PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases最新文献

{"title":"Effects of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation and seasonal weather conditions on Aedes aegypti infestation in the State of São Paulo (Brazil): A Bayesian spatio-temporal study","authors":"Monica Pirani, Camila Lorenz, Thiago Salomão de Azevedo, Gerson Laurindo Barbosa, Marta Blangiardo, Francisco Chiaravalloti-Neto","doi":"10.1371/journal.pntd.0012397","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0012397","url":null,"abstract":"Background Seasonal fluctuations in weather are recognized as factors that affect both <jats:italic>Aedes</jats:italic> (<jats:italic>Ae</jats:italic>.) <jats:italic>aegypti</jats:italic> mosquitoes and the diseases they carry, such as dengue fever. The El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is widely regarded as one of the most impactful atmospheric phenomena on Earth, characterized by the interplay of shifting ocean temperatures, trade wind intensity, and atmospheric pressure, resulting in extensive alterations in climate conditions. In this study, we investigate the influence of ENSO and local weather conditions on the spatio-temporal variability of <jats:italic>Ae</jats:italic>. <jats:italic>aegypti</jats:italic> infestation index. Methods We collected seasonal entomological survey data of immature forms of <jats:italic>Ae</jats:italic>. <jats:italic>aegypti</jats:italic> mosquitoes (Breteau index), as well as data on temperature, rainfall and the Oceanic Niño Index (ONI) for the period 2008–2018 over the 645 municipalities of the subtropical State of São Paulo (Brazil). We grounded our analytical approach on a Bayesian framework and we used a hierarchical spatio-temporal model to study the relationship between ENSO tracked by ONI, seasonal weather fluctuations and the larval index, while adjusting for population density and wealth inequalities. Results Our results showed a relevant positive effect for El Niño on the <jats:italic>Ae</jats:italic>. <jats:italic>aegypti</jats:italic> larval index. In particular, we found that the number of positive containers would be expected to increase by 1.30-unit (95% Credible Intervals (CI): 1.23 to 1.37) with El Niño events (i.e., ≥ 1°C, moderate to strong) respect to neutral (and weak) events. We also found that seasonal rainfall exceeding 153.12 mm appears to have a notable impact on vector index, leading potentially to the accumulation of ample water in outdoor discarded receptacles, supporting the aquatic phase of mosquito development. Additionally, seasonal temperature above 23.30°C was found positively associated to the larval index. Although the State of São Paulo as a whole has characteristics favourable to proliferation of the vector, there were specific areas with a greater tendency for mosquito infestation, since the most vulnerable areas are predominantly situated in the central and northern regions of the state, with hot spots of abundance in the south, especially during El Niño events. Our findings also indicate that social disparities present in the municipalities contributes to <jats:italic>Ae</jats:italic>. <jats:italic>aegypti</jats:italic> proliferation. Conclusions Considering the anticipated rise in both the frequency and intensity of El Niño events in the forthcoming decades as a consequence of climate change, the urgency to enhance our ability to track and diminish arbovirus outbreaks is crucial.","PeriodicalId":20260,"journal":{"name":"PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2024-09-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142221085","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"From neglect to equity in snakebite envenoming; what the ICMR-Collaborative Centre of Excellence (CCoE) targets.","authors":"Jaideep C Menon,Bipin Nair,Sanghamitra Pati,Vijay V Pillay,Amarendra Mahapatra,T P Sreekrishnan,Muralidharan Vanuopadath,Denny John,Sabarish B Nair,Prakash K Sahoo,Aravind M S,Aswathy Sreedevi,Chandrasekhar Jankiram,Joseph K Joseph","doi":"10.1371/journal.pntd.0012425","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0012425","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":20260,"journal":{"name":"PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2024-09-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142255253","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Computer-aided discovery of novel SmDHODH inhibitors for schistosomiasis therapy: Ligand-based drug design, molecular docking, molecular dynamic simulations, drug-likeness, and ADMET studies","authors":"Saudatu Chinade Ja’afaru, Adamu Uzairu, Sharika Hossain, Mohammad Hamid Ullah, Muhammed Sani Sallau, George Iloegbulam Ndukwe, Muhammad Tukur Ibrahim, Imren Bayil, Abu Tayab Moin","doi":"10.1371/journal.pntd.0012453","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0012453","url":null,"abstract":"Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia or snail fever, is a tropical parasitic disease resulting from flatworms of the Schistosoma genus. This often overlooked disease has significant impacts in affected regions, causing enduring morbidity, hindering child development, reducing productivity, and creating economic burdens. Praziquantel (PZQ) is currently the only treatment option for schistosomiasis. Given the potential rise of drug resistance and the limited treatment choices available, there is a need to develop more effective inhibitors for this neglected tropical disease (NTD). In view of this, quantitative structure-activity relationship studies (QSAR), molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, drug-likeness, and ADMET predictions were applied to 31 inhibitors of Schistosoma mansoni Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (SmDHODH). The designed QSAR model demonstrated robust statistical parameters including an R<jats:sup>2</jats:sup> of 0.911, R<jats:sup>2</jats:sup><jats:sub>adj</jats:sub> of 0.890, Q<jats:sup>2</jats:sup>cv of 0.686, R<jats:sup>2</jats:sup><jats:sub>pred</jats:sub> of 0.807, and cR<jats:sup>2</jats:sup>p of 0.825, confirming its robustness. Compound 26, identified as the most active derivative, emerged as a lead candidate for new potential inhibitors through ligand-based drug design. Subsequently, 12 novel compounds (26A-26L) were designed with enhanced inhibition activity and binding affinity. Molecular docking studies revealed strong and stable interactions, including hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions, between the designed compounds and the target receptor. Molecular dynamics simulations over 100 nanoseconds and MM-PBSA free binding energy (ΔG<jats:sub>bind</jats:sub>) calculations validated the stability of the two best-designed molecules (26A and 26L). Furthermore, drug-likeness and ADMET prediction analyses affirmed the potential of these designed compounds, suggesting their promise as innovative agents for treating schistosomiasis.","PeriodicalId":20260,"journal":{"name":"PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2024-09-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142221121","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A regional One Health approach to the risk of invasion by Anopheles stephensi in Mauritius","authors":"Diana P. Iyaloo, Sarah Zohdy, Ryan M. Carney, Varina Ramdonee Mosawa, Khouaildi B. Elahee, Nabiihah Munglee, Nilesh Latchooman, Surendra Puryag, Ambicadutt Bheecarry, Hemant Bhoobun, Harena Rasamoelina-Andriamanivo, Saïd Ahmed Bedja, Joseph Spear, Thierry Baldet, Tamar E. Carter","doi":"10.1371/journal.pntd.0011827","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0011827","url":null,"abstract":"Background &lt;jats:italic&gt;Anopheles stephensi&lt;/jats:italic&gt; is an invasive malaria vector in Africa that threatens to put an additional 126 million people at risk of malaria if it continues to spread. The island nation of Mauritius is highly connected to Asia and Africa and is at risk of introduction due to this connectivity. For early detection of &lt;jats:italic&gt;An&lt;/jats:italic&gt;. &lt;jats:italic&gt;stephensi&lt;/jats:italic&gt;, the Vector Biology and Control Division under the Ministry of Health in Mauritius, leveraged a well-established &lt;jats:italic&gt;Aedes&lt;/jats:italic&gt; program, as &lt;jats:italic&gt;An&lt;/jats:italic&gt;. &lt;jats:italic&gt;stephensi&lt;/jats:italic&gt; is known to share &lt;jats:italic&gt;Aedes&lt;/jats:italic&gt; habitats. These efforts triggered multisectoral coordination and cascading benefits of integrated vector and One Health approaches. Methods Beginning June 2021, entomological surveys were conducted at points of entry (seaport, airport) and on ships transporting livestock in collaboration with the Civil Aviation Department, the Mauritian Port Authority and National Veterinary Services. A total of 18, 39, 723 mosquito larval surveys were respectively conducted in the airport, seaport, and other localities in Mauritius while two, 20, and 26 adult mosquito surveys were respectively conducted in the airport, seaport, and twenty-six animal assembly points. Alongside adult mosquito surveys, surveillance of vectors of veterinary importance (e.g.- &lt;jats:italic&gt;Culicoides&lt;/jats:italic&gt; spp.) was also carried out in collaboration with National Parks and Conservation Service and land owners. Results A total of 8,428 adult mosquitoes were collected and 1,844 larval habitats were positive for mosquitoes. All collected mosquitoes were morphologically identified and 151 &lt;jats:italic&gt;Anopheles&lt;/jats:italic&gt; and 339 &lt;jats:italic&gt;Aedes&lt;/jats:italic&gt; mosquitoes were also molecularly characterized. Mosquito species detected were &lt;jats:italic&gt;Aedes albopictus&lt;/jats:italic&gt;, &lt;jats:italic&gt;Anopheles arabiensis&lt;/jats:italic&gt;, &lt;jats:italic&gt;An&lt;/jats:italic&gt;. &lt;jats:italic&gt;coustani&lt;/jats:italic&gt;, &lt;jats:italic&gt;An&lt;/jats:italic&gt;. &lt;jats:italic&gt;merus&lt;/jats:italic&gt;, &lt;jats:italic&gt;Culex quinquefasciatus&lt;/jats:italic&gt;, &lt;jats:italic&gt;Cx&lt;/jats:italic&gt;. &lt;jats:italic&gt;thalassius&lt;/jats:italic&gt; and &lt;jats:italic&gt;Lutzia tigripes&lt;/jats:italic&gt;. &lt;jats:italic&gt;Anopheles stephensi&lt;/jats:italic&gt; was not detected. The One Health approach was shared with the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD), strengthening collaboration between Mauritius and Réunion Island on vector surveillance at entry points and insecticide resistance monitoring. The Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) was also alerted to the risk of &lt;jats:italic&gt;An&lt;/jats:italic&gt;. &lt;jats:italic&gt;stephensi&lt;/jats:italic&gt;, leading to regional efforts supporting trainings and development of a response strategy to &lt;jats:italic&gt;An&lt;/jats:italic&gt;. &lt;jats:italic&gt;stephensi&lt;/jats:italic&gt; bringing together stakeholders from Comoros, Madagascar, Mauri","PeriodicalId":20260,"journal":{"name":"PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2024-09-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142221120","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Abundance and Leishmania infection patterns of the sand fly Psathyromyia cratifer in Southern Mexico","authors":"Ana Celia Montes de Oca-Aguilar, Edith A. Fernández-Figueroa, Karina B. López-Ávila, Mariela Isabel Pavón-Méndez, Erika I. Sosa-Bibiano, Eduardo A. Rebollar-Téllez, Jorge A. Palacio-Vargas, Brenda García-López, Claudia Rangel-Escareño, Elsy Nalleli Loría-Cervera","doi":"10.1371/journal.pntd.0012426","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0012426","url":null,"abstract":"Background Localized cutaneous leishmaniasis (LCL) is a serious public health problem in Southern Mexico. Six species of Phlebotominae (Diptera: Psychodidae) have been found to be infected with <jats:italic>Leishmania (Leishmania) mexicana</jats:italic>, the causative agent of LCL in the region. However, little is known about the biology and potential participation of <jats:italic>Psathyromyia cratifer</jats:italic> in the <jats:italic>Leishmania</jats:italic> transmission cycle in Mexico, and the Americas. The present study provides evidence of temporal infection caused by <jats:italic>Leishmania</jats:italic> in <jats:italic>Psathyromyia cratifer</jats:italic> as well as data on its population dynamics in a LCL endemic area during the well-known transmission cycle of <jats:italic>Leishmania</jats:italic> in Southern Mexico. Methodology/Principal findings Individual specimens of <jats:italic>Psathyromyia cratifer</jats:italic> were collected in four sites over the course of five months (from November 2020 through March 2021) using animal-baited, human-baited, and light traps. The temporal activity pattern (month + hour) of <jats:italic>Psathyromyia cratifer</jats:italic> was assessed along with its relationship with environmental variables. Moreover, <jats:italic>Leishmania</jats:italic> DNA and blood meals were analyzed and detected in female sand flies. This evidenced an infection rate ranging from 8% to 83%, and the record of <jats:italic>Homo sapiens</jats:italic> and <jats:italic>Ototylomys phyllotis</jats:italic> as blood hosts of this sand fly species. High abundances of these sand flies in human-baited traps were recorded which revealed the marked anthropophilic behavior of <jats:italic>Psathyromyia cratifer</jats:italic>. As regards the transmission dynamics of the parasite within the region, it was observed that the potential highest epidemiological risk for <jats:italic>Leishmania</jats:italic> transmission by <jats:italic>Psathyromyia cratifer</jats:italic> occurred during the months of January and March. Conclusion This is the first contribution ever made to both the population dynamic and the temporal <jats:italic>Leishmani</jats:italic>a prevalence patterns in <jats:italic>Psathyromyia cratifer</jats:italic>. The resulting findings suggest that this sand fly specimen is the sixth potential vector of <jats:italic>L</jats:italic>. <jats:italic>(L</jats:italic>.<jats:italic>) mexicana</jats:italic> in Southern Mexico. Nonetheless, various biology, behavior, and ecology strands are yet to be addressed. The latter, to determine the role it plays in the transmission dynamics of the parasite within the region, and other areas of the country.","PeriodicalId":20260,"journal":{"name":"PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2024-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142221024","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Development of new real-time PCR assays for detection and species differentiation of Plasmodium ovale","authors":"Wenqiao He, Rachel Sendor, Varun R. Potlapalli, Melchior M. Kashamuka, Antoinette K. Tshefu, Fernandine Phanzu, Albert Kalonji, Billy Ngasala, Kyaw Lay Thwai, Jonathan J. Juliano, Jessica T. Lin, Jonathan B. Parr","doi":"10.1371/journal.pntd.0011759","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0011759","url":null,"abstract":"Background The parasite species formerly known as &lt;jats:italic&gt;Plasmodium ovale&lt;/jats:italic&gt;, &lt;jats:italic&gt;Plasmodium ovalecurtisi&lt;/jats:italic&gt; (&lt;jats:italic&gt;P&lt;/jats:italic&gt;. &lt;jats:italic&gt;ovalecurtisi&lt;/jats:italic&gt;) and &lt;jats:italic&gt;Plasmodium ovalewallikeri&lt;/jats:italic&gt; (&lt;jats:italic&gt;P&lt;/jats:italic&gt;. &lt;jats:italic&gt;ovalewallikeri&lt;/jats:italic&gt;), are endemic across multiple African countries. These species are thought to differ in clinical symptomatology and latency, but only a small number of existing diagnostic assays can detect and distinguish them. In this study, we sought to develop new assays for the detection and differentiation of &lt;jats:italic&gt;P&lt;/jats:italic&gt;. &lt;jats:italic&gt;ovalecurtisi&lt;/jats:italic&gt; and &lt;jats:italic&gt;P&lt;/jats:italic&gt;. &lt;jats:italic&gt;ovalewallikeri&lt;/jats:italic&gt; by leveraging recently published whole-genome sequences for both species. Methods Repetitive sequence motifs were identified in available &lt;jats:italic&gt;P&lt;/jats:italic&gt;. &lt;jats:italic&gt;ovalecurtisi&lt;/jats:italic&gt; and &lt;jats:italic&gt;P&lt;/jats:italic&gt;. &lt;jats:italic&gt;ovalewallikeri&lt;/jats:italic&gt; genomes and used for assay development and validation. We evaluated the analytical sensitivity of the best-performing singleplex and duplex assays using synthetic plasmids. We then evaluated the specificity of the duplex assay using a panel of samples from Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and validated its performance using 55 &lt;jats:italic&gt;P&lt;/jats:italic&gt;. &lt;jats:italic&gt;ovale&lt;/jats:italic&gt; samples and 40 non-ovale &lt;jats:italic&gt;Plasmodium&lt;/jats:italic&gt; samples from the DRC. Results The best-performing &lt;jats:italic&gt;P&lt;/jats:italic&gt;. &lt;jats:italic&gt;ovalecurtisi&lt;/jats:italic&gt; and &lt;jats:italic&gt;P&lt;/jats:italic&gt;. &lt;jats:italic&gt;ovalewallikeri&lt;/jats:italic&gt; targets had 9 and 8 copies within the reference genomes, respectively. The &lt;jats:italic&gt;P&lt;/jats:italic&gt;. &lt;jats:italic&gt;ovalecurtisi&lt;/jats:italic&gt; assay had high sensitivity with a 95% confidence lower limit of detection (LOD) of 3.6 parasite genome equivalents/μl, while the &lt;jats:italic&gt;P&lt;/jats:italic&gt;. &lt;jats:italic&gt;ovalewallikeri&lt;/jats:italic&gt; assay had a 95% confidence LOD of 25.9 parasite genome equivalents/μl. A duplex assay targeting both species had 100% specificity and 95% confidence LOD of 4.2 and 41.2 parasite genome equivalents/μl for &lt;jats:italic&gt;P&lt;/jats:italic&gt;. &lt;jats:italic&gt;ovalecurtisi&lt;/jats:italic&gt; and &lt;jats:italic&gt;P&lt;/jats:italic&gt;. &lt;jats:italic&gt;ovalewallikeri&lt;/jats:italic&gt;, respectively. Conclusions We identified promising multi-copy targets for molecular detection and differentiation of &lt;jats:italic&gt;P&lt;/jats:italic&gt;. &lt;jats:italic&gt;ovalecurtisi&lt;/jats:italic&gt; and &lt;jats:italic&gt;P&lt;/jats:italic&gt;. &lt;jats:italic&gt;ovalewallikeri&lt;/jats:italic&gt; and used them to develop real-time PCR assays. The best performing &lt;jats:italic&gt;P&lt;/jats:italic&gt;. &lt;jats:italic&gt;ovalecurtisi&lt;/jats:italic&gt; assay performed well in singleplex and duplex formats, while the &lt;jats:italic&gt;P&lt;/jats:italic&gt;. &lt;jats:italic&gt;ovalewallikeri&lt;/jats:italic&gt; assay did not ","PeriodicalId":20260,"journal":{"name":"PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2024-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142221101","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Larval crowding enhances dengue virus loads in Aedes aegypti, a relationship that might increase transmission in urban environments","authors":"Heverton L. C. Dutra, Dustin J. Marshall, Belinda Comerford, Brianna P. McNulty, Anastacia M. Diaz, Matthew J. Jones, Austin J. Mejia, Ottar N. Bjornstad, Elizabeth A. McGraw","doi":"10.1371/journal.pntd.0012482","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0012482","url":null,"abstract":"Background Climate change and urbanization will alter the global distribution of disease vectors, changing the disease burden in yet unpredictable ways. <jats:italic>Aedes aegypti</jats:italic> is a mosquito responsible for transmitting dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever viruses that breeds in containers associated with urban environments. We sought to understand how ambient temperature and larval densities in the immature aquatic phases determine adult life history traits and dengue virus loads post-infection. We predicted that larval crowding and high temperatures would both lead to smaller mosquitoes that might struggle to invest in an immune response and, hence, would exhibit high viral loads. Methods We first examined larval densities from urban and rural areas via a meta-analysis. We then used these data to inform a laboratory-based 2x2 design examining the interacting effects of temperature (21 vs. 26°C) and density (0.2 vs. 0.4 larvae/mL) on adult life history and dengue virus loads. Results We found that urban areas had an ~8-fold increase in larval densities compared to more rural sites. In the lab, we found that crowding had more impact on mosquito traits than temperature. Crowding led to slower development, smaller mosquitoes, less survival, lower fecundity, and higher viral loads, as predicted. The higher temperature led to faster development, reduced fecundity, and lower viral loads. The virus-reducing effect of higher temperature rearing was, however, overwhelmed by the impact of larval crowding when both factors were present. Conclusions These data reveal complex interactions between the environmental effects experienced by immature mosquitoes and adult traits. They especially highlight the importance of crowding with respect to adult viral loads. Together, these data suggest that urban environments might enhance dengue virus loads and, therefore, possibly transmission, a concerning result given the increasing rates of urbanization globally.","PeriodicalId":20260,"journal":{"name":"PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2024-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142221102","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of Schistosoma haematobium infection and treatment on the systemic and mucosal immune phenotype, gene expression and microbiome: A systematic review","authors":"Anna M. Mertelsmann, Sheridan F. Bowers, Drew Wright, Jane K. Maganga, Humphrey D. Mazigo, Lishomwa C. Ndhlovu, John M. Changalucha, Jennifer A. Downs","doi":"10.1371/journal.pntd.0012456","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0012456","url":null,"abstract":"Background Urogenital schistosomiasis caused by <jats:italic>Schistosoma haematobium</jats:italic> affects approximately 110 million people globally, with the majority of cases in low- and middle-income countries. Schistosome infections have been shown to impact the host immune system, gene expression, and microbiome composition. Studies have demonstrated variations in pathology between schistosome subspecies. In the case of <jats:italic>S</jats:italic>. <jats:italic>haematobium</jats:italic>, infection has been associated with HIV acquisition and bladder cancer. However, the underlying pathophysiology has been understudied compared to other schistosome species. This systematic review comprehensively investigates and assimilates the effects of <jats:italic>S</jats:italic>. <jats:italic>haematobium</jats:italic> infection on systemic and local host mucosal immunity, cellular gene expression and microbiome. Methods We conducted a systematic review assessing the reported effects of <jats:italic>S</jats:italic>. <jats:italic>haematobium</jats:italic> infections and anthelmintic treatment on the immune system, gene expression and microbiome in humans and animal models. This review followed PRISMA guidelines and was registered prospectively in PROSPERO (CRD42022372607). Randomized clinical trials, cohort, cross-sectional, case-control, experimental <jats:italic>ex vivo</jats:italic>, and animal studies were included. Two reviewers performed screening independently. Results We screened 3,177 studies and included 94. <jats:italic>S</jats:italic>. <jats:italic>haematobium</jats:italic> was reported to lead to: (i) a mixed immune response with a predominant type 2 immune phenotype, increased T and B regulatory cells, and select pro-inflammatory cytokines; (ii) distinct molecular alterations that would compromise epithelial integrity, such as increased metalloproteinase expression, and promote immunological changes and cellular transformation, specifically upregulation of genes <jats:italic>p53</jats:italic> and <jats:italic>Bcl-2</jats:italic>; and (iii) microbiome dysbiosis in the urinary, intestinal, and genital tracts. Conclusion <jats:italic>S</jats:italic>. <jats:italic>haematobium</jats:italic> induces distinct alterations in the host’s immune system, molecular profile, and microbiome. This leads to a diverse range of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses and impaired integrity of the local mucosal epithelial barrier, elevating the risks of secondary infections. Further, <jats:italic>S</jats:italic>. <jats:italic>haematobium</jats:italic> promotes cellular transformation with oncogenic potential and disrupts the microbiome, further influencing the immune system and genetic makeup. Understanding the pathophysiology of these interactions can improve outcomes for the sequelae of this devastating parasitic infection.","PeriodicalId":20260,"journal":{"name":"PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2024-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142221105","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence of human schistosomiasis in various regions of Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar: A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies conducted for the past ten years (2013–2023)","authors":"Nicolaus Omari Mbugi, Hudson Laizer, Musa Chacha, Ernest Mbega","doi":"10.1371/journal.pntd.0012462","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0012462","url":null,"abstract":"Schistosomiasis is a significant public health problem in Tanzania, particularly for the people living in the marginalized settings. We have conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis on the prevalence of schistosomiasis to add knowledge towards the development of effective approaches to control the disease in Tanzania. Online databases namely, Pub Med, SCOPUS and AJOL, were systematically searched and a random effect model was used to calculate the pooled prevalence of the disease. Heterogeneity and the between studies variances were determined using Cochran (Q) and Higgins (I<jats:sup>2</jats:sup>) tests, respectively. A total of 55 articles met the inclusion criterion for this review and all have satisfactory quality scores. The pooled prevalence of the disease in Tanzania was 26.40%. Tanzania mainland had the highest schistosomiasis prevalence (28.89%) than Zanzibar (8.95%). Sub-group analyses based on the year of publication revealed the going up of the pooled prevalence, whereby for (2013–2018) and (2018–2023) the prevalence was 23.41% and 30.06%, respectively. The prevalence of the <jats:italic>Schistosoma mansoni</jats:italic> and <jats:italic>Schistosoma hematobium</jats:italic> were 37.91% and 8.86% respectively. Mara, Simuyu, and Mwanza were the most prevalent regions, with a pooled prevalence of 77.39%, 72.26%, and 51.19%, respectively. The pooled prevalence based on the diagnostic method was 64.11% for PCR and 56.46% for POC-CCA, which is relatively high compared to other tests. Cochrans and Higgins (I<jats:sup>2</jats:sup>) test has shown significant heterogeneity (p-value = 0.001 and I<jats:sup>2</jats:sup> = 99.6). Factors including age, region, diagnostic method and sample size have shown significant contribution to the displayed heterogeneity. The pronounced and increasing prevalence of the disease suggests potential low coverage and possibly lack of involvement of some regions in the control of the disease. This, therefore, calls for an intensive implementation of control interventions in all endemic regions, preferably using an integrated approach that targets several stages of the disease lifecycle.","PeriodicalId":20260,"journal":{"name":"PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2024-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142221103","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Increased levels of anti-Encephalitozoon intestinalis antibodies in patients with colorectal cancer","authors":"Céline Nourrisson, Maxime Moniot, Leslie Vercruysse, Virginie Bonnin, Bruno Pereira, Nicolas Barnich, Mathilde Bonnet, Marine Jary, Denis Pezet, Johan Gagnière, Philippe Poirier","doi":"10.1371/journal.pntd.0012459","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0012459","url":null,"abstract":"Background The prevalence of microsporidiosis in the general population, or within specific groups of individuals/patients, is largely underestimated. The absence of specific seroprevalence tools limits knowledge of the epidemiology of these opportunistic pathogens, although known since the 1980s. Since microsporidia hijack the machinery of its host cell and certain species multiply within intestinal cells, a potential link between the parasite and colorectal cancer (CRC) has been suggested. Methodology/principal findings To explore a potential epidemiological link between microsporidia and CRC, we evaluated the seroprevalence of <jats:italic>Encephalitozoon intestinalis</jats:italic> among CRC patients and healthy subjects using ELISA assays based on two recombinant proteins, namely rEiPTP1 and rEiSWP1, targeting polar tube and spore wall proteins. ELISA were performed in 141 CRC patients and 135 healthy controls. Patients with CRC had significantly higher anti-rEiPTP1 IgG levels than subjects in the control group. Anti-rEiPTP1 IgG, anti-rEiSWP1 IgG and anti-rEiPTP1 IgA levels were significantly increased among men with CRC compared to healthy men. Women with CRC who had died had higher rEiSWP1 IgG levels than those who were still alive. Conclusions/Significance These higher antibody levels against microsporidia in patients with CRC suggest a relationship between microsporidia and pathophysiology of CRC.","PeriodicalId":20260,"journal":{"name":"PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2024-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142221104","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}