Granulosus Infection Research Articles

Molecular Characterization of a Tetraspanin TSP11 Gene in Echinococcus granulosus and Evaluation Its Immunoprotection in Model Dogs.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a cosmopolitan zoonosis caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus, which affects humans and a wide range of mammalian intermediate hosts. Parasite tetraspanin proteins are crucial for host-parasite interactions, and therefore they may be useful for vaccine development or disease diagnosis. In the present study, the major antigen coding sequence of tetraspanin 11 (Eg-TSP11) from E. granulosus was determined. The results of immunolocalization showed that Eg-TSP11 was mainly located in the tegument of adult worms and protoscoleces. Western blotting analysis showed that the serum from dogs injected with recombinant Eg-TSP11 (rEg-TSP11) could recognize Eg-TSP11 among natural protoscolex proteins. Moreover, the serum from dogs with E. granulosus infection also recognized rEg-TSP11. Serum indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays demonstrated that IgG levels gradually increased after the first immunization with rEg-TSP11 compared with those in the control group. Furthermore, the serum levels of interleukin 4, interleukin 5, and interferon gamma were significantly altered in the rEg-TSP11 group. Importantly, we found that vaccination with rEg-TSP11 significantly decreased worm burden and inhibited segment development in a dog model of E. granulosus infection. Based on these findings, we speculated that rEg-TSP11 might be a potential candidate vaccine antigen against E. granulosus infection in dogs.

PULMONARY CYSTIC ECHINOCOCCOSIS

TOPIC: Chest Infections TYPE: Medical Student/Resident Case Reports INTRODUCTION: A lung nodule in an elderly patient almost always raises concern for lung cancer, irrespective of risk factors. While lung cancer remains foremost in the clinicians mind, a thorough occupational history may provide clues implicating a different diagnosis of more uncommon etiologies of lung nodule, such as in our case. CASE PRESENTATION: A 74 year old male with a history of hypertension and prostate cancer in remission presented to his primary care physician with 3 months of dry cough and chest pain. He had no smoking history. Vital signs showed a blood pressure of 170/93 mmHg, with other vital signs within normal limits. Physical examination and laboratory analysis was unrevealing. A chest radiograph showed a 2.9 centimeter (cm) left lower lobe nodule. Computerized tomography scan (CT) of the chest demonstrated a lobular left lower lobe lung nodule measuring 3x2x2 cm with smooth margins. Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography (PET) scan failed to reveal any other avid regions. A robotic left lower lobe wedge resection was performed, revealing a cystic membranous spherical lesion that spilled fluid when incised. Frozen section pathology showed a hydatid cyst containing innumerable Echinococcus granulosus organisms. He was started on albendazole therapy. It was later discovered that the patient was in the Army and deployed to rural southern Vietnam for 5 months in his youth, where he was working in farms and with wild animals, swimming through dirty water and drinking contaminated water. When back in the United States, he did cross country trips, riding mules in Utah. He also lived in Hawaii for 3 years with a dog. Echinococcus serology was negative. Repeat CT scan showed no other hydatid lesions and no other liver lesions. The patient completed 1 month total of albendazole and has recovered. DISCUSSION: Only a minority of lung involvement in E. granulosus infection coincides with liver cysts (20-40%). The lower lobes of the lung are commonly involved (60%). Patients may be asymptomatic, have cough, hemoptysis or even anaphylaxis (1). Differentiating an unruptured cyst from other pulmonary pathology such as malignancy, can be difficult radiographically. One Turkish study reports 7 patients in a 4 year span who had surgical removal of a presumed malignancy but were found to have a hydatid cyst (2), and can be a common occurrence in endemic areas. Chest imaging usually reveals a homogenous well-circumscribed lesion with smooth lobulated margins. If the bronchus is eroded, air is introduced into the cyst and may appear as a crescent of air (crescent sign) (3). CONCLUSIONS: Obtaining an extensive travel and exposure history may substantially alter the differential diagnosis of such lesions, and assist in diagnostic and management considerations. REFERENCE #1: Morar R, Feldman C. Pulmonary echinococcosis. Eur Respir J. 2003 Jun;21(6):1069-77. doi: 10.1183/09031936.03.00108403. PMID: 12797504. REFERENCE #2: Çobanoğlu U, Aşker S, Mergan D, Sayır F, Bilici S, Melek M. Diagnostic Dilemma in Hydatid Cysts: Tumor-Mimicking Hydatid Cysts. Turk Thorac J. 2015 Oct;16(4):180-184. doi: 10.5152/ttd.2015.4606. Epub 2015 Oct 1. PMID: 29404100. REFERENCE #3: Garg MK, Sharma M, Gulati A, Gorsi U, Aggarwal AN, Agarwal R, Khandelwal N. Imaging in pulmonary hydatid cysts. World J Radiol. 2016 Jun 28;8(6):581-7. doi: 10.4329/wjr.v8.i6.581. PMID: 27358685. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Oleg Epelbaum, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Daniel Greenberg, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Ravi Manglani, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Fouzia Shakil, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Helena Tomac Pavosevic, source=Web Response

Design of a Novel Multi-Epitope Vaccine Against Echinococcus granulosus in Immunoinformatics.

All the time, echinococcosis is a global zoonotic disease which seriously endangers public health all over the world. In order to speed up the development process of anti-Echinococcus granulosus vaccine, at the same time, it can also save economic cost. In this study, immunoinformatics tools and molecular docking methods were used to predict and screen the antigen epitopes of Echinococcus granulosus, to design a multi-epitope vaccine containing B- and T-cell epitopes. The multi-epitope vaccine could activate B lymphocytes to produce specific antibodies theoretically, which could protect the human body against Echinococcus granulosus infection. It also could activate T lymphocytes and clear the infected parasites in the body. In this study, four CD8+ T-cell epitopes, three CD4+ T-cell epitopes and four B-cell epitopes of Protein EgTeg were identified by immunoinformatics methods. Meanwhile, three CD8+ T-cell epitopes, two CD4+ T-cell epitopes and four B-cell epitopes of Protein EgFABP1 were identified. We constructed the multi-epitope vaccine using linker proteins. The study based on the traditional methods of antigen epitope prediction, further optimized the prediction results combined with molecular docking technology and improved the precision and accuracy of the results. Finally, in vivo and in vitro experiments had verified that the vaccine designed in this study had good antigenicity and immunogenicity.

Echinococcus granulosus Antibodies in Dogs and Breeder practices promoting spread of infection in Plateau State, Nigeria

Background: Echinococcosis caused by Echinococcus granulosus is a zoonotic disease of public health significance, but there have been few studies of the infection in dogs in Nigeria. This study aimed to establish the seroprevalence of E. granulosus in dogs in four Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria. Methods: A total of 179 dog sera were examined for the presence of E. granulosus antibody using an ELISA kit between May to October 2017. Results; Eleven of the sera (6.1%) were seropositive with a prevalence of 7.4% and 2.3% for dogs less than 2 years and those above 2 years of age respectively. More male dogs (7.5%) than females (4.1%) were seropositive. Seroprevalence was associated with <2years than > 2 years dogs (OR=3.33, p=0.46) and male than female dogs (OR=1.90, p=0.53) but association were not significant. Dogs from Bassa had the highest seroprevalence (15.2%), followed by Mangu (5.9%), Kanke (4.8%) and Jos South (2.0%). Odds ratio showed an association which was not significant between Bassa (OR=3.3), Kanke (OR=2.50). Conclusion: This study shows that E. granulosus infection is present in dogs in some parts of Plateau State. More studies should be done to ascertain echinococcus infection in dogs in Nigeria to aid the formulation of control programmes to forestall its public health impacts.

Past and present of cystic echinococcosis in Bolivia.

Viable eggs of the canine intestinal tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.) infect various intermediate hosts causing cystic echinococcosis (CE). Furthermore, CE represents a serious zoonosis causing a significant global burden of disease. CE is highly endemic in South America, including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, and Peru. For Bolivia, no official data concerning the incidence in humans or the number of livestock and dogs infected are available. However, it is well known that CE occurs in Bolivia. We aim here to fill the gap in the current knowledge of the epidemiological situation of CE in Bolivia, providing a historical overview of documents published within the country, which have never been comprehensively reviewed. The very first documentation of E. granulosus infection in animals dates in 1910, while the first human case was reported in 1913. In total, 876 human CE cases have been reported in the scientific literature, with an apparent increase since the 1970s. In the absence of other epidemiological studies, the highest prevalence in human comes from Tupiza, Potosí Department, where 4.1% (51/1,268) of the population showed signs of CE at mass ultrasound screening in 2011. In the same report, 24% of dog faecal samples were positive for coproantigens of E. granulosus s.l. in ELISA. The highest prevalence in intermediate hosts reported at abattoir reached 37.5% in cattle from Potosí, followed by 26.9% in llamas from Oruro, 2.4% in pigs and 1.4% in sheep from La Paz. Finally, Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (s.s.), Echinococcus ortleppi (G5), and Echinococcus intermedius (G7) have been identified in Bolivia. Data reviewed here confirm that E. granulosus s.l. is circulating in Bolivia and that a proper prospective nationwide epidemiological study of CE is urgently needed to define transmission patterns as a basis for the planning and implementation of future control measurements.

Metabolic profiling of liver and faeces in mice infected with echinococcosis

BackgroundEchinococcosis is a severe zoonotic parasitic disease which severely affects the health of the hosts. The diagnosis of echinococcosis depends mainly on imaging examination. However, the patient is often in the late stage of the disease when the symptoms appear, thus limiting the early diagnosis of echinococcosis. The treatment and prognosis of the patients are hampered because of long-term asymptomatic latency. Metabolomics is a new discipline developed in the late 1990s. It reflects a series of biological responses in pathophysiological processes by demonstrating the changes in metabolism under the influence of internal and external factors. When the organism is invaded by pathogens, the alteration in the characteristics of metabolites in cells becomes extremely sensitive. Here, we used a metabolomics approach involving liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) to determine the molecular mechanism of cystic echinococcosis (CE) and to develop an effective method for CE diagnosis.MethodsTwenty 8-week-old female BALB/c mice were divided into normal and Echinococcus granulosus infection groups. To develop the E. granulosus infection model, mice were infected with protoscoleces. Six weeks later, the abdomens of the mice showed significant bulging. An LC–MS/MS system-based metabolomics approach was used to analyse the liver and faeces to reveal the metabolic profiles of mice with echinococcosis.ResultsWe found that the metabolism of nucleotides, alkaloids, amino acids, amides, and organic acids in mice is closely interrelated with E. granulosus infection. In the liver, the metabolic pathways of tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis; phenylalanine, valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis; and phenylalanine metabolism were notably associated with the occurrence and development of hydatid disease, and in the faeces, pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis are thought to be closely associated with the development of CE.ConclusionThe metabolomics approach used in this study provides a reference for a highly sensitive and specific diagnostic and screening method for echinococcosis.Graphical

Prevalence of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato in Owned Dogs in Lagos State, Nigeria.

Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.) infection in dogs poses risk of transmission to their owners and family members. We determined the prevalence and factors associated with E. granulosus s.l. infection among owned dogs presented at veterinary clinics or hospitals in Lagos State, Nigeria. Fecal samples from 217 dogs were screened for the presence of taeniid eggs using a sedimentation test in a cross sectional study. The taeniid eggs were identified at molecular level using a multiplex PCR. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain data on intrinsic and extrinsic factors from 133 dog owners. Out of the 217 dog fecal samples, 13 (6.0%) had taeniid eggs, of which 12 (92.3%) were identified as Echinococcus granulosus s.l. We found that Echinococcus granulosus infection is present among owned dogs in Lagos State with an overall prevalence of 5.5%. Location of the veterinary clinics or hospital and purpose for keeping dogs were significant factors associated with E. granulosus infection among owned dogs. Dogs living in suburban areas and kept for security purposes or guarding have higher probability of infection. Appropriate and regular treatment of dogs with praziquantel is highly recommended to reduce risk of E. granulosus transmission to humans.

Screening, construction, and serological identification of the diagnostic antigen molecule EG-06283 for the diagnosis of Echinococcus granulosus.

Several strategies exist to prevent and control echinococcosis, a global parasitic disease. However, most treatments are ineffective and adverse effects are common. Therefore, we aimed to screen protoscolex antigen molecules of Echinococcus granulosus to identify a diagnostic biomarker for hydatid disease. Published E. granulosus transcriptome sequencing data were analyzed to screen for antigen molecules that are highly expressed in protoscoleces but not in oncospheres. The membrane protein EG-06283 (annotated as Frizzled-4) was selected from 16 antigens, and its gene fragment was subjected to codon optimization and synthesis. rEG-06283 expression was induced in the pET-24a/EG-06283/BL21 strain; subsequently, the protein was purified and subcutaneously injected into ICR mice at weeks 0, 2, 4, and 6. Blood sampling occurred periodically to quantify serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Immunogenicity was determined by western blot assays using sera from normal mice and mice with secondary hydatid infections. The antigen's immune reactivity and diagnostic value were validated using sera of patients with hydatid disease. ELISA results confirmed that the antigen molecule induced specific IgG production in mice, resulting in significantly higher levels than those in the adjuvant and control groups (P < 0.05). The western blot results indicated that the protein was recognized by antibodies in the sera of mice with hydatid infection and the antisera of immunized mice. Quantification of protein levels in the sera of patients with hydatid disease significantly differed from levels in healthy participants (P < 0.05). These results indicate that rEG-06283 is a potential diagnostic antigen for E. granulosus infections.

Echinococcus granulosus İnfeksiyonu Tanısında Moleküler Uygulamalar ve Yeni Yaklaşımlar

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a chronic zoonotic disease which is distributed all over the world, causes a large disease burden, and characterized by prolonged growth of hydatid cysts in intermediate hosts. Echinococcus granulosus which is a CE agent and causes hydatid cysts in mostly in liver (65-70%) and lungs (20-25%) but also other organs (kidney 2%, spleen 2% and brain less than 2%, etc.). The diagnosis of CE is based on clinical fin-dings, imaging techniques, serological and molecular technics. Identification of Echinococcus DNA in patient se-rum may be an applicable non-invasive method in the diagnosis. Up to now, different genotypes of E. granulo-sus have been identified by using molecular techniques from humans and other intermediate hosts. But now, the molecular approaches are not restricted to DNA levels but also to RNA levels. Especially new developments in genomics, proteomics, microarray, and next generation sequencing analysis will be useful for the identifica-tion of additional targets for diagnosis, vaccination, and chemotherapy Using high throughput analysis met-hodologies can help to underly the mechanism of interaction between E. granulosus and its hosts. So, obtained new informations will be used to develop new therapeutic and diagnostic targets of E. granulosus infection

Primary Pleural Hydatid Cyst: Case Report and Literature Review

Introduction: Primary pleural hydatidosis is a rare disease. It is defined as a hydatid cyst within or dependent of the pleural space that has not been produced by rupture from another location and/or does not appear simultaneously or is preceded by another cyst, liver or lung. Presentation of the Case: A 26-year-old woman, non-smoker, was taken to the emergency room for fever of 1 day of evolution, without other symptoms. No relevant medical history. Nasopharyngeal swab was performed for RT-PCR SARS-CoV-2 RNA, which was negative. The chest radiograph without abnormalities. Chest CT showed a lobulated lesion in its anterior portion and smooth in its posterior part, adjacent to the 5th and 6th right vertebral bodies, respecting cortices, 42 mm × 16 mm, did not present reinforcement with contrast IV. The biopsy of the lesion was scheduled, the preoperative analyzes were normal. The histology showed, a hydatid cyst due to Echinococcus granulosus. Currently the patient is asymptomatic and has no recurrence. Discussion: Most of the case report present the individual importance of extrapulmonary-intrathoracic hydatidosis of pleural location in the analysis of the 100-year literature that we performed. It is important to consider the primary pleural hydatid cyst within the differential diagnoses of pulmonary cystic disease, especially in endemic areas of E. granulosus infection, and to take into account the wide clinical variability of its presentation. Conclusion: Extrathoracic intrapulmonary hydatidosis is uncommon, however, the pleura is the most common site, so the presence of a lesion should be evaluated.

English

Echinococcus granulosus (Eg) infection is a neglected tropical disease of humans and livestock with serious economic losses. Dogs as the definitive hosts are responsible for contaminating the environment through feces containing eggs. Using coproantigen ELISA, we tested 368 dogs randomly sampled from three Pakistani cities for infection with Eg. The highest prevalence was found in Lahore (9.80%) with an overall prevalence of 6.79%. Prevalence was higher in females (8.72%, odds ratio OR 1.71), young dogs (≤ 3 years) (6.93%, OR 1.06), stray/feral dogs (9.72%, OR 1.60), dogs fed with raw offal (8.28%, OR 2.63) and dogs with no anthelmintics treatment history (8.98%, OR 1.90). Prevalence was also higher in dogs with Body Condition Score (BCS) of 1–3 (10.86%; OR 5.75) and Grey Hound breed (15.62%; OR 6.94). Statistically significant association (P &lt; 0.05) was found between copro-positivity and different variables investigated except for sex, dog breed and history for anthelmintic treatment (P &gt; 0.05). Significant statistical differences (Binary logistic regression) were observed for age, companionship, feed type, BCS and previous intestinal illness. Since dogs are responsible for contaminating the environment, the Eg prevalence in this study indicates a potential risk for human and livestock populations in the study areas and suggests a proactive approach in CE management. © 2021 Friends Science Publishers

Echinococcosis of the spine.

Echinococcosis or hydatid disease affecting the spine is an uncommon manifestation of Echinococcus granulosus infection of the spine.More commonly found in endemic areas, it causes significant morbidity and mortality as it grows slowly and produces symptoms mainly by compressing the spinal cord.As diagnostic methods are non-specific, diagnosis and management are usually delayed until the disease is advanced, thereby therapy is usually unlikely.Treatment is usually surgical, aiming at cyst excision, spinal cord decompression and spinal stabilization.This article summarizes the clinical findings of echinococcosis of the spine, discusses the specific laboratory and diagnostic findings, lists the current treatment options, and reviews the patients’ outcomes.The aim is to prompt clinicians to be aware of the possibility of echinococcosis as a possible diagnosis in endemic areas.Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2021;6:288-296. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.6.200130

Identification of Different Extracellular Vesicles in the Hydatid Fluid of Echinococcus granulosus and Immunomodulatory Effects of 110 K EVs on Sheep PBMCs.

Echinococcosis, mainly caused by Echinococcus granulosus, is one of the 17 neglected tropical diseases. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play an essential role in the host–parasite interplay. However, the EVs in the hydatid fluid (HF) of E. granulosus are not fully characterized. Herein, three different types of HF EVs, designated as 2 K, 10 K, and 110 K EVs based on the centrifugal force used, were morphologically identified. A total of 97, 80, and 581 proteins were identified in 2 K, 10 K, and 110 K EVs, respectively, 39 of which were commonly shared. Moreover, 11, 8, and 25 miRNAs were detected, respectively, and all of the 7 selected miRNAs were validated by qPCR to be significantly lower abundant than that in protoscoleces. It was further deemed that 110 K EVs were internalized by sheep peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in a time-dependent manner and thus induced interleukin (IL)-10, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and IRF5 were significantly upregulated and IL-1β, IL-17, and CD14 were significantly downregulated (p < 0.05). These data demonstrate the physical discrepancy of three HF EVs and an immunomodulatory effect of 110 K EVs on sheep PMBCs, suggesting a role in immune responses during E. granulosus infection.

The role of regulatory B cells in Echinococcus granulosus-infected mice.

To investigate the phenotypic changes of the expression level of regulatory B cells and related molecules during the continuous infection of Echinococcus granulosus (E. granulosus) in mice and its relationship with E. granulosus infection and its immune effect. Experimental group mice were inoculated with protoscoleces suspension via intraperitoneally injection to prepare a mouse model of E. granulosus infection. Flow cytometry was used to detect the expression of regulatory B cells CD1dhiCD5+CD19hi cells and CD1dhiCD5+CD19hi IL-10+ cells in spleen and peripheral blood of mice. The expressions of IL-10 and TGF-β1 in mouse serum were detected via ELISA. The liver pathological changes in mice were observed by H&E staining; Moreover, the expressions and distribution of IL-10 and TGF-β1 in mice liver were measured through immunohistochemistry. The ELISA test results showed no significant changes in serum IL-10 and TGF-β1 levels in early infected mice. However, at the middle and late stages of infection, the levels of IL-10 and TGF-β1 in the serum of mice increased significantly (P < 0.05). The proportion of CD1dhiCD5+CD19hiBreg cells and the proportion of CD1dhiCD5+CD19hiIL-10+Breg cells in the spleen of mice infected with E. granulosus were increased at 90days after infection, which indicating that Breg cells proliferated in the late stage of infection. CD1dhiCD5+CD19hi regulatory B cells may be one of the causes of immunosuppression of E. granulosus infection. It is speculated that Bregs inhibitory effect may play a role by regulating the expression of cytokines and inducing the secretion of inhibitory cytokines IL-10 and TGF-β1.

Seroprevalence of Human Hydatidosis in Ardabil Province, North-West of Iran.

Background:Cystic Echinococcosis is considered a cosmopolitan cyclozoonotic parasitic infection. This study aimed at evaluating the seroprevalence of human hydatidosis using ELISA test and find the role of mutable factors such as age, sex, occupation, residency in the broadcast of the parasites in rural Ardabil Province, North-West of Iran.Methods:The study population was 950 asymptomatic individuals selected randomly from urban and rural populations of Ardabil province, North-West of Iran by randomized cluster sampling in 2019–2020. Immunoglobulin G antibodies against Echinococcus granulosus spp. were analyzed by ELISA test. Data were analyzed using SPSS software and Multivariable logistic regression model.Results:Overall, 42 (4.4%) of the participants had anti E. granulosus antibodies in this region. High titer antibodies were most prevalent in people age group of >70 yr old, rural areas, females and people having history of contact with dog that showed significant difference. There was no significant association between the presence of Echinococcus antibodies and sex, occupation, having history of eating unwashed vegetable.Conclusion:This is the first description of the seroprevalence of E. granulosus infection in the population in Ardabil Province, North-West of Iran. Obtained rate of hydatidosis approves the importance of diagnosing human cystic echinococcosis in these regions and it is expected that the authorities be careful to screen the disease.

In vitro evaluation of albendazole nanocrystals against Echinococcus granulosus protoscolices.

Echinococcus granulosus is a zoonotic parasite causing hydatidosis in humans and animals. This study has been done in order to investigate the effect of albendazole nanocrystals on the viability of E. granulosus protoscolices. The average size and hydrodynamic diameter of albendazole nanocrystals were 976±218 and 1334±502 nm, respectively. Fertile hydatid cysts were isolated from the liver of slaughtered sheep. The isolated cysts were further identified using morphological and molecular techniques. The nucleotide sequence analysis indicated that the genotype of the protoscolices was E. granulosus sensu stricto with 100% similarity. The parasites were examined precisely for susceptibility to albendazole nanocrystals. The results revealed that albendazole nanocrystals are effective in removing protoscolices. It was observed that 1 μg/ml albendazole nanocrystals and albendazole completely inhibited the viability of the protoscolices within 17 and 23 days, respectively. The results suggested that albendazole nanocrystals can be used as an alternative effective treatment for E. granulosus infection.

Intestinal transcriptomes in Kazakh sheep with different haplotypes after experimental Echinococcus granulosus infection.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a chronic zoonosis caused by infection with the larval stage of the cestode Echinococcus granulosus. As the intermediate host, sheep are highly susceptible to this disease. Our previous studies have shown that sheep with haplotype MHC Mva Ibc-Sac IIab-Hin1I ab were resistant to CE infection, while their counterparts without this haplotype were not. In order to reveal the molecular mechanism of resistance in Kazakh sheep, after selecting the differential miRNA in our previous study, herein, transcriptome analyses were conducted to detect the differential expression genes in the intestinal tissue of Kazakh sheep with resistant and non-resistant MHC haplotypes, after peroral infection with E. granulosus eggs. A total of 3835 differentially expressed genes were identified between the two groups, with 2229 upregulated and 1606 downregulated. Further function analysis showed that the most significant genes were related to both innate immune response and adaptive response participating in the defense against E. granulosus infection and the metabolic changes associated with it. The results suggest that genes related to lectin receptors, NK cells activation, chemokines, and tumor necrosis factor, may play important roles in the response of intestinal tissue to E. granulosus.

Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces promotes proliferation and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

There may exist a connection between Echinococcus granulosus infection and cancer development. Here, it is aimed to investigate specific effects of E. granulosus protoscoleces (PSCs) on the proliferation and invasion capacities of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells in vitro and ex vitro. HepG2 cells were cultured with different quantities of E. granulosus PSCs in vitro. MTT analysis was used to evaluate effects of E. granulosus PSCs on the proliferation of HepG2 cells. Besides, scratch and transwell assays were respectively used for the detection of HepG2 cells migration and invasion capacities after co-culture with E. granulosus PSCs. Then, HepG2 cells were subcutaneously transplanted into nude mice with or without E. granulosus PSCs. From the 25th day of transplantation, the volume of subcutaneous lesions was measured every four days. At the 37th day, subcutaneous lesions were removed and their weight was evaluated. H&E staining was used for detecting basic pathological changes. HepG2 cells grew well without obvious morphological changes. Proliferation rate and migration capacity of HepG2 cells were higher in the co-culture group than the control group, which was closely associated with quantities of E. granulosus PSCs and co-culture time length. Moreover, HepG2 cells co-cultured with E. granulosus PSCs had stronger invasion ability than the control HepG2 cells. Importantly, there existed significant differences in the volume and weight of subcutaneous lesions after transplanting HepG2 cells with E. granulosus PSCs than the control group. HepG2 cells were also more pathologically heterogeneous in morphology after transplantation with E. granulosus PSCs. Thus, E. granulosus PSCs may promote proliferation and invasion of HCC cells.

Echinococcus granulosus genotypes verified in human hydatid disease around the world. Systematic review

The evidence regarding genotypic characteristics of Echinococcus granulosus infection in humans worldwide is scarce. To develop a synthesis of the available evidence regarding genotypes of E. granulosus verified in humans worldwide. Systematic review. Articles related with genotypes of E. granulosus, in humans, without language neither genotyped method restriction, published between 1990-2019 were included. A systematic in WoS, EMBASE, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, Trip Database, BIREME, SciELO, LILACS, IBECS, and PAHO-WHO was carried out. In study variables were year of publication, country, number of samples, host and parasite organs, genotype identified, molecular marker and genes. Descriptive statistics were applied. 701 related articles were identified; 62 fulfilled selection criteria, representing 1,511 samples. The existing evidence was published between 1994 and 2019; and mainly comes from Iran (45.2%). The most commonly used sequencing method was PCR amplification and Sanger type sequencing with partial or total genotyping of the cox1 gene. Genotyped method most frequently used was cox1 (79,0%). Genotypes most frequently identified were G1 and G1/G3 complex (49.1% and 32.2%). Publications related to genotypes of Eg in humans are scarce, heterogeneous, and presenting differing results. Eg G1/G3 accounts for most of the global burden worldwide.

In-House Developed ELISA Indicates High Prevalence of Anti-Echinococcus granulosus IgG in Sheep Population-An Update from Pakistan.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a World Health Organization (WHO)-listed neglected tropical farm economy jeopardizing and public health concern disease. This study was aimed at furnishing sero-epidemiological baseline data of CE in sheep in Pakistan, where data are non-existent. For this purpose, two sheep-rich provinces of Pakistan were selected, and 728 sheep sera were collected using probability proportional to size (PPS) statistical technique. Epidemiological information was recorded on a questionnaire for the estimation of potential risk factors. The serum samples were analyzed for IgG antibodies against Echinococcus granulosus using an in-house-developed EgAgB-based ELISA kit. The overall seroprevalence recorded was 21.98% (160/728) in the tested sheep, suggesting higher seropositivity in sheep from Punjab (23.73%) as compared to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) (19.04%). The overall apparent prevalence observed by this ELISA method was almost similar to the calculated true prevalence (21.77%). Prevalence was significantly different (p < 0.05) among sheep from different districts. Higher prevalence was found in females (22.54%, OR 1.41), age group > 5 years (29.66%, OR 1.64), crossbreeds (42.85%, OR 2.70), and sheep with pasture access (25.96%, OR 3.06). Being in age group > 5 years and having pasture access were the factors significantly associated with seropositivity (p < 0.05). This study provides serological evidence of E. granulosus infection in sheep and can be used as a model for ante-mortem screening of the sheep globally.