Article
Infectious Diseases
Pengfei Cai, Yi Mu, Kosala G. Weerakoon, Remigio M. Olveda, Allen G. Ross, Donald P. McManus
Summary: The POC-CCA test showed sensitivity/specificity values of 63.3%/93.3% for detecting individuals infected with S. japonicum with high egg burden, but its performance was limited in diagnosing infections with low egg burden. Therefore, caution should be exercised when applying this test in populations with low intensity S. japonicum infections.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF POVERTY
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Kaijuan Wu, Xingyu Zhai, Shuaiqin Huang, Liping Jiang, Zheng Yu, Jing Huang
Summary: Infection by Schistosoma japonicum can lead to serious organ damage and schistosomiasis japonica, with drug resistance being a continual concern. Protein kinases play essential roles in the growth and development of S. japonicum and interactions with hosts, providing potential drug targets for developing new treatments. The current challenges and problems in studying SjPKs can guide future development of anti-schistosomiasis drugs and vaccines.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(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)
Review
Parasitology
Cheng Chen, Qinghong Guo, Zhiqiang Fu, Jinming Liu, Jiaojiao Lin, Kai Xiao, Pengxiang Sun, Xiaonan Cong, Runxia Liu, Yang Hong
Summary: Despite a significant decrease in the prevalence and intensity of Schistosoma japonicum infection in China, this disease remains a serious public health concern in certain endemic areas in the Philippines and Indonesia. Therefore, more accurate and sensitive diagnostic methods are crucial for further control of this disease. This review explores the research progress in techniques for diagnosing S. japonicum infection.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Andrea G. Buchwald, Elise Grover, Julia Van Dyke, Katerina Kechris, Ding Lu, Yang Liu, Bo Zhong, Elizabeth J. Carlton
Summary: Urbanization increases human mobility, potentially altering the transmission of vector-borne diseases like schistosomiasis. Factors such as frequent travel and travel in July may decrease the risk of infection, while water-contact behavior also plays a role in individual infection status. Understanding the timing and frequency of human movement in and out of endemic areas is important for assessing potential drivers of rural infectious diseases.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Andrea G. Buchwald, Elise Grover, Julia Van Dyke, Katerina Kechris, Ding Lu, Yang Liu, Bo Zhong, Elizabeth J. Carlton
Summary: Urbanization increases human mobility, affecting the transmission of traditional rural infectious diseases. Findings suggest that frequent travel and travel in July may reduce infection risk, decreasing risky water-contact time, potentially removing opportunities for schistosome exposure.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ines Armendariz, Pablo A. Ferrari, Daniel Fraiman, Jose M. Martinez, Hugo G. Menzella, Silvina Ponce Dawson
Summary: The use of droplet digital PCR has been shown to be more sensitive than RT-qPCR, allowing for direct quantification of RNA content and optimizing strategies for better identification of infected individuals.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Elise Grover, Sara Paull, Katerina Kechris, Andrea Buchwald, Katherine James, Yang Liu, Elizabeth J. Carlton
Summary: This study investigates the physical and environmental predictors of bovine Schistosoma japonicum infection in rural areas of China using a machine learning approach. The results highlight the importance of factors such as bovine density, agricultural practices, and human infection prevalence in predicting bovine infection.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Jing Huang, Xinguang Yin, Lifang Zhang, Ming Yao, Dahai Wei, Yiming Wu
Summary: This study used proteomics analysis to identify differentially expressed proteins in serum samples from patients with advanced S. japonicum-induced hepatic fibrosis, and found that C1QA and CFD may serve as potential diagnostic markers for distinguishing patients at different stages of the disease.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Yi Mu, Jonas Rivera, Donald P. Mcmanus, Kosala G. Weerakoon, Allen G. Ross, Remigio M. Olveda, Catherine A. Gordon, Hong You, Malcolm K. Jones, Pengfei Cai
Summary: This study validates the diagnostic performance of a newly developed gold immunochromatographic assay (GICA) for detecting S. japonicum infection in a rural endemic area of the Philippines. The GICA showed high sensitivity and specificity in detecting positive individuals compared to other diagnostic tools. The study suggests that GICA can be a valuable tool for surveying low-intensity schistosomiasis and identifying high-priority endemic areas for targeted interventions.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Yang Liu, PengPeng Zhang, JunHui Li, Hao Li, Chen Zhou, Yu Zhang, YingZi Ming
Summary: This study aimed to explore the association between lipid profile and liver fibrosis in patients infected with Schistosoma japonicum and develop a new predictive index. The study found that high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), hemoglobin (HB), and platelets (PLT) were independently associated with liver fibrosis. The new index, (HDL x 100)/(LDL x HB), outperformed existing indexes in predicting liver fibrosis.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Manon Blin, Sarah Dametto, Privat Agniwo, Bonnie L. Webster, Etienne Angora, Abdoulaye Dabo, Jerome Boissier
Summary: This study developed a rapid, reliable, and cost-effective duplex T-ARMS-PCR assay to differentiate between three Schistosoma species and their hybrids. It can be applied to investigate the epidemiology of these species in endemic areas, saving time and being of long-standing interest for genetic population studies.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Pengyue Jiang, Jing Wang, Shanli Zhu, Chao Hu, Yu Lin, Weiqing Pan
Summary: This study identified a schistosome miRNA (Sja-miR-71a) that exhibits anti-tumor activity in vitro and in vivo models. The miRNA was found to target a host gene (FZD4) and suppress cell proliferation and migration of hepatoma cells. These findings suggest that Sja-miR-71a could be a potential therapeutic target in cancer treatment.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Bikash R. Giri, Chuantao Fang, Guofeng Cheng
Summary: This study identified hundreds of gender-associated circRNAs in the blood fluke Schistosoma japonicum, and suggested their potential regulatory roles in gene expression through binding with microRNAs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Yu Zhang, Junhui Li, Hao Li, Jie Jiang, Chen Guo, Chen Zhou, Zhaoqin Zhou, Yingzi Ming
Summary: Our study used single-cell sequencing to explore the mechanism of hepatic fibrosis in murine schistosomiasis japonica. We found that NKT cells and Th2 cells were increased, and there was close communication between NKT cells and the FASLG signaling pathway. Additionally, flow cytometry analysis showed that the expression of Fasl in NKT cells, CD8+ T cells, and NK cells was higher in the schistosomiasis group. Marker genes of alternatively activated macrophages (M2) were mainly expressed in mononuclear phagocyte (MP(1)), suggesting M2-like polarization of Kupffer cells might occur in the fibrotic liver of schistosomiasis. Analysis of CXCL and CCL signaling pathways showed prominent interactions between T cells and mononuclear phagocytes.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hong You, Catherine A. Gordon, Skye R. MacGregor, Pengfei Cai, Donald P. McManus
Summary: CRISPR-Cas technology has accelerated the development of fast, accurate, and portable diagnostic tools, as demonstrated by its recent applications in COVID-19 diagnosis. The current diagnostic tests for worm infection are not sensitive enough and not suitable for use in low-endemic or resource-poor settings. Therefore, there is an urgent need for rapid, specific, sensitive, cost-effective, user-friendly diagnostic tools that do not require specialized equipment and expertise for the mapping and monitoring of helminthic diseases.
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Zahra Alizadeh, Mahmoud Mahami-Oskouei, Adel Spotin, Ehsan Ahmadpour, Pengfei Cai, Siamak Sandoghchian Shotorbani, Fariba Pashazadeh, Fereshteh Ansari, Hamed Mohammadi
Summary: In this systematic review, the presence of miRNAs in helminth parasites has been comprehensively summarized, and their potential applications in diagnosing and controlling parasitic infections have been discussed. Functional studies on miRNAs derived from helminth parasites have also been presented.
CURRENT MOLECULAR MEDICINE
(2022)
Editorial Material
Immunology
Pengfei Cai, Yi Mu, Donald P. McManus
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Hong You, Malcolm K. Jones, Catherine A. Gordon, Alexa E. Arganda, Pengfei Cai, Harry Al-Wassiti, Colin W. Pouton, Donald P. McManus
Summary: Despite long-term efforts, developing effective vaccines against parasitic infections has been challenging due to the complexity of parasite life cycles and their interactions with hosts. Traditional vaccine platforms have proven unsuitable for many parasitic diseases. A new wave of research using mRNA vaccines is anticipated to advance the prevention of parasitic infections.
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Toxicology
Subodha Waiddyanatha, Anjana Silva, Kosala Weerakoon, Sisira Siribaddana, Geoffrey K. Isbister
Summary: There is no significant association between snakebite-associated acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in rural Sri Lankan snakebite patients. However, microalbuminuria is common and it is likely associated with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and chronic interstitial nephritis in this population.
CLINICAL TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Allen G. Ross, Donald A. Harn, Delia Chy, Marianette Inobaya, Jerric R. Guevarra, Lisa Shollenberger, Yuesheng Li, Donald P. McManus, Darren J. Gray, Gail M. Williams
Summary: This study demonstrates the effectiveness of a bovine vaccine in reducing human schistosome infection. Bovine vaccination significantly decreased the rate of human infection, and the best outcome was achieved when combined with snail mollusciciding.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Hasara Nuwangi, Kosala Gayan Weerakoon, Thilini Chanchala Agampodi, Helen Philippa Price, Lisa Dikomitis, Suneth Buddhika Agampodi
Summary: Leishmaniasis, a disease believed to have emerged in Sri Lanka in the 1990s, was actually present much earlier, as indicated by a comprehensive case report from 1904. Historical documents, such as the Annual Administration Reports and the Ceylon Blue Book, provide evidence of the presence of Leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka from 1821 to 1970. This government health information demonstrates that the history of leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka aligns with the global history of the disease.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2022)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hasara Nuwangi, Thilini Chanchala Agampodi, Helen Philippa Price, Thomas Shepherd, Kosala Gayan Weerakoon, Suneth Buddhika Agampodi
Summary: Leishmaniasis has three main types: cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL), and visceral leishmaniasis (VL). CL and MCL can cause disfiguring skin pathology and are highly stigmatizing. This systematic review aims to identify and synthesize evidence on the stigma associated with CL and MCL, as well as any preventive strategies/interventions adopted to address this condition. The review will help fill the knowledge gap in CL-associated stigma and inform future interventions.
Article
Immunology
Yi Mu, Donald P. McManus, Catherine A. Gordon, Hong You, Allen G. Ross, Remigio M. Olveda, Pengfei Cai
Summary: A novel gold immunochromatographic assay (GICA) was developed for the detection of Schistosoma japonicum infection and showed high sensitivity and specificity. It can serve as a rapid, easy-to-use, and field-friendly diagnostic tool for on-site surveillance/screening of S. japonicum infection.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Oyime P. Aula, Donald P. McManus, Malcolm K. Jones, Hong You, Pengfei Cai, Catherine A. Gordon
Summary: The DNA dipstick combined with LAMP has the potential for cost-effective, simple and accurate detection of schistosomiasis infection, contributing to control and eventual elimination of the disease.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF POVERTY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Skye R. MacGregor, Donald P. McManus, Haran Sivakumaran, Thomas G. Egwang, Moses Adriko, Pengfei Cai, Catherine A. Gordon, Mary G. Duke, Juliet D. French, Natasha Collinson, Remigio M. Olveda, Gunter Hartel, Carlos Graeff-Teixeira, Malcolm K. Jones, Hong You
Summary: The study developed a CRISPR-based diagnostic platform called SHERLOCK for the detection of Schistosoma japonicum and S. mansoni. This platform has the characteristics of high sensitivity, specificity, cost-effectiveness, and portability. By testing animal and human samples, it demonstrated the potential of this platform for rapid and accurate diagnosis and surveillance of parasitic neglected tropical diseases.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Yi Mu, Jonas Rivera, Donald P. Mcmanus, Kosala G. Weerakoon, Allen G. Ross, Remigio M. Olveda, Catherine A. Gordon, Hong You, Malcolm K. Jones, Pengfei Cai
Summary: This study validates the diagnostic performance of a newly developed gold immunochromatographic assay (GICA) for detecting S. japonicum infection in a rural endemic area of the Philippines. The GICA showed high sensitivity and specificity in detecting positive individuals compared to other diagnostic tools. The study suggests that GICA can be a valuable tool for surveying low-intensity schistosomiasis and identifying high-priority endemic areas for targeted interventions.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)