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International Journal of Molecular... Dec 2020To analyze the impact of infection on the pathogenesis and diagnosis of allergic diseases, new allergens should be identified. We report the identification of a new...
To analyze the impact of infection on the pathogenesis and diagnosis of allergic diseases, new allergens should be identified. We report the identification of a new allergen, Asc l 5. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical and immunological features of the Asc l 5 allergen. We constructed an cDNA library and Asc l 5 was identified by immunoscreening. After purification, rAsc l 5 was physicochemically characterized. Evaluation of its allergenic activity included determination of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) binding frequency (in two populations: 254 children and 298 all-age subjects), CD203c based-basophil activation tests (BAT) and a passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) mouse model. We found by amino acid sequence analysis that Asc l 5 belongs to the SXP/RAL-2 protein family of nematodes. rAsc l 5 is a monomeric protein with an alpha-helical folding. IgE sensitization to rAsc l 5 was around 52% in general population; positive BAT rate was 60%. rAsc l 5 induced specific IgE production in mice and a positive PCA reaction. These results show that Asc l 5 has structural and immunological characteristics to be considered as a new allergen from .
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Allergens; Animals; Antibodies, Helminth; Antigens, Helminth; Ascaris lumbricoides; Asthma; Case-Control Studies; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Hypersensitivity; Immunoglobulin E; Infant; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Young Adult
PubMed: 33371317
DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249761 -
Emerging Infectious Diseases Apr 2024We describe a case of a 2-year-old child who expelled a single adult female Ascaris lumbricoides worm. The patient is from a rural county in Mississippi, USA, with no...
We describe a case of a 2-year-old child who expelled a single adult female Ascaris lumbricoides worm. The patient is from a rural county in Mississippi, USA, with no reported travel outside of the United States. The caregivers in the home practice good sanitation. Exposure to domestic pigs is the likely source of infection.
Topics: Swine; Adult; Animals; Humans; Female; Child, Preschool; Mississippi; Ascariasis; Ascaris lumbricoides; Sus scrofa; Travel
PubMed: 38526329
DOI: 10.3201/eid3004.240176 -
Tropical Parasitology 2023Ascariasis is a common disease in humans and pigs. In previous reports, it has been known that ascariasis in humans is not only caused by but also by which is known to...
BACKGROUND
Ascariasis is a common disease in humans and pigs. In previous reports, it has been known that ascariasis in humans is not only caused by but also by which is known to originate from pigs.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
This research aims to identify the species of that infect traditional pig farmers in Bali, Indonesia.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
To achieve this, an observational study was conducted, in which 239 feces samples were collected from traditional pig farmers. The collected samples were then divided into two parts, with one part stored in a pot containing 10% formalin for microscopic testing, and the other part stored in 70% ethanol for molecular testing. In cases where infection was observed during the microscopic examination, a further test was conducted using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for molecular examination. The DNA derived from the PCR was then subjected to DNA sequencing.
RESULTS
The result was compared to gene data previously published in the Gene Bank. The results of the microscopic examination showed that 22 farmers were infected with Ascaris. However, PCR testing and DNA sequencing indicated that three infections were caused by .
CONCLUSION
Therefore, it can be concluded that is a zoonosis in Bali. Thus, efforts to control ascariasis must pay attention to the presence of pigs around it. Handling of ascariasis is not only carried out in humans but also in pigs and the environment.
PubMed: 37860613
DOI: 10.4103/tp.tp_24_23 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2021Genetic and epigenetic factors are considered to be critical for host-parasite interactions. There are limited data on the role of such factors during human infections...
Genetic and epigenetic factors are considered to be critical for host-parasite interactions. There are limited data on the role of such factors during human infections with . Here, we describe the potential role of genetic factors as determinants of the Th2 immune response to in Brazilian children. Stool samples were collected from the children to detect by microscopy and peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) were cultured in whole blood cultures for detection of cytokines (IL-5, IL-10, and IL-13) . Levels of anti- IgE and IgG4 were measured in plasma. DNA was extracted from PBLs and genotyped using Illumina 2.5 Human Omni Beadchip. Candidate genes associated with responses were identified and SNVs in these selected genes associated with the Th2 immune response to . Haplotype, gene expression, and epigenetic analyses were done to identify potential associations with Th2 immune responses. GWAS on samples from 1,189 children identified as a candidate gene, and IL-21R was selected as a biologically relevant linked gene for further analysis. Variants in and were associated with markers of Th2 immune responses: increased -specific IgE and IL-5/IL-13 by PBLs from infected compared to uninfected individuals. In infected children, but not gene expression was suppressed and increased methylation was observed in the promoter region. This is the first study to show an association between genetic variants in and and Th2 immune responses during infections in children. / pathways could provide a potential target for the treatment of Th2-mediated diseases.
Topics: Animals; Ascariasis; Ascaris lumbricoides; Brazil; Cells, Cultured; Child; Cytokines; DNA Methylation; Female; Genetic Variation; Genome-Wide Association Study; Genotype; Humans; Immunity, Cellular; Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; Male; Promoter Regions, Genetic; Receptors, Interleukin-21; Th2 Cells
PubMed: 33692795
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.622051 -
Microorganisms May 2022Anaemia is an important cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Among infectious agents responsible for anaemia, helminthic infections are often neglected,... (Review)
Review
Anaemia is an important cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Among infectious agents responsible for anaemia, helminthic infections are often neglected, particularly in non-endemic countries. However, they should not be neglected in this setting, as international travel and migration are on the rise. In this narrative review, we aimed to describe soil-transmitted helminths as a cause of or contributing factor to anaemia, focusing on hookworms ( and ), the whipworm (), the roundworm (), and the threadworm (). A general review on the epidemiology, lifecycle, and clinical spectrum of anaemia is proposed, with a special focus on helminthic infections' association with anaemia as well as the diagnostic approach, which are both particularly important in non-endemic settings.
PubMed: 35630469
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10051027 -
Parasites & Vectors Mar 2021Ascaris lumbricoides is the most common causative agent of soil-transmitted helminth infections worldwide, with an estimated 450 million people infected with this...
BACKGROUND
Ascaris lumbricoides is the most common causative agent of soil-transmitted helminth infections worldwide, with an estimated 450 million people infected with this nematode globally. It is suggested that helminths are capable of evading and manipulating the host immune system through the release of a spectrum of worm proteins which underpins their long-term survival in the host. We hypothesise that the worm overexpresses these proteins when infecting adults compared to children to cirvumvent the more robust defence mechanisms of adults. However, little is known about the parasite's genes and encoded proteins involved during A. lumbricoides infection. Hence, this study was conducted to assess the expression profile of putative virulence-associated genes during an active infection of adults and children.
METHODS
In this study, quantitative PCR was performed to evaluate the expression profile of putative virulence-associated genes in A. lumbricoides isolated from infected children and adults. The study was initiated by collecting adult worms expelled from adults and children following anthelminthic treatment. High-quality RNA was successfully extracted from each of six adult worms expelled by three adults and three children, respectively. Eleven putative homologues of helminth virulence-associated genes reported in previous studies were selected, primers were designed and specific amplicons of A. lumbricoides genes were noted. The expression profiles of these putative virulence-associated genes in A. lumbricoides from infected adults were compared to those in A. lumbricoides from infected children.
RESULTS
The putative virulence-associated genes VENOM, CADHERIN and PEBP were significantly upregulated at 166-fold, 13-fold and fivefold, respectively, in adults compared to children. Conversely, the transcription of ABA-1 (fourfold), CATH-L (threefold) and INTEGRIN (twofold) was significantly suppressed in A. lumbricoides from infected adults.
CONCLUSIONS
On the basis of the expression profile of the putative virulence-associated genes, we propose that the encoded proteins have potential roles in evasion mechanisms, which could guide the development of therapeutic interventions.
Topics: Adult; Animals; Ascariasis; Ascaris lumbricoides; Child, Preschool; Feces; Female; Gene Expression; Helminth Proteins; Host-Parasite Interactions; Humans; Male; Soil; Virulence; Virulence Factors
PubMed: 33757548
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04680-y -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2021Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) affect hundreds of millions worldwide and are some of the most important neglected tropical diseases in terms of morbidity. Due to the... (Review)
Review
Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) affect hundreds of millions worldwide and are some of the most important neglected tropical diseases in terms of morbidity. Due to the difficulty in studying STH human infections, rodent models have become increasingly used, mainly because of their similarities in life cycle. and have been proven appropriate and low maintenance models for the study of ascariasis and trichuriasis. In the case of hookworms, despite most of the murine models do not fully reproduce the life cycle of , their proteomic similarity makes them highly suitable for the development of novel vaccine candidates and for the study of hookworm biological features. Furthermore, these models have been helpful in elucidating some basic aspects of our immune system, and are currently being used by numerous researchers to develop novel molecules with immunomodulatory proteins. Herein we review the similarities in the proteomic composition between , and and their respective human counterpart with a focus on the vaccine candidates and immunomodulatory proteins being currently studied.
Topics: Animals; Ascaris lumbricoides; Helminths; Mice; Prevalence; Proteomics; Rodentia; Soil; Trichuriasis
PubMed: 33968800
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.639573 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Apr 2020Ascaris lumbricoides is a common infection, and mainly affects children living in low-income areas. Water and sanitation improvement, health education, and drug... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Ascaris lumbricoides is a common infection, and mainly affects children living in low-income areas. Water and sanitation improvement, health education, and drug treatment may help break the cycle of transmission, and effective drugs will reduce morbidity.
OBJECTIVES
To compare the efficacy and safety of anthelmintic drugs (albendazole, mebendazole, ivermectin) for treating people with Ascaris infection.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Infectious Disease Group Specialized Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS, three other databases, and reference lists of included studies, without language restrictions, up to 4 July 2019.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomized controlled trials (RCT) that compared albendazole, mebendazole, and ivermectin in children and adults with confirmed Ascaris infection.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently assessed studies for inclusion, assessed risk of bias, and extracted data from the included trials. A third review author checked the quality of data extraction. We used the Cochrane 'Risk of bias' assessment tool to determine the risk of bias in included trials. We used risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to compare dichotomous outcomes in treatment and control groups. We used the fixed-effect model for studies with low heterogeneity and the random-effects model for studies with moderate to high heterogeneity. We assessed the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach. We used the control rate average to provide illustrative cure rates in the comparison groups.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 30 parallel-group RCTs, which enrolled 6442 participants from 17 countries across Africa, Asia, Central America and the Caribbean, and South America. Participants were from 28 days to 82 years of age, recruited from school, communities, and health facilities. Twenty studies were funded or co-funded by manufacturers, while 10 studies were independent of manufacturer funding. Twenty-two trials had a high risk of bias for one or two domains (blinding, incomplete outcome data, selective reporting). Single dose of albendazole (four trials), mebendazole (three trials) or ivermectin (one trial) was compared to placebo. Parasitological cure at 14 to 60 days was high in all the studies (illustrative cure of 93.0% in the anthelmintic group and 16.1% in the placebo group; RR 6.29, 95% CI 3.91 to 10.12; 8 trials, 1578 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Single dose of albendazole is as effective as multiple doses of albendazole (illustrative cure of 93.2% with single dose, 94.3% with multiple doses; RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.05; 3 trials, 307 participants; high-certainty evidence); or as single dose of mebendazole (illustrative cure of 98.0% with albendazole, 96.9% with mebendazole; RR 1.01, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.02; 6 trials, 2131 participants; high-certainty evidence). Studies did not detect a difference between a single dose of albendazole and a single dose of ivermectin (cure rates of 87.8% with albendazole, 90.2% with ivermectin; RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.08; 3 trials, 519 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Across all the studies, failure after single dose of albendazole ranged from 0.0% to 30.3%, mebendazole from 0.0% to 22.2%, and ivermectin from 0.0% to 21.6%. The egg reduction rate (ERR) measured up to 60 days after the treatment was high in all treated groups, regardless of the anthelmintic used (range 96% to 100%). It was not possible to evaluate parasitological cure by classes of infection intensity. No included trials reported complication or serious adverse events. Other adverse events were apparently similar among the compared anthelmintic groups (moderate- to low-certainty evidence). The most commonly reported other adverse events were nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, headache, and fever.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Single-dose of albendazole, mebendazole, and ivermectin all appeared effective against Ascaris lumbricoides infection, yielding high parasitological cure and large reductions in eggs excreted, with no differences detected between them. The drugs appear to be safe to treat children and adults with confirmed Ascaris infection. There is little to choose between drugs and regimens in terms of cure or adverse events.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Albendazole; Animals; Anthelmintics; Ascariasis; Ascaris lumbricoides; Child; Child, Preschool; Humans; Infant; Ivermectin; Mebendazole; Middle Aged; Parasite Egg Count; Placebos; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Young Adult
PubMed: 32289194
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD010599.pub2 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Oct 2020Intestinal worms, or soil-transmitted helminths (STHs), affect hundreds of millions of people in all tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The most prevalent...
Intestinal worms, or soil-transmitted helminths (STHs), affect hundreds of millions of people in all tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The most prevalent STH is Ascaris lumbricoides. Through large-scale deworming programs, World Health Organization aims to reduce morbidity, caused by moderate-to-heavy intensity infections, below 2%. In order to monitor these control programs, stool samples are examined microscopically for the presence of worm eggs. This procedure requires well-trained personnel and is known to show variability between different operators interpreting the slides. We have investigated whether ABA-1, one of the excretory-secretory products of A. lumbricoides can be used as a coproantigen marker for infection with this parasite. Polyclonal antibodies were generated and a coproantigen ELISA was developed. Using this ELISA, it was found that ABA-1 in stool detected Ascaris infection with a sensitivity of 91.5% and a specificity of 95.3%. Our results also demonstrate that there is a correlation between ABA-1 levels in stool and A. lumbricoides DNA detected in stool. Using a threshold of 18.2 ng/g stool the ABA-1 ELISA correctly assigned 68.4% of infected individuals to the moderate-to-heavy intensity infection group, with a specificity of 97.1%. Furthermore, the levels of ABA-1 in stool were shown to rapidly and strongly decrease upon administration of a standard anthelminthic treatment (single oral dose of 400 mg albendazole). In an Ascaris suum infection model in pigs, it was found that ABA-1 remained undetectable until day 28 and was detected at day 42 or 56, concurrent with the appearance of worm eggs in the stool. This report demonstrates that ABA-1 can be considered an Ascaris -specific coproantigen marker that can be used to monitor infection intensity. It also opens the path for development of point-of-care immunoassay-based tests to determine A. lumbricoides infection in stool at the sample collection site.
Topics: Animals; Ascariasis; Ascaris lumbricoides; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Feces; Female; Helminth Proteins; Humans; Male; Swine; Swine Diseases
PubMed: 33057357
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008807 -
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