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Parasitology Dec 2022The myxozoan was described from hatchery rainbow trout over 70 years ago. The parasite continues to cause severe disease in salmon and trout, and is recognized as a... (Review)
Review
The myxozoan was described from hatchery rainbow trout over 70 years ago. The parasite continues to cause severe disease in salmon and trout, and is recognized as a barrier to salmon recovery in some rivers. This review incorporates changes in our knowledge of the parasite's life cycle, taxonomy and biology and examines how this information has expanded our understanding of the interactions between and its salmonid and annelid hosts, and how overarching environmental factors affect this host–parasite system. Development of molecular diagnostic techniques has allowed discrimination of differences in parasite genotypes, which have differing host affinities, and enabled the measurement of the spatio-temporal abundance of these different genotypes. Establishment of the life cycle in the laboratory has enabled studies on host–parasite interactions and the availability of transcriptomic data has informed our understanding of parasite virulence factors and host defences. Together, these advances have informed the development of models and management actions to mitigate disease.
Topics: Animals; Parasites; Cnidaria; Parasitic Diseases, Animal; Fish Diseases; Myxozoa; Oncorhynchus mykiss
PubMed: 36081219
DOI: 10.1017/S0031182022001275 -
Trends in Parasitology Aug 2020Understanding the origin of sex differences in lifespan and aging patterns remains a salient challenge in both biogerontology and evolutionary biology. Different factors... (Review)
Review
Understanding the origin of sex differences in lifespan and aging patterns remains a salient challenge in both biogerontology and evolutionary biology. Different factors have been studied but the potential influence of pathogens has never been investigated. Sex differences, especially in hormones and resource allocation, generate a differential response to pathogens and thereby shape sex differences in lifespan or aging. We provide an integrative framework linking host pathogenic environment with both sex-specific selections on immune performance and mortality trajectories. We propose future directions to fill existing knowledge gaps about mechanisms that link sex differences, not only to exposition and sensitivity to pathogens, but also to mortality patterns, whilst emphasizing the urgent need to consider the role of sex in medicine.
Topics: Aging; Animals; Biological Evolution; Host-Parasite Interactions; Humans; Longevity; Mammals; Parasitic Diseases; Sex Factors
PubMed: 32540194
DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2020.05.004 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2020Malaria is the most deadly parasitic disease, affecting hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Malaria parasites have been associated with their hosts for millions of... (Review)
Review
Malaria is the most deadly parasitic disease, affecting hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Malaria parasites have been associated with their hosts for millions of years. During the long history of host-parasite co-evolution, both parasites and hosts have applied pressure on each other through complex host-parasite molecular interactions. Whereas the hosts activate various immune mechanisms to remove parasites during an infection, the parasites attempt to evade host immunity by diversifying their genome and switching expression of targets of the host immune system. Human intervention to control the disease such as antimalarial drugs and vaccination can greatly alter parasite population dynamics and evolution, particularly the massive applications of antimalarial drugs in recent human history. Vaccination is likely the best method to prevent the disease; however, a partially protective vaccine may have unwanted consequences that require further investigation. Studies of host-parasite interactions and co-evolution will provide important information for designing safe and effective vaccines and for preventing drug resistance. In this essay, we will discuss some interesting molecules involved in host-parasite interactions, including important parasite antigens. We also discuss subjects relevant to drug and vaccine development and some approaches for studying host-parasite interactions.
Topics: Animals; Antimalarials; Host-Parasite Interactions; Humans; Malaria; Parasites; Parasitic Diseases
PubMed: 33194831
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.587933 -
Acta Tropica Jul 2023Annexins (ANXs) exert different functions in cell biological and pathological processes and are thus known as double or multi-faceted proteins. These sophisticated... (Review)
Review
Annexins (ANXs) exert different functions in cell biological and pathological processes and are thus known as double or multi-faceted proteins. These sophisticated proteins might express on both parasite structure and secretion and in parasite-infected host cells. In addition to the characterization of these pivotal proteins, describing their mechanism of action can be also fruitful in recognizing their roles in the pathogenesis of parasitic infections. Accordingly, this study presents the most prominent ANXs thus far identified and their relevant functions in parasites and infected host cells during pathogenesis, especially in the most important intracellular protozoan parasitic infections including leishmaniasis, toxoplasmosis, malaria and trypanosomiasis. The data provided in this study demonstrate that the helminth parasites most probably express and secret ANXs to develop pathogenesis while the modulation of the host-ANXs could be employed as a crucial strategy by intracellular protozoan parasites. Moreover, such data highlight that the use of analogs of both parasite and host ANX peptides (which mimic or regulate ANXs physiological functions through various strategies) might suggest novel therapeutic insights into the treatment of parasitic infections. Furthermore, due to the prominent immunoregulatory activities of ANXs during most parasitic infections and the expression levels of these proteins in some parasitic infected tissues, such multifunctional proteins might be also potentially relevant as vaccine and diagnostic biomarkers. We also suggest some prospects and insights that could be useful and applicable to form the basis of future experimental studies.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Annexins; Parasitic Diseases; Protozoan Infections; Malaria; Leishmaniasis; Parasites
PubMed: 37172709
DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106942 -
Journal of Vector Borne Diseases 2023Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease with different clinical forms caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania and transmitted by the bite of an infected... (Review)
Review
Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease with different clinical forms caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania and transmitted by the bite of an infected female sandfly. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is the second most common parasitic disease after malaria and it is known that approximately 350 million people are at risk. The disease manifests itself in different clinical forms. In addition to asymptomatic cases, cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), which creates large lesions on the skin, and visceral leishmaniasis (VL), which causes death if not treated, especially affecting the abdominal organs, are two important clinical forms. When the studies were examined, it was seen that a clinically used vaccine against any form of human leishmaniasis has not been developed yet. In some studies, it was stated that the lack of appropriate adjuvant was responsible for the failure to develop an effective Leishmania vaccine. We can say that strong adjuvants are needed to achieve successful vaccines. In this article, adjuvants and adjuvant candidates used in vaccine studies against leishmaniasis are discussed.
Topics: Female; Humans; Leishmaniasis Vaccines; Adjuvants, Immunologic; Leishmaniasis, Visceral; Leishmania; Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous
PubMed: 37417162
DOI: 10.4103/0972-9062.361179 -
Infectious Diseases of Poverty Nov 2020With the promotion of national control programs on parasitic and tropical diseases in China, the National Institute of Parasitic Diseases (NIPD), Chinese Center for...
BACKGROUND
With the promotion of national control programs on parasitic and tropical diseases in China, the National Institute of Parasitic Diseases (NIPD), Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention has gained significant experience in the global health arena through international cooperation over the last seven decades allowing a multilateral impact in the elimination of major endemic diseases.
METHODS
The achievements of NIPD since 1950 has been analyzed with emphasis on the various stages that started with research and control of the endemic parasitic and other tropical diseases at the national level and progressed via international cooperation into a global presence.
RESULTS
The major achievements contributed by NIPD consist of (i) improving technical capability; (ii) promoting control and elimination of parasitic and tropical diseases; (iii) participating in global health governance and cooperation; and (iv) developing a cooperation model for technical assistance and global public health development. It is expected that NIPD's experience of international cooperation will be essential for the dissemination of China's successful experience in global health governance, emergency response and development, with focus on malaria and neglected tropical diseases such as schistosomiasis, soil-borne and food-borne helminthiases and echinococcosis.
CONCLUSIONS
NIPD's new tasks will not only continue to promote national control of endemic parasitic infections and disease elimination programs in China, but also play a leading role in global health and disease elimination programs in the future.
Topics: Academies and Institutes; China; Disease Eradication; Global Health; Government Agencies; Humans; International Cooperation; Parasitic Diseases; Public Health; Tropical Medicine
PubMed: 33256842
DOI: 10.1186/s40249-020-00783-3 -
Modern Pathology : An Official Journal... Jan 2020The following discussion deals with three emerging infection diseases that any dermatopathologist working in the northern hemisphere can come across. The first subject... (Review)
Review
The following discussion deals with three emerging infection diseases that any dermatopathologist working in the northern hemisphere can come across. The first subject to be dealt with is gnathostomiasis. This parasitic disease is produced by the third larvarial stage of the parasite that in most patients is associated with the ingestion of raw fish. Epidemiologically, it is most commonly seen in South East Asia, Japan, China, and the American continent, mainly in Mexico, Ecuador, and Peru. Nowadays, the disease is also seen in travelers living in the developed countries who recently came back from visiting endemic countries. The disease produces a pattern of migratory panniculitis or dermatitis with infiltration of eosinophils in tissue. The requirements for making the diagnosis are provided, including clinical forms, common histological findings on skin biopsy as well as the use of ancillary testing. Buruli ulcer, a prevalent mycobacterial infection in Africa, is described from the clinical and histopathological point of view. The disease has been described occasionally in Central and South America as well as in developed countries such as Australia and Japan; Buruli ulcer has also been described in travelers returning from endemic areas. Clinically, the disease is characterized by large, painless ulcerations with undermined borders. Systemic symptoms are usually absent. Classical histological findings include a particular type of fat necrosis and the presence of abundant acid fast bacilli in tissue. Such findings should raise the possibility of this disease, with the purpose of early therapeutically intervention. Lastly, the infection by free living ameba Balamuthia mandrillaris, an emerging condition seen in the US and Peru, is extensively discussed. Special attention is given to clinical and histological characteristics, as well as to the clues for early diagnosis and the tools available for confirmation.
Topics: Amebiasis; Balamuthia mandrillaris; Biopsy; Buruli Ulcer; Communicable Diseases, Emerging; Diagnosis, Differential; Gnathostomiasis; Host-Parasite Interactions; Humans; Predictive Value of Tests; Skin; Skin Diseases
PubMed: 31685961
DOI: 10.1038/s41379-019-0399-1 -
Genes Jan 2023Parasites have affected and coevolved with humans and animals throughout history. Evidence of ancient parasitic infections, particularly, reside in archeological remains... (Review)
Review
Parasites have affected and coevolved with humans and animals throughout history. Evidence of ancient parasitic infections, particularly, reside in archeological remains originating from different sources dating to various periods of times. The study of ancient parasites preserved in archaeological remains is known as paleoparasitology, and it initially intended to interpret migration, evolution, and dispersion patterns of ancient parasites, along with their hosts. Recently, paleoparasitology has been used to better understand dietary habits and lifestyles of ancient human societies. Paleoparasitology is increasingly being recognized as an interdisciplinary field within paleopathology that integrates areas such as palynology, archaeobotany, and zooarchaeology. Paleoparasitology also incorporates techniques such as microscopy, immunoassays, PCR, targeted sequencing, and more recently, high-throughput sequencing or shotgun metagenomics to understand ancient parasitic infections and thus interpret migration and evolution patterns, as well as dietary habits and lifestyles. The present review covers the original theories developed in the field of paleoparasitology, as well as the biology of some parasites identified in pre-Columbian cultures. Conclusions, as well as assumptions made during the discovery of the parasites in ancient samples, and how their identification may aid in better understanding part of human history, ancient diet, and lifestyles are discussed.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Parasites; Parasitic Diseases; Paleopathology; Diet; Life Style
PubMed: 36833230
DOI: 10.3390/genes14020303 -
International Journal of Molecular... May 2021As an important type of programmed cell death in addition to apoptosis, necroptosis occurs in a variety of pathophysiological processes, including infections, liver... (Review)
Review
As an important type of programmed cell death in addition to apoptosis, necroptosis occurs in a variety of pathophysiological processes, including infections, liver diseases, kidney injury, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and human tumors. It can be triggered by a variety of factors, such as tumor necrosis factor receptor and Toll‑like receptor families, intracellular DNA and RNA sensors, and interferon, and is mainly mediated by receptor‑interacting protein kinase 1 (RIP1), RIP3, and mixed lineage kinase domain‑like protein. A better understanding of the mechanism of necroptosis may be useful in the development of novel drugs for necroptosis‑related diseases. In this review, the focus is on the molecular mechanisms of necroptosis, exploring the role of necroptosis in different pathologies, discussing their potential as a novel therapeutic target for disease therapy, and providing suggestions for further study in this area.
Topics: Apoptosis; Bacterial Infections; Cardiovascular Diseases; Humans; Infections; Mycoses; Necroptosis; Neoplasms; Neurodegenerative Diseases; Parasitic Diseases
PubMed: 33786617
DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2021.4922 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024Parasites are very widely distributed in the environment and form complex relationships with their hosts, forming host-parasite systems [...].
Parasites are very widely distributed in the environment and form complex relationships with their hosts, forming host-parasite systems [...].
Topics: Humans; Parasitic Diseases; Animals; Host-Parasite Interactions; Parasites
PubMed: 38928081
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126373