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Cutis May 2004
Review
Topics: Animals; Humans; Schistosoma japonicum; Schistosomiasis japonica; Skin Diseases, Parasitic
PubMed: 15186042
DOI: No ID Found -
Nature Jul 2009Schistosoma japonicum is a parasitic flatworm that causes human schistosomiasis, which is a significant cause of morbidity in China and the Philippines. Here we present...
Schistosoma japonicum is a parasitic flatworm that causes human schistosomiasis, which is a significant cause of morbidity in China and the Philippines. Here we present a draft genomic sequence for the worm. The genome provides a global insight into the molecular architecture and host interaction of this complex metazoan pathogen, revealing that it can exploit host nutrients, neuroendocrine hormones and signalling pathways for growth, development and maturation. Having a complex nervous system and a well-developed sensory system, S. japonicum can accept stimulation of the corresponding ligands as a physiological response to different environments, such as fresh water or the tissues of its intermediate and mammalian hosts. Numerous proteases, including cercarial elastase, are implicated in mammalian skin penetration and haemoglobin degradation. The genomic information will serve as a valuable platform to facilitate development of new interventions for schistosomiasis control.
Topics: Animals; Endocrine System; Evolution, Molecular; Gene Duplication; Genes, Helminth; Genome, Helminth; Host-Parasite Interactions; Immune System; Inflammation Mediators; Molecular Sequence Data; Nervous System; Peptide Hydrolases; Phylogeny; Protein Structure, Tertiary; Schistosoma japonicum; Signal Transduction
PubMed: 19606140
DOI: 10.1038/nature08140 -
International Journal For Parasitology Sep 1998Eight lectin probes were used to detect a range of carbohydrate residues in the tegument matrix of Schistosoma japonicum. In addition, other areas of the parasite, such... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
Eight lectin probes were used to detect a range of carbohydrate residues in the tegument matrix of Schistosoma japonicum. In addition, other areas of the parasite, such as the gut, vitelline glands and flame cells, were examined for carbohydrate residues. Some minor differences in the carbohydrate residue composition between tegument orientations and between the sexes were identified. Differences between the distribution of carbohydrate residues of S. japonicum examined in this study and previous reports of Schistosoma mansoni were also noted. This study further illustrates the high level of complexity within the tegument of the adult S. japonicum and has demonstrated differences between this species and the widely studied S. mansoni.
Topics: Animals; Carbohydrates; Female; Histocytochemistry; Lectins; Life Cycle Stages; Male; Membranes; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Microscopy, Immunoelectron; Schistosoma japonicum; Snails; Species Specificity
PubMed: 9770631
DOI: 10.1016/s0020-7519(98)00114-3 -
Computers in Biology and Medicine Sep 2014To recognize parasite eggs automatically, the automatic segmentation of parasite egg images is very important for the extraction of characteristics and genera...
BACKGROUND
To recognize parasite eggs automatically, the automatic segmentation of parasite egg images is very important for the extraction of characteristics and genera classification.
METHODS
A Cascaded-Automatic Segmentation approach was proposed. Firstly, image contrast between the border of an egg and its background for all samples was strengthened by the Radon-Like Features algorithm and the enhanced image was processed into a binary image to get an initial set. Then, the elliptical targets are located with Randomized Hough Transform (RHT). The fitted data of an elliptical border are considered the initial border data and the accurate border of a Schistosoma japonicum egg can be finally segmented using an Active Contour Model (Snake).
RESULTS
Seventy-three cases of S. japonicum eggs in fecal samples were found; 61 images contained a parasite egg and 12 did not. Although the illumination, noise pollution, boundary definitions of eggs, and egg position are different, they are all segmented and labeled accurately.
DISCUSSION
The results proved that accurate borders of S. japonicum eggs could be recognized precisely using the proposed method, and the robustness of the method is good even in images with heavy noise. This indicates that the proposed method can overcome the disadvantages of the traditional threshold segmentation method, which has limited adaptability to images with heavy background noise.
Topics: Animals; Feces; Parasite Egg Count; Schistosoma japonicum
PubMed: 24992730
DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2014.05.012 -
Parasites & Vectors Jul 2019Schistosoma japonicum (S. japonicum) is an important zoonotic parasite that is prevalent in China and parts of Southeast Asia. Water buffaloes are an important reservoir... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
BACKGROUND
Schistosoma japonicum (S. japonicum) is an important zoonotic parasite that is prevalent in China and parts of Southeast Asia. Water buffaloes are an important reservoir and the main transmission sources of S. japonicum. However, self-curing and resistance to re-infection have been observed in water buffaloes.
RESULTS
In this study, we compared the morphometry and differences in transcriptional expression of adult S. japonicum worms recovered from primary-infected and re-infected water buffaloes using Illumina RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) technology. Results of morphometry analysis revealed that adult S. japonicum worms recovered from re-infected water buffaloes were runtish with smaller organs. The ventral length of male worms was shorter in re-infected buffaloes (328 ± 13 vs 273 ± 8 µm, P < 0.05), and in female worms the oral sucker length (44 ± 3 vs 33 ± 5 µm, P < 0.05), ovary length (578 ± 23 vs 297 ± 27 µm, P < 0.05) and width (150 ± 8 vs 104 ± 9 µm, P < 0.05) were shorter, with fewer eggs in the uteri (41 ± 2 vs 12 ± 1, P < 0.05). Of 13,605 identified genes, 112 were differentially expressed, including 51 upregulated and 61 downregulated genes, in worms from re-infected compared with primary-infected water buffaloes. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis revealed that GO terms such as "oxidation-reduction process", "calcium-dependent phospholipid binding", "lipid binding" and "calcium ion binding" were significantly enriched in downregulated genes, whereas GO terms related to metabolism and biosynthesis were significantly enriched in upregulated genes. The results revealed that the downregulation of some important genes might contribute to a reduction in worm numbers and maldevelopment of surviving worms in re-infected water buffaloes. Furthermore, upregulation of genes related to metabolic processes and biosynthesis might be a compensatory mechanism of worms in disadvantageous environments.
CONCLUSIONS
To our knowledge, our results present the first large-scale transcriptional expression study identifying the differences between adult S. japonicum worms from primary-infected and re-infected water buffaloes, and particularly emphasize differential expression that may affect the survival and growth of worms in re-infected water buffalo. This will provide new insight into screening for anti-schistosome targets and vaccine candidates.
Topics: Animals; Buffaloes; China; Disease Reservoirs; Female; Gene Expression Profiling; Male; Recurrence; Schistosoma japonicum; Schistosomiasis japonica
PubMed: 31296252
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3600-y -
PloS One 2012Schistosomiasis is an important global public health problem, as millions of people are at risk of acquiring this infection. An ideal method for sustainable control of...
Schistosomiasis is an important global public health problem, as millions of people are at risk of acquiring this infection. An ideal method for sustainable control of schistosomiasis is using a vaccine alone or in combination with drugs. In the present study, we cloned the SjGALE gene and generated the expression product in E. coli. The expression level of SjGALE during different developmental stages of S. japonicum was evaluated by real-time RT-PCR and western blotting. Immunolocalization indicated that the protein was mainly located on the tegument of the parasite. Infection of rSjGALE-immunized mice demonstrated a 34% and 49% reduction of the mean worm burden and liver egg burden, respectively, in two independent experiments, indicating immune protection. The liver egg count from each female adult worm was significantly reduced by 63% in the two trials. The cytokine profile and IgG isotype analysis demonstrated the induction of a Th1 immune profile in response to immunization with this protein, further suggesting protection against infection. In conclusion, these findings indicated that SjGALE is a potential vaccine against S. japonicum.
Topics: Amino Acid Sequence; Animals; Antibodies, Helminth; Cloning, Molecular; DNA, Complementary; Female; Freund's Adjuvant; Immunity, Cellular; Immunity, Humoral; Immunization; Life Cycle Stages; Male; Mice; Molecular Sequence Data; Protein Transport; Schistosoma japonicum; Schistosomiasis japonica; Transcription, Genetic; UDPglucose 4-Epimerase
PubMed: 22848700
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0042050 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Oct 2021Elimination and control of Schistosoma japonicum, the most virulent of the schistosomiasis-causing blood flukes, requires the development of sensitive and specific...
BACKGROUND
Elimination and control of Schistosoma japonicum, the most virulent of the schistosomiasis-causing blood flukes, requires the development of sensitive and specific diagnostic tools capable of providing an accurate measurement of the infection prevalence in endemic areas. Typically, detection of S. japonicum has occurred using the Kato-Katz technique, but this methodology, which requires skilled microscopists, has been shown to radically underestimate levels of infection. With the ever-improving capabilities of next-generation sequencing and bioinformatic analysis tools, identification of satellite sequences and other highly repetitive genomic elements for use as real-time PCR diagnostic targets is becoming increasingly common. Assays developed using these targets have the ability to improve the sensitivity and specificity of results for epidemiological studies that can in turn be used to inform mass drug administration and programmatic decision making.
METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS
Utilizing Tandem Repeat Analyzer (TAREAN) and RepeatExplorer2, a cluster-based analysis of the S. japonicum genome was performed and a tandemly arranged genomic repeat, which we named SjTR1 (Schistosoma japonicum Tandem Repeat 1), was selected as the target for a real-time PCR diagnostic assay. Based on these analyses, a primer/probe set was designed and the assay was optimized. The resulting real-time PCR test was shown to reliably detect as little as 200 ag of S. japonicum genomic DNA and as little as 1 egg per gram of human stool. Based on these results, the index assay reported in this manuscript is more sensitive than previously published real-time PCR assays for the detection of S. japonicum.
CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE
The extremely sensitive and specific diagnostic assay described in this manuscript will facilitate the accurate detection of S. japonicum, particularly in regions with low levels of endemicity. This assay will be useful in providing data to inform programmatic decision makers, aiding disease control and elimination efforts.
Topics: Animals; DNA Primers; Feces; Female; Humans; Male; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Schistosoma japonicum; Schistosomiasis japonica; Sensitivity and Specificity
PubMed: 34695134
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009877 -
Parasites & Vectors Aug 2011More than 46 species of mammals can be naturally infected with Schistosoma japonicum in the mainland of China. Mice are permissive and may act as the definitive host of...
BACKGROUND
More than 46 species of mammals can be naturally infected with Schistosoma japonicum in the mainland of China. Mice are permissive and may act as the definitive host of the life cycle. In contrast, rats are less susceptible to S. japonicum infection, and are considered to provide an unsuitable micro-environment for parasite growth and development. Since little is known of what effects this micro-environment has on the parasite itself, we have in the present study utilised a S. japonicum oligonucleotide microarray to compare the gene expression differences of 10-day-old schistosomula maintained in Wistar rats with those maintained in BALB/c mice.
RESULTS
In total 3,468 schistosome genes were found to be differentially expressed, of which the majority (3,335) were down-regulated (≤ 2 fold) and 133 were up-regulated (≥ 2 fold) in schistosomula from Wistar rats compared with those from BALB/c mice. Gene ontology (GO) analysis revealed that of the differentially expressed genes with already established functions or close homology to well characterized genes in another organisms, many are related to important biological functions or molecular processes. Among the genes that were down-regulated in schistosomula from Wistar rats, some were associated with metabolism, signal transduction and development. Of these genes related to metabolic processes, areas including translation, protein and amino acid phosphorylation, proteolysis, oxidoreductase activities, catalytic activities and hydrolase activities, were represented. KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathway analysis of differential expressed genes indicated that of the 328 genes that had a specific KEGG pathway annotation, 324 were down-regulated and were mainly associated with metabolism, growth, redox pathway, oxidative phosphorylation, the cell cycle, ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, protein export and the MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinases) signaling pathway.
CONCLUSIONS
This work presents the first large scale gene expression study identifying the differences between schistosomula maintained in mice and those maintained in rats, and specifically highlights differential expression that may impact on the survival and development of the parasite within the definitive host. The research presented here provides valuable information for the better understanding of schistosome development and host-parasite interactions.
Topics: Animals; Disease Models, Animal; Gene Expression Profiling; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Microarray Analysis; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Rodent Diseases; Schistosoma japonicum; Schistosomiasis japonica
PubMed: 21819550
DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-4-155 -
Parasitology International Apr 2022Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been reported to be secreted from Schistosoma japonicum at all developmental stages. However, the reproduction and communication...
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been reported to be secreted from Schistosoma japonicum at all developmental stages. However, the reproduction and communication mechanisms between the paired adults through the EVs in dioecious Trematoda have not been reported. In this study, EVs containing many exosome-like vesicles and microvesicles were observed in the supernatants of paired adults cultured in vitro, and abundant selected miRNAs were contained in them. In particular, the female-specific miR-bantam was present only in vesicles and was hardly secreted outside the vesicles. In this study, we found that male-female pairing induced secretion of miR-3479 and miR-bantam in EVs, but not of male-specific miR-61. Furthermore, ingestion of mouse erythrocytes also increased the production of miRNAs in paired adult and single female worms. Vesicles were found in the tegument of females treated with erythrocytes under electron microscopy. After the paired worms were treated with several inhibitors against the secretion of EVs, only calpain inhibitor (calpeptin) significantly reduced the amount of miRNA in EVs. Furthermore, the worms treated with only calpeptin inhibited egg production in vitro. Together, these results indicate that qualitative miRNA production through EVs regulated by calpain plays a role in egg production in S. japonicum.
Topics: Animals; Extracellular Vesicles; Female; Glycoproteins; Male; Mice; MicroRNAs; Schistosoma japonicum
PubMed: 35007765
DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2022.102540 -
Veterinary Parasitology Aug 2019The lesswright (lwr) gene and its products are essential molecules in mitosis, DNA repair, and embryo formation in many eukaryotes. In this study, immunohistochemical...
The lesswright (lwr) gene and its products are essential molecules in mitosis, DNA repair, and embryo formation in many eukaryotes. In this study, immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the Lwr protein was located in the internal tissues and the surface layer of the adult Schistosoma japonicum (Sj) worms. The mRNA expression levels of SjLwr at different points were evaluated by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. The expression of SjLwr peaked at 14 days and then decreased thereafter. SjLwr expression was relatively more stable in male worms than in female worms. The functions of SjLwr were explored by siRNA-based gene silencing with a simple soaking method. The results showed that knockdown of the SjLwr gene impaired the growth and development of S. japonicum in mice, as well as survival, morphology, reproductive capacity, and egg vitality. These observations imply that SjLwr presents a novel target for the development of immuno- and/or small molecule-based therapeutics for the control and treatment of schistosome infections.
Topics: Animals; Female; Gene Expression Regulation; Gene Knockdown Techniques; Gene Silencing; Helminth Proteins; Male; Mice; RNA, Small Interfering; Reproduction; Schistosoma japonicum; Schistosomiasis japonica
PubMed: 31395202
DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2019.06.010