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Cell Reports Aug 2023Infections cause catabolism of fat and muscle stores. Traditionally, studies have focused on understanding how the innate immune system contributes to energy stores...
Infections cause catabolism of fat and muscle stores. Traditionally, studies have focused on understanding how the innate immune system contributes to energy stores wasting, while the role of the adaptive immune system remains elusive. In the present study, we examine the role of the adaptive immune response in adipose tissue wasting and cachexia using a murine model of the chronic parasitic infection Trypanosoma brucei, the causative agent of sleeping sickness. We find that the wasting response occurs in two phases, with the first stage involving fat wasting caused by CD4+ T cell-induced anorexia and a second anorexia-independent cachectic stage that is dependent on CD8+ T cells. Fat wasting has no impact on host antibody-mediated resistance defenses or survival, while later-stage muscle wasting contributes to disease-tolerance defenses. Our work reveals a decoupling of adaptive immune-mediated resistance from the catabolic response during infection.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Cachexia; Anorexia; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Neoplasms; Adipose Tissue; Parasitic Diseases
PubMed: 37490905
DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112814 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2023This study sought to investigate the parasitic diseases of neglected tropical diseases defined by the World Health Organization based on the Global Burden of Disease...
OBJECTIVE
This study sought to investigate the parasitic diseases of neglected tropical diseases defined by the World Health Organization based on the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) database. Importantly, we analyzed the prevalence and burden of these diseases in China from 1990 to 2019 to provide valuable information to formulate more effective measures for their management and prevention.
METHODS
Data on the prevalence and burden of neglected parasitic diseases in China from 1990 to 2019 were extracted from the global health data exchange (GHDx) database, including the absolute number of prevalence, age-standardized prevalence rate, disability-adjusted life year (DALY) and age-standardized DALY rate. Descriptive analysis was used to analyze the prevalence and burden changes, sex and age distribution of various parasitic diseases from 1990 to 2019. A time series model [Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA)] was used to predict the DALYs of neglected parasitic diseases in China from 2020 to 2030.
RESULTS
In 2019, the number of neglected parasitic diseases in China was 152518062, the age-standardized prevalence was 11614.1 (95% uncertainty interval (UI) 8758.5-15244.5), the DALYs were 955722, and the age-standardized DALY rate was 54.9 (95% UI 26.0-101.8). Among these, the age-standardized prevalence of soil-derived helminthiasis was the highest (9370.2/100,000), followed by food-borne trematodiases (1502.3/100,000) and schistosomiasis (707.1/100,000). The highest age-standardized DALY rate was for food-borne trematodiases (36.0/100,000), followed by cysticercosis (7.9/100,000) and soil-derived helminthiasis (5.6/100,000). Higher prevalence and disease burden were observed in men and the upper age group. From 1990 to 2019, the number of neglected parasitic diseases in China decreased by 30.4%, resulting in a decline in DALYs of 27.3%. The age-standardized DALY rates of most diseases were decreased, especially for soil-derived helminthiasis, schistosomiasis and food-borne trematodiases. The ARIMA prediction model showed that the disease burden of echinococcosis and cysticercosis exhibited an increasing trend, highlighting the need for further prevention and control.
CONCLUSION
Although the prevalence and disease burden of neglected parasitic diseases in China have decreased, many issues remain to be addressed. More efforts should be undertaken to improve the prevention and control strategies for different parasitic diseases. The government should prioritize multisectoral integrated control and surveillance measures to prioritize the prevention and control of diseases with a high burden of disease. In addition, the older adult population and men need to pay more attention.
Topics: Male; Humans; Aged; Global Burden of Disease; Prevalence; Quality-Adjusted Life Years; Parasitic Diseases; Helminthiasis; Cysticercosis
PubMed: 37293619
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1077723 -
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 -
Emerging Infectious Diseases Feb 2022Dirofilaria immitis is a parasite related to pulmonary dirofilariasis in humans, its accidental hosts. We detected an autochthonous case of D. immitis infection in a...
Dirofilaria immitis is a parasite related to pulmonary dirofilariasis in humans, its accidental hosts. We detected an autochthonous case of D. immitis infection in a woman from Slovakia. The emergence and spread of this parasite in Europe indicates a critical need for proper diagnosis of infection.
Topics: Animals; Dirofilaria immitis; Dirofilaria repens; Dirofilariasis; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Female; Humans; Lung Diseases, Parasitic; Slovakia
PubMed: 35076370
DOI: 10.3201/eid2802.211963 -
Indian Journal of Ophthalmology Oct 2019
Topics: Animals; Anthelmintics; Antibodies, Helminth; Child, Preschool; Diagnosis, Differential; Drug Therapy, Combination; Eye Infections, Parasitic; Female; Glucocorticoids; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Methylprednisolone; Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures; Orbital Diseases; Paragonimiasis; Paragonimus; Praziquantel
PubMed: 31546545
DOI: 10.4103/ijo.IJO_295_19 -
Gastroenterology Clinics of North... Jun 2021Parasites have coevolved with humans. Several of them colonize the human body and establish a symbiotic relationship. Other parasites cause severe and lethal diseases.... (Review)
Review
Parasites have coevolved with humans. Several of them colonize the human body and establish a symbiotic relationship. Other parasites cause severe and lethal diseases. Prevalence of parasitic infections is decreased in highly industrialized countries, largely due to enforced hygienic practices. In contrast, parasites cause significant morbidity and mortality in parts of the world with barriers to effective public hygiene. Some parasites have emerged as potent pathogens in specific patient populations, such as immune suppressed individuals, regardless of sanitation. This article reviews common parasites encountered in clinical practice and, in the setting of host-parasite symbiosis, discusses their immune regulatory role.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Hygiene; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Liver; Parasites; Parasitic Diseases; Prevalence
PubMed: 34024446
DOI: 10.1016/j.gtc.2021.02.011 -
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 -
Mucosal Immunology Dec 2023Cluster of differentiation (CD4) T cells consist of multiple subtypes, defined by expression of lineage-specific transcription factors, that contribute to the control of...
Cluster of differentiation (CD4) T cells consist of multiple subtypes, defined by expression of lineage-specific transcription factors, that contribute to the control of infectious diseases by providing help to immune and nonimmune target cells. In the current study, we examined the role of B cell lymphoma (Bcl)-6, a transcriptional repressor and master regulator of T follicular helper cell differentiation, in T cell-mediated host defense against intestinal and systemic parasitic infections. We demonstrate that while Bcl-6 expression by CD4 T cells is critical for antibody-mediated protective immunity against secondary infection with the nematode Heligmosoides polygyrus bakeri, it paradoxically compromises worm expulsion during primary infection by limiting the generation of interleukin-10 (IL-10)-producing Gata3 T helper 2 cells. Enhanced worm expulsion in the absence of Bcl-6 expressing T cells was associated with amplified intestinal goblet cell differentiation and increased generation of alternatively activated macrophages, effects that were reversed by neutralization of IL-10 signals. An increase in IL-10 production by Bcl-6-deficient CD4 T cells was also evident in the context of systemic Leishmania donovani infection, but in contrast to Heligmosoides polygyrus bakeri infection, compromised T helper 1-mediated liver macrophage activation and increased susceptibility to this distinct parasitic challenge. Collectively, our studies suggest that host defense pathways that protect against parasite superinfection and lethal systemic protozoal infections can be engaged at the cost of compromised primary resistance to well-tolerated helminths.
Topics: Animals; Interleukin-10; Parasitic Diseases; Th2 Cells; Nematoda
PubMed: 37659724
DOI: 10.1016/j.mucimm.2023.08.004 -
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