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Comparative Immunology, Microbiology... Jan 2024Animal parasitic diseases not only have an economic impact, but also have serious social and public health impacts. Although antiparasitic drugs can treat these...
Animal parasitic diseases not only have an economic impact, but also have serious social and public health impacts. Although antiparasitic drugs can treat these diseases, it seems difficult for users to comprehensively utilize the information, due to incomplete and difficult data collection. Thus, there is an urgent need to establish a comprehensive database, that includes parasitic diseases and related drugs. In this paper, we develop a knowledge database dedicated to collecting and analyzing animal parasitic diseases and related drugs, named Animal Parasitic Diseases and Drugs Database (APDDD). The current version of APDDD includes animal parasitic disease data of 8 major parasite classifications that cause common parasitic diseases and 96 subclass samples mined from many literature and authoritative books, as well as 182 antiparasitic drugs. Furthermore, we utilized APDDD data to add a knowledge graph representing the relationships between parasitic diseases, drugs, and the targeted gene of drugs acting on parasites. We hope that APDDD will become a good database for animal parasitic diseases and antiparasitic drugs research and that users can gain a more intuitive understanding of the relationships between parasitic diseases, drugs, and targeted genes through the knowledge graph.
Topics: Animals; Parasitic Diseases, Animal; Parasitic Diseases; Parasites; Antiparasitic Agents; Public Health
PubMed: 38000324
DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2023.102096 -
Clinical Microbiology Reviews Mar 2023Despite intensive long-term efforts, with very few exceptions, the development of effective vaccines against parasitic infections has presented considerable challenges,... (Review)
Review
Despite intensive long-term efforts, with very few exceptions, the development of effective vaccines against parasitic infections has presented considerable challenges, given the complexity of parasite life cycles, the interplay between parasites and their hosts, and their capacity to escape the host immune system and to regulate host immune responses. For many parasitic diseases, conventional vaccine platforms have generally proven ill suited, considering the complex manufacturing processes involved and the costs they incur, the inability to posttranslationally modify cloned target antigens, and the absence of long-lasting protective immunity induced by these antigens. An effective antiparasite vaccine platform is required to assess the effectiveness of novel vaccine candidates at high throughput. By exploiting the approach that has recently been used successfully to produce highly protective COVID mRNA vaccines, we anticipate a new wave of research to advance the use of mRNA vaccines to prevent parasitic infections in the near future. This article considers the characteristics that are required to develop a potent antiparasite vaccine and provides a conceptual foundation to promote the development of parasite mRNA-based vaccines. We review the recent advances and challenges encountered in developing antiparasite vaccines and evaluate the potential of developing mRNA vaccines against parasites, including those causing diseases such as malaria and schistosomiasis, against which vaccines are currently suboptimal or not yet available.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Parasitic Diseases; Malaria
PubMed: 36625671
DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00241-21 -
PloS One 2022In low- and middle-income countries, undernutrition often co-exists with intestinal parasites, especially Soil Transmitted Helminth (STH) infections in children. The...
Prevalence, correlates of undernutrition and intestinal parasitic infection among children below 5 years living in the forest community of Ndelele, East Region of Cameroon: A cross-sectional assessment.
In low- and middle-income countries, undernutrition often co-exists with intestinal parasites, especially Soil Transmitted Helminth (STH) infections in children. The collective impact of both conditions result in undernutrition and can exacerbate the general poor health status of children. A cross-sectional survey of 422 mother-child (12-59 months old) pairs from 14 villages in the District of Ndelele, East Region of Cameroon, was carried out to assess the magnitude and correlates of undernutrition and intestinal parasites. Socio-demographic data were collected from mothers and anthropometric data were collected from children. Parasitological assessment was performed using a combination of direct microscopy flotation, sedimentation and centrifugation techniques. Correlates of undernutrition and intestinal parasites were identified using multinomial logistic regression at individual and household levels. 83.77% of the children assessed for undernutrition were undernourished and 66.82% were positive for one or more intestinal parasites. It was not uncommon for the study participants to be concurrently infected with two or more intestinal parasites. The most common intestinal parasitic infections detected in the study were A. lumbricoides, E. histolytica/dispar and Hookworm infection. Multinomial logistic regression using Nutritional status as outcome showed that, children who were not exclusively breastfed were 106% (RR = 2.06; C.I = 1.12-3.80) more likely to be underweight compared to those who were exclusively breastfed. The household size of 4 to 6 persons also significantly impacted wasting (p-value = 0.007) at 7% (RR = 1.07, C.I = 0.49-2.32). Analysis by a logistic regression model with STH infection as outcome revealed that, Fingernail cleanness (p-value = 0.044; AOR = 1.75; CI = 1.09-2.78) and household size (p-value = 0.038; AOR = 0.55; CI = 0.32-0.92) were positively associated with intestinal parasite infection at the 5% significant level. This study reveals that intestinal helminthic parasitic infections (STH) and undernutrition are serious health problems in children below five in the study area. To address this dire situation, concerted efforts are needed to improve sanitation, hygiene education access, community deworming programs, and improve diets.
Topics: Humans; Infant; Child, Preschool; Cross-Sectional Studies; Cameroon; Parasitic Diseases
PubMed: 36480502
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278333 -
Archives of Toxicology Jul 2021Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a chronic liver disease that affects about a quarter of the world population. MAFLD encompasses different disease... (Review)
Review
Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a chronic liver disease that affects about a quarter of the world population. MAFLD encompasses different disease stadia ranging from isolated liver steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Although MAFLD is considered as the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome, multiple concomitant disease-potentiating factors can accelerate disease progression. Among these risk factors are diet, lifestyle, genetic traits, intake of steatogenic drugs, male gender and particular infections. Although infections often outweigh the development of fatty liver disease, pre-existing MAFLD could be triggered to progress towards more severe disease stadia. These combined disease cases might be underreported because of the high prevalence of both MAFLD and infectious diseases that can promote or exacerbate fatty liver disease development. In this review, we portray the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which the most relevant viral, bacterial and parasitic infections influence the progression of fatty liver disease and steatohepatitis. We focus in particular on how infectious diseases, including coronavirus disease-19, hepatitis C, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, peptic ulcer and periodontitis, exacerbate MAFLD. We specifically underscore the synergistic effects of these infections with other MAFLD-promoting factors.
Topics: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Bacterial Infections; COVID-19; Hepatitis, Viral, Human; Humans; Liver; Metabolic Syndrome; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; Parasitic Diseases; Peptic Ulcer; Periodontitis; Risk Factors; Symptom Flare Up; Virus Diseases
PubMed: 34027561
DOI: 10.1007/s00204-021-03069-1 -
Annals of Parasitology 2021Generally the most common blood parasites identified in cattle are protozoa in the genera Trypanosoma, Theileria, Babesia, and rickettsia in the genus Anaplasma. These... (Review)
Review
Generally the most common blood parasites identified in cattle are protozoa in the genera Trypanosoma, Theileria, Babesia, and rickettsia in the genus Anaplasma. These parasites can cause clinical symptoms and productivity loss which will therefore consequently in economic loss. At present, blood parasite infection in cattle often has poor treatment outcomes and there is an increase of reports which indicating that drug resistance may occur in treating infections. Trypanosoma vivax, T. congolense, and T. brucei have been reported for resistance to isometamidium chloride and diminazene aceturate drug. Babesia bovis is resistant to diminazene aceturate drug, and Anaplasma marginale and A. centrale are resistant to oxytetracycline drug. The most common methods for diagnosing drug resistance are block treatment, in vivo standardized drug sensitivity tests, and molecular tools. Drug-resistant causes a decrease in treatment performance, therefore, new methods have been developed for choosing appropriate treatment of blood parasitic infection including using a primary drug combined with other substance, using herbal extracts, or developing a new effective drug.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; Drug Resistance; Parasitic Diseases; Trypanocidal Agents; Trypanosoma congolense; Trypanosomiasis, African
PubMed: 35247238
DOI: 10.17420/ap6704.374 -
Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy Feb 2020: Recent increases in population movements have created novel health challenges in many areas of the World, and health policies have been adapted accordingly in several... (Review)
Review
: Recent increases in population movements have created novel health challenges in many areas of the World, and health policies have been adapted accordingly in several countries. However, screening guidelines for infectious diseases are not standardized and generally do not include comprehensive screening for parasitic infections.: Malaria, Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, amebiasis, filariases, strongyloidiasis, and schistosomiasis are reviewed, focusing on the challenges posed for their diagnosis and management in vulnerable populations such as migrants. The methodology included literature searches in public databases such as PubMed.gov and Google Scholar and search of the US National Library of Medicine online database of privately and publicly funded clinical studies () until November 2019.: Parasitic infections which may remain asymptomatic for prolonged periods, leading to chronic infection and complications, and/or may be transmitted in non-endemic areas are ideal candidates for screening. Proposed strategies to improve diagnosis in vulnerable groups such as migrants include facilitating access to healthcare in a multi-dimensional manner considering location, individual characteristics, and timing. Limitations and availability of specific diagnostic techniques should be addressed and focus on drug and vaccine development for these neglected infections should be prioritized through collaborative initiatives with public disclosure of results.
Topics: Animals; Antiparasitic Agents; Health Policy; Health Services Accessibility; Humans; Mass Screening; Parasitic Diseases; Transients and Migrants; Vulnerable Populations
PubMed: 31914335
DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2020.1713099 -
Current Opinion in Chemical Biology Aug 2020Histone modifying enzymes have vital roles in the growth and survival of both parasites and humans. Targeting the epigenome can be a new strategy for the treatment of... (Review)
Review
Histone modifying enzymes have vital roles in the growth and survival of both parasites and humans. Targeting the epigenome can be a new strategy for the treatment of parasitic diseases. Compounds modulating histone acetylation/deacetylation have recently been reported hampering Plasmodium, Schistosoma, Leishmania, and Trypanosoma infections. Beside new histone deacetylase inhibitors, PfGCN5 and bromodomain inhibitors have been recently described to inhibit Plasmodium proliferation. Sm histone deacetylase 8 and SmSIRT2, as well as Leishmania and Trypanosoma sirtuins (SIR2rps), seem to be the most reliable targets to effectively fight the related protozoan infections. The selectivity toward parasite over mammalian cells is still an open question, and significant optimization efforts of epidrugs are still required to improve potency/selectivity and decrease toxicity. Recent reports on the alteration of cellular signaling pathways provoked by parasite infection through changes in the host acetylation/deacetylation status at gene promoters may suggest novel therapeutic strategies to treat these diseases.
Topics: Acetylation; Animals; Antiparasitic Agents; Drug Discovery; Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors; Histones; Humans; Molecular Targeted Therapy; Parasites; Parasitic Diseases
PubMed: 32615359
DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2020.05.008 -
Journal of the Pediatric Infectious... Nov 2019Chagas disease is underappreciated as a health concern in the United States. Approximately 40 000 women of childbearing age living in the United States have chronic... (Review)
Review
Chagas disease is underappreciated as a health concern in the United States. Approximately 40 000 women of childbearing age living in the United States have chronic Chagas disease. Most of them are unaware that they have an infection that is transmissible to their offspring. The estimated US maternal-to-infant transmission rate of Trypanosoma cruzi is 1% to 5%. Ten percent to 40% of neonates with congenital T cruzi infection have clinical signs consistent with a congenital infection but no findings are unique to Chagas disease. If left untreated, 20% to 40% of infants with Chagas disease will later develop potentially fatal cardiac manifestations. Molecular testing can confirm the diagnosis in neonates. Treatment is well tolerated in infancy and usually results in cure. Screening of at-risk women during pregnancy can identify maternal infection and allow early assessment and treatment for congenital T cruzi infection.
Topics: Chagas Disease; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; Molecular Diagnostic Techniques; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic; Risk Factors; Trypanosoma cruzi; United States
PubMed: 31016324
DOI: 10.1093/jpids/piz018 -
The American Journal of Tropical... Sep 2020Some recent studies suggest ongoing transmission of parasitic diseases in the American South; however, surveys in Mississippi children are lacking. We enrolled 166...
Some recent studies suggest ongoing transmission of parasitic diseases in the American South; however, surveys in Mississippi children are lacking. We enrolled 166 children (median age 8 years, range 4-13 years) from the Mississippi Delta region and carried out multi-parallel real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for , , and on their stool samples. Dried blood spots were obtained for multiplex serology antibody detection. Of 166 children, all reported having flushable toilets, 11% had soil exposure, and 34% had a pet dog or cat. None had prior diagnosis or treatment of parasitic disease. Multi-parallel real-time PCRs were negative on the 89 stool DNA extracts available for testing. Dried blood spot testing of all 166 children determined the seroprevalence of IgG antibodies to spp (3.6%), (2.4%), , , and (all 0%). In conclusion, parasitic infections and exposure were scarce in this population. Larger studies of at-risk populations are needed.
Topics: Adolescent; Animals; Cats; Child; Child, Preschool; Dogs; Epidemiological Monitoring; Female; Humans; Male; Mississippi; Parasites; Parasitic Diseases; Pilot Projects; Seroepidemiologic Studies
PubMed: 32588796
DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.20-0026 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2019Parasites have evolved various mechanisms to favor infection of their hosts and enhance the success of the infection. In this respect, time-of-day effects were found... (Review)
Review
Parasites have evolved various mechanisms to favor infection of their hosts and enhance the success of the infection. In this respect, time-of-day effects were found during the course of parasitic infections, which can be caused or controlled by circadian rhythms in the physiology of their vertebrate hosts. These include circadian clock-controlled rhythms in metabolism and in immune responses. Conversely, parasites can also modulate their hosts' behavioral and cellular rhythms. Lastly, parasites themselves were in some cases shown to possess their own circadian clock mechanisms, which can influence their capacity to infect their hosts. A better knowledge of the circadian regulation of host-parasite interactions will help in designing new preventive and therapeutic strategies for parasitic diseases.
Topics: Animals; Botrytis; Cell Physiological Phenomena; Circadian Clocks; Circadian Rhythm; Helminths; Host-Parasite Interactions; Humans; Leishmania; Mice; Parasitic Diseases; Plasmodium; Trypanosoma
PubMed: 31921702
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00425