Helminth Parasites Research Articles

Th2 cells in rapid immune responses and protective avoidance reactions.

Type 2 helper cells (Th2 cells) differentiate from CD4 helper T cells under the influence of IL-4 and conventional or monocyte-derived CD11b+ dendritic cells. Th2 cells are capable of generating IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, as well as evoking immunoglobulin class-switch to IgE. Three types of rapid immune responses are Th2 cell-dependent: (1) mast cell-IgE mediated allergic reactions, (2) Th2 cell-derived cytokine-mediated reactions that complement allergic reactions and protect the host from toxins, xenobiotics, environmental irritants, and helminthic parasites, and (3) IgE-stimulated mast cell-derived cysteinyl-leukotriene mediated avoidance of toxins. The contributions of Th2 cell-derived cytokines to eosinophilia (IL-5), IgE class-switch, and epithelial barrier activation, mucous secretion, and metaplasia (IL-4 and IL-13) in asthma, allergic rhinitis with polyps and atopic dermatitis have led to anti-cytokine monoclonal antibody treatments. Anti-IL-5 neutralizing monoclonal antibody in asthma and anti-IL-4/IL-13 receptor neutralizing monoclonal antibody in asthma and atopic dermatitis are proven successful therapies in appropriately selected patients who are not sufficiently improved by conventional treatments.

Evaluation of Anthelmintic Activity of Caesalpinia Pulcherrima Leaf Extract by In-Silico and In-Vitro Studies

The Greek term for "helminthes" means "worm." Human-infecting parasites fall into one of two categories: keepsakes or heirlooms. Heirlooms are parasites that have been passed down from African ancestors, while souvenirs are parasites that humans have picked up from animals through migration, evolution, and agricultural activities. These helminthic infections are the most prevalent human infectious agents in poor nations. The helminthic parasite affects around 2 billion people worldwide, or more than 25% of the total population. It is a big problem in developing nations, particularly for young people. Therefore, the goal of the current study was to extract the plant's active ingredients and test the crude extract's anti-helminthic properties. In this study, we worked on the ceasalpeniapulcherima plant with a focus on natural remedies for the treatment of helmintiasis. The chief scientist of Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticulture University, Floriculture Research Station, Rajndranagar, authenticated the true nature of the plant. Water and ethanol were utilized in the extraction procedure. To find out what chemicals are in the alcoholic extract, a screening test is performed on it. The flavonoid test on the extract came out positive. Using Albendazole as the prescribed medication, the anthelmintic action was carried out on Indian earthworms. In Indian earth worms, we found that alcoholic extract exhibits good antihelmintic action. By Insilco studies we found the interaction of flavanoids with antihelmentic proteins. Key Word: Helminthes, ceasalpeniapulcherima, flavonoids, extractioin, in silico study.

A240 THE PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF HYMENOLEPIS DIMINUTA INFECTION IN EXPERIMENTAL COLITIS CAN BE INDEPENDENT OF IL-4RΑ SIGNALING

Abstract Background Helminth parasites are potent inducers of Th2 immunity, characterized by the production of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and IL-10, and mobilization of regulatory cells. This orchestrated immune response establishes an immunomodulatory and/or immunosuppressive environment that may be protective against colitis and other inflammatory diseases. Earlier studies reveal that infection with the tapeworm parasite Hymenolepis diminuta ameliorates chemical-induced colitis in immunocompetent mice, and highlighted participation of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in the mechanisms of protection. Moreover, the IL-4ra/STAT6 signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in promoting the Th2 immune response that is crucial for parasite expulsion: IL-4ra KO mice cannot expel the worm. However, the need for activation of IL-4rasignaling in the suppression of colitis by H. diminuta infection is unknown. Aims To determine if the inhibition of DNBS-induced colitis evoked by infection with H. diminuta requires IL-4ra signaling. Methods IL-4ra KO mice (n=4-8/group) were orally infected with 5 viable cysticercoids of H. diminuta and 8 days post-infection (dpi) were treated with 2.5 mg of dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (DNBS). Subsequently, mice were assessed 72h post-DNBS. Disease was assessed by macroscopic disease activity score, colon length, weight loss, MPO activity of the colon, and leucocyte profile by blood count. Production of IL-10 by concanavalin-A (con-A; 48h)-stimulated splenocytes was measured by ELISA. Results An increase in blood eosinophilia in H. diminuta infected mice indicated a successful infection. DNBS treatment induced acute colitis in IL-4ra KO mice, and surprisingly prior infection with H. diminuta resulted in significantly less severe colitis, as evidenced by reduction in macroscopic disease activity score, prevention of weight loss, reduced MPO colon levels and maintenance of regular colon length. However, splenocytes from H. diminuta-infected IL-4ra KO mice did not show increased IL-10 production evoked by con-A compared to cells from non-infected mice. Conclusions These results indicate that the protection against DNBS-induced colitis by prior infection with H. diminuta can occur in the absence of IL-4ra signalling. This suggests redundancy in the anti-colitic effect of infection with this helminth parasite, such that absence of IL4ra is compensated for via another, yet to be determined, mechanism. We speculate that this may be via participation of type 2 innate lymphoid cell activity, mobilization of regulatory T cells or innate immunity: all possibilities that need to be rigorously tested. Funding Agencies CIHRBeverly Phillips Rising Star and Cumming School of Medicine (U. Calgary) Fellowships

Revealing the associated microflora hosted by the globally significant parasite Trichostrongylus colubriformis

Trichostrongylus colubriformis is a parasitic helminth that primarily infects small ruminants, causing substantial economic losses in the livestock industry. Exploring the microbiome of this helminth might provide insights into the potential influence of its microbial community on the parasite’s survival. We characterised the intestinal microbiome of T. colubriformis that had been collected from the duodenum of sheep, and compared the helminth microbiome with the duodenal microbiome of its host, aiming to identify contributions from the helminth’s environment. At the same time, we explored the isolation of fastidious organisms from the harvested helminth. Primary alpha and beta diversity analyses of bacterial species revealed statistically significant differences between the parasite and the host, in terms of species richness and ecological composition. 16S rRNA differential abundance analysis showed that Mycoplasmoides and Stenotrophomonas were significantly present in T. colubriformis but not in the duodenal microbiome of the sheep. Furthermore, two bacteria, Aeromonas caviae and Aeromonas hydrophila, were isolated from T. colubriformis. Examinations of the genome highlight differences in genome size and profiles of antimicrobial resistance genes. Our results suggest that T. colubriformis carries a specific bacterial community that could be supporting the helminth’s long-term survival in the host’s digestive system.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasite infections in country chicken from Visakhapatnam district Andhra Pradesh India.

Birds in a free environment carry huge risk of helminth parasite infections affecting the health of poultry and thereby indirectly leading to great economic loss. The present study aimed to evaluate the prevalence, intensity and species diversity of gastrointestinal helminth parasites (GIH) of country chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) from local chicken markets of Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh. A total of 300 gastrointestinal tract (GIT) samples were examined from January to December 2021 and the collected parasites were separated, counted, identified and statistically analysed. The overall prevalence of infection was found to be 87% with an intensity of 139.29. The study showed high prevalence with mixed infections (66%), whereas the prevalence with individual groups i.e. cestodes, nematodes and trematodes was found to be 83.00%, 70.33%, and 0.67% respectively. Altogether 10 parasite species were identified viz. Raillietina echinobothrida being the most dominant with a prevalence of 72.67%, followed by Raillietina tetragona (62.00%), Heterakis gallinarum (59.33%), Ascaridia galli (45.33%), Davainea proglottina (43.00%), Amoebotaenia cuneata (42.67%), Raillietina cesticillus (38.33%), Hymenolepis sp. 1 (36.00%), Cotugnia spp. (29.67%) and the least was Hymenolepis sp. 2 (21.00%). In month-wise data, highest prevalence was recorded in July (100%), and the highest seasonal prevalence was recorded in summer (90%), followed by monsoon (87%) and winter (84%). No major significant difference in prevalence was noted between males (88.51%) and females (85.53%). Hosts with high body temperature and low GIT pH levels showed increased prevalence and parasite intensity.

Immunomodulation of streptozotocin induced Type 1 diabetes mellitus in mouse model by Macrophage migration inhibitory factor-2 (MIF-2) homologue of human lymphatic filarial parasite, Wuchereria bancrofti

Helminth parasites modulate the host immune system to ensure a long-lasting asymptomatic form of infection generally, mediated by the secretion of immunomodulatory molecules and one such molecule is a homologue of human host cytokine, Macrophage migratory Inhibitory Factor (hMIF). In this study, we sought to understand the role of homologue of hMIF from the lymphatic filarial parasite, Wuchereria bancrofti (Wba-MIF2), in the immunomodulation of the Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced Type1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) animal model. Full-length recombinant Wba-MIF2 was expressed and found to have both oxidoreductase and tautomerase activities. Wba-MIF2 recombinant protein was treated to STZ induced T1DM animals, and after 5 weeks pro-inflammatory (IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ) and anti-inflammatory (IL-4, IL-10) cytokines and gene expressions were determined in sera samples and spleen respectively. Pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels were significantly (p<0.05) up-regulated and down-regulated respectively, in the STZ-T1DM animals, as compared to treated groups. Histopathology showed macrophage infiltration and greater damage of islets of beta cells in the pancreatic tissue of STZ-T1DM animals, than Wba-MIF2 treated STZ-T1DM animals. The present study clearly showed the potential of Wba-MIF2 as an immunomodulatory molecule, which could modulate the host immune system in the STZ-T1DM mice model from a pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory milieu.

Does Faeces Excreted by Moxidectin-Treated Sheep Impact Coprophagous Insects and the Activity of Soil Microbiota in Subtropical Pastures?

Moxidectin (MOX) is used to control helminth parasites in ruminant livestock. It is released through feces and remains in the environment for a long period. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of faeces excreted by moxidectin-treated sheep on soil biodiversity (coprophagous insects, soil microbial biomass, and activity) to establish environment-related guidelines regarding the use of MOX in sheep livestock. The study consisted of two experiments. In the first one, faeces from MOX-treated (subcutaneous dose of 0.2 mg·kg-1 body weight) and nontreated rams were placed on an animal-free pasture field, protected or not against rain, for 88 days. Then, coprophagous insects were captured, identified, and counted, and faeces degradation was evaluated by measuring dry weight and carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) contents over time. Diptera, Hymenoptera, Isoptera, and Coleoptera were equally encountered in faeces from MOX-treated and nontreated animals. Faecal boluses of MOX-treated animals (with higher N content) not protected against rain degraded faster than faecal boluses of nontreated animals (with lower N content). In the second experiment, faeces from nontreated animals were amended with increasing amounts of MOX (75 to 3,000 ng·kg-1 faeces), mixed with soil samples from animal-free pasture (1.9 to 75 ng·kg-1 soil), and incubated in a greenhouse for 28 days. Increasing concentrations of MOX did not prevent the growth of cultivable bacteria, actinobacteria, or fungi in culture media. However, even the lower MOX concentration (1.9 ng·kg-1 soil) abruptly decreased soil microbial biomass, basal respiration, and N mineralization. Thus, the results indicate that faeces excreted from sheep treated with MOX under the experimental conditions of this study are not harmful to the coprophagous insects. However, adding MOX to faeces from drug-free sheep had a negative impact on soil microbial activity and biomass.

Host gastric corpus microenvironment facilitates Ascaris suum larval hatching and infection in a murine model.

Ascariasis (roundworm) is the most common parasitic helminth infection globally and can lead to significant morbidity in children including chronic lung disease. Children become infected with Ascaris spp. via oral ingestion of eggs. It has long been assumed that Ascaris egg hatching and larval translocation across the gastrointestinal mucosa to initiate infection occurs in the small intestine. Here, we show that A. suum larvae hatched in the host stomach in a murine model. Larvae utilize acidic mammalian chitinase (AMCase; acid chitinase; Chia) from chief cells and acid pumped by parietal cells to emerge from eggs on the surface of gastric epithelium. Furthermore, antagonizing AMCase and gastric acid in the stomach decreases parasitic burden in the liver and lungs and attenuates lung disease. Given Ascaris eggs are chitin-coated, the gastric corpus would logically be the most likely organ for egg hatching, though this is the first study directly evincing the essential role of the host gastric corpus microenvironment. These findings point towards potential novel mechanisms for therapeutic targets to prevent ascariasis and identify a new biomedical significance of AMCase in mammals.

Current Knowledge of Helminths of Wild Birds in Ecuador

Parasitic helminths are diverse in wild birds globally, but knowledge about helminths in Ecuadorian avifauna is still fragmentary. In the present review, records about helminths (Platyhelminthes, Nematoda, and Acanthocephala) in Ecuadorian wild birds is presented. A systematic search was carried out using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis) guideline to compile and summarize the available literature on helminths in wild birds in Ecuador. Data were obtained from ten scientific articles, eight undergraduate theses, and one doctoral dissertation, published between 1966 to 2022. Forty helminth taxa were recorded and information about the host species, site of infection, and location are provided. Nematodes of the genus Ascaridia Dujardin, 1844 were the helminth taxa with the greatest number of records in birds, parasitizing 16 avian species. Also, the Rock Dove (Columba livia; Gmelin, 1789) was the avian species with the greater number of helminth records (n = 11). This review serves as a compendium for future ecological and epidemiological studies on helminths in wild birds in Ecuador and South America.

Assessment of the role of gut health in childhood stunting in a multisite, longitudinal study in India, Indonesia and Senegal: a UKRI GCRF Action Against Stunting Hub protocol

IntroductionChildhood stunting has a complex aetiology, with poor gut health being an important contributor. This study will assess inter-relationships between maternal and infant gut health indices and infant linear growth....

Prevalence of Helminths Infection in Wild Rodents of Northwestern Iran.

Rodents act as reservoirs, intermediate hosts, or definitive hosts for various zoonotic helminths. Parasitic diseases are among the critical factors affecting the survival and composition of wild rodent populations. Wild rodents share their habitat with domestic free-grazing animals, mainly sheep, stray dogs, and cats, which allows the transmission of helminth infections, such as Toxocara and Trichinella, to these animals. This study investigated the helminth parasite fauna of wild rodents in East Azerbaijan province, north-western Iran, and discussed the possibility of parasite transmission among wild rodents. A total of 204 rodents of 17 different species (spp.) were collected in north-western Iran. Information about the genus, developmental stage, and rodent spp. was recorded for each animal. The gastrointestinal tract, liver, and diaphragm were examined for the presence of helminths. The recovered specimens were identified based on references. The prevalence rate of helminth infection among the captured rodents was 67.16%. Meriones persicus (M. persicus) showed the highest infection and diversity rates. This spp. harbored the zoonotic helminth Capillaria hepatica and some spp. belonging to the genera Toxocara, Syphacia, and Hymenolepis. M. persicus specimens from mountainous areas showed the highest infection rate. This study aimed at evaluating the potential role of wild rodent spp. as reservoirs of helminth infection in East Azerbaijan province, Iran. M. persicus was the most common spp. in our study and represented a higher proportion of the infected rodents in terms of helminth diversity and frequency. Harboring zoonotic helminths, M. persicus represents a health risk. Further studies are recommended to evaluate the prevalence of these parasites in the human community and inform people concerned about the risk of disease transmission to humans through rodents.

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Intestinal Helminths Infections as Infrequent Cause of Emergency Abdominal Surgery: A Retrospective Study in a University Hospital over 20 Years.

All organs of any organism can be affected by helminths. They can be seen in a broad spectrum, from simple infestations to extensive, life-threatening involvement. Symptomatology is usually of chronic latent course. However, sometimes the presentation is acute and requires urgent surgical intervention. We conducted a retrospective observational prospective recruitment study of patients undergoing emergency surgery for helminth infection from January 2000 to December 2019 at a university hospital. Sociodemographic and analytical variables, variables related to the clinical process, and the diagnostic test were analysed. Variables related to the surgical procedure and postoperative complications were also analysed. A total of 36 patients required emergency surgery for their helminth infection, which represented 0.26% of emergency abdominal surgeries. The mean age was 34.91 ± 21.5 years, with a predominance of men (69.4%). Most patients presented with pain in the right iliac fossa (69.4%), followed by symptoms compatible with intestinal obstruction (19.4%). The most frequent surgical interventions were appendectomy (38.9%) followed bowel resection (33.3%) and ileocecal resection (11.1%). Enterobious vermicularis and Anisakis simplex both together accounted for 75% of the sample. Statistically significant differences were identified in age (p < 0.001), diagnostic test performed (p = 0.032), intraoperative clinical diagnosis (p = 0.005) and surgical treatment received (p < 0.001). The frequency of emergency surgeries for intestinal helminth parasitism is decreasing. However, the majority of these are E. vermicularis and Anisakis simplex, which have distinctly different clinical presentations. Identification and recognition by physicians continue to be necessary for further postoperative management and possible complications.

Halocercus lagenorhynchi infection in a stranded striped dolphin Stenella coeruleoalba (Meyen, 1833) on the Southwest coastline of India.

Necropsy on a striped dolphin Stenella coeruleoalba (Meyen, 1833) entangled in ghost fishing net and dead while rescuing yielded some helminth parasites, later identified as Halocercus lagenorhynchi. DNA barcoding of the host and parasite and the phylogenetic analysis of the parasite was conducted. This study provides valuable information towards establishing basal data of marine mammal parasite diversity and distribution in the Indian waters. We believe this is the first report of the occurrence of Halocercus lagenorhynchi in marine mammals in India.

Two new species of Diaphorocleidus and new data on D. affinis (Monogenoidea: Dactylogyridae) parasitizing Bryconops cf. affinis (Characiformes: Iguanodectidae) from the Munim River basin, State of Maranho, northeastern Brazil.

During a study conducted on the helminth fauna of fishes in the middle Munim River basin, State of Maranho, northeastern Brazil, three species (two new) of Diaphorocleidus Jogunoori, Kritsky & Venkatanarasaiah, 2004 are reported from the gills of the piaba Bryconops cf. affinis (Iguanodectidae): Diaphorocleidus affinis (Mizelle, Kritsky & Crane, 1968), D. forcipiformis n. sp. and D. munimensis n. sp. New morphological data, drawings, and geographic distribution were provided for D. affinis. Diaphorocleidus forcipiformis n. sp. is characterized by a male copulatory organ with 2 rings counterclockwise and base forming a small tube with two circular flanges and accessory piece bifurcated, claw-shaped, with parts similar in shape and size, one of them distally bifid. Diaphorocleidus munimensis n. sp. is differentiated by the accessory piece, which is composed of two large pieces, united in their proximal part, claw-shaped, and distally hooked. The findings of this initial survey on the helminth parasites of fishes in this area emphasize the importance of carrying out comparable surveys on other fish species. Such surveys may lead to the identification of unknown species or new occurrences.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites and condition factor of &lt;i&gt;Oreochromis niloticus&lt;/i&gt; (L.) in Kiri reservoir, Shelleng, Adamawa State, Nigeria

It is known that a number of parasite groups from various taxa, including helminths, protozoans, and other groups, can infect fish and harm their hosts. Finding out how commongastrointestinal parasites are in Oreochromis niloticus was the study's main goal. On the landing site a total of 200 species of O. niloticus were randomly sampled, sort and identifiedusing keys twice in a month for a period of six months from May to October, 2017. The totallength and standard length to the nearest 0.1 cm. was taken using a measuring ruler. The totalbody weight was determined to the nearest 0.01 g using a top loading Mettler balance. Specimen was dissected and emptied in to a Petri dish. The distribution of parasite speciesshowed that male had 26 (48.15 %) Posthodiplostomum minimum and 16 (47.06%) Myxobolus species, while the females had 28 (51.85 %) Posthodiplostomum minimum and 18 (52.94%) Myxobolus species. Chi square was used to show the prevalence of parasites in relation to sex, length and weight. The prevalence of parasites in relation to the Standard Length showed that the size range of 15.0 to 7.9 cm had the highest parasitic infection with 24 (61.54%) infected, the size range 21.0 to 3.9 cm had the least rate with 11 (31.43%). There was statistically significant difference between parasite infection and length (cm) at p &lt; 0.05. Therefore, there is occurrence of helminth parasites in Nile Tilapia (O. niloticus) found in Kiri reservoir, and thus good culinary practices should be adopted.

Refugia, climatic conditions and farm management factors as drivers of adaptation in Nematodirus battus populations

Parasites are known for their ability to rapidly adapt to changing conditions. For parasitic helminths, changes in climate, along with farming and management practices associated with the intensification of livestock farming, provide novel challenges which can impact on their epidemiology and control. The sustainability of livestock production partially relies on effective control of helminth infection. Therefore, understanding changes in parasite behaviour, and what drives these, is of great importance. Nematodirus battus is an economically important helminth in the UK and temperate regions. Its infective larvae typically overwinter in eggs on pasture and hatch synchronously in spring, causing acute disease in lambs. Attempts to control disease typically rely on whole-flock benzimidazole (BZ) treatments. In recent years, the emergence of BZ-resistance, alongside the hatching of eggs without the classical over-winter ‘chill stimulus’, have made N. battus more difficult to control. In three previous studies, after collecting a large number of N. battus populations alongside farm management data from commercial farms, we explored the prevalence of genetic mutations associated with BZ-resistance (n = 253 farms), the ability of eggs to hatch with and without a chill stimulus (n = 90 farms) and how farm management practices varied throughout the UK (n = 187 farms). In the present study, we identify factors which may be acting as drivers, or barriers, to either the development of resistance or the variable hatching behaviour of N. battus eggs. Generalised linear mixed effect models were applied to regress experimental hatching and genotyping data on farm management and additional environmental data. Both variable hatching and resistance development appeared associated with the maintenance of parasite refugia as well as grazing management, particularly reseeding of pasture routinely grazed by young lambs each spring and the practice of set-stocked grazing. Effective quarantine measures were identified as the main protective factor for the development of BZ-resistance whereas set stocked grazing and population bottlenecks, resulting from reseeding heavily contaminated pastures, were risk factors. Spring maximum temperature and other climatic factors were associated with ‘typical’ hatching of eggs following a chill stimulus whilst several management factors were linked with hatching without prior chilling. For example, practices which reduce parasite numbers on pasture (e.g. re-seeding) or restrict availability of hosts (e.g. resting fields), were found to increase the odds of non-chill hatching. Retention of the timing of lambing and infection level of the host within the fitted model indicated that requirement for a chill stimulus prior to hatching may be plastic, perhaps subject to change throughout the grazing season, in response to immune development or parasite density-dependence within the host. Further investigation of the influence of the factors retained within the fitted models, particularly the theme of parasite refugia which was highlighted in relation to both the presence of BZ-resistance alleles and alternative hatching, is required to establish robust, sustainable parasite control and farm management strategies.

Schistosome Transgenesis: The Long Road to Success.

As research on parasitic helminths has entered the post-genomic era, research efforts have turned to deciphering the function of genes in the public databases of genome sequences. It is hoped that, by understanding the role of parasite genes in maintaining their parasitic lifestyle, critical insights can be gained to develop new intervention and control strategies. Methods to manipulate and transform parasitic worms are now developed to a point where it has become possible to gain a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying host-parasite interplay, and here, we summarise and discuss the advances that have been made in schistosome transgenesis over the past 25 years. The ability to genetically manipulate schistosomes holds promise in finding new ways to control schistosomiasis, which ultimately may lead to the eradication of this debilitating disease.

Modulatory Effects of Hydatid Cyst Fluid on a Mouse Model of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis.

The reduced burden of helminth parasites in industrialized countries is probably one of the reasons for the increased prevalence of autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS). The current study aimed to evaluate the potential preventive effects of hydatid cyst fluid (HCF) on the disease severity in an EAE mouse model of MS. EAE-induced mice were treated with HCF before and after EAE induction. An RT-PCR-based evaluation of IFN-γ, IL-1β, TNF, T-bet, IL-4, GATA3, IL-17, RoRγ, TGF-β, and FOXP3 expression levels in splenocytes and an ELISA-based analysis of IFN-γ and IL-4 levels in cell culture supernatant of splenocytes were performed. Histopathological examinations of mice during the study were also conducted. The expression levels of T-bet, IL-4, GATA3, TGF-β, and FOXP3 in EAE + HCF mice were significantly higher compared to EAE + PBS mice. In the EAE + HCF group, the expression levels of IFN-γ, IL-1β, and TNF were significantly lower than in the EAE + PBS group. The histopathological results showed significantly reduced inflammation and demyelination in EAE + HCF mice compared to EAE + PBS mice. Our study provides proof-of-concept in the EAE mouse model of MS that helminth-derived products such as HCF have a potential prophylactic effect on MS development and present a novel potential therapeutic strategy.

Efficacy of binary mixtures and antagonistic effect of Azadirachta indica on Afranamum melegueta against helminth parasites of fish in Epe lagoon

This research aims to investigate the efficacy of binary mixtures and interaction of extracts of Azadirachta indica and Afranamum melegueta in reference with praziquantel at Fish Low Observed Effect Concentration (LOEC) on classes of fish parasite species. An in-vitro study was conducted using binary extract mixtures of A.melegueta and A.indica (ratios 1:3, 1:1 and 3:1) respectively on each of the classes of fish helminth parasites and saline solution was used as the control. Average Survival Time (AST) and percentage Reduction in Survival Time (%RST) as measure of sensitivity were estimated for the parasites at varying toxicities (fish 96 h LC5, LC10, LC50) with reference to praziquantel. Saponin and Terpenoid had the highest presence in ethanol mix (water) in A.indica and A.melegueta. The sensitivities of the parasites to the extracts and praziquantel in decreasing order is; A.melegueta (singly) > Praziquantel > 3:1 mix > 1:1 mix > 1:3 mix > A.indica (singly). Increase in the proportion of A. indica decreases the combined effect of the mixtures on the parasites, thereby, decreasing the effect of A. melegueta when acting singly. Tenuisentis sp, an acanthocephalan showed sensitivity of RST >80 % against A. melegueta (singly) similar to praziquantel, the sensitivity was reduced to RST <80 % with 3:1 mix, and significantly reduced to RST close to 60 % with 1:3 mix. Other parasite species had similar trend. There was significant correlation (r > 0.70) between parasite sensitivities to praziquantel and A.melegueta (singly) as well as its binary mixtures at the fish Low Observed Effect Concentration (LOEC). This indicates that the binary extract mixtures could serve as potential alternatives to the use of chemotherapy considering their potency and wide margin of fish host safety.