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Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Oct 2019Parasitic diseases have serious health, social, and economic impacts, especially in the tropical regions of the world. Diseases caused by protozoan parasites are... (Review)
Review
Parasitic diseases have serious health, social, and economic impacts, especially in the tropical regions of the world. Diseases caused by protozoan parasites are responsible for considerable mortality and morbidity, affecting more than 500 million people worldwide. Globally, the burden of protozoan diseases is increasing and is been exacerbated because of a lack of effective medication due to the drug resistance and toxicity of current antiprotozoal agents. These limitations have prompted many researchers to search for new drugs against protozoan parasites. In this review, we have compiled the latest information (2012-2017) on the structures and pharmacological activities of newly developed organic compounds against five major protozoan diseases, giardiasis, leishmaniasis, malaria, trichomoniasis, and trypanosomiasis, with the aim of showing recent advances in the discovery of new antiprotozoal drugs.
Topics: Animals; Antiprotozoal Agents; Drug Resistance; Parasites; Parasitic Diseases
PubMed: 31661934
DOI: 10.3390/molecules24213886 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2020Parasites, bacteria, and viruses pose serious threats to public health. Many parasite infections, including infections of protozoa and helminths, can inhibit... (Review)
Review
Parasites, bacteria, and viruses pose serious threats to public health. Many parasite infections, including infections of protozoa and helminths, can inhibit inflammatory responses and impact disease outcomes caused by viral, bacterial, or other parasitic infections. Type I interferon (IFN-I) has been recognized as an essential immune effector in the host defense against various pathogens. In addition, IFN-I responses induced by co-infections with different pathogens may vary according to the host genetic background, immune status, and pathogen burden. However, there is only limited information on the roles of IFN-I in co-infections with parasites and viruses, bacteria, or other parasites. This review summarizes some recent findings on the roles of IFN-I in co-infections with parasites, including spp., spp., , or , and viruses or bacteria and co-infections with different parasites (such as co-infection with and , and co-infection with spp. and ). The potential mechanisms of host responses associated with co-infections, which may provide targets for immune intervention and therapies of the co-infections, are also discussed.
Topics: Animals; Bacteria; Bacterial Infections; Coinfection; Host-Parasite Interactions; Humans; Interferon Type I; Parasites; Parasitic Diseases; Signal Transduction; Virus Diseases; Viruses
PubMed: 33193291
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01805 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Mar 2021Intestinal parasitic infections, caused by helminths and protozoa, are globally distributed and major causes of worldwide morbidity. The gut microbiota may modulate...
Intestinal parasitic infections, caused by helminths and protozoa, are globally distributed and major causes of worldwide morbidity. The gut microbiota may modulate parasite virulence and host response upon infection. The complex interplay between parasites and the gut microbiota is poorly understood, partly due to sampling difficulties in remote areas with high parasite burden. In a large study of children in Guinea-Bissau, we found high prevalence of intestinal parasites. By sequencing of the 16S rRNA genes of fecal samples stored on filter paper from a total of 1,204 children, we demonstrate that the bacterial microbiota is not significantly altered by helminth infections, whereas it is shaped by the presence of both pathogenic and nonpathogenic protozoa, including Entamoeba (E.) spp. and Giardia (G.) lamblia. Within-sample diversity remains largely unaffected, whereas overall community composition is significantly affected by infection with both nonpathogenic E. coli (R2 = 0.0131, P = 0.0001) and Endolimax nana (R2 = 0.00902, P = 0.0001), and by pathogenic E. histolytica (R2 = 0.0164, P = 0.0001) and G. lamblia (R2 = 0.00676, P = 0.0001). Infections with multiple parasite species induces more pronounced shifts in microbiota community than mild ones. A total of 31 bacterial genera across all four major bacterial phyla were differentially abundant in protozoan infection as compared to noninfected individuals, including increased abundance of Prevotella, Campylobacter and two Clostridium clades, and decreased abundance of Collinsella, Lactobacillus, Ruminococcus, Veillonella and one Clostridium clade. In the present study, we demonstrate that the fecal bacterial microbiota is shaped by intestinal parasitic infection, with most pronounced associations for protozoan species. Our results provide insights into the interplay between the microbiota and intestinal parasites, which are valuable to understand infection biology and design further studies aimed at optimizing treatment strategies.
Topics: Adolescent; Animals; Bacteria; Child; Child, Preschool; Coinfection; Entamoeba; Feces; Female; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Giardia; Guinea-Bissau; Helminths; Humans; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Male; Protozoan Infections; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S
PubMed: 33657123
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009232 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2023Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) include 20 diverse infections mainly prevalent in tropical areas that mostly affect disadvantaged communities and women and children...
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) include 20 diverse infections mainly prevalent in tropical areas that mostly affect disadvantaged communities and women and children [...].
Topics: Child; Female; Humans; Cysteine Proteases; Parasitic Diseases; Poverty
PubMed: 37373243
DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210097 -
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 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2019Helminthic parasitic infection is grossly prevalent across the globe and is considered a significant factor in human cancer occurrence induced by biological agents.... (Review)
Review
Helminthic parasitic infection is grossly prevalent across the globe and is considered a significant factor in human cancer occurrence induced by biological agents. Although only three helminths (, and ) so far have been directly associated with carcinogenesis; there are evidence suggesting the involvement of other species too. Broadly, human helminthiasis can cause chronic inflammation, genetic instability, and host immune modulation by affecting inter- and intracellular communications, disruption of proliferation-anti-proliferation pathways, and stimulation of malignant stem cell progeny. These changes ultimately lead to tumor development through the secretion of soluble factors that interact with host cells. However, the detailed mechanisms by which helminths introduce and promote malignant transformation of host cells are still not clear. Here, we reviewed the current understanding of immune-pathogenesis of helminth parasites, which have been associated with carcinogenesis, and how these infections initiate carcinogenesis in the host.
Topics: Animals; Cell Transformation, Neoplastic; Chronic Disease; Disease Susceptibility; Helminthiasis; Helminths; Host-Parasite Interactions; Humans; Immune Evasion; Immunomodulation; Inflammation; Neglected Diseases; Neoplasms
PubMed: 31867284
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00402 -
International Journal of Infectious... Jul 2020The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemic scope, epidemic pattern and degree of damage of clonorchiasis as well as to summarize the diagnosis and control... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemic scope, epidemic pattern and degree of damage of clonorchiasis as well as to summarize the diagnosis and control effect of clonorchiasis in Shandong Province, China.
METHODS
A retrospective study was conducted to summarize the research on the dynamic epidemiology and the prevention and treatment measures of clonorchiasis in Shandong Province, China from 1962 to 2015.
RESULTS
After unremitting efforts and three nationwide surveys on the distribution and infection of human parasites, the infection rate of clonorchiasis decreased from 1.51% (1,500, 000) in the1960s to 0.16% in 1991, 0.04% in 2000 and 0.007% in 2015, respectively. The infection rate for villages with perennial water accumulation and rainy season water accumulation was higher than that of villages with rainy season water accumulation and non-water accumulation. The egg flotation in 70% potassium iodide solution method was applied to accurately test the specific proportion of C. sinensis eggs, which was 1.42. Using the modified Kato thick smear method, the detection rate of eggs was over 98%; hexachloroparaxylene yielded satisfactory therapeutic effects with slight adverse reactions, it is effective in the treatment of clonorchiasis.
CONCLUSIONS
After 50 years of active prevention and treatment, the disease has been successfully controlled in Shandong Province and had been used for reference in other endemic areas of clonorchiasis in China.
Topics: China; Clonorchiasis; Epidemics; Health Surveys; History, 20th Century; History, 21st Century; Humans; Prevalence; Rain; Retrospective Studies; Seasons
PubMed: 32344009
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2020.04.052 -
Annals of Parasitology 2021Gastrointestinal (GI) parasites are major contributors to decrease productivity in livestock over the world. A cross-sectional study was conducted in different areas of...
Gastrointestinal (GI) parasites are major contributors to decrease productivity in livestock over the world. A cross-sectional study was conducted in different areas of Bangladesh to determine the prevalence of GI parasitic infections and their association with the biotic and abiotic factors in sheep. A total of 572 faecal samples were collected from the selected areas of Bangladesh and microscopic examination was performed for the identification of parasites using flotation and sedimentation technique. Out of 572, 441 animals were found infected with one or more species of GI parasites with an overall prevalence of 77.1%. Nine types of parasites from four different classes were detected namely Strongyles (42.1%), Strongyloides sp. (27.1%) and Trichuris sp. (1.0%), Moniezia sp. (2.4%), Paramphistomum cervi (32.5%), Fasciola gigantica (6.1%) and Schistosoma sp. (3.5%), coccidia (16.6%) and Balantidium coli (7.9%). Nematodes infections (56.8%) were significantly highest among trematodes (37.9%), protozoa (24.4%) and cestode (2.4%). In the present study, all the biotic factors including sex, age, physiological condition of female and body condition score (BCS) of animals were insignificantly (p>0.05) associated with the prevalence of GI parasitic infection in sheep but among the abiotic factors, muddy housing of animals, rainy season, having no knowledge about GI parasites and illiteracy of farmers were significantly (p<0.05) associated with the GI parasitic infections. This epidemiological investigation will assist to build a suitable control program against GI parasites in sheep and thus, help to prevent production loss and increase livelihood of small holder farmers.
Topics: Animals; Bangladesh; Cross-Sectional Studies; Feces; Female; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Nematode Infections; Parasites; Prevalence; Sheep; Sheep Diseases
PubMed: 34332192
DOI: 10.17420/ap6702.328 -
Cells Oct 2023Tuft cells have recently emerged as the focus of intense interest following the discovery of their chemosensory role in the intestinal tract, and their ability to... (Review)
Review
Tuft cells have recently emerged as the focus of intense interest following the discovery of their chemosensory role in the intestinal tract, and their ability to activate Type 2 immune responses to helminth parasites. Moreover, they populate a wide range of mucosal tissues and are intimately connected to immune and neuronal cells, either directly or through the release of pharmacologically active mediators. They are now recognised to fulfil both homeostatic roles, in metabolism and tissue integrity, as well as acting as the first sensors of parasite infection, immunity to which is lost in their absence. In this review we focus primarily on the importance of tuft cells in the intestinal niche, but also link to their more generalised physiological role and discuss their potential as targets for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.
Topics: Animals; Intestinal Mucosa; Helminths; Parasitic Diseases; Parasites; Immunity
PubMed: 37887321
DOI: 10.3390/cells12202477 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2022Humans live in complex socio-ecological systems where we interact with parasites and pathogens that spend time in abiotic and biotic environmental reservoirs (e.g.,... (Review)
Review
Humans live in complex socio-ecological systems where we interact with parasites and pathogens that spend time in abiotic and biotic environmental reservoirs (e.g., water, air, soil, other vertebrate hosts, vectors, intermediate hosts). Through a synthesis of published literature, we reviewed the life cycles and environmental persistence of 150 parasites and pathogens tracked by the World Health Organization's Global Burden of Disease study. We used those data to derive the time spent in each component of a pathogen's life cycle, including total time spent in humans versus all environmental stages. We found that nearly all infectious organisms were "environmentally mediated" to some degree, meaning that they spend time in reservoirs and can be transmitted from those reservoirs to human hosts. Correspondingly, many infectious diseases were primarily controlled through environmental interventions (e.g., vector control, water sanitation), whereas few (14%) were primarily controlled by integrated methods (i.e., combining medical and environmental interventions). Data on critical life history attributes for most of the 150 parasites and pathogens were difficult to find and often uncertain, potentially hampering efforts to predict disease dynamics and model interactions between life cycle time scales and infection control strategies. We hope that this synthetic review and associated database serve as a resource for understanding both common patterns among parasites and pathogens and important variability and uncertainty regarding particular infectious diseases. These insights can be used to improve systems-based approaches for controlling environmentally mediated diseases of humans in an era where the environment is rapidly changing.
Topics: Communicable Diseases; Ecosystem; Global Health; Humans; Parasitic Diseases; Water
PubMed: 35875032
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.892366