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Immunity, Inflammation and Disease Sep 2023Ascaridia galli is the largest gut-dwelling helminth of chickens, which confers adverse effects on meat and egg production; thus, on the animal protein supply and the... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Ascaridia galli is the largest gut-dwelling helminth of chickens, which confers adverse effects on meat and egg production; thus, on the animal protein supply and the economy. Both adult and immature parasites affect gut health, but larval stages play a major role in pathology.
AIMS
Here, we present immunology and pathology of A. galli in chickens.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Literatures were surveyed through online platforms such as PubMed, Google Scholar and Researchgate.
RESULTS
The larvae cause excessive mucus production, damage to the intestinal gland, hemorrhage, anemia, diarrhea, and malnutrition. The adult worms can cause death by intestinal obstruction and intussusception. Although both cellular and humoral immunity are involved in fighting against ascariasis, the role of naturally acquired immunity is poorly defined. In cellular immunity, Th-2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-9, and IL-13), goblet cells (mucin), gut-associated lymphoid tissues, CD8α+ intraepithelial cells, TCRγδ + T cells, and TGF-β4 form a protective band. Type 2 immunity provides protection by forming a network of endogenous damage-associated molecular patterns, chitin, and parasitic antigens. Among antibodies, IgY is the most prominent in chickens and provides temporary humoral protection. During parasitic infection, infiltration of various immune cells is evident, especially in the intestinal epithelium, lamina propria, and crypts of the duodenum and jejunum. In chickens older than 12 weeks, gradual reduction of worm burden is more successful than the younger birds. Female chickens exert a short-lived but higher level of protection by passing IgY to chicks in the form of egg yolk antibodies. In laying conditions, immunity differs between breeds. This review provides an overview of the silent but inevitable pathological changes induced by A. galli and the interaction of host immunity with the parasite.
Topics: Animals; Female; Ascaridia; Ascaridiasis; Chickens; Cytokines; Intestinal Mucosa; Antibodies
PubMed: 37773698
DOI: 10.1002/iid3.1001 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2023Leishmaniasis is a widespread group of infectious diseases that significantly impact global health. Despite high prevalence, leishmaniasis often receives inadequate... (Review)
Review
Leishmaniasis is a widespread group of infectious diseases that significantly impact global health. Despite high prevalence, leishmaniasis often receives inadequate attention in the prioritization of measures targeting tropical diseases. The causative agents of leishmaniasis are protozoan parasites of the genus, which give rise to a diverse range of clinical manifestations, including cutaneous and visceral forms. Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), the most severe form, can be life-threatening if left untreated. Parasites can spread systemically within the body, infecting a range of organs, such as the liver, spleen, bone marrow and lymph nodes. Natural reservoirs for these protozoa include rodents, dogs, foxes, jackals, and wolves, with dogs serving as the primary urban reservoir for . Dogs exhibit clinical and pathological similarities to human VL and are valuable models for studying disease progression. Both human and canine VL provoke clinical symptoms, such as organ enlargement, fever, weight loss and abnormal gamma globulin levels. Hematologic abnormalities have also been observed, including anemia, leukopenia with lymphocytosis, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia. Studies in dogs have linked these hematologic changes in peripheral blood to alterations in the bone marrow. Mouse models of VL have also contributed significantly to our understanding of the mechanisms underlying these hematologic and bone marrow abnormalities. This review consolidates information on hematological and immunological changes in the bone marrow of humans, dogs, and mice infected with species causing VL. It includes findings on the role of bone marrow as a source of parasite persistence in internal organs and VL development. Highlighting gaps in current knowledge, the review emphasizes the need for future research to enhance our understanding of VL and identify potential targets for novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
Topics: Animals; Dogs; Humans; Mice; Leishmaniasis, Visceral; Bone Marrow; Leishmaniasis; Leishmania infantum; Skin; Dog Diseases
PubMed: 37860064
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1261074 -
Parasitology Dec 2023Avian malaria parasites or haemosporidia are found in bird species worldwide. This special issue focuses on 3 most commonly studied genera: , and . Seven research...
Avian malaria parasites or haemosporidia are found in bird species worldwide. This special issue focuses on 3 most commonly studied genera: , and . Seven research articles and reviews are provided to illustrate the breadth of knowledge of the diversity of avian malaria parasites in different regional habitats and across bird species, and the use of avian haemosporidian systems to examine host–parasite eco-evolutionary questions.
Topics: Animals; Malaria, Avian; Prevalence; Plasmodium; Haemosporida; Parasites; Birds; Bird Diseases; Phylogeny
PubMed: 38200697
DOI: 10.1017/S0031182024000040 -
Developmental and Comparative Immunology Jan 2024The complex innate immune defense of Biomphalaria glabrata, the intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni, governs the successful development of the intramolluscan stages... (Review)
Review
The complex innate immune defense of Biomphalaria glabrata, the intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni, governs the successful development of the intramolluscan stages of the parasite. The interaction between the snail and the parasite involves a complex immune molecular crosstalk between several parasite antigens and the snail immune recognition receptors, evoking different signals and effector molecules. This work seeks to discuss the immune-related molecules that influence compatibility in Biomphalaria glabrata/Schistosoma mansoni interaction and the differential expression of these molecules between resistant and susceptible snails. It also includes the current understanding of the immune molecular determinants that govern the compatibility in sympatric and allopatric interactions, and the expression of these molecules after immune priming and the secondary immune response. Herein, the differences in the immune-related molecules in the interaction of other Biomphalaria species with Schistosoma mansoni compared to the Biomphalaria glabrata model snail are highlighted. Understanding the diverse immune molecular determinants in the snail/schistosome interaction can lead to alternative control strategies for schistosomiasis.
Topics: Animals; Schistosoma mansoni; Biomphalaria; Snails; Disease Susceptibility; Host-Parasite Interactions; Schistosomiasis mansoni
PubMed: 37852455
DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2023.105083 -
FEBS Letters Oct 2023One of the remarkable features of eukaryotes is the nucleus, delimited by the nuclear envelope (NE), a complex structure and home to the nuclear lamina and nuclear pore... (Review)
Review
One of the remarkable features of eukaryotes is the nucleus, delimited by the nuclear envelope (NE), a complex structure and home to the nuclear lamina and nuclear pore complex (NPC). For decades, these structures were believed to be mainly architectural elements and, in the case of the NPC, simply facilitating nucleocytoplasmic trafficking. More recently, the critical roles of the lamina, NPC and other NE constituents in genome organisation, maintaining chromosomal domains and regulating gene expression have been recognised. Importantly, mutations in genes encoding lamina and NPC components lead to pathogenesis in humans, while pathogenic protozoa disrupt the progression of normal development and expression of pathogenesis-related genes. Here, we review features of the lamina and NPC across eukaryotes and discuss how these elements are structured in trypanosomes, protozoa of high medical and veterinary importance, highlighting lineage-specific and conserved aspects of nuclear organisation.
Topics: Humans; Active Transport, Cell Nucleus; Nuclear Pore Complex Proteins; Nuclear Envelope; Nuclear Pore; Trypanosoma
PubMed: 37789516
DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14747 -
IEEE Transactions on Bio-medical... Aug 2023Optical spectrophotometry has been explored to quantify Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasites at low parasitemia, with potential to overcome the limitations of...
OBJECTIVES
Optical spectrophotometry has been explored to quantify Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasites at low parasitemia, with potential to overcome the limitations of detection in the current diagnostic methods. This work presents the design, simulation and fabrication of a CMOS microelectronic detection system to automatically quantify the presence of malaria parasites in a blood sample.
METHODS
The designed system is composed by an array of 16 n+/p-substrate silicon junction photodiodes as photodetectors and 16 current to frequency (IF) converters. An optical setup was used to individually and jointly characterize the entire system.
RESULTS
The IF converter was simulated and characterized in Cadence Tools using UMC 1180 MM/RF technology rules, featuring a resolution of 0.01 nA, a linearity up to 1800 nA and a sensitivity of 4430 Hz/nA. After fabrication in a silicon foundry, the photodiodes' characterization presented a responsivity peak of 120 mA/W (λ = 570 nm) and a dark current of 7.15 pA at 0 V. Regarding the IF converter, it exhibited high linearity (R ≈ 0.999) up to 30 nA, with a sensitivity of 4840 Hz/nA. Furthermore, the microsystem performance was validated using RBCs (Red Blood Cells) infected with P. falciparum and diluted at different parasitemia (12, 25 and 50 parasites/μL).
CONCLUSION
The microsystem was able to distinguish between healthy and infected RBCs, with a sensitivity of 4.5 Hz/parasites.μL.
SIGNIFICANCE
The developed microsystem presents a competitive result, when compared to the gold standard diagnosis methods, with increased potential for malaria in field diagnosis.
Topics: Humans; Plasmodium falciparum; Silicon; Parasitemia; Malaria; Malaria, Falciparum; Spectrophotometry; Sensitivity and Specificity
PubMed: 37022426
DOI: 10.1109/TBME.2023.3242691 -
Journal of Invertebrate Pathology Jul 2023Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are soil-dwelling parasitic roundworms commonly used as biocontrol agents of insect pests in agriculture. EPN dauer juveniles locate... (Review)
Review
Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are soil-dwelling parasitic roundworms commonly used as biocontrol agents of insect pests in agriculture. EPN dauer juveniles locate and infect a host in which they will grow and multiply until resource depletion. During their free-living stage, EPNs face a series of internal and environmental stresses. Their ability to overcome these challenges is crucial to determine their infection success and survival. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of EPN response to stresses associated with starvation, low/elevated temperatures, desiccation, osmotic stress, hypoxia, and ultra-violet light. We further report EPN defense strategies to cope with biotic stressors such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, and predatory insects. By comparing the genetic and biochemical basis of these strategies to the nematode model Caenorhabditis elegans, we provide new avenues and targets to select and engineer precision nematodes adapted to specific field conditions.
Topics: Animals; Nematoda; Insecta; Agriculture; Soil; Caenorhabditis elegans
PubMed: 37336478
DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2023.107953 -
Cells Feb 2024parasites need to find red blood cells (RBCs) that, on the one hand, expose receptors for the pathogen ligands and, on the other hand, maintain the right geometry to... (Review)
Review
parasites need to find red blood cells (RBCs) that, on the one hand, expose receptors for the pathogen ligands and, on the other hand, maintain the right geometry to facilitate merozoite attachment and entry into the red blood cell. Both characteristics change with the maturation of erythrocytes. Some Plasmodia prefer younger vs. older erythrocytes. How does the life evolution of the RBC affect the invasion of the parasite? What happens when the RBC ages? In this review, we present what is known up until now.
Topics: Humans; Plasmodium falciparum; Erythrocyte Aging; Malaria, Falciparum; Erythrocytes; Carrier Proteins
PubMed: 38391947
DOI: 10.3390/cells13040334 -
Journal of Ayub Medical College,... 2023A group of eukaryotic organisms that are either free-living or parasitic and feed on organic matter, such as microorganisms or organic detritus. This group is referred...
BACKGROUND
A group of eukaryotic organisms that are either free-living or parasitic and feed on organic matter, such as microorganisms or organic detritus. This group is referred to as a polyphyletic classification. They can be found in a wide variety of patterns and sizes, ranging from an amoeba, which can vary its shape, to a paramecium, which has a fixed shape and a complicated structure. The objective was to find out the occurrence of Entamoeba gingivalis and Trichomonas among Dental Patients visiting the Periodontology Department Dental Section, Sandeman, Provincial Hospital Quetta.
METHODS
The study design was randomized cross-sectional and conducted in the Department of Periodontology Dental Section, Sandeman Provincial Hospital Quetta, from March 2022 to February 2023. A total of 110 known cases of periodontitis and gingivitis were recruited in this study, and further to laboratory work the bacterial biofilm samples were collected from both gingivitis and periodontitis patients. The dental plaque was placed on individual glass microscope slides and a drop of saline and mixed and covered with a coverslip. The wet smear was examined immediately under 40X, and the objective for the presence and absence of motile amoebae or flagellated protozoa was recorded. .
RESULTS
out of 110 known cases of periodontitis and gingivitis 91 (83%) patients were males and 19 (17%) were females among 110 patients, 40 (36%) patients were periodontitis and 70 (64%) patients were gingivitis. Among 40 (36%) periodontitis patients 3(7.5%) were Entamoeba gingivalis and 4(10%) were Trichomonas Tenax while 70 (64%) cases of Gingivitis 20 (28%) of Entamoeba gingivalis and 1(1%) Trichomonas tenax was recorded. No patient had both species of protozoa were seen in this study.
CONCLUSION
The results of this study revealed the frequency of occurrence of E. gingivalis and T. tenax and the state of periodontitis and gingivitis. The prevalence of E. gingivalis was higher than T. tenax. We recommended further research with a higher number of patients and may use more advanced and reliable laboratory techniques such as PCR and electron microscopy.
Topics: Male; Female; Humans; Trichomonas; Entamoeba; Cross-Sectional Studies; Gingivitis; Periodontitis
PubMed: 38406902
DOI: 10.55519/JAMC-S4-12660 -
Ecology Feb 2024Host heterogeneity can affect parasite transmission, but determining underlying traits and incorporating them into transmission models remains challenging. Body size is...
Host heterogeneity can affect parasite transmission, but determining underlying traits and incorporating them into transmission models remains challenging. Body size is easily measured and affects numerous ecological interactions, including transmission. In the snail-schistosome system, larger snails have a higher exposure to parasites but lower susceptibility to infection per parasite. We quantified the effect of size-based heterogeneity on population-level transmission by conducting transmission trials in differently size-structured snail populations and competing size-dependent transmission models. Populations with greater proportions of large snails had lower prevalence, and small snails were shielded from infection by co-occurring large conspecifics. Furthermore, a fully dependent transmission model that incorporated body size in both exposure and susceptibility outperformed other candidate models considered. Incorporating traits such as body size, which are affected by and directly affect host ecology, into transmission models could yield insights into natural dynamics and disease mitigation in many systems.
Topics: Animals; Parasites; Schistosoma; Snails; Host-Parasite Interactions
PubMed: 38032549
DOI: 10.1002/ecy.4221