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Research in Veterinary Science Mar 2021Echinococcus spp. have a global distribution and are found on every continent except Antarctica. Infections with these parasites are considered extremely serious,... (Review)
Review
Echinococcus spp. have a global distribution and are found on every continent except Antarctica. Infections with these parasites are considered extremely serious, contributing to significant morbidity and mortality in addition to substantial economic losses to the livestock industry. Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.) and Echinococcus multilocularis, causing cystic echinococcosis (CE) and alveolar echinococcosis (AE) respectively, are the two main species of interest from a human and veterinary perspective. This review collates the current state-of-the-art understanding of these two parasites within four key areas of relevance to human and veterinary professionals: transmission and epidemiology, clinical signs and pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment and prevention. This review should serve as a broad introduction to the most important Echinococcus spp. The reader is advised to seek out specific literature on individual diseases and their causative parasites for a deeper understanding.
Topics: Animals; Echinococcosis; Echinococcus granulosus; Echinococcus multilocularis; Humans
PubMed: 33246571
DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2020.11.010 -
Journal of Clinical Microbiology Mar 2016Echinococcosis is one of the 17 neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) recognized by the World Health Organization. The two major species of medical importance are... (Review)
Review
Echinococcosis is one of the 17 neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) recognized by the World Health Organization. The two major species of medical importance are Echinococcus granulosus and Echinococcus multilocularis. E. granulosus affects over 1 million people and is responsible for over $3 billion in expenses every year. In this minireview, we discuss aspects of the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis of cystic echinococcosis or cystic hydatid disease caused by E. granulosus.
Topics: Animals; Echinococcosis; Echinococcus granulosus; Echinococcus multilocularis; Global Health; Humans; Neglected Diseases
PubMed: 26677245
DOI: 10.1128/JCM.02420-15 -
Acta Tropica Apr 2010The earlier recommendations of the WHO-Informal Working Group on Echinococcosis (WHO-IWGE) for the treatment of human echinococcosis have had considerable impact in... (Review)
Review
The earlier recommendations of the WHO-Informal Working Group on Echinococcosis (WHO-IWGE) for the treatment of human echinococcosis have had considerable impact in different settings worldwide, but the last major revision was published more than 10 years ago. Advances in classification and treatment of echinococcosis prompted experts from different continents to review the current literature, discuss recent achievements and provide a consensus on diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Among the recognized species, two are of medical importance -Echinococcus granulosus and Echinococcus multilocularis - causing cystic echinococcosis (CE) and alveolar echinococcosis (AE), respectively. For CE, consensus has been obtained on an image-based, stage-specific approach, which is helpful for choosing one of the following options: (1) percutaneous treatment, (2) surgery, (3) anti-infective drug treatment or (4) watch and wait. Clinical decision-making depends also on setting-specific aspects. The usage of an imaging-based classification system is highly recommended. For AE, early diagnosis and radical (tumour-like) surgery followed by anti-infective prophylaxis with albendazole remains one of the key elements. However, most patients with AE are diagnosed at a later stage, when radical surgery (distance of larval to liver tissue of >2cm) cannot be achieved. The backbone of AE treatment remains the continuous medical treatment with albendazole, and if necessary, individualized interventional measures. With this approach, the prognosis can be improved for the majority of patients with AE. The consensus of experts under the aegis of the WHO-IWGE will help promote studies that provide missing evidence to be included in the next update.
Topics: Animals; Echinococcosis; Echinococcus granulosus; Echinococcus multilocularis; Humans
PubMed: 19931502
DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2009.11.001 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jan 2020Echinococcosis are considered to be potentially lethal zoonotic diseases that cause serious damage to hosts. The metacestode of and can result in causing the... (Review)
Review
Echinococcosis are considered to be potentially lethal zoonotic diseases that cause serious damage to hosts. The metacestode of and can result in causing the alveolar and cystic echinococcoses, respectively. Recent studies have shown that non-coding RNAs are widely expressed in spp. and hosts. In this review, the two main types of non-coding RNAs-long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs)-and the wide-scale involvement of these molecules in these parasites and their hosts were discussed. The expression pattern of miRNAs in spp. is species- and developmental stage-specific. Furthermore, common miRNAs were detected in three spp. and their intermediate hosts. Here, we primarily focus on recent insights from transcriptome studies, the expression patterns of miRNAs and lncRNAs, and miRNA-related databases and techniques that are used to investigate miRNAs in and echinococcosis. This review provides new avenues for screening therapeutic and diagnostic markers.
Topics: Animals; Echinococcosis; Echinococcus granulosus; Echinococcus multilocularis; Humans; MicroRNAs; RNA, Long Noncoding; Transcriptome
PubMed: 31979099
DOI: 10.3390/ijms21030730 -
Turkiye Parazitolojii Dergisi Oct 2019, a heteroxen and zoonotic parasite, is found in the intestine of carnivores, particularly foxes. Adult cestodes are regarded apathogenic in definitive hosts, while... (Review)
Review
, a heteroxen and zoonotic parasite, is found in the intestine of carnivores, particularly foxes. Adult cestodes are regarded apathogenic in definitive hosts, while metacestode, the alveolar form, is high pathogenic for intermediate hosts. The alveolar cyst causes a maling tumor-like lesions with infiltrative, proliferative and destructive character which locates in the liver primarily, then metastasizes to other organs. If it is not treated in intermediate hosts it causes irreversible symtoms and death after located in vital organs such as liver, lungs, brain. Humans are infected by oral uptake of the viable eggs, accidentally. Because its life-cycle depends on relationship between hunter and hunting, endemic areas of the parasite are limited. The cestoda is found only in the Northern Hemisphere, while some countries are regarded high-endemic, such as Turkey. However, there is a few study on epidemiology of the parasite in Turkey, except human cases. In the review, data on the distribution of in definitive and intermediate hosts in the world are presented, and the situation of the parasite in Turkey has been evaluated in detail.
Topics: Animals; Echinococcosis; Echinococcus multilocularis; Foxes; Global Health; Humans; Intestines; Liver; Turkey
PubMed: 31591874
DOI: 10.4274/tpd.galenos.2019.6300 -
Technology and Health Care : Official... 2022Alveolar echinococcosis is an epidemic disease caused by the parasitism of Echinococcus multilocularis (Em) larvae in the intermediate or final host.
BACKGROUND
Alveolar echinococcosis is an epidemic disease caused by the parasitism of Echinococcus multilocularis (Em) larvae in the intermediate or final host.
OBJECTIVE
To identify and analyze B-cell and T-cell (Th1, Th2, and Th17) epitopes of the Em antigen protein thrombospondin 3 (TSP3).
METHODS
The amino acid sequence of TSP3 was obtained, and the secondary structural characteristics of TSP3 were predicted using bioinformatics software to further predict its potential T-cell and B-cell epitopes. The spleen lymphocytes of BALB/c mice, which were immunized with the TSP3 protein, were collected for co-culture with B-cell and T-cell antigen small peptides. The B-cell epitopes and T-cell epitope subtypes Th1, Th2, and Th17 were identified as having good immunogenicity.
RESULTS
After identification, it was found that the predominant epitopes of B cells existing in TSP3 were T18-33, T45-55, and T110-122. Furthermore, the predominant epitopes of T cells existing in TSP3 were T33-42, T45-55, T80-90, and T110-122 in the T1 subtype, T45-55, T68-77, and T92-104 in the Th2 subtype, and T53-63 and T80-90 in the Th17 subtype.
CONCLUSIONS
Six T-cell and eight B-cell dominant epitopes of the TSP3 antigen were revealed; these results may be applied in the development of a dominant epitope vaccine.
Topics: Animals; Echinococcosis; Echinococcus multilocularis; Epitopes, B-Lymphocyte; Mice; Thrombospondins
PubMed: 35068426
DOI: 10.3233/THC-212983 -
International Journal For Parasitology.... Dec 2022has been spreading through Central Eastern Europe but has not yet been reported in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H). Recently, this parasite is confirmed in Croatia...
has been spreading through Central Eastern Europe but has not yet been reported in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H). Recently, this parasite is confirmed in Croatia suggesting the movement of the parasite's distribution limit further south. Given that there is no surveillance or monitoring system for echinococcosis in B&H, our study was designed as a pilot study of . A total of 57 red foxes originating from 24 localities all over the country were collected during the routine rabies monitoring, autopsied and examined for the presence of echinococcosis. Based on intestinal scraping technique and microscopy, adult worms have been detected in one (1/57, 1.75%) red fox. To verify this finding and to differentiate spp., DNA extracted from adult worms was subjected to species-specific PCR targeting part of the mitochondrial 12S ribosomal RNA gene. PCR-positive samples were further confirmed by NGS sequencing of a 203 bp amplified fragment of 12S rRNA, which has been deposited in GenBank (Accession no.: OP047920). This finding represents the first detection of in B&H, strongly suggesting its presence in the country. The confirmation of the parasite in the same locality where migrants/refugees temporarily stay on their route to Western Europe highlights the need for a One Health approach in addressing all future questions. Moreover, the first detection of in B&H warrants the need for the implementation of an appropriate state surveillance program.
PubMed: 36406035
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2022.11.005 -
Molecular and Biochemical Parasitology Oct 2019Nuclear receptors (NRs) belong to a large protein superfamily which includes intracellular receptors for secreted hydrophobic signal molecules, such as steroid hormones... (Review)
Review
Nuclear receptors (NRs) belong to a large protein superfamily which includes intracellular receptors for secreted hydrophobic signal molecules, such as steroid hormones and thyroid hormones. They regulate development and reproduction in metazoans by binding to the promoter region of their target gene to activate or repress mRNA synthesis. Isolation and characterization of NRs in the parasitic trematode Schistosoma mansoni identified two homologues of mammalian thyroid receptor (TR). This was the first known protostome exhibiting TR homologues. Three novel NRs each possess a novel set of two DNA binding domains (DBD) in tandem with a ligand binding domain (LBD) (2DBD-NRs) isolated in Schistosoma mansoni revealed a novel NR modular structure: A/B-DBD-DBD-hinge-LBD. Full length cDNA of several NRs have been isolated and studied in the parasitic trematodes S. mansoni, S. japonicum and in the cestode Echinococcus multilocularis. The genome of the blood flukes S. mansoni, S. japonicum and S. haematobium, the liver fluke Clonorchis sinensis and the cestode Echinococcus multilocularis have been sequenced. Study of the NR complement in parasitic Platyhelminths will help us to understand the role of NRs in regulation of their development and understand the evolution of NR in animals.
Topics: Animals; Clonorchis sinensis; Echinococcus multilocularis; Evolution, Molecular; Helminth Proteins; Phylogeny; Platyhelminths; Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear; Schistosoma; Schistosoma mansoni
PubMed: 31470045
DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2019.111218 -
Parasites & Vectors Jan 2021Serotonin is a phylogenetically ancient molecule that is widely distributed in most metazoans, including flatworms. In addition to its role as a neurotransmitter,...
BACKGROUND
Serotonin is a phylogenetically ancient molecule that is widely distributed in most metazoans, including flatworms. In addition to its role as a neurotransmitter, serotonin acts as a morphogen and regulates developmental processes. Although several studies have focused on the serotonergic nervous system in parasitic flatworms, little is known on the role of serotonin in flatworm development.
METHODS
To study the effects of serotonin on proliferation and development of the cestode Echinococcus multilocularis, we cloned the genes encoding the E. multilocularis serotonin transporter (SERT) and tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH), analyzed gene expression by transcriptome analysis and whole mount in situ hybridization (WMISH) and performed cell culture experiments.
RESULTS
We first characterized orthologues encoding the SERT and TPH, the rate-limiting enzyme in serotonin biosynthesis. WMISH and transcriptomic analyses indicated that the genes for both SERT and TPH are expressed in the parasite nervous system. Long-term treatment of parasite stem cell cultures with serotonin stimulated development towards the parasite metacestode stage. Mature metacestode vesicles treated with serotonin showed increased rates of incorporation of the thymidine analogue 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU), indicating stimulated cell proliferation. In contrast, treatment with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor paroxetine strongly affected the viability of parasite cells. Paroxetine also caused structural damage in metacestode vesicles, suggesting that serotonin transport is crucial for the integrity of parasite vesicles.
CONCLUSIONS
Our results indicate that serotonin plays an important role in E. multilocularis development and proliferation, providing evidence that the E. multilocularis SERT and TPH are expressed in the nervous system of the protoscolex. Our results further suggest that the E. multilocularis SERT has a secondary role outside the nervous system that is essential for parasite integrity and survival. Since serotonin stimulated E. multilocularis metacestode development and proliferation, serotonin might also contribute to the formation and growth of the parasite in the liver.
Topics: Animals; Cell Proliferation; Echinococcus multilocularis; Gene Expression; Gene Expression Profiling; Helminth Proteins; In Situ Hybridization; Larva; Nervous System; Paroxetine; Serotonin; Serotonin Antagonists; Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins; Tryptophan Hydroxylase
PubMed: 33407815
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04533-0 -
Parasites & Vectors Sep 2021Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a chronic zoonosis caused by the larval form of Echinococcus multilocularis (E. multilocularis). Current chemotherapy against AE has...
BACKGROUND
Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a chronic zoonosis caused by the larval form of Echinococcus multilocularis (E. multilocularis). Current chemotherapy against AE has relied on albendazole and mebendazole, which only exhibit parasitostatic and not parasiticidal efficacy. Therefore, novel compounds for the treatment of this disease are needed.
METHODS
Phosphoglucose isomerase (PGI) assays were used for compound screening of seven neonicotinoids. The anti-parasitic effects of thiacloprid were then evaluated on E. multilocularis metacestode vesicles, germinal cells and protoscoleces in vitro. Human foreskin fibroblasts (HFF) and Reuber rat hepatoma (RH) cells were used to assess cytotoxicity. Glucose consumption in E. multilocularis protoscoleces and germinal cells was assessed by measuring uptake of 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG). Molecular docking was used to evaluate the potential binding sites of thiacloprid to acetylcholine receptors. In vivo efficacy of thiacloprid was evaluated in mice by secondary infection with E. multilocularis. In addition, ELISA and flow cytometry were used to evaluate the effects of cytokines and T lymphocyte subsets after thiacloprid treatment. Furthermore, collagen deposition and degradation in the host lesion microenvironment were evaluated.
RESULTS
We found that thiacloprid is the most promising compound, with an IC of 4.54 ± 1.10 μM and 2.89 ± 0.34 μM, respectively, against in vitro-cultured E. multilocularis metacestodes and germinal cells. Thiacloprid was less toxic for HFF and RH mammalian cell lines than for metacestodes. In addition, thiacloprid inhibited the acetylcholinesterase activity in protoscoleces, metacestodes and germinal cells. Thiacloprid inhibited glucose consumption by protoscoleces and germinal cells. Subsequently, transmission electron microscopy revealed that treatment with thiacloprid damaged the germinal layer. In vivo, metacestode weight was significantly reduced following oral administration of thiacloprid at 15 and 30 mg/kg. The level of CD4 T lymphocytes in metacestodes and spleen increased after thiacloprid treatment. Anti-echinococcosis-related cytokines (IL-2, IL-4, IL-10) were significantly increased. Furthermore, thiacloprid inhibited the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs 1, 3, 9, 13) and promoted collagen deposition in the host lesion microenvironment.
CONCLUSIONS
The results demonstrated that thiacloprid had parasiticidal activity against E. multilocularis in vitro and in vivo, and could be used as a novel lead compound for the treatment of AE.
Topics: Animals; Anthelmintics; Echinococcosis; Echinococcus multilocularis; Female; Fibroblasts; Foreskin; Humans; Inhibitory Concentration 50; Male; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Molecular Docking Simulation; Neonicotinoids; Receptors, Cholinergic; Specific Pathogen-Free Organisms; Thiazines; Mice
PubMed: 34488852
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04952-7