Review
Immunology
Richard Lalor, Krystyna Cwiklinski, Nichola Eliza Davies Calvani, Amber Dorey, Siobhan Hamon, Jesus Lopez Corrales, John Pius Dalton, Carolina De Marco Verissimo
Summary: Fasciolosis caused by liver flukes is an important neglected parasitic disease with high transmissibility and adaptability. The parasite's ability to survive and reproduce within their mammalian host is mainly influenced by their high frequency of non-synonymous polymorphisms in genes and excretory-secretory molecules. Through various mechanisms, liver flukes can persist for years within their host and spread rapidly.
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Gemma Zerna, Terry W. Spithill, Travis Beddoe
Summary: Maintaining sustainable agricultural systems is crucial for feeding the growing population. Parasite infections impact livestock production, including goats. Current liver fluke control methods involve drug application and pasture management.
Article
Parasitology
Zhengjiao Wu, Jinhui Wang, Zhen Meng, Weikun Jin, Kangxin He, Weiyu Zhang, Wenda Di
Summary: This study conducted an in-depth investigation on Fasciola infection in buffaloes in Nanning, Guangxi, China, revealing an infection rate of 38.6% and severe liver damage. A total of 1243 Fasciola flukes were collected from the livers, showing significant morphological variations but lacking accuracy in species identification. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that all flukes were Fasciola gigantica, with no presence of Fasciola hepatica or intermediate forms.
VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Krystyna Cwiklinski, John Pius Dalton
Summary: By analyzing the publicly available sequencing datasets of Fasciola spp., this study reveals the complex profile and structure of proteases and anti-proteases families operating at various stages of the parasite's life cycle. The study also discovered distinct profiles of peptidases and their inhibitors expressed by the parasite stages in the intermediate snail host, providing insights into their movement, development, and nutrient extraction in different environmental niches. The comparative genomics analysis further sheds light on the evolution of these gene families and provides critical data for the analysis and interrogation of Fasciola spp. hybrids spreading throughout Asia and Africa.
Review
Parasitology
Nichola Eliza Davies Calvani, Jan Slapeta
Summary: Global pandemic events have brought renewed attention to viral and bacterial zoonotic diseases, but parasitic zoonoses are often overlooked. In the case of fasciolosis, a lack of appropriate detection tools has led to the expansion of parasite sympatry and increased hybridization between species. The increased demand for animal-derived protein is changing the dynamics of these zoonotic parasites.
TRENDS IN PARASITOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Mar Siles-Lucas, David Becerro-Recio, Judit Serrat, Javier Gonzalez-Miguel
Summary: Food-borne zoonotic trematodiases, including fascioliasis and fasciolopsiasis, pose significant challenges in livestock production and human health globally. Underestimation of these diseases, lack of sensitive diagnostic tools, and the rising trend in drug resistance highlight the need for effective control strategies, including vaccines. Future research should focus on addressing these challenges with current knowledge and new technologies.
RESEARCH IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Naser Nazari, Mohamad Bagher Rokni, Madoka Ichikawa-Seki, Saber Raeghi, Homa Hajjaran, Shahab Falahi, Yazdan Hamzavi, Peyman Heydarian, Afshin Davari, Keyphobad Ghadiri, Arezoo Bozorgomid
Summary: The study evaluated the gene diversity of Fasciola isolates from western Iran using a multilocus sequence typing (MLST) approach with five housekeeping genes. Results indicated a high degree of genetic diversity among the Fasciola isolates, providing insight into the phylogenetic relationship of the parasite species.
VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Sophy Nukeri, Mokgadi Pulane Malatji, Mita Eva Sengupta, Birgitte Jyding Vennervald, Anna-Sofie Stensgaard, Mamohale Chaisi, Samson Mukaratirwa
Summary: The potential existence of Fasciola hybrids in Africa has been suggested in limited studies, with evidence of beneficial characteristics. Further research is needed to determine the presence and distribution of these hybrids and parthenogenetic species. Conducting future surveys with molecular markers is recommended to identify Fasciola spp. and their snail intermediate hosts, as well as to investigate the role of invasive snail species in the transmission of Fasciola spp. to prevent parasite spillbacks.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mirza Ahmar Beg, Abdur Rehman, Lubna Rehman, Rizwan Ullah, Faiza Farhat, Sobia Wasim, S. M. A. Abidi
Summary: Fasciola gigantica, the causative agent of the zoonotic disease fasciolosis, poses a significant threat to livestock and human health globally. The emergence of resistance in flukes against the commonly used anthelmintic triclabendazole (TCBZ) has led to the search for new drugs and antigenic targets. Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) has been identified as an important neurobiological enzyme in parasites and was found to exhibit high immunogenicity and enzymatic activity in F. gigantica. The presence of MAO-A in F. gigantica samples suggests its potential for immunodiagnostics of fasciolosis in field conditions.
Article
Microbiology
Veysel Uzun, Figen Celik, Sami Simsek, Harun Kaya Kesik, Seyma Gunyakti Kilinc, Xiaocheng Zhang, Haroon Ahmed, Jianping Cao
Summary: This study is the first to report the existence of hybrid Fasciola flukes and 83 unique haplotypes of F. hepatica in Turkey.
Article
Immunology
Maria Trelis, Christian M. Sanchez-Lopez, Liz F. Sanchez-Palencia, Victor Ramirez-Toledo, Antonio Marcilla, Dolores Bernal
Summary: The protein cargo of extracellular vesicles (EVs) from different developmental stages of Fasciola hepatica, including embryonated eggs and newly-excysted juvenile (NEJ) flukes, have been analyzed. The analysis revealed qualitative differences in composition, reflecting the intense activity of NEJs at this early stage, with several proteins involved in membrane traffic and cell physiology.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Shinpei Kasahara, Yuma Ohari, Sakura Jin, Manuel Calvopina, Hidekazu Takagi, Hiromu Sugiyama, Tadashi Itagaki
Summary: The study identified 225 Fasciola flukes from domestic animals in Ecuador-South America as Fasciola hepatica through molecular and morphological analyses. The absence of Fasciola gigantica and parthenogenic forms suggests a lack of suitable intermediate host snails in the region. This indicates that the F. hepatica populations in South America, including Ecuador, were introduced through anthropogenic movement of livestock infected with the species.
PARASITOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Zia Ur Rehman, Kirsty Martin, Osama Zahid, Qasim Ali, Imran Rashid, Mian Abdul Hafeez, Nisar Ahmad, Kamran Ashraf, Martha Betson, Neil D. Sargison, Umer Chaudhry
Summary: The study found co-infections of F. hepatica and F. gigantica in Balochistan, while single species F. gigantica infection in Punjab. Co-infections and hybrids of both Fasciola species were identified in cattle in Balochistan, with more F. hepatica detected than F. gigantica. However, F. hepatica was the only species identified in goats, and F. gigantica was the only species identified in buffalo. In Punjab, all flukes were confirmed as F. gigantica in each of the four livestock species.
INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Gantshe G. Molaba, Nthatisi I. Molefe-Nyembe, Oriel M. Taioe, Lehlohonolo S. Mofokeng, Oriel M. M. Thekisoe, Khethiwe Mtshali
Summary: This study aimed to document freshwater snail species in selected study sites in the Free State and Gauteng provinces in South Africa, and identify and detect the trematode parasites they carry. A total of 887 snail samples were collected from 5 study sites, and 5 different genera of snails as well as species in the Succineidae family were documented. The overall prevalence of Fasciola hepatica, a liver fluke, was found to be 46%.
VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Mayowa Musah-Eroje, Rebecca C. Hoyle, Ornampai Japa, Jane E. Hodgkinson, David M. Haig, Robin J. Flynn
Summary: The trematode parasite, Fasciola hepatica, utilizes a transforming growth factor-like molecule (FhTLM) to interact with host immune cells, inducing IL-10 and various chemokines, but does not confer a growth advantage in co-culture systems. Despite similarities with other helminth TGF homologues, species-specific divergence was demonstrated.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nham Tran, Alison Ricafrente, Joyce To, Maria Lund, Tania M. Marques, Margarida Gama-Carvalho, Krystyna Cwiklinski, John P. Dalton, Sheila Donnelly
Summary: The parasite Fasciola hepatica regulates host innate immune responses by releasing miRNA, especially fhe-miR-125b, which mimics host miRNA to negatively regulate the production of inflammatory cytokines. This manipulation of the miRNA machinery controlling innate cell function is a fundamental mechanism by which worm parasites disarm the early immune responses of their host to ensure successful infection.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Inah Camaya, Sheila Donnelly, Bronwyn O'Brien
Summary: This review explores the modulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway as a novel strategy to enhance beta-cell function and survival, aiming to prevent and treat type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
JOURNAL OF DIABETES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Caoimhe M. Herron, Anna O'Connor, Emily Robb, Erin McCammick, Claire Hill, Nikki J. Marks, Mark W. Robinson, Aaron G. Maule, Paul McVeigh
Summary: This study provides the first data on developmental miRNA regulation and host gene regulation in liver flukes, expanding our understanding of the F. hepatica miRNome.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Jack P. Carson, Mark W. Robinson, Grant A. Ramm, Geoffrey N. Gobert
Summary: Sm16 is a protein released by Schistosoma mansoni that modulates inflammatory responses in host cells. This study suggests a potential role for Sm16 in combating fibrotic liver disease.
EXPERIMENTAL PARASITOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Parasitology
Susel Loli Quinteros, Bronwyn O'Brien, Sheila Donnelly
Summary: This review investigates the differential activation of macrophages during infection with food-borne trematodes and its impact on the pathological outcome of infection. Infection with Fasciola hepatica suppresses the activation of M1 macrophages, while infection with Opisthorchis viverrini and Clonorchis sinensis promotes the predominance of M1 macrophages in the bile ducts. The activation of M1 macrophages contributes to mutagenesis and tumor formation, while the induction of M2 macrophages promotes the proliferation of mutated cells and the expansion of cancerous tissue.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Alison Ricafrente, Krystyna Cwiklinski, Hieu Nguyen, John P. Dalton, Nham Tran, Sheila Donnelly
Summary: This study describes the miRNAs expressed by different developmental stages of the parasitic worm Fasciola hepatica and identifies new genes and miRNAs involved in parasite development and metabolic pathways. These findings provide novel insight into the regulation of helminth parasite development and have implications for therapeutic development.
Editorial Material
Parasitology
Mark W. Robinson, Javier Sotillo
Summary: Foodborne trematodes have a global distribution and infect a large number of people, causing significant health issues. Despite being neglected in terms of research funding, this special issue aims to update our understanding of these infections and highlight future research priorities.
Article
Parasitology
N. H. Rutherford, J. Barley, M. W. Robinson, A. W. Gordon, T. Yan, A. Aubry
Summary: This study demonstrates that a high rumen fluke burden can increase methane emissions, but only when expressed on a body weight basis. The findings highlight the need for further research to better understand the relationship between rumen fluke infection and methane production.
PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Erwan Atcheson, Bernard Lagan, Ross McCormick, Hilary Edgar, Robert E. B. Hanna, Naomi H. H. Rutherford, Amanda McEvoy, Kathryn M. M. Huson, Alan Gordon, Aurelie Aubry, Mary Vickers, Mark W. W. Robinson, Jason P. P. Barley
Summary: The prevalence of rumen fluke infection in cattle was investigated in England and Northern Ireland, with higher rates found in NI. However, the presence of rumen fluke did not significantly impact carcass weight, conformation, or fat classification. Similarly, rumen fluke infection and treatment with oxyclozanide did not affect daily weight gain, diarrhea score, or welfare in dairy heifers.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Respiratory System
Venkata Sita Rama Raju Allam, Stelios Pavlidis, Gang Liu, Nazanin Zounemat Kermani, Jennifer Simpson, Joyce To, Sheila Donnelly, Yi-Ke Guo, Philip M. Hansbro, Simon Phipps, Eric F. Morand, Ratko Djukanovic, Peter Sterk, Kian Fan Chung, Ian Adcock, James Harris, Maria B. Sukkar
Summary: The study showed that MIF protein correlates with clinical and molecular features of severe neutrophilic asthma and reduces the biological activity of annexin-A1 through interaction, promoting glucocorticoid resistance of neutrophilic inflammation.
Article
Immunology
Susel Loli Quinteros, Eliana von Krusenstiern, Nathaniel W. W. Snyder, Akane Tanaka, Bronwyn O'Brien, Sheila Donnelly
Summary: We have discovered a peptide called FhHDM-1 in the secretions of the liver fluke, which can regulate inflammation by reprogramming macrophage metabolism. Specifically, FhHDM-1 switches macrophage metabolism to rely on oxidative phosphorylation fueled by fatty acids and supported by the induction of glutaminolysis. This metabolic switch leads to a decrease in TNF and IL-6 production, indicating the potential of FhHDM-1 in preventing inflammation.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Ruby White, Javier Sotillo, Maria Eugenia Ancarola, Anne Borup, Anders Toftegaard Boysen, Paul J. Brindley, Edit Buzas, Serena Cavallero, Sujittra Chaiyadet, Iain W. Chalmers, Marcela A. Cucher, Maude Dagenais, Chelsea N. Davis, Eileen Devaney, Maria A. Duque-Correa, Ramon Marc Eichenberger, Santiago Fontenla, Thomas A. Gasan, Cornelis H. Hokke, Maja Kosanovic, Marije E. Kuipers, Thewarach Laha, Alex Loukas, Rick M. Maizels, Antonio Marcilla, Hynek Mazanec, Russell M. Morphew, Kyriaki Neophytou, Linh Thuy Nguyen, Esther Nolte-'t Hoen, Michael Povelones, Mark W. Robinson, Alicia Rojas, Irma Schabussova, Hermelijn H. Smits, Sivapong Sungpradit, Lucienne Tritten, Bradley Whitehead, Amin Zakeri, Peter Nejsum, Amy H. Buck, Karl F. Hoffmann
Summary: Over the past decade, there has been a growing research interest in studying how extracellular vesicles (EVs) shape cross-species communication. In particular, helminths, which are parasitic worm species, have been found to manipulate the immune function and physiology of their hosts. This article highlights the challenges and best practices for studying helminth-derived EVs, complementing existing guidelines for mammalian EV research.
JOURNAL OF EXTRACELLULAR VESICLES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Victor Cana-Bozada, Mark W. Robinson, David Hernandez-Mena, Francisco N. Morales-Serna
Summary: This study examined the phylogenetic relationships within Neodermata using putative orthologous groups of proteins (OGPs) from 11 species of Monogenea, Trematoda, and Cestoda. The analysis showed that monopisthocotylean monogeneans are sister-group to cestodes, and polyopisthocotylean monogeneans are sister-group to trematodes. However, the sister-group relationship between Monopisthocotylea and Cestoda was not statistically supported. The study also revealed a cluster formed by polyopisthocotyleans and trematodes.
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Inah Camaya, Bronwyn O'Brien, Sheila Donnelly
Summary: Diabetes is a rapidly growing chronic disease globally, with two distinct subtypes characterized by autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells or metabolic insufficiency. Macrophages play a key role in the pathogenesis of both subtypes, influencing inflammation and beta-cell function. Studies have shown positive results in using parasitic worms and their products to modulate immune responses and promote beta-cell function and survival.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Endocrinology & Metabolism
I. Camaya, M. Robinson, J. Santos, J. P. Dalton, B. O'Brien, S. Donnelly