RESUMEN
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by the helminth Schistosoma spp. and has the second highest global impact of all parasites. Schistosoma are transmitted through contact with contaminated fresh water predominantly in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and South America. Due to the widespread prevalence of Schistosoma, co-infection with other infectious agents is common but often poorly described. Herein, we review recent literature describing the impact of Schistosoma co-infection between species and Schistosoma co-infection with blood-borne protozoa, soil-transmitted helminths, various intestinal protozoa, Mycobacterium, Salmonella, various urinary tract infection-causing agents, and viral pathogens. In each case, disease severity and, of particular interest, the immune landscape, are altered as a consequence of co-infection. Understanding the impact of schistosomiasis co-infections will be important when considering treatment strategies and vaccine development moving forward.
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Coinfección , Helmintiasis , Esquistosomiasis , Humanos , Coinfección/epidemiología , Coinfección/parasitología , Esquistosomiasis/complicaciones , Esquistosomiasis/epidemiología , Esquistosomiasis/parasitología , África , Suelo/parasitología , Prevalencia , Helmintiasis/complicaciones , Helmintiasis/epidemiología , Helmintiasis/parasitologíaRESUMEN
Schistosome infection and schistosome-derived products have been implicated in the prevention and alleviation of inflammatory bowel disease by manipulating the host immune response, whereas the role of gut microbiota in this protective effect remains poorly understood. In this study, we found that the intraperitoneal immunization with Schistosoma japonicum eggs prior to dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) application significantly ameliorated the symptoms of DSS-induced acute colitis, which was characterized by higher body weight, lower disease activity index score and macroscopic inflammatory scores. We demonstrated that the immunomodulatory effects of S. japonicum eggs were accompanied by an influence on gut microbiota composition, abundance, and diversity, which increased the abundance of genus Turicibacter, family Erysipelotrichaceae, phylum Firmicutes, and decreased the abundance of genus Odoribacter, family Marinifilaceae, order Bacteroidales, class Bacteroidia, phylum Bacteroidota. In addition, Lactobacillus was identified as a biomarker that distinguishes healthy control mice from DSS-induced colitis mice. The present study revealed the importance of the gut microbiota in S. japonicum eggs exerting protective effects in an experimental ulcerative colitis (UC) model, providing an alternative strategy for the discovery of UC prevention and treatment drugs.
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Colitis Ulcerosa , Sulfato de Dextran , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Microbioma Gastrointestinal , Schistosoma japonicum , Animales , Microbioma Gastrointestinal/efectos de los fármacos , Colitis Ulcerosa/microbiología , Colitis Ulcerosa/inmunología , Ratones , Schistosoma japonicum/inmunología , Sulfato de Dextran/toxicidad , Femenino , Inmunización/métodos , Óvulo , Ratones Endogámicos C57BLRESUMEN
Immunomodulation enhances parasite fitness by reducing inflammation-induced morbidity in the mammalian host, as well as by attenuating parasite-targeting immune responses. Using a whole proteome differential screening method, we identified Schistosoma japonicum Helminth Defense Molecule (SjHDM-1) as a target of antibodies expressed by S. japonicum resistant, but not susceptible, individuals. In a longitudinal cohort study (N=644) conducted in a S. japonicum endemic region of the Philippines, antibody levels to SjHDM-1 did not predict resistance to reinfection but were associated with increased measures of inflammation. Individuals with high levels of anti-SjHDM-1 IgG had higher levels of C-reactive protein compared to individuals with low anti-SjHDM-1. High anti-SjHDM-1 IgG responses were also associated with reduced biomarkers of nutritional status (albumin), as well as decreased anthropometric measures of nutritional status (WAZ and HAZ) and increased measures of hepatomegaly. Our results suggest that anti-SjHDM-1 responses inhibit the immunomodulatory function of SjHDM-1, resulting in increased morbidity.
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Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease characterized by liver fibrosis, a process driven by the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and subsequent collagen production. Previous studies from our laboratory have demonstrated the ability of Schistosoma japonicum protein P40 (SjP40) to inhibit HSCs activation and exert an antifibrotic effect. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying the inhibitory effect of recombinant SjP40 (rSjP40) on HSCs activation. Using a cell model in which rSjP40 inhibited LX-2 cell activation, we performed RNA-seq analyses and identified ATF3 as the most significantly altered gene. Further investigation revealed that rSjP40 inhibited HSCs activation partly by suppressing ATF3 activation. Knockdown of ATF3 in mouse liver significantly alleviated S. japonicum-induced liver fibrosis. Moreover, our results indicate that ATF3 is a direct target of microRNA-494-3p, a microRNA associated with anti-liver fibrosis effects. rSjP40 was found to downregulate ATF3 expression by upregulating microRNA-494-3p in LX-2 cells. This downregulation led to the inhibition of the expression of liver fibrosis proteins α-SMA and COL1A1, ultimately alleviating liver fibrosis caused by S. japonicum.
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Factor de Transcripción Activador 3 , Proteínas del Helminto , Células Estrelladas Hepáticas , Cirrosis Hepática , MicroARNs , Schistosoma japonicum , Esquistosomiasis Japónica , Animales , Factor de Transcripción Activador 3/metabolismo , Factor de Transcripción Activador 3/genética , Células Estrelladas Hepáticas/metabolismo , Células Estrelladas Hepáticas/parasitología , Esquistosomiasis Japónica/parasitología , Esquistosomiasis Japónica/metabolismo , Esquistosomiasis Japónica/genética , Cirrosis Hepática/parasitología , Cirrosis Hepática/genética , Cirrosis Hepática/patología , Cirrosis Hepática/metabolismo , Ratones , Humanos , MicroARNs/genética , MicroARNs/metabolismo , Proteínas del Helminto/genética , Proteínas del Helminto/metabolismo , Actinas/metabolismo , Actinas/genética , Línea Celular , Regulación de la Expresión Génica , Hígado/metabolismo , Hígado/parasitología , Hígado/patología , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Antígenos HelmínticosRESUMEN
To research the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in Schistosoma japonicum-induced granuloma formation and liver fibrosis. In in vivo tests, BALB/c mice were used. shNLRP3 plasmid based on adeno-associated virus serotype 8 (AAV8-shNLRP3) was injected to block NLRP3 inflammasome via tail vein. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were detected to assess liver injury. H&E staining was used for routine histopathological assessment; Masson's trichrome staining was used to detect fibrous tissues and collagen fibers. Hepatic expression of NLRP3, procaspase-1, bioactive caspase-1, collagen-1, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1), and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were detected by western blot. Serum levels of IL-1ß were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The inflammatory cell infiltration and hepatic expression of IL-1ß around the granuloma were detected by immunohistochemistry staining. Treatment of S. japonicum infected mice with AAV8-shNLRP3 significantly reduced the hepatic levels of bioactive caspase-1 and IL-1ß, as well as circulating IL-1ß concentrations, while reducing the amounts of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and F4/80 positive cells around the granuloma. Moreover, collagen deposition, TIMP-1, and α-SMA, which are markers of hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation, were reduced around the liver granuloma. These findings highlight a therapeutic potential of AAV8-shNLRP3 in schistosomiasis cirrhosis.
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BACKGROUND: The genomic region that lies between the telomere and chromosome body, termed the subtelomere, is heterochromatic, repeat-rich, and frequently undergoes rearrangement. Within this region, large-scale structural changes enable gene diversification, and, as such, large multicopy gene families are often found at the subtelomere. In some parasites, genes associated with proliferation, invasion, and survival are often found in these regions, where they benefit from the subtelomere's highly plastic, rapidly changing nature. The increasing availability of complete (or near complete) parasite genomes provides an opportunity to investigate these typically poorly defined and overlooked genomic regions and potentially reveal relevant gene families necessary for the parasite's lifestyle. RESULTS: Using the latest chromosome-scale genome assembly and hallmark repeat richness observed at chromosome termini, we have identified and characterised the subtelomeres of Schistosoma mansoni, a metazoan parasitic flatworm that infects over 250 million people worldwide. Approximately 12% of the S. mansoni genome is classified as subtelomeric, and, in line with other organisms, we find these regions to be gene-poor but rich in transposable elements. We find that S. mansoni subtelomeres have undergone extensive interchromosomal recombination and that these sites disproportionately contribute to the 2.3% of the genome derived from segmental duplications. This recombination has led to the expansion of subtelomeric gene clusters containing 103 genes, including the immunomodulatory annexins and other gene families with unknown roles. The largest of these is a 49-copy plexin domain-containing protein cluster, exclusively expressed in the tegument-the tissue located at the host-parasite physical interface-of intramolluscan life stages. CONCLUSIONS: We propose that subtelomeric regions act as a genomic playground for trial-and-error of gene duplication and subsequent divergence. Owing to the importance of subtelomeric genes in other parasites, gene families implicated in this subtelomeric expansion within S. mansoni warrant further characterisation for a potential role in parasitism.
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Schistosoma mansoni , Telómero , Humanos , Animales , Schistosoma mansoni/genética , Telómero/genética , Genómica , Duplicación de Gen , Familia de MultigenesRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Gastropods of the genus Biomphalaria (Family Planorbidae) are exploited as vectors by Schistosoma mansoni, the most common causative agent of human intestinal schistosomiasis. Using improved genomic resources, overviews of how Biomphalaria responds to S. mansoni and other metazoan parasites can provide unique insights into the reproductive, immune, and other systems of invertebrate hosts, and their responses to parasite challenges. RESULTS: Using Illumina-based RNA-Seq, we compared the responses of iM line B. glabrata at 2, 8, and 40 days post-infection (dpi) to single infections with S. mansoni, Echinostoma paraensei (both digenetic trematodes) or Daubaylia potomaca (a nematode parasite of planorbid snails). Responses were compared to unexposed time-matched control snails. We observed: (1) each parasite provoked a distinctive response with a predominance of down-regulated snail genes at all time points following exposure to either trematode, and of up-regulated genes at 8 and especially 40dpi following nematode exposure; (2) At 2 and 8dpi with either trematode, several snail genes associated with gametogenesis (particularly spermatogenesis) were down-regulated. Regarding the phenomenon of trematode-mediated parasitic castration in molluscs, we define for the first time a complement of host genes that are targeted, as early as 2dpi when trematode larvae are still small; (3) Differential gene expression of snails with trematode infection at 40dpi, when snails were shedding cercariae, was unexpectedly modest and revealed down-regulation of genes involved in the production of egg mass proteins and peptide processing; and (4) surprisingly, D. potomaca provoked up-regulation at 40dpi of many of the reproduction-related snail genes noted to be down-regulated at 2 and 8dpi following trematode infection. Happening at a time when B. glabrata began to succumb to D. potomaca, we hypothesize this response represents an unexpected form of fecundity compensation. We also document expression patterns for other Biomphalaria gene families, including fibrinogen domain-containing proteins (FReDs), C-type lectins, G-protein coupled receptors, biomphalysins, and protease and protease inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS: Our study is relevant in identifying several genes involved in reproduction that are targeted by parasites in the vector snail B. glabrata and that might be amenable to manipulation to minimize their ability to serve as vectors of schistosomes.
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Biomphalaria , Schistosoma mansoni , Transcriptoma , Animales , Biomphalaria/parasitología , Biomphalaria/genética , Schistosoma mansoni/genética , Schistosoma mansoni/fisiología , Interacciones Huésped-Parásitos/genética , Trematodos/fisiología , Trematodos/genética , Vectores de Enfermedades , Perfilación de la Expresión GénicaRESUMEN
Neuronal signals mediated by the biogenic amine serotonin (5-HT) underlie critical survival strategies across the animal kingdom. This investigation examined serotonin-like immunoreactive neurons in the cerebral ganglion of the panpulmonate snail Biomphalaria glabrata, a major intermediate host for the trematode parasite Schistosoma mansoni. Five neurons comprising the cerebral serotonergic F (CeSF) cluster of B. glabrata shared morphological characteristics with neurons that contribute to withdrawal behaviors in numerous heterobranch species. The largest member of this group, designated CeSF-1, projected an axon to the tentacle, a major site of threat detection. Intracellular recordings demonstrated repetitive activity and electrical coupling between the bilateral CeSF-1 cells. In semi-intact preparations, the CeSF-1 cells were not responsive to cutaneous stimuli but did respond to photic stimuli. A large FMRF-NH2-like immunoreactive neuron, termed C2, was also located on the dorsal surface of each cerebral hemiganglion near the origin of the tentacular nerve. C2 and CeSF-1 received coincident bouts of inhibitory synaptic input. Moreover, in the presence of 5-HT they both fired rhythmically and in phase. As the CeSF and C2 cells of Biomphalaria share fundamental properties with neurons that participate in withdrawal responses in Nudipleura and Euopisthobranchia, our observations support the proposal that features of this circuit are conserved in the Panpulmonata.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Neuronal signals mediated by the biogenic amine serotonin underlie critical survival strategies across the animal kingdom. This investigation identified a group of serotonergic cells in the panpulmonate snail Biomphalaria glabrata that appear to be homologous to neurons that mediate withdrawal responses in other gastropod taxa. It is proposed that an ancient withdrawal circuit has been highly conserved in three major gastropod lineages.
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Biomphalaria , Neuronas Serotoninérgicas , Serotonina , Animales , Biomphalaria/fisiología , Biomphalaria/parasitología , Serotonina/metabolismo , Neuronas Serotoninérgicas/fisiología , Ganglios de Invertebrados/fisiología , Ganglios de Invertebrados/citologíaRESUMEN
A fecal survey in Tamil Nadu, India, revealed 2 persons passed schistosome eggs, later identified as Schistosoma incognitum, a parasite of pigs, dogs, and rats. We investigated those cases and reviewed autochthonous schistosomiasis cases from India and Nepal. Whether the 2 new cases represent true infection or spurious passage is undetermined.
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Heces , Schistosoma , Esquistosomiasis , Animales , India/epidemiología , Humanos , Schistosoma/aislamiento & purificación , Esquistosomiasis/epidemiología , Esquistosomiasis/parasitología , Heces/parasitología , Masculino , Femenino , Perros , Adulto , Porcinos , Ratas/parasitología , Nepal/epidemiología , Persona de Mediana Edad , Sur de AsiaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Despite the functions of TLRs in the parasitic infections have been extensively reported, few studies have addressed the role of TLR3 in the immune response to Schistosoma japonicum infections. The aim of this study was to investigate the properties of TLR3 in the liver of C57BL/6 mice infected by S. japonicum. METHODS: The production of TLR3+ cells in CD4+T cells (CD4+CD3+), CD8+T cells (CD8+CD3+), γδT cells (γδTCR+CD3+), NKT cells (NK1.1+CD3+), B cells (CD19+CD3-), NK (NK1.1-CD3+) cells, MDSC (CD11b+Gr1+), macrophages (CD11b+F4/80+), DCs (CD11c+CD11b+) and neutrophils (CD11b+ Ly6g+) were assessed by flow cytometry. Sections of the liver were examined by haematoxylin and eosin staining in order to measure the area of granulomas. Hematological parameters including white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), platelet (PLT) and hemoglobin (HGB) were analyzed. The levels of ALT and AST in the serum were measured using biochemical kits. The relative titers of anti-SEA IgG and anti-SEA IgM in the serum were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). CD25, CD69, CD314 and CD94 molecules were detected by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Flow cytometry results showed that the expression of TLR3 increased significantly after S. japonicum infection (P < 0.05). Hepatic myeloid and lymphoid cells could express TLR3, and the percentages of TLR3-expressing MDSC, macrophages and neutrophils were increased after infection. Knocking out TLR3 ameliorated the damage and decreased infiltration of inflammatory cells in infected C57BL/6 mouse livers.,The number of WBC was significantly reduced in TLR3 KO-infected mice compared to WT-infected mice (P < 0.01), but the levels of RBC, platelet and HGB were significantly increased in KO infected mice. Moreover, the relative titers of anti-SEA IgG and anti-SEA IgM in the serum of infected KO mice were statistically decreased compared with the infected WT mice. We also compared the activation-associated molecules expression between S.japonicum-infected WT and TLR3 KO mice. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, our data indicated that TLR3 played potential roles in the context of S. japonicum infection and it may accelerate the progression of S. japonicum-associated liver pathology.
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Schistosoma japonicum , Animales , Ratones , Schistosoma japonicum/metabolismo , Receptor Toll-Like 3/metabolismo , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Inmunoglobulina G , Inmunoglobulina MRESUMEN
Different populations of hosts and parasites experience distinct seasonality in environmental factors, depending on local-scale biotic and abiotic factors. This can lead to highly heterogeneous disease outcomes across host ranges. Variable seasonality characterizes urogenital schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease caused by parasitic trematodes (Schistosoma haematobium). Their intermediate hosts are aquatic Bulinus snails that are highly adapted to extreme rainfall seasonality, undergoing prolonged dormancy yearly. While Bulinus snails have a remarkable capacity for rebounding following dormancy, we investigated the extent to which parasite survival within snails is diminished. We conducted an investigation of seasonal snail schistosome dynamics in 109 ponds of variable ephemerality in Tanzania from August 2021 to July 2022. First, we found that ponds have two synchronized peaks of schistosome infection prevalence and observed cercariae, though of lower magnitude in the fully desiccating than non-desiccating ponds. Second, we evaluated total yearly schistosome prevalence across an ephemerality gradient, finding ponds with intermediate ephemerality to have the highest infection rates. We also investigated dynamics of non-schistosome trematodes, which lacked synonymity with schistosome patterns. We found peak schistosome transmission risk at intermediate pond ephemerality, thus the impacts of anticipated increases in landscape desiccation could result in increases or decreases in transmission risk with global change.
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Schistosoma , Caracoles , Trematodos , Animales , Estanques/parasitología , Tanzanía/epidemiología , Análisis Espacio-Temporal , Caracoles/parasitologíaRESUMEN
The WHO aims to eliminate schistosomiasis as a public health problem by 2030. However, standard morbidity measures poorly correlate to infection intensities, hindering disease monitoring and evaluation. This is exacerbated by insufficient evidence on Schistosoma's impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We conducted community-based cross-sectional surveys and parasitological examinations in moderate-to-high Schistosoma mansoni endemic communities in Uganda. We calculated parasitic infections and used EQ-5D instruments to estimate and compare HRQoL utilities in these populations. We further employed Tobit/linear regression models to predict HRQoL determinants. Two-thirds of the 560 participants were diagnosed with parasitic infection(s), 49% having S. mansoni. No significant negative association was observed between HRQoL and S. mansoni infection status/intensity. However, severity of pain urinating (ß = -0.106; s.e. = 0.043) and body swelling (ß = -0.326; s.e. = 0.005), increasing age (ß = -0.016; s.e. = 0.033), reduced socio-economic status (ß = 0.128; s.e. = 0.032), and being unemployed predicted lower HRQoL. Symptom severity and socio-economic status were better predictors of short-term HRQoL than current S. mansoni infection status/intensity. This is key to disentangling the link between infection(s) and short-term health outcomes, and highlights the complexity of correlating current infection(s) with long-term morbidity. Further evidence is needed on long-term schistosomiasis-associated HRQoL, health and economic outcomes to inform the case for upfront investments in schistosomiasis interventions.
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Calidad de Vida , Schistosoma mansoni , Esquistosomiasis mansoni , Esquistosomiasis mansoni/epidemiología , Uganda/epidemiología , Humanos , Estudios Transversales , Femenino , Masculino , Animales , Schistosoma mansoni/fisiología , Adulto , Adolescente , Niño , Persona de Mediana Edad , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma japonicum (S. japonicum) is a major public health problem in the Philippines, China and Indonesia. In this study, the immunopotentiator CpG-ODN was encapsulated within chitosan nanoparticles (Chi NPs) to create a combination adjuvant (Chi-CpG NP). This approach was employed to enhance the immunogenicity of 26 kDa glutathione S-transferase (Sj26GST) from S. japonicum through intranasal immunization. The results demonstrated higher levels of specific anti-Sj26GST antibodies and Sj26GST-specific splenocyte proliferation compared to mice that were immunized with Sj26GST + Chi-CpG NP. Cytokine analysis of splenocytes revealed that the Sj26GST + Chi-CpG NP induced a slight Th1-biased immune response, with increased production of IFN-γ by CD4+ T-cells in the spleen. Subsequently, mice were intradermally inoculated with 1 × 107 organisms in the Coeliac cavity. The bacterial organ burden detected in the liver of immunized mice suggested that Sj26GST + Chi-CpG NP enhances protective immunity to inhibit S. japonicum colonization. Therefore, Sj26GST + Chi-CpG NP vaccination enhances Sj26GST-specific immunogenicity and provides protection against S. japonicum.
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OBJECTIVES: Schistosomiasis is persistent in Lake Albert, Uganda, but local data are limited. This study aims to describe the local burden of moderate-to-heavy infection and associated morbidity in all ages and identify factors associated with these outcomes to guide further research. METHODS: This cross-sectional pilot study was conducted in July-August, 2022 in four village sites (Walukuba, Rwentale, Kyabarangwa and Runga) of the Praziquantel in Preschoolers (PIP) trial. Residents (approximately four per household) of any age of households of PIP participants were eligible, but individuals <10 years were only enrolled if no older individuals were available. Socio-demographic information, household location, single stool Kato-Katz and hepatic ultrasound results were obtained for a convenience sampled subset of trial households. The primary outcome, moderate-to-heavy infection (≥100 eggs per gram of faeces), was analysed using mixed-effects logistic regression, with a household random effect. Univariate analyses were used for the secondary outcome, periportal fibrosis (Niamey protocol ultrasound image pattern C-F). RESULTS: Of 243 participants with a median age of 22 (interquartile range 12-33) years from 66 households, 49.8% (103/207 with a Kato-Katz result) had moderate-to-heavy infection and 11.2% (25/224 with ultrasound data) had periportal fibrosis. Moderate-to-heavy infection clustered by household (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.11) and, in multivariable analysis, varied by village (Walukuba vs. Kyabarangwa adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.11, 95% CI 0.02-0.71), was highest in participants aged 10-15 years (vs. 5-9 years aOR 6.14, 95% CI 1.61-23.38) and lower in those reporting praziquantel treatment in the past year (aOR 0.39, 95% CI 0.18-0.88). CONCLUSIONS: In this setting, schistosome infection and morbidity are pervasive in all age groups. More intensive interventions are needed, for example more frequent praziquantel treatment, under investigation in the PIP trial and improved water and sanitation. More research is needed to understand local treatment barriers and optimal control strategies.
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Schistosoma mansoni , Esquistosomiasis mansoni , Adolescente , Adulto , Animales , Niño , Humanos , Adulto Joven , Estudios Transversales , Heces , Lagos , Cirrosis Hepática , Morbilidad , Proyectos Piloto , Praziquantel/uso terapéutico , Prevalencia , Esquistosomiasis mansoni/tratamiento farmacológico , Esquistosomiasis mansoni/epidemiología , Uganda/epidemiología , Ensayos Clínicos como AsuntoRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Schistosomiasis remains a public health concern worldwide. It is responsible for more than 240 million cases in 78 countries, 40 million of whom are women of childbearing age. In the Senegal River basin, both Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma mansoni are very prevalent in school-age children. However, there is a lack of information on the burden of schistosomiasis in pregnant women, which can cause complications in the pregnancy outcome. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of schistosomiasis in pregnant women. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cross-sectional study of pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at the health center of the Senegalese Sugar Company and at the hospital of Richard Toll between August and December 2021. The urine and stool samples collected were examined using microscopy techniques and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to detect the presence of S. haematobium and S. mansoni. The urines were previously tested using urine reagent strips to detect hematuria and proteinuria. Socio-demographical, clinical, and diagnostically data were recorded by the midwife and the gynaecologist. The data were analyzed using a logistic regression model. RESULTS: Among the 298 women examined for the infection by microscopic, 65 (21.81%) were infected with urogenital schistosomiasis, 10 (3.36%) with intestinal schistosomiasis, and 4 (1.34%) were co-infected with both types of schistosomiasis. Out of the 288 samples tested by qPCR, 146 (48.99%) were positive for S. haematobium, 49 (35.51%) for S. mansoni and 22 (15.94%) for both species (co-infection). Pregnant women having microscopic haematuria and proteinuria were significantly more infected (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study has revealed a high prevalence of schistosomiasis in pregnant women in Senegal. The qPCR allowed us to detect more cases compared to the microscopy. There is a need to conduct more studies to understand the real burden of the disease and to set up a surveillance system to prevent pregnancy-related complications.
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Schistosoma haematobium , Schistosoma mansoni , Humanos , Femenino , Senegal/epidemiología , Embarazo , Estudios Transversales , Adulto , Prevalencia , Estudios Prospectivos , Adulto Joven , Schistosoma mansoni/aislamiento & purificación , Schistosoma mansoni/genética , Schistosoma haematobium/aislamiento & purificación , Schistosoma haematobium/genética , Adolescente , Animales , Complicaciones Parasitarias del Embarazo/epidemiología , Complicaciones Parasitarias del Embarazo/parasitología , Esquistosomiasis mansoni/epidemiología , Esquistosomiasis Urinaria/epidemiología , Esquistosomiasis Urinaria/orina , Esquistosomiasis/epidemiología , Esquistosomiasis/orina , Heces/parasitología , Factores de RiesgoRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Male Genital Schistosomiasis (MGS) remains an often-overlooked chronic sequela of urogenital schistosomiasis in endemic areas of sub-Saharan Africa. As part of a 2-year longitudinal study on Hybridization of UroGenital Schistosomiasis (HUGS) in Malawi, a MGS sub-study was conducted to assess whether hybrid schistosomes were incriminated. METHODS: During recruitment, demographic, health and socio-economic data were collected through individual questionnaire interviews in Mthawira community from Nsanje District along Shire River and Samama community from Mangochi District along Lake Malawi shoreline. Urine and semen samples were collected and analysed to determine the identity of schistosome infection. Urine filtration and microscopy, direct microscopy of semen and its sediments (after centrifugation) were performed. Thereafter, the sediments were examined by molecular DNA analysis with a novel two-tube real-time PCR assay. The participants were also screened for Human papilloma virus (HPV) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). RESULTS: Twenty-two men were recruited for the sub-study, 8 in Nsanje District and 14 in Mangochi District, with a median age of 22.0 years. By microscopy, ten (45.7%) participants had Schistosoma ova in their urine, 11 (50.0%) in semen while 16 (72.7%) were positive by real-time PCR. One participant had both S. haematobium and S. mattheei ova in his semen, three showed symptoms, and one had a mixed infection of S. mansoni and possible S. haematobium-S. mattheei hybrid. Twelve men had detectable high-risk HPV serotypes 16, 18 and others while six had Trichomonas vaginalis and other STIs. CONCLUSION: Zoonotic and hybrid schistosomes can cause MGS similar to human schistosomes, which can be co-infected with HPV and STIs, thereby posing a new challenge in diagnosis, management and control measures in resource poor settings. Increased awareness of these infections among local communities and primary healthcare workers and improvement of disease management are needed and advocated.
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Esquistosomiasis Urinaria , Humanos , Masculino , Malaui/epidemiología , Animales , Adulto , Esquistosomiasis Urinaria/epidemiología , Esquistosomiasis Urinaria/orina , Adulto Joven , Estudios Longitudinales , Schistosoma/aislamiento & purificación , Schistosoma/genética , Adolescente , Zoonosis/parasitología , Zoonosis/epidemiología , Semen/virología , Semen/parasitología , Schistosoma haematobium/aislamiento & purificación , Schistosoma haematobium/genética , Persona de Mediana EdadRESUMEN
Schistosomiasis, a parasite infectious disease caused by Schistosoma japonicum, often leads to egg granuloma and fibrosis due to the inflammatory reaction triggered by egg antigens released in the host liver. This study focuses on the role of the egg antigens CP1412 protein of S. japonicum (SjCP1412) with RNase activity in promoting liver fibrosis. In this study, the recombinant egg ribonuclease SjCP1412, which had RNase activity, was successfully prepared. By analysing the serum of the population, it has been proven that the anti-SjCP1412 IgG in the serum of patients with advanced schistosomiasis was moderately correlated with liver fibrosis, and SjCP1412 may be an important antigen associated with liver fibrosis in schistosomiasis. In vitro, the rSjCP1412 protein induced the human liver cancer cell line Hep G2 and liver sinusoidal endothelial cells apoptosis and necrosis and the release of proinflammatory damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). In mice infected with schistosomes, rSjCP1412 immunization or antibody neutralization of SjCP1412 activity significantly reduced cell apoptosis and necroptosis in liver tissue, thereby reducing inflammation and liver fibrosis. In summary, the SjCP1412 protein plays a crucial role in promoting liver fibrosis during schistosomiasis through mediating the liver cells apoptosis and necroptosis to release DAMPs inducing an inflammatory reaction. Blocking SjCP1412 activity could inhibit its proapoptotic and necrotic effects and alleviate hepatic fibrosis. These findings suggest that SjCP1412 may be served as a promising drug target for managing liver fibrosis in schistosomiasis japonica.
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Schistosoma japonicum , Esquistosomiasis Japónica , Humanos , Ratones , Animales , Esquistosomiasis Japónica/complicaciones , Esquistosomiasis Japónica/parasitología , Ribonucleasas/metabolismo , Ribonucleasas/farmacología , Células Endoteliales , Cirrosis Hepática/parasitología , Cirrosis Hepática/patología , Hígado/patología , Inflamación/patologíaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Schistosomiasis affects approximately 230 million people worldwide. There is an increased incidence of schistosomiasis cases in France acquired from outside the country. This increases the risk of schistosomiasis outbreaks as observed in Corsica. Clinicians from non-endemic regions are not accustomed to diagnosing and managing this pathology. The objective of this study is to provide a better description of the clinical and paraclinical characteristics and disease evolution of affected children. METHODS: Through the French Pediatric Nephrology Society and the Pediatric Infectious Pathology Group, we contacted all French pediatric centers that may have treated children with urinary schistosomiasis between 2013 and 2019. Age, sex, comorbidities, and clinical, biological, and radiological data (at discovery and follow-up) were collected retrospectively. RESULTS: A total of 122 patients from 10 different centers were included. The median age was 14 years and the sex ratio M/F was 4:1. Hematuria was present in 82% of the patients while urinary tract abnormality was found in 36% of them. Fourteen patients (11%) displayed complicated forms of urinary schistosomiasis including 10 patients with chronic kidney disease. A total of 110 patients received treatment with praziquantel, which was well-tolerated and led to clinical resolution of symptoms in 98% of cases. CONCLUSION: Patients with schistosomiasis present frequent kidney, urinary, or genital involvement. Systematic screening of patients returning from endemic areas is therefore recommended, especially since treatment with antiparasitic drugs is effective and well-tolerated. Enhancing medical knowledge of this pathology among all practitioners is essential to improve care and outcomes.
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Esquistosomiasis Urinaria , Humanos , Niño , Adolescente , Animales , Esquistosomiasis Urinaria/diagnóstico , Esquistosomiasis Urinaria/tratamiento farmacológico , Esquistosomiasis Urinaria/epidemiología , Estudios Retrospectivos , Praziquantel/uso terapéutico , Hematuria , Francia/epidemiología , Schistosoma haematobiumRESUMEN
In Schistosoma mansoni infection, the spleen is one of the organs affected, causing its enlargement (splenomegaly). Intake of ethanol through alcoholic beverages can cause spleen atrophy and interfere with immune activity. To gain knowledge of this association on the spleen and on the immune response profile, male mice were used as an experimental model. These animals were divided into four groups: C. control; EC. uninfected/ethanol gavage; I. infected; and IE. infected/ethanol gavage. Groups I and IE were infected with about 100 cercariae (BH strain) of S. mansoni and in the fifth week of infection, gavage 200 µL/day/animal of 18 % ethanol was started for 28 consecutive days. At the end of the gavage (9th week of infection) all animals were euthanized. The spleen was removed and longitudinally divided in two parts. After histological processing, the sections were stained with H&E and Gomori's Reticulin for histopathological and stereological analyses, white pulp morphometry and quantification of megakaryocytes. The other fragment was macerated (in laminar flow) and the cell suspension, after adjusting the concentration (2 × 106), was plated to obtain cytokines produced by spleen cells that were measured by flow cytometry (Citometric Bead Array). Histopathological and quantitative analyzes in the spleen of the IE group showed an increase in the number of trabeculae and megakaryocytes, a decrease in reticular fibers, as well as important organizational changes in the white pulp and red pulp. Due to the decrease in the levels of cytokines measured and the result of the calculation of the ratio between the IFN-y and IL-10 cytokines (p = 0.0079) of the infected groups, we suggest that ethanol decreased the inflammatory and anti-inflammatory response generated by the infection (group IE, the production of cytokines was significantly decreased (p < 0.01). These changes demonstrate that ethanol ingestion interferes with some parameters of experimental S. mansoni infection, such as changes in splenic tissue and in the pattern of cytokine production.
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Schistosoma mansoni , Esquistosomiasis mansoni , Masculino , Animales , Ratones , Bazo/patología , Etanol , Esquistosomiasis mansoni/patología , Citocinas , InmunidadRESUMEN
Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are a family of multifunctional isoenzymes involved in the neutralization of toxic compounds, drug resistance and several other cellular functions. The glutathione S-transferase enzyme of Schistosoma japonicum (SjGST-26) plays a role in human schistosomiasis and is also a frequently used fusion partner in mammalian and bacterial expression and pull-down systems. GSTs seem not to be naturally associated with metal ions. Exceptionally, in vitro, metal binding sites have been previously described in some schistosome GSTs; however, their possible physiological role is unclear. Molecules of several neurotransmitter transporters also contain a regulatory zinc binding site, which affects their transport cycle. Here we show that among several metals, manganese and zinc are able to induce a specific protein interaction of SjGST-26 with the glycine transporter GlyT1 and the GABA transporter GAT3 in vitro. The results suggest that metal-binding sites on SjGST-26 and neurotransmitter transporters might function in metal-coordinated interactions with other metalloproteins. Our results additionally indicate that the presence of metal ions in SjGST-26-based GST protein pull-down assays may lead to a false-positive interaction if the potential interacting target is the metalloprotein.