FioSchisto's expert perspective on implementing WHO guidelines for schistosomiasis control and transmission elimination in Brazil.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes schistosomiasis as one of the Neglected Tropical Diseases targeted for global elimination in the 2030 Agenda of the Sustainable Development Goals. In Brazil, schistosomiasis mansoni is considered a public health problem, particularly prevalent among vulnerable populations living in areas with poor environmental and sanitary conditions. In 2022, the WHO published a Guideline encompassing recommendations to assist national programs in endemic countries in achieving morbidity control, eliminating schistosomiasis as a public health problem, and advancing towards interrupting transmission. The perspectives presented here, collectively prepared by members of the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation's (Fiocruz) Schistosomiasis Translational Program (FioSchisto), along with invited experts, examine the feasibility of the WHO recommendations for the Brazilian settings, providing appropriate recommendations for public health policies applicable to the epidemiological reality of Brazil, and suggests future research to address relevant issues. In Brazil, the provision of safe water and sanitation should be the key action to achieve schistosomiasis elimination goals. The agencies involved in measures implementation should act together with the Primary Care teams for planning, executing, monitoring, and evaluating actions in priority municipalities based on their epidemiological indicators. Host snails control should prioritize judicious ecological interventions at breeding sites. The Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) strategy should be associated with water and sanitation and other control actions, actively involving school community. To identify infected carriers, FioSchisto recommends a two-stage approach of immunological and molecular tests to verify transmission interruption during the intervention and beyond. Praziquantel administration should be done under medical supervision at the Primary Care level. MDA should be considered in exceptional settings, as a measure of initial attack strategy in locations presenting high endemicity, always integrated with water and sanitation, IEC, and snail control. To assist decision-making, as well as the monitoring and evaluation of strategic actions, there is a need for an Information System. FioSchisto considers this systematization essential to make investments in strategic research to support the improvement of schistosomiasis control actions. Efforts toward schistosomiasis elimination in Brazil will succeed with a paradigm shift from the vertical prescriptive framework to a community-centered approach involving intersectoral and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The giant African snail Achatina (Lissachatina) fulica Bowdich, 1822 as an intermediate host of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (Railliet, 1898) in the Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil.

Aelurostrongylus abstrusus is a metastrongilid nematode that causes feline aelurostrongylosis. The adult life stage parasitizes the lungs of wild and domestic felids. Terrestrial mollusks act as its intermediate host, and birds, amphibians, and small mammals act as paratenic hosts. Aelurostrongylus abstrusus presents a worldwide distribution, and in Brazil it has been recorded in most states. The present study investigates the occurrence of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in terrestrial mollusks from urban areas of two out of the six Mesoregions of Rio de Janeiro state: Metropolitana and Centro Fluminense (46 municipalities). Larvae were recovered from the tissue of the mollusks collected during the surveys and identified based on morphology and sequences of the Internal Transcribed Spacer 2 (ITS2). In all, 2791 mollusks, belonging to 14 different species, were collected. Larvae of A. abstrusus were recovered from two species: Achatina fulica in 22 out of 46 municipalities, and from the slug Latipes erinaceus in 1 out of 46 municipalities. Aelurostrongylus abstrusus was recorded in half (50%) of the municipalities of the Metropolitana Mesoregion and in 44% of those of the Centro Fluminense Mesoregion. Results indicate a strong association between A. abstrusus and A. fulica, since 99% of the mollusks infected with A. abstrusus were A. fulica. This study recorded A. abstrusus in the Centro Fluminense Mesoregion and naturally parasitizing L. erinaceus for the first time. Despite the high number of mollusks infected with A. abstrusus and their wide distribution in Rio de Janeiro State, there are still few reports of infection in Brazilian felids, probably given that this is an under-diagnosed parasitosis in this country. Further studies in other regions of the Rio de Janeiro State, and other Brazilian States, focusing on intermediate and definitive hosts, particularly in the urban environments where they coexist, are needed. These studies will enable further understanding of the epidemiology and prevention of aelurostrongylosis.

Schistosoma mansoni FES Tyrosine Kinase Involvement in the Mammalian Schistosomiasis Outcome and Miracidia Infection Capability in Biomphalaria glabrata.

Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) caused by helminthes from the Schistosoma genus. This NTD can cause systemic symptoms induced by the deposition of parasite eggs in the host liver, promoting severe complications. Functional studies to increase knowledge about parasite biology are required for the identification of new drug targets, because the treatment is solely based on praziquantel administration, a drug in which the mechanism of action is still unknown. Protein kinases are important for cellular adaptation and maintenance of many organisms homeostasis and, thus, are considered good drug targets for many pathologies. Accordingly, those proteins are also important for Schistosoma mansoni, as the parasite relies on specific environmental signals to develop into its different stages. However, the specific roles of protein kinases in S. mansoni biology are not well understood. This work aims at investigating the tyrosine-protein kinase FES (Feline Sarcoma) functions in the maintenance of S. mansoni life cycle, especially in the establishment of mammalian and invertebrate hosts' infection. In this regard, the verification of Smfes expression among S. mansoni stages showed that Smfes is more expressed in infective free-living stages: miracidia and cercariae. Schistosomula exposed to SmFES-dsRNA in vitro presented a reduction in movement and size and increased mortality. Mice infected with Smfes-knocked-down schistosomula exhibited a striking reduction in the area of liver granuloma and an increased rate of immature eggs in the intestine. Female adult worms recovered from mice presented a reduced size and changes in the ovary and vitellarium; and males exhibited damage in the gynecophoral canal. Subsequently, miracidia hatched from eggs exposed to SmFES-dsRNA presented changes in its capability to infect and to sense the snail mucus. In addition, the SmFES RNAi effect was stable from miracidia to cercariae. The establishment of infection with those cercariae reproduced the same alterations observed for the knocked-down schistosomula infection. Our findings show that SmFES tyrosine kinase (1) is important in schistosomula development and survival; (2) has a role in adult worms pairing and, consequently, female maturation; (3) might be essential for egg antigen expression, thus responsible for inducing granuloma formation and immunomodulation; and (4) is essential for miracidia infection capability. In addition, this is the first time that a gene is kept knocked down during three different S. mansoni life stages and that a tyrosine kinase is implicated in the parasite reproduction and infection establishment in the mammalian host. Accordingly, SmFES should be explored as an alternative to support schistosomiasis treatment and morbidity control.

Freshwater gastropods of the Baixada Maranhense Microregion, an endemic area for schistosomiasis in the State of Maranhão, Brazil: I - qualitative study.

INTRODUCTION: The Baixada Maranhense Microregion currently has the highest prevalence of schistosomiasis in the State of Maranhão, likely because this parasitosis is characterized as an occupational disease, and increased contact with water increases the risk of infection by Schistosoma mansoni. This paper reports the results of the first comprehensive freshwater malacological survey performed in the Baixada Maranhense Microregion. METHODS: Freshwater mollusks were collected from the twenty-one municipalities of the Baixada Maranhense Microregion and from Bacurituba and Cajapió and were evaluated for infection by trematodes. RESULTS: A total of 9,129 mollusks were collected (sixteen species), which included the first records of six species in the State of Maranhão: Gundlachia radiata, G. ticaga, Hebetancylus moricandi, Plesiophysa guadeloupensis, Pomacea bridgesii diffusa and Omalonyx sp. Biomphalaria glabrata was found in five municipalities, whereas B. straminea was found in nine. Biomphalaria glabrata and B. straminea were observed in syntopy in Pinheiro and São Bento. Of the 990 specimens of B. glabrata and the 2,109 specimens of B. straminea that were exposed to and/or analyzed for the presence of larval trematodes, only a single specimen of B. glabrata (0.1%) from São Bento shed S. mansoni. Other larval trematodes were first observed in mollusks from the State of Maranhão. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that the study area is epidemiologically important due to the presence of two natural vectors of schistosomiasis and the active transmission of schistosomiasis, which was confirmed in the infected specimen that was collected in this study.

Freshwater gastropods of the Baixada Maranhense Microregion, an endemic area for schistosomiasis in the State of Maranhao, Brazil: I - qualitative study

Introduction: The Baixada Maranhense Microregion currently has the highest prevalence of schistosomiasis in the State of Maranhão, likely because this parasitosis is characterized as an occupational disease, and increased contact with water increases the risk of infection by Schistosoma mansoni. This paper reports the results of the first comprehensive freshwater malacological survey performed in the Baixada Maranhense Microregion. Methods: Freshwater mollusks were collected from the twenty-one municipalities of the Baixada Maranhense Microregion and from Bacurituba and Cajapió and were evaluated for infection by trematodes. Results: A total of 9,129 mollusks were collected (sixteen species), which included the first records of six species in the State of Maranhão: Gundlachia radiata, G. ticaga, Hebetancylus moricandi, Plesiophysa guadeloupensis, Pomacea bridgesii diffusa and Omalonyx sp. Biomphalaria glabrata was found in five municipalities, whereas B. straminea was found in nine. Biomphalaria glabrata and B. straminea were observed in syntopy in Pinheiro and São Bento. Of the 990 specimens of B. glabrata and the 2,109 specimens of B. straminea that were exposed to and/or analyzed for the presence of larval trematodes, only a single specimen of B. glabrata (0.1%) from São Bento shed S. mansoni. Other larval trematodes were first observed in mollusks from the State of Maranhão. Conclusions: These results indicate that the study area is epidemiologically important due to the presence of two natural vectors of schistosomiasis and the active transmission of schistosomiasis, which was confirmed in the infected specimen that was collected in this study. .

Laminosioptes cysticola in free-range chickens in Minas Gerais, Brazil / Laminosioptes cysticola em galinhas de fundo de quintal em Minas Gerais, Brasil

The subcutaneous acarid parasite Laminosioptes cysticola, the fowl cyst mite, has been found for a number of years in free-range chickens of peri-urban and rural Minas Gerais, forming collagen cysts which may be subsequently calcified after the parasite's death. The role of free-range chickens as hosts and the possible risk of food-borne human allergy, as a result of its consumption in feed, are considered.

O parasito acarino subcutâneo Laminosioptes cysticola tem sido encontrado em galinhas de subsistência periurbanas e rurais em Minas Gerais, formando cistos arredondados que podem calcificar sob a pele após a morte do parasito. Detalhes do parasitismo e do parasito são discutidos, sendo especulado o risco potencial humano em alergia de origem alimentar pelo consumo da carne da ave contendo os cistos.

Angiostrongylus costaricensis (Nematoda: Protostrongylidae): estudo da via migratória em Omalonyx matheroni (Gastropoda: Succineidae) e análise comparativa da resposta hemocitária e desenvolvimento larvar em moluscos pulmonados

O nematódeo Angiostrongylus costaricensis tem como hospedeiros intermediários diversos moluscos pulmonados, no entanto, sua via-migratória foi estudada somente em Sarasinula marginata. Neste trabalho investigou-se 1- a via-migratória do parasita em Omalonyx matheroni, 2 - a reação tecidual e desenvolvimento larvar em alguns pulmonados (O. matheroni, Biomphalaria glabrata, Deroceras sp. e S. marginata), e 3 - o potencial como hospedeiro intermediário de O. matheroni e Deroceras sp. Espécimes de O. matheroni foram infectados com 1200 larvas L1 para preparação de cortes histológicos corados em HE. Para a via-migratória foram estudados pontos com 30 minutos, 1, 2, 4, 6 e 8 horas, 2, 5, 10, 12, 15, 20, 21, 25, 28 e 30 dias de infecção. A análise dos cortes histológicos revelou a ocorrência de infecção oral e cutânea. A via-migratória mostrou-se intimamente relacionada às vias do sistema circulatório indicando que as larvas são por estas conduzidas aos diversos órgãos. No estudo comparativo da reação hemocitária nos pulmonados esta diferiu em intensidade e grau de ativação celular. Todas as espécies se tornaram mais responsivas a L2 e à face côncava larvar (ventral). Deroceras sp. e O. matheroni apresentaram uma camada colágena ao redor dos granulomas, ausente em S. marginata e B. glabrata. A análise comparativa da resposta hemocitária em gastrópodes pulmonados demonstrou que os aspectos da infecção são muito semelhantes entre as espécies estudadas. No entanto, muitos padrões se mostraram variáveis (intensidade da resposta, ativação celular - morfologia - e presença de colágeno), demonstrando o alto grau de conservação do sistema imunológico inato e a heterogeneidade funcional dos hemócitos. No estudo do desenvolvimento larvar 10 exemplares de cada espécie foram infectados (400L1) e digeridos após 5, 10, 15, 20 e 30 dias. A porcentagem de cada estágio larvar recuperado com 15, 20 e 30 dias, apresentou diferenças significativas (qui-quadrado) entre as espécies. As l...

Angiostrongylus costaricensis (Nematoda: Protostrongylidae): estudo da via migratória em Omalonyx matheroni (Gastropoda: Succineidae) e análise comparativa da resposta hemocitária e desenvolvimento larvar em moluscos pulmonados / Angiostrongylus costaricensis (Nematoda: Protostrongylidae): study of the migratory way in Omalonyx matheroni (Gastropoda: Succineidae) and comparative analysis of the hemocytic reply and development to larvar in pulmonates snails

O nematódeo Angiostrongylus costaricensis tem como hospedeiros intermediários diversos moluscos pulmonados, no entanto, sua via-migratória foi estudada somente em Sarasinula marginata. Neste trabalho investigou-se 1- a via-migratória do parasita em Omalonyx matheroni, 2 - a reação tecidual e desenvolvimento larvar em alguns pulmonados (O. matheroni, Biomphalaria glabrata, Deroceras sp. e S. marginata), e 3 - o potencial como hospedeiro intermediário de O. matheroni e Deroceras sp. Espécimes de O. matheroni foram infectados com 1200 larvas L1 para preparação de cortes histológicos corados em HE. Para a via-migratória foram estudados pontos com 30 minutos, 1, 2, 4, 6 e 8 horas, 2, 5, 10, 12, 15, 20, 21, 25, 28 e 30 dias de infecção. A análise dos cortes histológicos revelou a ocorrência de infecção oral e cutânea. A via-migratória mostrou-se intimamente relacionada às vias do sistema circulatório indicando que as larvas são por estas conduzidas aos diversos órgãos. No estudo comparativo da reação hemocitária nos pulmonados esta diferiu em intensidade e grau de ativação celular. Todas as espécies se tornaram mais responsivas a L2 e à face côncava larvar (ventral). Deroceras sp. e O. matheroni apresentaram uma camada colágena ao redor dos granulomas, ausente em S. marginata e B. glabrata. A análise comparativa da resposta hemocitária em gastrópodes pulmonados demonstrou que os aspectos da infecção são muito semelhantes entre as espécies estudadas. No entanto, muitos padrões se mostraram variáveis (intensidade da resposta, ativação celular - morfologia - e presença de colágeno), demonstrando o alto grau de conservação do sistema imunológico inato e a heterogeneidade funcional dos hemócitos. No estudo do desenvolvimento larvar 10 exemplares de cada espécie foram infectados (400L1) e digeridos após 5, 10, 15, 20 e 30 dias. A porcentagem de cada estágio larvar recuperado com 15, 20 e 30 dias, apresentou diferenças significativas (qui-quadrado) entre as espécies...