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Bispo MT, Calado M, Maurício IL, Ferreira PM, Belo S. Zoonotic Threats: The (Re)emergence of Cercarial Dermatitis, Its Dynamics, and Impact in Europe. Pathogens 2024; 13:282. [PMID: 38668237 PMCID: PMC11053805 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13040282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Cercarial dermatitis (CD), or "Swimmer's itch" as it is also known, is a waterborne illness caused by a blood fluke from the family Schistosomatidae. It occurs when cercariae of trematode species that do not have humans as their definitive host accidentally penetrate human skin (in an aquatic environment) and trigger allergic symptoms at the site of contact. It is an emerging zoonosis that occurs through water and is often overlooked during differential diagnosis. Some of the factors contributing to the emergence of diseases like CD are related to global warming, which brings about climate change, water eutrophication, the colonization of ponds by snails susceptible to the parasite, and sunlight exposure in the summer, associated with migratory bird routes. Therefore, with the increase in tourism, especially at fluvial beaches, it is relevant to analyze the current epidemiological scenario of CD in European countries and the potential regions at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Teresa Bispo
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal; (M.C.); (I.L.M.); (P.M.F.)
| | | | | | | | - Silvana Belo
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal; (M.C.); (I.L.M.); (P.M.F.)
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Mammalian and Avian Larval Schistosomatids in Bangladesh: Molecular Characterization, Epidemiology, Molluscan Vectors, and Occurrence of Human Cercarial Dermatitis. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11101213. [PMID: 36297270 PMCID: PMC9609847 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11101213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) caused by blood flukes (Schistosoma spp.). Schistosomatids affect a wide array of vertebrate hosts, including humans. In the present study, multiple species of schistosomatids were identified by isolating schistosomatid cercariae (SC) from naturally infected snails. We also described different biotic and abiotic factors influencing SC infections in snails and reported human cercarial dermatitis (HCD) for the first time in Bangladesh. A total of 22,012 snails of seven species: Lymnaea auricularia, L. luteola, Indoplanorbis exustus, Physa acuta, Viviparus bengalensis, Brotia spp., and Thiara spp., were collected and examined. Among these snails, 581 (2.6%) belonging to five species: L. luteola, L. auricularia, P. acuta, I. exustus, and V. bengalensis, were infected with SC. The rate of infection was the highest for L. luteola (11.1%), followed by L. auricularia (5.3%), and was the lowest for V. bengalensis (0.4%). Prevalence in snails was the highest in September (16.8%), followed by October (9.5%) and November (8.8%), and was the lowest in colder months, such as January (1.8%) and February (2.1%). Infections with schistosomatids were more common in larger snails and snails collected from sunny areas. We confirmed the presence of Schistosoma indicum, S. incognitum, S. nasale, S. spindale, and Trichobilharzia szidati by PCR and sequencing. Through a questionnaire survey, we detected HCD in 214 (53.5%) individuals, and the infection rate was almost equally distributed across all professions. Collectively, the present results suggest that lymnaeid snails are the main vector for Schistosoma spp. prevalent in Bangladesh, and schistosomatids with zoonotic potential are also prevalent.
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Macháček T, Leontovyč R, Šmídová B, Majer M, Vondráček O, Vojtěchová I, Petrásek T, Horák P. Mechanisms of the host immune response and helminth-induced pathology during Trichobilharzia regenti (Schistosomatidae) neuroinvasion in mice. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010302. [PMID: 35120185 PMCID: PMC8849443 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Helminth neuroinfections represent serious medical conditions, but the diversity of the host-parasite interplay within the nervous tissue often remains poorly understood, partially due to the lack of laboratory models. Here, we investigated the neuroinvasion of the mouse spinal cord by Trichobilharzia regenti (Schistosomatidae). Active migration of T. regenti schistosomula through the mouse spinal cord induced motor deficits in hindlimbs but did not affect the general locomotion or working memory. Histological examination of the infected spinal cord revealed eosinophilic meningomyelitis with eosinophil-rich infiltrates entrapping the schistosomula. Flow cytometry and transcriptomic analysis of the spinal cord confirmed massive activation of the host immune response. Of note, we recorded striking upregulation of the major histocompatibility complex II pathway and M2-associated markers, such as arginase or chitinase-like 3. Arginase also dominated the proteins found in the microdissected tissue from the close vicinity of the migrating schistosomula, which unselectively fed on the host nervous tissue. Next, we evaluated the pathological sequelae of T. regenti neuroinvasion. While no demyelination or blood-brain barrier alterations were noticed, our transcriptomic data revealed a remarkable disruption of neurophysiological functions not yet recorded in helminth neuroinfections. We also detected DNA fragmentation at the host-schistosomulum interface, but schistosomula antigens did not affect the viability of neurons and glial cells in vitro. Collectively, altered locomotion, significant disruption of neurophysiological functions, and strong M2 polarization were the most prominent features of T. regenti neuroinvasion, making it a promising candidate for further neuroinfection research. Indeed, understanding the diversity of pathogen-related neuroinflammatory processes is a prerequisite for developing better protective measures, treatment strategies, and diagnostic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomáš Macháček
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
- * E-mail:
| | - Roman Leontovyč
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Barbora Šmídová
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Martin Majer
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Oldřich Vondráček
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Iveta Vojtěchová
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology of Memory, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Tomáš Petrásek
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology of Memory, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Petr Horák
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
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Japa O, Suwancharoen C, Bunsong T, Phuangsri C. Parasitological and molecular characterization of the avian schistosomatid cercariae infecting lymnaeidae snails in Phayao, Northern Thailand. Vet World 2021; 14:2655-2661. [PMID: 34903922 PMCID: PMC8654750 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2021.2655-2661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Cercarial dermatitis or swimmer’s itch is an allergic skin reaction caused by penetrating cercaria of animal blood flukes. It is considered as a zoonotic water-borne skin condition that is found globally. Among the schistosomatid trematodes, avian schistosomes are the most responsible for cercarial dermatitis. Very little is known regarding the occurrence of dermatitis-causing cercariae in Thailand. Therefore, the objective of this study was to preliminarily investigate the presence of larval blood fluke infection among local lymnaeidae snails in Phayao by the incorporation of morphological and molecular methods. Materials and Methods: Overall 500 Radix (Lymnaea) rubiginosa (Michelin, 1831) were collected from freshwater reservoirs near Phayao Lake in San Kwan village in Phayao, Thailand, from October to December 2020. The snails were examined for avian blood fluke infection by the cercarial shedding technique followed by morphological and molecular characterization. Results: Only one type of furcocercous cercaria was observed to emerge from six infected snails (1.2%). Our molecular analyses demonstrated that the emerging cercariae showed most similarity to either the 28S ribosomal RNA gene (28S rDNA) or cytochrome oxidase C subunit 1 gene (cox1 or COI) sequences to those of Trichobilharzia species. In addition, phylogenetic tree analyses of both loci revealed similar results; the emerging cercariae were consistently clustered together with Trichobilharzia regenti. Conclusion: Our results clearly confirmed that the detected furcocercous cercariae belonged to the genus Trichobilharzia and displayed the highest homology to T. regenti. This study provides important data on the occurrence of dermatitis causing cercariae infection among local lymnaeidae snails, encouraging effective management, and control measures for this zoonotic infectious disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ornampai Japa
- Division of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Phayao, Thailand.,Scientific Instrument and Product Standard Quality Inspection Center, University of Phayao, Thailand
| | - Chittakun Suwancharoen
- Division of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Phayao, Thailand
| | - Thanakon Bunsong
- Division of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Phayao, Thailand
| | - Chorpaka Phuangsri
- Division of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Phayao, Thailand
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Korycińska J, Rybak-d'Obyrn J, Kubiak D, Kubiak K, Dzika E. Dermatological and Molecular Evidence of Human Cercarial Dermatitis in North-Eastern Poland. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2021; 21:269-274. [PMID: 33566721 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2020.2681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Swimmer's itch or human cercarial dermatitis (HCD) appears as a skin rash caused by an allergic reaction to larval (cercariae) flatworm parasites of the family Schistosomatidae. In our study, two cases of HCD were analyzed; both of them were reported in people swimming in Lake Pluszne. In the summer of 2018, a sample of 397 snails was collected at swimming sites in that area. Five Lymnaea stagnalis (1.9%) were found to host cercariae of bird schistosomes. Positive samples were selected by amplification of the Internal Transcribed Spacers (ITS) gene region. Sequence analysis confirmed that they were homologous with European isolates of Trichobilharzia szidati. The cases reported in this article are the first confirmed cases of HCD in this lake. This study demonstrates that there is a rationale for conducting screening studies of regions with a high recreational potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Korycińska
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Public Health, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Joanna Rybak-d'Obyrn
- Department and Clinic of Dermatology, Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Clinical Immunology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Dariusz Kubiak
- Department of Microbiology and Mycology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kubiak
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Public Health, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Ewa Dzika
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Public Health, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
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6
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Ashrafi K, Sharifdini M, Darjani A, Brant SV. Migratory routes, domesticated birds and cercarial dermatitis: the distribution of Trichobilharzia franki in Northern Iran. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 28:4. [PMID: 33433322 PMCID: PMC7802520 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2020073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Background: One of the major migration routes for birds going between Europe and Asia is the Black Sea-Mediterranean route that converges on the Volga Delta, continuing into the area of the Caspian Sea. Cercarial dermatitis is a disorder in humans caused by schistosome trematodes that use aquatic birds and snails as hosts and is prevalent in areas of aquaculture in Northern Iran. Before the disorder can be addressed, it is necessary to determine the etiological agents and their host species. This study aimed to document whether domestic mallards are reservoir hosts and if so, to characterize the species of schistosomes. Previous work has shown that domestic mallards are reservoir hosts for a nasal schistosome. Results: In 32 of 45 domestic mallards (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) (71.1%), the schistosome Trichobilharzia franki, previously reported only from Europe, was found in visceral veins. Morphological and molecular phylogenetic analysis confirmed the species designation. These findings extend the range of T. franki from Europe to Eurasia. Conclusion: The occurrence of cercarial dermatitis in Iran is high in areas of aquaculture. Previous studies in the area have shown that domestic mallards are reservoir hosts of T. regenti, a nasal schistosome and T. franki, as shown in this study. The genetic results support the conclusion that populations of T. franki from Iran are not differentiated from populations in Europe. Therefore, the schistosomes are distributed with their migratory duck hosts, maintaining the gene flow across populations with compatible snail hosts in Iran.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keyhan Ashrafi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht 41996-13776, Iran
| | - Meysam Sharifdini
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht 41996-13776, Iran
| | - Abbas Darjani
- Skin Research Center, Department of Dermatology, Razi Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht 41996-13776, Iran
| | - Sara V Brant
- Museum of Southwestern Biology, Division of Parasites, Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, 1 University of New Mexico MSC03 2020, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, USA
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Macháček T, Šmídová B, Pankrác J, Majer M, Bulantová J, Horák P. Nitric oxide debilitates the neuropathogenic schistosome Trichobilharzia regenti in mice, partly by inhibiting its vital peptidases. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:426. [PMID: 32819437 PMCID: PMC7439556 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04279-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Avian schistosomes, the causative agents of human cercarial dermatitis (or swimmer’s itch), die in mammals but the mechanisms responsible for parasite elimination are unknown. Here we examined the role of reactive nitrogen species, nitric oxide (NO) and peroxynitrite, in the immune response of mice experimentally infected with Trichobilharzia regenti, a model species of avian schistosomes remarkable for its neuropathogenicity. Methods Inducible NO synthase (iNOS) was localized by immunohistochemistry in the skin and the spinal cord of mice infected by T. regenti. The impact of iNOS inhibition by aminoguanidine on parasite burden and growth was then evaluated in vivo. The vulnerability of T. regenti schistosomula to NO and peroxynitrite was assessed in vitro by viability assays and electron microscopy. Additionally, the effect of NO on the activity of T. regenti peptidases was tested using a fluorogenic substrate. Results iNOS was detected around the parasites in the epidermis 8 h post-infection and also in the spinal cord 3 days post-infection (dpi). Inhibition of iNOS resulted in slower parasite growth 3 dpi, but the opposite effect was observed 7 dpi. At the latter time point, moderately increased parasite burden was also noticed in the spinal cord. In vitro, NO did not impair the parasites, but inhibited the activity of T. regenti cathepsins B1.1 and B2, the peptidases essential for parasite migration and digestion. Peroxynitrite severely damaged the surface tegument of the parasites and decreased their viability in vitro, but rather did not participate in parasite clearance in vivo. Conclusions Reactive nitrogen species, specifically NO, do not directly kill T. regenti in mice. NO promotes the parasite growth soon after penetration (3 dpi), but prevents it later (7 dpi) when also suspends the parasite migration in the CNS. NO-related disruption of the parasite proteolytic machinery is partly responsible for this effect. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomáš Macháček
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia.
| | - Barbora Šmídová
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jan Pankrác
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia.,Center for Advanced Preclinical Imaging, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Martin Majer
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jana Bulantová
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Petr Horák
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
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Gulyás K, Soldánová M, Orosová M, Oros M. Confirmation of the presence of zoonotic Trichobilharzia franki following a human cercarial dermatitis outbreak in recreational water in Slovakia. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:2531-2537. [PMID: 32562067 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06751-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Human cercarial dermatitis is a parasitic disease that causes an allergic reaction in the skin (swimmer's itch) as a consequence of contact with cercariae of bird schistosomes present in water, mainly of the genus Trichobilharzia Skrjabin et Zakarow, 1920. The main objective of the study was to confirm the presence of the zoonotic disease agent following reports of human infections in recreational water in Slovakia. We identified two species of freshwater snails at Košice Lake, Radix auricularia (Linnaeus, 1758) and Physa acuta (Draparnaud, 1805). Trematode infections were observed only in R. auricularia. Of the 62 snails collected, 11 (17.7%) were infected with 5 different species of larval stages of trematodes. The blood fluke Trichobilharzia franki was found in 2 (3.2%) of the examined snails. The present record provides the first evidence that T. franki from the pulmonate snail R. auricularia represents a source of human cercarial dermatitis in recreational water in Slovakia. Our finding complements the easternmost records of both swimmer's itch and the confirmed occurrence of a bird schistosome in a waterbody in Europe. The present work suggests that the health risks associated with trichobilharziasis need to be further studied by detailed monitoring of the occurrence of the major causative agent of human cercarial dermatitis, T. franki.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristián Gulyás
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Miroslava Soldánová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Orosová
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Mikuláš Oros
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Košice, Slovakia.
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Majer M, Macháček T, Súkeníková L, Hrdý J, Horák P. The peripheral immune response of mice infected with a neuropathogenic schistosome. Parasite Immunol 2020; 42:e12710. [PMID: 32145079 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Trichobilharzia regenti (Schistosomatidae) percutaneously infects birds and mammals and invades their central nervous system (CNS). Here, we characterized the peripheral immune response of infected mice and showed how it was influenced by the parasite-induced inflammation in the skin and the CNS. As revealed by flow cytometry, T cells expanded in the spleen and the CNS-draining lymph nodes 7-14 days post-infection. Both T-bet+ and GATA-3+ T cells were markedly elevated suggesting a mixed type 1/2 immune response. However, it dropped after 7 dpi most likely being unaffected by the neuroinflammation. Splenocytes from infected mice produced a high amount of IFN-γ and, to a lesser extent, IL-10, IL-4 and IL-17 after in vitro stimulation by cercarial homogenate. Nevertheless, it had only a limited capacity to alter the maturation status of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs), contrary to the recombinant T. regenti cathepsin B2, which also strongly augmented expression of Ccl5, Cxcl10, Il12a, Il33 and Il10 by BMDCs. Taken together, mice infected with T. regenti developed the mixed type 1/2 immune response, which was driven by the early skin inflammation rather than the late neuroinflammation. Parasite peptidases might play an active role in triggering the host immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Majer
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Macháček
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Súkeníková
- Institute of Immunology and Microbiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Hrdý
- Institute of Immunology and Microbiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Horák
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
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10
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Winkel BMF, Dalenberg MR, de Korne CM, Feijt C, Langenberg MCC, Pelgrom L, Ganesh MS, Yazdanbakhsh M, Smits HH, de Jong EC, Everts B, van Leeuwen FWB, Hokke CH, Roestenberg M. Early Induction of Human Regulatory Dermal Antigen Presenting Cells by Skin-Penetrating Schistosoma Mansoni Cercariae. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2510. [PMID: 30429854 PMCID: PMC6220649 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Following initial invasion of Schistosoma mansoni cercariae, schistosomula reside in the skin for several days during which they can interact with the dermal immune system. While murine experiments have indicated that exposure to radiation-attenuated (RA) cercariae can generate protective immunity which is initiated in the skin stage, contrasting non-attenuated cercariae, such data is missing for the human model. Since murine skin does not form a reliable marker for immune responses in human skin, we used human skin explants to study the interaction with non-attenuated and RA cercariae with dermal innate antigen presenting cells (APCs) and the subsequent immunological responses. We exposed human skin explants to cercariae and visualized their invasion in real time (initial 30 min) using novel imaging technologies. Subsequently, we studied dermal immune responses and found an enhanced production of regulatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-10, pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α within 3 days of exposure. Analysis of dermal dendritic cells (DDCs) for their phenotype revealed an increased expression of immune modulators programmed death ligand (PD-L) 1 and 2, and increased IL-10 production. Ex vivo primed DDCs suppress Th1 polarization of naïve T-cells and increase T-cell IL-10 production, indicating their regulatory potential. These immune responses were absent or decreased after exposure to RA parasites. Using transwells, we show that direct contact between APCs and cercariae is required to induce their regulatory phenotype. To the best of our knowledge this is the first study that attempts to provide insight in the human dermal S. mansoni cercariae invasion and subsequent immune responses comparing non-attenuated with RA parasites. We reveal that cercariae induce a predominantly regulatory immune response whereas RA cercariae fail to achieve this. This initial understanding of the dermal immune suppressive capacity of S. mansoni cercariae in humans provides a first step toward the development of an effective schistosome vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Béatrice M F Winkel
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.,Interventional Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Mirjam R Dalenberg
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Clarize M de Korne
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.,Interventional Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Carola Feijt
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Leonard Pelgrom
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Munisha S Ganesh
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Maria Yazdanbakhsh
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Esther C de Jong
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Bart Everts
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Fijs W B van Leeuwen
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Cornelis H Hokke
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Meta Roestenberg
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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Macháček T, Turjanicová L, Bulantová J, Hrdý J, Horák P, Mikeš L. Cercarial dermatitis: a systematic follow-up study of human cases with implications for diagnostics. Parasitol Res 2018; 117:3881-3895. [PMID: 30302587 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-6095-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cercarial dermatitis (CD) is an allergic skin disease that rises in consequence of infection by invasive stages (cercariae) of trematodes of the family Schistosomatidae. CD has been considered a re-emerging disease, human cases have been reported from all continents, and tourism-threatening outbreaks occur even in frequented recreational areas. Although the symptoms of CD are generally known, the data on immune response in human patients are sporadic and incomprehensive. In the present study, we attempted to correlate the symptoms, personal history, and time course of CD in human patients with differential cell counts, dynamics of selected cytokines, and dynamics and quality of antibody response. By a systematic follow-up, we obtained a uniquely complex dataset from ten persons accidentally and concurrently infected by the same parasite species in the same locality. The onset of CD was significantly faster, and the symptoms were heavier in participants with a history of CD if compared to naive ones, who, however, also developed some of the symptoms. The repeatedly infected persons had elevated proportion of eosinophils 1 week post exposure (p.e.) and a stronger specific IgG but not IgM response, whereas specific IgE response was not observed. Increased serum levels of IL-4 occurred 1 and 3 week(s) p.e. in all participants. There was high variability in individual immunoblot patterns of IgG response, and no antigen with a universal diagnostic potential was confirmed. The presented analyses suggested that a complex approach can improve the accuracy of the diagnosis of CD, but component data should be interpreted carefully.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomáš Macháček
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 12844, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Libuše Turjanicová
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 12844, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Bulantová
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 12844, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Hrdý
- Institute of Immunology and Microbiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Studničkova 7, 12800, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Horák
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 12844, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Libor Mikeš
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 12844, Prague 2, Czech Republic.
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Sombetzki M, Koslowski N, Rabes A, Seneberg S, Winkelmann F, Fritzsche C, Loebermann M, Reisinger EC. Host Defense Versus Immunosuppression: Unisexual Infection With Male or Female Schistosoma mansoni Differentially Impacts the Immune Response Against Invading Cercariae. Front Immunol 2018; 9:861. [PMID: 29743881 PMCID: PMC5930291 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection with the intravascular diecious trematode Schistosoma spp. remains a serious tropical disease and public health problem in the developing world, affecting over 258 million people worldwide. During chronic Schistosoma mansoni infection, complex immune responses to tissue-entrapped parasite eggs provoke granulomatous inflammation which leads to serious damage of the liver and intestine. The suppression of protective host immune mechanisms by helminths promotes parasite survival and benefits the host by reducing tissue damage. However, immune-suppressive cytokines may reduce vaccine-induced immune responses. By combining a single-sex infection system with a murine air pouch model, we were able to demonstrate that male and female schistosomes play opposing roles in modulating the host’s immune response. Female schistosomes suppress early innate immune responses to invading cercariae in the skin and upregulate anergy-associated genes. In contrast, male schistosomes trigger strong innate immune reactions which lead to a reduction in worm and egg burden in the liver. Our data suggest that the female worm is a neglected player in the dampening of the host’s immune defense system and is therefore a promising target for new immune modulatory therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Sombetzki
- Division of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Center of Internal Medicine II, University Medical Center Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Nicole Koslowski
- Division of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Center of Internal Medicine II, University Medical Center Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Anne Rabes
- Division of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Center of Internal Medicine II, University Medical Center Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Sonja Seneberg
- Division of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Center of Internal Medicine II, University Medical Center Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Franziska Winkelmann
- Division of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Center of Internal Medicine II, University Medical Center Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Carlos Fritzsche
- Division of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Center of Internal Medicine II, University Medical Center Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Micha Loebermann
- Division of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Center of Internal Medicine II, University Medical Center Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Emil C Reisinger
- Division of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Center of Internal Medicine II, University Medical Center Rostock, Rostock, Germany
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Nitric oxide and cytokine production by glial cells exposed in vitro to neuropathogenic schistosome Trichobilharzia regenti. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:579. [PMID: 27842570 PMCID: PMC5109812 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1869-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Helminth neuroinfections represent a serious health problem, but host immune mechanisms in the nervous tissue often remain undiscovered. This study aims at in vitro characterization of the response of murine astrocytes and microglia exposed to Trichobilharzia regenti which is a neuropathogenic schistosome migrating through the central nervous system of vertebrate hosts. Trichobilharzia regenti infects birds and mammals in which it may cause severe neuromotor impairment. This study was focused on astrocytes and microglia as these are immunocompetent cells of the nervous tissue and their activation was recently observed in T. regenti-infected mice. Results Primary astrocytes and microglia were exposed to several stimulants of T. regenti origin. Living schistosomulum-like stages caused increased secretion of IL-6 in astrocyte cultures, but no changes in nitric oxide (NO) production were noticed. Nevertheless, elevated parasite mortality was observed in these cultures. Soluble fraction of the homogenate from schistosomulum-like stages stimulated NO production by both astrocytes and microglia, and IL-6 and TNF-α secretion in astrocyte cultures. Similarly, recombinant cathepsins B1.1 and B2 triggered IL-6 and TNF-α release in astrocyte and microglia cultures, and NO production in astrocyte cultures. Stimulants had no effect on production of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 or TGF-β1. Conclusions Both astrocytes and microglia are capable of production of NO and proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α following in vitro exposure to various stimulants of T. regenti origin. Astrocytes might be involved in triggering the tissue inflammation in the early phase of T. regenti infection and are proposed to participate in destruction of migrating schistosomula. However, NO is not the major factor responsible for parasite damage. Both astrocytes and microglia can be responsible for the nervous tissue pathology and maintaining the ongoing inflammation since they are a source of NO and proinflammatory cytokines which are released after exposure to parasite antigens. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-016-1869-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Selbach C, Soldánová M, Sures B. Estimating the risk of swimmer's itch in surface waters – A case study from Lake Baldeney, River Ruhr. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2016; 219:693-699. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2015.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2015] [Revised: 03/20/2015] [Accepted: 03/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Ebbs ET, Loker ES, Davis NE, Flores V, Veleizan A, Brant SV. Schistosomes with wings: how host phylogeny and ecology shape the global distribution of Trichobilharzia querquedulae (Schistosomatidae). Int J Parasitol 2016; 46:669-77. [PMID: 27260861 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2016.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Revised: 04/19/2016] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Migratory waterfowl play an important role in the maintenance and spread of zoonotic diseases worldwide. An example is cercarial dermatitis, caused when larval stages of schistosomes that normally develop in birds penetrate human skin. Members of the genus Trichobilharzia (Schistosomatidae), transmitted mainly by ducks, are considered to be major etiological agents of cercarial dermatitis globally. To better understand the diversity and distribution of Trichobilharzia spp., we surveyed ducks from the United States, eastern Canada, Argentina, South Africa and New Zealand. To aid in species identification of the Trichobilharzia worms recovered, regions of the Cox1, ND4 and ITS1 were sequenced. Furthermore, we provide molecular phylogenetic evidence for the cosmopolitan distribution and trans-hemispheric gene flow for one species, Trichobilharzia querquedulae, previously thought to be restricted to North America. These new samples from endemic non-migratory duck species indicate that T. querquedulae transmission occurs within each of the regions we sampled and that it is specific to the blue-winged+silver teal duck clade. Prevalence within this host group is >95% across the known range of T. querquedulae, indicating that transmission is common. Genetic divergence is evenly distributed among continents, and no phylogenetic structure associated with geography was observed. The results provide strong support for the global distribution and transmission of T. querquedulae and represent, to our knowledge, the first report of a cosmopolitan schistosome confirmed by genetic data. These data are the first known to support trans-hemispheric genetic exchange in a species responsible for causing cercarial dermatitis, indicating that the epidemiology of this group of poorly known zoonotic parasites is more complex than previously expected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika T Ebbs
- Department of Biology, Museum of Southwestern Biology Parasite Division, Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, University of New Mexico, 167 Castetter MSCO3 2020, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA.
| | - Eric S Loker
- Department of Biology, Museum of Southwestern Biology Parasite Division, Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, University of New Mexico, 167 Castetter MSCO3 2020, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Norm E Davis
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Veronica Flores
- Laboratorio de Parasitología (LAPAR), INIBIOMA (CONICET-Universidad Nacional del Comahue), Avda. Quintral 1250 8400 San Carlos de Bariloche- Río Negro, Argentina
| | - Aylen Veleizan
- Laboratorio de Parasitología (LAPAR), INIBIOMA (CONICET-Universidad Nacional del Comahue), Avda. Quintral 1250 8400 San Carlos de Bariloche- Río Negro, Argentina
| | - Sara V Brant
- Department of Biology, Museum of Southwestern Biology Parasite Division, Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, University of New Mexico, 167 Castetter MSCO3 2020, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
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Turjanicová L, Mikeš L, Pecková M, Horák P. Antibody response of definitive hosts against antigens of two life stages of the neuropathogenic schistosome Trichobilharzia regenti. Parasit Vectors 2015. [PMID: 26216102 PMCID: PMC4517386 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-1007-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The nasal avian schistosome Trichobilharzia regenti spends part of its intravertebrate period of life within the central nervous system. Migration of the parasites can be accompanied by neuromotor disorders or paralysis in natural definitive hosts (ducks) and even in laboratory mammals. Cercariae are also able to penetrate human skin and induce cercarial dermatitis. While the cellular and antibody responses against cercariae and migrating schistosomula have been investigated in mice, little is known about immune reactions in birds. This study first describes the dynamics of antibody response in infected ducks and identifies frequently recognized antigens that may serve as diagnostic markers of infection by T. regenti. METHODS Groups of 35 domestic ducks and 10 mallards were exposed to different doses of T. regenti cercariae. Sera were collected at predefined time intervals and tested by ELISA for the presence of specific anti-cercarial IgY and IgM. Antigens recognized by the antibodies were identified on Western blots of cercariae and schistosomula. The applicability in immunodiagnostics was statistically evaluated by expression of specificity and sensitivity values for individual antigens. RESULTS In ELISA, the levels of anti-cercarial IgM peaked on day 15 pi. Increased production of IgY associated with the later phases of infection was observed in most individuals around 20 dpi and culminated 30 dpi. The time course of antibody response did not differ among experimental groups, variations were only observed in the levels of specific IgY which depended rather on the age of ducks at the time of infection than on the infectious dose. On Western blots, 40 cercarial and 7 schistosomular antigens were recognized by IgY from infected ducks. Among them, 4 cercarial antigens of 50, 47, 32 and 19 kDa provided the most sensitive and specific reactions. CONCLUSIONS Antigens of cercariae and schistosomula elicited distinct antibody response in ducks, which correlated positively with the age of animals at the time of infection. Several antigens originating in cercariae and fewer in schistosomula were recognized by IgY with diverse sensitivity and specificity; only a few seemed to be common to both stages. Four of them were considered as the most promising candidates for immunodiagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Libuše Turjanicová
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Viničná 7, 12844, Prague 2, Czech Republic.
| | - Libor Mikeš
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Viničná 7, 12844, Prague 2, Czech Republic.
| | - Monika Pecková
- Institute of Applied Mathematics and Information Technologies, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Albertov 6, 128 43, Prague 2, Czech Republic.
| | - Petr Horák
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Viničná 7, 12844, Prague 2, Czech Republic.
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Horák P, Mikeš L, Lichtenbergová L, Skála V, Soldánová M, Brant SV. Avian schistosomes and outbreaks of cercarial dermatitis. Clin Microbiol Rev 2015; 28:165-90. [PMID: 25567226 PMCID: PMC4284296 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00043-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cercarial dermatitis (swimmer's itch) is a condition caused by infective larvae (cercariae) of a species-rich group of mammalian and avian schistosomes. Over the last decade, it has been reported in areas that previously had few or no cases of dermatitis and is thus considered an emerging disease. It is obvious that avian schistosomes are responsible for the majority of reported dermatitis outbreaks around the world, and thus they are the primary focus of this review. Although they infect humans, they do not mature and usually die in the skin. Experimental infections of avian schistosomes in mice show that in previously exposed hosts, there is a strong skin immune reaction that kills the schistosome. However, penetration of larvae into naive mice can result in temporary migration from the skin. This is of particular interest because the worms are able to migrate to different organs, for example, the lungs in the case of visceral schistosomes and the central nervous system in the case of nasal schistosomes. The risk of such migration and accompanying disorders needs to be clarified for humans and animals of interest (e.g., dogs). Herein we compiled the most comprehensive review of the diversity, immunology, and epidemiology of avian schistosomes causing cercarial dermatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petr Horák
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Libor Mikeš
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Lichtenbergová
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimír Skála
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Miroslava Soldánová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Sara Vanessa Brant
- Museum Southwestern Biology, Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
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Kolářová L, Horák P, Skírnisson K, Marečková H, Doenhoff M. Cercarial dermatitis, a neglected allergic disease. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2014; 45:63-74. [PMID: 22915284 DOI: 10.1007/s12016-012-8334-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Cercarial dermatitis (swimmer's itch) is a common non-communicable water-borne disease. It is caused by penetration of the skin by larvae (cercariae) of schistosomatid flukes and develops as a maculopapular skin eruption after repeated contacts with the parasites. The number of outbreaks of the disease is increasing, and cercarial dermatitis can therefore be considered as an emerging problem. Swimmer's itch is mostly associated with larvae of the bird schistosomes of Trichobilharzia spp. Recent results have shown that mammalian infections (including man) manifest themselves as an allergic reaction which is able to trap and eliminate parasites in the skin. Studies on mammals experimentally infected by bird schistosome cercariae revealed, however, that during primary infection, parasites are able to escape from the skin to the lungs or central nervous system. This review covers basic information on detection of the infectious agents in the field and the clinical course of the disease, including other pathologies which may develop after infection by cercariae, and diagnosis of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Libuše Kolářová
- Institute of Immunology and Microbiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and General University Hospital in Prague, Studničkova 7, 128 00, Prague 2, Czech Republic.
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Shimogawara R, Hata N, Schuster A, Lesshafft H, Guedes de Oliveira S, Ignatius R, Akao N, Ohta N, Feldmeier H. Hookworm-related cutaneous larva migrans in patients living in an endemic community in Brazil: immunological patterns before and after ivermectin treatmen. Eur J Microbiol Immunol (Bp) 2013; 3:258-66. [PMID: 24294495 DOI: 10.1556/eujmi.3.2013.4.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2013] [Revised: 10/14/2013] [Accepted: 10/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hookworm-related cutaneous larva migrans (Hr-CLM) is caused by animal hookworm larvae migrating in the human epidermis where they elicit an inflammatory response. This study describes the immunological profile in Hr-CLM patients. In 77 Hr-CLM patients from Manaus, Brazil, peripheral eosinophils were counted, and serum concentrations of total immunoglobulin E (IgE) and selected cytokines were determined by ELISA before and after treatment with ivermectin. Controls included patients' household members (endemic controls), non-endemic Brazilian and Japanese individuals. Eosinophil counts and total IgE in Hr-CLM patients were higher than in controls and correlated with disease severity. Concentrations of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-6, and IL-10 were higher in Hr-CLM patients than in endemic controls (p < 0.001) while no differences were detected for interferon (IFN)-γ, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-1β, IL-2, or transforming growth factor (TGF)-β. Following ivermectin treatment, numbers of eosinophils and concentrations of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-10 decreased whereas IgE, IFN-γ, and TGF-β concentrations increased. The IL-5/IFN-γ ratio declined from 5.9 (interquartile range [IQR] 0.8-31.6) before to 0.1 (IQR 0.05-0.2; p = 0.001) after treatment. Thus, although an impact of other infections on the immune parameters determined cannot be excluded, Hr-CLM in endemic areas is associated with eosinophilia and elevated cytokine levels, particularly of IL-5 and IL-10, which decrease following ivermectin treatment.
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Soldánová M, Selbach C, Kalbe M, Kostadinova A, Sures B. Swimmer's itch: etiology, impact, and risk factors in Europe. Trends Parasitol 2013; 29:65-74. [PMID: 23305618 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2012.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2012] [Revised: 12/03/2012] [Accepted: 12/04/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
This review summarizes current knowledge about the occurrence and distribution of swimmer's itch, with a focus on Europe. Although recent publications have reviewed the biology and systematics of bird schistosomes and their complex host-parasite interactions, the underlying ecological factors that create favorable conditions for the parasites and the way humans interact with infested water bodies require further attention. Relevant studies from the past decade were analyzed to reveal an almost complete set of ecological factors as a prerequisite for establishing the life cycle of bird schistosomes. Based on both records of the occurrence of the parasite infective agents, and epidemiological studies that investigate outbreaks of swimmer's itch, this review concentrates on the risk factors for humans engaged in recreational water activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miroslava Soldánová
- Department of Aquatic Ecology and Centre for Water and Environmental Research (ZWU), University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstraße 5, D-45141, Essen, Germany
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Pathogenicity of Trichobilharzia spp. for Vertebrates. J Parasitol Res 2012; 2012:761968. [PMID: 23125918 PMCID: PMC3480016 DOI: 10.1155/2012/761968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2012] [Accepted: 09/13/2012] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Bird schistosomes, besides being responsible for bird schistosomiasis, are known as causative agents of cercarial dermatitis. Cercarial dermatitis develops after repeated contact with cercariae, mainly of the genus Trichobilharzia, and was described as a type I, immediate hypersensitivity response, followed by a late phase reaction. The immune response is Th2 polarized. Primary infection leads to an inflammatory reaction that is insufficient to eliminate the schistosomes and schistosomula may continue its migration through the body of avian as well as mammalian hosts. However, reinfections of experimental mice revealed an immune reaction leading to destruction of the majority of schistosomula in the skin. Infection with the nasal schistosome Trichobilharzia regenti probably represents a higher health risk than infections with visceral schistosomes. After the skin penetration by the cercariae, parasites migrate via the peripheral nerves, spinal cord to the brain, and terminate their life cycle in the nasal mucosa of waterfowl where they lay eggs. T. regenti can also get over skin barrier and migrate to CNS of experimental mice. During heavy infections, neuroinfections of both birds and mammals lead to the development of a cellular immune response and axonal damage in the vicinity of the schistosomulum. Such infections are manifest by neuromotor disorders.
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Quezada LAL, Sajid M, Lim KC, McKerrow JH. A blood fluke serine protease inhibitor regulates an endogenous larval elastase. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:7074-83. [PMID: 22174417 PMCID: PMC3293575 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.313304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2011] [Revised: 12/13/2011] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The larvae of Schistosoma mansoni invade their mammalian host by utilizing a serine protease, cercarial elastase (SmCE), to degrade macromolecular proteins in host skin. The catalytic activity of serine and cysteine proteases can be regulated after activation by serpins. SmSrpQ, one of two S. mansoni serpins found in larval secretions, is only expressed during larval development and in the early stages of mammalian infection. In vitro, (35)S-SmSrpQ was able to form an SDS-stable complex with a component of the larval lysate, but no complex was detected when (35)S-SmSrpQ was incubated with several mammalian host proteases. Formation of a complex was sensitive to the protease active site inhibitors PMSF, Z-AAPF-CMK, and Z-AAPL-CMK. Western blot analysis of parasite lysates from different life stages detected a complex of comparable size to SmCE bound to SmSrpQ using anti-SmSrpQ or anti-SmCE antibodies. SmSrpQ and SmCE are located in adjacent but discrete compartments in the secretion glands of the parasite. Fluorescence immunohistochemical analysis of simulated infection showed co-localization of SmCE and SmSrpQ in host tissue suggesting a post release regulation of parasite protease activity during skin transversal. The results of this study suggest that cercarial elastase degradation of skin tissue is carefully regulated by SmSrpQ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Landys A. Lopez Quezada
- From the Biomedical Science Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, California 94158
| | - Mohammed Sajid
- the Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands, and
| | - Kee C. Lim
- the Department of Pathology, Sandler Center for Drug Discovery, University of California, San Francisco, California 94158
| | - James H. McKerrow
- the Department of Pathology, Sandler Center for Drug Discovery, University of California, San Francisco, California 94158
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Exposure, infection, systemic cytokine levels and antibody responses in young children concurrently exposed to schistosomiasis and malaria. Parasitology 2011; 138:1519-33. [PMID: 21813042 PMCID: PMC3178872 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182011001181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Despite the overlapping distribution of Schistosoma haematobium and Plasmodium falciparum infections, few studies have investigated early immune responses to both parasites in young children resident in areas co-endemic for the parasites. This study measures infection levels of both parasites and relates them to exposure and immune responses in young children. Levels of IgM, IgE, IgG4 directed against schistosome cercariae, egg and adult worm and IgM, IgG directed against P. falciparum schizonts and the merozoite surface proteins 1 and 2 together with the cytokines IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10 and TNF-α were measured by ELISA in 95 Zimbabwean children aged 1–5 years. Schistosome infection prevalence was 14·7% and that of Plasmodium infection was 0% in the children. 43. 4% of the children showed immunological evidence of exposure to schistosome parasites and 13% showed immunological evidence of exposure to Plasmodium parasites. Schistosome–specific responses, indicative of exposure to parasite antigens, were positively associated with cercariae-specific IgE responses, while Plasmodium-specific responses, indicative of exposure to parasite antigens, were negatively associated with responses associated with protective immunity against Plasmodium. There was no significant association between schistosome-specific and Plasmodium-specific responses. Systemic cytokine levels rose with age as well as with schistosome infection and exposure. Overall the results show that (1) significantly more children are exposed to schistosome and Plasmodium infection than those currently infected and; (2) the development of protective acquired immunity commences in early childhood, although its effects on infection levels and pathology may take many years to become apparent.
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Lichtenbergová L, Lassmann H, Jones MK, Kolářová L, Horák P. Trichobilharzia regenti: host immune response in the pathogenesis of neuroinfection in mice. Exp Parasitol 2011; 128:328-35. [PMID: 21554878 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2011.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2010] [Revised: 04/18/2011] [Accepted: 04/26/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Besides their natural bird hosts, Trichobilharzia regenti cercariae are able to penetrate skin of mammals, including humans. Experimental infections of mice showed that schistosomula of this species are able to avoid the immune response in skin of their non-specific mammalian host and escape the skin to migrate to the CNS. Schistosomula do not mature in mammals, but can survive in nervous tissue for several days post infection. Neuroinfections of specific bird hosts as well as accidental mammalian hosts can lead to neuromotor effects, for example, leg paralysis and thus this parasite serves as a model of parasite invasion of the CNS. Here, we show by histological and immunohistochemical investigation of CNS invasion of immunocompetent (BALB/c) and immunodeficient (SCID) mice by T. regenti schistosomula that the presence of parasites in the nervous tissue initiated an influx of immune cells, activation of microglia, astrocytes and development of inflammatory lesions. Schistosomula elimination in the tissue depended on the host immune status. In the absence of CD3+ T-cells in immunodeficient SCID mice, parasite destruction was slower than that in immunocompetent BALB/c mice. Axon injury and subsequent secondary demyelination in the CNS were associated with mechanical damage due to migration of schistosomula through the nervous tissue, and not by host immune processes. Immunoreactivity of the parasite intestinal content for specific antigens of oligodendrocytes/myelin and neurofilaments showed for the first time that schistosomula ingest the nervous tissue components during their migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Lichtenbergová
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Viničná 7, 128 44 Prague 2, Czech Republic.
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Cook PC, Aynsley SA, Turner JD, Jenkins GR, Van Rooijen N, Leeto M, Brombacher F, Mountford AP. Multiple helminth infection of the skin causes lymphocyte hypo-responsiveness mediated by Th2 conditioning of dermal myeloid cells. PLoS Pathog 2011; 7:e1001323. [PMID: 21445234 PMCID: PMC3060168 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1001323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2010] [Accepted: 02/16/2011] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection of the mammalian host by schistosome larvae occurs via the skin, although
nothing is known about the development of immune responses to multiple exposures of
schistosome larvae, and/or their excretory/secretory (E/S) products. Here, we show
that multiple (4x) exposures, prior to the onset of egg laying by adult worms,
modulate the skin immune response and induce CD4+ cell
hypo-responsiveness in the draining lymph node, and even modulate the formation of
hepatic egg-induced granulomas. Compared to mice exposed to a single infection (1x),
dermal cells from multiply infected mice (4x), were less able to support lymph node
cell proliferation. Analysis of dermal cells showed that the most abundant in 4x mice
were eosinophils (F4/80+MHC-II−), but they did not
impact the ability of antigen presenting cells (APC) to support lymphocyte
proliferation to parasite antigen in vitro. However, two other cell
populations from the dermal site of infection appear to have a critical role. The
first comprises arginase-1+, Ym-1+ alternatively
activated macrophage-like cells, and the second are functionally compromised
MHC-IIhi cells. Through the administration of exogenous IL-12 to
multiply infected mice, we show that these suppressive myeloid cell phenotypes form
as a consequence of events in the skin, most notably an enrichment of IL-4 and IL-13,
likely resulting from an influx of RELMα-expressing eosinophils. We further
illustrate that the development of these suppressive dermal cells is dependent upon
IL-4Rα signalling. The development of immune hypo-responsiveness to schistosome
larvae and their effect on the subsequent response to the immunopathogenic egg is
important in appreciating how immune responses to helminth infections are modulated
by repeated exposure to the infective early stages of development. Schistosomiasis is a major helminth disease that infects more than 200 million people
in the tropics. Free-swimming aquatic cercariae infect through the skin after contact
with contaminated water, and in endemic areas this can occur frequently. However,
nothing is known about how multiple exposures affects innate immunity in the skin,
and/or whether it impacts the acquired immune response. Consequently, we have
developed an infection model in the mouse to examine the immune response to multiple
infections prior to the production of eggs. We show that multiple exposures to
schistosome larvae cause lymphocyte hypo-responsiveness, partly mediated by
macrophages and dendritic cells from the skin which have a
‘down-regulated’ phenotype and are not able to act as efficient antigen
presenting cells (APCs). These regulated APCs are conditioned amongst high levels of
the cytokines IL-4 and IL-13 which follow an influx of abundant eosinophils. In the
absence of the regulatory APCs, and in the absence of the common receptor chain for
IL-4 and IL-13 (i.e. IL-4Rα), lymphocyte proliferation is
restored. These findings are important in understanding how dermal immune responses
are modulated so that we can devise new strategies for vaccine delivery, or the
treatment of chronic inflammatory conditions of the skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter C. Cook
- Centre for Immunology and Infection, Department
of Biology, The University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah A. Aynsley
- Centre for Immunology and Infection, Department
of Biology, The University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Joseph D. Turner
- Centre for Immunology and Infection, Department
of Biology, The University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Gavin R. Jenkins
- Centre for Immunology and Infection, Department
of Biology, The University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Nico Van Rooijen
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Vrjie
Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mosiuoa Leeto
- Division of Infectious Immunology, University of
Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Frank Brombacher
- Division of Infectious Immunology, University of
Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Adrian P. Mountford
- Centre for Immunology and Infection, Department
of Biology, The University of York, York, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Cathepsins B1 and B2 of Trichobilharzia SPP., bird schistosomes causing cercarial dermatitis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2011; 712:136-54. [PMID: 21660663 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4419-8414-2_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Trichobilharzia regenti and T. szidati are schistosomes that infect birds. although T. regenti/T. szidati can only complete their life cycle in specific bird hosts (waterfowl), their larvae-cercariae are able to penetrate, transform and then migrate as schistosomula in nonspecific hosts (e.g., mouse, man). Peptidases are among the key molecules produced by these schistosomes that enable parasite invasion and survival within the host and include cysteine peptidases such as cathepsins B1 and B2. These enzymes are indispensable bio-catalysts in a number of basal biological processes and host-parasite interactions, e.g., tissue invasion/migration, nutrition and immune evasion. Similar biochemical and functional characteristics were observed for cathepsins B1 and B2 in bird schistosomes (T. regenti, T. szidati) and also for their homologs in human schistosomes (Schistosoma mansoni, S. japonicum). Therefore, data obtained in the research of bird schistosomes can also be exploited for the control of human schistosomes such as the search for targets of novel chemotherapeutic drugs and vaccines.
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Schilter HC, Pereira ATM, Eschenazi PD, Fernandes A, Shim D, Sousa ALS, Teixeira MM, Negrão-Corrêa D. Regulation of immune responses to Strongyloides venezuelensis challenge after primary infection with different larvae doses. Parasite Immunol 2010; 32:184-92. [PMID: 20398181 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3024.2009.01176.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Nematode infections are generally followed by high rates of reinfection, leading to elevated prevalence in endemic areas. Therefore, the effective control of nematode infections depends on understanding the induction and regulation of protective mechanisms. However, most experimental models for protective immune response against nematodes use high parasite exposure, not always reflecting what occurs naturally in human populations. In this study, we tested whether infecting mice with different Strongyloides venezuelensis larvae loads would affect protective responses against reinfection. Interestingly, we found that a previous infection with 10-500 larvae conferred high rate of protection against reinfection with S. venezuelensis in mice, by destroying large numbers of migrating larvae. However, low-dose priming did not abolish adult worm maturation, as detected in high-dose primed group. Results also indicated that a previous low-dose infection delayed the development of cellular infiltrate, while a high inoculum rapidly induced these inflammatory features. Cytokine production by splenocyte cultures of challenge infected mice demonstrated that low-dose priming had increased production of IL-4 and IFN-gamma, while high-dose induced IL-4 production but not IFN-gamma. Our data support the hypothesis that low-dose nematode infection does not induce a polarized type-2 immune response, allowing adult worm survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- H C Schilter
- Department of Parasitology, Biological Science Institute of the Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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Methodical approaches in the identification of areas with a potential risk of infection by bird schistosomes causing cercarial dermatitis. J Helminthol 2010; 84:327-35. [PMID: 20102677 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x09990721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Larval stages (cercariae) of schistosomatid flukes represent the causative agents of swimmer's itch (cercarial dermatitis), a waterborne allergic disease. Cercariae of bird schistosomes are the most frequently reported agent. Recent studies on parasite behaviour in mammals showed that infections by cercariae can be linked to more than skin syndromes. Despite the failure of complete development in mammals, bird schistosomes can escape from the skin and migrate transitorily in the hosts. These findings brought novel insights into the fate and potential pathogenic effect of the parasites in non-compatible hosts, including humans. Cercarial dermatitis occurs globally and recently is considered to be re-emerging; however, there are no data on the number of afflicted persons per year. This might be explained by a relatively low interest in human skin infections arising after bathing in fresh water. In addition, the real occurrence of bird schistosomes in the field is known only for a few areas. The paucity of epidemiological/biogeographical data is probably caused by difficulties associated with detection of the parasites in intermediate and definitive hosts. Therefore, based on personal experience and data available in the literature, we have summarized methodological approaches enabling the detection of bird schistosomes in various hosts and environments.
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Kašný M, Mikeš L, Hampl V, Dvořák J, Caffrey CR, Dalton JP, Horák P. Chapter 4 Peptidases of Trematodes. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2009; 69:205-97. [DOI: 10.1016/s0065-308x(09)69004-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Lichtenbergová L, Kolbeková P, Kourilová P, Kasný M, Mikes L, Haas H, Schramm G, Horák P, Kolárová L, Mountford AP. Antibody responses induced by Trichobilharzia regenti antigens in murine and human hosts exhibiting cercarial dermatitis. Parasite Immunol 2008; 30:585-95. [PMID: 19067839 PMCID: PMC2680328 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3024.2008.01059.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2008] [Accepted: 07/22/2008] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Cercariae of bird schistosomes (genus Trichobilharzia) are able to penetrate the skin of mammals (noncompatible hosts), including humans, and cause a Th2-associated inflammatory cutaneous reaction termed cercarial dermatitis. The present study measured the antibody reactivity and antigen specificity of sera obtained after experimental infection of mice and natural infection of humans. Sera from mice re-infected with T. regenti showed a bias towards the development of antigen-specific IgM and IgG1 antibodies and elevated levels of total serum IgE, indicative of a Th2 polarized immune response. We also demonstrate that cercariae are a source of antigens triggering IL-4 release from basophils collected from healthy human volunteers. Analysis of sera from patients with a history of cercarial dermatitis revealed elevated levels of cercarial-specific IgG, particularly for samples collected from adults (> 14 years old) compared with children (8-14 years old), although elevated levels of antigen-specific IgE were not detected. In terms of antigen recognition, IgG and IgE antibodies in the sera of both mice and humans preferentially bound an antigen of 34 kDa. The 34 kDa molecule was present in both homogenate of cercariae, as well as cercarial excretory/secretory products, and we speculate it may represent a major immunogen initiating the Th2-immune response associated with cercarial dermatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Lichtenbergová
- Department of Microbiology, 3rd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
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31
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Dolecková K, Kasný M, Mikes L, Cartwright J, Jedelský P, Schneider EL, Dvorák J, Mountford AP, Craik CS, Horák P. The functional expression and characterisation of a cysteine peptidase from the invasive stage of the neuropathogenic schistosome Trichobilharzia regenti. Int J Parasitol 2008; 39:201-11. [PMID: 18708063 PMCID: PMC2625449 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2008.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2008] [Revised: 06/04/2008] [Accepted: 06/06/2008] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
A transcriptional product of a gene encoding cathepsin B-like peptidase in the bird schistosome Trichobilharzia regenti was identified and cloned. The enzyme was named TrCB2 due to its 77% sequence similarity to cathepsin B2 from the important human parasite Schistosoma mansoni. The zymogen was expressed in the methylotropic yeast Pichia pastoris; procathepsin B2 underwent self-processing in yeast media. The peptidolytic activity of the recombinant enzyme was characterised using synthetic fluorogenic peptide substrates at optimal pH 6.0. Functional studies using different specific inhibitors proved the typical cathepsin B-like nature of the enzyme. The S(2) subsite specificity profile of recombinant TrCB2 was obtained. Using monospecific antibodies against the recombinant enzyme, the presence of cathepsin B2 was confirmed in extracts from cercariae (infective stage) and schistosomula (early post-cercarial stage) of T. regenti on Western blots. Also, cross-reactivity was observed between T. regenti and S. mansoni cathepsins B2 in extracts of cercariae, schistosomula or adults. In T. regenti, the antisera localised the enzyme to post-acetabular penetration glands of cercariae implying an important role in the penetration of host skin. The ability of recombinant TrCB2 to degrade skin, serum and nervous tissue proteins was evident. Elastinolytic activity suggests that the enzyme might functionally substitute the histolytic role of the serine class elastase known from S. mansoni and Schistosoma haematobium but not found in Schistosoma japonicum or in bird schistosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Dolecková
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Vinicná 7, 12844 Prague 2, Czech Republic
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32
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Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of hookworm-related cutaneous larva migrans. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2008; 8:302-9. [PMID: 18471775 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(08)70098-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Hookworm-related cutaneous larva migrans is caused by the migration of animal hookworm larvae in the human skin. The disease mainly occurs in resource-poor communities in the developing world, but it is also reported sporadically in high-income countries and in tourists who have visited the tropics. Diagnosis is made clinically in the presence of a linear serpiginous track moving forward in the skin, associated with itching and a history of exposure. Itching is typically very intense and can prevent patients from sleeping. Bacterial superinfection occurs as a result of scratching. Treatment is based on oral drugs (albendazole or ivermectin) or the topical application of tiabendazole. To control hookworm-related cutaneous larva migrans at the community level, regular treatment of dogs and cats with anthelmintic drugs is necessary, but this is seldom feasible in resource-poor settings. Animals should be banned from beaches and playgrounds. For protection at the individual level, unprotected skin should not come into contact with possibly contaminated soil.
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Cooper PJ, Ayre G, Martin C, Rizzo JA, Ponte EV, Cruz AA. Geohelminth infections: a review of the role of IgE and assessment of potential risks of anti-IgE treatment. Allergy 2008; 63:409-17. [PMID: 18315729 DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2007.01601.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Geohelminth infections are major parasitic infections with a worldwide distribution. Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is considered to play a central role in protective immunity against these parasites although the evidence from experimental animal models infected with helminth parasites and treated with anti-IgE antibodies and from observational studies in human populations of the immunologic correlates of protective immunity against helminths do not support a critical role for IgE in mediating protection against helminths. Anti-IgE treatment of human allergic disorders using a humanized monoclonal IgE antibody (omalizumab, Xolair) has been approved for clinical use in the USA and Europe and there is concern that this treatment may be associated with increased morbidity in populations exposed to helminth infections. A recently published randomized controlled trial investigating the risk of geohelminth infections in allergic patients receiving omalizumab in Brazil has provided some evidence that omalizumab may not be associated with increased morbidity attributable to these parasites. This review examines the evidence for a role of IgE in protective immunity against helminth parasites, discusses the findings of the randomized controlled trial, assesses the potential risks and provides recommendations for anti-IgE treatment in groups of allergic patients with different exposure risks for helminth infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J Cooper
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones extensión Quinindé, Hospital Pedro Vicente Maldonado, Pichincha Province, Ecuador
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35
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Cheng YL, Song WJ, Liu WQ, Lei JH, Mo HM, Ruppel A, Li YL. The effects of T cell deficiency on the development of worms and granuloma formation in mice infected with Schistosoma japonicum. Parasitol Res 2008; 102:1129-34. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-008-0880-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2007] [Accepted: 01/07/2008] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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36
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Webster BL, Rudolfová J, Horák P, Littlewood DTJ. The complete mitochondrial genome of the bird schistosome Trichobilharzia regenti (Platyhelminthes: Digenea), causative agent of cercarial dermatitis. J Parasitol 2007; 93:553-61. [PMID: 17626347 DOI: 10.1645/ge-1072r.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The complete mitochondrial (mt) genome of the neuropathogenic bird schistosome Trichobilharzia regenti was fully sequenced in order to develop molecular markers for future diagnostic, molecular ecological, population, and phylogenetic studies. The genome was 14,838 bp in length, with a 68.4% AT bias in protein coding regions. A repeat element (3 x 184 bp) between trnV and trnW distinguished a single short noncoding region. As 9 of 14 genera of schistosomes parasitize birds, future characterization of their mt genomes is desirable for species-specific and strain- or population-specific diagnostic markers; this concerns not only the nasal representatives, e.g., T. regenti characterized in this study, but also numerous species within the predominant group of visceral (blood dwelling) bird schistosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bonnie L Webster
- Department of Zoology, The Natural History Museum, London SW7 5BD, United Kingdom
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Dolečková K, Kašný M, Mikeš L, Mutapi F, Stack C, Mountford AP, Horák P. Peptidases of Trichobilharzia regenti (Schistosomatidae) and its molluscan host Radix peregra s. lat. (Lymnaeidae): construction and screening of cDNA library from intramolluscan stages of the parasite. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2007. [DOI: 10.14411/fp.2007.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Kolářová L. Schistosomes causing cercarial dermatitis: a mini-review of current trends in systematics and of host specificity and pathogenicity. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2007. [DOI: 10.14411/fp.2007.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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39
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Kasný M, Mikes L, Dalton JP, Mountford AP, Horák P. Comparison of cysteine peptidase activities inTrichobilharzia regentiandSchistosoma mansonicercariae. Parasitology 2007; 134:1599-609. [PMID: 17517170 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182007002910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARYCercariae of the bird schistosomeTrichobilharzia regentiand of the human schistosomeSchistosoma mansoniemploy proteases to invade the skin of their definitive hosts. To investigate whether a similar proteolytic mechanism is used by both species, cercarial extracts ofT. regentiandS. mansoniwere biochemically characterized, with the primary focus on cysteine peptidases. A similar pattern of cysteine peptidase activities was detected by zymography of cercarial extracts and their chromatographic fractions fromT. regentiandS. mansoni.The greatest peptidase activity was recorded in both species against the fluorogenic peptide substrate Z-Phe-Arg-AMC, commonly used to detect cathepsins B and L, and was markedly inhibited (>96%) by Z-Phe-Ala-CHN2at pH 4·5. Cysteine peptidases of 33 kDa and 33–34 kDa were identified in extracts ofT. regentiandS. mansonicercariae employing a biotinylated Clan CA cysteine peptidase-specific inhibitor (DCG-04). Finally, cercarial extracts from bothT. regentiandS. mansoniwere able to degrade native substrates present in skin (collagen II and IV, keratin) at physiological pH suggesting that cysteine peptidases are important in the pentration of host skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Kasný
- Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Science, Department of Parasitology, Vinicná 7, 12844 Prague 2, Czech Republic.
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Kumkate S, Jenkins GR, Paveley RA, Hogg KG, Mountford AP. CD207+ Langerhans cells constitute a minor population of skin-derived antigen-presenting cells in the draining lymph node following exposure to Schistosoma mansoni. Int J Parasitol 2006; 37:209-20. [PMID: 17157855 PMCID: PMC1847335 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2006.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2006] [Revised: 08/30/2006] [Accepted: 10/20/2006] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Infectious cercariae of Schistosoma mansoni gain entry to the mammalian host through the skin where they induce a transient inflammatory influx of mononuclear cells. Some of these cells have antigen-presenting cell function (MHCII+) and have been reported to migrate to the skin-draining lymph nodes (sdLN) where they have the potential to prime CD4+ cells of the acquired immune response. Here, in mice exposed to vaccinating radiation-attenuated schistosome larvae, which induce high levels of protective immunity to challenge infection, we describe the parasite-induced migration of Langerhans cells (LCs) from the epidermal site of immunisation to the sdLN using a specific monoclonal antibody that recognises langerin (CD207). CD207+ cells with dendritic morphology were abundant in the epidermis at all times and their migration into the dermis was detected soon after vaccination. All CD207+ LCs were MHCII+ but not all MHCII+ cells in the skin were CD207+. LCs migrated from the dermis in enhanced numbers after vaccination, as detected in dermal exudate populations recovered after in vitro culture of skin biopsies. Elevated numbers of CD207+ LCs were also detected in the sdLN from 24 h to 4 days after vaccination. However, compared with other dermal-derived antigen-presenting cells that were CD207−MHCII+ or CD207−CD11c+, the relative numbers of CD207+ cells in the dermal exudate population and in the sdLN were very small. Furthermore, the migration of CD207+ cells after exposure to ‘protective’ radiation-attenuated, compared with ‘non-protective’ normal cercariae, was similar in terms of numbers and kinetics. Together, these studies suggest that CD207+ LCs are only a minor component of the antigen-presenting cell population that migrates from the epidermis and they are unlikely to be important in the priming of protective CD4+ cells in the sdLN.
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Opinion of the Scientific Panel on Animal Health and Welfare (AHAW) on a request from the Commission related with animal health and welfare risks associated with the import of wild birds other than poultry into the European Union. EFSA J 2006; 4:410. [PMID: 32313576 PMCID: PMC7163484 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2006.410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
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Jenkins SJ, Hewitson JP, Jenkins GR, Mountford AP. Modulation of the host's immune response by schistosome larvae. Parasite Immunol 2005; 27:385-93. [PMID: 16179032 PMCID: PMC1825761 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3024.2005.00789.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomes appear to have evolved several strategies to down-regulate the host's immune response in order to promote their own survival. For the host, down-regulation is also beneficial as it can limit the extent of pathology. It is widely accepted that schistosomes modulate the immune response during the chronic phase of infection after egg deposition has started. However, there is increasing evidence that modulation of the immune response can occur much earlier at the time infective cercariae penetrate the host skin. In this review, we explore the various lines of evidence that excretory/secretory (ES) molecules from cercariae down-regulate the host's immune response. We highlight the immunological factors that are produced and may be involved in regulating the immune system (e.g. IL-10, and eicosanoids), as well as speculating on possible mechanisms of immune modulation (e.g. mast-cell activation, T-cell apoptosis, and/or the skewed activation of antigen-presenting cells [APCs]). Finally, we draw attention to several molecules of schistosome origin that have the potential to stimulate the regulatory response (e.g. glycans) and link these to potential host receptors (e.g. TLRs and C-type lectins).
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Jenkins
- Department of Biology, University of York, York YO10 5YW, UK
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Abstract
There is a growing understanding of risks posed by human contact with the cercariae of bird schistosomes. In general, there are no fundamental biological differences between human and bird schistosomes in terms of their interactions with snail and vertebrate hosts. The penetration of host surfaces is accompanied by the release of penetration gland products and the shedding of highly antigenic surface components (miracidial ciliated plates and cercarial glycocalyx) which trigger host immune reactions. New surface structures are formed during transformation: the tegument of mother sporocysts and the tegumental double membrane of schistosomula. These surfaces apparently serve as protection against the host immune response. Certain parasite excretory-secretory products may contribute to immunosuppression or, on the other hand, stimulation of host immune reactions. Discovery of new species and their life cycles, the characterization of host-parasite interactions (including at the molecular level), the determination of parasite pathogenicity towards the host, the development of tools for differential diagnosis and the application of protective measures are all topical research streams of the future. Regularly updated information on bird schistosomes and cercarial dermatitis can be found at http://www.schistosomes.cz (web pages of Schistosome Group Prague).
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Affiliation(s)
- P Horák
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Vinicná 7, CZ-12844 Prague 2, Czech Republic.
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Jenkins SJ, Mountford AP. Dendritic cells activated with products released by schistosome larvae drive Th2-type immune responses, which can be inhibited by manipulation of CD40 costimulation. Infect Immun 2005; 73:395-402. [PMID: 15618177 PMCID: PMC538949 DOI: 10.1128/iai.73.1.395-402.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The early immune events in response to infective larvae of the parasitic helminth Schistosoma mansoni are poorly understood, but here for the first time we report on the potential of products released by schistosome larvae (material released in the first 3 h after transformation [0-3hRP]) to stimulate the maturation of dendritic cells (DC) and alter their T-cell-polarizing function. This was performed in comparison with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and zymosan A, which classically activate DC to prime for Th1- and Th2-type responses, respectively. In our study, immature bone marrow-derived DC stimulated in vitro with 0-3hRP exhibited up-regulated expression of major histocompatibility complex class II, CD40, and CD86 and increased production of interleukin 12p40 (IL-12p40) and IL-6, albeit at lower levels than in response to LPS or zymosan A. Using an in vitro ovalbumin peptide-restricted priming assay, DC matured with 0-3hRP exhibited a potent capacity to drive Th2 polarization of CD4(+) cells from DO11.10 transgenic mice. This was characterized by increased IL-4 production (but not gamma interferon) of a magnitude similar to that primed by DC matured with zymosan A. Inoculation of DO11.10 mice with 0-3hRP-activated DC pulsed with ovalbumin peptide also led to the development of a Th2-type polarized response in the skin-draining lymph nodes and spleen. However, ligation of CD40 on DC by anti-CD40 antibody treatment reversed the ability of 0-3hRP-activated DC to prime for Th2-type responses and instead caused the induction of a more Th1-type response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen John Jenkins
- Department of Biology (Area 5), University of York, York, YO10 5YW, United Kingdom.
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Mountford AP, Trottein F. Schistosomes in the skin: a balance between immune priming and regulation. Trends Parasitol 2004; 20:221-6. [PMID: 15105022 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2004.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Adrian P Mountford
- Department of Biology (Area 5), The University of York, York YO10 5YW, UK.
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