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Fish & Shellfish Immunology Jun 2024Aporocotylids (Trematoda: Digenea), also known as fish blood flukes infect the circulatory system of fish leading to serious health problems and mortality. Aporocotylids... (Review)
Review
Aporocotylids (Trematoda: Digenea), also known as fish blood flukes infect the circulatory system of fish leading to serious health problems and mortality. Aporocotylids are a particular concern for farmed fish as infection intensity can increase within the farming environment and lead to mortalities. In the context of managing these infections, one of the most crucial aspects to consider is the host response of the infected fish against these blood flukes. Understanding the response is essential to improving current treatment strategies that are largely based on the use of anthelmintic praziquantel to manage infections in aquaculture. This review focuses on the current knowledge of farmed fish host responses against the different life stages of aporocotylids. New treatment strategies that are able to provide protection against reinfections should be a long-term goal and is not possible without understanding the fish response to infection and the interactions between host and parasite.
Topics: Animals; Trematode Infections; Fish Diseases; Trematoda; Aquaculture; Fishes; Host-Parasite Interactions; Anthelmintics
PubMed: 38710341
DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2024.109613 -
Non-coding RNA Apr 2024Schistosomiasis is a disease caused by trematodes of the genus that affects over 200 million people worldwide. For decades, praziquantel (PZQ) has been the only...
Schistosomiasis is a disease caused by trematodes of the genus that affects over 200 million people worldwide. For decades, praziquantel (PZQ) has been the only available drug to treat the disease. Despite recent discoveries that identified a transient receptor ion channel as the target of PZQ, schistosome response to this drug remains incompletely understood, since effectiveness relies on other factors that may trigger a complex regulation of parasite gene expression. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides with low or no protein-coding potential that play important roles in homeostasis, reproduction, and fertility. Here, we show that PZQ treatment modulates lncRNA levels in . We re-analyzed public RNA-Seq data from mature and immature worms treated with PZQ and detected hundreds of lncRNAs differentially expressed following drug exposure, many of which are shared among mature and immature worms. Through RT-qPCR, seven out of ten selected lncRNAs were validated as differentially expressed; interestingly, we show that these lncRNAs are not adult worm stage-specific and are co-expressed with PZQ-modulated protein-coding genes. By demonstrating that parasite lncRNA expression levels alter in response to PZQ, this study unravels an important step toward elucidating the complex mechanisms of response to PZQ.
PubMed: 38668385
DOI: 10.3390/ncrna10020027 -
Saudi Medical Journal Apr 2024Echinococcosis is a parasitic infection that is distributed worldwide. Its clinical presentation depends on the size and location of the cyst. A 7-year-old was found...
Echinococcosis is a parasitic infection that is distributed worldwide. Its clinical presentation depends on the size and location of the cyst. A 7-year-old was found with a superimposed infected pulmonary hydatid cyst that was initially misdiagnosed as complicated pneumonia. Our case underscores the challenges of diagnosing and managing echinococcosis, emphasizes the need for a high index of suspicion, and describes the disease's ability to mimic other clinical entities.
Topics: Humans; Echinococcosis, Pulmonary; Child; Male; Diagnosis, Differential; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 38657978
DOI: 10.15537/smj.2024.45.4.20230078 -
Iranian Journal of Parasitology 2024Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by trematodes (body flukes), affecting millions worldwide. However, its pulmonary manifestations are rare. We report a rare...
Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by trematodes (body flukes), affecting millions worldwide. However, its pulmonary manifestations are rare. We report a rare case of a 51-year-old People Living with HIV male, managed in a tertiary care hospital in west India in May 2023, vegetable vendor who was admitted with complaints of dysphagia, odynophagia, fever and chest pain for 3 days, cough and breathlessness for 1 month. Chest x-ray and CT scan were suggestive of hypodense fluid collection with rim enhancement along right lateral and posterior aspect of thoracic esophagus. All routine investigations and urine cultures were sent, which turned to be inconclusive. Upper Gastrointestinal scopy was suggestive of pangastritis. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy was done with no structural abnormality or endobronchial mass. Bronchoalveolar lavage from right lower lobe was sent for CBNAAT, Gram and Ziehl Nelson staining and cultures, acid fast bacilli cultures and cytology which revealed parasitic infection with . The patient was treated with tablet praziquantel P/O 2400 mg in divided doses for 1 day followed up after two weeks when he experienced reduced symptoms. Sputum examination was repeated showed on wet mount and hence a repeat dose of tablet praziquantel 3000 mg in divided doses was given and was advised to follow up 2 weeks later, which showed resolution of right lower zone opacities.
PubMed: 38654948
DOI: 10.18502/ijpa.v19i1.15219 -
International Maritime Health 2024Schistosomiasis, caused by Schistosoma trematode worms, represents a significant global health challenge. This review offers a thorough examination of the disease's... (Review)
Review
Schistosomiasis, caused by Schistosoma trematode worms, represents a significant global health challenge. This review offers a thorough examination of the disease's epidemiology, transmission dynamics, diagnostic modalities, and treatment options. Diagnostic techniques encompass direct parasitological methods, immunological assays, DNA/RNA detection, and biomarker utilization, each with distinct advantages and limitations. There is an urgent need for improved diagnostic tools with enhanced sensitivity and specificity. Praziquantel remains the cornerstone of treatment, exhibiting efficacy against all Schistosoma species, while the potential of artemisin derivatives in combination therapy is also explored. In this review, we focus on the importance of praziquantel administration as the central aspect of schistosomiasis treatment, highlighting ongoing efforts to optimize its utilization for improved patient outcomes.
Topics: Praziquantel; Humans; Schistosomiasis; Anthelmintics; Animals; Schistosoma
PubMed: 38647059
DOI: 10.5603/imh.99453 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Apr 2024Schistosomiasis is endemic in Nigeria, and the treatment is largely concentrated on children enrolled in schools. Consequently, the coverage of non-enrolled school-aged...
Endemic status of urogenital schistosomiasis and the efficacy of a single-dose praziquantel treatment in unmapped rural farming communities in Oyo East Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria.
BACKGROUND
Schistosomiasis is endemic in Nigeria, and the treatment is largely concentrated on children enrolled in schools. Consequently, the coverage of non-enrolled school-aged children is often neglected. Ajagba and Awosan are two communities in Nigeria that have never had any control intervention. Hence, this survey was designed to determine the endemicity of urogenital schistosomiasis and to evaluate the efficacy of a single-dose praziquantel in the communities.
METHODS
Urine sample (10 mL) of each participant from Ajagba and Awosan communities was filtered through 12μm polycarbonate filter. The filter was placed on a microscope slide, and stained with a drop of 1% Lugol iodine solution. The stained slides were examined under the microscope and the numbers of S. haematobium eggs were counted. Water contact sites were searched for snail hosts and the snails collected were shed for Schistosoma cercariae. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24.0 and the significance level was set at 95%.
RESULTS
The overall prevalence of infection in the Ajagba community was 45.6% with a mean intensity of 61.1 ± 144.5 eggs/10 mL of urine, while the prevalence of infection in the Awosan community was 5.7% with a mean intensity of 1.4 ± 6.8 eggs/10 mL of urine. The school-aged children had a prevalence and mean intensity of infection of 73.1% and 111.6 ± 177.9 eggs/10 mL of urine, respectively. Following treatment, women had a higher egg reduction rate than men (p = 0.0283). Bulinus globosus were found in Ajagba but not in Awosan, with 5.7% shedding Schistosoma spp, cercariae.
CONCLUSION
Urogenital schistosomiasis was hyperendemic in the Ajagba community, and hypoendemic in the Awosan community. The presence of Bulinus globosus supported the transmission of the schistosomiasis in the Ajagba community. Communities where schistosomiasis is still actively transmitted in Nigeria should be identified for effective intervention through the MDA programs.
Topics: Nigeria; Humans; Praziquantel; Child; Schistosomiasis haematobia; Animals; Female; Male; Adolescent; Schistosoma haematobium; Rural Population; Anthelmintics; Adult; Young Adult; Prevalence; Snails; Child, Preschool; Middle Aged; Endemic Diseases; Parasite Egg Count
PubMed: 38620032
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012101 -
Heliyon Apr 2024Mass drug administration of praziquantel is expected to reduce carriage in treated children in endemic communities. However, the effectiveness of this annual exercise...
Point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen positivity and associated factors in school children one year after mass praziquantel administration in an endemic district in Ghana.
BACKGROUND
Mass drug administration of praziquantel is expected to reduce carriage in treated children in endemic communities. However, the effectiveness of this annual exercise has not been assessed in Ghana. Therefore, this study aimed to detect viable infection using point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen (POC-CCA) positivity as proxy and associated factors in children previously treated with praziquantel in an endemic municipality in Ghana.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This cross-sectional study was done in the Assin Central municipality in the Central Region of Ghana. School children, less than 16 years of age, treated with 40 mg/kg of praziquantel (treatment period: February-March 2019), provided early morning urine (∼40 mL) and stool (∼4 g) samples. Immediately, POC-CCA (ICT International, South Africa) was done, while ova were detected in formalin fixed samples using microscopy later. Additionally, participant's socio-demographic information and factors associated with infection transmission were collected from each child.
RESULTS
A total of 520 children participated in the study (males-51.9%, majority age range [9-11 years, 34.4%]). Overall, 244 (46.9%) were positive for urinary CCA with no detected by microscopy. POC-CCA positivity was higher in females (48.4%), children with 2-3 siblings (49.3%), children aged 6-8-year range (55.4%) and residents of Brofoyedur (52%). However, age ( = 16.1, p = 0.0003) and town of residence ( = 11.7, p = 0.019) associated with CCA positivity. Further, location of water body ( = 16.4, p = 0.008), frequency of water contact ( = 12.3, p = 0.015) and handling of the intermediate host ( = 5.1, p = 0.024) associated with POC-CCA outcome.
CONCLUSION
About 47% of the school children were positive for CCA, one year after mass praziquantel administration in the Assin Central municipality. Varied factors associated with the post-praziquantel administration POC-CCA positivity. This study should be replicated in other endemic areas to identify groups at risk of parasite persistence or reinfection to inform modification of control and preventive measures.
PubMed: 38596068
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28529 -
Parasitology Research Apr 2024Because of recent reports of praziquantel resistance in schistosome infections, there have been suggestions to employ ivermectin as a possible alternative, especially as...
Because of recent reports of praziquantel resistance in schistosome infections, there have been suggestions to employ ivermectin as a possible alternative, especially as its chemical composition is different from that of praziquantel, so cross-resistance is not expected. In order to ascertain possible damage and elimination of worms, we used ivermectin by oral gavage in infected mice, at a high dose (30.1 mg/kg, bordering toxicity). We also tested the efficacy of the drug at various times postinfection (PI), to check on possible effect on young and mature stages of the parasites. Thus, we treated mice on days 21 and 22 or on days 41 and 42 and even on days 21, 22, 41, and 42 PI. None of the treatment regimens resulted in cure rates or signs of lessened pathology in the mice. We also compared the effect of ivermectin to that of artemisone, an artemisinin derivative which had served us in the past as an effective anti-schistosome drug, and there was a stark difference in the artemisone's efficacy compared to that of ivermectin; while ivermectin was not effective, artemisone eliminated most of the worms, prevented egg production and granulomatous inflammatory response. We assume that the reported lack of activity of ivermectin, in comparison with praziquantel and artemisinins, originates from the difference in their mode of action. In wake of our results, we suggest that ivermectin is not a suitable drug for treatment of schistosomiasis.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Praziquantel; Ivermectin; Schistosomiasis; Artemisinins; Schistosomatidae
PubMed: 38592544
DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08178-1 -
Parasitology Apr 2024Cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by the larval stage of the cestode is one of the most widespread zoonoses in Mediterranean countries. Baiting not-owned dogs with...
Cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by the larval stage of the cestode is one of the most widespread zoonoses in Mediterranean countries. Baiting not-owned dogs with praziquantel (PZQ), due to their key role in the maintaining the transmission of CE, currently appears to be the most effective way to limit the transmission of CE, as well as an important aspect to introduce for the control of this parasitic disease. Therefore, this study aims to test 3 types of PZQ-based baits by evaluating different parameters (integrity over time, attractiveness and palatability for dogs, and mechanical resistance after release to different altitudes) and the bait acceptance in field by target animals, i.e. not-owned dogs, by using camera traps. The double PZQ-laced baits (with a double layer of highly palatable chews) showed the greatest resistance in the environment while also preserving the attractiveness and palatability up to 10 days, also withstood heights of 25 m, thus resulting as the most suitable also for drone delivery. The results on the field showed that most of the baits were consumed by not-owned dogs (82.2%), while the remaining were consumed by wild boars (8.9%), foxes (6.7%), badgers (1.1%) and hedgehogs (1.1%), confirming the specific and high attractiveness of the double PZQ-laced baits for the target population and highlights how an anthelmintic baiting programme may be a viable tool for the management of among free-ranging dog populations in endemic rural areas.
Topics: Animals; Dogs; Echinococcus granulosus; Echinococcosis; Dog Diseases; Praziquantel; Anthelmintics; Zoonoses; Swine
PubMed: 38576256
DOI: 10.1017/S0031182024000258 -
Parasitology Apr 2024is a common tapeworm of dogs. Two cases of praziquantel resistance have been described in in the United States. No further reports have been published to the...
is a common tapeworm of dogs. Two cases of praziquantel resistance have been described in in the United States. No further reports have been published to the authors’ knowledge. Here, the case of a dog imported to Switzerland from Spain with a history of chronic excretion of tapeworm proglottids and unresponsiveness to praziquantel treatments is reported. Clinical signs were mild (restlessness, tenesmus, anal pruritus, squashy feces) and flea infestation could be ruled out. Infection with was confirmed through morphological and genetic parasite identification. Different subsequently applied anthelmintic compounds and protocols, including epsiprantel, did not confer the desired effects. Proglottid shedding only stopped after oral mebendazole administration of 86.2 mg kg body weight for 5 consecutive days. Clinical signs resolved and the dog remained coproscopically negative during a follow-up period of 10 months after the last treatment. This case represents the first reported apparent praziquantel and epsiprantel resistance in in Europe. Treatment was extremely challenging especially due to the limited availability of efficacious alternative compounds.
Topics: Animals; Praziquantel; Dogs; Dog Diseases; Drug Resistance; Anthelmintics; Cestode Infections; Switzerland; Cestoda; Spain; Feces; Male
PubMed: 38571299
DOI: 10.1017/S0031182024000398