Review
Immunology
Bin Zhan, Maria Elena Bottazzi, Peter J. Hotez, Sara Lustigman
Summary: Human onchocerciasis is a devastating tropical disease caused by infection of Onchocerca volvulus, leading to visual impairment and dermatitis. Mass drug administration has reduced prevalence, but challenges such as drug resistance and adverse events remain, highlighting the need for vaccine development.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Immunology
David Abraham, John Graham-Brown, Darrick Carter, Sean A. Gray, Jessica A. Hess, Benjamin L. Makepeace, Sara Lustigman
Summary: The development of a prophylactic vaccine for onchocerciasis is crucial for achieving the goal of eliminating the disease by 2030. Various animal models have shown promising results in inducing protective immunity, laying the foundation for future clinical trials to evaluate the vaccine's effectiveness in humans.
EXPERT REVIEW OF VACCINES
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Ngwafu Nancy Ngwasiri, Norbert W. Brattig, Dieudonne Ndjonka, Eva Liebau, Archile Paguem, Dustin Leusder, Manchang Tanyi Kingsley, Albert Eisenbarth, Alfons Renz, Achukwi Mbunkah Daniel
Summary: The study identified an O. ochengi galectin gene, confirmed its immunogenicity, and found a high degree of identity between O. ochengi and O. volvulus galectin, with similar immune reactivity. These results suggest the suitability of the cattle O. ochengi model for O. volvulus infection research.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Kenneth Bentum Otabil, Blessing Ankrah, Emmanuel John Bart-Plange, Emmanuel Sam Donkoh, Fiona Amoabil Avarikame, Fredrick Obeng Ofori-Appiah, Theophilus Nti Babae, Prince-Charles Kudzordzi, Vera Achiaa Darko, Joseph Ameyaw, Joseph Gyekye Bamfo, Raji Abdul Sakibu, Daniel Antwi-Berko, Joseph Nelson Siewe Fodjo, Maria-Gloria Basanez, Henk D. F. H. Schallig, Robert Colebunders
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence and clinical characteristics of epilepsy in the Bono Region of Ghana after 27 years of ivermectin mass drug administration (MDA). The prevalence of epilepsy in the Bono region was found to be 1.4%, with generalized seizures being the most common type. The study also revealed a high microfilarial prevalence and low coverage of ivermectin treatment. Therefore, there is a need for the Ghana Onchocerciasis Elimination Programme to enhance its efforts to achieve the elimination of onchocerciasis by 2030.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF POVERTY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Stephen Raimon Jada, Alfred Dusabimana, Gasim Abd-Elfarag, Samuel Okaro, Nele Brusselaers, Jane Y. Carter, Makoy Yibi Logora, Jacopo Mattia Rovarini, Charles R. Newton, Robert Colebunders
Summary: A two-phase survey conducted in Mundri villages in South Sudan revealed a high prevalence and incidence of epilepsy. Urgent action is needed to prevent onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy by strengthening elimination programs.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Rodney Ogwang, Albert Ningwa, Pamela Akun, Paul Bangirana, Ronald Anguzu, Rajarshi Mazumder, Noriko Salamon, Oliver Johannes Henning, Charles R. Newton, Catherine Abbo, Amos Deogratius Mwaka, Kevin Marsh, Richard Idro
Summary: Research in northern Uganda shows that epilepsies associated with Onchocerca may have a broader clinical spectrum and brain imaging features, such as focal onset tonic-clonic seizures, cortical and cerebellar atrophy.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Arnauld Efon Ekangouo, Hugues C. Nana Djeunga, Guilhem Sempere, Joseph Kamgno, Flobert Njiokou, Paul Moundipa Fewou, Anne Geiger
Summary: This study explores the potential of blackfly bacteriome as a novel approach for controlling onchocerciasis by investigating its composition and variability in the presence of Onchocerca volvulus infection. The results suggest a causal relationship between the bacteriome composition and the onset of blackflies' infection by O. volvulus.
Article
Parasitology
Vera Wewer, Helga Peisker, Katharina Gutbrod, Mazen Al-Bahra, Dirk Menche, Ngongeh Glory Amambo, Fanny F. Fombad, Abdel Jelil Njouendou, Kenneth Pfarr, Samuel Wanji, Achim Hoerauf, Peter Doermann
Summary: The study screened urine samples from individuals in Cameroon infected with O. volvulus, Loa loa, Mansonella perstans, or a combination. Elevated levels of NATOG and cinnamoylglycine were found in O. volvulus-infected individuals, suggesting a potential for using a combination of urine metabolites for onchocerciasis assessment at a population level.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Stephen Raimon, Alfred Dusabimana, Gasim Abd-Elfarag, Samuel Okaro, Jane Y. Carter, Charles R. Newton, Makoy Yibi Logora, Robert Colebunders
Summary: A study conducted in Mvolo County, South Sudan, revealed a high prevalence and incidence of epilepsy, with factors such as younger age, male gender, skin itching, blindness, and living near the Naam River identified as risk factors for epilepsy. Additionally, the transmission of parasites remains high in the region, with a low percentage of individuals receiving treatment.
Article
Microbiology
Melissa Krizia Vieri, An Hotterbeekx, Michel Mandro, Joseph Nelson Siewe Fodjo, Alfred Dusabimana, Francoise Nyisi, Deby Mukendi, Joe Gwatsvaira, Samir Kumar-Singh, Robert Colebunders
Summary: Despite the association between O. volvulus and OAE, elevated serotonin levels are not able to explain the pathogenesis of OAE. Other hypotheses will need to be investigated to identify the causal mechanism of OAE.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Samuel K. Kwofie, Emmanuel Broni, Faruk U. Yunus, John Nsoh, Dela Adoboe, Whelton A. Miller, Michael D. Wilson
Summary: Onchocerciasis is a major public health problem in tropical areas, with antibiotic resistance becoming an increasing global threat. This study identified six potential novel antiwolbachial agents from natural products, which could serve as filaricides for onchocerciasis.
Article
Parasitology
Adam Hendy, Meryam Krit, Kenneth Pfarr, Christine Laemmer, Jacobus De Witte, Philippe Nwane, Joseph Kamgno, Hugues C. Nana-Djeunga, Michel Boussinesq, Jean-Claude Dujardin, Rory Post, Robert Colebunders, Sarah O'Neill, Peter Enyong, Alfred K. Njamnshi
Summary: The study found high densities of biting black flies sustaining transmission of O. volvulus along the lower Mbam river, despite relatively low infection rates that do not meet the WHO threshold for interruption of transmission.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Shannon M. Hedtke, Anusha Kode, Tony O. Ukety, Joeel L. Mande, Germain M. Abhafule, Anuarite A. Raciu, Claude B. Uvon, Stephen R. Jada, An Hotterbeekx, Joseph Nelson Siewe Fodjo, Makedonka Mitreva, Wilson Sebit, Robert Colebunders, Warwick N. Grant, Annette C. Kuesel
Summary: This article discusses the importance of population genetic analysis of Onchocerca volvulus, the parasite causing onchocerciasis, and introduces a microfilariae transfer procedure for large-scale studies comparing different drugs. The results of the study also indicate variations in the quality and genetic analysis success rate of microfilariae from different regions.
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
An Hotterbeekx, Kristien Verdonck, Deby Mukendi, Jean-Roger Lilo-Kalo, Pascal Lutumba, Marleen Boelaert, Liselotte Hardy, Barbara Barbe, Jan Jacobs, Emmanuel Bottieau, Robert Colebunders
Summary: The study suggests that onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy may also be suspected in hypo-endemic areas, especially in individuals with negative T. solium antigen, indicating the potential role of onchocerciasis as a trigger for epilepsy.
Article
Microbiology
Melissa Krizia Vieri, Michel Mandro, Chiara Simona Cardellino, Pierantonio Orza, Niccolo Ronzoni, Joseph Nelson Siewe Fodjo, An Hotterbeekx, Robert Colebunders
Summary: A high burden of epilepsy in Africa is associated with parasitic infections, particularly Onchocerca volvulus. Neurocysticercosis may be the cause of epilepsy in some individuals with late onset and focal seizures. Measures should be implemented to limit the transmission of T. solium, especially in areas where pig rearing is common.
Review
Parasitology
Marina Papaiakovou, D. Timothy J. Littlewood, Stephen R. Doyle, Robin B. Gasser, Cinzia Cantacessi
Summary: This article evaluates the strengths and limitations of existing methods for diagnosing gastrointestinal helminth infections in humans and animals. It also explores the use of high-throughput sequencing approaches to define the taxonomic composition of these infections. Additionally, the article discusses the interactions between helminths and microbiota in the host gut.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shannon Quek, Darren A. N. Cook, Yang Wu, Amy E. Marriott, Andrew Steven, Kelly L. Johnston, Louise Ford, John Archer, Janet Hemingway, Stephen A. Ward, Simon C. Wagstaff, Joseph D. Turner, Mark J. Taylor
Summary: The research reveals that lymphatic filariasis microfilariae depleted of Wolbachia lose their ability to develop in the mosquito vector rapidly due to a down-regulation of chitinase enzymes.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Editorial Material
Parasitology
James A. Cotton, Stephen R. Doyle
Summary: The reduced efficacy of anthelmintic drug PZQ in controlling schistosomiasis is a major public health concern. Le Clec'h et al. identified a gene responsible for PZQ resistance in experimentally selected Schistosoma mansoni, but its importance in natural infections is yet to be determined.
TRENDS IN PARASITOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Collins M. Morang'a, Joyce M. Ngoi, Jones Gyamfi, Dominic S. Y. Amuzu, Benjamin D. Nuertey, Philip M. Soglo, Vincent Appiah, Ivy A. Asante, Paul Owusu-Oduro, Samuel Armoo, Dennis Adu-Gyasi, Nicholas Amoako, Joseph Oliver-Commey, Michael Owusu, Augustina Sylverken, Edward D. Fenteng, Violette V. M'cormack, Frederick Tei-Maya, Evelyn B. Quansah, Reuben Ayivor-Djanie, Enock K. Amoako, Isaac T. Ogbe, Bright K. Yemi, Israel Osei-Wusu, Deborah N. A. Mettle, Samirah Saiid, Kesego Tapela, Francis Dzabeng, Vanessa Magnussen, Jerry Quaye, Precious C. Opurum, Rosina A. Carr, Patrick T. Ababio, Abdul-Karim Abass, Samuel K. Akoriyea, Emmanuella Amoako, Frederick Kumi-Ansah, Oliver D. Boakye, Dam K. Mibut, Theophilus Odoom, Lawrence Ofori-Boadu, Emmanuel Allegye-Cudjoe, Sylvester Dassah, Victor Asoala, Kwaku P. Asante, Richard O. Phillips, Mike Y. Osei-Atweneboana, John O. Gyapong, Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, William K. Ampofo, Kwabena O. Duedu, Nicaise T. Ndam, Yaw Bediako, Peter K. Quashie, Lucas N. Amenga-Etego, Gordon A. Awandare
Summary: This study tracks the molecular evolution and spatio-temporal dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 variants in Ghana, finding that the virus has rapidly evolved and different variants have dominated transmission at different times.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
A. A. Morrison, U. Chaudhry, L. Andrews, L. Melville, S. R. Doyle, N. D. Sargison, D. J. Bartley
Summary: The study on benzimidazole (BZ) resistance in Haemonchus contortus through reciprocal genetic crosses revealed a potential difference in resistance phenotype depending on whether the resistant allele is paternally or maternally inherited. These findings provide new insight into the inheritance of BZ resistance in H. contortus and prompt further investigation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Paulius Baltrusis, Stephen R. Doyle, Peter Halvarsson, Johan Hoglund
Summary: The study reveals that in a field population from Sweden, despite an 89% reduction in parasites after ivermectin treatment, the surviving population remained highly genetically similar to the population before treatment, indicating that resistance likely evolved over time and is present on diverse haplotypes. The data provide new insights into the genome-wide effects of ivermectin selection in a field population and confirm the role of a previously identified quantitative trait locus in the development of resistance to ivermectin.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Relindis Ekanya, Elisabeth Dibando Obie, Louise Hamill, Sophie Thorogood, Raphael Awah Abong, Abdel Jelil Njouendou, Andrew Amuam, Bertrand Lontum Ndzeshang, Desmond Akumtoh Nkimbeng, Jerome Fru Cho, Mathias Eyong Esum, Peter Enyong, Joseph D. Turner, Mark J. Taylor, Samuel Wanji
Summary: The study in the Meme River Basin in Cameroon found active transmission of onchocerciasis, susceptibility of Simulium larvae to temephos, and identified nine cytospecies. Non-target aquatic fauna were also observed.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Review
Parasitology
Stephen R. Doyle
Summary: The rapid advancement in high-throughput sequencing and analytical approaches has led to a steady increase in genomic resources for helminth parasites. These resources are crucial for understanding genetic and transcriptomic variation in helminths, but there is a need for continued improvement post-publication to ensure accuracy and completeness in studying these important pathogens.
TRENDS IN PARASITOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Stephen R. Doyle, Martin Jensen Soe, Peter Nejsum, Martha Betson, Philip J. Cooper, Lifei Peng, Xing-Quan Zhu, Ana Sanchez, Gabriela Matamoros, Gustavo Adolfo Fontecha Sandoval, Cristina Cutillas, Louis-Albert Tchuem Tchuente, Zeleke Mekonnen, Shaali M. Ame, Harriet Namwanje, Bruno Levecke, Matthew Berriman, Brian Lund Fredensborg, Christian Moliin Outzen Kapel
Summary: This study provides the first population genomics analysis of the whipworm Trichuris trichiura, a soil-transmitted helminth that causes trichuriasis in humans. By sequencing the whole genomes of modern and ancient samples, the authors characterize the genetic diversity and evolution of this pathogen. The findings suggest an African origin of T. trichiura with subsequent human migration, and reveal genetic differentiation among geographically distinct populations. This study sheds light on zoonotic reservoirs of human-infective T. trichiura and will aid in genomic epidemiology efforts.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Amy E. Marriott, Julio Furlong Silva, Nicolas Pionnier, Hanna Sjoberg, John Archer, Andrew Steven, Dale Kempf, Mark J. Taylor, Joseph D. Turner
Summary: The lack of a robust long-term in vitro culture model for adult-stage lymphatic filarial nematodes hinders the development of new drugs. Testing potential therapeutic candidates against adult lymphatic filariae in vitro requires chronic infection of gerbils. Evaluation of parasite burden data from different animal models suggests that immune-deficient mice may be superior to gerbils in generating adult worms for drug screening.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Roz Laing, Stephen R. Doyle, Jennifer McIntyre, Kirsty Maitland, Alison Morrison, David J. Bartley, Ray Kaplan, Umer Chaudhry, Neil Sargison, Andy Tait, James A. Cotton, Collette Britton, Eileen Devaney
Summary: Through crossbreeding and gene expression analysis, we have identified certain genes associated with ivermectin resistance and proposed a novel mechanism that allows resistant worms to survive treatment. This is crucial for understanding ivermectin resistance and response to treatment in parasitic helminths.
Article
Cell Biology
Stephen R. Doyle, Roz Laing, David Bartley, Alison Morrison, Nancy Holroyd, Kirsty Maitland, Alistair Antonopoulos, Umer Chaudhry, Ilona Flis, Sue Howell, Jennifer McIntyre, John S. Gilleard, Andy Tait, Barbara Mable, Ray Kaplan, Neil Sargison, Collette Britton, Matthew Berriman, Eileen Devaney, James A. Cotton
Summary: Understanding the genetic basis of anthelmintic drug resistance in parasitic nematodes is crucial for improving parasite control. By using an in vivo genetic cross, this study successfully mapped resistance loci for three major classes of anthelmintics and identified new alleles for resistance. The study also implicated a transcription factor in ivermectin resistance and demonstrated the feasibility of high-resolution forward genetics in parasitic nematodes.
Article
Parasitology
Alistair Antonopoulos, Stephen R. Doyle, David J. Bartley, Alison A. Morrison, Ray Kaplan, Sue Howell, Cedric Neveu, Valentina Busin, Eileen Devaney, Roz Laing
Summary: Haemonchus contortus is a parasitic nematode that infects small ruminants and causes health issues and economic losses in the livestock industry. The treatment for this parasite primarily relies on broad-spectrum anthelmintics, but resistance has emerged. Levamisole (LEV) is an important treatment option, as resistance to LEV is less common. Genetic variation at the acr-8 locus has been implicated in LEV resistance.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Archile Paguem, Kingsley Manchang, Pierre Kamtsap, Alfons Renz, Sabine Schaper, Gerhard Dobler, Deon K. Bakkes, Lidia Chitimia-Dobler
Summary: This study investigates the diversity of ticks and Rickettsia species parasitizing wild animals sold in bush meat markets in Cameroon. It identifies 18 tick species belonging to five genera and detects two Rickettsia spp. The findings highlight the high diversity of ticks among wildlife in Cameroon.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Xavier Badia-Rius, Salissou Adamou, Mark J. Taylor, Louise A. Kelly-Hope
Summary: The Niger LF Programme has made progress in eliminating lymphatic filariasis and scaling up morbidity management and disability prevention activities. A survey conducted in three non-endemic districts found a lower transmission rate and high bed net usage. This has implications for targeted mass drug administration and morbidity management services.
PARASITE EPIDEMIOLOGY AND CONTROL
(2023)