Echinococcus Research Articles

Repurposing of an old drug: In vitro and in vivo efficacies of buparvaquone against Echinococcus multilocularis

The metacestode stage of the fox tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis causes the lethal disease alveolar echinococcosis. Current chemotherapeutic treatment options are based on benzimidazoles (albendazole and mebendazole), which are insufficient and hence alternative drugs are needed. In this study, we screened the 400 compounds of the Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) Pathogen Box against E. multilocularis metacestodes. For the screen, we employed the phosphoglucose isomerase (PGI) assay which assesses drug-induced damage on metacestodes, and identified ten new compounds with activity against the parasite. The anti-theilerial drug MMV689480 (buparvaquone) and MMV671636 (ELQ-400) were the most promising compounds, with an IC50 of 2.87 μM and 0.02 μM respectively against in vitro cultured E. multilocularis metacestodes. Both drugs suggested a therapeutic window based on their cytotoxicity against mammalian cells. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that treatment with buparvaquone impaired parasite mitochondria early on and additional tests showed that buparvaquone had a reduced activity under anaerobic conditions. Furthermore, we established a system to assess mitochondrial respiration in isolated E. multilocularis cells in real time using the Seahorse XFp Analyzer and demonstrated inhibition of the cytochrome bc1 complex by buparvaquone. Mice with secondary alveolar echinococcosis were treated with buparvaquone (100 mg/kg per dose, three doses per week, four weeks of treatment), but the drug failed to reduce the parasite burden in vivo. Future studies will reveal whether improved formulations of buparvaquone could increase its effectivity.

Molecular and functional characterization of glucose transporter genes of the fox tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis

Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a zoonotic parasitosis caused by larvae of the fox tapeworm, Echinococcus multilocularis. E. multilocularis is distributed widely in the Northern hemisphere, causing serious health problems in various animals and humans. E. multilocularis, like other cestodes, lacks a digestive tract and absorbs essential nutrients, including glucose, across the syncytial tegument on its external surface. Therefore, it is hypothesized that E. multilocularis uses glucose transporters on its surface similar to a closely-related species, Taenia solium. Based on this hypothesis, we cloned and characterized glucose transporter homologues from E. multilocularis. As a result, we obtained full-length sequences of 2 putative glucose transporter genes (EmGLUT1 and EmGLUT2) from E. multilocularis. In silico analysis predicted that these were classified in the solute carrier family 2 group. Functional expression analysis using Xenopus oocytes demonstrated clear uptake of 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) by EmGLUT1, but not by EmGLUT2 in this experimental system. EmGLUT1 was shown to have relatively high glucose transport activity. Further analyses using the Xenopus oocyte system revealed that 2-DG uptake of EmGLUT1 did not depend on the presence or concentration of Na+ nor H+, respectively. Immunoblot analyses using cultured metacestode, ex vivo protoscolex, and adult worm samples demonstrated that both EmGLUTs were stably expressed during each developmental stage of the parasite. Based on the above-mentioned findings, we conclude that EmGLUT1 is a simple facilitated glucose transporter and possibly plays an important role in glucose uptake by E. multilocularis throughout its life cycle.

Evaluation of kinase-inhibitors nilotinib and everolimus against alveolar echinococcosis in vitro and in a mouse model

Infection with the larval stage (metacestode) of the fox tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis leads to a primary hepatic disease referred to as alveolar echinococcosis (AE). The progressive disease can be lethal if untreated. In cases where complete parasite resection by surgery is not feasible, the current treatment regimens of AE consist of chemotherapy with the parasitostatic benzimidazoles albendazole or mebendazole over decades. Kinase-inhibitors currently administered in various cancer treatments are of increasing interest also as anti-parasitic drugs due to previous promising in vitro results. In order to search for novel drug targets and treatment regimens, nilotinib (AMN107; Tasigna®), an Abl-tyrosine kinase inhibitor and everolimus (RAD001; Afinitor®), a serine/threonine-kinase inhibitor, were tested for their treatment efficacy against metacestode vesicles of E. multilocularis in vitro and in BALB/c mice. In vitro treatment with 200 μM nilotinib caused drug-induced alterations after 12 days, and everolimus exerted parasite damage at concentrations dosing from 40 to 100 μM after 5 and 12 days of in vitro exposure. Nilotinib (100 mg/kg) + erythromycin (to increase nilotinib plasma levels: 10 mg/kg intraperitoneal) or everolimus (5 mg/kg) were formulated in honey and administered daily for three weeks and subsequently twice a week for an additional three weeks in experimentally infected mice. Treatments did not result in any reduction of parasite growth compared to untreated control groups, whereas oral treatment with albendazole (200 mg/kg) was highly effective. Combined application of the kinase-inhibitors with albendazole did not lead to a synergistic or additive treatment efficacy compared to albendazole treatment alone. These results show that neither nilotinib nor everolimus represent valuable alternatives to the current treatment regimens against AE.

Prevalence of Toxoplasma and Echinococcus IgG antibodies in slaughterhouse workers, a serosurvey in Northeast Iran

Cystic echinococcosis and toxoplasmosis are two human parasitic diseases. Butchers and slaughterhouse workers are in close contact with body fluids and tissues of ruminants. To investigate the prevalence of Toxoplasma and Echinococcus IgG antibodies in slaughterhouse workers in Northeast of Iran, Mashhad, 2016. This cross-sectional study was performed on all personnel working at the largest industrial slaughterhouse of Khorasan Province. Serum samples were taken and kept frozen until used. IgG against Echinococcus and Toxoplasma were quantified using commercial ELISA kits. A questionnaire addressing possible risk factors of infection acquisition was filled by participants. Out of 91 male participants, 58.2% were positive for toxoplasmosis, 5.5% were positive for cystic echinococcosis and 3.3% were positive for both. Except using gloves, and gown and boots, other personal protective equipment (PPE) were not completely used by all personnel; mask 38%, tool disinfectants: 12%, face and hand disinfection: 14.3%. There was a high risk of Toxoplasma in slaughterhouse workers, however, such finding was not observed in Echinococcus parasite. Importance of PPE and tool disinfectants to reduce the risk of zoonotic infections in the workplace should be emphasised.

Genotyping of human cystic echinococcosis in northeastern Iran

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a human public health problem in northeast of Iran and there is limited information regarding the genotypes of Echinococcus granulosus senso lato (s.l.) in human in this region. In the present study, we determined the genotypes of E. granulosus s.l. infecting human in northeastern Iran from Khorasan Razavi province using PCR-RFLP of rDNA ITS1 region. From April 2013 to December 2016, 50 hepatic hydatid cysts were recovered from 50 patients who underwent surgical procedure. Protoscoleces were collected from individual cysts, DNA was extracted, and the rDNA ITS1 gene was amplified by PCR and genotypes confirmed by RFLP. All the cyst materials were identified as Echinococcus granulosus senso stricto (s.s.), indicating this species as the main cause of CE in humans in northeast of Iran.

Molecular determination of suspected alveolar echinococcosis requiring surgical treatment in human cases from Poland

In this study five cases of suspected alveolar echinococcosis from Poland in which surgical treatment was needed, previously diagnosed by means of imaging and serological techniques, were analyzed in terms to identify the causative agent. Samples of the parasite tissues taken perioperatively from the liver lesions were used for the histopathological and molecular examinations. The sequences of all isolates were identical to Echinococcus multilocularis; all nad1 sequences have been deposited in GenBank The histopathological examination revealed Passpositive fragments of laminated layers typical for E. multilocularis metacestode. Obtained results confirm that the use of imaging techniques only may be insufficient to diagnose alveococcosis thus the recognition of the zoonosis should base on several procedures; especially valuable are highly sensitive and specific molecular methods.

Albendazole nanocrystals in experimental alveolar echinococcosis: Enhanced chemoprophylactic and clinical efficacy in infected mice

Human alveolar echinococcosis is caused by the fox tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis and is usually fatal if left untreated. Medical treatment with albendazole (ABZ) remains an effective option. However, due to its low aqueous solubility, ABZ is poorly and erratically absorbed following oral administration resulting in low drug levels in plasma and liver distribution. Thus, there arises the need to find a simple, efficient and scalable method to produce new ABZ formulations with increased bioavailability. Bearing this in mind, ABZ nanocrystals (ABZ-NCs) appears to be a useful tool to achieve this goal. The aim of the current study was to investigate the chemoprophylactic and clinical efficacy of an ABZ-NC formulation on mice infected with E. multilocularis. In the chemoprophylactic efficacy study, mean weight of the cysts recovered from the ABZ-NC group was 50% lower than that recorded from untreated mice, whereas the treatment with ABZ suspension did not show preventive effect. The viability of protoscoleces isolated from ABZ-NC treated mice was significantly lower than control groups. In the clinical efficacy studies, both ABZ formulations resulted in a reduction in the mean weight of the cysts obtained from mice, however only the treatment with the nanosuspension revealed significant differences (P < 0.05) compared to the control groups. Treatment with ABZ-NCs reduced the weight of the cysts by 77% and the viability of their protoscoleces to 34%. All these results coincided with the tissue damage determined at the ultrastructural level. The enhanced chemoprophylactic and clinical efficacy of ABZ-NCs observed in this study could be attributed to an increase in the oral bioavailability of the drug. In a next step, we will characterize the cyst concentration profile after the administration of ABZ-NCs in mice infected with E. multilocularis.

High intensity focused ultrasound treatment in hepatic echinococcosis

Hepatic echinococcosis is a worldwide parasitic disease caused by Echinococcus. It divided into two parts, cystic echinococcosis and alveolar echinococcosis. Surgical operation is the main treatment method and with huge trauma and risk. The treatment methods for hepatic echinococcosis became diverse with the development of minimally invasive treatment. High intensity focused ultrasound is an effective and safety treatment method for hepatic echinococosis. This paper introduced high intensity focused ultrasound treatment therapy in hepatic hydatid disease systematically. Introduced the principle, safety and efficacy, indications and therapeutic advantages, complications and shortcomings, through these aspects we could know about high intensity focused ultrasound treat for hepatic echinococcosis clearly. This paper introduced the prospect of high intensity focused ultrasound treatment in hepatic echinococcosis and affirmed the therapeutic value about it. This paper introduced a new method of minimally invasive treatment, which is helpful for clinical treatment. Key words: Hepatic echinococcosis; Liver hydatid cyst disease; Minimal invasive treatment; High intensity focused ultrasound

Cystic echinococcosis: A neglected disease at usual and unusual locations.

Echinococcus granulosus causes a zoonotic infection called cystic echinococcosis (CE) or more commonly known as hydatid disease. Although the two most common locations of hydatid cyst are liver and lung, it may also appear in other parts of the body. Clinical presentation of the hydatid disease depends on the site and size of the lesion. A retrospective study was done in Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, from January 2012 to June 2014, to find the site of involvement, distribution, clinical features, history of contact, mode of presentation, laboratory diagnosis, and treatment modalities of the cases of hydatid cyst. The cases were identified by radiological and laboratory methods, the data were entered in Excel spreadsheet, and analysis was done. Among the 21 cases of hydatid cyst included in the study, solitary hepatic involvement was seen in 11 (52.38%), pulmonary involvement in 4 (19%), and 6 (28.71%) were in unusual locations such as liver cyst extending as retroperitoneal, omental cyst, choledochal cyst, splenic cyst, and in hepatorenal pouch. History of contact with dog was seen in 15 (71.43%). All the patients were treated with surgery and albendazole and were discharged in healthy condition. CE may be present in usual and unusual locations with a lot of variations in the clinical features. Hence, proper radiological and laboratory diagnosis is required for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of these cases.

CARDIAC HYDATID CYST : A CASE REPORT

The larval and adult form of Echinococcus granulosus tapeworm causes cystichydatid disease. Cardiac echinococcosis is a rare but potentially very seriouscomplication of hydatid disease. It is potentially fatal pathology that may causevalvular dysfunction, conduction disturbances or may lead to congestive heartfailure, rarely mimics acute coronary syndrome. Cardiac involvement is rare andaccounts for 0.5-2% of all hydatid disease and involvement of the interventricularseptum is rare.We report surgical treatment of a large cardiac hydatid cyst in the interventricularseptum. In cases of an interventricular cardiac hydatid cyst, the combination ofsurgical resection, washout of the remaining cavity with hypertonic salinesolution, and albendazole therapy typically yields excellent results. Key Words: Hydatid Disease, Cardiac Hydatid Cyst, Albendazole,Echinococcosis.

Spectrum of Pulmonary Hydatidosis in a Tertiary Care Center in Mumbai

Background- Hydatid disease, a parasitic infection caused by Echinococcus granulosus, has variable organ involvement. Pulmonary hydatid disease consists of a vast spectrum; a differential diagnosis to multiple lung diseases. We studied the clinico-radiological and therapeutic aspects of pulmonary hydatid disease. Material and methods- This retrospective observational study was an analysis of patient records from 1997 to 2007. Twenty-three patients were included. Data was analyzed statistically in the form of frequencies and percentages. Results- Mean age was 28.5years. Men outnumbered women. Fourteen patients(60.86%) were from rural regions. Fifteen(65.21%) had contact with dogs. Cough was the predominant symptom(91.3%). Left lung was more involved than the right. The right lower lobe was the most common lobe involved. The commonest chest-radiograph finding was homogeneous round-to-oval opacity(52.94%). Commonest CT-thorax presentation was iso-to-hypodense opacity with enhancing wall. Eight(34.78%) had simultaneous liver involvement. Cyst size ranged from 2.8cms to 12.5cms. Indirect haemagglutination test was positive in 9(60%). Fourteen underwent surgery. Excision of the cysts with capitonnage was the preferred technique. Others were treated with albendazole in the dose of 10-15mg/kg/d for 3-6months. Patients were followed atleast upto 3years without any mortality. Conclusion- Pulmonary hydatidosis is not uncommon even in a non-endemic area with challenging diagnostics and management.

Prevalence of hydatidosis and fertility of hydatid cysts in food animals in Northern Greece.

This study was conducted in order to determine the prevalence of hydatidosis due to Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato and the fertility rate of hydatid cysts in sheep, goats, cattle, and pigs slaughtered at the abattoir of Lagkada, in the Prefecture of Thessaloniki, Northern Greece. Lungs and livers from a total of 294 sheep (31.3% infected), 126 goats (8.7% infected), 372 cattle (4.8% infected), and 641 pigs (1.7% infected) were examined. The number of hydatid cysts found in infected sheep was 657 (58.3% fertile, 12.8% sterile, and 28.9% calcified cysts), in goats 54 (14.8% fertile, 38.9% sterile, and 46.3% calcified cysts), in cattle 108 (24.1% fertile, 50.0% sterile, and 25.9% calcified cysts) and in pigs 47 (10.6% fertile, 55.4% sterile, and 34.0% calcified cysts). Lung infection with hydatid cysts was higher (p<0.05) in sheep, goats, and cattle than in pigs (56.5%, 77.8% and 62.0% vs. 17.0%, respectively); while liver infection was lower (p<0.05) in sheep, goats, and cattle than in pigs (43.5%, 22.2% and 38.0% vs. 83.0%, respectively). Among the 4 species slaughtered for human consumption, sheep exhibited the highest frequency of hydatidosis and the highest proportion of fertile cysts.

Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and microvessel density in gerbil model with inoculated hepatic alveolar echinococcsis

Objective To study the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and microvessel density (MVD, CD34) in inoculated hepatic alveolar echinococcsis gerbil model and explore the clinical significance. Methods Sixty healthy gerbils were randomly divided into model group, control group and sham operation group. Each gerbil in both model and control groups had liver vaccination with 0.1 ml immature alveolar echinococcus protoscolex suspension or 0.1 ml phosphate buffered saline by open abdominal surgery, respectively, and the sham operation group only had abdominal surgical procedures. Gerbils were put to death on the 120th day post operation, extracted the eyeball and drawn the blood. The alveolar hydatid tissue, surrounding and distal liver tissue were removed from the model group, and normal liver tissue was collected from the other two groups. The VEGF and MVD-CD34 expression was detected by immunohistochemistry staining, Western Blot, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Elisa). Results Liver alveolar echinococcsis tissue was only observed in model group. The VEGF expression was observed as yellow or brown yellow granules located in the cytoplasma. The VEGF score and VEGF/β-actin ratio in the different parts were 5.13±1.81 and 1.12±0.05, 4.20±1.52 and 0.91±0.02, 2.46±1.06 and 0.28±0.02, 2.20±0.77 and 0.30±0.02, 2.13±1.72 and 0.25±0.01, respectively. The VEGF expression in different histological sites showed a gradient change, and bubble hydatid tissues had the highest VEGF expression (P<0.05). CD34 was expressed in alveolar hydatid tissue and surrounding liver tissue in model group and the CD34 positive cells was stained brown, while CD34 was mainly located in the cell membrane of endothelial cells. The CD34 scores and the CD34/β-actin ratio in the different parts were 5.06±2.46 and 0.66±0.01, 2.43±1.26 and 0.58±0.02, and the other tissues did not have CD34 expression. The alveolar hydatid tissue had higher CD34 expression than any other tissues (P<0.05). The respective serum VEGF and CD34 level in each group was (106.17±14.17)pg/ml, (38.13±21.36)pg/ml, (42.88±17.25)pg/ml, and (1.47±0.28)ng/ml; (0.82±0.12)ng/ml, (0.72±0.16)ng/ml, both are higher in model group than those in the other groups with statistical significance (P<0.05). Conclusion Angiogenesis is detected in gerbil alveolar hydatid tissues, which might be involved in the infiltrating growth of alveococcus. Key words: Alveolar echincoccosis, hepatic; Vascular endothelial growth factor; Microvessel density; Angiogenesis

Surveillance and management of Echinococcus multilocularis in a wildlife park

The fox tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis is the causative agent of alveolar echinococcosis, a severe zoonotic disease that may be fatal if untreated. A broad spectrum of mammalian species may be accidentally infected even in captivity. In April 2011, liver lesions due to E. multilocularis were observed during the necropsy of a captive-born nutria (Myocastor coypus) in a French wildlife park, leading to initiation of a study to survey the parasite's presence in the park. A comparable environmental contamination with fox's feces infected by E. multilocularis was reported inside (17.8%) and outside (20.6%) the park. E. multilocularis worms were found in the intestines of three of the five roaming foxes shot in the park. Coprological analyses of potential definitive hosts in captivity (fox, lynx, wildcat, genet, wolf, bear and raccoon) revealed infection in one Eurasian wolf. Voles trapped inside the park also had a high prevalence of 5.3%. After diagnosis of alveolar echinococcosis in a Lemur catta during necropsy, four other cases in L. catta were detected by a combination of ultrasound and serology. These animals were treated twice daily with albendazole. The systematic massive metacestode development and numerous protoscoleces in L. catta confirmed their particular sensitivity to E. multilocularis infection. The autochthonous origin of the infection in all the captive animals infected was genetically confirmed by EmsB microsatellite analysis. Preventive measures were implemented to avoid the presence of roaming foxes, contact with potential definitive hosts and contaminated food sources for potential intermediate hosts.

Primary renal hydatidosis

Echinococcosis or hydatidosis caused by the tapeworm, Echinococcus granulosus, has the highest prevalence in endemic regions and sheep farming areas. The most common organ involved is the liver (50–75%) followed by the lungs (15–20%) and other organs (10–20%). Primary involvement of the kidney without the involvement of the liver and lungs, i.e., isolated renal hydatid disease is extremely rare even in endemic areas. The incidence of renal echinococcosis is 2–4%. Renal hydatid cysts usually remain asymptomatic for many years and are multiloculated. A 63-year-old male presented with left loin pain. Computed tomography scan abdomen revealed a presumptive diagnosis of renal hydatid disease. The nephrectomy specimen received in histopathology confirmed the diagnosis. We describe a rare case of primary renal hydatidosis.

Administration of Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces by different ways in mice and detection of serological responses

Bu calisma, Albino Balb/c turu farelerde hidatik kist protoskolekslerinin farkli yollarla verilmesiyle deneysel hidatidozis olusturulmasi ve serolojik yanitin belirlenmesi amaciyla planlanmistir. Bu amacla, hidatik kist ile enfekte koyun karacigerinden elde edilen protoskoleksler canlilik tayininden sonra dort deney ve bir kontrol grubuna uygulandi. Protoskoleksler periton ici, derialti, goz ve agiz yoluyla uygulandi. Kontrol grubuna periton ici olarak fizyolojik su uygulandi. Deney suresinin sonunda (5 ay) canli fareler uyutularak bazi ic organlari (akcigerler, karaciger, kalp, dalak, bobrek ve beyin) alindi ve hem makroskobik olarak hem de doku kesitlerinde mikroskobik olarak hidatik kist varligi yonunden muayene edildi. Bunun yanisira hidatik kist antijenlerine karsi olusmus antikorlarin indirekt-ELISA ile arastirilmasi amaciyla kan ornekleri alinmistir. Calismanin 60. gununde periton ici grupta olu bulunan bir farenin sag ve sol bobreginde 2-2.5 cm capinda steril hidatik kistler bulunmustur. Calisma surecini tamamlayamayan farelerden serum ornegi alinamamistir. Derialti gruptaki uc farede makroskobik olarak hidatik kistlere rastlanmis ve ucunde de ELISA ile seropozitiflik belirlenmistir. Goz grubunda ne makroskobik ne de mikroskobik olarak hidatik kistlere rastlanmazken farelerin besinde seropozitiflik belirlenmistir. Benzer sekilde agiz grubunda ne makroskobik ne de mikroskobik hidatik kistler gozlenmezken uc farede seropozitiflik elde edilmistir. Kontrol grubunda herhangi bir kist olusumu ve seropozitiflik belirlenmemistir

Echinococcus multilocularis infection in animals

Echinococcus multilocularis infection in animals

In vivo activity of albendazole in combination with thymol against Echinococcus multilocularis

Human alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is caused by the fox tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis and is usually lethal if left untreated. The current strategy for treating human AE is surgical resection of the parasite mass complemented by chemotherapy with benzimidazole compounds. However, reliable chemotherapeutic alternatives have not yet been developed stimulating the research of new treatment strategies such as the use of medicinal plants. The aim of the current study was to investigate the efficacy of the combination albendazole (ABZ)+thymol on mice infected with E. multilocularis metacestodes. For this purpose, mice infected with parasite material were treated daily for 20 days with ABZ (5mg/kg), thymol (40mg/kg) or ABZ (5mg/kg)+thymol (40mg/kg) or left untreated as controls. After mice were euthanized, cysts were removed from the peritoneal cavity and the treatment efficacy was evaluated by the mean cysts weight, viability of protoscoleces and ultrastructural changes of cysts and protoscoleces. The application of thymol or the combination of ABZ+thymol resulted in a significant reduction of the cysts weight compared to untreated mice. We also found that although ABZ and thymol had a scolicidal effect, the combination of the two compounds had a considerably stronger effect showing a reduction in the protoscoleces viability of 62%. These results were also corroborated by optical microscopy, SEM and TEM. Protoscoleces recovered from ABZ or thymol treated mice showed alterations as contraction of the soma region, rostellar disorganization and presence of blebs in the tegument. However both drugs when combined lead to a total loss of the typical morphology of protoscoleces. All cysts removed from control mice appeared intact and no change in ultrastructure was detected. In contrast, cysts developed in mice treated with ABZ revealed changes in the germinal layer as reduction in cell number, while the treatment with thymol or the ABZ+thymol combination predominantly showed presence of cell debris. On the other hand, no differences were found in alkaline phosphatase (AP), glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) and glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) activities between control and treated mice, indicating the lack of toxicity of the different drug treatments during the experiment. Because combined ABZ+thymol treatment exhibited higher treatment efficiency compared with the drugs applied separately against murine experimental alveolar echinococcosis, we propose it would be a useful option for the treatment of human AE.

Identification and characterisation of Emp53, the homologue of human tumor suppressor p53, from Echinococcus multilocularis: its role in apoptosis and the oxidative stress response

Larvae of the fox tapeworm, Echinococcus multilocularis, cause alveolar echinococcosis, which is considered to be the most lethal helminthic infection in humans. Since it develops in host organs, the parasite must have evolved a stress defense system to cope with various genotoxic and cellular stresses that may cause DNA damage and genomic instability. Tumor suppressor p53, well known as the “guardian of the genome”, plays a vital role in response to many types of stress and damage. In the present study, we describe the characterisation of Emp53 from E. multilocularis and demonstrate that it is a structural and functional homologue of mammalian tumor suppressor p53. We show that Emp53 binds specifically to oligonucleotides containing conventional p53 binding sites, indicating that it exhibits a function as a DNA binding transcription factor. Inhibition of Emp53 function can suppress UV irradiation-induced apoptosis in the E. multilocularis metacestode, indicating an important role of Emp53 in the induction of apoptosis following DNA damage. We also reveal that Emp53 plays important roles in resistance to oxidative stress and regulation of oxidative stress-induced apoptosis. Our results suggest that, similar to its human counterpart, Emp53 plays a central role in the network of DNA damage responses and apoptosis in E. multilocularis. These results may help in exploring stress defense mechanisms of parasitic helminths and may provide useful information for the development of new interventions and therapeutic drugs for the control of alveolar echinococcosis.

Pet travel: should vets do more?

The EU pet travel scheme aims to enable free movement of pet animals with their owners while keeping the UK free of two important zoonoses: rabies and the fox tapeworm, Echinococcus multilocularis, which causes alveolar echinococcosis in humans. However, there are several other important parasitic and vector-borne diseases found in Europe that are not endemic in the UK, which the statutory requirements of the EU pet travel scheme will not prevent. As more pets travel from and back to the UK, it is important that UK veterinary surgeons can provide pet owners with the information they need to minimise the risks of pets acquiring exotic diseases whilst abroad and bringing these back to the UK.