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Zhongguo Xue Xi Chong Bing Fang Zhi Za... Dec 2023Both parasitic diseases and cancers are disorders that seriously threaten human health. A strong correlation has been recently found between parasitic infections and... (Review)
Review
Both parasitic diseases and cancers are disorders that seriously threaten human health. A strong correlation has been recently found between parasitic infections and cancers, and multiple species of parasites and their derived products have shown effective to suppress cancer development, progression and metastasis. Therefore, deciphering the interaction among parasites, cancers and hosts not only provides new insights into the development of cancer therapy, but also provides the basis for screening of parasites-derived active anticancer molecules. This review summarizes the latest advances in the anticancer activity of parasites and underlying mechanisms.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Parasites; Host-Parasite Interactions; Parasitic Diseases; Neoplasms
PubMed: 38604692
DOI: 10.16250/j.32.1374.2023074 -
Parasites, Hosts and Diseases Nov 2023Paleoparasitology is a discipline that applies existing conventional and molecular techniques to study parasites found in ancient ruins. This review focuses on the... (Review)
Review
Paleoparasitology is a discipline that applies existing conventional and molecular techniques to study parasites found in ancient ruins. This review focuses on the history of the discovery of parasites (mostly helminth eggs and larvae) in archaeological soil samples and mummies in Korea from the Three Kingdoms Period to the Joseon Dynasty (100 BCE-1910 CE). We also briefly review important milestones in global paleoparasitology. The helminth species reported so far in Korea included Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, Strongyloides stercoralis (larva), Trichostrongylus sp. (larva), Paracapillaria philippinensis (syn. Capillaria philippinensis), Enterobius vermicularis, Fasciola hepatica, dicrocoeliids, Paragonimus westermani, Clonorchis sinensis, Metagonimus yokogawai, Pygidiopsis summa, Gymnophalloides seoi, Isthmiophora hortensis, Dibothriocephalus nihonkaiensis (syn. Diphyllobothrium nihonkaiense), and Taenia spp. tapeworms. The findings obtained by Korean paleoparasitologists/archaeologists have brought about deep insight into the status of helminthic infections in Korea's past populations. Continued paleoparasitological research is essential for further understanding of ancient parasites and parasitic diseases in Korea.
Topics: Animals; Larva; Republic of Korea; Parasitic Diseases; Helminthiasis; Trematoda; Parasites; Heterophyidae
PubMed: 38043533
DOI: 10.3347/PHD.23085 -
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Clinics of... May 2024Atypical infections of the brain and spine caused by parasites occur in immunocompetent and immunosuppressed hosts, related to exposure and more prevalently in endemic... (Review)
Review
Atypical infections of the brain and spine caused by parasites occur in immunocompetent and immunosuppressed hosts, related to exposure and more prevalently in endemic regions. In the United States, the most common parasitic infections that lead to central nervous system manifestations include cysticercosis, echinococcosis, and toxoplasmosis, with toxoplasmosis being the most common opportunistic infection affecting patients with advanced HIV/AIDS. Another rare but devastating transmittable disease is prion disease, which causes rapidly progressive spongiform encephalopathies. Familiarity and understanding of various infectious agents are a crucial aspect of diagnostic neuroradiology, and recognition of unique features can aid timely diagnosis and treatment.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Humans; Encephalopathy, Bovine Spongiform; Parasites; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Prion Diseases; Brain; Communicable Diseases; Toxoplasmosis
PubMed: 38555145
DOI: 10.1016/j.mric.2024.02.002 -
Parasitology Oct 2023In June 2022, at the XXXII Conference of the Italian Society of Parasitology, the parallels of the main endoparasitic infections of horses and donkeys were discussed.... (Review)
Review
In June 2022, at the XXXII Conference of the Italian Society of Parasitology, the parallels of the main endoparasitic infections of horses and donkeys were discussed. Although these 2 species are genetically different, they can be challenged by a similar range of parasites (i.e. small and large strongyles, and spp.). Although equids can demonstrate some level of resilience to parasites, they have quite distinct helminth biodiversity, distribution and intensity among different geographical locations and breeds. Heavily infected donkeys may show fewer clinical signs than horses. Although parasite control is primarily provided to horses, we consider that there may be a risk of drug-resistance parasitic infection through passive infection in donkeys when sharing the same pasture areas. Knowing the possible lack of drug efficacy (<90 or 80%), it is advocated the use of selective treatment for both species based on fecal egg counts. Adult horses should receive treatment when the threshold exceeds 200–500 eggs per gram (EPG) of small strongyles. Moreover, considering that there are no precise indications in donkeys, a value >300 EPG may be a safe recommendation. We have highlighted the main points of the discussion including the dynamics of helminth infections between the 2 species.
Topics: Horses; Animals; Equidae; Horse Diseases; Parasite Egg Count; Helminthiasis; Helminths; Feces; Anthelmintics
PubMed: 37221816
DOI: 10.1017/S0031182023000525 -
Pathogens and Global Health Sep 2023FLA-related conditions are a rare medical occurrence. Despite their rarity, they are considered a public health concern for two reasons: the absence of a regular... (Review)
Review
FLA-related conditions are a rare medical occurrence. Despite their rarity, they are considered a public health concern for two reasons: the absence of a regular treatment regimen in the case of central nervous system infections and the fast progression of the symptoms leading to fatal outcomes. A total of 358 articles were retrieved from different databases (91 from PubMed, 26 from NCBI, 138 from Academia, 102 from Science Direct, and one from IJMED). 7 (46.6%) clinical cases came from Egypt, 2 (13.3%) cases of FLA infection came from Nigeria, 3 (20%) cases came from the Gambia, and 1 (6.6%) case was reported from African countries like Algeria, Tunisia, South Africa, and Zambia. Medical conditions caused by free-living amoeba are considered significant public health concerns. These ubiquitous organisms can cause both fatal and debilitating health conditions. Immediate diagnosis of cases and proper hygienic practices are necessary to provide direct medical intervention. They may be the key to reducing the morbidity and mortality rates from FLA-acquired infections. Although several government-led initiatives have been implemented to mitigate a plethora of parasitic diseases, the case of FLA-related conditions in African countries has yet to be realized.
Topics: Humans; Acanthamoeba; Amebiasis; Amoeba; Public Health; Nigeria
PubMed: 36562083
DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2022.2160890 -
Molecular Medicine (Cambridge, Mass.) Mar 2024My scientific life in translational medicine runs in two parallel, yet often converging paths. The first, is four-decade-long commitment to develop new vaccines for...
My scientific life in translational medicine runs in two parallel, yet often converging paths. The first, is four-decade-long commitment to develop new vaccines for parasitic and neglected tropical diseases, as well as pandemic threats. This includes a vaccine for human hookworm infection that I began as an MD-PhD student in New York City in the 1980s, and a new low-cost COVID vaccine that reached almost 100 million people in low- and middle-income countries. Alongside this life in scientific research, is one in public engagement for vaccine and neglected disease diplomacy to ensure that people who live in extreme poverty can benefit from access to biomedical innovations. A troubling element has been the daunting task of countering rising antivaccine activism, which threatens to undermine our global vaccine ecosystem. Yet, this activity may turn out to become just as important for saving lives as developing new vaccines.
Topics: Child; Humans; Child Health; COVID-19 Vaccines; Global Health; Hookworm Infections; Vaccines, Synthetic
PubMed: 38491420
DOI: 10.1186/s10020-024-00786-y -
Marine Drugs Nov 2023Parasitic diseases still compromise human health. Some of the currently available therapeutic drugs have limitations considering their adverse effects, questionable... (Review)
Review
Parasitic diseases still compromise human health. Some of the currently available therapeutic drugs have limitations considering their adverse effects, questionable efficacy, and long treatment, which have encouraged drug resistance. There is an urgent need to find new, safe, effective, and affordable antiparasitic drugs. Marine-derived cyclic peptides have been increasingly screened as candidates for developing new drugs. Therefore, in this review, a systematic analysis of the scientific literature was performed and 25 marine-derived cyclic peptides with antiparasitic activity (-) were found. Antimalarial activity is the most reported (51%), followed by antileishmanial (27%) and antitrypanosomal (20%) activities. Some compounds showed promising antiparasitic activity at the nM scale, being active against various parasites. The mechanisms of action and targets for some of the compounds have been investigated, revealing different strategies against parasites.
Topics: Humans; Antiparasitic Agents; Peptides, Cyclic; Leishmaniasis; Antiprotozoal Agents; Parasitic Diseases
PubMed: 38132930
DOI: 10.3390/md21120609 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Dec 2023Pulmonary paragonimiasis, a food-borne zoonotic helminthiasis, is a parasitic disease of the lung caused by infection with trematodes species of the genus Paragonimus....
BACKGROUND
Pulmonary paragonimiasis, a food-borne zoonotic helminthiasis, is a parasitic disease of the lung caused by infection with trematodes species of the genus Paragonimus. Although pneumothorax has been reported as occuring with paragonimiasis, to date no study has been performed concerning the clinical features and predictive risk factors for this condition.
METHODS
This retrospective study, which aims to fill this gap, was conducted at Jeonbuk National University Hospital. All patients (aged ≥19 years) were diagnosed with paragonimiasis between May 2011 and December 2021. Medical records were reviewed and information concerning age, sex, vital signs, underlying diseases, clinical signs and symptoms, laboratory findings, radiologic findings, treatment, and clinical outcomes was collected. An odds ratio (OR) for the risk factors associated with pneumothorax was calculated using the binary logistic regression model.
RESULTS
Among 179 consecutive patients diagnosed with pulmonary paragonimiasis, the postive rate of pneumothorax was 10.6% (19/179). Pneumothorax occurred mostly in the right lung (78.9%, 15/19), and intrapulmonary parenchymal lesions showed an ipsilateral relationship with pneumothorax (94.7%, 18/19). Fifteen patients (78.9%, 15/19) of pneumothorax associated with pulmonary paragonimiasis are accompanied by pleural effusion. Most of patients with pneumothorax (89.5%, 17/19) underwent chest tube insertion as a first treatment. Three patients (15.8%) showed relapses but in no case was a death recorded. Asthma (odds ratio [OR] 8.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.43-45.91), chest pain (OR 8.15, 95% CI 2.70-24.58), and intrapulmonary lesions (OR 8.94, 95% CI 1.12-71.36) were independent risk factors for pulmonary paragonimiasis-associated pneumothorax.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest that clinicians should keep in mind the possibility of pneumothorax when approached by patients with pulmonary paragonimiasis complaining of chest pain, accompanied by intrapulmonary lesions or with asthma as an underlying disease.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Paragonimiasis; Pneumothorax; Retrospective Studies; Paragonimus; Risk Factors; Asthma; Chest Pain
PubMed: 38100524
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011828 -
Experimental Parasitology Jan 2024Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease caused by the destruction of pancreatic beta cells. Based on the hygiene hypothesis, a growing body of evidence suggests a... (Review)
Review
Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease caused by the destruction of pancreatic beta cells. Based on the hygiene hypothesis, a growing body of evidence suggests a negative association between parasitic infections and diabetes in humans and animal models. The mechanism of parasite-mediated prevention of type 1 diabetes mellitus may be related to the adaptive and innate immune systems. Macrophage polarization is a new paradigm for the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus, and different host macrophage subsets play various roles during parasite infection. Proinflammatory cytokines are released by M1 macrophages, which are important in the development of type 1 diabetes mellitus. Parasite-activated M2 macrophages prevent the development of type 1 diabetes mellitus and can influence the development of adaptive immune responses through several mechanisms, including Th2 cells and regulatory T cells. Here, we review the role and mechanism of macrophage polarization in parasitic protection against type 1 diabetes mellitus.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1; Parasites; Macrophages; Cytokines; Th2 Cells; Parasitic Diseases; Macrophage Activation
PubMed: 37914152
DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2023.108649 -
Philosophical Transactions of the Royal... Jan 2024Primates are an important source of infectious disease in humans. Strongyloidiasis affects an estimated 600 million people worldwide, with a global distribution and... (Review)
Review
Primates are an important source of infectious disease in humans. Strongyloidiasis affects an estimated 600 million people worldwide, with a global distribution and hotspots of infection in tropical and subtropical regions. Recently added to the list of neglected tropical diseases, global attention has been demanded in the drive for its control. Through a literature review of in humans and non-human primates (NHP), we analysed the most common identification methods and gaps in knowledge about this nematode genus. The rise of molecular-based methods for detection is evident in both humans and NHP and provides an opportunity to analyse all data available from primates. Dogs were also included as an important host species of and a potential bridge host between humans and NHP. This review highlights the lack of molecular data across all hosts-humans, NHP and dogs-with the latter highly underrepresented in the database. Despite the cosmopolitan nature of , there are still large gaps in our knowledge for certain species when considering transmission and pathogenicity. We suggest that a unified approach to detection be taken, with an optimized, repeatable molecular-based method to improve our understanding of this parasitic infection. This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue ': omics to worm-free populations'.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Dogs; Strongyloides; Public Health; Strongyloidiasis; Primates; Neglected Diseases
PubMed: 38008123
DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2023.0006