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Ilík V, Schwarz EM, Nosková E, Pafčo B. Hookworm genomics: dusk or dawn? Trends Parasitol 2024; 40:452-465. [PMID: 38677925 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2024.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Hookworms are parasites, closely related to the model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, that are a major economic and health burden worldwide. Primarily three hookworm species (Necator americanus, Ancylostoma duodenale, and Ancylostoma ceylanicum) infect humans. Another 100 hookworm species from 19 genera infect primates, ruminants, and carnivores. Genetic data exist for only seven of these species. Genome sequences are available from only four of these species in two genera, leaving 96 others (particularly those parasitizing wildlife) without any genomic data. The most recent hookworm genomes were published 5 years ago, leaving the field in a dusk. However, assembling genomes from single hookworms may bring a new dawn. Here we summarize advances, challenges, and opportunities for studying these neglected but important parasitic nematodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladislav Ilík
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Erich M Schwarz
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Eva Nosková
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Pafčo
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic.
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2
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Ihara F, Kyan H, Takashima Y, Ono F, Hayashi K, Matsuo T, Igarashi M, Nishikawa Y, Hikosaka K, Sakamoto H, Nakamura S, Motooka D, Yamauchi K, Ichikawa-Seki M, Fukumoto S, Sasaki M, Ikadai H, Kusakisako K, Ohari Y, Yoshida A, Sasai M, Grigg ME, Yamamoto M. Far-East Asian Toxoplasma isolates share ancestry with North and South/Central American recombinant lineages. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4278. [PMID: 38778039 PMCID: PMC11111807 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47625-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a global protozoan pathogen. Clonal lineages predominate in Europe, North America, Africa, and China, whereas highly recombinant parasites are endemic in South/Central America. Far East Asian T. gondii isolates are not included in current global population genetic structure analyses at WGS resolution. Here we report a genome-wide population study that compared eight Japanese and two Chinese isolates against representative worldwide T. gondii genomes using POPSICLE, a novel population structure analyzing software. Also included were 7 genomes resurrected from non-viable isolates by target enrichment sequencing. Visualization of the genome structure by POPSICLE shows a mixture of Chinese haplogroup (HG) 13 haploblocks introgressed within the genomes of Japanese HG2 and North American HG12. Furthermore, two ancestral lineages were identified in the Japanese strains; one lineage shares a common ancestor with HG11 found in both Japanese strains and North American HG12. The other ancestral lineage, found in T. gondii isolates from a small island in Japan, is admixed with genetically diversified South/Central American strains. Taken together, this study suggests multiple ancestral links between Far East Asian and American T. gondii strains and provides insight into the transmission history of this cosmopolitan organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumiaki Ihara
- Department of Immunoparasitology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
- Department of Immunoparasitology, Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Hisako Kyan
- Okinawa Prefectural Institute of Health and Environment, Uruma, Okinawa, 904-2241, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Takashima
- Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, 501-1112, Japan
- Center for One Medicine Translational Research, COMIT, Gifu University, Gifu, 501-1112, Japan
| | - Fumiko Ono
- Department of Veterinary Associated Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science, Imabari, Ehime, 794-8555, Japan
| | - Kei Hayashi
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science, Imabari, Ehime, 794-8555, Japan
| | - Tomohide Matsuo
- Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, 890-0065, Japan
| | - Makoto Igarashi
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan
| | - Yoshifumi Nishikawa
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan
| | - Kenji Hikosaka
- Department of Infection and Host Defense, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, 260-0856, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Sakamoto
- Department of Infection and Host Defense, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, 260-0856, Japan
| | - Shota Nakamura
- Department of Infection Metagenomics, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Daisuke Motooka
- Department of Infection Metagenomics, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Yamauchi
- Laboratory of Wildlife Management, Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University, Morioka, Iwate, 020-8550, Japan
| | - Madoka Ichikawa-Seki
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University, Morioka, Iwate, 020-8550, Japan
| | - Shinya Fukumoto
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan
| | - Motoki Sasaki
- Laboratory of Veterinary Anatomy, University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan
| | - Hiromi Ikadai
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Aomori, 034-8628, Japan
| | - Kodai Kusakisako
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Aomori, 034-8628, Japan
| | - Yuma Ohari
- Division of Risk Analysis and Management, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 001-0020, Japan
| | - Ayako Yoshida
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, 889-2155, Japan
- Center for Animal Disease Control, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, 889-2155, Japan
| | - Miwa Sasai
- Department of Immunoparasitology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
- Department of Immunoparasitology, Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Michael E Grigg
- Molecular Parasitology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Masahiro Yamamoto
- Department of Immunoparasitology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
- Department of Immunoparasitology, Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
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Jones BP, Kozel K, Alonte AJI, Llanes KKR, Juhász A, Chaudhry U, Roose S, Geldhof P, Belizario VY, Nejsum P, Stothard JR, LaCourse EJ, van Vliet AHM, Paller VGV, Betson M. Worldwide absence of canonical benzimidazole resistance-associated mutations within β-tubulin genes from Ascaris. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:225. [PMID: 38755679 PMCID: PMC11098727 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06306-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The giant roundworm Ascaris is an intestinal nematode, causing ascariasis by infecting humans and pigs worldwide. Recent estimates suggest that Ascaris infects over half a billion people, with chronic infections leading to reduced growth and cognitive ability. Ascariasis affects innumerable pigs worldwide and is known to reduce production yields via decreased growth and condemnation of livers. The predominant anthelminthic drugs used to treat ascariasis are the benzimidazoles. Benzimidazoles interact with β-tubulins and block their function, and several benzimidazole resistance-associated mutations have been described in the β-tubulins of ruminant nematodes. Recent research on ascarids has shown that these canonical benzimidazole resistance-associated mutations are likely not present in the β-tubulins of Ascaris, Ascaridia or Parascaris, even in phenotypically resistant populations. METHODS To further determine the putative absence of key β-tubulin polymorphisms, we screened two β-tubulin isotypes of Ascaris, highly expressed in adult worms. Using adult and egg samples of Ascaris obtained from pigs and humans worldwide, we performed deep amplicon sequencing to look for canonical resistance-associated mutations in Ascaris β-tubulins. Subsequently, we examined these data in closer detail to study the population dynamics of Ascaris and genetic diversity within the two isotypes and tested whether genotypes appeared to partition across human and pig hosts. RESULTS In the 187 isolates, 69 genotypes were found, made up of eight haplotypes of β-tubulin isotype A and 20 haplotypes of isotype B. Single nucleotide polymorphisms were seen at 14 and 37 positions for β-tubulin isotype A and isotype B, respectively. No evidence of any canonical benzimidazole resistance-associated mutations was found in either human- or pig-derived Ascaris isolates. There was, however, a difference in the genetic diversity of each isotype and distribution of β-tubulin genotypes between human- and pig-derived Ascaris. Statistical tests of population differentiation show significant differences (p < 0.001) between pig- and human-derived worms; however, more diversity was seen between worms from different populations than worms from different hosts. CONCLUSIONS Our work suggests an absence of canonical β-tubulin mutations within Ascaris, but alternative modes of anthelminthic resistance may emerge necessitating continued genetic scrutiny alongside monitoring of drug efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben P Jones
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7AL, UK
| | - Kezia Kozel
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7AL, UK
| | - Allen Jethro I Alonte
- Institute of Biological Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines
| | - Kennesa Klariz R Llanes
- Institute of Biological Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines
| | - Alexandra Juhász
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Umer Chaudhry
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7AL, UK
- School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George's University, True Blue, West Indies, Grenada
| | - Sara Roose
- Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Peter Geldhof
- Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Vicente Y Belizario
- Department of Parasitology, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Peter Nejsum
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - J Russell Stothard
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - E James LaCourse
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Arnoud H M van Vliet
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7AL, UK
| | - Vachel Gay V Paller
- Institute of Biological Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines
| | - Martha Betson
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7AL, UK.
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Wolstenholme AJ, Andersen EC, Choudhary S, Ebner F, Hartmann S, Holden-Dye L, Kashyap SS, Krücken J, Martin RJ, Midha A, Nejsum P, Neveu C, Robertson AP, von Samson-Himmelstjerna G, Walker R, Wang J, Whitehead BJ, Williams PDE. Getting around the roundworms: Identifying knowledge gaps and research priorities for the ascarids. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2024; 123:51-123. [PMID: 38448148 PMCID: PMC11143470 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2023.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
The ascarids are a large group of parasitic nematodes that infect a wide range of animal species. In humans, they cause neglected diseases of poverty; many animal parasites also cause zoonotic infections in people. Control measures include hygiene and anthelmintic treatments, but they are not always appropriate or effective and this creates a continuing need to search for better ways to reduce the human, welfare and economic costs of these infections. To this end, Le Studium Institute of Advanced Studies organized a two-day conference to identify major gaps in our understanding of ascarid parasites with a view to setting research priorities that would allow for improved control. The participants identified several key areas for future focus, comprising of advances in genomic analysis and the use of model organisms, especially Caenorhabditis elegans, a more thorough appreciation of the complexity of host-parasite (and parasite-parasite) communications, a search for novel anthelmintic drugs and the development of effective vaccines. The participants agreed to try and maintain informal links in the future that could form the basis for collaborative projects, and to co-operate to organize future meetings and workshops to promote ascarid research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian J Wolstenholme
- Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement (INRAE), Université de Tours, ISP, Nouzilly, France.
| | - Erik C Andersen
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Shivani Choudhary
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Friederike Ebner
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Technische Universität München, Freising, Germany
| | - Susanne Hartmann
- Institute for Immunology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lindy Holden-Dye
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Sudhanva S Kashyap
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Jürgen Krücken
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Richard J Martin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Ankur Midha
- Institute for Immunology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter Nejsum
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Cedric Neveu
- Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement (INRAE), Université de Tours, ISP, Nouzilly, France
| | - Alan P Robertson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | | | - Robert Walker
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Jianbin Wang
- Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | | | - Paul D E Williams
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
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Mejías-Alpízar MJ, Porras-Silesky C, Rodríguez EJ, Quesada J, Alfaro-Segura MP, Robleto-Quesada J, Gutiérrez R, Rojas A. Mitochondrial and ribosomal markers in the identification of nematodes of clinical and veterinary importance. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:77. [PMID: 38378676 PMCID: PMC10880205 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06113-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nematodes of the Ascarididae, Ancylostomatidae and Onchocercidae families are parasites of human and veterinary importance causing infections with high prevalence worldwide. Molecular tools have significantly improved the diagnosis of these helminthiases, but the selection of genetic markers for PCR or metabarcoding purposes is often challenging because of the resolution these may show. METHODS Nuclear 18S rRNA, internal transcribed spacers 1 (ITS-1) and 2 (ITS-2), mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase 1 (cox1) and mitochondrial rRNA genes 12S and 16S loci were studied for 30 species of the mentioned families. Accordingly, their phylogenetic interspecies resolution, pairwise nucleotide p-distances and sequence availability in GenBank were analyzed. RESULTS The 18S rRNA showed the least interspecies resolution since separate species of the Ascaris, Mansonella, Toxocara or Ancylostoma genus were intermixed in phylogenetic trees as opposed to the ITS-1, ITS-2, cox1, 12S and 16S loci. Moreover, pairwise nucleotide p-distances were significantly different in the 18S compared to the other loci, with an average of 99.1 ± 0.1%, 99.8 ± 0.1% and 98.8 ± 0.9% for the Ascarididae, Ancylostomatidae and Onchocercidae families, respectively. However, ITS-1 and ITS-2 average pairwise nucleotide p-distances in the three families ranged from 72.7% to 87.3%, and the cox1, 12S and 16S ranged from 86.4% to 90.4%. Additionally, 2491 cox1 sequences were retrieved from the 30 analyzed species in GenBank, whereas 212, 1082, 994, 428 and 143 sequences could be obtained from the 18S, ITS-1, ITS-2, 12S and 16S markers, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The use of the cox1 gene is recommended because of the high interspecies resolution and the large number of sequences available in databases. Importantly, confirmation of the identity of an unknown specimen should always be complemented with the careful morphological examination of worms and the analysis of other markers used for specific parasitic groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- María José Mejías-Alpízar
- Laboratorio de Helmintología, Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Microbiología, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Catalina Porras-Silesky
- Laboratorio de Helmintología, Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Microbiología, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Esteban José Rodríguez
- Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Joban Quesada
- Laboratorio de Helmintología, Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Microbiología, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - María Paula Alfaro-Segura
- Laboratorio de Helmintología, Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Microbiología, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Joby Robleto-Quesada
- Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Ricardo Gutiérrez
- National Reference Center for Bacteriology, Costa Rican Institute for Research and Teaching in Nutrition and Health (INCIENSA), Tres Rios, Costa Rica
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, West Farm, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Alicia Rojas
- Laboratorio de Helmintología, Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Microbiología, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica.
- Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica.
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Bacelar PAA, Santos JPD, Calegar DA, Silva DDAE, Leal DN, Evangelista BBC, Reis ERCD, Mallet JRDS, Carvalho-Costa FA, Jaeger LH, Monteiro KJL. A molecular and morphological study of Ascaris suum in a human-pig contact scenario in northeastern Brazil. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA = BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY : ORGAO OFICIAL DO COLEGIO BRASILEIRO DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2023; 32:e005623. [PMID: 37851714 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612023057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to assess morphologic and genetic data on ascariasis in swine (Sus scrofa domesticus) and humans in low-resource rural and periurban communities in the state of Piauí, Brazil. Our cross-sectional survey included 100 fecal samples obtained from swine and 682 samples from humans. Fifteen pigs were necropsied. Human and porcine fecal samples were examined to identify Ascaris eggs. Parasites obtained in the swine necropsies were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the mitochondrial gene encoding the cytochrome oxidase 1 (cox1) enzyme was partially amplified and sequenced for molecular taxonomy and phylogenetic analyses. The overall prevalence of Ascaris eggs in the swine fecal samples was 16/100 (16%). No Ascaris eggs were identified in the human fecal samples. SEM of six worms recovered from pigs demonstrated morphological characteristics of A. suum. Cox1 sequences were compatible with A. suum reference sequences. Original and reference (GenBank) nucleotide sequences were organized into clusters that did not segregate the parasites by host species or and region. The largest haplogroups were dominated by haplotypes H01, H02 and H31. In the communities studied, there was no epidemiological evidence of the zoonotic transmission of ascariasis at the human-swine interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polyanna Araújo Alves Bacelar
- Laboratório de Epidemiologia e Sistemática Molecular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
- Laboratório de Parasitologia Molecular, Escritório Regional Fiocruz Piauí, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ, Teresina, PI, Brasil
| | - Jéssica Pereira Dos Santos
- Laboratório de Parasitologia Molecular, Escritório Regional Fiocruz Piauí, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ, Teresina, PI, Brasil
| | - Deiviane Aparecida Calegar
- Laboratório de Epidemiologia e Sistemática Molecular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Denilson de Araújo E Silva
- Laboratório de Parasitologia Molecular, Escritório Regional Fiocruz Piauí, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ, Teresina, PI, Brasil
| | - Daniella Nobre Leal
- Laboratório de Parasitologia Molecular, Escritório Regional Fiocruz Piauí, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ, Teresina, PI, Brasil
| | - Brenda Bulsara Costa Evangelista
- Laboratório de Parasitologia Molecular, Escritório Regional Fiocruz Piauí, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ, Teresina, PI, Brasil
| | | | - Jacenir Reis Dos Santos Mallet
- Laboratório de Parasitologia Molecular, Escritório Regional Fiocruz Piauí, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ, Teresina, PI, Brasil
- Laboratório de Vigilância Entomológica em Díptera e Hemíptera, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Filipe Anibal Carvalho-Costa
- Laboratório de Epidemiologia e Sistemática Molecular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Lauren Hubert Jaeger
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora - UFJF, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brasil
| | - Kerla Joeline Lima Monteiro
- Laboratório de Parasitologia Molecular, Escritório Regional Fiocruz Piauí, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ, Teresina, PI, Brasil
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7
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Barsch E, Kowarik K, Rodler K, Hörweg C, Reschreiter H, Sattmann H, Walochnik J. First molecular data on the human roundworm Ascaris lumbricoides species complex from the Bronze and Iron Age in Hallstatt, Austria. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12055. [PMID: 37491505 PMCID: PMC10368691 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38989-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Palaeoparasitological studies can provide valuable information on the emergence, distribution, and elimination of parasites during a particular time in the past. In the prehistoric salt mines of Hallstatt, located in the Austrian Alps, human faeces have been conserved in salt. The aim of this study was to recover ancient DNA of intestinal parasites from these coprolites. Altogether, 35 coprolites from the Hallstatt salt mines, dating back to the Bronze Age mining phase (1158-1063 BCE) and the Iron Age mining phase (750-662 BCE), respectively, were analysed by microscopy and molecular methods. In 91% of the coprolite samples, eggs of soil-transmitted helminths (STH), namely of Trichuris and/or Ascaris were detected by light microscopy. The Ascaris eggs were exceptionally well preserved. For further analysis, DNA was extracted from the palaeofaecal samples and species-specific primers targeting different genes were designed. While amplification of Trichuris DNA remained unsuccessful, sequence data of A. lumbricoides species complex were successfully obtained from 16 coprolites from three different genes, the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene (cox1), the mitochondrial cytochrome B gene (cytB) and the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 gene (nadh1). Importantly, these included two Ascaris sequences from a coprolite from the Bronze Age, which to the best of our knowledge are the first molecular data of this genus from this period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Barsch
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kerstin Kowarik
- Prehistoric Department, Natural History Museum Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Austrian Archaeological Institute, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Katharina Rodler
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph Hörweg
- 3rd Zoological Department, Natural History Museum Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hans Reschreiter
- Prehistoric Department, Natural History Museum Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Helmut Sattmann
- 3rd Zoological Department, Natural History Museum Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Julia Walochnik
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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8
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Thorn CS, Maness RW, Hulke JM, Delmore KE, Criscione CD. Population genomics of helminth parasites. J Helminthol 2023; 97:e29. [PMID: 36927601 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x23000123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Next generation sequencing technologies have facilitated a shift from a few targeted loci in population genetic studies to whole genome approaches. Here, we review the types of questions and inferences regarding the population biology and evolution of parasitic helminths being addressed within the field of population genomics. Topics include parabiome, hybridization, population structure, loci under selection and linkage mapping. We highlight various advances, and note the current trends in the field, particularly a focus on human-related parasites despite the inherent biodiversity of helminth species. We conclude by advocating for a broader application of population genomics to reflect the taxonomic and life history breadth displayed by helminth parasites. As such, our basic knowledge about helminth population biology and evolution would be enhanced while the diversity of helminths in itself would facilitate population genomic comparative studies to address broader ecological and evolutionary concepts.
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Affiliation(s)
- C S Thorn
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, 3258 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - R W Maness
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, 3258 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - J M Hulke
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, 3258 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - K E Delmore
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, 3258 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - C D Criscione
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, 3258 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
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9
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In silico design of a polypeptide as a vaccine candidate against ascariasis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3504. [PMID: 36864139 PMCID: PMC9981566 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30445-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Ascariasis is the most prevalent zoonotic helminthic disease worldwide, and is responsible for nutritional deficiencies, particularly hindering the physical and neurological development of children. The appearance of anthelmintic resistance in Ascaris is a risk for the target of eliminating ascariasis as a public health problem by 2030 set by the World Health Organisation. The development of a vaccine could be key to achieving this target. Here we have applied an in silico approach to design a multi-epitope polypeptide that contains T-cell and B-cell epitopes of reported novel potential vaccination targets, alongside epitopes from established vaccination candidates. An artificial toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) adjuvant (RS09) was added to improve immunogenicity. The constructed peptide was found to be non-allergic, non-toxic, with adequate antigenic and physicochemical characteristics, such as solubility and potential expression in Escherichia coli. A tertiary structure of the polypeptide was used to predict the presence of discontinuous B-cell epitopes and to confirm the molecular binding stability with TLR2 and TLR4 molecules. Immune simulations predicted an increase in B-cell and T-cell immune response after injection. This polypeptide can now be validated experimentally and compared to other vaccine candidates to assess its possible impact in human health.
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10
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Nazarizadeh M, Nováková M, Loot G, Gabagambi NP, Fatemizadeh F, Osano O, Presswell B, Poulin R, Vitál Z, Scholz T, Halajian A, Trucchi E, Kočová P, Štefka J. Historical dispersal and host-switching formed the evolutionary history of a globally distributed multi-host parasite - The Ligula intestinalis species complex. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2023; 180:107677. [PMID: 36572162 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2022.107677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Studies on parasite biogeography and host spectrum provide insights into the processes driving parasite diversification. Global geographical distribution and a multi-host spectrum make the tapeworm Ligula intestinalis a promising model for studying both the vicariant and ecological modes of speciation in parasites. To understand the relative importance of host association and biogeography in the evolutionary history of this tapeworm, we analysed mtDNA and reduced-represented genomic SNP data for a total of 139 specimens collected from 18 fish-host genera across a distribution range representing 21 countries. Our results strongly supported the existence of at least 10 evolutionary lineages and estimated the deepest divergence at approximately 4.99-5.05 Mya, which is much younger than the diversification of the fish host genera and orders. Historical biogeography analyses revealed that the ancestor of the parasite diversified following multiple vicariance events and was widespread throughout the Palearctic, Afrotropical, and Nearctic between the late Miocene and early Pliocene. Cyprinoids were inferred as the ancestral hosts for the parasite. Later, from the late Pliocene to Pleistocene, new lineages emerged following a series of biogeographic dispersal and host-switching events. Although only a few of the current Ligula lineages show narrow host-specificity (to a single host genus), almost no host genera, even those that live in sympatry, overlapped between different Ligula lineages. Our analyses uncovered the impact of historical distribution shifts on host switching and the evolution of host specificity without parallel host-parasite co-speciation. Historical biogeography reconstructions also found that the parasite colonized several areas (Afrotropical and Australasian) much earlier than was suggested by only recent faunistic data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Nazarizadeh
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre CAS, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Milena Nováková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre CAS, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Géraldine Loot
- UMR-5174, EDB (Laboratoire Evolution and Diversité Biologique), CNRS, IRD, Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, France
| | | | - Faezeh Fatemizadeh
- Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
| | - Odipo Osano
- School of Environmental Studies, University of Eldoret, Kenya
| | | | - Robert Poulin
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Zoltán Vitál
- Research Center for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Institute of Aquaculture and Environmental Safety, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Szarvas, Hungary
| | - Tomáš Scholz
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre CAS, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Ali Halajian
- Research Administration and Development, and 2-DSI-NRF SARChI Chair (Ecosystem health), Department of Biodiversity, University of Limpopo, South Africa
| | - Emiliano Trucchi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | | | - Jan Štefka
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre CAS, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
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11
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Papaiakovou M, Fraija-Fernández N, James K, Briscoe AG, Hall A, Jenkins TP, Dunn J, Levecke B, Mekonnen Z, Cools P, Doyle SR, Cantacessi C, Littlewood DTJ. Evaluation of genome skimming to detect and characterise human and livestock helminths. Int J Parasitol 2023; 53:69-79. [PMID: 36641060 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2022.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The identification of gastrointestinal helminth infections of humans and livestock almost exclusively relies on the detection of eggs or larvae in faeces, followed by manual counting and morphological characterisation to differentiate species using microscopy-based techniques. However, molecular approaches based on the detection and quantification of parasite DNA are becoming more prevalent, increasing the sensitivity, specificity and throughput of diagnostic assays. High-throughput sequencing, from single PCR targets through to the analysis of whole genomes, offers significant promise towards providing information-rich data that may add value beyond traditional and conventional molecular approaches; however, thus far, its utility has not been fully explored to detect helminths in faecal samples. In this study, low-depth whole genome sequencing, i.e. genome skimming, has been applied to detect and characterise helminth diversity in a set of helminth-infected human and livestock faecal material. The strengths and limitations of this approach are evaluated using three methods to characterise and differentiate metagenomic sequencing data based on (i) mapping to whole mitochondrial genomes, (ii) whole genome assemblies, and (iii) a comprehensive internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) database, together with validation using quantitative PCR (qPCR). Our analyses suggest that genome skimming can successfully identify most single and multi-species infections reported by qPCR and can provide sufficient coverage within some samples to resolve consensus mitochondrial genomes, thus facilitating phylogenetic analyses of selected genera, e.g. Ascaris spp. Key to this approach is both the availability and integrity of helminth reference genomes, some of which are currently contaminated with bacterial and host sequences. The success of genome skimming of faecal DNA is dependent on the availability of vouchered sequences of helminths spanning both taxonomic and geographic diversity, together with methods to detect or amplify minute quantities of parasite nucleic acids in mixed samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Papaiakovou
- Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, UK; Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Natalia Fraija-Fernández
- Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, UK; Marine Zoology Unit, Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, University of Valencia, Spain
| | - Katherine James
- Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, UK; Interdisciplinary Computing and Complex BioSystems, School of Computing, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Andrew G Briscoe
- Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, UK; NatureMetrics, Surrey Research Park, Guildford, UK
| | - Andie Hall
- Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, UK
| | - Timothy P Jenkins
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Julia Dunn
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College, London W2 1PG, UK
| | - Bruno Levecke
- Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Zeleke Mekonnen
- Jimma University Institute of Health (JUIH), Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Piet Cools
- Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | | | - Cinzia Cantacessi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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12
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Abstract
In most organisms, the whole genome is maintained throughout the life span. However, exceptions occur in some species where the genome is reduced during development through a process known as programmed DNA elimination (PDE). In the human and pig parasite Ascaris, PDE occurs during the 4 to 16 cell stages of embryogenesis, when germline chromosomes are fragmented and specific DNA sequences are reproducibly lost in all somatic cells. PDE was identified in Ascaris over 120 years ago, but little was known about its molecular details until recently. Genome sequencing revealed that approximately 1,000 germline-expressed genes are eliminated in Ascaris, suggesting PDE is a gene silencing mechanism. All germline chromosome ends are removed and remodeled during PDE. In addition, PDE increases the number of chromosomes in the somatic genome by splitting many germline chromosomes. Comparative genomics indicates that these germline chromosomes arose from fusion events. PDE separates these chromosomes at the fusion sites. These observations indicate that PDE plays a role in chromosome karyotype and evolution. Furthermore, comparative analysis of PDE in other parasitic and free-living nematodes illustrates conserved features of PDE, suggesting it has important biological significance. We summarize what is known about PDE in Ascaris and its relatives. We also discuss other potential functions, mechanisms, and the evolution of PDE in these parasites of humans and animals of veterinary importance.
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13
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Walker M, Lambert S, Neves MI, Worsley AD, Traub R, Colella V. Modeling the effectiveness of One Health interventions against the zoonotic hookworm Ancylostoma ceylanicum. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1092030. [PMID: 36960338 PMCID: PMC10028197 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1092030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Hookworm disease is a major global public health concern, annually affecting 500-700 million of the world's poorest people. The World Health Organization is targeting the elimination of hookworm as a public health problem by 2030 using a strategy of mass drug administration (MDA) to at-risk human populations. However, in Southeast Asia and the Pacific the zoonotic hookworm species, Ancylostoma ceylanicum, is endemic in dogs and commonly infects people. This presents a potential impediment to the effectiveness of MDA that targets only humans. Here, we develop a novel multi-host (dog and human) transmission model of A. ceylanicum and compare the effectiveness of human-only and "One Health" (human plus dog) MDA strategies under a range of eco-epidemiological assumptions. We show that One Health interventions-targeting both dogs and humans-could suppress prevalence in humans to ≤ 1% by the end of 2030, even with only modest coverage (25-50%) of the animal reservoir. With increasing coverage, One Health interventions may even interrupt transmission. We discuss key unresolved questions on the eco-epidemiology of A. ceylanicum, the challenges of delivering MDA to animal reservoirs, and the growing importance of One Health interventions to human public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Walker
- Department of Pathobiology and Populations Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, United Kingdom
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Martin Walker
| | - Sébastien Lambert
- Department of Pathobiology and Populations Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, United Kingdom
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- IHAP, INRAE, ENVT, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - M. Inês Neves
- Department of Pathobiology and Populations Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, United Kingdom
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew D. Worsley
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Rebecca Traub
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Vito Colella
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Vito Colella
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14
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Dockendorff TC, Estrem B, Reed J, Simmons JR, Zadegan SB, Zagoskin MV, Terta V, Villalobos E, Seaberry EM, Wang J. The nematode Oscheius tipulae as a genetic model for programmed DNA elimination. Curr Biol 2022; 32:5083-5098.e6. [PMID: 36379215 PMCID: PMC9729473 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.10.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Programmed DNA elimination (PDE) is a notable exception to the paradigm of genome integrity. In metazoa, PDE often occurs coincident with germline to somatic cell differentiation. During PDE, portions of genomic DNA are lost, resulting in reduced somatic genomes. Prior studies have described the sequences lost, as well as chromosome behavior, during metazoan PDE. However, a system for studying the mechanisms and consequences of PDE in metazoa is lacking. Here, we present a functional and genetic model for PDE in the free-living Rhabditidae nematode Oscheius tipulae, a family that also includes Caenorhabditis elegans. O. tipulae was recently suggested to eliminate DNA. Using staged embryos and DNA FISH, we showed that O. tipulae PDE occurs during embryogenesis at the 8-16 cell stages. We identified a conserved motif, named Sequence For Elimination (SFE), for all 12 break sites on the six chromosomes at the junctions of retained and eliminated DNA. SFE mutants exhibited a "fail-to-eliminate" phenotype only at the modified sites. END-seq revealed that breaks can occur at multiple positions within the SFE, with extensive end resection followed by telomere addition to both retained and eliminated ends. We identified many functional SFEs at the chromosome ends through END-seq in the wild-type embryos, genome sequencing of SFE mutants, and comparative genomics of 23 wild isolates. We suggest that these alternative SFEs provide flexibility in the sequences eliminated and a fail-safe mechanism for PDE. These studies establish O. tipulae as a new, attractive model for studying the mechanisms and consequences of PDE in a metazoan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas C Dockendorff
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Brandon Estrem
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Jordan Reed
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - James R Simmons
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Sobhan Bahrami Zadegan
- UT-ORNL Graduate School of Genome Science and Technology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Maxim V Zagoskin
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Vincent Terta
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Eduardo Villalobos
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Erin M Seaberry
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Jianbin Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA; UT-ORNL Graduate School of Genome Science and Technology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA.
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15
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Holland C, Sepidarkish M, Deslyper G, Abdollahi A, Valizadeh S, Mollalo A, Mahjour S, Ghodsian S, Ardekani A, Behniafar H, Gasser RB, Rostami A. Global prevalence of Ascaris infection in humans (2010–2021): a systematic review and meta-analysis. Infect Dis Poverty 2022; 11:113. [PMCID: PMC9673379 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-022-01038-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ascariasis is one of the most important neglected tropical diseases of humans worldwide. The epidemiology of Ascaris infection appears to have changed with improvements in sanitation and mass drug administration, but there is no recent information on prevalence worldwide. Here, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the global prevalence of human Ascaris infection from 2010 to 2021. Methods We searched MEDLINE/PubMed, and Scopus databases for studies measuring prevalence of Ascaris infection, published between 1 January 2010 and 1 January 2022. We included studies of the general human population in endemic regions, which used accepted coprodiagnostic methods, and excluded studies of people with occupations with an increased risk or probability of ascariasis and/or specific diseases other than ascariasis. We applied random-effects models to obtain pooled prevalence estimates for six sustainable development goal regions of the world. We extrapolated the prevalence estimates to the global population in 2020, to estimate the number of individuals with Ascaris infection. We conducted multiple subgroup and meta-regression analyses to explore possible sources of heterogeneity, and to assess relationships between prevalence estimates and demographic, socio-economic, geo-climatic factors. Results Of 11,245 studies screened, we analysed 758 prevalence estimates for a total number of 4,923,876 participants in 616 studies from 81 countries. The global prevalence estimated was 11.01% (95% confidence interval: 10.27–11.78%), with regional prevalences ranging from 28.77% (7.07–57.66%) in Melanesia (Oceania) to 1.39% (1.07–1.74%) in Eastern Asia. We estimated that ~ 732 (682–782) million people harboured Ascaris worldwide in 2021. The infected people in Latin America and the Caribbean region had a higher prevalence of high intensity infection (8.4%, 3.9–14.1%). Prevalence estimates were higher in children, and people in rural communities or in countries or regions with lower income and human development indices. There was a trend for a higher prevalence in regions with increasing mean annual relative humidity, precipitation and environmental temperature. Conclusions Our findings indicate that, despite a renewed commitment by some communities or authorities to control ascariasis, a substantial portion of the world’s human population (> 0.7 billion) is infected with Ascaris. Despite the clinical and socioeconomic importance of ascariasis, many past routine surveys did not assess the intensity of Ascaris infection in people. We propose that the present findings might stimulate the development of customised strategies for the improved control and prevention of Ascaris infection worldwide. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40249-022-01038-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celia Holland
- grid.8217.c0000 0004 1936 9705Department of Zoology, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, College Green, Dublin 2, DO2PN40 Ireland
| | - Mahdi Sepidarkish
- grid.411495.c0000 0004 0421 4102Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Gwendoline Deslyper
- grid.8217.c0000 0004 1936 9705Department of Zoology, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, College Green, Dublin 2, DO2PN40 Ireland
| | - Ali Abdollahi
- grid.411463.50000 0001 0706 2472Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Soghra Valizadeh
- grid.413026.20000 0004 1762 5445University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Abolfazl Mollalo
- grid.252749.f0000 0001 1261 1616Department of Public Health and Prevention Science, School of Health Sciences, Baldwin Wallace University, Berea, OH USA
| | - Sanaz Mahjour
- grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611 USA
| | - Sahar Ghodsian
- grid.411600.2Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Ardekani
- grid.412571.40000 0000 8819 4698Health Policy Research Center, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hamed Behniafar
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Sarab Faculty of Medical Sciences, Sarab, East Azerbaijan Iran
| | - Robin B. Gasser
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XDepartment of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC Australia
| | - Ali Rostami
- grid.411495.c0000 0004 0421 4102Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
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16
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Phillips AE, Ower AK, Mekete K, Liyew EF, Maddren R, Belay H, Chernet M, Anjulo U, Mengistu B, Salasibew M, Tasew G, Anderson R. Association between water, sanitation, and hygiene access and the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth and schistosome infections in Wolayita, Ethiopia. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:410. [DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05465-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The Geshiyaro project is a 5-year intervention to assess the impact of community- and school-based water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH) interventions on reducing infection with soil-transmitted helminths (STH) and schistosome parasites in combination with deworming in Wolayita zone, Ethiopia.
Methods
A population-based, cross-sectional census and parasitological mapping activity was conducted between 2018 and 2019. Individuals in the census were identified using either a registered study ID card or biometric fingerprint to enable linkage of their household WaSH data with baseline STH and schistosome prevalence for risk analysis.
Results
Prevalence of STH was 15.5% for any STH species, 9.47% for Ascaris lumbricoides, 1.78% for Trichuris trichiura, and 7.24% for hookworm. Intestinal schistosomiasis (Schistosoma mansoni) infection prevalence was 0.85% by Kato Katz, 21.6% by POC-CCA trace positive (Tr +), and 13.3% trace negative (Tr-). Microhaematuria was 2.77%, with 0.13% of people examined with S. haematobium eggs detected by urine filtration. At the household level, increased (> 30 min) time taken to collect drinking water, sharing a latrine, and lack of handwashing facilities were all associated with a greater risk of A. lumbricoides, hookworm, and S. mansoni infection. Not disposing of infant stool at the household and clothes washing/recreational freshwater contact were significantly associated with higher risk of schistosomiasis infection. Aggregating WaSH data at the community level showed odds of A. lumbricoides, hookworm, and T. trichiura infection were significantly lower as both community sanitation coverage and access to improved drinking water improved.
Conclusions
The principal finding of this study is that lack of access to WaSH, such as improved drinking water and shared toilet and hand-washing facilities, were linked to an increased risk of infection with STH and schistosome parasites. These associations are difficult to establish at an individual household level because of wide variability in access between houses but are detectable when coverage is aggregated at the community level. Maintenance of WaSH facilities as well as increased access within the whole community is important in influencing the community-wide prevalence of infection with STH and schistosome parasites.
Graphical Abstract
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17
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Evangelista FMD, van Vliet AHM, Lawton SP, Betson M. A reverse vaccinology approach identifies putative vaccination targets in the zoonotic nematode Ascaris. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1014198. [PMID: 36387396 PMCID: PMC9665164 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1014198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Ascariasis is the most prevalent helminthic disease affecting both humans and pigs and is caused by the roundworms Ascaris lumbricoides and Ascaris suum. While preventive chemotherapy continues to be the most common control method, recent reports of anthelminthic resistance highlight the need for development of a vaccine against ascariasis. The aim of this study was to use a reverse vaccinology approach to identify potential vaccine candidates for Ascaris. Three Ascaris proteomes predicted from whole-genome sequences were analyzed. Candidate proteins were identified using open-access bioinformatic tools (e.g., Vacceed, VaxiJen, Bepipred 2.0) which test for different characteristics such as sub-cellular location, T-cell and B-cell molecular binding, antigenicity, allergenicity and phylogenetic relationship with other nematode proteins. From over 100,000 protein sequences analyzed, four transmembrane proteins were predicted to be non-allergen antigens and potential vaccine candidates. The four proteins are a Piezo protein, two voltage-dependent calcium channels and a protocadherin-like protein, are all expressed in either the muscle or ovaries of both Ascaris species, and all contained high affinity epitopes for T-cells and B-cells. The use of a reverse vaccinology approach allowed the prediction of four new potential vaccination targets against ascariasis in humans and pigs. These targets can now be further tested in in vitro and in vivo assays to prove efficacy in both pigs and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco M. D. Evangelista
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Arnoud H. M. van Vliet
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Scott P. Lawton
- Centre for Epidemiology and Planetary Health, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Northern Faculty, Scotland's Rural University College (SRUC), An Lòchran, Inverness, United Kingdom
| | - Martha Betson
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Martha Betson
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18
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Betschart B, Bisoffi M, Alaeddine F. Identification and characterization of epicuticular proteins of nematodes sharing motifs with cuticular proteins of arthropods. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274751. [PMID: 36301857 PMCID: PMC9612446 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274751] [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: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Specific collagens and insoluble proteins called cuticlins are major constituents of the nematode cuticles. The epicuticle, which forms the outermost electron-dense layer of the cuticle, is composed of another category of insoluble proteins called epicuticlins. It is distinct from the insoluble cuticlins localized in the cortical layer and the fibrous ribbon underneath lateral alae. Our objective was to identify and characterize genes and their encoded proteins forming the epicuticle. The combination between previously obtained laboratory results and recently made available data through the whole-genome shotgun contigs (WGS) and the transcriptome Shotgun Assembly (TSA) sequencing projects of Ascaris suum allowed us to identify the first epicuticlin gene, Asu-epic-1, on the chromosome VI. This gene is formed of exon1 (55 bp) and exon2 (1067 bp), separated by an intron of 1593 bp. Exon 2 is formed of tandem repeats (TR) whose number varies in different cDNA and genomic clones of Asu-epic-1. These variations could be due to slippage of the polymerases during DNA replication and RNA transcription leading to insertions and deletions (Indels). The deduced protein, Asu-EPIC-1, consists of a signal peptide of 20 amino acids followed by 353 amino acids composed of seven TR of 49 or 51 amino acids each. Three highly conserved tyrosine motifs characterize each repeat. The GYR motif is the Pfam motif PF02756 present in several cuticular proteins of arthropods. Asu-EPIC-1 is an intrinsically disordered protein (IDP) containing seven predicted molecular recognition features (MoRFs). This type of protein undergoes a disorder-to-order transition upon binding protein partners. Three epicuticular sequences have been identified in A. suum, Ascaris lumbricoides, and Toxocara canis. Homologous epicuticular proteins were identified in over 50 other nematode species. The potential of this new category of proteins in forming the nematode cuticle through covalent interactions with other cuticular components, particularly with collagens, is discussed. Their localization in the outermost layer of the nematode body and their unique structure render them crucial candidates for biochemical and molecular interaction studies and targets for new biotechnological and biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Betschart
- Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
| | - Marco Bisoffi
- Chemistry and Biochemistry, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, California, United States of America
| | - Ferial Alaeddine
- Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
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19
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Koehler S, Springer A, Issel N, Klinger S, Wendt M, Breves G, Strube C. Effects of adult Ascaris suum and their antigens (total and trans-cuticular excretory-secretory antigen, cuticular somatic antigen) on intestinal nutrient transport in vivo. Parasitology 2022; 150:1-34. [PMID: 36274629 PMCID: PMC10090646 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182022001512] [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: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Ascaris suum constitutes a major problem in commercial pig farming worldwide. Lower weight gains in infected pigs probably result from impaired nutrient absorption. This study investigated intestinal nutrient transport in 4 groups of 6 pigs each, which were inoculated with 30 living adult A. suum , or antigen fractions consisting of (1) total excretory–secretory (ES) antigens of adult worms, (2) ES antigens secreted exclusively from the parasites' body surface (trans-cuticular ES) and (3) cuticular somatic antigens of A. suum , compared to placebo-treated controls. Three days after inoculation into the gastrointestinal tract, glucose, alanine and glycyl-l -glutamine transport was measured in the duodenum, jejunum and ileum using Ussing chambers. Transcription of relevant genes [sodium glucose cotransporter 1 (SGLT1), glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), GLUT2, hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (Hif1α ), interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-13, signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6), peptide transporter 1 (PepT1)] and expression of transport proteins [SGLT1, phosphorylated SGLT1, GLUT2, Na+/K+-ATPase, amino acid transporter A (ASCT1), PepT1] were studied. Although no significant functional changes were noted after exposure to adult A. suum , a significant downregulation of jejunal GLUT1, STAT6, Hif1α and PepT1 transcription as well as ileal GLUT2 and PepT1 expression indicates a negative impact of infection on transport physiology. Therefore, the exposure period of 3 days may have been insufficient for functional alterations to become apparent. In contrast, A. suum antigens mainly induced an upregulation of transport processes and an increase in transcription of relevant genes in the duodenum and jejunum, possibly as a compensatory reaction after a transient downregulation. In the ileum, a consistent pattern of downregulation was observed in all inoculated groups, in line with the hypothesis of impaired nutrient transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarina Koehler
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hanover, Germany
| | - Andrea Springer
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hanover, Germany
| | - Nicole Issel
- Institute for Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hanover, Germany
| | - Stefanie Klinger
- Institute for Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hanover, Germany
| | - Michael Wendt
- Clinic for Swine, Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hanover, Germany
| | - Gerhard Breves
- Institute for Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hanover, Germany
| | - Christina Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hanover, Germany
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20
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Landeryou T, Maddren R, Rayment Gomez S, Kalahasti S, Liyew EF, Chernet M, Mohammed H, Wuletaw Y, Truscott J, Phillips AE, Ower A, Forbes K, Anjulo U, Mengistu B, Tasew G, Salasibew M, Anderson R. Longitudinal monitoring of prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminth infections as part of community-wide mass drug administration within the Geshiyaro project in the Bolosso Sore district, Wolaita, Ethiopia. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010408. [PMID: 36121895 PMCID: PMC9521932 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mass drug administration (MDA), targeted at school-aged children (SAC) is recommended by the World Health Organization for the control of morbidity induced by soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infection in endemic countries. However, MDA does not prevent reinfection between treatment rounds, and research suggests that only treating SAC will not be sufficient to interrupt transmission of STH. In countries with endemic infection, such as Ethiopia, the coverage, community-groups targeted, and rates of reinfection will determine how effective MDA is in suppressing transmission in the long-term. In this paper, individually-linked longitudinal data from three epidemiological STH surveys conducted between November 2018 and November 2020 in the Wolaita region of Ethiopia are analysed to determine how STH prevalence and intensity changes according to individual level treatment data collected over two rounds of MDA. This study demonstrates that while community-wide MDA successfully reduces overall infection intensity across the villages treated, the observed levels of non-compliance to treatment by individuals acts to maintain levels of parasite abundance whereby transmission interruption is not possible at to, despite reasonable levels of MDA coverage in the communities studied (ranging from 65% to 84% of the village populations). This quantifies with substantial data the often-postulated difference between coverage (accepting treatment) and compliance (swallowing of treatment), the latter impacting the former to a previously unquantified level. The paper highlights the need to focus treatment to partially treated, or never treated groups of individuals within existing community wide MDA control activities to interrupt the transmission of STH, and to reduce the basic reproductive number, R0, of the parasites to less than unity in value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toby Landeryou
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, St Marys Campus, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Rosie Maddren
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, St Marys Campus, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Santiago Rayment Gomez
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, St Marys Campus, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Suprabhath Kalahasti
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, St Marys Campus, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ewnetu Firdawek Liyew
- Bacterial, Parasitic and Zoonotic Diseases Research Directorate, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Melkie Chernet
- Bacterial, Parasitic and Zoonotic Diseases Research Directorate, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Hussein Mohammed
- Bacterial, Parasitic and Zoonotic Diseases Research Directorate, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Yonas Wuletaw
- Bacterial, Parasitic and Zoonotic Diseases Research Directorate, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - James Truscott
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, St Marys Campus, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anna E. Phillips
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, St Marys Campus, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alison Ower
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, St Marys Campus, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kathryn Forbes
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, St Marys Campus, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ufaysa Anjulo
- Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Core Process, Ministry of Health, Wolaita, Ethiopia
| | - Birhan Mengistu
- Children’s Investment fund Foundation, London, United Kingdom
| | - Geremew Tasew
- Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Core Process, Ministry of Health, Wolaita, Ethiopia
| | | | - Roy Anderson
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, St Marys Campus, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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21
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Miranda GS, Rodrigues JGM, Silva JKADO, Camelo GMA, Silva-Souza N, Neves RH, Machado-Silva JR, Negrão-Corrêa DA. New challenges for the control of human schistosomiasis: The possible impact of wild rodents in Schistosoma mansoni transmission. Acta Trop 2022; 236:106677. [PMID: 36063905 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected parasitic disease caused by digenean trematodes from the genus Schistosoma that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite efforts to control its transmission, this disease remains active within several endemic regions of Africa, Asia, and the Americas. In addition to the deficits in sanitation and educational structure, another major obstacle hindering the eradication of schistosomiasis is the ability of Schistosoma spp. to naturally infect multiple vertebrate hosts, particularly wild rodents. Due to climate change and other anthropogenic disturbances, contact between humans and wild animals has increased, and this has contributed to more frequent interactions between Schistosoma species that typically infect different hosts. This new transmission dynamic involving Schistosoma spp., humans, wild rodents, and livestock could potentially increase the frequency of Schistosoma hybridization and the establishment of new genotypes and strains. Although it is not currently possible to precisely measure how this biological phenomenon affects the epidemiology and morbidity of schistosomiasis, we speculate that these Schistosoma variants may negatively impact control strategies, treatment regimens, and disease burden in humans. In the present study, we discuss the natural infections of wild rodents with Schistosoma spp., the role of these animals as Schistosoma spp. reservoirs, and how they may select hybrids and strains of Schistosoma mansoni. We also discuss measures required to shed light on the actual role of the wild rodents Nectomys squamipes and Holochilus sciureus in the transmission and morbidity of schistosomiasis in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Silva Miranda
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Campus Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG CEP: 31270-010, Brazil; Department of Biology, Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Maranhão, São Raimundo das Mangabeiras, Brazil
| | - João Gustavo Mendes Rodrigues
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Campus Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG CEP: 31270-010, Brazil
| | - Jeferson Kelvin Alves de Oliveira Silva
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Campus Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG CEP: 31270-010, Brazil
| | - Genil Mororó Araújo Camelo
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Campus Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG CEP: 31270-010, Brazil
| | - Nêuton Silva-Souza
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, State University of Maranhão, São Luis, Brazil
| | - Renata Heisler Neves
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Biomedical Center, University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - José Roberto Machado-Silva
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Biomedical Center, University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Deborah Aparecida Negrão-Corrêa
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Campus Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG CEP: 31270-010, Brazil.
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22
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Eamsobhana P, Yong HS, Boonyong S, Wanachiwanawin D, Tungtrongchitr A. Genetic diversity and identity of Ascaris worms from human and pig hosts in Thailand. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2022; 33:100752. [PMID: 35820723 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2022.100752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Ascaris roundworms are of public health and socio-economic importance worldwide. They are conventionally attributed to two taxa - A. lumbricoides infecting principally human and A. suum infecting principally pig. Phylogenomic analysis has revealed that Ascaris worms from both human and pig are represented in Clades A and B. A recent study indicates that the Ascaris worms from human and pig in Thailand belong to Clade A. We examined adult Ascaris worms from human and pig in Thailand by means of the partial sequences of three mitochondrial genes (cox1, cox2 and nad1) and concatenation of these genes. Phylogenomic analysis indicates that two isolates (H1,H2) of A. lumbricoides from human belonged to Clade B; one isolate (H3) belonged to Clade A (based on cox1, cox2 and concatenated sequences) or as an outlier to Clades A and B (based on nad1 sequences). All the eight isolates of A. suum from pig clustered in Clade A. The partial nad1 and the concatenated sequences revealed two lineages of A. suum isolates which were distinct from the two A. lumbricoides isolates of Clade B. It is evident that greater genetic diversity, and a more robust phylogeny, could be uncovered by the application of multiple genes. In sum, the present study reveals the presence in Thailand of A. lumbricoides from human in Clades A and B which necessitates appropriate treatment and control measures; Clades A and B have been reported to contain haplotypes of Ascaris worms from both human and pig in other parts of the world. A country wide study is needed to elucidate the identity, distribution, prevalence, cross transmission, genetic diversity and phylogeny of the Ascaris worms in Thailand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Praphathip Eamsobhana
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Hoi-Sen Yong
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sudarat Boonyong
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Darawan Wanachiwanawin
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Anchalee Tungtrongchitr
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
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23
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Corsi GI, Tichkule S, Sannella AR, Vatta P, Asnicar F, Segata N, Jex AR, van Oosterhout C, Cacciò SM. Recent genetic exchanges and admixture shape the genome and population structure of the zoonotic pathogen Cryptosporidium parvum. Mol Ecol 2022; 32:2633-2645. [PMID: 35652748 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium parvum is a globally distributed zoonotic pathogen and a major cause of diarrhoeal disease in humans and ruminants. The parasite's life cycle comprises an obligatory sexual phase, during which genetic exchanges can occur between previously isolated lineages. Here, we compare 32 whole genome sequences from human- and ruminant-derived parasite isolates collected across Europe, Egypt and China. We identify three strongly supported clusters that comprise a mix of isolates from different host species, geographic origins, and subtypes. We show that: (1) recombination occurs between ruminant isolates into human isolates; (2) these recombinant regions can be passed on to other human subtypes through gene flow and population admixture; (3) there have been multiple genetic exchanges, and most are likely recent; (4) putative virulence genes are significantly enriched within these genetic exchanges, and (5) this results in an increase in their nucleotide diversity. We carefully dissect the phylogenetic sequence of two genetic exchanges, illustrating the long-term evolutionary consequences of these events. Our results suggest that increased globalisation and close human-animal contacts increase the opportunity for genetic exchanges between previously isolated parasite lineages, resulting in spillover and spillback events. We discuss how this can provide a novel substrate for natural selection at genes involved in host-parasite interactions, thereby potentially altering the dynamic coevolutionary equilibrium in the Red Queens arms race.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia I Corsi
- CIBO, University of Trento, Trento, Italy.,Center for non-coding RNA in Technology and Health, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Swapnil Tichkule
- Population Health and Immunity, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Anna Rosa Sannella
- Department of Infectious Diseases, European Union Reference Laboratory for Parasites, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Vatta
- Department of Infectious Diseases, European Union Reference Laboratory for Parasites, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Aaron R Jex
- Population Health and Immunity, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Cock van Oosterhout
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
| | - Simone M Cacciò
- Department of Infectious Diseases, European Union Reference Laboratory for Parasites, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, Rome, Italy
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24
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Nkouayep VR, McManus DP, Mbida M, Gordon CA, Nejsum P. Molecular epidemiology of Ascaris species recovered from humans and pigs in Cameroon. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2022; 116:949-958. [PMID: 35385862 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trac020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Cameroon, considerable research has been conducted on human ascariasis, but no studies have been undertaken to determine whether pigs contribute to the persistence of the infection in children or to unravel the evolutionary relationship between human-derived and pig-derived Ascaris. METHODS DNA was extracted from adult Ascaris worms collected from humans and pigs. Segments of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (nad1) genes were sequenced and analysed for 83 worms to dissect the local transmission dynamics of Ascaris in Cameroon. RESULTS The data showed high genetic diversity and revealed demographically expanding populations in the human and pig Ascaris samples. A restricted gene flow between Ascaris lumbricoides and Ascaris suum populations correlating with the preference for humans and pigs, respectively, as hosts was evident. Phylogenetic analyses and haplotype networks split the haplotypes into two major clusters, A and B. However, support for cross-transmission between hosts and hybridization were revealed through shared haplotypes among worms from both hosts. CONCLUSIONS This study provides useful baseline information for future studies of the genetics of Ascaris in Cameroon and suggests that effective and sustainable control of human ascariasis should target both human and pig hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa R Nkouayep
- Research Unit of Biology and Applied Ecology, Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, P.O. Box 067, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Donald P McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Mpoame Mbida
- Research Unit of Biology and Applied Ecology, Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, P.O. Box 067, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Catherine A Gordon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Peter Nejsum
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 99, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
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25
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Zagoskin MV, Wang J, Neff AT, Veronezi GMB, Davis RE. Small RNA pathways in the nematode Ascaris in the absence of piRNAs. Nat Commun 2022; 13:837. [PMID: 35149688 PMCID: PMC8837657 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28482-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Small RNA pathways play key and diverse regulatory roles in C. elegans, but our understanding of their conservation and contributions in other nematodes is limited. We analyzed small RNA pathways in the divergent parasitic nematode Ascaris. Ascaris has ten Argonautes with five worm-specific Argonautes (WAGOs) that associate with secondary 5’-triphosphate 22-24G-RNAs. These small RNAs target repetitive sequences or mature mRNAs and are similar to the C. elegans mutator, nuclear, and CSR-1 small RNA pathways. Even in the absence of a piRNA pathway, Ascaris CSR-1 may still function to “license” as well as fine-tune or repress gene expression. Ascaris ALG-4 and its associated 26G-RNAs target and likely repress specific mRNAs during testis meiosis. Ascaris WAGO small RNAs demonstrate target plasticity changing their targets between repeats and mRNAs during development. We provide a unique and comprehensive view of mRNA and small RNA expression throughout spermatogenesis. Overall, our study illustrates the conservation, divergence, dynamics, and flexibility of small RNA pathways in nematodes. The parasitic nematode Ascaris lacks piRNAs. Here the authors compare Argonaute proteins and small RNAs from C. elegans and Ascaris, expanding our understanding of the conservation, divergence, and flexibility of Argonautes and small RNA pathways in nematodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxim V Zagoskin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA.,RNA Bioscience Initiative, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Jianbin Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA. .,RNA Bioscience Initiative, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA. .,Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA. .,UT-ORNL Graduate School of Genome Science and Technology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA.
| | - Ashley T Neff
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Giovana M B Veronezi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Richard E Davis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA. .,RNA Bioscience Initiative, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA.
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26
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Human-type and pig-type Ascaris hybrids found in pigs. Vet Parasitol 2022; 302:109646. [PMID: 34999317 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2021.109646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of hybrids between Ascaris lumbricoides and Ascaris suum has complicated our understanding of the relationship between the two species. We examined the same Ascaris specimens (48 from humans and 48 from pigs) using two methods: microsatellite markers combined with Bayesian clustering and PCR-RFLP of the nuclear internal transcribed spacer region. The results obtained by the two methods were inconsistent but showed that hybrid Ascaris identified through both approaches could infect pigs. The results of this study suggest that PCR-RFLP of ITS alone is not suitable for molecular identification of human-type and pig-type Ascaris hybrids. Use of multiple SSR markers combined with Bayesian analysis was the most reliable method in our study. Our results indicate that, in addition to host-specific Ascaris types, there may be some that do not show host specificity. Our results show for the first time that hybrid individuals can infect pigs as well as humans. This study has important theoretical and practical implications, including suggesting the need to re-evaluate long-term ascariasis control strategies.
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27
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Cháves-González LE, Morales-Calvo F, Mora J, Solano-Barquero A, Verocai GG, Rojas A. What lies behind the curtain: Cryptic diversity in helminth parasites of human and veterinary importance. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES 2022; 2:100094. [PMID: 35800064 PMCID: PMC9253710 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2022.100094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Parasite cryptic species are morphologically indistinguishable but genetically distinct organisms, leading to taxa with unclear species boundaries. Speciation mechanisms such as cospeciation, host colonization, taxon pulse, and oscillation may lead to the emergence of cryptic species, influencing host-parasite interactions, parasite ecology, distribution, and biodiversity. The study of cryptic species diversity in helminth parasites of human and veterinary importance has gained relevance, since their distribution may affect clinical and epidemiological features such as pathogenicity, virulence, drug resistance and susceptibility, mortality, and morbidity, ultimately affecting patient management, course, and outcome of treatment. At the same time, the need for recognition of cryptic species diversity has implied a transition from morphological to molecular diagnostic methods, which are becoming more available and accessible in parasitology. Here, we discuss the general approaches for cryptic species delineation and summarize some examples found in nematodes, trematodes and cestodes of medical and veterinary importance, along with the clinical implications of their taxonomic status. Lastly, we highlight the need for the correct interpretation of molecular information, and the correct use of definitions when reporting or describing new cryptic species in parasitology, since molecular and morphological data should be integrated whenever possible. Cryptic diversity has been described in helminths of human and animal importance. Cryptic species are morphologically indistinguishable but genetically distinct organisms. These entities emerge by different evolutionary and speciation mechanisms. Analysis of molecular and morphological data is needed for cryptic species delimitation. Cryptic diversity may affect pathogenicity, virulence and drug resistance of helminths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Enrique Cháves-González
- Laboratory of Helminthology, Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Fernando Morales-Calvo
- Laboratory of Helminthology, Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Javier Mora
- Laboratory of Helminthology, Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Alberto Solano-Barquero
- Laboratory of Helminthology, Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Guilherme G. Verocai
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Alicia Rojas
- Laboratory of Helminthology, Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
- Corresponding author. Twitter icon
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Gazzinelli-Guimarães AC, Nogueira DS, Amorim CCO, Oliveira FMS, Coqueiro-Dos-Santos A, Carvalho SAP, Kraemer L, Barbosa FS, Fraga VG, Santos FV, de Castro JC, Russo RC, Akamatsu MA, Ho PL, Bottazzi ME, Hotez PJ, Zhan B, Bartholomeu DC, Bueno LL, Fujiwara RT. ASCVac-1, a Multi-Peptide Chimeric Vaccine, Protects Mice Against Ascaris suum Infection. Front Immunol 2021; 12:788185. [PMID: 34992603 PMCID: PMC8724438 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.788185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Control of human ascariasis, the most prevalent neglected tropical disease globally affecting 450 million people, mostly relies on mass drug administration of anthelmintics. However, chemotherapy alone is not efficient due to the high re-infection rate for people who live in the endemic area. The development of a vaccine that reduces the intensity of infection and maintains lower morbidity should be the primary target for infection control. Previously, our group demonstrated that immunization with crude Ascaris antigens in mice induced an IgG-mediated protective response with significant worm reduction. Here, we aimed to develop a multipeptide chimera vaccine based on conserved B-cell epitopes predicted from 17 common helminth proteomes using a bioinformatics algorithm. More than 480 B-cell epitopes were identified that are conserved in all 17 helminths. The Ascaris-specific epitopes were selected based on their reactivity to the pooled sera of mice immunized with Ascaris crude antigens or infected three times with A. suum infective eggs. The top 35 peptides with the strongest reactivity to Ascaris immune serum were selected to construct a chimeric antigen connected in sequence based on conformation. This chimera, called ASCVac-1, was produced as a soluble recombinant protein in an Escherichia coli expression system and, formulated with MPLA, was used to immunize mice. Mice immunized with ASCVac-1/MPLA showed around 50% reduced larvae production in the lungs after being challenged with A. suum infective eggs, along with significantly reduced inflammation and lung tissue/function damage. The reduced parasite count and pathology in infected lungs were associated with strong Th2 immune responses characterized by the high titers of antigen-specific IgG and its subclasses (IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG3) in the sera and significantly increased IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 levels in lung tissues. The reduced IL-33 titers and stimulated eosinophils were also observed in lung tissues and may also contribute to the ASCVac-1-induced protection. Taken together, the preclinical trial with ASCVac-1 chimera in a mouse model demonstrated its significant vaccine efficacy associated with strong IgG-based Th2 responses, without IgE induction, thus reducing the risk of an allergic response. All results suggest that the multiepitope-based ASCVac-1 chimera is a promising vaccine candidate against Ascaris sp. infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Denise Silva Nogueira
- Biological Sciences Institute, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Lucas Kraemer
- Biological Sciences Institute, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Vanessa Gomes Fraga
- Biological Sciences Institute, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Flaviane Vieira Santos
- Biological Sciences Institute, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Remo Castro Russo
- Biological Sciences Institute, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Milena Apetito Akamatsu
- BioIndustrial Division, Butantan Institute, Sao Paulo Secretary of Health, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paulo Lee Ho
- BioIndustrial Division, Butantan Institute, Sao Paulo Secretary of Health, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Elena Bottazzi
- Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Department of Pediatric Tropical Medicine, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Peter J. Hotez
- Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Department of Pediatric Tropical Medicine, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Bin Zhan
- Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Department of Pediatric Tropical Medicine, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | | | - Lilian Lacerda Bueno
- Biological Sciences Institute, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Toshio Fujiwara
- Biological Sciences Institute, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Ricardo Toshio Fujiwara,
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Romano G, Pepe P, Cavallero S, Cociancic P, Di Libero L, Grande G, Cringoli G, D'Amelio S, Rinaldi L. Ascariasis in a 75-year-old man with small bowel volvulus: a case report. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:1045. [PMID: 34627151 PMCID: PMC8501712 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06718-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ascaris lumbricoides and Ascaris suum are the most common soil-transmitted helminths of humans and pigs, respectively. The zoonotic potential of A. suum has been a matter of debate for decades. This study was aimed to present a case of human ascariasis caused by A. suum in southern Italy. Case presentation A 75-year-old man presented to the department of surgery in Avellino (southern Italy) complaining of abdominal pain and vomiting. Physical examination revealed bloating and abdominal tenderness. A computed tomography scan showed air-fluid levels and small bowel distension. During exploratory laparotomy a small bowel volvulus with mesenteritis was evident and surprisingly an intraluminal worm was detected. The worm was removed with a small enterotomy and identified as an adult female of A. suum based on morphological and molecular analysis. Faecal examination revealed the presence of unfertilized Ascaris eggs with an intensity of 16 eggs per gram (EPG) of faeces. The patient was treated with mebendanzole 100 mg twice a day for 3 days. The post-operative course was regular with re-alimentation after 3 days and discharge after 12 days. Conclusions This report shows as A. suum can function as a relevant agent of human zoonosis. Therefore, in patients with bowel obstruction with no evident aetiology a helminthic infestation should be considered for an accurate diagnosis, especially in patients living in rural areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Romano
- Department of General Surgery, Frieri-Criscuoli Hospital, Sant'Angelo dei Lombardi, AV, Italy
| | - Paola Pepe
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, WHO Collaborating Centre for Diagnosis of Intestinal Helminths and Protozoa (ITA-116), Naples, Italy.
| | - Serena Cavallero
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Section of Parasitology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Cociancic
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, WHO Collaborating Centre for Diagnosis of Intestinal Helminths and Protozoa (ITA-116), Naples, Italy.,Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores (CEPAVE-CONICET-UNLP-asociado a CICPBA), La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lorenzo Di Libero
- Department of General Surgery, Frieri-Criscuoli Hospital, Sant'Angelo dei Lombardi, AV, Italy
| | - Giovanni Grande
- Department of General Surgery, Frieri-Criscuoli Hospital, Sant'Angelo dei Lombardi, AV, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cringoli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, WHO Collaborating Centre for Diagnosis of Intestinal Helminths and Protozoa (ITA-116), Naples, Italy
| | - Stefano D'Amelio
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Section of Parasitology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, WHO Collaborating Centre for Diagnosis of Intestinal Helminths and Protozoa (ITA-116), Naples, Italy
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Characterization of the β-tubulin gene family in Ascaris lumbricoides and Ascaris suum and its implication for the molecular detection of benzimidazole resistance. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009777. [PMID: 34570778 PMCID: PMC8496844 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The treatment coverage of control programs providing benzimidazole (BZ) drugs to eliminate the morbidity caused by soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) is unprecedently high. This high drug pressure may result in the development of BZ resistance in STHs and so there is an urgent need for surveillance systems detecting molecular markers associated with BZ resistance. A critical prerequisite to develop such systems is an understanding of the gene family encoding β-tubulin proteins, the principal targets of BZ drugs. Methodology and principal findings First, the β-tubulin gene families of Ascaris lumbricoides and Ascaris suum were characterized through the analysis of published genomes. Second, RNA-seq and RT-PCR analyses on cDNA were applied to determine the transcription profiles of the different gene family members. The results revealed that Ascaris species have at least seven different β-tubulin genes of which two are highly expressed during the entire lifecycle. Third, deep amplicon sequencing was performed on these two genes in more than 200 adult A. lumbricoides (Ethiopia and Tanzania) and A. suum (Belgium) worms, to investigate the intra- and inter-species genetic diversity and the presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that are associated with BZ resistance in other helminth species; F167Y (TTC>TAC or TTT>TAT), E198A (GAA>GCA or GAG>GCG), E198L (GAA>TTA) and F200Y (TTC>TAC or TTT>TAT). These particular SNPs were absent in the two investigated genes in all three Ascaris populations. Significance This study demonstrated the presence of at least seven β-tubulin genes in Ascaris worms. A new nomenclature was proposed and prioritization of genes for future BZ resistance research was discussed. This is the first comprehensive description of the β-tubulin gene family in Ascaris and provides a framework to investigate the prevalence and potential role of β-tubulin sequence polymorphisms in BZ resistance in a more systematic manner than previously possible. Benzimidazole (BZ) drugs remain the standard of treatment in large-scale deworming programs that aim to control the morbidity caused by intestinal worms. As these deworming programs are expanding world-wide, there is an increasing risk of worms becoming resistant to BZ drugs, highlighting the necessity for tools to detect gene mutations associated with drug resistance. However, the development of such tools is impeded by a lack of insights into the genes that are coding for β-tubulin proteins, which are the principal targets of BZ drugs. The aim of this study was to comprehensively characterize these genes in the worm species Ascaris lumbricoides and Ascaris suum. The findings highlight that these species have at least seven β-tubulin genes. Only two genes are highly expressed throughout the different life stages of the worm, and hence are more likely to be involved in the development of BZ resistance. No mutations that have previously been associated with BZ resistance in other intestinal worms were found. This study provides a baseline towards more efficient and accurate monitoring of drug resistance in large-scale deworming programs.
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Hybridized Zoonotic Schistosoma Infections Result in Hybridized Morbidity Profiles: A Clinical Morbidity Study amongst Co-Infected Human Populations of Senegal. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9081776. [PMID: 34442855 PMCID: PMC8401530 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9081776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Hybridization of infectious agents is a major emerging public and veterinary health concern at the interface of evolution, epidemiology, and control. Whilst evidence of the extent of hybridization amongst parasites is increasing, their impact on morbidity remains largely unknown. This may be predicted to be particularly pertinent where parasites of animals with contrasting pathogenicity viably hybridize with human parasites. Recent research has revealed that viable zoonotic hybrids between human urogenital Schistosoma haematobium with intestinal Schistosoma species of livestock, notably Schistosoma bovis, can be highly prevalent across Africa and beyond. Examining human populations in Senegal, we found increased hepatic but decreased urogenital morbidity, and reduced improvement following treatment with praziquantel, in those infected with zoonotic hybrids compared to non-hybrids. Our results have implications for effective monitoring and evaluation of control programmes, and demonstrate for the first time the potential impact of parasite hybridizations on host morbidity.
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Genotyping of Ascaris spp. infecting humans and pigs in Italy, Slovakia and Colombia. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2021; 94:104997. [PMID: 34252615 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.104997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The systematics and taxonomy of Ascaris lumbricoides and Ascaris suum, two of the world's most widespread nematodes, still represent a highly debated scientific issue. Two different transmission scenarios have been described according to endemicity: separated host-specific transmission cycles in endemic regions, and a single pool of infection shared by humans and pigs in non-endemic regions. The swine roundworm A. suum is now recognized as an important cause of human ascariasis also in endemic areas such as China, where cross-infections and hybridization have also been reported, as well as in non-endemic regions like Italy. This study aimed to investigate the molecular epidemiology of human and pig ascariasis in three countries representing different epidemiological scenarios: Italy as a non-endemic country, Colombia as an endemic country, and Slovakia as a non-endemic country, but with a poor socio-economic context linked to some focal populations of Roma settlements. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 237 nematodes were analysed: 46 from Colombia (13 from humans, 33 from pigs), 114 from Slovakia (20 from humans, 94 from pigs) and 77 from Italy (17 from humans and 60 from pigs). Genotyping by PCR-RFLP of nuclear (ITS) and sequencing of mitochondrial (cox1) target regions were performed. ITS genotypes were used to estimate the Hardy-Weinberg (HW) equilibrium according to hosts and country of origin. The partial cox1 sequences were used to analyse genetic polymorphisms according to hosts and country of origin, as well as to infer the network of haplotypes, their evolutionary relationships and geographical distribution. RESULTS 110 quality cox1 sequences were obtained. Haplotype network revealed three main groups corresponding to clade A, B and C. Clade C included most of the human cases from Italy, while those from Slovakia and Colombia were grouped in clade B. Ascaris from Italian and Colombian pigs showed HW equilibrium at the ITS marker, while disequilibrium was found in A. lumbricoides from Slovak pigs, which suggest a high unexpected amount of roundworms of human origin circulating also in pigs. CONCLUSIONS This study updates and extends the current understanding of Ascaris species and genotypes circulating in different epidemiological scenarios, with particular attention to the inclusion of human-derived Ascaris in the phylogenetic cluster C. Despite the evidence of HW equilibrium in the ITS in pig-derived Italian samples, the amount of genetic variation seems to support the existence of two closely related species.
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Wang J. Genomics of the Parasitic Nematode Ascaris and Its Relatives. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:493. [PMID: 33800545 PMCID: PMC8065839 DOI: 10.3390/genes12040493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Nematodes of the genus Ascaris are important parasites of humans and swine, and the phylogenetically related genera (Parascaris, Toxocara, and Baylisascaris) infect mammals of veterinary interest. Over the last decade, considerable genomic resources have been established for Ascaris, including complete germline and somatic genomes, comprehensive mRNA and small RNA transcriptomes, as well as genome-wide histone and chromatin data. These datasets provide a major resource for studies on the basic biology of these parasites and the host-parasite relationship. Ascaris and its relatives undergo programmed DNA elimination, a highly regulated process where chromosomes are fragmented and portions of the genome are lost in embryonic cells destined to adopt a somatic fate, whereas the genome remains intact in germ cells. Unlike many model organisms, Ascaris transcription drives early development beginning prior to pronuclear fusion. Studies on Ascaris demonstrated a complex small RNA network even in the absence of a piRNA pathway. Comparative genomics of these ascarids has provided perspectives on nematode sex chromosome evolution, programmed DNA elimination, and host-parasite coevolution. The genomic resources enable comparison of proteins across diverse species, revealing many new potential drug targets that could be used to control these parasitic nematodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianbin Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA;
- UT-Oak Ridge National Laboratory Graduate School of Genome Science and Technology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
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Urban JF, Nielsen MK, Gazzola D, Xie Y, Beshah E, Hu Y, Li H, Rus F, Flanagan K, Draper A, Vakalapudi S, Li RW, Ostroff GR, Aroian RV. An inactivated bacterium (paraprobiotic) expressing Bacillus thuringiensis Cry5B as a therapeutic for Ascaris and Parascaris spp. infections in large animals. One Health 2021; 12:100241. [PMID: 33889707 PMCID: PMC8048022 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2021.100241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ascaris and Parascaris are important parasites in the family Ascarididae, large, ubiquitous intestinal-dwelling nematodes infecting all classes of vertebrates. Parasitic nematode drug resistance in veterinary medicine and drug recalcitrance in human medicine are increasing worldwide, with few if any new therapeutic classes on the horizon. Some of these parasites are zoonotic, e.g., Ascaris is passed from humans to pigs and vice versa. The development of new therapies against this family of parasites would have major implications for both human and livestock health. Here we tested the therapeutic ability of a paraprobiotic or dead probiotic that expresses the Bacillus thuringiensis Cry5B protein with known anthelmintic properties, against zoonotic Ascaris suum and Parascaris spp. This paraprobiotic, known as IBaCC, intoxicated A. suum larvae in vitro and was highly effective in vivo against intestinal A. suum infections in a new mouse model for this parasite. Fermentation was scaled up to 350 l to treat pigs and horses. Single dose Cry5B IBaCC nearly completely cleared A. suum infections in pigs. Furthermore, single dose Cry5B IBaCC drove fecal egg counts in Parascaris-infected foals to zero, showing at least parity with, and potential superiority to, current efficacy of anthelmintics used against this parasite. Cry5B IBaCC therefore represents a new, paraprobiotic One Health approach towards targeting Ascarididae that is safe, effective, massively scalable, stable, and useful in human and veterinary medicine in both the developed and developing regions of the world. IBaCC is Bacillus thuringiensis Cry5B protein crystals trapped inside dead bacteria. IBaCC intoxicates Ascaris suum intestinal parasitic nematodes in vitro. IBaCC is highly effective against A. suum parasites in vivo in mice and pigs. IBaCC is highly effective against related Parascaris parasites in foals. IBaCC represents a new paradigm for treating ascarid parasites of humans and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph F Urban
- U. S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal and Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, United States of America.,U. S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, Diet, Genomics and Immunology Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, United States of America
| | - Martin K Nielsen
- M.H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States of America
| | - David Gazzola
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States of America
| | - Yue Xie
- U. S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal and Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, United States of America.,U. S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, Diet, Genomics and Immunology Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, United States of America.,Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Sichuan, China
| | - Ethiopia Beshah
- U. S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal and Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, United States of America.,U. S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, Diet, Genomics and Immunology Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, United States of America
| | - Yan Hu
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States of America
| | - Hanchen Li
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States of America
| | - Florentina Rus
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States of America
| | - Kelly Flanagan
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States of America
| | - Austin Draper
- Synthetic Biomanufacturing Facility, Utah State University, Logan, UT, United States of America
| | - Sridhar Vakalapudi
- Synthetic Biomanufacturing Facility, Utah State University, Logan, UT, United States of America
| | - Robert W Li
- U. S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal and Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, United States of America
| | - Gary R Ostroff
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States of America
| | - Raffi V Aroian
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States of America
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Mohd-Shaharuddin N, Lim YAL, Ngui R, Nathan S. Expression of Ascaris lumbricoides putative virulence-associated genes when infecting a human host. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:176. [PMID: 33757548 PMCID: PMC7985925 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04680-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ascaris lumbricoides is the most common causative agent of soil-transmitted helminth infections worldwide, with an estimated 450 million people infected with this nematode globally. It is suggested that helminths are capable of evading and manipulating the host immune system through the release of a spectrum of worm proteins which underpins their long-term survival in the host. We hypothesise that the worm overexpresses these proteins when infecting adults compared to children to cirvumvent the more robust defence mechanisms of adults. However, little is known about the parasite's genes and encoded proteins involved during A. lumbricoides infection. Hence, this study was conducted to assess the expression profile of putative virulence-associated genes during an active infection of adults and children. METHODS In this study, quantitative PCR was performed to evaluate the expression profile of putative virulence-associated genes in A. lumbricoides isolated from infected children and adults. The study was initiated by collecting adult worms expelled from adults and children following anthelminthic treatment. High-quality RNA was successfully extracted from each of six adult worms expelled by three adults and three children, respectively. Eleven putative homologues of helminth virulence-associated genes reported in previous studies were selected, primers were designed and specific amplicons of A. lumbricoides genes were noted. The expression profiles of these putative virulence-associated genes in A. lumbricoides from infected adults were compared to those in A. lumbricoides from infected children. RESULTS The putative virulence-associated genes VENOM, CADHERIN and PEBP were significantly upregulated at 166-fold, 13-fold and fivefold, respectively, in adults compared to children. Conversely, the transcription of ABA-1 (fourfold), CATH-L (threefold) and INTEGRIN (twofold) was significantly suppressed in A. lumbricoides from infected adults. CONCLUSIONS On the basis of the expression profile of the putative virulence-associated genes, we propose that the encoded proteins have potential roles in evasion mechanisms, which could guide the development of therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yvonne Ai Lian Lim
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Romano Ngui
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sheila Nathan
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia.
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Host-Parasite Relationships in Porcine Ascariosis: Anticoagulant Potential of the Third Larval Stage of Ascaris suum as a Possible Survival Mechanism. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11030804. [PMID: 33805634 PMCID: PMC8002170 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Ascaris suum parasitises pigs all over the world causing a disease responsible for producing reductions in weight gains and damages to several organs of the infected animals that incur huge economic losses for the swine industry. While adult worms of this parasite are located in the small intestine of the host, their larval stages migrate through the bloodstream as an evolutionary advantageous strategy within a hostile environment that confronts host responses such as blood clots formation. The aim of this work is to study the ability of A. suum larvae to inhibit blood coagulation as a possible mechanism to control blood clots formation and facilitate their migration. The results showed that these larvae inhibited host blood coagulation and possessed molecules similar to those responsible for inhibiting blood coagulation in pigs. The anticoagulant effect of A. suum larvae could constitute a potential survival mechanism for the parasite. Therefore, developing new control strategies directed at this and similar processes could avoid A. suum larval migration and the establishment of adult worms in their definitive location, which is necessary to confront the damages and economic losses produced by this parasitosis. Abstract In order to evade the response of their hosts, helminth parasites have evolved precise and highly regulated mechanisms, including migration strategies of the larval stages. In regard to porcine ascariosis caused by Ascaris suum, its infective third-stage larvae (AsL3) undergo a complex migratory route through the bloodstream of their host before establishing in the small intestine to reach maturation. Despite the benefits attributed to this migration, blood clots formation could compromise larvae survival. The aim of this work was to study the interaction between the cuticle and excretory/secretory antigens of AsL3 and the host coagulation cascade. Larvae were obtained after incubating and hatching A. suum eggs, after which the antigenic extracts were produced. Their ability to disrupt the coagulation cascade was studied using anticoagulation and chromogenic assays, and techniques based on electrophoresis. The obtained results showed that both antigenic extracts possessed anticoagulant potential, being able to inhibit the intrinsic, extrinsic and/or common pathways of the blood coagulation cascade as well as the activated factor X. Moreover, three A. suum serpin proteins were identified as candidates to inhibit this host coagulation factor. To the best of our knowledge, this study shows, for the first time, the anticoagulant potential of the infective larvae of A. suum, which could be used by the parasite as a mechanism to facilitate its invasion and survival in the host.
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