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Parasites & Vectors May 2024Angiostrongyliasis is a highly dangerous infectious disease. Angiostrongylus cantonensis larvae migrate to the mouse brain and cause symptoms, such as brain swelling...
BACKGROUND
Angiostrongyliasis is a highly dangerous infectious disease. Angiostrongylus cantonensis larvae migrate to the mouse brain and cause symptoms, such as brain swelling and bleeding. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are novel targets for the control of parasitic infections. However, the role of these molecules in A. cantonensis infection has not been fully clarified.
METHODS
In total, 32 BALB/c mice were randomly divided into four groups, and the infection groups were inoculated with 40 A. cantonensis larvae by gavage. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and RNA library construction were performed on brain tissues from infected mice. Differential expression of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and mRNAs in brain tissues was identified by high-throughput sequencing. The pathways and functions of the differentially expressed lncRNAs were determined by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) analyses. The functions of the differentially expressed lncRNAs were further characterized by lncRNA‒microRNA (miRNA) target interactions. The potential host lncRNAs involved in larval infection of the brain were validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‒PCR).
RESULTS
The pathological results showed that the degree of brain tissue damage increased with the duration of infection. The transcriptome results showed that 859 lncRNAs and 1895 mRNAs were differentially expressed compared with those in the control group, and several lncRNAs were highly expressed in the middle-late stages of mouse infection. GO and KEGG pathway analyses revealed that the differentially expressed target genes were enriched mainly in immune system processes and inflammatory response, among others, and several potential regulatory networks were constructed.
CONCLUSIONS
This study revealed the expression profiles of lncRNAs in the brains of mice after infection with A. cantonensis. The lncRNAs H19, F630028O10Rik, Lockd, AI662270, AU020206, and Mexis were shown to play important roles in the infection of mice with A. cantonensis infection.
Topics: Animals; RNA, Long Noncoding; Angiostrongylus cantonensis; Strongylida Infections; Brain; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Larva; MicroRNAs; Gene Expression Profiling; Female; RNA, Messenger
PubMed: 38715092
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06278-6 -
Journal of Microbiology, Immunology,... Dec 2023The immunoglobulin E (IgE) response to Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection increases in the host. This study analyzed the IgG and IgE responses detected in different...
BACKGROUND
The immunoglobulin E (IgE) response to Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection increases in the host. This study analyzed the IgG and IgE responses detected in different body fluids of A. cantonensis-infected mice.
METHODS
BALB/c (high susceptibility), CBA (medium), and C57BL/6 and C57BL/10 (resistance) strain mice were used in this study. The levels of IgM, IgG, and IgE in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from infected mice were compared. A. cantonensis-reactive antigens from BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice CSF were also analyzed.
RESULTS
Antibodies against fifth-stage larvae (L5) antigens increased in mice CSF, particularly IgE, relate to worm rejection and the susceptibility of different mouse strains. The increased IgE level in BALB/c mice CSF is lower than that from others, suggesting IgE response in brain is more important than that in serum. Anti-L5 and anti-excretory/secretory (ES) antigen IgE and IgG responses in CSF were analyzed. In addition, the antibody-dependent eosinophil-mediated cytotoxicity induced by anti-excretory/secretory (ES) antigen antibodies may be the reason of severe brain inflammation in infected BALB/c mice. IgE and IgG antibodies against a 105 kDa protein of L5 antigen was detected at week 3 post-infection in C57BL/6 mice and week 5 post-infection in BALB/c mice. We suggest that 105 kDa protein is related with the antibody response of A. cantonensis-infected mice.
CONCLUSION
We found that IgE antibodies in mice CSF against L5 antigens related to worm rejection in mice brains. This study may help to identify specific angiostrongyliasis markers that can be applied for clinical diagnosis and treatment in future.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Angiostrongylus cantonensis; Antibody Formation; Mice, Inbred CBA; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Immunoglobulin E; Strongylida Infections; Brain; Immunoglobulin G; Mice, Inbred BALB C
PubMed: 37689501
DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2023.08.012 -
Zhongguo Xue Xi Chong Bing Fang Zhi Za... Apr 2024To evaluate the potential risk of transmission of angiostrongyliasis by common freshwater snails in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, so as to provide...
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the potential risk of transmission of angiostrongyliasis by common freshwater snails in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, so as to provide insights into local surveillance of angiostrongyliasis.
METHODS
Common freshwater snails were collected from Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province from March to April, 2020, and identified and bred in laboratory. SD rats were infected with third-stage larvae of that were isolated from commercially available snails in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, and freshwater snails were infected with the first-stage larvae of that were isolated from the feces of SD rats 39 days post-infection at room temperature. The developmental process and morphological characteristics of worms in hosts were observed, and the percentages of infections in different species of freshwater snails were calculated. Then, SD rats were infected with the third-stage larvae of that were isolated from -infected freshwater snails, and the larval development and reproduction was observed.
RESULTS
More than 3 000 freshwater snail samples were collected from farmlands, ditches and wetlands around Erhai Lake in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, and , , , , , , , spp., spp. and spp. were morphologically identified. A total of 105 commercially available snails were tested for infections, and 2 snails were found to be infected with , in which the third-stage larvae of were isolated. Ten species of freshwater snails were artificially infected with the third-stage larvae of , and all 10 species of freshwater snails were found to be infected with , with the highest positive rate of infections in spp. (62.3%, 137/204), and the lowest in (35.5%, 11/31). After SD rats were infected with the third-stage larvae of isolated from different species of freshwater snails, mature adult worms of were yielded.
CONCLUSIONS
Multiple species of freshwater snails may serve as intermediate hosts of under laboratory conditions in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture of Yunnan Province. Further investigations on natural infection of in wild snails in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture seem justified.
Topics: Animals; Snails; China; Angiostrongylus cantonensis; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Rats; Fresh Water; Larva; Strongylida Infections
PubMed: 38952317
DOI: 10.16250/j.32.1374.2022245 -
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2024Metastrongyloidea includes nematodes that parasitize mammals, mainly infecting their respiratory and cardiovascular systems, and are responsible for emerging zoonosis in...
Metastrongyloidea includes nematodes that parasitize mammals, mainly infecting their respiratory and cardiovascular systems, and are responsible for emerging zoonosis in the world. Terrestrial mollusks are their main intermediate hosts, with few exceptions. Here we present the results of a malacological survey to know the distribution of in Macapá, Amapá, in the Brazilian Amazon region, after the report of a case of eosinophilic meningitis in 2018. Mollusks were collected in 45 neighborhoods between March 2019 and February 2020. They were identified, parasitologically analyzed, and their nematodes parasites were identified based on the morphology and MT-CO1 sequencing. Infections of An. cantonensis were observed in , and . These are the first records of the natural infection of the last two species by in the Brazilian Amazon region. The angiostrongylid , which parasitizes cats, was also detected parasitizing and . This is also the first record of the slug infected by . The highest infection rates were recorded in neighborhoods where the environment conditions favor the proliferation of both mollusks and rodents. The results demonstrate the ample distribution of in Macapá and the need for surveillance and mollusk vector control in Brazil and other countries.
PubMed: 38535598
DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13030255 -
Journal of Helminthology Mar 2024A survey for slug- and snail-associated nematodes was conducted in forests, parks, botanical gardens, and nature reserves at 13 localities in Belgium to uncover more...
A survey for slug- and snail-associated nematodes was conducted in forests, parks, botanical gardens, and nature reserves at 13 localities in Belgium to uncover more diversity of gastropod mollusc-associated nematodes and to characterise populations found in the country. A total of 319 slugs and snails belonging to nine species were examined. was the most commonly found mollusc species in this study (eight locations), and 19.4% of the examined mollusc specimens were found infected by nematodes. The highest prevalence of nematodes was observed in (60%) followed by (34.8%), (28.6%), and sp. (20%). Eleven nematode species belonging to eight families were isolated and identified from the mollusc hosts including , , , , , cf. , , , sp., cf. , and cf. was the most commonly found nematode genus (at nine localities) and and were reported in Belgium for the first time. Co-infections of more than one nematode species were observed in eight (2.5%) molluscs specimens. Most co-infections consisted of two nematode species. In one specimen, a co-infection of three nematode species (, , and cf. ) was observed. Four cultures of and six cultures of were established from single hermaphrodites, and both species were described based on light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and morphometric, morphological, and molecular data.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Gastropoda; Belgium; Coinfection; Nematoda; Rhabditoidea; Snails; Meat
PubMed: 38509853
DOI: 10.1017/S0022149X2400004X -
Parasitology Research May 2024The metastrongyloid nematode Angiostrongylus cantonensis causes eosinophilic meningitis in a variety of homeothermic hosts including humans. Third-stage infectious...
The metastrongyloid nematode Angiostrongylus cantonensis causes eosinophilic meningitis in a variety of homeothermic hosts including humans. Third-stage infectious larvae develop in gastropods as intermediate hosts. Humans are usually infected by intentional or incidental ingestion of an infected mollusk or paratenic host (poikilothermic vertebrates and invertebrates). The infection may also hypothetically occur through ingestion of food or water contaminated by third-stage larvae spontaneously released from gastropods. Larvae are thought to be released in greater numbers from the intermediate host exposed to stress. This study aimed to compare larval release from stressed with unstressed gastropods. Experimentally infected Limax maximus and Lissachatina fulica were exposed to a stress stimulus (shaking on an orbital shaker). The mucus was collected before and after the stress and examined microscopically and by qPCR for the presence of A. cantonensis larvae and their DNA. In the case of L. maximus, no larvae were detected microscopically in the mucus, but qPCR analysis confirmed the presence of A. cantonensis DNA in all experimental replicates, without clear differences between stressed and non-stressed individuals. In contrast, individual larvae of A. cantonensis were found in mucus from Li. fulica after stress exposure, which also reflects an increased number of DNA-positive mucus samples after stress. Stress stimuli of intensity similar to the transport or handling of mollusks can stimulate the release of larvae from highly infected intermediate hosts. However, these larvae are released in small numbers. The exact number of larvae required to trigger neuroangiostrongyliasis is unknown. Therefore, caution is essential when interacting with potential intermediate hosts in regions where A. cantonensis is endemic.
Topics: Animals; Angiostrongylus cantonensis; Larva; Stress, Physiological; Gastropoda; Strongylida Infections; Mucus; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
PubMed: 38755287
DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08232-y -
Pediatric Neurology Oct 2023To describe the clinical features and therapeutic outcomes of a prospective cohort of children with eosinophilic meningoencephalitis.
BACKGROUND
To describe the clinical features and therapeutic outcomes of a prospective cohort of children with eosinophilic meningoencephalitis.
METHODS
Children admitted with clinical features suggestive of meningitis along with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) eosinophilia during the period of 14 years (2008 to 2021) were included. Their baseline characteristics, epidemiologic associations, and treatment outcomes were analyzed and compared with the previous studies.
RESULTS
We identified 25 children (13 males) satisfying the inclusion criteria. The median age at presentation was 3.9 years (range 0.8 to 17 years); 68% were aged less than two years. Fourteen (56%) children had a history of exposure to snails. Most of them presented with fever, headache, irritability, lateral rectus palsy, and early papilledema. Symptoms started three to 42 days (median duration: 14 days) before admission to our center. All children had peripheral eosinophilia, which ranged from 9% to 41%. The mean CSF white blood cell count was 416/mm (range 50 to 1245 cells/mm) with CSF eosinophilia ranging from 11% to 80%. Brain magnetic resonance imaging was done in 24 children and was normal in 15 (62.5%). Leptomeningeal enhancement was seen in two (8.3%) children, and other nonspecific changes were noted in seven (29.1%) children. All children recovered without any neurological deficits with a standard treatment regimen of albendazole and oral steroids. All were asymptomatic at the last follow-up. None of them had any recurrence during the follow-up period.
CONCLUSION
We report one of the largest clinical series of children with eosinophilic meningoencephalitis from an endemic area of South India.
Topics: Male; Animals; Humans; Child; Infant; Child, Preschool; Adolescent; Angiostrongylus cantonensis; Strongylida Infections; Meningoencephalitis; Meningitis; Eosinophilia; Central Nervous System Parasitic Infections; Infectious Encephalitis; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37516067
DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2023.06.023 -
Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease May 2024The purpose of this study is to clarify the role of IL-33 in the immune response to angiostrongyliasis, especially in terms of antibody production and isotype switching....
The purpose of this study is to clarify the role of IL-33 in the immune response to angiostrongyliasis, especially in terms of antibody production and isotype switching. In our experiment, C57BL/6 mice were each infected with 35 infectious larvae and were divided into groups that received an intraperitoneal injection of IL-33, anti-IL-33 monoclonal antibody (mAb), or anti-ST2 mAb 3 days post-infection (dpi) and were subsequently administered booster shots at 5-day intervals with the same dose. Serum samples from each group were collected weekly for ELISA assays. The levels of total IgG, IgG1, and IgG3 were significantly increased in -infected mice that were treated with IL-33, and the levels decreased significantly in infected groups treated with anti-IL-33 or anti-ST2 mAb. These results suggest that IL-33 may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of human angiostrongyliasis and could be useful for understanding protective immunity against this parasitic infection.
PubMed: 38787044
DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed9050111 -
Parasites & Vectors Apr 2024Infection with Angiostrongylus cantonensis (AC) in humans or mice can lead to severe eosinophilic meningitis or encephalitis, resulting in various neurological...
BACKGROUND
Infection with Angiostrongylus cantonensis (AC) in humans or mice can lead to severe eosinophilic meningitis or encephalitis, resulting in various neurological impairments. Developing effective neuroprotective drugs to improve the quality of life in affected individuals is critical.
METHODS
We conducted a Gene Ontology enrichment analysis on microarray gene expression (GSE159486) in the brains of AC-infected mice. The expression levels of melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) were confirmed through real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and immunofluorescence. Metabolic parameters were assessed using indirect calorimetry, and mice's energy metabolism was evaluated via pathological hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, serum biochemical assays, and immunohistochemistry. Behavioral tests assessed cognitive and motor functions. Western blotting was used to measure the expression of synapse-related proteins. Mice were supplemented with MCH via nasal administration.
RESULTS
Postinfection, a marked decrease in Pmch expression and the encoded MCH was observed. Infected mice exhibited significant weight loss, extensive consumption of sugar and white fat tissue, reduced movement distance, and decreased speed, compared with the control group. Notably, nasal administration of MCH countered the energy imbalance and dyskinesia caused by AC infection, enhancing survival rates. MCH treatment also increased the expression level of postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) and microtubule-associated protein-2 (MAP2), as well as upregulated transcription level of B cell leukemia/lymphoma 2 (Bcl2) in the cortex.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest that MCH improves dyskinesia by reducing loss of synaptic proteins, indicating its potential as a therapeutic agent for AC infection.
Topics: Animals; Female; Male; Mice; Angiostrongylus cantonensis; Brain; Energy Metabolism; Hypothalamic Hormones; Melanins; Pituitary Hormones; Strongylida Infections
PubMed: 38654385
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06267-9 -
Parasitology International Apr 2024Angiostrongylus spp. (Metastrongyloidea) can cause severe disease in several animal species and humans. This report describes an infection with Angiostrongylus dujardini...
Angiostrongylus spp. (Metastrongyloidea) can cause severe disease in several animal species and humans. This report describes an infection with Angiostrongylus dujardini in a captive coconut lorikeet (Trichoglossus haematodus) from a zoo in Switzerland. The bird was reported being attacked by conspecifics, removed from the flock, and hospitalized. It showed lethargy, moderately reduced body condition, and lack of reaction to visual stimuli. Analgesic and antibiotic treatment were initiated but because of worsening of its general condition, the bird was euthanized the following day. Necropsy revealed multifocal, subcutaneous hemorrhages, diffusely reddened lungs and a moderately dilated right heart with several intraluminal nematodes embedded in a coagulum. Four worms were collected and microscopically examined. They were identified as adult females, measuring 19-21 mm long x 0.4-0.5 mm wide, with general morphological and morphometric characteristics consistent with angiostrongylid nematodes. In lung sections, multifocal collection of thin-walled embryonated eggs in variable stages of development was observed along with fully developed nematode larvae within the lumina of alveoli and lung vessels. Associated granulomatous infiltrates indicated a severe, multifocal, chronic, granulomatous pneumonia. The diagnosis of A. dujardini infection was formulated by morphological examination of adult and larval stages, supported by molecular analysis (PCR-amplification and sequencing of the ITS2, 5.8S and 28S rDNA flanking regions). This is the first report of A. dujardini infection in an avian species, providing evidence that birds can serve as accidental hosts of this parasite in addition to mammals, and that the parasite can reach maturity and multiply in the avian cardiorespiratory system.
Topics: Animals; Female; Humans; Switzerland; Lung; Heart; Angiostrongylus; Strongylida Infections; Parrots; Mammals
PubMed: 38030119
DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2023.102829