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Negri A, Pezzali G, Pitton S, Piazzoni M, Gabrieli P, Lazzaro F, Mastrantonio V, Porretta D, Lenardi C, Caccia S, Bandi C, Epis S. MosChito rafts as a promising biocontrol tool against larvae of the common house mosquito, Culex pipiens. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0295665. [PMID: 38096210 PMCID: PMC10721080 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Mosquito control is of paramount importance, in particular, in light of the major environmental alterations associated with human activities, from climate change to the altered distribution of pathogens, including those transmitted by Arthropods. Here, we used the common house mosquito, Culex pipiens to test the efficacy of MosChito raft, a novel tool for mosquito larval control. MosChito raft is a floating hydrogel matrix, composed of chitosan, genipin and yeast cells, as bio-attractants, developed for the delivery of a Bacillus thuringiensis israeliensis (Bti)-based bioinsecticide to mosquito larvae. To this aim, larvae of Cx. pipiens were collected in field in Northern Italy and a novel colony of mosquito species (hereafter: Trescore strain) was established. MosChito rafts, containing the Bti-based formulation, were tested on Cx. pipiens larvae from the Trescore strain to determine the doses to be used in successive experiments. Thus, bioassays with MosChito rafts were carried out under semi-field conditions, both on larvae from the Trescore strain and on pools of larvae collected from the field, at different developmental stages. Our results showed that MosChito raft is effective against Cx. pipiens. In particular, the observed mortality was over 50% after two days exposure of the larvae to MosChito rafts, and over 70-80% at days three to four, in both laboratory and wild larvae. In conclusion, our results point to the MosChito raft as a promising tool for the eco-friendly control of a mosquito species that is not only a nuisance insect but is also an important vector of diseases affecting humans and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Negri
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center “Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi”, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Italian Malaria Network, Inter University Center for Malaria Research, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Pezzali
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Simone Pitton
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Piazzoni
- Department of Physics, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Gabrieli
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center “Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi”, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Italian Malaria Network, Inter University Center for Malaria Research, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Daniele Porretta
- Department of Environmental Biology, “La Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Caccia
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudio Bandi
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center “Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi”, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Italian Malaria Network, Inter University Center for Malaria Research, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Epis
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center “Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi”, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Italian Malaria Network, Inter University Center for Malaria Research, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Das NC, Chakraborty P, Nandy S, Dey A, Malik T, Mukherjee S. Programmed cell death pathways as targets for developing antifilarial drugs: Lessons from the recent findings. J Cell Mol Med 2023; 27:2819-2840. [PMID: 37605891 PMCID: PMC10538269 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
More than half a century has passed since the introduction of the National Filariasis Control Program; however, as of 2023, lymphatic filariasis (LF) still prevails globally, particularly in the tropical and subtropical regions, posing a substantial challenge to the objective of worldwide elimination. LF is affecting human beings and its economically important livestock leading to a crucial contributor to morbidities and disabilities. The current scenario has been blowing up alarms of attention to develop potent therapeutics and strategies having efficiency against the adult stage of filarial nematodes. In this context, the exploration of a suitable drug target that ensures lethality to macro and microfilariae is now our first goal to achieve. Apoptosis has been the potential target across all three stages of filarial nematodes viz. oocytes, microfilariae (mf) and adults resulting in filarial death after receiving the signal from the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and executed through intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. Hence, it is considered a leading target for developing antifilarial drugs. Herein, we have shown the efficacy of several natural and synthetic compounds/nanoformulations in triggering the apoptotic death of filarial parasites with little or no toxicity to the host body system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabarun Chandra Das
- Integrative Biochemistry & Immunology Laboratory, Department of Animal ScienceKazi Nazrul UniversityAsansolIndia
| | - Pritha Chakraborty
- Integrative Biochemistry & Immunology Laboratory, Department of Animal ScienceKazi Nazrul UniversityAsansolIndia
| | - Samapika Nandy
- Department of Life SciencePresidency UniversityKolkataIndia
- School of PharmacyGraphic Era Hill UniversityDehradunIndia
| | - Abhijit Dey
- Department of Life SciencePresidency UniversityKolkataIndia
| | | | - Suprabhat Mukherjee
- Integrative Biochemistry & Immunology Laboratory, Department of Animal ScienceKazi Nazrul UniversityAsansolIndia
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Kulpa M, Goldsmith D, Verocai GG. An unusual case of Brugia sp. infection in a dog from Alberta, Canada. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2023; 37:100811. [PMID: 36623894 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2022.100811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Brugia is a vector-transmitted nematode that is commonly known for its zoonotic significance of causing lymphatic filariasis in Asia and Oceanic regions of the world. In addition to public health concerns, Brugia species have been known to infect domestic animals, including dogs and cats. However, information is scarce regarding genus Brugia in North America, and rare infections have been noted in domestic cats, humans, and other wild mammals. Herein, we document the first reported case of a Brugia species infection in a dog from North America and the first molecular characterization of the species in question. A three-year-old German Shepard from Alberta, Canada presented to a local veterinary clinic with a facial subcutaneous nodule that was surgically excised. Histopathology identified an enlarged buccal lymph node containing small foci of eosinophilic and granulomatous inflammation within the cortex and capsule. This inflammation was associated with adult filarioid nematodes localized within lymphatic vessels or adjacent connective tissue. Genomic DNA was extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue, and PCR targeting the Hha1 repeat and the partial cytochrome oxidase c subunit 1 (cox1) of the mitochondrial DNA confirmed parasite identity as Brugia sp. While we can rule out B. beaveri being the causative agent, we cannot exclude B. lepori infection or a third uncharacterized Brugia species. Veterinarians and physicians should be made aware of North American Brugia infections and their possible health concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Kulpa
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Dayna Goldsmith
- University of Calgary, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Guilherme G Verocai
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
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Kurcheid J, Gordon CA, Clarke NE, Wangdi K, Kelly M, Lal A, Mutombo PN, Wang D, Mationg ML, Clements ACA, Muhi S, Bradbury RS, Biggs B, Page W, Williams G, McManus DP, Gray D. Neglected tropical diseases in Australia: a narrative review. Med J Aust 2022; 216:532-538. [DOI: 10.5694/mja2.51533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Kurcheid
- Australian National University Canberra ACT
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute Basel Switzerland
| | | | - Naomi E Clarke
- Australian National University Canberra ACT
- Kirby Institute University of New South Wales Sydney NSW
| | | | | | - Aparna Lal
- Australian National University Canberra ACT
| | - Polydor N Mutombo
- National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine Southern Cross University Lismore NSW
| | | | | | | | - Stephen Muhi
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service Royal Melbourne Hospital Melbourne VIC
| | | | - Beverley‐Ann Biggs
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service Royal Melbourne Hospital Melbourne VIC
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Gorai S, Das NC, Gupta PSS, Panda SK, Rana MK, Mukherjee S. Designing efficient multi-epitope peptide-based vaccine by targeting the antioxidant thioredoxin of bancroftian filarial parasite. Infect Genet Evol 2022; 98:105237. [PMID: 35131521 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2022.105237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Thioredoxin is a low molecular weight redox-active protein of filarial parasite that plays a crucial role in downregulating the host immune response to prolong the survival of the parasite within the host body. It has the ability to cope up with the oxidative challenges posed by the host. Hence, the antioxidant protein of the filarial parasite has been suggested to be a useful target for immunotherapeutic intervention of human filariasis. In this study, we have designed a multi-epitope peptide-based vaccine using thioredoxin of Wuchereria bancrofti. Different MHC-I and MHC-II epitopes were predicted using various web servers to construct the vaccine model as MHC-I and MHC-II epitopes are crucial for the development of both humoral and cellular immune responses. Moreover, TLRs specific adjuvants were also incorporated into the vaccine candidates as TLRs are the key immunomodulator to execute innate immunity. Protein-protein molecular docking and simulation analysis between the vaccine and human TLR was performed. TLR5 is the most potent receptor to convey the vaccine-mediated inductive signal for eliciting an innate immune response. A satisfactory immunogenic report from an in-silico immune simulation experiment directed us to propose our vaccine model for experimental and clinical validation. The reverse translated vaccine sequence was also cloned in pET28a(+) to apply the concept in a wet lab experiment in near future. Taken together, this in-silico study on the design of a vaccine construct to target W. bancrofti thioredoxin is predicted to be a future hope in saving human-being from the threat of filariasis.
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Priyadharisini J, Singh AR, Kumar P. Breast filariasis presenting fibroadenoma like nodules: a rare diagnosis. J Parasit Dis. [DOI: 10.1007/s12639-022-01470-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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Ramzy RMR, Al Kubati AS. Progress towards elimination of lymphatic filariasis in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Int Health 2020; 13:S28-S32. [PMID: 33349874 PMCID: PMC7753164 DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihaa037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Lymphatic filariasis (LF), a neglected tropical disease, is targeted for global elimination as a public health problem. This article reviews the history of LF control and elimination activities in the countries of the World Health Organization's (WHO) Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) over the last 2 decades. In 2000, the estimated at-risk population in EMR countries was 12.6 million people, accounting for approximately 1% of the global disease burden. Of the 22 EMR countries, 3 countries (Egypt, Sudan and Yemen) were LF endemic and the disease was suspected in 4 other countries (Djibouti, Oman, Somalia and Saudi Arabia). After almost 2 decades of implementing sustained control and prevention measures, Egypt and Yemen were successfully validated by the WHO as having achieved the elimination criteria in 2017 and 2019, respectively. In 2018, Sudan completed mapping of LF, reaching 26.2% geographical coverage where mass drug administration (MDA) is required and is scaling-up MDA. Extensive epidemiological assessment indicated the absence of LF transmission in the four suspected countries and no MDA required. Challenges faced during the elimination and post-elimination phases are described and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reda M R Ramzy
- National Nutrition Institute, General Organization for Teaching Hospitals & Institutes, 16 Kasr El Aini St., Cairo 11441, Egypt
| | - Abdul Samid Al Kubati
- National Filariasis Elimination Programme & National Leprosy Elimination Program, Taiz, Republic of Yemen
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Manolas RK, Kama M, Rainima-Qaniuci M, Bechu VD, Tuibeqa S, Winston MV, Ram N, Naqio F, Ichimori K, Capuano C, Ozaki M, Kim SH, Aratchige P, Sahukhan A, Graves PM. Lymphatic filariasis in Fiji: progress towards elimination, 1997-2007. Trop Med Health 2020; 48:88. [PMID: 33132735 PMCID: PMC7592542 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-020-00245-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a major public health problem in the Pacific Region, including in Fiji. Through transmission by the mosquito vector Aedes, Fiji has suffered the burden of remaining endemic with LF despite efforts at elimination prior to 1999. In the year 1999, Fiji agreed to take part in the Pacific Programme for Elimination of LF (PacELF) and the Global Programme to Eliminate LF. Methods This study reviewed and collated past data on LF in Fiji between 1997 and 2007. Sources included published papers as well as unpublished PacELF and WHO program meeting and survey reports. Records were held at Fiji’s Department of Health and Medical Services, James Cook University and the WHO office in Suva, Fiji. Results Baseline surveys between 1997 and 2002 showed that Fiji was highly endemic for LF with an estimated 16.6% of the population antigen positive and 6.3% microfilaria positive at that time. Five rounds of annual mass drug administration (MDA) using albendazole and diethylcarbamazine commenced in 2002. Programmatic coverage reported was 58–70% per year, but an independent coverage survey in 2006 in Northern Division after the fifth MDA suggested that actual coverage may have been higher. Monitoring of the program consisted of antigen prevalence surveys in all ages with sentinel and spot check surveys carried out in 2002 (pre MDA), 2004, and 2005, together with knowledge, attitude, and practice surveys. The stop-MDA survey (C survey) in 2007 was a nationwide stratified cluster survey of all ages according to PacELF guidelines, designed to sample by administrative division to identify areas still needing MDA. The national antigen prevalence in 2007 was reduced by more than a third to 9.5%, ranging from 0.9% in Western Division to 15.4% in Eastern Division, while microfilaria prevalence was reduced by almost four-fifths to 1.4%. Having not reached the target threshold of 1% prevalence in all ages, Fiji wisely decided to continue MDA after 2007 but to move from nationwide implementation to four (later five) separate evaluation units with independent timelines using global guidelines, building on program experience to put more emphasis on increasing coverage through prioritized communication strategies, community participation, and morbidity alleviation. Conclusion Fiji conducted nationwide MDA for LF annually between 2002 and 2006, monitored by extensive surveys of prevalence, knowledge, and coverage. From a high baseline prevalence in all divisions, large reductions in overall and age-specific prevalence were achieved, especially in the prevalence of microfilariae, but the threshold for stopping MDA was not reached. Fiji has a large rural and geographically widespread population, program management was not consistent over this period, and coverage achieved was likely not optimal in all areas. After learning from these many challenges and activities, Fiji was able to build on the progress achieved and the heterogeneity observed in prevalence to realign towards a more stratified and improved program after 2007. The information presented here will assist the country to progress towards validating elimination in subsequent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosie K Manolas
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences and JCU WHO Collaborating Centre for Vector-Borne and Neglected Tropical Diseases, College of Public Health, James Cook University, Cairns and Townsville, Queensland Australia
| | - Mike Kama
- Fiji Centre for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Suva, Fiji
| | | | - Vinaisi D Bechu
- Fiji Centre for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Suva, Fiji
| | - Samuela Tuibeqa
- Fiji Centre for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Suva, Fiji
| | - Mareta V Winston
- Fiji Centre for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Suva, Fiji
| | - Nomeeta Ram
- Fiji Centre for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Suva, Fiji
| | - Flora Naqio
- Fiji Centre for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Suva, Fiji
| | - Kazuyo Ichimori
- WHO Office of Pacific Support, Suva, Fiji.,Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | | | | | - Sung Hye Kim
- Department of Environmental Biology and Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Aalisha Sahukhan
- Fiji Centre for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Suva, Fiji
| | - Patricia M Graves
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences and JCU WHO Collaborating Centre for Vector-Borne and Neglected Tropical Diseases, College of Public Health, James Cook University, Cairns and Townsville, Queensland Australia
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The global distribution of lymphatic filariasis, 2000-18: a geospatial analysis. Lancet Glob Health 2020; 8:e1186-e1194. [PMID: 32827480 PMCID: PMC7443698 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(20)30286-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Background Lymphatic filariasis is a neglected tropical disease that can cause permanent disability through disruption of the lymphatic system. This disease is caused by parasitic filarial worms that are transmitted by mosquitos. Mass drug administration (MDA) of antihelmintics is recommended by WHO to eliminate lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem. This study aims to produce the first geospatial estimates of the global prevalence of lymphatic filariasis infection over time, to quantify progress towards elimination, and to identify geographical variation in distribution of infection. Methods A global dataset of georeferenced surveyed locations was used to model annual 2000–18 lymphatic filariasis prevalence for 73 current or previously endemic countries. We applied Bayesian model-based geostatistics and time series methods to generate spatially continuous estimates of global all-age 2000–18 prevalence of lymphatic filariasis infection mapped at a resolution of 5 km2 and aggregated to estimate total number of individuals infected. Findings We used 14 927 datapoints to fit the geospatial models. An estimated 199 million total individuals (95% uncertainty interval 174–234 million) worldwide were infected with lymphatic filariasis in 2000, with totals for WHO regions ranging from 3·1 million (1·6–5·7 million) in the region of the Americas to 107 million (91–134 million) in the South-East Asia region. By 2018, an estimated 51 million individuals (43–63 million) were infected. Broad declines in prevalence are observed globally, but focal areas in Africa and southeast Asia remain less likely to have attained infection prevalence thresholds proposed to achieve local elimination. Interpretation Although the prevalence of lymphatic filariasis infection has declined since 2000, MDA is still necessary across large populations in Africa and Asia. Our mapped estimates can be used to identify areas where the probability of meeting infection thresholds is low, and when coupled with large uncertainty in the predictions, indicate additional data collection or intervention might be warranted before MDA programmes cease. Funding Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
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Grote A, Li Y, Liu C, Voronin D, Geber A, Lustigman S, Unnasch TR, Welch L, Ghedin E. Prediction pipeline for discovery of regulatory motifs associated with Brugia malayi molting. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008275. [PMID: 32574217 PMCID: PMC7337397 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Filarial nematodes can cause debilitating diseases in humans. They have complicated life cycles involving an insect vector and mammalian hosts, and they go through a number of developmental molts. While whole genome sequences of parasitic worms are now available, very little is known about transcription factor (TF) binding sites and their cognate transcription factors that play a role in regulating development. To address this gap, we developed a novel motif prediction pipeline, Emotif Alpha, that integrates ten different motif discovery algorithms, multiple statistical tests, and a comparative analysis of conserved elements between the filarial worms Brugia malayi and Onchocerca volvulus, and the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. We identified stage-specific TF binding motifs in B. malayi, with a particular focus on those potentially involved in the L3-L4 molt, a stage important for the establishment of infection in the mammalian host. Using an in vitro molting system, we tested and validated three of these motifs demonstrating the accuracy of the motif prediction pipeline. Diseases caused by parasitic worms such as the filariae are among the leading causes of morbidity in the developing world. Very little is known about how development is regulated in these vector-transmitted parasites. We have developed a computational method to identify motifs that correspond to transcription factor binding sites in the genome of the parasitic worm, Brugia malayi, one of the causative agents of lymphatic filariasis. Using this approach, we were able to predict stage-specific transcription factor binding sites involved in a stage of the molting process important for the establishment of the infection. We validated the role of these motifs using an in vitro molting system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Grote
- Department of Biology, Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, New York University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Yichao Li
- School of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Canhui Liu
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, Florida, United States of America
| | - Denis Voronin
- Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology, Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Adam Geber
- Department of Biology, Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, New York University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Sara Lustigman
- Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology, Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Thomas R. Unnasch
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, Florida, United States of America
| | - Lonnie Welch
- School of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, United States of America
- * E-mail: (LW); (EG)
| | - Elodie Ghedin
- Department of Biology, Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, New York University, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail: (LW); (EG)
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Ramzy RMR, Kamal HA, Hassan MA, Haggag AA. Elimination of lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem from the Arab Republic of Egypt. Acta Trop 2019; 199:105121. [PMID: 31400299 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.105121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Lymphatic filariasis (LF) has been known in Egypt since ancient times. By 1930s it was recognized to be a major public health problem in the Nile Delta, and to be caused by Wuchereria bancrofti and transmitted by Culex pipiens. Remarkably, as a result of widespread DEC treatment and intensive vector control by the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP), the infection rate of LF declined in the 1960s. However, relaxation of these efforts resulted in resurgence of filariasis in the 1980s and 1990s. In 2000, Egypt was among the first countries to join the WHO global efforts to eliminate LF as a public health problem by initiating a national LF elimination programme (NLFEP). This article reviews the history of LF control activities and summarizes the NLFEP extensive interventions to eliminate LF in Egypt. Based on MoHP data, mass drug administration (MDA) with DEC and ALB was started in 2000 in 161 implementation units (IUs). Additional IUs were included in subsequent MDA rounds, with the last IU included in 2007. MDA stopping surveys were conducted based on WHO guidelines (2005; 2011). Information about the presence of those suffering from lymphoedema/elephantiasis and hydrocele patients was collected, and care provided to those needing care in five rural health units (RHU) by primary health care system providers who were given training on LF morbidity management and disability prevention (MMDP). The NLFEP made excellent progress due to strong collaboration between different ministries, through intensive training and supervision, and the use of advocacy for mobilization of endemic communities. The epidemiological coverage for all MDA rounds was effectively ≥80%. Antigenemia levels found in schoolchildren during transmission assessment surveys (TAS) in 166 IUs approximately 10 years after stopping MDA was 0%. In 2017, TAS conducted in additional 29 IUs indicated 0.1% antigenemia and 0% microfilaremia. In 2015, the registration of chronic LF patients was updated to 1472 lymphoedema and 18 hydrocele patients. Lymphoedema patients were trained on self-management, and hydrocele patients were referred to local General Hospitals for surgery. Thus, after over a decade of sustained effort, Egypt met the WHO criteria for successful elimination of LF as a public health problem. In December 2017, WHO validated Egypt as the first country in the Eastern Mediterranean Region to successfully achieve elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reda M R Ramzy
- National Nutrition Institute, General Organization for Teaching Hospitals and Institutes, Cairo, Egypt.
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Heukelbach J. Control of Communicable Diseases in Human and in Animal Populations: 70th Anniversary of the Year of the Birth of Professor Rick Speare (2 August 1947–5 June 2016). Trop Med Infect Dis 2018; 3:106. [PMID: 30274502 PMCID: PMC6306830 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed3040106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Revised: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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