Identification and characterization of a novel nematode pan allergen (NPA) from Wuchereria bancrofti and their potential role in human filarial tropical pulmonary eosinophilia (TPE).

BACKGROUND: Tropical pulmonary eosinophilia (TPE) is a chronic respiratory syndrome associated with Lymphatic Filariasis (LF), a tropical parasitic infection of the human, transmitted by mosquitoes. The larval form of LF (microfilariae) are trapped in the lungs of TPE subjects have a major role in initiating the TPE syndrome. To date, there are no reports on the potential allergen that is responsible for generating parasite-specific IgE in TPE. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: In this project, we screened a cDNA expression library of the microfilarial stages of Wuchereria bancrofti with monoclonal IgE antibodies prepared from subjects with clinical filarial infections. Our studies identified a novel molecule that showed significant sequence similarity to an allergen. A blast analysis showed the presence of similar proteins in a number of nematodes parasites. Thus, we named this molecule as Nematode Pan Allergen (NPA). Subsequent functional analysis showed that NPA is a potent allergen that can cause release of histamine from mast cells, induce secretion of proinflammatory cytokines from alveolar macrophages and promote accumulation of eosinophils in the tissue, all of which occur in TPE lungs. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Based on our results, we conclude that the NPA protein secreted by the microfilariae of W. bancrofti may play a significant role in the pathology of TPE syndrome in LF infected individuals. Further studies on this molecule can help design an approach to neutralize the NPA in an attempt to reduce the pathology associated with TPE in LF infected subjects.

Case Report: Clonorchis sinensis Infection Associated with Eosinophilic Pneumonia.

Clonorchis sinensis, a trematode prevalent in East Asia, causes hepatobiliary infection. Exposure typically occurs through ingestion of raw or undercooked fish containing the encysted larval form of the parasite. Extrahepatobiliary disease has not commonly been described. In this case report, we describe an unusual case of C. sinensis infection associated with eosinophilic pneumonia. A middle-aged man from China presented with subacute cough and was found to have a bilateral diffuse eosinophilic pneumonia with associated peripheral eosinophilia. Stool microscopy revealed C. sinensis eggs, and the patient improved after treatment with prednisone and praziquantel. Pulmonary clonorchiasis should be considered in patients with eosinophilic pneumonia from areas highly endemic for this pathogen.

Acidic Calcium-Independent Phospholipase A2 Regulates Eosinophil-Mediated Pathology during Filarial Manifestation of Tropical Pulmonary Eosinophilia.

Eosinophils mediate pathological manifestations during tropical pulmonary eosinophilia (TPE), a potentially fatal complication of lymphatic filariasis, by mechanisms that are incompletely understood. Using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, flow cytometry, and pharmacological and functional studies, we identified acidic calcium-independent phospholipase A2 (aiPLA2) as the master regulator of TPE pathogenesis. FACS-sorted lung eosinophils from TPE mice exhibited aiPLA2-dependent activation characterized by heavy calcium influx, F-actin polymerization, increased degranulation, and heightened reactive oxygen species generation. Interestingly, aiPLA2 also promoted alternative activation in lung macrophages and regulated the release of inflammatory intermediates from them. Treatment of TPE mice with MJ33, a nontoxic pharmacological inhibitor of aiPLA2, lowered eosinophil counts in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, reduced eosinophil peroxidase and ß-hexosaminidase activity, increased airway width, improved lung endothelial barrier, and lowered the production of inflammatory lipid intermediates, which significantly improved the pathological condition of the lungs. Importantly, ex vivo reconstitution of arachidonic acid to eosinophils from MJ33-treated TPE mice increased eosinophil degranulation and inflammatory lipid intermediates underlining the pivotal role of aiPLA2 in arachidonic acid metabolism. Mechanistically, phosphorylation of JNK-1 regulated phospholipase activity of aiPLA2, whereas IgG cross-linking mediated pathological activation of eosinophils. Taken together, ours is the first study, to our knowledge, to report hitherto undocumented role of aiPLA2 in regulating TPE pathogenesis.

Distinguishment of parasite-infected children from pediatric inpatients with both eosinophilia and effusion.

Patients with both serous effusion and eosinophilia are rarely reported and geographically distributed; their early diagnosis is difficult.According to the ultimate diagnosis, patients (≤14 years) in West China Second hospital with serous effusion and eosinophilia were divided into two groups including a parasitic group and a non-parasitic group. Clinical data were collected and analyzed between the two groups. Subsequently, significant measurement indicators were evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to explore the optimal cut-off points for the most appropriate sensitivity and specificity.A total of 884 patients were diagnosed with serous effusion and 61 of them displayed co-morbidity with eosinophilia during enrolled time. Among 61 patients, 34 patients had parasitic infection and 27 had non-parasitic diseases. There were statistical difference in effusion position, the levels of white blood cell count (WBC), eosinophil (EOS), EOS%, C-reactive protein (CRP) between parasitic group and non-parasitic group. ROC curve demonstrated that the areas under the curve of EOS count and EOS% were >80%, and the corresponding optimal cut-off values were 1.71 × 10/L and 25.6% for distinguishing between parasitic and non-parasitic infections in our patients.This study provided a quantified index for potentially quick and convenient indicators of pediatric patients presenting with both eosinophilia and effusion. Eosinophils were helpful to improve the initial diagnosis with awareness of parasitic diseases. For the cases with EOS > 1.71 × 10/L or EOS% > 25.6%, parasitic infection should be considered and serological tests are recommended in our region.

Filarial tropical pulmonary eosinophilia: a condition masquerading asthma, a series of 12 cases.

INTRODUCTION: Tropical pulmonary eosinophilia (TPE) is a form of occult filariasis, clinically characterized by paroxysmal cough, wheezing and dyspnea which is often misdiagnosed and treated as asthma. These manifestations result from a host immune response to trapped antigens of the microfilarial parasites Wuchereria bancrofti or Brugia malayi in the pulmonary microcirculation. CASE STUDY: We describe three rare presentations of TPE (cor pumonale, cystic lung disease and respiratory distress mimicking acute severe asthma) in our series of 12 cases. All cases were from filaria endemic areas and presented with cough, wheezing and dyspnea, either alone or in combination. Subsequent work-up revealed peripheral eosinophilia, raised serum IgE levels and positive serum filarial antibody and/or antigen in all the cases. RESULTS: All patients were treated with diethylcarbamazine (DEC), while few required inhaled/systemic corticosteroid. Prompt improvement in clinical symptoms with a decrease in eosinophil count was seen in all. Two cases relapsed requiring a second course of DEC. Long-term outcome was good, however, there was a persistence of restrictive lung function and echocardiographic feature of pulmonary hypertension in the patients with cystic lung disease and cor pulmonale, respectively. CONCLUSION: TPE should always be considered in patients from filaria endemic areas presenting with cough, dyspnea or wheezing. High eosinophil count (>3 × 109 cells) with raised IgE level (>1000 IU/mL) in such cases should alert the physician to look for TPE. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent disease progression and complications.

Cutaneous Larva Migrans Associated With Löffler's Syndrome in a 6-Year-Old Boy.

Cutaneous larva migrans is a frequent dermatologic problem among travelers in tropical areas, but its association with Löffler's syndrome is an extremely rare condition, particularly in children. Here, we describe a 6-year-old boy presenting cutaneous larva migrans associated with Löffler's syndrome.

Sensitization by subcutaneous route is superior to intraperitoneal route in induction of asthma by house dust mite in a murine mode / Sensibilização por via subcutânea é superior à intraperitoneal na indução de asma por ácaro em modelo murino

ABSTRACT Objective To develop a new experimental model of chronic allergic pulmonary disease induced by house dust mite, with marked production of specific immunoglobulin E (IgE), eosinophilic inflammatory infiltrate in the airways and remodeling, comparing two different routes of sensitization. Methods The protocol lasted 30 days. BALB/c mice were divided into six groups and were sensitized subcutaneously or intraperitoneally with saline (negative control), Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p) 50 or 500mcg in three injections. Subsequently they underwent intranasal challenge with Der p or saline for 7 days and were sacrificed 24 hours after the last challenge. We evaluated the titration of specific IgE anti-Der p, eosinophilic density in peribronchovascular space and airway remodeling. Results Both animals sensitized intraperitoneally and subcutaneously produced specific IgE anti-Der p. Peribronchovascular eosinophilia increased only in mice receiving lower doses of Der p. However, only the group sensitized with Der p 50mcg through subcutaneously route showed significant airway remodeling. Conclusion In this murine model of asthma, both pathways of sensitization led to the production of specific IgE and eosinophilia in the airways. However, only the subcutaneously route was able to induce remodeling. Furthermore, lower doses of Der p used in sensitization were better than higher ones, suggesting immune tolerance. Further studies are required to evaluate the efficacy of this model in the development of bronchial hyperresponsiveness, but it can already be replicated in experiments to create new therapeutic drugs or immunotherapeutic strategies.

RESUMO Objetivo Desenvolver um novo modelo experimental de doença pulmonar alérgica crônica por ácaro, com proeminente produção de imunoglobulina E (IgE) específica, infiltrado inflamatório eosinofílico nas vias aéreas e remodelamento, comparando duas vias diferentes de sensibilização. Métodos O protocolo teve duração de 30 dias. Camundongos BALB/c foram divididos em seis grupos submetidos à sensibilização por via subcutânea ou intraperitoneal com solução salina (controles negativos),Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p) 50 ou 500mcg, em três aplicações. Posteriormente, foram submetidos à provocação intranasal com Der p ou salina por 7 dias e sacrificados 24 horas após o último desafio. Avaliamos a titulação de IgE específica anti-Der p, densidade eosinofílica no espaço peribroncovascular e remodelamento das vias aéreas. Resultados Tanto os animais sensibilizados por via subcutânea como intraperitoneal produziram IgE específica anti-Der p. Ocorreu aumento da eosinofilia peribroncovascular apenas nos animais que receberam menor dose de Der p. Porém apenas o grupo sensibilizado com Der p 50mcg subcutânea apresentou remodelamento significativo das vias aéreas. Conclusão Neste modelo murino de asma, as duas vias de sensibilização levaram à produção de IgE específica e eosinofilia nas vias aéreas. No entanto, apenas a via subcutânea foi capaz de induzir ao remodelamento. Além disso, doses menores de Der p utilizadas foram superiores às mais elevadas, sugerindo tolerância. Mais estudos são necessários para avaliar a eficácia deste modelo no desenvolvimento da hiperresponsividade brônquica, mas ele pode ser replicado em experimentos para criação de novas estratégias terapêuticas medicamentosas ou imunoterápicas.

Muscle pain, fever, cough, and progressive dyspnea in a woman with eosinophilic pneumonia.

The diagnosis of eosinophilic pneumonia (EP) is rare and challenging. This condition is frequently misdiagnosed as pulmonary tuberculosis, lymphoma, schistosomiasis, Wegener's granuloma, severe acute respiratory syndrome, or severe community-acquired pneumonia. Herein, we report a case in which computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous lung biopsy was used to diagnose EP without alveolar eosinophilia or peripheral eosinophilia. A roundworm identified in the patient's stool confirmed the precise diagnosis to be parasitic EP. This is, to our knowledge, the first reported case of EP confirmed by CT-guided percutaneous lung biopsy. CT-guided percutaneous lung biopsy may represent a new tool for the diagnosis of EP in patients without typical alveolar eosinophilia or peripheral eosinophilia.

Sensitization by subcutaneous route is superior to intraperitoneal route in induction of asthma by house dust mite in a murine mode.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a new experimental model of chronic allergic pulmonary disease induced by house dust mite, with marked production of specific immunoglobulin E (IgE), eosinophilic inflammatory infiltrate in the airways and remodeling, comparing two different routes of sensitization. METHODS: The protocol lasted 30 days. BALB/c mice were divided into six groups and were sensitized subcutaneously or intraperitoneally with saline (negative control), Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p) 50 or 500 mcg in three injections. Subsequently they underwent intranasal challenge with Der p or saline for 7 days and were sacrificed 24 hours after the last challenge. We evaluated the titration of specific IgE anti-Der p, eosinophilic density in peribronchovascular space and airway remodeling. RESULTS: Both animals sensitized intraperitoneally and subcutaneously produced specific IgE anti-Der p. Peribronchovascular eosinophilia increased only in mice receiving lower doses of Der p. However, only the group sensitized with Der p 50 mcg through subcutaneously route showed significant airway remodeling. CONCLUSION: In this murine model of asthma, both pathways of sensitization led to the production of specific IgE and eosinophilia in the airways. However, only the subcutaneously route was able to induce remodeling. Furthermore, lower doses of Der p used in sensitization were better than higher ones, suggesting immune tolerance. Further studies are required to evaluate the efficacy of this model in the development of bronchial hyperresponsiveness, but it can already be replicated in experiments to create new therapeutic drugs or immunotherapeutic strategies.

[Loeffler's syndrome mimicking bronchial asthma and pneumonia in a child: case report]. / Çocukluk çaginda astim ve pnömoniyi taklit eden Löffler sendromu: olgu sunumu.

A 14-year-old male child was hospitalized with complaints of a bronchial wheezing, cough, dyspnea, and sputum and a preliminary diagnosis of bronchial asthma and pneumonia. The patient was treated empirically for bronchial asthma and pneumonia, but gave neitherr clinical nor radiological response to treatment. On the high-resolution computerized tomography, a typical spiral image of Ascaris lumbricoides was identified inside a cavity in the upper lobe of the left lung with a diameter of 8x7 cm. Also,migratory pneumonic infiltrations progressing between the lower lobe and hilary region of the left lung were seen. Examination of the peripheral blood smear of the patient revealed eosinophilia (40%), while IgE was measured as 350 IU/mL. The patient was diagnosed as "Loeffler's syndrome" due to A. lumbricoides", and successfully treated with mebendazole 2x100 mg/day for three days. Loeffler's pneumonia should be considered when patients with bronchial asthma and pneumonia do not respond to specific treatment in developing countries. Radiological investigations may be available in the diagnosis of parasitic infections. In this case, early diagnosis by radiologic methods have prevented unnecessary drug use and related complications.

Worms, not germs.

We present a case of a recent immigrant from India with 8 weeks of respiratory symptoms, eosinophilia, and diffuse reticulonodular opacity on chest X-ray. Further investigation revealed the cause to be tropical filarial pulmonary eosinophilia, for which he was successfully treated. We discuss the clinical features, investigation, and aetiology of this condition, which should be considered in patients from endemic areas.

Eosinophilic pneumonias.

This review starts with discussions of several infectious causes of eosinophilic pneumonia, which are almost exclusively parasitic in nature. Pulmonary infections due specifically to Ascaris, hookworms, Strongyloides, Paragonimus, filariasis, and Toxocara are considered in detail. The discussion then moves to noninfectious causes of eosinophilic pulmonary infiltration, including allergic sensitization to Aspergillus, acute and chronic eosinophilic pneumonias, Churg-Strauss syndrome, hypereosinophilic syndromes, and pulmonary eosinophilia due to exposure to specific medications or toxins.

Tropical pulmonary eosinophilia misdiagnosed as miliary tuberculosis: a case report and literature review.

Tropical pulmonary eosinophilia is prevalent in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It is an occult form of human filariasis and results from an exaggerated immune response to filarial parasites Wuchereria bancrofti and Brugia malayi. Tuberculosis is prevalent in our country and may mimic almost any pulmonary disease on chest skiagram. Here we describe a patient with acute chest symptoms and micro-nodular opacity over chest roentogenogram, diagnosed as miliary tuberculosis and treated accordingly. Actually he was suffering from tropical pulmonary eosinophilia and showed response to combined diethylcarbamazine and corticosteroid therapy. This case serves as a reminder that tropical pulmonary eosinophilia may be wrongly diagnosed as miliary tuberculosis if one rely solely on a chest X-ray with micronodular opacities. We also stress on early diagnosis and treatment of this condition to avoid unfavorable outcomes.

Eosinophilic pneumonia due to toxocariasis: an adult case report.

Toxocara is a roundworm, a common parasite of dogs (T. canis) and cats (T. cati). Toxocariasis or Visceral larva migrans (VLM) are diseases caused by the larvae of Toxocara sp., which may involve many organs, but pulmonary symptoms such as coughing and wheezing and allergic symptoms are seen in more than 80% of patients. It is known that, although the risk of infection is present, the worldwide diagnosis of toxocariasis is difficult since clinical and laboratory data provide insufficient evidence for the diagnosis. Nowadays, the diagnosis of toxocariasis is performed by serologic methods. We describe herein a case of toxocariasis with eosinophilic pneumonia that was diagnosed using serologic methods.

Eosinophilic pneumonia due to visceral larva migrans possibly caused by Ascaris suum: a case report and review of recent literatures.

We report the case of a 62-year-old man who developed eosinophilic pneumonia due to visceral larva migrans (VLM) that was possibly caused by Ascaris suum. The patient, a resident of the middle Kyushu area who was found of eating raw porcine liver, complained of dry cough without dyspnea. The chest radiography showed a migration of infiltrative shadow. Transbronchial lung biopsy of the right middle lobe revealed massive infiltration of eosinophils. The multi-dot enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and microtiter plate ELISA showed positive results for A. suum; therefore, the patient was diagnosed with VLM caused by A. suum. The patient was administered albendazole (600 mg/day) for 28 days; he recovered successfully with no adverse effects except mild liver dysfunction. Several cases of VLM caused by A. suum have been reported in Japan, with a majority of the cases being reported in Kyushu. Careful history taking of the patient's area of residence and dietary habit is essential for the diagnosis of this parasitic disease with underestimated prevalence.

[Eosinophilic pneumonia in response to cutaneous larva migrans syndrome--a case report]. / Eozynofilowe zapalenie pluc w przebiegu zespolu larwy skórnej wedrujacej--opis przypadku.

Cutaneous larva migrans is a parasitic dermatosis imported by travelers returning from tropical and subtropical regions. In cutaneous larva migrans syndrome humans are incidental hosts and the larvae are unable to complete their natural cycle. Adult hookworms live in the intestines of dogs and cats, shedding eggs in feces that hatch and mature into larvae that can remain infective for months in the soil. Larvae penetrate the skin after contact with infected soil and cause an itchy creeping eruption. Cutaneous larva migrans is not usually associated with systemic symptoms and is rarely accompanied by peripheral blood eosinophilia. We report a patient who had both cutaneous larva migrans syndrome caused by Ancylostoma brasiliense and eosinophilic pneumonia after returning from Sri Lanka. The patient has been applied intravenous corticosteroids and local treatment with albendazole ointment with a very good clinical response.

[Acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by tropical eosinophilic lung disease: a case in Gabon]. / Syndrome de détresse respiratoire aiguë révélateur d'un poumon éosinophile tropical : une observation au Gabon.

The purpose of this report is to describe the case of a 28-year-old woman in whom acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) following cholecystectomy led to the discovery of eosinophilic lung disease. Outcome was favorable after oxygenotherapy and medical treatment using ivermectin and corticosteroids. The case shows that hypereosinophilic syndrome can be the underlying cause of ARDS.

Pleuropulmonary infection by Paragonimus westermani in the United States: a rare cause of Eosinophilic pneumonia after ingestion of live crabs.

Infections caused by the parasite Paragonimus westermani are endemic to Southeast Asia. Most infections reported in the United States are among immigrants who acquired the disease abroad. Due to the nonspecific nature of its presentation and rarity in the United States, the diagnosis may first be suggested by the pathologist on biopsy review. Definitive diagnosis may need serologic testing for confirmation. We report 4 cases of pleuropulmonary disease caused by United States-acquired P. westermani, which were identified in the consultation files of the authors. Patients (3 men and 1 woman; aged, 20 to 66 y) presented with pulmonary complaints and chest imaging abnormalities including cavitary infiltrates (2), lung mass (1), pleural effusion (1), and pneumothorax (1). Biopsies showed chronic eosinophilic pneumonia and organizing pneumonia in all cases. Other pathologic findings included granulomatous inflammation with geographic necrosis (3), vasculitis (3), and pleuritis (3). Paragonimus organisms and/or eggs were identified in 2 cases. Serologic studies were positive for P. westermani in 3 cases (2 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and 1 immunoblot). Three patients ate live crabs at sushi bars (including crabs in martinis, a previously unreported mechanism for infection). In 1 patient, the source of infection was uncertain. Paragonimiasis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with eosinophilic pleuropulmonary disease in the United States. Although eosinophilic pneumonia was a consistent finding, the biopsies may be nonspecific as the organisms and/or eggs are not always visualized. Unusual features include marked pleuritis, foci of geographic necrosis and granulomatous vasculitis. A history of ingestion and targeted serologies are the keys to diagnosis.