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PloS One 2024Opisthorchis viverrini (O. viverrini, Ov) infection and consumption of high-fat and high-fructose (HFF) diet exacerbate liver and kidney disease. Here, we investigated...
BACKGROUND
Opisthorchis viverrini (O. viverrini, Ov) infection and consumption of high-fat and high-fructose (HFF) diet exacerbate liver and kidney disease. Here, we investigated the effects of a combination of O. viverrini infection and HFF diet on kidney pathology via changes in the gut microbiome and host proteome in hamsters.
METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS
Twenty animals were divided into four groups; 1) fed a normal diet not infected with O. viverrini (normal group), 2) fed an HFF diet and not infected with O. viverrini (HFF), 3) fed a normal diet and infected with O. viverrini (Ov), and 4) fed an HFF diet and infected with O. viverrini (HFFOv). DNA was extracted from fecal samples and the V3-V4 region of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequenced on an Illumina MiSeq sequencing platform. In addition, LC/MS-MS analysis was done. Histopathological studies and biochemical assays were also conducted. The results indicated that the HFFOv group exhibited the most severe kidney injury, manifested as elevated KIM-1 expression and accumulation of fibrosis in kidney tissue. The microbiome of the HFFOv group was more diverse than in the HFF group: there were increased numbers of Ruminococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae, Desulfovibrionaceae and Akkermansiaceae, but fewer Eggerthellaceae. In total, 243 host proteins were identified across all groups. Analysis using STITCH predicted that host proteome changes may lead to leaking of the gut, allowing molecules such as soluble CD14 and p-cresol to pass through to promote kidney disease. In addition, differential expression of TGF-beta-activated kinase 1 and MAP3K7-binding protein 2 (Tab2, involving renal inflammation and injury) are predicted to be associated with kidney disease.
CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE
The combination of HFF diet and O. viverrini infection may promote kidney injury through alterations in the gut microbiome and host proteome. This knowledge may suggest an effective strategy to prevent kidney disease beyond the early stages.
Topics: Animals; Fructose; Opisthorchiasis; Diet, High-Fat; Metagenomics; Cricetinae; Proteomics; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Kidney Diseases; Opisthorchis; Male; Proteome; Kidney; Mesocricetus; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S
PubMed: 38814931
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301907 -
Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer... May 2024The Kato-Katz method is a commonly used diagnostic tool for helminth infections, particularly in field studies. This method can yield inaccurate results when samples...
BACKGROUND
The Kato-Katz method is a commonly used diagnostic tool for helminth infections, particularly in field studies. This method can yield inaccurate results when samples contain eggs that are similar in appearance, such as Minute Intestinal Fluke (MIF) and Opisthorchis viverrini (OV) eggs. The close resemblance of eggs can be problematic and raises the possibility of false diagnoses. The objectives were to compare the diagnostic performance of the Kato-Katz method for accurately identifying MIF and OV and to provide evidence of possible misclassification. Methods: Based on questionnaire responses from 15 (young parasitologists and public health staff), the test comprised 50 MIF egg images and 50 OV egg images, for a total of 100 Google Form questionnaires.
RESULTS
The morphology of MIF and OV eggs found size and shape similarity and found that the shoulder rims were small, while the OV egg found the knobs had disappeared. The opercular conjunction was apparent, the shoulder rims and miricidium were prominent. The average percentage of correctly classified infections was 61.6 ± 12.1%. The accuracy percentages for both public health staff and young parasitologists in identifying were found to be 59.0 ± 14.8 and 66.8 ± 2.8, respectively. There was no significant difference observed in both groups.
CONCLUSION
These findings highlight the need for improving the accuracy of parasite identification. Preserving stool samples before the Kato-Katz method can help mitigate the potential degradation or distortion of parasite eggs. The incorrect classification of both eggs had an impact on treatment plans and the policy of parasite control programs.
Topics: Animals; Opisthorchis; Humans; Opisthorchiasis; Feces; Parasite Egg Count; Ovum; Fasciola hepatica; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 38809618
DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2024.25.5.1473 -
Infectious Diseases of Poverty May 2024Opisthorchiasis and clonorchiasis, caused by Opisthorchis viverrini and Clonorchis sinensis, respectively, are significant yet neglected foodborne trematodiases in the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Opisthorchiasis and clonorchiasis, caused by Opisthorchis viverrini and Clonorchis sinensis, respectively, are significant yet neglected foodborne trematodiases in the Great Mekong Subregion (GMS). Despite the reporting of the prevalence of these human liver flukes in the region over the past decades, there has been a lack of a comprehensive and systematic consolidation of this data. Therefore, we aimed to conduct a thorough systematic review and meta-analysis to synthesize and analyze time-trend prevalence estimates of both O. viverrini and C. sinensis across the GMS for the past 30 years.
METHODS
This study undertakes a systematic review using a comprehensive search for published articles in PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane and Thai Journal Online databases until early 2023. The pooled prevalence of O. viverrini and C. sinensis infection was analyzed through a random-effects meta-analysis, with meta-regression analysis used to quantify associations with study characteristics. Sub-group analysis was conducted, whenever comparison data were available, to assess the risk of O. viverrini and C. sinensis infection in each GMS country. Heterogeneity among studies was assessed using the Q statistic and quantified by using the I Index.
RESULTS
From a total of 2997 articles, 155 articles comprising 218 datasets and 751,108 participants were included for review. The GMS prevalence of O. viverrini was 21.11% [45,083/260,237; 95% confidence interval (CI): 17.74-24.47%]. Pooled prevalence estimates were highly observed in Laos (34.06%, 95% CI: 26.85-41.26%), followed by Thailand (18.19%, 95% CI: 13.86-22.51%), and Cambodia (10.48%, 95% CI: 5.52-15.45%). Myanmar and Vietnam had limited data sources for calculation. Clonorchis sinensis infection in GMS was 25.33% (95% CI: 18.32-32.34%), with Guangxi, China, exhibiting the highest prevalence rates at 26.89% (95% CI: 18.34-35.43%), while Vietnam had a prevalence rate of 20.30% (95% CI: 9.13-31.47%). O. viverrini prevalence decreased significantly over time, whereas C. sinensis infection appeared to be stable consistently over time in both China and Vietnam.
CONCLUSIONS
This comprehensive study, drawing from the largest datasets to date, offers an in-depth systematic prevalence review of human liver flukes in the Greater Mekong Subregion. It underscores the imperative for systematic surveillance, data collection, and the implementation of intervention and control measures for these infectious diseases of poverty.
Topics: Animals; Opisthorchiasis; Clonorchiasis; Prevalence; Opisthorchis; Humans; Clonorchis sinensis; Asia, Southeastern
PubMed: 38720371
DOI: 10.1186/s40249-024-01201-8 -
Parasites & Vectors May 2024Opisthorchiasis and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) continue to be public health concerns in many Southeast Asian countries. Although the prevalence of opisthorchiasis is...
BACKGROUND
Opisthorchiasis and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) continue to be public health concerns in many Southeast Asian countries. Although the prevalence of opisthorchiasis is declining, reported cases tend to have a light-intensity infection. Therefore, early detection by using sensitive methods is necessary. Several sensitive methods have been developed to detect opisthorchiasis. The immunological detection of antigenic proteins has been proposed as a sensitive method for examining opisthorchiasis.
METHODS
The Opisthorchis viverrini antigenic proteins, including cathepsin B (OvCB), asparaginyl endopeptidase (OvAEP), and cathepsin F (OvCF), were used to construct multi-antigenic proteins. The protein sequences of OvCB, OvAEP, and OvCF, with a high probability of B cell epitopes, were selected using BepiPred 1.0 and the IEDB Analysis Resource. These protein fragments were combined to form OvCB_OvAEP_OvCF recombinant DNA, which was then used to produce a recombinant protein in Escherichia coli strain BL21(DE3). The potency of the recombinant protein as a diagnostic target for opisthorchiasis was assessed using immunoblotting and compared with that of the gold standard method, the modified formalin-ether concentration technique.
RESULTS
The recombinant OvCB_OvAEP_OvCF protein showed strong reactivity with total immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against light-intensity O. viverrini infections in the endemic areas. Consequently, a high sensitivity (100%) for diagnosing opisthorchiasis was reported. However, cross-reactivity with sera from other helminth and protozoan infections (including taeniasis, strongyloidiasis, giardiasis, E. coli infection, enterobiasis, and mixed infection of Echinostome spp. and Taenia spp.) and no reactivity with sera from patients with non-parasitic infections led to a reduced specificity of 78.4%. In addition, the false negative rate (FNR), false positive rate (FPR), positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and diagnostic accuracy were 0%, 21.6%, 81.4%, 100%, and 88.9%, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
The high sensitivity of the recombinant OvCB_OvAEP_OvCF protein in detecting opisthorchiasis demonstrates its potential as an opisthorchiasis screening target. Nonetheless, research on reducing cross-reactivity should be undertaken by detecting other antibodies in other sample types, such as saliva, urine, and feces.
Topics: Opisthorchiasis; Opisthorchis; Animals; Antigens, Helminth; Humans; Antibodies, Helminth; Recombinant Proteins; Sensitivity and Specificity; Helminth Proteins; Epitopes; Cathepsin B; Escherichia coli; Cysteine Endopeptidases
PubMed: 38715089
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06285-7 -
Scientific Reports May 2024Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) exhibits a heightened incidence in regions with a high prevalence of Opisthorchis viverrini infection, with previous studies suggesting an...
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) exhibits a heightened incidence in regions with a high prevalence of Opisthorchis viverrini infection, with previous studies suggesting an association with diabetes mellitus (DM). Our study aimed to investigate the spatial distribution of CCA in relation to O. viverrini infection and DM within high-risk populations in Northeast Thailand. Participants from 20 provinces underwent CCA screening through the Cholangiocarcinoma Screening and Care Program between 2013 and 2019. Health questionnaires collected data on O. viverrini infection and DM, while ultrasonography confirmed CCA diagnoses through histopathology. Multiple zero-inflated Poisson regression, accounting for covariates like age and gender, assessed associations of O. viverrini infection and DM with CCA. Bayesian spatial analysis methods explored spatial relationships. Among 263,588 participants, O. viverrini infection, DM, and CCA prevalence were 32.37%, 8.22%, and 0.36%, respectively. The raw standardized morbidity ratios for CCA was notably elevated in the Northeast's lower and upper regions. Coexistence of O. viverrini infection and DM correlated with CCA, particularly in males and those aged over 60 years, with a distribution along the Chi, Mun, and Songkhram Rivers. Our findings emphasize the association of the spatial distribution of O. viverrini infection and DM with high-risk CCA areas in Northeast Thailand. Thus, prioritizing CCA screening in regions with elevated O. viverrini infection and DM prevalence is recommended.
Topics: Humans; Cholangiocarcinoma; Thailand; Male; Opisthorchiasis; Female; Middle Aged; Opisthorchis; Animals; Bile Duct Neoplasms; Aged; Prevalence; Adult; Spatial Analysis; Diabetes Mellitus; Bayes Theorem; Risk Factors
PubMed: 38714779
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61282-1 -
Parasite Epidemiology and Control May 2024Cyprinid fishes are commonly acted as second intermediate hosts of and spp. This research investigated the prevalence and intensity of both parasites in cyprinid...
Cyprinid fishes are commonly acted as second intermediate hosts of and spp. This research investigated the prevalence and intensity of both parasites in cyprinid species. This process is regularly used as a guideline for disease surveillance and as a preventive measure in the Upper Northeastern region of Thailand. Fish samples were collected from both lentic and lotic water sources between November 2020 and October 2021, and classified them by their species. Acid pepsin-HCL solution was used to digest the individual samples and create a build-up of precipitate in order to view metacercariae using a stereomicroscope. A total of 3583 fish were caught and classified into 23 species. Out of these fish, 5.49% of them were found , 26.54% , 10.04% , and 9.29% sp. Ten species of fish were observed to have been infected with . Amongst the collected fish, had the highest prevalence of infection at 52.94%, while had only 1.71%. The prevalence of infection was highest at 27.41% in Udon Thani Province. No prevalence of infection was observed in Bueng Kan Province. High prevalence of infection in cyprinid fishes was found in both lentic and lotic water sources in almost all provinces in the region. The prevalence of infection and intensity depended on the fish species and fish habitats.
PubMed: 38645674
DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2024.e00348 -
Parasites & Vectors Apr 2024Helminth extracellular vesicles (EVs) are known to have a three-way communication function among parasitic helminths, their host and the host-associated microbiota. They...
BACKGROUND
Helminth extracellular vesicles (EVs) are known to have a three-way communication function among parasitic helminths, their host and the host-associated microbiota. They are considered biological containers that may carry virulence factors, being therefore appealing as therapeutic and prophylactic target candidates. This study aims to describe and characterise EVs secreted by Sparicotyle chrysophrii (Polyopisthocotyla: Microcotylidae), a blood-feeding gill parasite of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata), causing significant economic losses in Mediterranean aquaculture.
METHODS
To identify proteins involved in extracellular vesicle biogenesis, genomic datasets from S. chrysophrii were mined in silico using known protein sequences from Clonorchis spp., Echinococcus spp., Fasciola spp., Fasciolopsis spp., Opisthorchis spp., Paragonimus spp. and Schistosoma spp. The location and ultrastructure of EVs were visualised by transmission electron microscopy after fixing adult S. chrysophrii specimens by high-pressure freezing and freeze substitution. EVs were isolated and purified from adult S. chrysophrii (n = 200) using a newly developed ultracentrifugation-size-exclusion chromatography protocol for Polyopisthocotyla, and EVs were characterised via nanoparticle tracking analysis and tandem mass spectrometry.
RESULTS
Fifty-nine proteins involved in EV biogenesis were identified in S. chrysophrii, and EVs compatible with ectosomes were observed in the syncytial layer of the haptoral region lining the clamps. The isolated and purified nanoparticles had a mean size of 251.8 nm and yielded 1.71 × 10 particles · mL. The protein composition analysis identified proteins related to peptide hydrolases, GTPases, EF-hand domain proteins, aerobic energy metabolism, anticoagulant/lipid-binding, haem detoxification, iron transport, EV biogenesis-related, vesicle-trafficking and other cytoskeletal-related proteins. Several identified proteins, such as leucyl and alanyl aminopeptidases, calpain, ferritin, dynein light chain, 14-3-3, heat shock protein 70, annexin, tubulin, glutathione S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, enolase and fructose-bisphosphate aldolase, have already been proposed as target candidates for therapeutic or prophylactic purposes.
CONCLUSIONS
We have unambiguously demonstrated for the first time to our knowledge the secretion of EVs by an ectoparasitic flatworm, inferring their biogenesis machinery at a genomic and transcriptomic level, and by identifying their location and protein composition. The identification of multiple therapeutic targets among EVs' protein repertoire provides opportunities for target-based drug discovery and vaccine development for the first time in Polyopisthocotyla (sensu Monogenea), and in a fish-ectoparasite model.
Topics: Animals; Platyhelminths; Proteomics; Trematoda; Extracellular Vesicles; Sea Bream
PubMed: 38570784
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06257-x -
Open Veterinary Journal Feb 2024Inflammation caused by infection increases the risk of cholangitis, cholecystitis, and leads to bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma or CCA). However, only certain...
BACKGROUND
Inflammation caused by infection increases the risk of cholangitis, cholecystitis, and leads to bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma or CCA). However, only certain infected individuals are susceptible to CCA, suggesting the involvement of host factors in cancer development. In addition, there are reports indicating differences in the locations of CCA.
AIM
This study aims to investigate cellular inflammatory responses in the common bile duct (CB), intrahepatic bile duct (IHB), and gallbladder (GB) in susceptible and non-susceptible hosts following infection.
METHODS
Thirty Syrian golden hamsters (a susceptible host) and 30 BALB/c mice (a non-susceptible host) infected with were studied at six time points (five animals per group). Histopathological evaluations were conducted on samples from the IHB, CB, and GB. Inflammatory cell infiltration was quantitatively assessed and compared between groups and time points. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA, with a significance level of < 0.05.
RESULTS
Inflammation was significantly more pronounced in the IHB compared to the other two biliary locations. In comparison between susceptible and non-susceptible hosts, the intensity of inflammation was higher in the OV+H group than in the OV+M group ( < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
This study highlights the association between host response to inflammation, tissue location, and host susceptibility, with the IHB showing particular susceptibility to inflammation and pathological changes. These findings contribute to our understanding of the increased risk of CCA in susceptible hosts.
Topics: Cricetinae; Mice; Animals; Opisthorchiasis; Opisthorchis; Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic; Mesocricetus; Cholangiocarcinoma; Inflammation; Bile Duct Neoplasms; Rodent Diseases
PubMed: 38549578
DOI: 10.5455/OVJ.2024.v14.i2.6 -
Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer... Mar 2024This study aimed to assess the diagnostic potential of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and cell-free miRNA (cf-miRNA) for distinguishing between Healthy, asymptomatic...
OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to assess the diagnostic potential of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and cell-free miRNA (cf-miRNA) for distinguishing between Healthy, asymptomatic opisthorchiasis viverrini and cholangiocarcinoma in a preliminary manner.
METHODS
In this study, 36 participants were enrolled into three health status groups: a healthy control group (HC), Opisthorchis viverrini-infected group (OV), and a cholangiocarcinoma group (CCA), each comprising 12 participants. Concentration measurements of cfDNA and cf-miRNA from plasma were conducted. Additionally, ultra-low-pass whole-genome sequencing (ULP-WGS) was employed to investigate DNA alterations.
RESULTS
The study revealed a significant elevation in plasma cfDNA concentration in the cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) group compared to healthy controls (HC) and Opisthorchis viverrini-infected (OV) groups (P < 0.001). The cfDNA concentration demonstrated a sensitivity of 75.00% and specificity of 95.83% for differentiating cholangiocarcinoma, with a cut-off of > 30.50 ng/ml plasma. Likewise, the concentration of cf-miRNA in the CCA group significantly differed from that in the HC and OV groups, demonstrating a sensitivity of 83.33% and specificity of 95.83% with a cut-off set at > 70.50 ng/ml plasma. Furthermore, a positive correlation between plasma concentrations of cfDNA and cf-miRNA suggests a potential relationship between these two biomarkers. These findings indicated the diagnostic potential of cfDNA and cf-miRNA in distinguishing cholangiocarcinoma, emphasizing their role as promising biomarkers for further investigation and clinical applications.
CONCLUSION
Elevated plasma concentrations of cfDNA and cf-miRNA could serve as potential diagnostic tools for distinguishing cholangiocarcinoma from other conditions. cf-miRNA was superior to cfDNA in terms of sensitivity.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Opisthorchiasis; MicroRNAs; Cholangiocarcinoma; Opisthorchis; Biomarkers; Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic; Bile Duct Neoplasms; Cell-Free Nucleic Acids
PubMed: 38546056
DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2024.25.3.739 -
Annals of Medicine Dec 2024Steatotic liver disease (SLD) prevalence is rising worldwide, linked to insulin resistance and obesity. SLD prevalence can surpass 10% even among those with normal...
BACKGROUND
Steatotic liver disease (SLD) prevalence is rising worldwide, linked to insulin resistance and obesity. SLD prevalence can surpass 10% even among those with normal weight. In Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), where (OV) trematode infection and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are common, infection related liver morbidity such as cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is high, but data on SLD prevalence is lacking. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence and explore determinants of SLD in rural southern Lao PDR for lean and non-lean populations.
METHOD
A cross-sectional community-based study assessed SLD prevalence using abdominal ultrasonography (US). Factors investigated for association with SLD were identified by interview, serological tests (Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg); lipids and HbA1c), anthropometrical measurements, and parasitological assessments (OV infection). Uni- and multivariable logistic regression analyses with SLD as endpoint were conducted separately for lean (body mass index (BMI) <23.0 kg/m) and non-lean (BMI ≥ 23.0 kg/m) participants.
RESULT
2,826 participants were included. SLD prevalence was 27.1% (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 24.0%-30.4%), higher among non-lean (39.8%) than lean individuals (17.4%). Lean individuals with OV infection had a statistically significant association with lower odds of SLD (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.49, 95% CI 0.33 - 0.73). T2DM showed a significant positive association with SLD in both lean (aOR 3.58, 95% CI 2.28 - 5.63) and non-lean individuals (aOR 3.31, 95% CI 2.31 - 4.74) while dyslipidemia was significantly associated only in the non-lean group (aOR 1.83, 95% CI 1.09 - 3.07). Females participants exhibited elevated odds of SLD in both lean (aOR 1.43, 95% CI 1.02 - 2.01) and non-lean SLD (aOR 1.50, 95% CI 1.12 - 2.01).
CONCLUSION
SLD prevalence is notably high among Laotian adults in rural areas, particularly in females and in non-lean individuals. Lean individuals with OV infection exhibited lower SLD prevalence. SLD was more prevalent in individuals with T2DM, independent of BMI. SLD adds to the burden of infection-related liver morbidity in Lao PDR.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Laos; Opisthorchiasis; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Southeast Asian People; Male
PubMed: 38502916
DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2024.2329133