Brugia malayi filarial helminth-derived extracellular vesicles suppress antigen presenting cell function and antigen-specific CD4+ T cell responses.

Introduction: Live microfilariae (mf) and mf-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been shown to modulate human antigen presenting cell (APC) function, most notably by suppressing the induction of IL-12 (and other pro-inflammatory cytokines) following activation with LPS and interferon-y. Methods: To explore further how EVs alter human APC function, we studied the effect of mf and EVs on human elutriated monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DC) following exposure to Mf, mf-derived excretory/secretory (E/S) products, E/S depleted of EVs through ultracentrifugation and purified EVs.  After demonstrating that the measurable responses induced by live mf could be recapitulated by EVs and EV-containing E/S, we next performed RNAseq analysis of human DC following exposure to live mf, EVs, E/S, or EV-depleted E/S. Results: In our analyses of the data for the DC, using a false discovery rate (FDR)<0.05, EV-exposed DC had induced the expression of 212 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) when compared to unexposed DC and 157 when compared to E/S-depleted EVs.  These genes were enriched in GO biological processes associated with neutrophil degranulation and 15 DEGs associated with KEGG Lysosome pathways. IPA analysis point to immune dysregulation. We next aimed to understand the intracellular processes altered by EVs and the effect these have on effector T cells. When SARS CoV-2 Membrane-specific CD4+ TCLs were assessed following EV conditioning of autologous DC and activation with the SARS CoV-2-Membrane peptide pool, we found conditioning reduced the frequency of SARS CoV-2 Membrane-specific CD3+ CD4+ CD154+ cells (p=.015). Similarly, EV-conditioning of SARS CoV-2 Membrane-specific CD3+ CD4+ cells induced fewer cell capable of producing IFN-γ (p=.045). Discussion: Taken together, our data suggest a modulatory role of EVs on APC function that likely leads to defects in T cell effector function.

Detection of human strongyloidiasis among patients with a high risk of complications attending selected tertiary care hospitals in Colombo, Sri Lanka using molecular and serological diagnostic tools.

BACKGROUND: Strongyloidiasis a neglected tropical disease is known to cause severe disease among immunosuppressed and has not been studied extensively in Sri Lanka. Parasitological diagnostic approaches based on faecal microscopy and culture often fail to detect low-intensity infections. This study investigates the presence of strongyloidiasis among selected immunocompromised individuals using parasitological, molecular and serological techniques. METHODS: Adult patients with immunocompromising conditions admitted to three tertiary care hospitals in Sri Lanka were recruited. A faecal sample and 2 ml of venous blood were collected. The faecal samples were subjected to direct faecal smear and cultures (agar plate, charcoal and Harada-Mori) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using species specific primers designed for Strongyloides stercoralis. The presence of Strongyloides IgG antibodies was tested in the collected serum samples using DRG Strongyloides IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. The PCR products of the positive samples were sequenced using Sanger sequencing method. RESULTS: A total of 260 patients were recruited to this study, out of which 160 provided faecal samples and 122 provided blood samples. Out of the 160 faecal samples, none were positive for strongyloidiasis by direct smear, charcoal and Harada-Mori cultures. Only one sample (0.6%) was positive by agar plate culture. Out of the 123 samples subjected to PCR, 14 (11.4%), including the culture positive patient, were positive for S. stercoralis. Sequencing results of the PCR products indicated 100% similarity to S. stercoralis. Out of the 122 serum samples subjected to ELISA, 20 (16.4%), including the culture positive patient, were positive for Strongyloides IgG antibodies. However, sociodemographic, exposure factors, clinical features were not significantly associated with the presence of strongyloidiasis infection. CONCLUSIONS: Strongyloidiasis is present among the immunocompromised population in Sri Lanka, even in the absence of a significant relationship with associated factors. It is advisable to screen such patients with highly sensitive tests such as PCR for early diagnosis and treatment.

Dirofilariasis in the hiding in oral cavity of a patient from Karnataka, India.

"Human dirofilariasis, caused by filarial worms of the genus Dirofilaria, is considered an emerging zoonotic filarial infection transmitted to humans by zoo-anthropophilic blood-sucking insects. The most common Dirofilaria species causing human infections include Dirofilaria repens and Dirofilaria immitis. In this case report, we present the case of a 60-year-old male patient who reported the presence of an intraoral swelling in the right maxillary vestibular region. Upon excision of the lesion and further microscopic and histological examination, a female Dirofilaria was identified as the causative agent."

Extracellular vesicles as biomarkers in parasitic disease diagnosis.

Parasitic diseases constitute a major global health problem, affecting millions of people worldwide. Recent advances in the study of extracellular vesicles (EVs) have opened up new strategies for biomarker discovery in protozoan and helminth infections. Analyses of EVs in cultures and biological fluids have identified numerous potential biomarkers that could be useful for early and differential diagnosis, monitoring therapeutic responses, and the overall management and control of these diseases. Despite the potential of these biomarkers, several challenges must be addressed, including limited research, the need for standardized protocols, and the reproducibility of results across studies. In many parasitic infections, EVs have been obtained from various sample types, including plasma from human patients and mouse models, as well as cultures of the parasites at different stages. EVs were isolated by various methods and predominantly characterized through proteomic analysis or RNA sequencing to assess their cargo and identify potential biomarkers. These biomarker candidates were investigated and validated using different assays such as ELISA, Western Blot, and ROC curves. Overall, the use of EVs is considered a promising new diagnostic strategy for parasite infections, but further research with larger cohorts, standardized methods, and additional validation tests are essential for effective diagnosis and management of these diseases.

Global burden of soil-transmitted helminth infections, 1990-2021.

BACKGROUND: Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections can cause a significant disease burden. It is estimated that 1.5 billion people worldwide are infected with STHs, primarily in tropical and subtropical regions. This study aimed to assess the distribution of the global burden and trend of STH infections from 1990 to 2021. METHODS: We retrieved data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2021 on the age-standardized rates (ASRs) of prevalence and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) of STH infections for all age groups in 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2021. The ASRs of prevalence and DALYs by age, gender, and socio-demographic index (SDI) were calculated to quantify the spatial distribution and temporal trend. Spearman correlation analysis was used to examine the relationship between ASR and SDI. RESULTS: In 2021, there were an estimated 642.72 million cases and 1.38 million DALYs caused by STH infections worldwide. The age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR) of STH infections was 8429.89 [95% uncertainty interval (UI): 7697.23, 9362.18 ] per 100,000 population globally. The ASPR of STH infections varied across 21 geographic regions in 2021, being mainly prevalent in most African and Latin American locations. The prevalence was higher in the groups of 5-19 years, especially the group of 5-9 years with the ASPR of 16,263 (95% UI: 14,877.06, 18,003.49) and ASR of DALYs of 40.69 (95% UI: 25.98, 60.91) per 100,000. The ASPR of STH infections showed an obvious decreasing trend worldwide (estimated annual percent change = - 4.03, 95% confidence interval: - 4.13, - 3.93) with variations in different species infections during the study years. At the regional level, the ASR of STH infections prevalence (r = - 0.8807, P < 0.0001) and DALYs (r = - 0.9069, P < 0.0001) were negatively correlated with SDI . CONCLUSIONS: STH infections remain a public health problem in 2021, particularly in regions such as the middle parts of Africa and Americas, and in the 5-19 age populations. The reduction in the rate of prevalence and the loss of DALYs are negatively correlated with the increase in SDI. Enhancing political commitment, providing accurate preventive chemotherapy, and advancing techniques for surveillance and mapping systems are essential to achieve the target of ending STH infections as a public health problem by 2030.

Systematic review and meta-analysis protocol: Diagnostic accuracy assessment for soil-transmitted helminth using microscopy and molecular-based methods.

Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) is a part of NTDs that remains to be eliminated because of its significant global impact. Diagnostics are essential in aiding the elimination of STH infection. Therefore, it is imperative to evaluate the progress of diagnostic techniques, especially molecular-based techniques. Nevertheless, there is currently no comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis (SRMA) evaluating the performance of molecular-based techniques for diagnosing STH. This protocol, registered on PROSPERO (CRD42024563432), intends to assess the diagnostic accuracy of molecular-based techniques compared to microscopic-based techniques for four common STH infections (A. lumbricoides, T. trichiura, hookworms, and S. stercoralis) across global studies. Two authors will independently conduct the screening, study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment of this SRMA. The obtained studies will be assessed using QUADAS-2 and will be analyzed for publication bias and diagnostic accuracy, including sensitivity, specificity, NPV, PPV, and DOR, and SROC. This developed protocol is expected to be versatile enough to be implemented in the range of studies assessing the diagnostic accuracy of the advance compared to the convention methods with adjustments. The findings of this SRMA are expected to provide a valuable contribution towards achieving the goal of eradicating STH infection by 2030.

First genetic characterisation and phylogenetic position of Aplectana hylambatis (Nematoda: Cosmocercidae), infecting Pithecopus azureus (Anura: Hylidae) in the Brazilian Pantanal.

Aplectana hylambatis (Baylis, 1927) is a widespread nematode in South America that infects different species of anurans from different families. Although the morphology of this species shows intraspecific variations and is well studied, A. hylambatis does not have genetic characterisation. Therefore, the present study aimed to provide the first genetic characterisation of this parasite, based on 18S and 28S rDNA sequences, as well as to evaluate its phylogenetic position in the family Cosmocercidae. The present specimens showed no major morphological variations and were assigned to A. hylambatis mainly based on the shape of spicules and the presence of mamelon-like structures slightly anterior to the vulva. The genetic characterisation confirmed the close relationship between A. hylambatis and other cosmocercids, and the 28S sequences were more informative for phylogenetic reconstruction, especially for those relationships at higher and intermediate levels. Aplectana hylmabatis was in a basal position within a clade formed by other congeners and species of Cosmocerca. The geographic origin may have influence in the divergence process of Aplectana spp. and genus was non-monophyletic and closely related to Cosmocerca, similar to previous findings. The present results will be useful for future studies on the phylogeny of Cosmocercidae, since several genera and species in this family still lack genetic characterisation. Furthermore, the 28S sequences can be useful in genetic studies of A. hylambatis populations, since this species appears to have phenotypic variations.

Bertiella mucronata in Black-and-Gold Howler Monkey (Alouatta caraya) in Minas Gerais State, Brazil.

This is the first reported case of Bertiella mucronata infection in a black-and-gold howler monkey (Alouatta caraya) in Brazil. The present study confirms the widespread of B. mucronata in South America and suggest that black-and-gold howler monkeys may serve as viable reservoirs for B. mucronata.

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Helminth Infections in the Digestive Tract of Camels in Xinjiang, China.

Camels, vital to economies in Asia, Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula, have been domesticated for over 4000 years. They thrive in arid regions like Xinjiang, China, but face challenges from internal and external parasites, particularly gastrointestinal parasites, which impact health, meat and milk quality, and production efficiency. This study investigates the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections in camels from five major regions in Xinjiang. We collected 435 fresh fecal samples and used the saturated saline flotation method and McMaster's method for detection. Molecular examination followed. The overall prevalence was 18.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 14.7-22.2%), with Urumqi showing the highest prevalence (29%, 95% CI: 23.4-35.1%) compared to other regions (odds ratio [OR]: 4.62, 95% CI: 2.63-8.41%). Younger camels (≤3 years old) were more likely infected by the parasites after adjusting for the region differences (OR: 10.53, 5.12-24.65%). However, we found no evidence that the prevalence was different between male and female camels. PCR analysis identified Trichostrongylus spp., Chabertia ovina, and Haemonchus contortus as predominant parasites, with observed co-infections indicating a complex parasitic landscape. The findings provide essential epidemiological data for effective parasite control strategies.

Proteomic analysis of extracellular vesicles and extracellular vesicle-depleted excretory-secretory products of Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati larval cultures.

Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati are parasitic nematodes in the order Ascaridida, which inhabit the small intestines of dogs and cats, respectively, as adults. Although often nonpathogenic as adults, nematodes within this genus are capable of causing widespread disease throughout the host while in a larval stage, during which time larvae migrate throughout the body in a process termed larva migrans. Larvae are also capable of surviving within host tissues in an encysted arrested stage, without immune clearance by the host. The ability of larvae to survive within host tissues during migration and encystment may be attributed to immunomodulatory molecules released by the excretory cells of larvae in excretory-secretory (ES) products. ES products of parasites contain a variety of molecules, including proteins, lipids, and extracellular vesicles (EVs). Toxocara excretory-secretory (TES) products have been studied to some degree, with proteomic analysis of TES proteins described previously; however, investigation of the EVs within TES is lacking, despite the suggested role for these molecules in host interaction and potential immunomodulation. To further characterize the protein cargo within EVs in TES, EVs were isolated from larval cultures of T. canis and T. cati via ultrafiltration, with concurrent collection of EV-depleted TES filtrate for additional study. Isolated EVs and EV-depleted TES from both T. canis and T. cati were submitted for proteomic analysis by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Proteomic identification results revealed 140 proteins across all samples, with 16 shared by all samples, and 76 total proteins shared between T. canis and T. cati, present within EVs and EV-depleted TES. There were 17 proteins shared exclusively by EV samples, and 15 were shared exclusively between EV-depleted TES samples. Many shared proteins were associated with the host immune response. Several proteins were specific to either T. canis or T. cati, highlighting the potential use of these proteins as diagnostic tools in the differentiation of etiologic agents in cases of toxocariasis. The results of this study build upon previously reported proteomic evaluations of TES, contributing new information in regards to newly identified proteins, EV protein cargo within TES, and potential immunomodulatory functions of these proteins.

Helminth-derived molecules: pathogenic and pharmacopeial roles.

Parasitic helminths, taxonomically comprising trematodes, cestodes, and nematodes, are multicellular invertebrates widely disseminated in nature and have afflicted people continuously for a long time. Helminths play potent roles in the host through generating a variety of novel molecules, including some excretory/secretory products and others that are involved in intracellular material exchange and information transfer as well as the initiation or stimulation of immune and metabolic activation. The helminth-derived molecules have developed powerful and diverse immunosuppressive effects to achieve immune evasion for parasite survival and establish chronic infections. However, they also improve autoimmune and allergic inflammatory responses and promote metabolic homeostasis by promoting metabolic reprogramming of various immune functions, and then inducing alternatively activated macrophages, T helper 2 cells, and regulatory T cells-mediated immune responses. Therefore, a deeper exploration of the immunopathogenic mechanism and immune regulatory mechanisms of helminth-derived molecules exerted in the host is crucial for understanding host-helminth interactions as well as the development of therapeutic drugs for infectious or non-infectious diseases. In this review, we focus on the properties of helminth-derived molecules to give an overview of the most recent scientific knowledge about their pathogenic and pharmacopeial roles in immune-metabolic homeostasis.

Human Infection with the Nematode Gongylonema sp.: A Case Report from Bulgaria.

We report a case of infection with the zoonotic nematode Gongylonema sp. in a 24-year-old woman from Varna, Bulgaria. Two days before seeking medical attention, the patient had noticed a filamentous mass in her buccal mucosa that migrated when touched with the tongue. She manually removed a thread-like worm from the mucosa near her lower lip. Albendazole was prescribed for three days. The patient had no history of travelling abroad or contact with animals. To our knowledge, this is the sixth case that has been reported in the country.

Prevalence and associated risk factors of soil-transmitted helminth infections among schoolchildren in Mekan Eyesus town, northwestern Ethiopia.

Background: Little attention has been paid to determining the prevalence and associated factors of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections in some developing countries. This study was, therefore, carried out to determine the prevalence and associated factors of STH infections among schoolchildren attending three primary schools in Mekane Eyesus town, northwestern Ethiopia. Methods: A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to June 2023 in Mekane Eyesus town. Stool samples were collected from 401 children from three primary schools in the town. Wet-mount and formol ether concentration techniques were used to diagnose stool samples, and a structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics and risk factors for STH infections. Results: The overall prevalence of STH infection in this study was 18.2 % (73/401). The most common helminth species detected was Ascaris lumbricoides (A. lumbricoides) (7.5 % (30/401)). Not trimming fingernails regularly (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3.75, 95 % CI = 1.87-7.50), having illiterate fathers (AOR = 2.29, 95 % CI = 1.18-4.44), and being aged 15-17 years (AOR = 2.37, 95 % CI = 1.06-5.30) were associated with increased odds of STH infection. Children who wash their hands after defecation (AOR = 0.43, 95 % CI = 0.21-0.88) and those whose mothers were housewives (AOR = 0.22, 95 % CI = 0.08-0.58) had lower odds of STH infection. Conclusion: This study found a high prevalence of STH infection among schoolchildren in Mekane Eyesus town. Thus, STH infection preventive measures, including deworming of schoolchildren, should be implemented in the study area. Moreover, giving health-related knowledge about STH infection prevention strategies, such as regular fingernail trimming and hand washing after defecating, is vital for reducing the prevalence of STH infections in the study area.

Large-bodied gastric spirurids (Nematoda, Spirurida) predict structure in the downstream gastrointestinal helminth community of wild spiny mice (Acomys dimidiatus).

The dominant helminths infecting spiny mice (Acomys dimidiatus) in the montane wadis of the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt are spirurid nematodes, notably Protospirura muricola and Mastophorus muris. Both are relatively large robust stomach worms that accumulate in hosts resulting in high worm burdens. To ascertain whether the presence of spirurid worms or their burdens alters the host's likelihood of infection with other helminth species, we analysed a database containing quantitative data on helminth parasites of these mice (n = 431). This comprised of worm burdens recorded during 4 surveys, conducted at 4-year intervals, in 4 wadis, during late summer of each year. The presence of spirurid worms did not significantly alter species richness with other helminth species nor the likelihood of mice carrying other nematode species. However, there was a significant association, particularly of P. muricola, with the presence of intestinal stages of cestodes, and with the acanthocephalan Moniliformis acomysi. After controlling for intrinsic and extrinsic factors, mice harbouring spirurid worms had greater worm burdens of other helminths compared with mice without spirurids. Moreover, spirurid worm burdens showed a significant positive covariation with similarly adjusted species richness of other helminths, non-spirurid helminths, non-spirurid nematodes, oxyuroid nematodes and intestinal stage cestode worm burdens. We interpret these results as an indication that the key driver for co-occurrence of spirurids with other helminths is likely to be transmission via common arthropod hosts (for cestodes and acanthocephalans), but also that mice carrying the heavier spirurid worm burdens become more susceptible to directly transmitted nematodes such as the Oxyuroidea.

Hematological and biochemical profiles, infection and habitat quality in an urban rat population.

Host condition is key in understanding disease dynamics. In an urban population of Rattus norvegicus, we aimed to assess whether infection of Leptospira interrogans and helminths was associated with patterns of host hematological and hormone-biochemical stress-related conditions. Rat kidney imprints and urine were used to identify and quantify L. interrogans, and feces samples for helminth eggs and corticosterone metabolites. Blood samples were taken for complete blood counts and specific biochemicals in rats' sera. Principal Component Analyses were performed to check whether rats would be grouped according to health profiles. We obtained hematological and hormone-biochemical data from 95 and 61 rats, respectively. Hematological PCA revealed distinct rat groups: typical (T), eosinophil deficient (Eos-D), eosinophil- and monocyte- deficient (EM-D) and monocyte deficient with high immature neutrophils (Mon-D). No association between L. interrogans or helminths and rat health profiles was observed, except with Trichiuridae, which mean intensity was significantly higher when all deficient groups were pooled together compared to the T-group. The poorest condition group was found in areas with fewer rat burrows than the T-group, indicating EM-D had a reduced ability to occupy "good" quality habitats. In natural populations, hematological profiles may reflect host's overall condition, instead of responses to specific infections.

Mathematical Modeling of Mating Probability and Fertile Egg Production in Helminth Parasites.

In this work, we obtained a general formulation for the mating probability and fertile egg production in helminth parasites, focusing on the reproductive behavior of polygamous parasites and its implications for transmission dynamics. By exploring various reproductive variables in parasites with density-dependent fecundity, such as helminth parasites, we departed from the traditional assumptions of Poisson and negative binomial distributions to adopt an arbitrary distribution model. Our analysis considered critical factors such as mating probability, fertile egg production, and the distribution of female and male parasites among hosts, whether they are distributed together or separately. We show that the distribution of parasites within hosts significantly influences transmission dynamics, with implications for parasite persistence and, therefore, with implications in parasite control. Using statistical models and empirical data from Monte Carlo simulations, we provide insights into the complex interplay of reproductive variables in helminth parasites, enhancing our understanding of parasite dynamics and the transmission of parasitic diseases.

Both host and parasite non-coding RNAs co-ordinate the regulation of macrophage gene expression to reduce pro-inflammatory immune responses and promote tissue repair pathways during infection with fasciola hepatica.

Parasitic worms (helminths) establish chronic infection within mammalian hosts by strategically regulating their host's immune responses. Deciphering the mechanisms by which host non-coding RNAs (ncRNA) co-ordinate the activation and regulation of immune cells is essential to understanding host immunity and immune-related pathology. It is also important to comprehend how pathogens secrete specific ncRNAs to manipulate gene expression of host immune cells and influence their response to infection. To investigate the contribution of both host and helminth derived ncRNAs to the activation and/or regulation of innate immune responses during a parasite infection, we examined ncRNA expression in the peritoneal macrophages from mice infected with Fasciola hepatica. We discovered the presence of several parasitic-derived miRNAs within host macrophages at 6 hrs and 18 hrs post infection. Target prediction analysis showed that these Fasciola miRNAs regulate host genes associated with the activation of host pro-inflammatory macrophages. Concomitantly, there was a distinct shift in host ncRNA expression, which was significant at 5 days post-infection. Prediction analysis suggested that these host ncRNAs target a different cohort of host genes compared to the parasite miRNAs, although the functional outcome was predicted to be similar i.e. reduced pro-inflammatory response and the promotion of a reparative/tolerant phenotype. Taken together, these observations uncover the interplay between host and parasitic ncRNAs and reveal a complementary regulation of the immune response that allows the parasite to evade immune detection and promote tissue repair for the host. These findings will provide a new understanding of the molecular interaction between parasites and host.

Prevalence and distribution of intestinal parasitic infections in taeniasis endemic area of North Sumatera, Indonesia.

A group of helminthic and intestinal protozoa causes intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs), affecting more than 2.5 billion people worldwide. IPIs are diseases closely associated with poor hygiene and sanitation, concentrated in underdeveloped regions and among populations with low socioeconomic status. Consequently, most prevalence is in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia, with local habits or risk factors that could affect its prevalence. The aim of this study was to determine how hygienic practices, sanitation, and local behavior of eating raw meat (hinasumba) contributed to the prevalence of IPI. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Simalungun District of North Sumatera Province, involving 428 people of Batak Simalungun. There were 15 villages randomly selected across the district based on the local registry, which consequently, non-purposive sampling was conducted. Face-to-face interviews assessed various risk factors, such as demographic characteristics, water source, traditional raw meat consumption, or hinasumba as local risk factors, hygienic practices, and sanitation. The findings indicated that an overall prevalence rate of IPI was 42.9%, consisting of 87.5% with helminthic infection and 12.5% with protozoal infection. More than half of IPI cases were associated with Taenia sp. infections (21.8%), followed by hookworms' infections with a 6.1% positivity rate. Based on multivariate analysis, farming and consuming traditional delicacies, namely hinasumba, increased the likelihood of IPI occurrence among the population by 1.7 and 3 times, respectively. It can be concluded that the high prevalence of taeniasis in the study area was associated with local behavior and hinasumba consumption, which may contribute to determining the dominance of specific IPI species.

Construction and validation of a novel multi-epitope in silico vaccine design against the paramyosin protein of Opisthorchis viverrini using immunoinformatics analyses.

Liver fluke infection caused by Opisthorchis viverrini (O. viverrini) remains a significant but neglected health threat across Southeastern Asia. The early infective anabolic growth stage of O. viverrini expresses and exposes proteins integral for the growth and maturation of immature worms to the adult catabolic stage. Among these proteins, paramyosin emerged as a distinct immunogenic protein during opisthorchiasis. The functional region of the paramyosin protein known as myosin tail was selected to design a multi-epitope vaccine (MEV) to elicit T and B cell immune responses in susceptible human hosts utilizing various immunoinformatics and in silico vaccinology tools. The vaccine candidate had several B- and T-cell epitopes that stimulate both humoral and cellular immune responses. Moreover, in silico structural, docking, and dynamic analyses showed that the construct interacted with target immune receptors effectively, which may result in sufficient immunological stimulation. Analysis of simulated coverage efficacy also supports vaccine application in the field. Cloning and expression of the vaccine candidate were determined to be viable based on physicochemical and in silico assessments. These results reveal that the vaccine candidate developed herein is stable and potentially useful in addressing opisthorchiasis. The promising result of this study establishes a strong platform for initiating laboratory and efficacy trials for the vaccine candidate.

Akkermansia in the gastrointestinal tract as a modifier of human health.

Akkermansia sp are common members of the human gut microbiota. Multiple reports have emerged linking the abundance of A. muciniphila to health benefits and disease risk in humans and animals. This review highlights findings linking Akkermansia species in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to health outcomes across a spectrum of disorders, encompassing those that affect the digestive, respiratory, urinary, and central nervous systems. The mechanism through which Akkermansia exerts a beneficial versus a detrimental effect on health is likely dependent on the genetic makeup of the host metabolic capacity and immunomodulatory properties of the strain, the competition or cooperation with other members of the host microbiota, as well as synergy with co-administered therapies.