Nanotechnology: A promising strategy for the control of parasitic infections

Co-infections and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection among pregnant women in Ghana: A facility-based cross-sectional study

This study assessed the prevalence of co-infections (human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B, and syphilis) and associated risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii infection among pregnant women in Mampong Municipality, Ghana. A cross-sectional design was used to recruit 201 pregnant women from six health facilities conveniently. Participants' socio-demographics, clinical and environmental data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Using 2 ml of blood, T. gondii seroprevalence was determined by the TOXO IgG/IgM Rapid Test Cassette. Data was analyzed using descriptive and logistic regression analysis with SPSS version 27 to determine the prevalence and associations of T. gondii infection with other variables, respectively. The seroprevalence of T. gondii was 49.75%, of which 40.30%, 2.49%, and 6.97% tested positive for IgG, IgM, and IgG/IgM, respectively. Co-infection of toxoplasmosis with viral hepatitis B, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and syphilis rates were 15%, 1%, and 4%, respectively and were not risk factors for T. gondii transmission. Educational level and residential status were associated with toxoplasmosis [p < 0.05]. Participants with higher education had a reduced risk of T. gondii infections compared to a lower level of education [AOR = 0.39 (0.13, 0.99) p = 0.049]. Similarly, the risk of T. gondii infection was significantly lower among individuals residing in peri-urban [AOR = 0.13 (0.02-0.70), p = 0.02] and urban areas [AOR = 0.10 (0.02-0.78), p = 0.03] compared to those in rural areas. Backyard animals with extensive and semi-intensive systems, without veterinary care, and contact with animal droppings and water sources were significant risk factors for T. gondii infection [p < 0.05]. Miscarriage was associated with T. gondii infection [p < 0.05]. The burden of T. gondii infection was high among the study population, posing a risk of mother-to-child transmission. Key risk factors included low education, rural residence, backyard animal exposure, poor hygiene, and unsafe water sources. Toxoplasmosis was associated with miscarriage; thus, integrating it into routine antenatal screening could improve pregnancy outcomes. Health promotion interventions such as education on zoonotic risks, improved sanitation, safe water practices, and veterinary care for domestic animals are recommended to reduce infection risk among pregnant women.

In Vitro Effects of Vanadate Erbium/Silver Oxide (ErVO4/AgO) and Vanadate Iron/Silver Oxide (FeVO4/AgO) Nanoparticles on the Adult of Fasciola hepatica

Fascioliasis is a common hepatic parasitic disease that is caused by Fasciola, resulting in significant economic losses by reducing production and consigning viscera in animals. Currently, there is little research regarding the impact of chemical compounds on the ultrastructure and motility of adult F. hepatica. The present study aims to assess the effect of Vanadate erbium/silver oxide (ErVO4/AgO) and Vanadate iron/silver oxide (FeVO4/AgO) nanoparticles against liver fluke F. hepatica, in vitro assay. Fasciola hepatica adult worms were collected from the livers and gallbladders of sheep and goats centrality of Iran. One hundred fresh worms were incubated with each nanoparticle concentration of 4.5-6 mg/mL FeVO4/AgO and ErVO4/AgO (test, groups) in comparison to triclabendazole 5-20 µg/mL (positive control) and RPMI media culture (negative control) after 12 and 24 hours of treatment. To ensure the reliability of the data, the tests on the sample were performed twice. The effectiveness of these compounds was evaluated by examining parasite movement, reaction to vital stain and changes in the tegument through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) using Fisher statistical tests and logistic regression. Analysis of variance was performed to compare Kaplan-Meier and Cox groups and models to analyse parasite survival. In addition, the anthelmintic efficacy was measured as the mortality rate based on the number of live and dead worms. The mortality ratios show that the anthelmintic activities of the compounds highly relied on time and concentration, as time and concentration increased, increasing the mortality rate. Lethal concentration 50 (LC50) of FeVO4/AgO and ErVO4/AgO are 4, 4.7 and 5 mg/mL at 24 h, respectively. FeVO4/AgO showed more lethal effects on F. hepatica than on ErVO4/AgO and triclabendazole. SEM analysis of treated F. hepatica by both nanoparticles at a concentration of 6 mg/mL showed that the tegument surface of fasciola is swollen in some parts, the pores on the tegument surface are completely visible, the sensory papillae are lost, the tegument is severely damaged and the prominent network structure and its vesicles have completely disappeared. F. hepatica is more susceptible to the lethal effects of FeVO4/AgO and ErVO4/AgO nanoparticles. The effectiveness of these compounds depends on the concentration and time of the drug's effect, in such a way that the effectiveness increases with the increase in concentration and time.

Innovative technologies to address neglected tropical diseases in African settings with persistent sociopolitical instability

The health, economic, and social burden of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in Africa remains substantial, with elimination efforts hindered by persistent sociopolitical instability, including ongoing conflicts among political and ethnic groups that lead to internal displacement and migration. Here, we explore how innovative technologies can support Africa in addressing NTDs amidst such instability, through analysis of WHO and UNHCR data and a systematic literature review. Countries in Africa facing sociopolitical instability also bear a high burden of NTDs, with the continent ranking second globally in NTD burden (33%, 578 million people) and first in internal displacement (50%, 31.6 million people) in 2023. Studies have investigated technologies for their potential in NTD prevention, surveillance, diagnosis, treatment and management. Integrating the evidence, we discuss nine promising technologies-artificial intelligence, drones, mobile clinics, nanotechnology, telemedicine, augmented reality, advanced point-of-care diagnostics, mobile health Apps, and wearable sensors-that could enhance Africa's response to NTDs in the face of persistent sociopolitical instability. As stability returns, these technologies will evolve to support more comprehensive and sustainable health development. The global health community should facilitate deployment of health technologies to those in greatest need to help achieve the NTD 2030 Roadmap and other global health targets.

Progress and prospects of mRNA-based drugs in pre-clinical and clinical applications

In the last decade, messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA)-based drugs have gained great interest in both immunotherapy and non-immunogenic applications. This surge in interest can be largely attributed to the demonstration of distinct advantages offered by various mRNA molecules, alongside the rapid advancements in nucleic acid delivery systems. It is noteworthy that the immunogenicity of mRNA drugs presents a double-edged sword. In the context of immunotherapy, extra supplementation of adjuvant is generally required for induction of robust immune responses. Conversely, in non-immunotherapeutic scenarios, immune activation is unwanted considering the host tolerability and high expression demand for mRNA-encoded functional proteins. Herein, mainly focused on the linear non-replicating mRNA, we overview the preclinical and clinical progress and prospects of mRNA medicines encompassing vaccines and other therapeutics. We also highlight the importance of focusing on the host-specific variations, including age, gender, pathological condition, and concurrent medication of individual patient, for maximized efficacy and safety upon mRNA administration. Furthermore, we deliberate on the potential challenges that mRNA drugs may encounter in the realm of disease treatment, the current endeavors of improvement, as well as the application prospects for future advancements. Overall, this review aims to present a comprehensive understanding of mRNA-based therapies while illuminating the prospective development and clinical application of mRNA drugs.

Tityus stigmurus-Venom-Loaded Cross-Linked Chitosan Nanoparticles Improve Antimicrobial Activity

The rapid resistance developed by pathogenic microorganisms against the current antimicrobial pool represents a serious global public health problem, leading to the search for new antibiotic agents. The scorpion Tityus stigmurus, an abundant species in Northeastern Brazil, presents a rich arsenal of bioactive molecules in its venom, with high potential for biotechnological applications. However, venom cytotoxicity constitutes a barrier to the therapeutic application of its different components. The objective of this study was to produce T. stigmurus-venom-loaded cross-linked chitosan nanoparticles (Tsv/CN) at concentrations of 0.5% and 1.0% to improve their biological antimicrobial activity. Polymeric nanoparticles were formed with a homogeneous particle size and spherical shape. Experimental formulation parameters were verified in relation to mean size (<180 nm), zeta potential, polydispersity index and encapsulation efficiency (>78%). Tsv/CN 1.0% demonstrated an ability to increase the antimicrobial venom effect against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, exhibiting an MIC value of 44.6 μg/mL. It also inhibited different yeast species of the Candida genus, and Tsv/CN 0.5% and 1.0% led to a greater inhibitory effect of C. tropicalis and C. parapsilosis strains, presenting MIC values between 22.2 and 5.5 µg/mL, respectively. These data demonstrate the biotechnological potential of these nanosystems to obtain a new therapeutic agent with potential antimicrobial activity.

Plant-based nanoparticles targeting malaria management

Malaria is one of the most devastating diseases across the globe, particularly in low-income countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. The increasing incidence of malaria morbidity is mainly due to the shortcomings of preventative measures such as the lack of vaccines and inappropriate control over the parasite vector. Additionally, high mortality rates arise from therapeutic failures due to poor patient adherence and drug resistance development. Although the causative pathogen (Plasmodium spp.) is an intracellular parasite, the recommended antimalarial drugs show large volumes of distribution and low-to no-specificity towards the host cell. This leads to severe side effects that hamper patient compliance and promote the emergence of drug-resistant strains. Recent research efforts are promising to enable the discovery of new antimalarial agents; however, the lack of efficient means to achieve targeted delivery remains a concern, given the risk of further resistance development. New strategies based on green nanotechnologies are a promising avenue for malaria management due to their potential to eliminate malaria vectors (Anopheles sp.) and to encapsulate existing and emerging antimalarial agents and deliver them to different target sites. In this review we summarized studies on the use of plant-derived nanoparticles as cost-effective preventative measures against malaria parasites, starting from the vector stage. We also reviewed plant-based nanoengineering strategies to target malaria parasites, and further discussed the site-specific delivery of natural products using ligand-decorated nanoparticles that act through receptors on the host cells or malaria parasites. The exploration of traditionally established plant medicines, surface-engineered nanoparticles and the molecular targets of parasite/host cells may provide valuable insights for future discovery of antimalarial drugs and open new avenues for advancing science toward the goal of malaria eradication.

Therapeutic potential of oral alginate nanoparticles against experimental toxoplasmosis

Side effects and low efficacy of current anti-toxoplasmosis therapeutics against encysted bradyzoites necessitate research into alternative safe therapeutic options. The safety, immunostimulatory, and antimicrobial properties of alginate nanoparticle formulation (Alg-NP) highlight its potential as an oral therapy against acute toxoplasmosis. In the current study, Alg-NP was formulated and characterized and then assessed for its anti-Toxoplasma effects using parasitological, ultrastructural, immunological, and histopathological studies. Treatment with Alg-NP significantly prolonged mice survival and reduced the parasite burden in both peritoneal fluid and tissue impression smears. In addition, it altered parasite viability and caused severe tachyzoite deformities as evidenced by ultrastructural studies. Alg-NP induced high levels of serum IFN-γ in infected mice with significant amelioration in histopathological changes in both hepatic and splenic tissue sections. In conclusion, Alg-NP could be considered a promising therapeutic agent against acute murine toxoplasmosis, and owing to its safety, it could potentially be enlisted for human use.

Pathogen-binding nanoparticles to inhibit host cell infection by heparan sulfate and sialic acid dependent viruses and protozoan parasites

Global health faces an immense burden from infectious diseases caused by viruses and intracellular protozoan parasites such as the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and malaria, respectively. These pathogens propagate through the infection of human host cells. The first stage of this host cell infection mechanism is cell attachment, which typically involves interactions between the infectious agent and surface components on the host cell membranes, specifically heparan sulfate (HS) and/or sialic acid (SA). Hence, nanoparticles (NPs) which contain or mimic HS/SA that can directly bind to the pathogen surface and inhibit cell infection are emerging as potential candidates for an alternative anti-infection therapeutic strategy. These NPs can be prepared from metals, soft matter (lipid, polymer, and dendrimer), DNA, and carbon-based materials among others and can be designed to include aspects of multivalency, broad-spectrum activity, biocidal mechanisms, and multifunctionality. This review provides an overview of such anti-pathogen nanomedicines beyond drug delivery. Nanoscale inhibitors acting against viruses and obligate intracellular protozoan parasites are discussed. In the future, the availability of broadly applicable nanotherapeutics would allow early tackling of existing and upcoming viral diseases. Invasion inhibitory NPs could also provide urgently needed effective treatments for protozoan parasitic infections.

Challenges and Prospective of Enhancing Hydatid Cyst Chemotherapy by Nanotechnology and the Future of Nanobiosensors for Diagnosis

Hydatid cysts have been widely recognized for decades as a common medical problem that affects millions of people. A revolution in medical treatment may be on the prospect of nanotechnology enhancing chemotherapy against hydatid cysts. An overview of nanotechnology's impact on chemotherapeutics is presented in the current review. It discusses some of the challenges as well as some of the opportunities. The application of nanotechnology to enhance chemotherapy against hydatid cysts is what this review will explore. Nanotechnology is a critical component of delivering therapeutic agents with greater precision and efficiency and targeting hydatid cysts with better efficacy, and minimizing interference with surrounding tissue. However, there are biodistribution challenges, toxicity, and resistance problems associated with nanotherapeutics. Additionally, nanobiosensors are being investigated to enable the early diagnosis of hydatid cysts. A nanobiosensor can detect hydatid cysts by catching them early, non-invasively, rapidly, and accurately. The sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic tests can be enhanced with nanobiosensors because they take advantage of the unique properties of nanomaterials. By providing more precise and customized treatment options for hydatid cysts, nanotechnology may improve therapeutic options and strategies for diagnosing the disease. In conclusion, treatment with nanotechnology to treat hydatid cysts is potentially effective but presents many obstacles. Furthermore, nanobiosensors are being integrated into diagnostic techniques, as well as helping to diagnose patients earlier and more accurately.

Plant-Waste-Derived Sorbents for Nitazoxanide Adsorption

The increased application of drugs during the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in their increased concentration in wastewater. Conventional wastewater treatment plants do not remove such pollutants effectively. Adsorption is a cheap, effective, and environmentally friendly method that can accomplish this. On the other hand, maintaining organic waste is required. Thus, in this study, plant waste-derived pelletized biochar obtained from different feedstock and pyrolyzed at 600 °C was applied for the adsorption of nitazoxanide, an antiparasitic drug used for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2. The adsorption was fast and enables one to remove the drug in one hour. The highest adsorption capacity was noted for biochar obtained from biogas production (14 mg/g). The process of NTZ adsorption was governed by chemisorption (k2 = 0.2371 g/mg min). The presence of inorganic ions had a detrimental effect on adsorption (Cl-, NO3- in 20-30%) and carbonates were the most effective in hindering the process (60%). The environmentally relevant concentration of DOM (10 mg/L) did not affect the process. The model studies were supported by the results with a real wastewater effluent (15% reduction). Depending on the applied feedstock, various models described nitazoxanide adsorption onto tested biochars. In summary, the application of carbonaceous adsorbents in the pelletized form is effective in nitazoxanide adsorption.