Article
Immunology
Conor E. Fogarty, Phong Phan, Mary G. Duke, Donald P. McManus, Russell C. Wyeth, Scott F. Cummins, Tianfang Wang
Summary: This study identified miracidia attractant candidates using behavioral assays and proteomics, which have the potential to be used as biocontrols for disrupting miracidia infection and reducing schistosomiasis.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Amos Mathias Onyekwere, Alejandra De Elias-Escribano, Julien Kincaid-Smith, Sarah Dametto, Jean-Francois Allienne, Anne Rognon, Maria Dolores Bargues, Jerome Boissier
Summary: This experimental study provides new insights into the mating behavior between Schistosoma bovis and S. mansoni in mixed infections in mice. The study shows that the mating between the two species is not random, with S. mansoni exhibiting greater mate recognition. The offspring generated from different mating pairs of the two species can only infect specific mollusks.
Article
Immunology
J. Marquez, N. Dinguirard, A. Gonzalez, A. E. Kane, N. R. Joffe, T. P. Yoshino, M. G. Castillo
Summary: This study identified and characterized TEP transcripts in the snail Biomphalaria glabrata, an intermediate host of the Schistosoma parasite. The expression and response of TEPs to S. mansoni exposure were compared between resistant and susceptible snail strains. Differences in constitutive expression levels and differential responses were observed, suggesting the potential role of TEPs in schistosomiasis transmission control.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Parasitology
Philippe Douchet, Benjamin Gourbal, Eric S. Loker, Olivier Rey
Summary: In a One-Health context, it is urgent to establish the links between environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, and the circulation of pathogens. This review focuses on aquatic environmental factors that interact with Schistosoma species, causing schistosomiasis, and how they influence transmission at the ecosystem scale. The concept of ecosystem competence, which measures the ability of an ecosystem to amplify or mitigate the transmission risk of a given pathogen, is introduced as a promising measure for operationalizing the One-Health concept.
TRENDS IN PARASITOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Lijun Lu, Lijing Bu, Si-Ming Zhang, Sarah K. Buddenborg, Eric S. Loker
Summary: This study provides a comprehensive overview of the transcriptomics responses of the gastropod Biomphalaria glabrata (Bg) following exposure to the trematode Schistosoma mansoni (Sm). The study identified differences in gene expression between schistosome-susceptible and -resistant Bg strains and revealed distinct response patterns at different time points post-exposure. The findings also highlight shared stress responses and specific gene expression patterns in both resistant and susceptible snails.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Johannie M. Spaan, Nathaniel Leavitt, Jessica Shen, Taylor Bundy, Lillian Burrows, Christopher Ingram, Thomas R. Maehara, Ibrahim Ndungu, Martin Mutuku, George Owino, Maurice Odiere, Michelle L. Steinauer
Summary: The response of snail vectors to heat shock may vary depending on genetic factors, influencing their resistance to the human pathogen Schistosoma mansoni. However, the effects of heat shock on infection prevalence and intensity are minimal in two species of snail vectors examined in this study.
Article
Immunology
Remi Pichon, Silvain Pinaud, Emmanuel Vignal, Cristian Chaparro, Marine Pratlong, Anais Portet, David Duval, Richard Galinier, Benjamin Gourbal
Summary: This study used single cell RNA sequencing technology to discover seven transcriptomic populations of hemocytes in Biomphalaria glabrata snails. The high heterogeneity and plasticity of hemocytes provide new insights into their role in response to pathogens and Schistosoma mansoni parasites.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Mitsumasa Miura, Yoshinori Mitsui, Yoshiki Aoki, Kentaro Kato
Summary: Current control measures for schistosomiasis have only achieved partial success in endemic areas due to socioeconomic constraints. One possible approach is to target the miracidial stage of the trematode and introduce more attractive substances to prevent infecting intermediate snail hosts.
EXPERIMENTAL PARASITOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Silvia Goncalves Mesquita, Floria Gabriela dos Santos Neves, Ronaldo Guilherme Carvalho Scholte, Omar dos Santos Carvalho, Cristina Toscano Fonseca, Roberta Lima Caldeira
Summary: This study validated the use of LAMP for detecting Schistosoma mansoni infection in snails of the genus Biomphalaria in Brazil. The results indicated that LAMP was three times as effective as traditional parasitological methods and showed 100% specificity, 85.7% sensitivity, and a kappa index of 0.88.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Hallysson D. A. Araujo, Hianna A. M. F. Silva, Williams N. Siqueira, Victor H. B. Santos, Maira V. Lima, Jose G. Silva Junior, Nicacio H. Silva, Monica C. P. A. Albuquerque, Ana M. M. A. Melo, Andre L. Aires, Luana C. B. B. Coelho
Summary: The study evaluated the effect of sublethal concentrations of the potassium usnate on the reproductive parameters, cercarial development, and immune cell profile of B. glabrata. The results showed that the potassium usnate could be useful in population control of B. glabrata and interference on reproduction of the infectious agent of schistosomiasis mansoni by affecting their biology, physiology, and immunomodulatory responses.
Article
Microbiology
Anais Portet, Eve Toulza, Ana Lokmer, Camille Huot, David Duval, Richard Galinier, Benjamin Gourbal
Summary: The interaction between host and parasite can have significant effects on the associated microbiota, which in turn can impact host fitness and disease outcomes. Through studying the snail biome in response to Schistosoma infection, it was found that water microbiota did not affect the snail microbiota. The study also highlighted the importance of host-parasite co-evolution in altering or causing dysbiosis in snail microbiota.
Article
Microbiology
Shuling Du, Xi Sun, Jingxiang Zhang, Datao Lin, Runzhi Chen, Ying Cui, Suoyu Xiang, Zhongdao Wu, Tao Ding
Summary: This study provides insights into the importance of microbiome for basic biological activities of freshwater snails, and offers a valuable microbial genome resource to fill the gap in the analysis of the snail-microbiota-parasite relationship.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Gabriela Friani, Valdir A. Costa, Ester Mota, Marta Julia Faro, Samaly Souza, Marcela Figueiredo, Patricia S. Golo, Clelia Christina Mello-Silva
Summary: The study found that Euphorbia milii var. hislopii latex promoted the cellular immune response of susceptible B. glabrata snails to S. mansoni infection, resulting in parasite destruction.
ANAIS DA ACADEMIA BRASILEIRA DE CIENCIAS
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Martina R. Laidemitt, Alyssa M. Gleichsner, Christopher D. Ingram, Steven D. Gay, Elizabeth M. Reinhart, Martin W. Mutuku, Polycup Oraro, Dennis J. Minchella, Gerald M. Mkoji, Eric S. Loker, Michelle L. Steinauer
Summary: Schistosome miracidia have fine-tuning abilities in host selection, but do not always choose hosts that maximize their fitness.
Article
Parasitology
Simone Parn, Gabriela Lewis, Matty Knight
Summary: This study identified the upregulation of the CA gene in susceptible B. glabrata snails during infection, and the inhibitory effect of aspirin on its expression. The findings suggest that this model system could provide new insights into the role of CA in cancer cell metastasis and proliferation.
EXPERIMENTAL PARASITOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Da-Bing Lu, Qiu-Fu Yu, Jie-Ying Zhang, Meng-Tao Sun, Man-Man Gu, Joanne P. Webster, You-Sheng Liang
Summary: Research shows that unpaired female and male schistosomes can survive within their definitive host for at least 1 year and produce viable eggs after subsequent pairing, posing an additional biological challenge in achieving elimination of schistosomiasis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
M. Ines Neves, Charlotte M. Gower, Joanne P. Webster, Martin Walker
Summary: Parasite populations are regulated by density-dependent processes, with fecundity being a key factor that can be influenced. Understanding density-dependent fecundity is crucial for predicting interventions' effectiveness in eliminating diseases like schistosomiasis. By using a statistical modelling approach, researchers found evidence of density-dependent fecundity in S. haematobium but not in S. mansoni, highlighting the importance of further research in this area.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Patrice A. Mawa, Julien Kincaid-Smith, Edridah M. Tukahebwa, Joanne P. Webster, Shona Wilson
Summary: Schistosomiasis is a major parasitic disease in Africa, causing significant morbidity and mortality. Factors such as parasite characteristics, host factors, and gene-environment interactions play a crucial role in determining the differential morbidity profiles. Research has identified biological hotspots where high transmission and morbidity persist, highlighting the need for revisiting studies to find more effective control measures.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Duncan J. Berger, Thomas Crellen, Poppy H. L. Lamberton, Fiona Allan, Alan Tracey, Jennifer D. Noonan, Narcis B. Kabatereine, Edridah M. Tukahebwa, Moses Adriko, Nancy Holroyd, Joanne P. Webster, Matthew Berriman, James A. Cotton
Summary: The study analyzed whole-genome sequencing data of Schistosoma mansoni larvae from infected children in Uganda with varying histories of praziquantel administration, revealing extensive gene flow and limited positive selection, suggesting minimal changes post mass drug administration.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Cheikh B. Fall, Sebastien Lambert, Elsa Leger, Lucy Yasenev, Amadou Djirmay Garba, Samba D. Diop, Anna Borlase, Stefano Catalano, Babacar Faye, Martin Walker, Mariama Sene, Joanne P. Webster
Summary: Recent research has shown the prevalence of viable zoonotic hybrids between human urogenital Schistosoma haematobium and intestinal Schistosoma species of livestock across Africa and beyond, with implications for host morbidity.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Roy N. Platt, Winka Le Clec'h, Frederic D. Chevalier, Marina McDew-White, Philip T. LoVerde, Rafael Ramiro de Assis, Guilherme Oliveira, Safari Kinung'hi, Amadou Garba Djirmay, Michelle L. Steinauer, Anouk Gouvras, Muriel Rabone, Fiona Allan, Bonnie L. Webster, Joanne P. Webster, Aidan M. Emery, David Rollinson, Timothy J. C. Anderson
Summary: The blood fluke parasite, Schistosoma mansoni, was introduced into the Americas from Africa during the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. Research shows that the parasite successfully adapted to the snail intermediate host in South America, without facing significant population bottlenecks or barriers to colonization. Furthermore, genetic analysis indicates differences in gene selection between the Americas and Africa, suggesting adaptation during colonization.
Article
Parasitology
Jerzy M. Behnke, Alex Stewart, Lesley Smales, Gemma Cooper, Ann Lowe, John M. Kinsella, Anna Bajer, Dorota Dwuznik-Szarek, Jeremy Herman, Jonathan Fenn, Stefano Catalano, Christophe A. Diagne, Joanne P. Webster
Summary: The study examined Oxyurid nematodes from bank and field voles in the British Isles, providing genetic signatures of new isolates and confirming S. nigeriana as a parasite of both bank and field voles. Additionally, related Syphacia species were found in Mastomys spp. from West Africa, indicating a wide distribution of parasitic nematodes among rodent genera.
Review
Parasitology
E. Raj, B. Calvo-Urbano, C. Heffernan, J. Halder, J. P. Webster
Summary: Despite the significant mortality and morbidity caused by helminth infections, the current evidence does not support the hypothesis that helminths directly cause physical stunting in children. However, there is significant heterogeneity between studies, and data from key demographic groups are lacking.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Praise Adeyemo, Elsa Leger, Elizabeth Hollenberg, Nicolas Diouf, Mariama Sene, Joanne P. Webster, Barbara Hasler
Summary: This study aimed to estimate the financial impact of livestock schistosomiasis in selected regions of Senegal. The findings suggest that the financial impact of livestock schistosomiasis on traditional subsistence and transhumance farmers is substantial, and treating the disease has the potential to generate considerable benefits to farmers and their families.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Kirsty J. Marsh, Aura M. Raulo, Marc Brouard, Tanya Troitsky, Holly M. English, Bryony Allen, Rohan Raval, Saudamini Venkatesan, Amy B. Pedersen, Joanne P. Webster, Sarah C. L. Knowles
Summary: The gut microbiome plays important roles in mammalian hosts, with the community composition shaping its functions. Factors driving individual microbiota variation in wild animals and how predictable or idiosyncratic they are remain poorly understood. This study on wood mice revealed consistent patterns of seasonal gut microbiota restructuring across different populations, despite involving different taxa, highlighting the importance of future research on the drivers and implications of such seasonal microbiome dynamics.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Susan Khader, Isabel Foster, Andrew Dagens, Alice Norton, Louise Sigfrid
Summary: The investigations into clusters of children affected by severe acute hepatitis of unknown aetiology have tested the global capacity for a coordinated response. The response in the UK was swift, but other countries have also reported similar cases. The ability to detect emerging cases in lower-resourced settings is challenging and calls for improved access to diagnostics.
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Eika Webb, Ishmeala Rigby, Melina Michelen, Andrew Dagens, Vincent Cheng, Amanda M. Rojek, Dania Dahmash, Susan Khader, Keerti Gedela, Alice Norton, Muge Cevik, Erhui Cai, Eli Harriss, Samuel Lipworth, Robert Nartowski, Helen Groves, Peter Hart, Lucille Blumberg, Tom Fletcher, Shevin T. Jacob, Louise Sigfrid, Peter W. Horby
Summary: This study evaluated the availability and quality of clinical management guidelines for monkeypox globally and found that the existing guidelines are limited in number, low in quality, lack detail, and have a narrow range of topics covered. Most guidelines focus on adults, with limited recommendations for children, pregnant women, and people living with HIV. Treatment guidance primarily focuses on antiviral medications, with limited recommendations for supportive care and complications. The study highlights the urgent need for research on the treatment and prevention of monkeypox, including different risk populations.
Review
Parasitology
Gregory Colin Milne, Joanne P. Webster, Martin Walker
Summary: Several studies have suggested a decline in the incidence of congenital toxoplasmosis due to decreasing seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii. However, the consistency of this trend across different populations and its implications for prenatal screening programs remain unclear. This study explores how the changing epidemiology of the parasite may affect trends in congenital toxoplasmosis incidence and emphasizes the importance of updating cost-effectiveness estimates of screening programs to account for neuropsychiatric sequelae.
TRENDS IN PARASITOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Parasitology
Isobel L. Gabain, Anouschka S. Ramsteijn, Joanne P. Webster
Summary: Globally, approximately 149.2 million children under the age of 5 are affected by stunting, but the underlying causes and mechanisms are still unclear, leading to limited treatment and prevention strategies. The direct link between parasites and stunting is often lacking due to the complex nature of stunting and a lack of interdisciplinary research. Based on existing studies, this paper presents potential pathways by which parasitic infection in mothers and/or infants may lead to childhood stunting. The need for future multidisciplinary longitudinal studies and clinical trials to identify influential factors and develop effective solutions is highlighted.
TRENDS IN PARASITOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Susan Khader Ibrahim, Duduzile Edith Ndwandwe, Katherina Thomas, Louise Sigfrid, Alice Norton
Summary: The outbreak of Sudan ebolavirus highlights the vulnerability to re-emerging infectious diseases, with ongoing transmission and lack of licensed vaccine or therapeutics. There is a need for research on effective vaccines, supportive care, and therapeutic strategies, especially for high-risk populations.