Article
Microbiology
Kevin K. Takaki, Gabriel Rinaldi, Matthew Berriman, Antonio J. Pagan, Lalita Ramakrishnan
Summary: Schistosome eggs and beads can induce granulomatous response, but only mature Schistosoma mansoni eggs recruit macrophages to form granulomas, facilitating egg extrusion. This indicates the crucial role of the eggshell in immunity.
CELL HOST & MICROBE
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Congjin Mei, Yingying Yang, Panpan Dong, Lijun Song, Yonghua Zhou, Yongliang Xu, Chuanxin Yu
Summary: PKC lambda/iota deficiency reduces granulomatous inflammation and fibrosis in the liver of mice infected with Schistosoma japonicum by suppressing Th2 immune response.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Kang Wu, Hong Yu Zhao, Kai Shu, Ting Lei, Liang Zeng
Summary: This report presents a rare case of pseudotumoral form of Schistosoma japonicum in the brainstem, initially misdiagnosed as a malignant tumor. The patient achieved complete remission through appropriate treatment.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Bikash R. R. Giri, Shun Li, Chuantao Fang, Lin Qiu, Shi Yan, Maria Y. Y. Pakharukova, Guofeng Cheng
Summary: This study characterized the miRNA profiles of T cells in the liver and blood of S. japonicum infected mice, and found distinct miRNA landscapes between these two systems. The differential expression of miRNAs was associated with T cell immune responses. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the regulation of T cells during S. japonicum infection.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Yang Hong, Qinghong Guo, Xue Zhou, Liying Tang, Cheng Chen, Zheng Shang, Kerou Zhou, Zhizhong Zhang, Jinming Liu, Jiaojiao Lin, Bin Xu, Jun-Hu Chen, Zhiqiang Fu, Wei Hu
Summary: The prevalence and infectious intensity of schistosomiasis japonica has significantly decreased in China. However, more accurate and sensitive diagnostic methods are urgently required for the further control and elimination of the disease.
Article
Parasitology
Cuiping Ren, Fengchun Liu, Chen Xing, Ruyu Zhao, Xiaoxue Tang, Miao Liu, Wenda Gao, Jijia Shen
Summary: IL-37 promotes the polarization of macrophages to the M2 phenotype, thus inhibiting the development of schistosomiasis. CPP-IgG(2)Fc-IL-37 protein has the advantages of being effective in small doses and having fewer side effects and a better efficacy compared to recombinant IL-37 protein.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Chen Zhou, Junhui Li, Chen Guo, Zhaoqin Zhou, Zhen Yang, Yu Zhang, Jie Jiang, Yu Cai, Jie Zhou, Yingzi Ming
Summary: The study compared the composition of gut microbiota in patients with chronic and advanced Schistosoma japonicum infection, revealing differences between the two groups. Patients with advanced infection had lower diversity and abundance of intestinal flora compared to those with chronic infection, with certain bacteria potentially serving as biomarkers for diagnosis. Analysis also showed that microbiota function shifted towards metabolism-related functions in the advanced infection group.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Panpan Dong, Congjin Mei, Yingying Yang, Yonghua Zhou, Yongliang Xu, Lijun Song, Chuanxin Yu
Summary: Schistosomiasis is characterized by immunopathological liver fibrosis. B-cell-activating factor (BAFF) plays a role in autoimmune diseases and fibrosis, but its role in schistosomiasis liver fibrosis is unclear. This study found that BAFF level and its receptor BAFF-R increased and then decreased with the progression of S. japonicum infection, which was consistent with hepatic granuloma and fibrosis. Anti-BAFF treatment reduced histopathological damage, granuloma size, and liver fibrosis, while increasing IL-10 and decreasing IL-4, IL-6, IL-17A, TGF-β, and antibody levels against S. japonicum antigens. This suggests that BAFF could be a potential target for treating schistosomiasis liver fibrosis.
Article
Parasitology
Chen Zhou, Junhui Li, Chen Guo, Zhaoqin Zhou, Zhen Yang, Yu Zhang, Jie Jiang, Yu Cai, Jie Zhou, Meng Xia, Yingzi Ming
Summary: The study revealed alterations in gut microbiota and metabolites in patients with different stages of Schistosoma japonicum infection, which were correlated with disease progression. This inter-omics analysis may provide insights into the mechanisms of S. japonicum infection progression and aid in identifying new potential targets for diagnosis and prognosis, although further validation with a larger sample size and investigation into underlying mechanisms are needed.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Youxiang Zhang, De-Hui Xiong, Yangyang Li, Guina Xu, Baoxin Zhang, Yang Liu, Shan Zhang, Qing Huang, Simin Chen, Fansheng Zeng, Jingyi Guo, Bin Li, Zhiqiang Qin, Zuping Zhang
Summary: The study showed that USP21 plays a crucial role in regulating immune interactions between Schistosoma and its host, with potential implications for treating hepatic fibrosis in patients with schistosomiasis. This was evidenced by changes in Th1 and Th17 responses amplified by Tregs and reduced levels of liver immunopathology in USP21 knockout mice.
JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Kevin K. Takaki, Francisco J. Roca, Gabriele Schramm, Ruud H. P. Wilbers, Wannaporn Ittiprasert, Paul J. Brindley, Gabriel Rinaldi, Matthew Berriman, Lalita Ramakrishnan, Antonio J. Pagan
Summary: Schistosomiasis is a disease caused by parasitic flatworms, and studies have shown that omega-1 and TNF play important roles in granuloma formation. Omega-1 induces rapid macrophage migration through its RNase activity, while TNF is involved in enlarging granulomas.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Xianyu Piao, Ning Jiang, Shuai Liu, Jiamei Duan, Hang Dai, Nan Hou, Qijun Chen
Summary: This study identified a novel schistosomula protein, SjEKLF, which showed potential for schistosomiasis japonica immunodiagnosis and immunoprotection. SjEKLF was highly expressed in hepatic schistosomula and adult worms, and immunization with SjEKLF reduced infection symptoms in mice. These findings provide a new target for controlling schistosomiasis japonica infection and transmission.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Hanif Ullah, Safia Arbab, Muhammad Inayat Ullah Khan, Ka Li, Nehaz Muhammad, Suleman, Abdul Qadeer, Wang Dan, Marcello Otake Sato
Summary: Schistosomiasis is a major public health issue included in neglected tropical diseases. Early diagnosis and detection of the pathogen are crucial. Traditional diagnostic techniques lack sensitivity, while mitochondrial MONA markers show promise for early detection of schistosomiasis.
INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Qunfeng Wu, Zheng Feng, Wei Hu
Summary: Different chemical reagents were tested to reduce autofluorescence in Schistosomes, with Sudan black B, trypan blue, and copper sulfate showing the most promising results. Optimized conditions were applied to the immunofluorescence of SjCRT protein, successfully reducing autofluorescence interference and providing a clearer signal. This method could be useful for immunofluorescence assays in other flukes with autofluorescence.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Letter
Oncology
Lingyu Wei, Can Liu, Jia Wang, Xiang Zheng, Qiu Peng, Qiurong Ye, Zailong Qin, Zhengshuo Li, Xiaoyue Zhang, Yangge Wu, Yuqing Wen, Xuemei Zhang, Qun Yan, Jian Ma
Summary: Lactoferrin is essential for early B cell development in mice, with lactoferrin deficiency leading to a blockade in early B cell development, potentially mediated through signaling pathways, transcription factors, and alterations in bone marrow microenvironment.
JOURNAL OF HEMATOLOGY & ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Hua Liu, Hongxia Ni, Shike Liu, Yujuan Shen, Rong Wang, Jianping Cao, Jianhai Yin
Summary: In this study, the molecular characterization of Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Cryptosporidium spp., and Cyclospora cayetanensis in fecal samples from 489 diarrheal outpatients in Ningbo, China was carried out. The results showed the presence of E. bieneusi and C. cayetanensis in the patients, with several known and novel genotypes identified. This study highlights the importance of these zoonotic pathogens in causing intestinal diseases and suggests the need for further investigations from a One Health perspective.
MICROBIAL PATHOGENESIS
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Yanyan Jiang, Li Liu, Zhongying Yuan, Aiqin Liu, Jianping Cao, Yujuan Shen
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the occurrence and genetic characteristics of opportunistic intestinal pathogens in HIV/AIDS patients. By genotyping and sequencing, Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Enterocytozoon bieneusi were identified in a small percentage of the patients. The findings of this study should raise awareness about these pathogens and the importance of routine examination in clinical practice.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Haroon Ahmed, Seyma Gunyakti Kilinc, Figen Celik, Harun Kaya Kesik, Sami Simsek, Khawaja Shafique Ahmad, Muhammad Sohail Afzal, Sumaira Farrakh, Waseem Safdar, Fahad Pervaiz, Sadia Liaqat, Jing Zhang, Jianping Cao
Summary: In recent years, there has been a comprehensive assessment of the use of natural plant products to treat helminth parasites in veterinary science. The study reviewed a large number of medicinal plants and their pharmacological effects, providing valuable information for the development of effective management strategies against helminth parasites. A total of 259 potential plant species were identified as sources of anthelmintic drugs, which could potentially reduce economic losses and improve livestock production.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Nazeer Hussain, Rana Muhammad Kamran Shabbir, Haroon Ahmed, Muhammad Sohail Afzal, Shafi Ullah, Abid Ali, Shumaila Irum, Syed Kamran-ul-Hassan Naqvi, Jianhai Yin, Jianping Cao
Summary: Ticks are abundant in different agro-ecological zones of Pakistan and parasitize a variety of animals, including livestock and their associated canines and equines. This study identified 11 tick species belonging to 4 genera and examined the tick infestation rate among different hosts and zones. The overall tick prevalence was 14.3% and varied among different animals and zones.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Yuhuan Wei, Wujun Li, Chunhai Shao, Hai Zhao, Yuan Hu, Hua Liu, Jianping Cao
Summary: This study investigated the genetic polymorphisms of Echinococcus granulosus in the Ngari region of Tibet. Seventy-nine hydatid cyst samples were collected from surgical patients and analyzed. The results showed that G1/G3 was the main genotype, with occasional presence of G6/G7. Analysis also indicated population expansion or negative selection in Echinococcus granulosus s.s. in the Ngari region. Further surveys and control efforts are recommended to investigate the transmission of G1/G3 and G6/G7 in this region.
Article
Parasitology
Wenwen Si, Chuantao Fang, Chuang Liu, Meng Yin, Wenyue Xu, Yanna Li, Xiaoli Yan, Yujuan Shen, Jianping Cao, Jun Sun
Summary: Babesia spp. lacks certain genes, especially those related to haem synthesis, found in Plasmodium spp., which likely contributes to their insensitivity to artemisinin. Single-cell sequencing analysis showed differences in gene expression between Babesia and Plasmodium when treated with drugs, indicating a distinct mechanism in Babesia. Iron supplementation promotes the reproduction of Babesia.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Yuan Gao, Xiaocheng Zhang, Tingting Jiang, Hao Zhou, Hua Liu, Yuan Hu, Jianping Cao
Summary: Schistosomiasis is a zoonotic parasitic disease that causes liver fibrosis, which endangers human health. NK cells play a crucial role in inhibiting liver fibrosis, but their function is significantly inhibited in Schistosoma japonicum infection. This study found that the inhibitory receptor Tigit is highly expressed on NK cells during infection, and Tigit knockout enhances NK cell function and reduces liver fibrosis in schistosomiasis.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Xu Wang, Yanyan Jiang, Weiping Wu, Xiaozhou He, Zhenghuan Wang, Yayi Guan, Ning Xu, Qilu Chen, Yujuan Shen, Jianping Cao
Summary: In this study, ecological niche models were used to predict the potential spatial distribution of Cryptosporidium in China, aiming at providing a risk warning and prevention and control strategies. The results showed that the suitable habitats for Cryptosporidium were mainly located in high-population density areas, especially in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, the lower reaches of the Yellow River, and the Huai and Pearl River Basins. Future climate change is expected to expand the suitable habitats for Cryptosporidium, particularly in the northeastern, southwestern, and northwestern regions.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF POVERTY
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Xihan Wang, Xu Wang, Jianping Cao
Summary: Environmental factors have a significant impact on the transmission of intestinal protozoan diseases, specifically cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis. These diseases, characterized by diarrhea, are mainly spread through water and food contaminated with fecal-borne oocysts. The One Health approach is effective in addressing environmentally influenced zoonotic diseases. However, the influence of environmental factors on the survival of Cryptosporidium/Giardia and disease transmission is not well characterized. This review examines the associations between climatic, soil, and water characteristics and Cryptosporidium/Giardia, highlighting the varying relationships found in different studies and locations.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Sajida Riaz, Haroon Ahmed, Sana Azeem Kiani, Muhammad Sohail Afzal, Sami Simsek, Figen Celik, Samia Wasif, Nazneen Bangash, Syed Kamran Naqvi, Jing Zhang, Jianping Cao
Summary: This study investigated the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to schistosomiasis and fascioliasis among individuals living in close contact with livestock and pets in Pakistan. The majority of participants had good knowledge and a positive attitude towards these two diseases, but lacked awareness about snails as intermediate hosts.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Sadia Liaqat, Mazhar Qayyum, Figen Celik, Sami Simsek, Faheem Ahmad, Xiaocheng Zhang, Haroon Ahmed, Jianping Cao
Summary: This study aimed to identify the best diagnostic method for the early detection of goat warble fly infestation (GWFI) by comparing three enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods. The results showed that the indirect ELISA with the crude antigen of P. silenus was more sensitive and accurate. This method can accurately detect the prevalence of GWFI in goats in the Punjab region.
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Tingting Jiang, Xiaoying Wu, Hao Zhou, Yuan Hu, Jianping Cao
Summary: The study reveals that infection of Schistosomiasis japonica leads to pathological changes in liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs), promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and liver fibrosis. The proportions, phenotype, and secretory function of LSECs are significantly altered during different stages of infection. The number of fenestrae in LSECs decrease, and complete basement membrane formation is observed after infection, along with changes in EMT and fibrosis-related indicators.
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Fariha Ayub, Haroon Ahmed, Tehreem Sohail, Khuram Shahzad, Figen Celik, Xu Wang, Sami Simsek, Jianping Cao
Summary: This study used bioinformatics tools to evaluate the physio-chemical properties, sequence alignment, structures, modification sites, and epitopes of T. gondii rhoptry proteins ROP7, ROP21, and ROP22, aiming to predict and analyze immunogenic epitopes for vaccine development. Nine epitopes were identified for each protein, with ROP22 having the highest immunogenicity score. The results provide a foundation for further experimental analysis and potential vaccine development for toxoplasmosis.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Sadia Saleem, Haroon Ahmed, Kaleem Imdad, Jing Zhang, Jianping Cao
Summary: This study evaluated the epidemiological characteristics and prevalence of cystic echinococcosis (CE) in cattle in Punjab, Pakistan. The prevalence of CE was 6.22% in all examined animals, with a higher prevalence in cattle. The study found that most infected animals came from three slaughterhouses in Rawalpindi city, originating from 23 districts of Punjab, Khyber PakhtunKhwa (KP), and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). These findings are important for estimating the eco-epidemiology of CE and improving surveillance and prevention programs in Pakistan.
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Saba Bibi, Muhammad Kamran, Haroon Ahmad, Kainat Bibi, Syed Kamran Ul Hassan Naqvi, Qingqiu Zuo, Naseer Ali Shah, Jianping Cao
Summary: This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of taeniasis among rural and urban communities in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan. The results showed that most respondents had little knowledge about the disease but were willing to participate in elimination campaigns. The respondents took some preventive measures when cooking, and these practices were associated with factors such as age, income, and residency.