suggests that this coinfection may potentiate Ascaris-associated pathology by dampening the Ascaris-specific immune response, resulting in the early death of affected animals.
Topics: Animals; Ascariasis; Ascaris suum; Coinfection; Down-Regulation; Gene Expression Regulation; Immunity, Innate; Lung; Malaria; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Plasmodium berghei
PubMed: 34210332
DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03824-w -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Dec 2020Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are endemic in Indonesia. However, prevalence data for many parts of the country are incomplete. The aim of this study was to...
Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are endemic in Indonesia. However, prevalence data for many parts of the country are incomplete. The aim of this study was to determine human STH prevalence and knowledge and practices relating to STH risk behaviour, to provide a current view of the status of STH infection in rural communities in Central Java. A cross-sectional survey of 16 villages was conducted in Semarang, Central Java in 2015. Demographic and household data together with information about knowledge and practices relating to STH and hygiene were elicited through face-to-face interviews. Stool samples were collected and examined using the flotation method. Children (aged 2-12 years) also had their haemoglobin (Hb) levels, height and weight data collected, and BMI estimated. Data were analysed using univariate logistic regression analysis. A total of 6,466 individuals with a mean age of 33.5 years (range: 2-93) from 2,195 households were interviewed. The overall prevalence of STH was 33.8% with Ascaris lumbricoides (roundworm) the predominant nematode identified (prevalence = 26.0%). Hookworm and Trichuris trichiura (whipworm) were found in 7.9% and 1.8% of participants, respectively. Females were at increased odds of infection with A. lumbricoides (adjusted OR 1.14, 95% CI [1.02-1.29], p = 0.02). Adults in age groups 51-60 and over 60 years had the highest odds of being infected with hookworm (adjusted OR 3.01, 95% CI [1.84-4.91], p<0.001 and adjusted OR 3.79, 95% CI [2.30-6.26], p<0.001, respectively) compared to 6-12 year olds. Farmers also had higher odds of being infected with hookworm (adjusted OR 2.36, 95% CI [1.17-4.76], p = 0.02) compared to other occupation categories. Poverty (OR 2.14, 95% CI [1.77-2.58], p<0.001), overcrowding (OR 1.35, 95% CI [1.27-1.44], p<0.001), goat ownership (OR 1.61, 95% CI [1.10-2.41], p = 0.02) and the presence of dry floor space in the home (OR 0.73, 95% CI [0.58-0.91], p = 0.01) were all household factors significantly associated with an increased odds of infection. Infection with STH was not significantly associated with the gastrointestinal illness (p>0.05), BMI or Hb levels; however, one third of all 2-12 year olds surveyed were found to be anaemic (i.e. Hb concentrations below 110g/l or 115g/l for children under 5 and 5 years or older, respectively), with a greater proportion of school-age children at risk. Knowledge and behaviour related to hygiene and gastrointestinal diseases varied widely and were generally not associated with STH infection. The study revealed that STH infection remains endemic in Central Java despite ongoing deworming programs. Current control efforts would benefit from being re-evaluated to determine a more effective way forward.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Ancylostomatoidea; Animals; Ascariasis; Ascaris lumbricoides; Child; Child, Preschool; Cross-Sectional Studies; Farmers; Feces; Female; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Hookworm Infections; Humans; Hygiene; Indonesia; Male; Middle Aged; Sanitation; Soil; Surveys and Questionnaires; Trichuriasis; Trichuris; Young Adult
PubMed: 33370267
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008907 -
Infection and Immunity Dec 2018(roundworm) is the most common helminth infection globally and a cause of lifelong morbidity that may include allergic airway disease, an asthma phenotype. We...
(roundworm) is the most common helminth infection globally and a cause of lifelong morbidity that may include allergic airway disease, an asthma phenotype. We hypothesize that larval migration through the lungs leads to persistent airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and type 2 inflammatory lung pathology despite resolution of infection that resembles allergic airway disease. Mice were infected with by oral gavage. Lung AHR was measured by plethysmography and histopathology with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) stains, and cytokine concentrations were measured by using Luminex Magpix. -infected mice were compared to controls or mice with allergic airway disease induced by ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization and challenge (OVA/OVA). -infected mice developed profound AHR starting at day 8 postinfection (p.i.), peaking at day 12 p.i. and persisting through day 21 p.i., despite resolution of infection, which was significantly increased compared to controls and OVA/OVA mice. -infected mice had a robust type 2 cytokine response in both the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and lung tissue, similar to that of the OVA/OVA mice, including interleukin-4 (IL-4) ( < 0.01 and < 0.01, respectively), IL-5 ( < 0.001 and < 0.001), and IL-13 ( < 0.001 and < 0.01), compared to controls. By histopathology, -infected mice demonstrated early airway remodeling similar to, but more profound than, that in OVA/OVA mice. We found that larval migration causes significant pulmonary damage, including AHR and type 2 inflammatory lung pathology that resembles an extreme form of allergic airway disease. Our findings indicate that ascariasis may be an important cause of allergic airway disease in regions of endemicity.
Topics: Animals; Ascariasis; Ascaris; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Hypersensitivity; Interleukin-13; Interleukin-4; Interleukin-5; Larva; Lung; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Ovalbumin; Respiratory Hypersensitivity; Th2 Cells
PubMed: 30249744
DOI: 10.1128/IAI.00533-18 -
International Journal of Environmental... Jan 2022Wastewater sludge represents an important resource for reuse in agriculture. However, potentially harmful pathogens are a main threat in this context. Thus, the aim of...
Wastewater sludge represents an important resource for reuse in agriculture. However, potentially harmful pathogens are a main threat in this context. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the presence of helminth ova and protozoan cysts in dried sewage sludge samples collected from ten wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) located in eight governorates in Tunisia. Based on morphological criteria, protozoan cysts of spp., //, and , were detected in all dried sludge composite samples (N = 116) from the investigated WWTPs. The mean concentration ranged from 1.4 to 10.7 cysts per 100 g dry matter (DM). The identified helminth eggs were spp., , Taeniid eggs, , , and hookworm species. spp. and Taeniid eggs were detected in 56.9 and 74.1% of analyzed samples, respectively. The presence of spp., , and spp. eggs in dried sewage sludge samples was low (0.9, 1.7, and 2.6%, respectively). The mean concentration of helminth eggs during the three-year study was less than 1 egg/100 g DM. All examined dried sewage sludge sample contents were below the WHO (2006) and US EPA (2003) recommendations, and thus, the sludge can potentially be reused in agriculture.
Topics: Agriculture; Animals; Ascaris; Sewage; Toxocara; Tunisia
PubMed: 35162680
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031657