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1.
Vet Res ; 55(1): 126, 2024 Sep 30.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39350238

ABSTRACT

Long-chain fatty acid transport protein 1 (FATP1) is a member of the fatty acid transporter family. It facilitates transmembrane transport of fatty acids and participates in lipid metabolism. Lipids are essential components of the cell and organelle membranes of Trichinella spiralis. The nematode has lost the capacity to synthesise the necessary lipids de novo and has instead evolved to obtain fatty acids and their derivatives from its host. This study aims to ascertain the primary biological characteristics and roles of T. spiralis FATP1 (TsFATP1) in lipid metabolism, larval moulting, and the development of this nematode. The results show that TsFATP1 is highly expressed at enteral T. spiralis stages, mainly localised at the cuticle, the stichosome and the intrauterine embryos of the parasite. The silencing of the TsFATP1 gene by TsFATP1-specific dsRNA significantly decreases the expression levels of TsFATP1 in the worm. It reduces the contents of ATP, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and phospholipids both in vitro and in vivo. RNAi inhibits lipid metabolism, moulting, and the growth of this nematode. The results demonstrate that TsFATP1 plays an essential role in lipid metabolism, moulting, and the development of T. spiralis. It could also be a target candidate for the anti-Trichinella vaccine and drugs.


Subject(s)
Fatty Acid Transport Proteins , Helminth Proteins , Larva , Lipid Metabolism , Trichinella spiralis , Animals , Trichinella spiralis/genetics , Trichinella spiralis/physiology , Trichinella spiralis/metabolism , Trichinella spiralis/growth & development , Fatty Acid Transport Proteins/metabolism , Fatty Acid Transport Proteins/genetics , Larva/growth & development , Larva/metabolism , Helminth Proteins/metabolism , Helminth Proteins/genetics , Molting/physiology , Mice , Female , Trichinellosis/parasitology , Trichinellosis/veterinary
3.
Rev Bras Parasitol Vet ; 33(3): e005624, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39258638

ABSTRACT

Trichinellosis is a zoonotic disease that has been studied mainly in domestic pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus). The cycle involves infection in domestic and wild fauna, which fulfill complex ecological roles, where Trichinella spiralis is reported in wild boar (Sus scrofa). The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of trichinellosis in wild boar and evaluate the distance of positive animals to the nearest urbanization areas in Argentina Patagonia. Necropsies were carried out on wild boar hunted in the Nahuel Huapi and Lanín National Parks and surrounding areas. Skeletal muscle samples were collected from 1,694 wild boar and artificial digestion was performed on all samples. Trichinella spp. were found in 96 (5.8%) wild boar (0.2 to 424 Larvae/g). Parasitism in wild boar depends on the distribution of the population in natural and urban areas. Infected wild boar were found near peri-urban areas, demonstrating the importance of routine epidemiological surveillance and sanitary measures in and around cities. More research is needed to identify the Trichinella species that infect wild animals. We recommend the application of active and passive epidemiological surveillance in South America on exotic and native fauna that are hunted and consumed by humans.


Subject(s)
Sus scrofa , Swine Diseases , Trichinella , Trichinellosis , Animals , Sus scrofa/parasitology , Trichinellosis/epidemiology , Trichinellosis/veterinary , Trichinellosis/parasitology , Argentina/epidemiology , Swine Diseases/parasitology , Swine Diseases/epidemiology , Swine/parasitology , Trichinella/isolation & purification , Trichinella/classification , Disease Reservoirs/parasitology , Disease Reservoirs/veterinary , Prevalence , Introduced Species
4.
BMC Vet Res ; 20(1): 419, 2024 Sep 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39304848

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory potential of pumpkin seed oil in mice infected with Trichinella spiralis by demonstrating its impact on MMP-9 expression and pathogenesis during the intestinal and muscular phases. RESULTS: In this study, 100 mice were divided into five groups: an infected group, a pumpkin seed oil-treated group (1.5 mg/kg BW, administered three times per week), an albendazole-treated group, a native control group, and a pumpkin oil control group. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of the pumpkin seed oil revealed a broad spectrum of biologically active compounds. The pumpkin seed oil treatment led to a significant reduction in the parasite burden, with a 75% decrease in adult worms and a 66% decrease in encysted larvae. Additionally, the infected animals treated with pumpkin oil exhibited a marked reduction in intestinal inflammation, characterized by a progressive increase in goblet cells. The number of encysted larvae in the diaphragm and muscle tissues was also significantly decreased. Furthermore, pumpkin seed oil treatment significantly reduced MMP-9 levels in both intestinal and muscular tissues, highlighting its potential to attenuate inflammation. CONCLUSION: These findings underscore the effectiveness of pumpkin seed oil as anti-inflammatory and antiparasitic agent.


Subject(s)
Cucurbita , Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 , Plant Oils , Seeds , Trichinella spiralis , Trichinellosis , Animals , Plant Oils/pharmacology , Plant Oils/therapeutic use , Trichinellosis/drug therapy , Trichinellosis/parasitology , Cucurbita/chemistry , Mice , Seeds/chemistry , Matrix Metalloproteinase 9/metabolism , Trichinella spiralis/drug effects , Inflammation/drug therapy , Female , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/therapeutic use , Male , Anthelmintics/pharmacology , Anthelmintics/therapeutic use
5.
Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports ; 54: 101086, 2024 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39237230

ABSTRACT

Trichinella infections have been eliminated from pork where pigs are raised in biosecure facilities, but wildlife infections persist. Trichinella murrelli is the primary zoonotic species in wild carnivores in the United States, having been identified in several species of omnivores and carnivores. Here, we document its occurrence in seven of 21 (33.3%) red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from six counties in Pennsylvania. Encysted Trichinella larvae were detected in muscle squashes (<5 g samples) of all seven foxes, and in histological sections of the tongue and limb muscle of three. Larvae from muscle squashes were pooled and tested in a multiplex PCR capable of differentiating all Trichinella species native to the USA; all samples contained only T. murrelli. This is the first identification of T. murrelli in red foxes from Pennsylvania, and the first such survey performed in the last three decades. Results indicate that Trichinella remains endemic in Pennsylvania wildlife and a threat to the health of those who consume wild game.


Subject(s)
Foxes , Trichinella , Trichinellosis , Animals , Foxes/parasitology , Trichinellosis/veterinary , Trichinellosis/parasitology , Trichinellosis/epidemiology , Pennsylvania/epidemiology , Trichinella/isolation & purification , Trichinella/classification , Female , Animals, Wild/parasitology , Male , Larva/classification
6.
J Parasitol ; 110(4): 402-411, 2024 Jul 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39169852

ABSTRACT

Muscles of 25 bobcats (Lynx rufus) from remote areas of Mississippi in 2017 were tested for parasites. Testing for Sarcocystis infections included microscopic examination of fresh unstained muscle squashes, pepsin digestion of hearts and tongues, and histological sections of paraffin-embedded tissues. Sarcocystis spp. infections were detected in the muscles of 21 (84%) by a combination of methods. Sarcocysts were detected in the unstained tongue squashes of 2 bobcats. Sarcocystis sp. bradyzoites were detected in the pepsin digests of 3 of 19 hearts, and 12 of 19 tongues. In paraffin-embedded histological sections, sarcocysts were detected in 7 of 25 hearts, 17 of 25 tongues, and 5 of 23 limb muscles. Based on the character of the cyst wall, at least 3 morphologic types of sarcocysts were detected: those with small spikes on the cyst wall, corresponding to Sarcocystis felis, those with long villar protrusions, corresponding to Sarcocystis neurona, and those lacking visible cyst wall protrusions, representing an unidentified type of sarcocyst. Myositis associated with sarcocysts was seen in the tongues of 3, and in the limb muscles of 1 bobcat. Multilocus genotyping of the DNA extracted from paraffin-embedded sections from 2 bobcats, employing 18S, 28S, COI, ITS-1, and 5.8S and rpoB genes, diagnosed Sarcocystis caninum, S. felis, Sarcocystis lutrae, and S. neurona. An encapsulated species of Trichinella was identified in the tongue of 1; it represents the first documented occurrences in bobcats from Mississippi. Taken together, these observations suggest intensive exposure of these wild carnivores to Trichinella tissue cysts, implies predation or scavenging on these tissues promotes parasite transmission, and raises caution concerning zoonotic risk when such meat is rendered for human consumption.


Subject(s)
Lynx , Sarcocystis , Sarcocystosis , Tongue , Trichinella , Trichinellosis , Animals , Sarcocystosis/veterinary , Sarcocystosis/parasitology , Sarcocystis/classification , Sarcocystis/isolation & purification , Sarcocystis/genetics , Lynx/parasitology , Mississippi , Trichinellosis/veterinary , Trichinellosis/parasitology , Trichinella/isolation & purification , Trichinella/classification , Trichinella/genetics , Tongue/parasitology , Female , Male , Heart/parasitology , Muscle, Skeletal/parasitology , DNA, Protozoan/isolation & purification , DNA, Protozoan/chemistry , Prevalence
7.
Exp Parasitol ; 265: 108823, 2024 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39187057

ABSTRACT

Trichinosis is a common parasitic disease that affects the striated skeletal muscles, causing apoptotic and degenerative changes associated with myogenin expression in the affected myocytes. Hence, this study aimed to assess the ameliorative effects of stem cells and atorvastatin added to ivermectin on the infected myocytes during the muscular phase of murine trichinosis. 120 laboratory Swiss albino male mice were divided into 10 groups, and each group was subdivided into intestinal and muscular phases (each n = 6); uninfected control; untreated infected control; infected received ivermectin monotherapy; infected received atorvastatin monotherapy; infected received stem cells monotherapy; infected received ivermectin and atorvastatin dual therapy; infected received ivermectin and stem cells dual therapy; infected received atorvastatin and stem cells dual therapy; infected received ivermectin 0.2, atorvastatin 40, and stem cells triple therapy; and infected received ivermectin 0.1, atorvastatin 20, and stem cells triple therapy. Intestinal phase mice were sacrificed on the 5th day post-infection, while those of the muscular phase were sacrificed on the 35th day post-infection. Parasitological, histopathological, ultrastructural, histochemical, biochemical, and myogenin gene expression assessments were performed. The results revealed that mice that received ivermectin, atorvastatin, and stem cell triple therapies showed the maximum reduction in the adult worm and larvae burden, marked improvement in the underlying muscular degenerative changes (as was noticed by histopathological, ultrastructural, and histochemical Feulgen stain assessment), lower biochemical levels of serum NK-κB and tissue NO, and lower myogenin expression. Accordingly, the combination of stem cells, atorvastatin, and ivermectin affords a potential synergistic activity against trichinosis with considerable healing of the underlying degenerative sequel.


Subject(s)
Apoptosis , Atorvastatin , Ivermectin , Myogenin , Trichinellosis , Animals , Atorvastatin/pharmacology , Atorvastatin/therapeutic use , Male , Mice , Ivermectin/pharmacology , Ivermectin/therapeutic use , Trichinellosis/drug therapy , Trichinellosis/parasitology , Apoptosis/drug effects , Myogenin/genetics , Myogenin/metabolism , Muscle, Skeletal/parasitology , Muscle, Skeletal/pathology , Muscle, Skeletal/drug effects , Gene Expression/drug effects , Microscopy, Electron, Transmission , Stem Cell Transplantation , Trichinella spiralis/genetics , Trichinella spiralis/drug effects , Stem Cells/drug effects
8.
Res Vet Sci ; 179: 105381, 2024 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39213743

ABSTRACT

Trichinella spp. are cosmopolitan parasites that infect a wide range of hosts, with wildlife being the main reservoir of these zoonotic nematodes, especially red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and wolves (Canis lupus) due to their apex position in the food chain in most European countries. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of Trichinella spp. in these wild canids and their epidemiological role in the Campania region (southern Italy). From 2017 to 2023, the carcasses of red foxes (n = 352) and wolves (n = 41) were collected as part of a health surveillance plan. Muscle samples were analysed individually by artificial digestion and four (1.1%) red foxes and nine (21.9%) wolves tested positive for Trichinella britovi. All Trichinella isolates were identified as T. britovi by multiplex PCR. Statistically significant differences in prevalence were found by province (p-value = 0.05) for red foxes and sampling years (p-value = 0.01) for wolves. The prevalence was lower in red foxes than in wolves, probably due to the longer life expectancy of wolves compared to red foxes and the role of wolves as apex predators compared to red foxes as meso-carnivores. The results obtained confirm the important role that these wild canids play in the circulation of the parasite.


Subject(s)
Foxes , Trichinella , Trichinellosis , Wolves , Animals , Foxes/parasitology , Wolves/parasitology , Italy/epidemiology , Trichinella/isolation & purification , Trichinellosis/epidemiology , Trichinellosis/veterinary , Trichinellosis/parasitology , Prevalence , Animals, Wild/parasitology
9.
Int J Food Microbiol ; 425: 110889, 2024 Dec 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39214028

ABSTRACT

Trichinellosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Trichinella, with the main source of infection being the consumption of pork and pork-derived products. However, it can also be acquired from eating the meat from wild animals targeted for sport hunting. The objectives of this study were: 1) to develop and implement a molecular method for the identification of Sus scrofa (pig and wild boar) and Puma concolor (Puma) meat in sausages eaten raw, which were linked to trichinellosis outbreaks occurring in Córdoba, Buenos Aires and La Pampa provinces, Argentina, in 2010, 2021, and 2022, respectively; and 2) to identify the Trichinella species present in the food. Specific primers were designed for PCR amplification and nucleotide sequencing of a region of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene from both host species. Samples from the mentioned outbreaks were analysed, and the molecular identification of Trichinella spp. larvae was also performed. Results of the species identification system revealed that sausages from Córdoba and Buenos Aires had a mixed composition of pork and puma meat, while those from La Pampa contained puma meat only. Trichinella spiralis was implicated in all three outbreaks. The species identification system developed and implemented in this study revealed two host species of Trichinella related to human cases, and alerts about the risk of zoonotic transmission to humans through infected puma meat.


Subject(s)
Disease Outbreaks , Meat Products , Puma , Sus scrofa , Trichinellosis , Animals , Trichinellosis/epidemiology , Trichinellosis/transmission , Trichinellosis/parasitology , Meat Products/parasitology , Argentina/epidemiology , Puma/parasitology , Swine , Sus scrofa/parasitology , Humans , Trichinella spiralis/genetics , Trichinella spiralis/isolation & purification , Trichinella/genetics , Trichinella/isolation & purification , Trichinella/classification , Zoonoses/parasitology , Zoonoses/transmission
10.
Int J Mol Sci ; 25(13)2024 Jul 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39000473

ABSTRACT

Nematodes of the genus Trichinella are important pathogens of humans and animals. This study aimed to enhance the genomic and transcriptomic resources for T. pseudospiralis (non-encapsulated phenotype) and T. spiralis (encapsulated phenotype) and to explore transcriptional profiles. First, we improved the assemblies of the genomes of T. pseudospiralis (code ISS13) and T. spiralis (code ISS534), achieving genome sizes of 56.6 Mb (320 scaffolds, and an N50 of 1.02 Mb) and 63.5 Mb (568 scaffolds, and an N50 value of 0.44 Mb), respectively. Then, for each species, we produced RNA sequence data for three key developmental stages (first-stage muscle larvae [L1s], adults, and newborn larvae [NBLs]; three replicates for each stage), analysed differential transcription between stages, and explored enriched pathways and processes between species. Stage-specific upregulation was linked to cellular processes, metabolism, and host-parasite interactions, and pathway enrichment analysis showed distinctive biological processes and cellular localisations between species. Indeed, the secreted molecules calmodulin, calreticulin, and calsyntenin-with possible roles in modulating host immune responses and facilitating parasite survival-were unique to T. pseudospiralis and not detected in T. spiralis. These insights into the molecular mechanisms of Trichinella-host interactions might offer possible avenues for developing new interventions against trichinellosis.


Subject(s)
Transcriptome , Trichinella spiralis , Trichinella , Animals , Trichinella spiralis/genetics , Trichinella/genetics , Genomics/methods , Genome, Helminth , Gene Expression Profiling/methods , Larva/genetics , Larva/metabolism , Helminth Proteins/genetics , Helminth Proteins/metabolism , Species Specificity , Host-Parasite Interactions/genetics , Trichinellosis/parasitology , Trichinellosis/genetics
11.
Orbit ; 43(4): 474-479, 2024 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39083582

ABSTRACT

Rhabdomyoma of the orbit is a rare tumor with very few cases reported in the literature. We herein describe a 5-year-old boy who presented to us with a deviation of his left eye. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) showed a well-defined homogeneous intraconal mass in the superomedial aspect compressing the optic nerve. An excision biopsy was performed and the diagnosis of rhabdomyoma was confirmed on histopathology and immunohistochemistry with a coincidental finding of Trichinella spiralis larvae within the excised specimen. We report this phenomenon in two rare diseases with a predilection for striated muscle occurring simultaneously in a single patient.


Subject(s)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Orbital Neoplasms , Rhabdomyoma , Trichinellosis , Humans , Male , Rhabdomyoma/surgery , Rhabdomyoma/diagnosis , Rhabdomyoma/diagnostic imaging , Trichinellosis/diagnosis , Child, Preschool , Orbital Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Orbital Neoplasms/pathology , Orbital Neoplasms/surgery , Orbital Neoplasms/diagnosis , Animals , Trichinella spiralis/isolation & purification , Eye Infections, Parasitic/diagnosis , Eye Infections, Parasitic/surgery , Eye Infections, Parasitic/parasitology
12.
Exp Parasitol ; 263-264: 108805, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39032913

ABSTRACT

Right up to now, there has not been an effective or safe therapy for trichinellosis. Thus, this study aimed to determine the efficacy of prophylactic and therapeutic regimens of progesterone and mifepristone on the intestinal and muscular phases of experimental Trichinella spiralis infection compared to albendazole. Seven distinct groups of mice were divided as follows: negative, positive, and drug control groups, as well as prophylactic and treatment groups using mifepristone and progesterone. Mice were sacrificed on the 7th and 37th days after infection. Treatment efficacy was evaluated using parasitological techniques, histopathological examination, immunohistochemical staining, and ultrastructural morphological analysis of adult worms by scanning electron microscopy. The mice groups received progesterone (300 ng/ml) and mifepristone (100 ng/ml). They demonstrated a significant improvement in intestinal and muscular inflammation and a statistically significant decline in the adult worm burden and encysted larvae (P < 0.001). Moreover, immunohistochemical staining of vascular endothelial growth factor and mucosal mast cell analyses were coincided with the obtained parasitological results. There was notable destruction and degeneration of the adult worm tegument by using both drugs. The current study pointed out that progesterone and mifepristone may provide new insights regarding the development of vaccines and drug protocols to treat trichinellosis through their combined action in reducing the inflammation, affecting the intestinal immune cell, and decreasing the adult worm burden, and larval capsule development.


Subject(s)
Albendazole , Microscopy, Electron, Scanning , Mifepristone , Progesterone , Trichinella spiralis , Trichinellosis , Animals , Trichinellosis/drug therapy , Mice , Trichinella spiralis/drug effects , Trichinella spiralis/ultrastructure , Mifepristone/therapeutic use , Mifepristone/pharmacology , Albendazole/therapeutic use , Albendazole/pharmacology , Female , Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A , Immunohistochemistry , Mast Cells/drug effects , Anthelmintics/therapeutic use , Anthelmintics/pharmacology , Male
13.
Vet Med Sci ; 10(4): e1474, 2024 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38767566

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Parasitic diseases of pigs are a public and veterinary health problem. Helminths influence pork production, whereas backyard pigs can transmit these parasites. OBJECTIVES: This work aimed to investigate the prevalence of antibodies against Ascaris suum and Trichinella spiralis in backyard pigs from Jamiltepec, Region de la Costa, Oaxaca, in Southwestern Mexico. METHODS: Six hundred sixty-four serum samples were obtained from backyard pigs from 23 rural villages distributed in 5 municipalities; samples were taken in a non-probabilistic manner with the owner's consent. The presence of serum antibodies against a total extract of A. suum adult worm was determined by ELISA. In contrast, antibodies to the excretion-secretion products of the T. spiralis muscle larva were determined by Western blot. RESULTS: The global seroprevalence for A. suum was 5.12% and 2.41% for T. spiralis; however, antibodies were only found in 8 villages and distributed in 3 municipalities. The highest frequency of positivity for Ascaris was found in the municipality of Santa Catarina Mechoacán (13.01%), whereas, in Santa María Huazalotitlán, the highest frequency of positivity for Trichinella was found (5.75%). In San Andrés, frequencies were 7.23% and 4.82%, respectively. No statistical differences were observed between populations. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that helminth transmission is restricted by locality. However, further studies must be conducted to understand the factors limiting this transmission to promote pork meat production in parasite-free zones.


Subject(s)
Ascariasis , Ascaris suum , Swine Diseases , Trichinella spiralis , Trichinellosis , Animals , Mexico/epidemiology , Swine Diseases/epidemiology , Swine Diseases/parasitology , Trichinellosis/epidemiology , Trichinellosis/veterinary , Trichinellosis/parasitology , Swine , Ascariasis/epidemiology , Ascariasis/veterinary , Trichinella spiralis/isolation & purification , Trichinella spiralis/immunology , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Prevalence , Sus scrofa , Antibodies, Helminth/blood , Antibodies, Helminth/analysis , Rural Population/statistics & numerical data
14.
mBio ; 15(6): e0090524, 2024 Jun 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38727220

ABSTRACT

Hyperactivation of pro-inflammatory type 1 cytokines (e.g., tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α] and interferon gamma [IFN-γ]) mirrors the inflammation of coronavirus disease 2019. Helminths could alleviate excessive immune responses. Here, helminth Trichinella spiralis (Ts) infection was shown to protect against TNF-α- and IFN-γ-induced shock. Mechanistically, Ts-induced protection was interleukin-9 (IL-9) dependent but not IL-4Rα. Recombinant IL-9 treatment not only improved the survival of wild-type mice with TNF-α- and IFN-γ-induced shock but also that of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-infected K18-human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) mice, emphasizing the significance of IL-9 in alleviating cytokine storm syndromes during SARS-CoV-2 infection. Interestingly, Ts excretory/secretory (TsES)-induced protection was also observed in SARS-CoV-2 infection, indicating that identifying anti-inflammatory molecules from TsES could be a novel way to mitigate adverse pathological inflammation during pathogen infection.IMPORTANCESevere coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is linked to cytokine storm triggered by type 1 pro-inflammatory immune responses. TNF-α and IFN-γ shock mirrors cytokine storm syndromes, including COVID-19. Helminths (e.g., Trichinella spiralis, Ts) can potently activate anti-inflammatory type 2 immune response. Here, we found that helminth Ts-induced protection against TNF-α and IFN-γ shock was IL-9 dependent. Treatment with recombinant IL-9 could protect against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in K18-hACE2 mice. Helminth Ts excretory/secretory (TsES) products also ameliorated SARS-CoV-2 infection-related cytokine storm. In conclusion, our study emphasizes the significance of IL-9 in protecting from cytokine storm syndromes associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Anti-inflammatory molecules from TsES could be a new source to mitigate adverse pathological inflammation associated with infections, including COVID-19.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Cytokine Release Syndrome , Interleukin-9 , SARS-CoV-2 , Trichinella spiralis , Animals , COVID-19/immunology , Mice , Cytokine Release Syndrome/immunology , Cytokine Release Syndrome/drug therapy , Trichinella spiralis/immunology , SARS-CoV-2/immunology , Humans , Interleukin-9/metabolism , Interleukin-9/immunology , Interferon-gamma/immunology , Interferon-gamma/metabolism , Cytokines/metabolism , Cytokines/immunology , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/immunology , Disease Models, Animal , Trichinellosis/immunology , Female , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2/metabolism , Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2/genetics
15.
Exp Parasitol ; 262: 108775, 2024 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38735518

ABSTRACT

The limited activity of the traditional medications against T. spiralis encysted larvae handicaps complete cure of trichinellosis till now due to decreased permeability and absorption through tissues. MOX is listed worldwide for prevention and treatment of several internal and external nematodes. Consequently, the aim of this work was to investigate the effect of moxidectin versus ivermectin on experimental acute and chronic trichinellosis and to illuminate the potential mechanisms of their effects. 105 Mice were divided into four groups; Group I: Uninfected healthy control; Group II: Infected untreated control; Group III: Infected and treated with IVM and Group IV: Infected and treated with MOX. The groups (II, III and IV) were later subdivided equally into three subgroups (a, b, and c) according to the stage of treatment. Parasitological counting of adults and larvae besides immune-histopathological examination of intestines and muscles were done. Results exhibited that both IVM and MOX succeeded in reducing adults and larvae counts with higher potential of MOX in both intestinal and muscle phase. The preeminence of MOX was indicated by decreased inflammation, a significant reduction in the microvascular density (CD31 immunostaining) as well as a reduction in the percentage of fibroblast activation protein (FAP) immunostaining in muscle tissues. Accordingly, the current work recommends moxidectin as an innovative treatment for trichinellosis.


Subject(s)
Ivermectin , Macrolides , Trichinellosis , Animals , Trichinellosis/drug therapy , Trichinellosis/prevention & control , Trichinellosis/parasitology , Macrolides/therapeutic use , Macrolides/pharmacology , Mice , Ivermectin/therapeutic use , Ivermectin/pharmacology , Chronic Disease , Trichinella spiralis/drug effects , Acute Disease , Larva/drug effects , Female , Male , Anthelmintics/therapeutic use , Anthelmintics/pharmacology , Muscle, Skeletal/parasitology , Muscle, Skeletal/pathology
16.
MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep ; 73(20): 456-459, 2024 May 23.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38781100

ABSTRACT

Trichinellosis is a parasitic zoonotic disease transmitted through the consumption of meat from animals infected with Trichinella spp. nematodes. In North America, human trichinellosis is rare and is most commonly acquired through consumption of wild game meat. In July 2022, a hospitalized patient with suspected trichinellosis was reported to the Minnesota Department of Health. One week before symptom onset, the patient and eight other persons shared a meal that included bear meat that had been frozen for 45 days before being grilled and served rare with vegetables that had been cooked with the meat. Investigation identified six trichinellosis cases, including two in persons who consumed only the vegetables. Motile Trichinella larvae were found in remaining bear meat that had been frozen for >15 weeks. Molecular testing identified larvae from the bear meat as Trichinella nativa, a freeze-resistant species. Persons who consume meat from wild game animals should be aware that that adequate cooking is the only reliable way to kill Trichinella parasites and that infected meat can cross-contaminate other foods.


Subject(s)
Disease Outbreaks , Meat , Trichinellosis , Trichinellosis/epidemiology , Trichinellosis/diagnosis , Humans , Animals , Male , Minnesota/epidemiology , Female , Adult , South Dakota/epidemiology , Arizona/epidemiology , Meat/parasitology , Middle Aged , Trichinella/isolation & purification , Ursidae/parasitology , Adolescent , Aged , Young Adult
17.
Front Immunol ; 15: 1404752, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38690267

ABSTRACT

Helminths produce calreticulin (CRT) to immunomodulate the host immune system as a survival strategy. However, the structure of helminth-derived CRT and the structural basis of the immune evasion process remains unclarified. Previous study found that the tissue-dwelling helminth Trichinella spiralis produces calreticulin (TsCRT), which binds C1q to inhibit activation of the complement classical pathway. Here, we used x-ray crystallography to resolve the structure of truncated TsCRT (TsCRTΔ), the first structure of helminth-derived CRT. TsCRTΔ was observed to share the same binding region on C1q with IgG based on the structure and molecular docking, which explains the inhibitory effect of TsCRT on C1q-IgG-initiated classical complement activation. Based on the key residues in TsCRTΔ involved in the binding activity to C1q, a 24 amino acid peptide called PTsCRT was constructed that displayed strong C1q-binding activity and inhibited C1q-IgG-initiated classical complement activation. This study is the first to elucidate the structural basis of the role of TsCRT in immune evasion, providing an approach to develop helminth-derived bifunctional peptides as vaccine target to prevent parasite infections or as a therapeutic agent to treat complement-related autoimmune diseases.


Subject(s)
Calreticulin , Complement C1q , Immune Evasion , Trichinella spiralis , Trichinella spiralis/immunology , Complement C1q/immunology , Complement C1q/metabolism , Complement C1q/chemistry , Animals , Calreticulin/immunology , Calreticulin/chemistry , Calreticulin/metabolism , Crystallography, X-Ray , Protein Binding , Molecular Docking Simulation , Helminth Proteins/immunology , Helminth Proteins/chemistry , Complement Activation/immunology , Immunoglobulin G/immunology , Humans , Antigens, Helminth/immunology , Antigens, Helminth/chemistry , Trichinellosis/immunology , Trichinellosis/parasitology , Complement Pathway, Classical/immunology , Protein Conformation
18.
Exp Parasitol ; 261: 108752, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38604301

ABSTRACT

AIMS: We have previously reported reduction of anti-type II collagen (IIC) IgG levels in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) by Schistosoma mansoni (Sm) and Trichinella spiralis (Ts). To clarify the contribution of the impairment of humoral immunity to their anti-arthritic activities, we herein investigated the relationship between anti-IIC IgG levels and arthritic swelling in Sm- or Ts-infected mice. METHODS AND RESULTS: Male DBA/1J mice were infected with Sm cercariae or Ts muscle larvae prior to the IIC immunization. In the Sm-infected mice, paw swelling and anti-IIC IgG levels were continuously lower than those of non-infected control group. In contrast, arthritic swelling in the Ts-infected mice only decreased in the early phase of CIA progression, despite the continued impairment of anti-IIC IgG production throughout the experimental period. Correlation coefficients between residual paw swelling and anti-IIC IgG titers were similar or higher in the Sm group than in the control group, but were similar or lower in the Ts group than in the control group. CONCLUSION: The down-modulations of anti-IIC IgG levels by the two parasitic infections and the correlation analyses suggest that the anti-arthritic activity of Sm was primarily attributed to the modulation of IgG-independent arthritogenic mechanisms and secondarily to the impairment of anti-IIC IgG production. In contrast, Ts could alleviate CIA mainly via the impairment of antibody production.


Subject(s)
Arthritis, Experimental , Immunity, Humoral , Immunoglobulin G , Mice, Inbred DBA , Schistosoma mansoni , Schistosomiasis mansoni , Trichinella spiralis , Trichinellosis , Animals , Trichinella spiralis/immunology , Male , Mice , Immunoglobulin G/blood , Arthritis, Experimental/immunology , Schistosomiasis mansoni/immunology , Trichinellosis/immunology , Schistosoma mansoni/immunology , Collagen Type II/immunology , Antibodies, Helminth/blood
19.
Am J Case Rep ; 25: e943420, 2024 Apr 23.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38652711

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND Scleroderma is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by angiopathy, autoimmunity, and fibrosis. One form of scleroderma, systemic sclerosis, is characterized by diffuse skin lesions and visceral involvement. Eosinophilic pleural effusion is a rare complication attributed to a large array of diseases. We present a case of a man with underlying systemic sclerosis who developed eosinophilic pleural effusion as a complication of associated Trichinella spiralis infection. CASE REPORT A 49-year-old man presented for bilateral inflammatory radio-ulnar-carpal joint pain, paresthesia of the hands and forearms and a 2-week history of right posterior aching thoracic pain and night sweats. The physical examination revealed sclerodermatous skin involvement of the hands, forearms, and forehead, sclerodactyly, Raynaud's phenomenon, and telangiectasias, together with muffled cardiac sounds and right basal abolishment of the vesicular breath sounds. Imagistic evaluation showed the presence of pleuro-pericardial fluid. A thoracocentesis highlighted the presence of an exudative eosinophilic pleural effusion. Laboratory findings showed leukocytosis, with elevated neutrophil and eosinophil counts. The patient was tested for a parasitic infection, but initially the results were negative. He started anti-inflammatory treatment, but no reduction of the pleural fluid was observed. Subsequent evaluation revealed specific anti-trichinella IgG antibodies. Albendazole and corticosteroid therapy were initiated, which resulted in remission of the symptoms. CONCLUSIONS This report highlights the possibility of developing rare or even not-until-now seen complications when 2 etiologically different diseases are associated. The physician should carefully assess the situation to find and resolve the underlying causes.


Subject(s)
Eosinophilia , Pleural Effusion , Scleroderma, Systemic , Trichinella spiralis , Trichinellosis , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Scleroderma, Systemic/complications , Scleroderma, Systemic/diagnosis , Trichinellosis/complications , Trichinellosis/diagnosis , Pleural Effusion/etiology , Pleural Effusion/parasitology , Eosinophilia/parasitology , Eosinophilia/complications , Animals
20.
Microsc Res Tech ; 87(7): 1566-1575, 2024 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38430198

ABSTRACT

Trichinella spiralis infection is a food-borne zoonotic disease caused by nematodes that dwell in the tissues, presenting a significant public health concern. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of different treatments including silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), myrrh biosynthesized AgNPs "AgNPs synthesized using plant-based green technologies", myrrh extract, and myrrh essential oil, as alternative treatments against T. spiralis infection. Parasitological, histopathological, and cytotoxicity assessments were conducted to investigate the effects of various concentrations of these treatments in reducing the populations of adult worms and larvae during both the intestinal and muscular phases of T. spiralis-infected mice. The results showed that the highest antihelminthic efficacy against the intestinal phase of T. spiralis was achieved by myrrh extract (86.66%), followed closely by AgNPs (84.96%) and myrrh AgNPs (82.51%) at higher concentrations (800 mg/kg for myrrh extract, 40 µg/mL for AgNPs, and 40 µg/mL for myrrh AgNPs). While the group treated with myrrh essential oil showed the lowest percentage of adult reduction (78.14%). However, all treatments demonstrated comparable effects in reducing the larvae population in the muscle phase. Histopathological examination of the tissues revealed compelling evidence of the effectiveness of AgNPs, particularly when prepared with myrrh. Additionally, a comprehensive assessment of the cytotoxicity of AgNPs indicated low toxicity levels. This study supports that AgNPs synthesized using plant-based green technologies hold therapeutic potential for the treatment of T. spiralis infection. These findings present a promising avenue for the development of novel antiparasitic drugs that are both effective and safe. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Myrrh extract has the highest antihelminthic efficacy against the intestinal phase of T. spiralis. Histopathological examination of the tissues revealed compelling evidence of the effectiveness of AgNPs, particularly when prepared with myrrh. During intestinal phase of T. spiralis, varying levels of nanoparticle precipitation were detected in the liver, brain, lung, and intestine. During the muscular phase, the highest amount of AgNPs precipitation was detected in the liver, followed by the brain, and lung.


Subject(s)
Metal Nanoparticles , Plant Extracts , Silver , Trichinella spiralis , Trichinellosis , Animals , Trichinella spiralis/drug effects , Silver/pharmacology , Silver/chemistry , Metal Nanoparticles/chemistry , Metal Nanoparticles/therapeutic use , Mice , Trichinellosis/drug therapy , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Anthelmintics/pharmacology , Anthelmintics/therapeutic use , Commiphora/chemistry , Larva/drug effects , Female , Oils, Volatile/pharmacology , Oils, Volatile/chemistry , Disease Models, Animal , Terpenes
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