Pub Date : 2024-11-15DOI: 10.1017/S0031182024001392
Mackrina Winslow, Juan Pablo Villanueva-Cabezas, Vito Colella, Patricia T Campbell
Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections afflict people worldwide, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. Strongyloides stercoralis is distinctive from other STH nematodes by its complex life cycle features of autoinfection, parthenogenesis, and environmental reproduction. This scoping review aims to identify the structures, features, and techniques employed in existing STH models, emphasizing their potential application in describing S. stercoralis infection dynamics. A comprehensive search was conducted in the Medline, Embase, and Scopus databases for studies published until 14 June 2024. A total of 47 studies presenting a new model or novel adaptation of an existing model to human STH infection transmission were identified: only one described S. stercoralis transmission in humans. The identified models were predominantly deterministic and focused on the dynamics of mean worm load within hosts and the infectiousness of the environmental reservoir. One model addressed transmission in multi-host scenarios, as not all STH transmission cycles involve multiple hosts. Models were frequently used to simulate the effectiveness of mass drug administration, including drug efficacy and treatment coverage, while water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), health education, and vaccination were less explored. Given the limitation of individual-level data, compartmental models may be a reasonable starting point for S. stercoralis transmission. For a comprehensive understanding, incorporating parasite life cycle features into the model, exploring multi-host dynamics, including a diverse range of host heterogeneities, and assessing the impact of climatic factors like rainfall and land surface temperature on parasite survival in the environment may be beneficial, especially in settings where their importance is notable.
{"title":"A scoping review of transmission models for soil-transmitted helminth infections to underpin the development of a transmission model for <i>Strongyloides stercoralis</i>.","authors":"Mackrina Winslow, Juan Pablo Villanueva-Cabezas, Vito Colella, Patricia T Campbell","doi":"10.1017/S0031182024001392","DOIUrl":"10.1017/S0031182024001392","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections afflict people worldwide, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. <i>Strongyloides stercoralis</i> is distinctive from other STH nematodes by its complex life cycle features of autoinfection, parthenogenesis, and environmental reproduction. This scoping review aims to identify the structures, features, and techniques employed in existing STH models, emphasizing their potential application in describing <i>S. stercoralis</i> infection dynamics. A comprehensive search was conducted in the Medline, Embase, and Scopus databases for studies published until 14 June 2024. A total of 47 studies presenting a new model or novel adaptation of an existing model to human STH infection transmission were identified: only one described <i>S. stercoralis</i> transmission in humans. The identified models were predominantly deterministic and focused on the dynamics of mean worm load within hosts and the infectiousness of the environmental reservoir. One model addressed transmission in multi-host scenarios, as not all STH transmission cycles involve multiple hosts. Models were frequently used to simulate the effectiveness of mass drug administration, including drug efficacy and treatment coverage, while water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), health education, and vaccination were less explored. Given the limitation of individual-level data, compartmental models may be a reasonable starting point for <i>S. stercoralis</i> transmission. For a comprehensive understanding, incorporating parasite life cycle features into the model, exploring multi-host dynamics, including a diverse range of host heterogeneities, and assessing the impact of climatic factors like rainfall and land surface temperature on parasite survival in the environment may be beneficial, especially in settings where their importance is notable.</p>","PeriodicalId":19967,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology","volume":" ","pages":"1-14"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2024-11-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142625778","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-11-15DOI: 10.1017/S0031182024001458
Shane Gerald Middleton, Anson Koehler, Ian Beveridge
Specimens of Cloacina artemis, C. expansa, C. hera, C. hermes, C. hestia, C. magnipapillata, C. obtusa and C. selene, which occur in both of the closely related species of grey kangaroos, Macropus fuliginosus and M. giganteus, were found to differ genetically based on sequence data derived from the internal transcribed spacers (ITS-1, ITS-2) of ribosomal DNA. The extent of differences varied from a single base pair in C. expansa, to 32 in C. hestia. In the case of C. hera, C. hestia and C. magnipapillata, separate genotypes were found in M. fuliginosus and M. giganteus. With C. artemis, C. expansa, C. obtusa and C. selene, nematode genotypes did not correspond with host distributions. In C. hermes, two genotypes were detected but they were not related phylogenetically. The data provide evidence suggestive of genetic differentiation in most of the nematode species potentially associated with host speciation, but with differing degrees of genetic differentiation and different associations with the two host species possibly related to changes in the geographical distribution of the hosts over time.
{"title":"Host and geographically related genetic variation in species of <i>Cloacina</i> (Nematoda: Strongyloidea) from western and eastern grey kangaroos, <i>Macropus fuliginosus</i> and <i>M. giganteus</i> (Marsupialia: Macropodidae).","authors":"Shane Gerald Middleton, Anson Koehler, Ian Beveridge","doi":"10.1017/S0031182024001458","DOIUrl":"10.1017/S0031182024001458","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Specimens of <i>Cloacina artemis</i>, <i>C. expansa</i>, <i>C. hera</i>, <i>C. hermes</i>, <i>C. hestia</i>, <i>C. magnipapillata</i>, <i>C. obtusa</i> and <i>C. selene</i>, which occur in both of the closely related species of grey kangaroos, <i>Macropus fuliginosus</i> and <i>M. giganteus</i>, were found to differ genetically based on sequence data derived from the internal transcribed spacers (ITS-1, ITS-2) of ribosomal DNA. The extent of differences varied from a single base pair in <i>C. expansa</i>, to 32 in <i>C. hestia</i>. In the case of <i>C. hera</i>, <i>C. hestia</i> and <i>C. magnipapillata</i>, separate genotypes were found in <i>M. fuliginosus</i> and <i>M. giganteus</i>. With <i>C. artemis</i>, <i>C. expansa</i>, <i>C. obtusa</i> and <i>C. selene</i>, nematode genotypes did not correspond with host distributions. In <i>C. hermes</i>, two genotypes were detected but they were not related phylogenetically. The data provide evidence suggestive of genetic differentiation in most of the nematode species potentially associated with host speciation, but with differing degrees of genetic differentiation and different associations with the two host species possibly related to changes in the geographical distribution of the hosts over time.</p>","PeriodicalId":19967,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology","volume":" ","pages":"1-15"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2024-11-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142625790","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-11-15DOI: 10.1017/S0031182024001446
Monika Ostap-Chec, Jessica Cait, R Wilder Scott, Aneta Arct, Dawid Moroń, Marcin Rapacz, Krzysztof Miler
Nosemosis, caused by microsporidian parasites of the genus Nosema, is considered a significant health concern for insect pollinators, including the economically important honeybee (Apis mellifera). Despite its acknowledged importance, the impact of this disease on honeybee survivorship remains unclear. Here, a standard laboratory cage trial was used to compare mortality rates between healthy and Nosema-infected honeybees. Additionally, a systematic review and meta-analysis of existing literature were conducted to explore how nosemosis contributes to increased mortality in honeybees tested under standard conditions. The review and meta-analysis included 50 studies that reported relevant experiments involving healthy and Nosema-infected individuals. Studies lacking survivorship curves or information on potential moderators, such as spore inoculation dose, age of inoculated bees, or factors that may impact energy expenditure, were excluded. Both the experimental results and meta-analysis revealed a consistent, robust effect of infection, indicating a threefold increase in mortality among the infected group of honeybee workers (hazard ratio for infected individuals = 3.16 [1.97–5.07] and 2.99 [2.36–3.79] in the experiment and meta-analysis, respectively). However, the meta-analysis also indicated high heterogeneity in the effect magnitude, which was not explained by our moderators. Furthermore, there was a serious risk of bias within studies and potential publication bias across studies. The findings underscore knowledge gaps in the literature. It is stressed that laboratory cage trials should be viewed as an initial step in evaluating the impact of Nosema on mortality and that complementary field and apiary studies are essential for identifying effective treatments to preserve honeybee populations.
{"title":"Nosemosis negatively affects honeybee survival: experimental and meta-analytic evidence.","authors":"Monika Ostap-Chec, Jessica Cait, R Wilder Scott, Aneta Arct, Dawid Moroń, Marcin Rapacz, Krzysztof Miler","doi":"10.1017/S0031182024001446","DOIUrl":"10.1017/S0031182024001446","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Nosemosis, caused by microsporidian parasites of the genus <i>Nosema</i>, is considered a significant health concern for insect pollinators, including the economically important honeybee (<i>Apis mellifera</i>). Despite its acknowledged importance, the impact of this disease on honeybee survivorship remains unclear. Here, a standard laboratory cage trial was used to compare mortality rates between healthy and <i>Nosema</i>-infected honeybees. Additionally, a systematic review and meta-analysis of existing literature were conducted to explore how nosemosis contributes to increased mortality in honeybees tested under standard conditions. The review and meta-analysis included 50 studies that reported relevant experiments involving healthy and <i>Nosema</i>-infected individuals. Studies lacking survivorship curves or information on potential moderators, such as spore inoculation dose, age of inoculated bees, or factors that may impact energy expenditure, were excluded. Both the experimental results and meta-analysis revealed a consistent, robust effect of infection, indicating a threefold increase in mortality among the infected group of honeybee workers (hazard ratio for infected individuals = 3.16 [1.97–5.07] and 2.99 [2.36–3.79] in the experiment and meta-analysis, respectively). However, the meta-analysis also indicated high heterogeneity in the effect magnitude, which was not explained by our moderators. Furthermore, there was a serious risk of bias within studies and potential publication bias across studies. The findings underscore knowledge gaps in the literature. It is stressed that laboratory cage trials should be viewed as an initial step in evaluating the impact of <i>Nosema</i> on mortality and that complementary field and apiary studies are essential for identifying effective treatments to preserve honeybee populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":19967,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology","volume":" ","pages":"1-13"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2024-11-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142625807","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-11-14DOI: 10.1017/S0031182024001422
Linh Thi Khanh Pham, Dong Van Quyen, Weerachai Saijuntha, Huong Thi Thanh Doan, Thanh Hoa Le, Scott P Lawton
{"title":"Mitogenomics of the zoonotic parasite <i>Echinostoma miyagawai</i> and insights into the evolution of tandem repeat regions within the mitochondrial non-coding control region.","authors":"Linh Thi Khanh Pham, Dong Van Quyen, Weerachai Saijuntha, Huong Thi Thanh Doan, Thanh Hoa Le, Scott P Lawton","doi":"10.1017/S0031182024001422","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1017/S0031182024001422","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":19967,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology","volume":" ","pages":"1-41"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2024-11-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142625800","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-11-12DOI: 10.1017/S0031182024001197
Milen Nachev, Michael Hohenadler, Nicklas Bröckers, Daniel Grabner, Bernd Sures
Ponto-Caspian gobies became highly abundant in many regions outside their native distribution range (e.g. in the Rhine River system). In the newly invaded habitats, the parasite communities of the invasive gobies are characterized by a lower species richness compared to their native range. Interestingly, acanthocephalans of the genus Pomphorhynchus are highly abundant, although they do not become mature and mostly remain encapsulated in the abdominal cavity as preadults. Thus, gobiids could either represent a dead-end host for Pomphorhynchus sp. declining its population (dilution effect) or act as a paratenic host that could increase the infection pressure if the infected gobies are preyed upon by appropriate definitive hosts (spill back). To determine which of the 2 scenarios the gobiids contribute to, we conducted 2 infection experiments using smaller and larger individuals of the definitive host chub (Squalius cephalus), infected with preadults of Pomphorhynchus sp. collected from the abdominal cavity of Neogobius melanostomus. The results showed that preadults were able to complete their development and mature in the definitive host with mean recovery rates of 17.9% in smaller and 27.0% in larger chubs. Successful infections were observed in 62.0% and 80.0% of the smaller and larger chubs, respectively. Our study demonstrated that gobies can theoretically serve as a paratenic host for acanthocephalans of the genus Pomphorhynchus, and that infection might spill back into the local fish community if infected gobies are preyed upon by suitable definitive hosts of Pomphorhynchus sp. such as large barbel or chub.
{"title":"Suitability of invasive gobies as paratenic hosts for acanthocephalans of the genus <i>Pomphorhynchus</i> sp.","authors":"Milen Nachev, Michael Hohenadler, Nicklas Bröckers, Daniel Grabner, Bernd Sures","doi":"10.1017/S0031182024001197","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1017/S0031182024001197","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Ponto-Caspian gobies became highly abundant in many regions outside their native distribution range (e.g. in the Rhine River system). In the newly invaded habitats, the parasite communities of the invasive gobies are characterized by a lower species richness compared to their native range. Interestingly, acanthocephalans of the genus <i>Pomphorhynchus</i> are highly abundant, although they do not become mature and mostly remain encapsulated in the abdominal cavity as preadults. Thus, gobiids could either represent a dead-end host for <i>Pomphorhynchus</i> sp. declining its population (dilution effect) or act as a paratenic host that could increase the infection pressure if the infected gobies are preyed upon by appropriate definitive hosts (spill back). To determine which of the 2 scenarios the gobiids contribute to, we conducted 2 infection experiments using smaller and larger individuals of the definitive host chub (<i>Squalius cephalus</i>), infected with preadults of <i>Pomphorhynchus</i> sp. collected from the abdominal cavity of <i>Neogobius melanostomus</i>. The results showed that preadults were able to complete their development and mature in the definitive host with mean recovery rates of 17.9% in smaller and 27.0% in larger chubs. Successful infections were observed in 62.0% and 80.0% of the smaller and larger chubs, respectively. Our study demonstrated that gobies can theoretically serve as a paratenic host for acanthocephalans of the genus <i>Pomphorhynchus</i>, and that infection might spill back into the local fish community if infected gobies are preyed upon by suitable definitive hosts of <i>Pomphorhynchus</i> sp. such as large barbel or chub.</p>","PeriodicalId":19967,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology","volume":" ","pages":"1-8"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2024-11-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142625814","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-11-08DOI: 10.1017/S0031182024001069
Chador Tenzin, Tashi Dendup, P R Torgerson, Peter Deplazes, Sonam Zangmo, Chador Wangmo, Tsheten Tsheten, Tandin Zangpo
Cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by Echinococcus granulosus s.l. is a neglected zoonosis posing a significant public health challenge. Little is known about human CE in Bhutan. This study was conducted to gain an understanding of the burden, distribution, and potential risk factors of CE in Bhutan. From January 2015 to December 2019 data from Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH) and 6 other district-level hospitals were reviewed. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. DALYs and Poisson regression models were used to estimate the burden and explore the relationship between cases and possible risk factors. A total of 159 cases were recorded. Most cases (145) were admitted to the surgical ward and 14 cases were referred to India. The average annual incidence was 4.4 cases per 100 000 population. The burden of disease was estimated to be approximately 39 DALYs per year for treatment-seeking cases, or possibly 80 DALYs per year including non-treatment seeking cases. This translates to approximately to 5.2 DALYs and 10.2 per 100 000 per year respectively. The commonest sites of infection were the liver (78%) and lungs (13%). Most cases were treated with surgery (>82%), and more than 47% were admitted to the hospital for >4 days. Policy interventions targeting community engagement, awareness, education, high risk occupational groups, females, and those living in the endemic districts of the central and western regions may yield larger gains. More studies and the institution of a surveillance system can help better guide policy interventions.
由粒细胞棘球蚴引起的囊性棘球蚴病(CE)是一种被忽视的人畜共患疾病,对公共卫生构成重大挑战。人们对不丹的人类包虫病知之甚少。本研究旨在了解不丹 CE 的负担、分布和潜在风险因素。研究回顾了2015年1月至2019年12月吉格梅-多吉-旺楚克国家转诊医院(Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital,JDWNRH)和其他6家县级医院的数据。描述性统计用于总结数据。使用残疾调整生命年(DALYs)和泊松回归模型估算负担,并探讨病例与可能的风险因素之间的关系。共记录了 159 个病例。大多数病例(145 例)在外科病房住院,14 例被转诊到印度。年平均发病率为每 10 万人 4.4 例。据估计,寻求治疗的病例每年造成的疾病负担约为 39 DALYs,包括不寻求治疗的病例在内,每年可能造成 80 DALYs 的疾病负担。这分别相当于每 10 万人每年约 5.2 DALYs 和 10.2 DALYs。最常见的感染部位是肝脏(78%)和肺部(13%)。大多数病例都接受了手术治疗(超过 82%),超过 47% 的病例住院时间超过 4 天。针对社区参与、宣传、教育、高风险职业群体、女性以及居住在中西部流行区的人群的政策干预措施可能会取得更大的成效。更多的研究和监测系统的建立有助于更好地指导政策干预。
{"title":"The burden and distribution of cystic echinococcosis in Bhutan: a retrospective study.","authors":"Chador Tenzin, Tashi Dendup, P R Torgerson, Peter Deplazes, Sonam Zangmo, Chador Wangmo, Tsheten Tsheten, Tandin Zangpo","doi":"10.1017/S0031182024001069","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1017/S0031182024001069","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by <i>Echinococcus granulosus s.l.</i> is a neglected zoonosis posing a significant public health challenge. Little is known about human CE in Bhutan. This study was conducted to gain an understanding of the burden, distribution, and potential risk factors of CE in Bhutan. From January 2015 to December 2019 data from Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH) and 6 other district-level hospitals were reviewed. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. DALYs and Poisson regression models were used to estimate the burden and explore the relationship between cases and possible risk factors. A total of 159 cases were recorded. Most cases (145) were admitted to the surgical ward and 14 cases were referred to India. The average annual incidence was 4.4 cases per 100 000 population. The burden of disease was estimated to be approximately 39 DALYs per year for treatment-seeking cases, or possibly 80 DALYs per year including non-treatment seeking cases. This translates to approximately to 5.2 DALYs and 10.2 per 100 000 per year respectively. The commonest sites of infection were the liver (78%) and lungs (13%). Most cases were treated with surgery (>82%), and more than 47% were admitted to the hospital for >4 days. Policy interventions targeting community engagement, awareness, education, high risk occupational groups, females, and those living in the endemic districts of the central and western regions may yield larger gains. More studies and the institution of a surveillance system can help better guide policy interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":19967,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology","volume":" ","pages":"1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2024-11-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142605764","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Human alveolar echinococcosis is a hard-to-treat and largely untreated parasitic disease with high associated health care costs. The current antiparasitic treatment for alveolar echinococcosis relies exclusively on albendazole, which does not act parasiticidally and can induce severe adverse effects. Alternative, and most importantly, improved treatment options are urgently required. A drug repurposing strategy identified the approved antimalarial pyronaridine as a promising candidate against Echinococcus multilocularis infections. Following a 30-day oral regimen (80 mg kg−1 day−1), pyronaridine achieved an excellent therapeutic outcome in a clinically relevant hepatic alveolar echinococcosis murine model, showing a significant reduction in both metacestode size (72.0%) and counts (85.2%) compared to unmedicated infected mice, which revealed significantly more potent anti-echinococcal potency than albendazole treatment at an equal dose (metacestode size: 42.3%; counts: 4.1%). The strong parasiticidal activity of pyronaridine was further confirmed by the destructive damage to metacestode tissues observed morphologically. In addition, a screening campaign combined with computational similarity searching against an approved drug library led to the identification of pirenzepine, a gastric acid-inhibiting drug, exhibiting potent parasiticidal activity against protoscoleces and in vitro cultured small cysts, which warranted further in vivo investigation as a promising anti-echinococcal lead compound. Pyronaridine has a known drug profile and a long track record of safety, and its repurposing could translate rapidly to clinical use for human patients with alveolar echinococcosis as an alternative or salvage treatment.
{"title":"Drug repurposing for hard-to-treat human alveolar echinococcosis: pyronaridine and beyond.","authors":"Weisi Wang, Jun Li, Wenjing Qi, Ying Chen, Mengxiao Tian, Chuanchuan Wu, Yao Zhang, Yingfang Yu, Shuai Han, Xiumin Han, Liping Duan, Wenbao Zhang","doi":"10.1017/S0031182024001124","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1017/S0031182024001124","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Human alveolar echinococcosis is a hard-to-treat and largely untreated parasitic disease with high associated health care costs. The current antiparasitic treatment for alveolar echinococcosis relies exclusively on albendazole, which does not act parasiticidally and can induce severe adverse effects. Alternative, and most importantly, improved treatment options are urgently required. A drug repurposing strategy identified the approved antimalarial pyronaridine as a promising candidate against <i>Echinococcus multilocularis</i> infections. Following a 30-day oral regimen (80 mg kg<sup>−1</sup> day<sup>−1</sup>), pyronaridine achieved an excellent therapeutic outcome in a clinically relevant hepatic alveolar echinococcosis murine model, showing a significant reduction in both metacestode size (72.0%) and counts (85.2%) compared to unmedicated infected mice, which revealed significantly more potent anti-echinococcal potency than albendazole treatment at an equal dose (metacestode size: 42.3%; counts: 4.1%). The strong parasiticidal activity of pyronaridine was further confirmed by the destructive damage to metacestode tissues observed morphologically. In addition, a screening campaign combined with computational similarity searching against an approved drug library led to the identification of pirenzepine, a gastric acid-inhibiting drug, exhibiting potent parasiticidal activity against protoscoleces and <i>in vitro</i> cultured small cysts, which warranted further <i>in vivo</i> investigation as a promising anti-echinococcal lead compound. Pyronaridine has a known drug profile and a long track record of safety, and its repurposing could translate rapidly to clinical use for human patients with alveolar echinococcosis as an alternative or salvage treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":19967,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology","volume":" ","pages":"1-8"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2024-11-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142591121","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The study aimed to assess the heterogeneity in the distribution of disease awareness, attitudes, and practices related to cystic echinococcosis (CE) in different subgroups and inform health authorities regionally and globally for future evidence-based tailored prevention practices in the region. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 242 participants from Kyrgyz Republic (KR), Issyk-Kul oblast, and utilized survey data to analyse demographics, household information, echinococcosis-related practices, and knowledge. Participants in high-risk environments (HRE) and engaging in high-risk behaviours (HRB) linked to CE contracting were identified. Out of 242 participants, 39% lived in HRE, with 22% engaging in HRB of contracting CE. 13% lived in HRE and engaged in HRB. Only 6% followed all preventive measures, while 56% followed some. 97.5% of participants had heard about CE, but only 6% identified all transmission routes, and 63.4% were unaware of dog contact as a route. Education reduced the odds of being in the highest risk group (HRE&HRB) (OR 0.5, 95% CI 0.23–0.80). The study's findings are alarming, emphasizing factors contributing to regional endemicity. We anticipated a similar pattern in the neighbouring countries, given the shared nomadic customs and historical parallels. Examination of the heterogeneity of disease awareness and practices allows tailored prevention strategies. Urgent prevention programmes focusing on echinococcosis awareness in the KR are crucial to addressing challenges posed by nomadic habits.
该研究旨在评估不同亚组中与囊性包虫病(CE)相关的疾病意识、态度和实践分布的异质性,并为区域和全球卫生当局提供信息,以便将来在该地区开展基于证据的量身定制的预防实践。对来自吉尔吉斯斯坦伊塞克-库尔州的242名参与者进行了横断面研究,并利用调查数据分析人口统计学、家庭信息、棘球蚴病相关实践和知识。确定了高风险环境(HRE)和从事与CE合同相关的高风险行为(HRB)的参与者。在242名参与者中,39%的人生活在HRE, 22%的人从事HRB或感染CE。13%居住在HRE并从事HRB。只有6%的人采取了所有预防措施,而56%的人采取了一些措施。97.5%的参与者听说过CE,但只有6%的参与者确定了所有传播途径,63.4%的参与者不知道狗接触是一种途径。受教育程度降低了成为高危人群(HRE&HRB)的几率(OR 0.5, 95% CI 0.23-0.80)。这项研究的结果令人担忧,它强调了导致地区地方性的因素。考虑到共同的游牧习俗和历史上的相似之处,我们预计邻国也会出现类似的模式。对疾病认识和实践的异质性进行检查,可以制定有针对性的预防战略。紧急预防规划的重点是提高克罗地亚对棘球蚴病的认识,这对于解决游牧习惯带来的挑战至关重要。
{"title":"Neglected yet pervasive: echinococcosis awareness and prevention capacity in Kyrgyzstan.","authors":"Dmitry Vishniakov, Mairamkul Turdumambetova, Nazgul Matkerimova, Kenesh Dzhusupov, Zildiz Sultanbaeva, Eldar Rafibekov","doi":"10.1017/S0031182024001343","DOIUrl":"10.1017/S0031182024001343","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The study aimed to assess the heterogeneity in the distribution of disease awareness, attitudes, and practices related to cystic echinococcosis (CE) in different subgroups and inform health authorities regionally and globally for future evidence-based tailored prevention practices in the region. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 242 participants from Kyrgyz Republic (KR), Issyk-Kul oblast, and utilized survey data to analyse demographics, household information, echinococcosis-related practices, and knowledge. Participants in high-risk environments (HRE) and engaging in high-risk behaviours (HRB) linked to CE contracting were identified. Out of 242 participants, 39% lived in HRE, with 22% engaging in HRB of contracting CE. 13% lived in HRE and engaged in HRB. Only 6% followed all preventive measures, while 56% followed some. 97.5% of participants had heard about CE, but only 6% identified all transmission routes, and 63.4% were unaware of dog contact as a route. Education reduced the odds of being in the highest risk group (HRE&HRB) (OR 0.5, 95% CI 0.23–0.80). The study's findings are alarming, emphasizing factors contributing to regional endemicity. We anticipated a similar pattern in the neighbouring countries, given the shared nomadic customs and historical parallels. Examination of the heterogeneity of disease awareness and practices allows tailored prevention strategies. Urgent prevention programmes focusing on echinococcosis awareness in the KR are crucial to addressing challenges posed by nomadic habits.</p>","PeriodicalId":19967,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology","volume":" ","pages":"1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2024-10-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142505757","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-28DOI: 10.1017/S0031182024001379
Lucas F Arce, Florencia Facelli Fernández, Nahili Giorello, Marcos Butti, Lucas L Maldonado, Juan P Arrabal, María B Natalini, Martín Kowalewski, Daniela Pedrassani, Carol Silveira Mascarenhas, Josaine C da Silva Rappeti, Florencia Zilli, Pablo M Beldomenico, Verónica Lia, Gisela R Franchini, Laura Kamenetzky
{"title":"Genetic diversity of <i>Dioctophyme renale</i> in Southern South America.","authors":"Lucas F Arce, Florencia Facelli Fernández, Nahili Giorello, Marcos Butti, Lucas L Maldonado, Juan P Arrabal, María B Natalini, Martín Kowalewski, Daniela Pedrassani, Carol Silveira Mascarenhas, Josaine C da Silva Rappeti, Florencia Zilli, Pablo M Beldomenico, Verónica Lia, Gisela R Franchini, Laura Kamenetzky","doi":"10.1017/S0031182024001379","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1017/S0031182024001379","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":19967,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology","volume":" ","pages":"1-38"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2024-10-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142505755","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-21DOI: 10.1017/S0031182024000945
Roxanne Barosi, Gérald Umhang
Cystic and alveolar echinococcosis are considered the second and third most significant foodborne parasitic diseases worldwide. The microscopic eggs excreted in the feces of the definitive host are the only source of contamination for intermediate and dead-end hosts, including humans. However, estimating the respective contribution of the environment, fomites, animals or food in the transmission of Echinococcus eggs is still challenging. Echinococcus granulosus and E. multilocularis seem to have a similar survival capacity regarding temperature under laboratory conditions. In addition, field experiments have reported that the eggs can survive several weeks to years outdoors, with confirmation of the relative susceptibility of Echinococcus eggs to desiccation. Bad weather (such as rain and wind), invertebrates and birds help scatter Echinococcus eggs in the environment and may thus impact human exposure. Contamination of food and the environment by taeniid eggs has been the subject of renewed interest in the past decade. Various matrices from endemic regions have been found to be contaminated by Echinococcus eggs. These include water, soil, vegetables and berries, with heterogeneous rates highlighting the need to acquire more robust data so as to obtain an accurate assessment of the risk of human infection. In this context, it is essential to use efficient methods of detection and to develop methods for evaluating the viability of eggs in the environment and food.
{"title":"Presence of <i>Echinococcus</i> eggs in the environment and food: a review of current data and future prospects.","authors":"Roxanne Barosi, Gérald Umhang","doi":"10.1017/S0031182024000945","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1017/S0031182024000945","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cystic and alveolar echinococcosis are considered the second and third most significant foodborne parasitic diseases worldwide. The microscopic eggs excreted in the feces of the definitive host are the only source of contamination for intermediate and dead-end hosts, including humans. However, estimating the respective contribution of the environment, fomites, animals or food in the transmission of <i>Echinococcus</i> eggs is still challenging. <i>Echinococcus granulosus</i> and <i>E. multilocularis</i> seem to have a similar survival capacity regarding temperature under laboratory conditions. In addition, field experiments have reported that the eggs can survive several weeks to years outdoors, with confirmation of the relative susceptibility of <i>Echinococcus</i> eggs to desiccation. Bad weather (such as rain and wind), invertebrates and birds help scatter <i>Echinococcus</i> eggs in the environment and may thus impact human exposure. Contamination of food and the environment by taeniid eggs has been the subject of renewed interest in the past decade. Various matrices from endemic regions have been found to be contaminated by <i>Echinococcus</i> eggs. These include water, soil, vegetables and berries, with heterogeneous rates highlighting the need to acquire more robust data so as to obtain an accurate assessment of the risk of human infection. In this context, it is essential to use efficient methods of detection and to develop methods for evaluating the viability of eggs in the environment and food.</p>","PeriodicalId":19967,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology","volume":" ","pages":"1-16"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2024-10-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142472254","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}