Human Parasitic Diseases Research Articles

Epidemiological Survey of Toxoplasma gondii and Associated Risk Factors in Ruminant Species of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan

Toxoplasma infection is one of the most common human parasitic diseases. During 2018-2020, in the rural areas of three districts of Pakistan, we surveyed a total of 451 animals, belonging to different asymptomatic ruminant species, to determine the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies. We used ELISA assay as well as recorded some associated risk factors contributing to its transmission. IgM antibodies were detected in 17% and IgG in 13.4% of ruminant samples with the highest percentage, 10% for IgM and 8.6% for IgG in sheep. A strong significant association was found between antibodies and different species (IgM, χ 2 = 29 .280, P = .000 , and IgG, χ 2 = 22.580 , P = .000 ), respectively. Infection with T. gondii seems mainly associated with different geographic features and the presence of cats in the environment, low hygiene water systems and livestock that are mostly dependent on outdoor drinking and grazing. There was no significant association between IgM and age grouping ( χ 2 = 6.660 , P = 0.840 nor for IgG ( χ 2 = 8.136 , P = 0.43 ). The results of this study may be considered the starting point to promote the awareness about parasitic infections in ruminants in Pakistan in order to prevent this infection from further spreading.

A Multimedia Active Learning Approach to Introducing Human Parasitic Diseases in an Undergraduate Parasitology Course †

Introducing undergraduate students to major human diseases is a key focus of many parasitology courses. Here I present a multifaceted active learning technique that familiarizes students with major human parasitic diseases while simultaneously exposing students to a range of important medical, biological, and ecological concepts.

A Nuclear Magnetic Resonance-Based Metabolomic Study to Identify Metabolite Differences between Iranian Isolates of Leishmania major and Leishmania tropica.

Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania species (L. spp) is one of the most important parasitic diseases in humans. To gain information on the metabolite variations and biochemical pathways between L. spp, we used the comparative metabolome of metacyclic promastigotes in the Iranian isolates of L. major and L. tropica by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR).Methods: L. tropica and L. major were collected from three areas of Iran, namely Gonbad, Mashhad, and Bam, between 2017 and 2018, and were cultured. The metacyclic promastigote of each species was separated, and cell metabolites were extracted. 1H-NMR spectroscopy was applied, and the data were processed using ProMatab in MATLAB (version 7.8.0.347). Multivariate statistical analyses, including the principal component analysis and the orthogonal projections to latent structures discriminant analysis, were performed to identify the discriminative metabolites between the two L. spp. Metabolites with variable influences in projection values of more than one and a P value of less than 0.05 were marked as significant differences. Results: A set of metabolites were detected, and 24 significantly differentially expressed metabolites were found between the metacyclic forms of L. major and L. tropica isolates. The top differential metabolites were methionine, aspartate, betaine, and acetylcarnitine, which were increased more in L. tropica than L. major (P<0.005), whereas asparagine, 3-hydroxybutyrate, L-proline, and kynurenine were increased significantly in L. major (P<0.01). The significantly altered metabolites were involved in eight metabolic pathways. Conclusion: Metabolomics, as an invaluable technique, yielded significant metabolites, and their biochemical pathways related to the metacyclic promastigotes of L. major and L. tropica. The findings offer greater insights into parasite biology and how pathogens adapt to their hosts.

Monitoring schistosomiasis and sanitation interventions—The potential of environmental DNA

AbstractTransmission of schistosomiasis, a human parasitic disease, is intrinsically linked to inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities and/or their use. The mainstay of control is population‐based chemotherapy. Globally, each year, 240 million people are estimated to require this preventative treatment. However, for long‐term, sustainable control of this disease, supplementary WASH improvements are required to prevent (re)infection of humans (provision of safe water) and transmission from humans to the environment (improved sanitation). While there is established methodology for monitoring transmission in human populations, presently methods for monitoring the impact of WASH interventions, in particular sanitation, on environmental transmission are lacking. Development of such becomes paramount as integrated control programs combine drug treatments with enhanced WASH facilities and behavior change interventions, with uptake likely correlated to a reduction in fecal matter, and schistosome eggs, in the environment but any impact on infection levels in humans taking longer to become apparent. This article reports and critiques the methods currently used to monitor schistosomiasis in freshwater and soil environments and explores how environmental DNA could be used to better understand and monitor environmental contamination in relation to sanitation. Stronger evidence is required to understand how different sanitation interventions serve to limit the environmental transmission of the parasite and their relative effectiveness in preventing disease.This article is categorized under: Engineering Water &gt; Methods

Repurposing Auranofin and Evaluation of a New Gold(I) Compound for the Search of Treatment of Human and Cattle Parasitic Diseases: From Protozoa to Helminth Infections

Neglected parasitic diseases remain a major public health issue worldwide, especially in tropical and subtropical areas. Human parasite diversity is very large, ranging from protozoa to worms. In most cases, more effective and new drugs are urgently needed. Previous studies indicated that the gold(I) drug auranofin (Ridaura®) is effective against several parasites. Among new gold(I) complexes, the phosphole-containing gold(I) complex {1-phenyl-2,5-di(2-pyridyl)phosphole}AuCl (abbreviated as GoPI) is an irreversible inhibitor of both purified human glutathione and thioredoxin reductases. GoPI-sugar is a novel 1-thio-β-d-glucopyranose 2,3,4,6-tetraacetato-S-derivative that is a chimera of the structures of GoPI and auranofin, designed to improve stability and bioavailability of GoPI. These metal-ligand complexes are of particular interest because of their combined abilities to irreversibly target the essential dithiol/selenol catalytic pair of selenium-dependent thioredoxin reductase activity, and to kill cells from breast and brain tumors. In this work, screening of various parasites—protozoans, trematodes, and nematodes—was undertaken to determine the in vitro killing activity of GoPI-sugar compared to auranofin. GoPI-sugar was found to efficiently kill intramacrophagic Leishmania donovani amastigotes and adult filarial and trematode worms.

Molecular Characterization of Echinococcus granulosus Sensu Stricto Isolated from the Livestock of Qazvin, Iran.

Hydatidiosis is a serious parasitic disease in humans and livestock, worldwide. Echinococcus granulosus shows notable genetic variation among intermediate hosts. Several genotypes of the worm have been reported from different parts of Iran, but no information on the parasite genotypes status in the study region is available. The current study investigated the presence of different genotypes of E. granulosus in the livestock of Qazvin, Iran, by sequencing the mitochondrial Cox1 genes. One hundred twenty E. granulosus isolates, including 30 from goats, 40 from cattle and 50 from sheep, were collected from the slaughterhouses in Qazvin province. Mitochondrial Cox1 gene region was amplified by PCR and 30 isolates were sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis was performed by using the MEGA 7.0 software. Morphological analysis was performed on rostellar hook length of protoscoleces. All isolates were identified as E. granulosus sensu stricto (G1-G3 complex) among 17% of the isolates clarified as G3 genotypes. G1 was the predominant genotype among the specimens. No significant difference between the rostellar hooks measurements of different genotypes was observed. Our findings confirmed the presence of E. granulosus sensu stricto in the region, although further studies are required to determine the haplotype diversity of E. granulosus using different mitochondrial and nuclear genes.

Prevalence of soil - borne nematode infections among residents living in urban/town areas of China in 2015

To understand the prevalence of soil-borne nematode infections among residents living in urban/town areas of China, so as to provide insights into the control and elimination of soil-borne nematodiasis. A total of 5 epidemic areas were classified in China according to the prevalence of human Clonorchis sinensis infections captured from the 2014-2015 national survey on major human parasitic diseases in China, and the total sample size was estimated according to the binomial distribution and Poisson's distribution. Then, the total sample size was allocated proportionally to each province (autonomous region, municipality) of China based on the percentage of residents living in urban and town areas, and the number of survey sites in each province (autonomous region, municipality) was proportionally assigned according to the percentages of residents living in urban and town areas. Then, stratified sampling was performed at county, township and community levels according to the number of sampling sites in each province (autonomous region, municipality), and the survey site (community) was defined as the smallest sampling unit. All permanent residents in the survey sites were selected as the study subjects, and their stool samples were collected for identification and counting of parasite egg using a Kato-Katz technique. The prevalence and intensity of each parasite species were calculated. From 2014 to 2015, among the 133 231 residents detected in 31 provinces (autonomous regions, municipalities) of China, the overall prevalence of soil-borne nematode infections was 1.23% (1 636/133 231), and the prevalence rates of hookworm, Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura infections were 0.77% (1 032/133 231), 0.32% (426/133 231) and 0.17% (224/133 231), respectively. The highest prevalence of soil-borne nematode infections was seen in Jiangxi (4.03%, 82/2 034) and Chongqing (4.03%, 524/13 012), followed by in Hainan (3.47%, 72/2 075). The prevalence of soilborne nematode infections was 1.07% (662/62 139) in men and 1.37% (974/71 092) in women, and the greatest prevalence was found in residents at ages of 65 to 70 years (2.56%, 219/8 569). With regard to occupations and education levels, herdsmen (2.47%, 2/81) and illiterate residents (3.33%, 226/6 795) were found to have the highest prevalence of soil-borne nematode infections, respectively. In addition, mild infections were predominantly identified in hookworm-, A. lumbricoides- and T. trichiura-infected individuals (all > 90%). The overall prevalence of soil-borne nematodiasis remains low in urban and town areas of China; however, human infections are widespread. According to the epidemiological features, health education combined with deworming are recommended to reduce the prevalence of soil-borne nematode infections among residents living in urban and town areas of China.

Zoonotic Implications of Onchocerca Species on Human Health.

The genus Onchocerca includes several species associated with ungulates as hosts, although some have been identified in canids, felids, and humans. Onchocerca species have a wide geographical distribution, and the disease they produce, onchocerciasis, is generally seen in adult individuals because of its large prepatency period. In recent years, Onchocerca species infecting animals have been found as subcutaneous nodules or invading the ocular tissues of humans; the species involved are O. lupi, O. dewittei japonica, O. jakutensis, O. gutturosa, and O. cervicalis. These findings generally involve immature adult female worms, with no evidence of being fertile. However, a few cases with fertile O. lupi, O. dewittei japonica, and O. jakutensis worms have been identified recently in humans. These are relevant because they indicate that the parasite’s life cycle was completed in the new host—humans. In this work, we discuss the establishment of zoonotic Onchocerca infections in humans, and the possibility of these infections to produce symptoms similar to human onchocerciasis, such as dermatitis, ocular damage, and epilepsy. Zoonotic onchocerciasis is thought to be an emerging human parasitic disease, with the need to take measures such as One Health Strategies, in order to identify and control new cases in humans.

Rabeprazole inhibits several functions of Entamoeba histolytica related with its virulence.

Amoebiasis is a human parasitic disease caused by Entamoeba histolytica. The parasite can invade the large intestine and other organs such as liver; resistance to the host tissue oxygen is a condition for parasite invasion and survival. Thioredoxin reductase of E. histolytica (EhTrxR) is a critical enzyme mainly involved in maintaining reduced the redox system and detoxifying the intracellular oxygen; therefore, it is necessary for E. histolytica survival under both aerobic in vitro and in vivo conditions. In the present work, it is reported that rabeprazole (Rb), a drug widely used to treat heartburn, was able to inhibit the EhTrxR recombinant enzyme. Moreover, Rb affected amoebic proliferation and several functions required for parasite virulence such as cytotoxicity, oxygen reduction to hydrogen peroxide, erythrophagocytosis, proteolysis, and oxygen and complement resistances. In addition, amoebic pre-incubation with sublethal Rb concentration (600μM) promoted amoebic death during early liver infection in hamsters. Despite the high Rb concentration used to inhibit amoebic virulence, the wide E. histolytica pathogenic-related functions affected by Rb strongly suggest that its molecular structure can be used as scaffold to design new antiamoebic compounds with lower IC50 values.

Live In Vivo Imaging of Plasmodium Invasion of the Mosquito Midgut.

The mosquito midgut is a critical barrier that Plasmodium parasites must overcome to complete their developmental cycle and be transmitted to a new vertebrate host. Previous confocal studies with fixed infected midguts showed that ookinetes traverse midgut epithelial cells and cause irreversible tissue damage. Here, we investigated the spatiotemporal dynamics of ookinete midgut traversal and the response of midgut cells to invasion. A novel mounting strategy was established, suitable fluorescent dye combinations were identified and protocols optimized to label mosquito tissues in vivo, and live imaging protocols using confocal microscopy were developed. Tracking data showed that ookinetes gliding on the midgut surface travel faster and farther than those that remain in the lumen or those that have invaded the epithelium. Image analysis confirmed that parasite invasion and cell traversal occur within a couple of minutes, while caspase activity in damaged cells, indicative of cellular apoptosis, and F-actin cytoskeletal rearrangements in cells extruded into the gut lumen persist for several hours. This temporal difference highlights the importance of hemocyte-mediated cellular immunity and the mosquito complement system to mount a coordinated and effective antiplasmodial response. This novel in vivo imaging protocol allowed us to continuously observe individual ookinetes in live mosquitoes within the gut lumen and during cell traversal and to capture the subsequent cellular responses to invasion in real time for several hours, without loss of tissue integrity.IMPORTANCE Malaria is one of the most devastating parasitic diseases in humans and is transmitted by anopheline mosquitoes. The mosquito midgut is a critical barrier that Plasmodium parasites must overcome to complete their developmental cycle and be transmitted to a new host. Here, we developed a new strategy to visualize Plasmodium ookinetes as they traverse the mosquito midgut and to follow the response of damaged epithelial cells by imaging live mosquitoes. Understanding the spatial and temporal aspects of these interactions is critical when developing novel strategies to disrupt disease transmission.

2-(Aryl Oxy Methyl)-1H- Benzimidazoles: Synthesis, Characterization and Biological Evaluation

Helminthiasis is a macro, parasitic disease of humans and animals in which a part of the body is infected with Helminth parasites. It is one of the most deadly, neglected, tropical diseases and many die annually from this disease. The total eradication from this problem is very difficult. The drugs which expel Helminth parasites from the body either by stunning or killing them without causing significant damage to the host are called Anthelmintics. The most commonly used class of Anthelmintics are Benzimidazoles, whose mode of action is by blocking transportation of secretory granules and movement of other cell organelles by binding to beta-tubulin and inhibit polymerization of microtubules in the cytoskeleton of the Helminthic parasite. Most of the Anthelmintics are non-selective, with a narrow spectrum of activity, high toxicity, unsafe for undernourished children and pregnant women, requires follow up purgation and development of resistance by the parasite. So there is a need for search and development of new Anthelmintics preferably with a novel mode of action and minimum side effects. Because of this, a scheme was designed which involved synthesis, characterization and Anthelmintic evaluation of some 2-(Aryl Oxy Methyl)-1H-Benzimidazoles. The identification and characterization of the synthesized compounds were carried out by a melting point, thin layer chromatography, FT-IR, 1H-NMR, to ascertain that the synthesized compounds are of different chemical nature than the respective parent compound. The synthesized compounds were preliminarily screened for the in vitro anthelmintic activity using Piperazine Citrate as standard.

Phytochemical Analysis and Trypanocidal Activity of Marrubium incanum Desr.

The rationale inspiring the discovery of lead compounds for the treatment of human parasitic protozoan diseases from natural sources is the well-established use of medicinal plants in various systems of traditional medicine. On this basis, we decided to select an overlooked medicinal plant growing in central Italy, Marrubium incanum Desr. (Lamiaceae), which has been used as a traditional remedy against protozoan diseases, and to investigate its potential against Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT). For this purpose, we assayed three extracts of different polarities obtained from the aerial parts of M. incanum—namely, water (MarrInc-H2O), ethanol (MarrInc-EtOH) and dichloromethane (MarrInc-CH2Cl2)—against Trypanosoma brucei (TC221), with the aim to discover lead compounds for the development of antitrypanosomal drugs. Their selectivity index (SI) was determined on mammalian cells (BALB/3T3 mouse fibroblasts) as a counter-screen for toxicity. The preliminary screening selected the MarrInc-CH2Cl2 extract as the most promising candidate against HAT, showing an IC50 value of 28 μg/mL. On this basis, column chromatography coupled with the NMR spectroscopy of a MarrInc-CH2Cl2 extract led to the isolation and identification of five compounds i.e. 1-α-linolenoyl-2-palmitoyl-3-stearoyl-sn- glycerol (1), 1-linoleoyl-2-palmitoyl-3-stearoyl-sn-glycerol (2), stigmasterol (3), palmitic acid (4), and salvigenin (5). Notably, compounds 3 and 5 were tested on T. brucei, with the latter being five-fold more active than the MarrInc-CH2Cl2 extract (IC50 = 5.41 ± 0.85 and 28 ± 1.4 μg/mL, respectively). Furthermore, the SI for salvigenin was >18.5, showing a preferential effect on target cells compared with the dichloromethane extract (>3.6). Conversely, stigmasterol was found to be inactive. To complete the work, also the more polar MarrInc-EtOH extract was analyzed, giving evidence for the presence of 2″-O-allopyranosyl-cosmosiin (6), verbascoside (7), and samioside (8). Our findings shed light on the phytochemistry of this overlooked species and its antiprotozoal potential, providing evidence for the promising role of flavonoids such as salvigenin for the treatment of protozoal diseases.

Vorinostat as potential antiparasitic drug.

Vorinostat is a drug used to treat cutaneous T cell lymphoma whose action mechanism is based on Histone Deacetylase inhibition. Histone Deacetylases are a family of enzymes that remove acetyl groups from histone and non-histone proteins that control many crucial processes, such as gene regulation, cell cycle progression, differentiation, and apoptosis. Histone Deacetylase homologues are also expressed in parasites of the genus Plasmodium, Leishmania, Cryptosporidium, Schistosoma, Entamoeba, and others. In this way, antiparasitic properties of Vorinostat have been explored. The aim of this review is to report the current state knowledge of Vorinostat as antiparasitic drug against Plasmodium, Leishmania, Cryptosporidium, Schistosoma and Entamoeba in order to support future investigation in this field. The authors revised the recent and relevant literature concerning the topic and discussed advances and limitations of studies on Vorinostat as potential drug to treat human parasitic diseases. Vorinostat has been efficient in vitro and, in some cases, in vivo, against parasites that cause parasitic diseases, such as malaria, leishmaniasis, cryptosporidiosis, amoebiasis, and schistosomiasis. In vitro and in vivo models have demonstrated the antiparasitic activity of Vorinostat, however, the challenge is to assay its activity in animal models and to evaluate if Vorinostat is safe for humans as new alternative to treat human parasitic infections.

The role of the adaptor molecule STING during Schistosoma mansoni infection

Schistosomiasis is a human parasitic disease responsible for serious consequences for public health, as well as severe socioeconomic impacts in developing countries. Here, we provide evidence that the adaptor molecule STING plays an important role in Schistosoma mansoni infection. S. mansoni DNA is sensed by cGAS leading to STING activation in murine embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). Sting−/− and C57BL/6 (WT) mice were infected with schistosome cercariae in order to assess parasite burden and liver pathology. Sting−/− mice showed worm burden reduction but no change in the number of eggs or granuloma numbers and area when compared to WT animals. Immunologically, a significant increase in IFN-γ production by the spleen cells was observed in Sting−/− animals. Surprisingly, Sting−/− mice presented an elevated percentage of neutrophils in lungs, bronchoalveolar lavage, and spleens. Moreover, Sting−/− neutrophils exhibited increased survival rate, but similar ability to kill schistosomula in vitro when stimulated with IFN-γ when compared to WT cells. Finally, microbiota composition was altered in Sting−/− mice, revealing a more inflammatory profile when compared to WT animals. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that STING signaling pathway is important for S. mansoni DNA sensing and the lack of this adaptor molecule leads to enhanced resistance to infection.

Recent Advances in the Development of Broad-Spectrum Antiprotozoal Agents.

Infections caused by Trypanosoma brucei, Trypanosoma cruzi, Leishmania spp., Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, Plasmodium spp., and Trichomonas vaginalis, are part of a large list of human parasitic diseases. Together, they cause more than 500 million infections per year. These protozoa parasites affect both low- and high-income countries and their pharmacological treatments are limited. Therefore, new and more effective drugs in preclinical development could improve overall therapy for parasitic infections even when their mechanisms of action are unknown. In this review, a number of heterocyclic compounds (diamidine, guanidine, quinoline, benzimidazole, thiazole, diazanaphthalene, and their derivatives) reported as antiprotozoal agents are discussed as options for developing new pharmacological treatments for parasitic diseases.

Morphobiological characteristics of trematode cercariae of the families Opisthorchiidae and Notocotylidae

The results of studying the body structure of trematode cercariae of the families Opisthorchiidae and Notocotylidae and the features of their development in Western Siberia are presented. The data of long-term (1994–2019) studies on the spread of these pathogens of dangerous parasitic diseases in humans and animals are analyzed and summarized. The studies were conducted according to generally accepted methods in parasitology and hydrobiology. The species affi liation of trematodes was determined in laboratory conditions on mature cercariae that independently left the shells of the host mollusks Bithynia tentaculata and B. troscheli. It was noted that the trematodes of the Opisthorchiidae and Notocotylidae families at the cercaria stage have the following similar features: a simple tail, pigmented eyes, and one oral sucking cup. Diagnosis of trematode cercariae of Opisthorchiidae and Notocotylidae families is possible by the following signs: the tail of the opisthorchis cercaria has a swimming membrane and is 2 times longer than the body, the tail of the notocotylid has no swimming membrane and is approximately equal in length to the body. Opisthor-chis cercariae have two pigment eyes, notocotilids – three. In the life cycle of opisthorchis, there are two intermediate hosts (bitinia and fi sh), in the notocotylid cycle, one (bitinia). Opisthorchis cercariae have penetration glands, but notocotylids do not; the maximum daily emission of opisthorchis cercariae is ten times higher than that of notocotylids (6672 and 422 cercariae, respectively). The ability to diagnose opisthorchis and notocotilid at the cercaria stage allows the identifi cation of local foci of epidemiologically and epizootically dangerous diseases.

The Mixed AII and BIII Genotypes of Human Giardia lamblia Isolate Circulating in Mazandaran Province, Northern Iran

Giardiasis is one of the human parasitic diseases by a flagellate protozoan named Giardia lamblia. This parasite is one of the most common organisms causing diarrhea in humans and a common gastrointestinal parasite in vertebrates. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the molecular epidemiology of Giardia lamblia (G. lamblia) by PCR-RFLP method in the Mazandaran Province and to investigate the possible relationship between parasite genotype and clinical symptoms. In this study, 50 stool samples were collected from human cases of G. lamblia. referred to health centers in Sari, Babol, Nowshahr cities. The samples were examined by formalin-ether concentration procedure. DNA extraction was carried out on samples containing adequate Giardia cysts, and then PCR-RFLP was done on glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) marker. In these patients, the most common signs were abdominal pain (42.9%), and diarrhea (47.6%); and least marked common sign was malaise (4.7%). Of all 21 isolates, 9 samples (42.8%) were found as genotype mixed AII and BIII, 6 samples (28.6%) belonged to genotype BIII and 6 (28.6%) were of genotype AII. Additionally, there was a significant correlation between AII genotype and clinical symptoms (P <0.05). According to the statistical tests, there was a significant relationship between abdominal pain and the intensity of infection (P<0.05). However, genotype AII and mixed AII and BIII genotypes were more common, respectively. The relatively high prevalence of mixed infection of these genotypes indicated the potential of zoonotic source of giardiasis among patients in Mazandaran Province.

Medicinal plants sold for treatment of bacterial and parasitic diseases in humans in Maputo city markets, Mozambique

BackgroundIn Mozambique, bacterial and parasitic diseases contribute to a high burden of mortality and morbidity. These infectious diseases are treated with antibiotics, antihelmintic or antiparasitic drugs. However, misuse of these has been affecting the potential to treat ailments. It has been reported that many people from Maputo city and province apart from the existing contemporary medicine, still use medicinal plants for treatment of diseases due to traditional heritage and beliefs. It is, therefore, important to register this knowledge in order to use it for future pharmacological studies. This study aimed to identify the medicinal plants sold in Xipamanine, Xiquelene and Mazambane markets for treatment of bacterial and parasitic diseases.MethodsAn ethnobotanical survey, using interviews, was conducted to the main vendors of the markets. Data about the plant name, part used, mode of preparation and administration route were collected.ResultsA total of 64 medicinal plants belonging to 32 families were listed as sold for treatment of bacterial and parasitic diseases in the three markets. Terminalia sericea, Elephantorrhiza elephantina, Tiliacora funifera and Hypoxis hemerocallidea were the most cited plants. Roots were the most often sold suggesting it is the most used part. We also found out that medicinal plants trade is still common in Maputo markets. This suggests that people still use plant-based herbal medicines for their basic health care.ConclusionsSeveral medicinal plants were sold in Maputo city’s markets for treatment of bacterial and parasitic diseases, with more emphasis on diarrhea and helminthiases. These plants were commonly bought by local residents and play an important role in the subsistence of vendors. Pharmacological studies are needed in order to isolate the plants active principles and understand their mechanism of action, so that new drugs can be developed.

Characterization of Lead Compounds Targeting the Selenoprotein Thioredoxin Glutathione Reductase for Treatment of Schistosomiasis.

Schistosomiasis is a widespread human parasitic disease currently affecting over 200 million people. Chemotherapy for schistosomiasis relies exclusively on praziquantel. Although significant advances have been made in recent years to reduce the incidence and intensity of schistosome infections, these gains will be at risk should drug-resistant parasites evolve. Thioredoxin glutathione reductase (TGR) is a selenoprotein of the parasite essential for the survival of schistosomes in the mammalian host. Several high-throughput screening campaigns have identified inhibitors of Schistosoma mansoni TGR. Follow up analyses of select active compounds form the basis of the present study. We identified eight compounds effective against ex vivo worms. Compounds 1-5 are active against all major species and development stages. The ability of these compounds to target immature worms is especially critical because praziquantel is poorly active against this stage. Compounds 1-5, 7, and 8 displayed schistosomicidal activity even after only 1 h incubation with the worms. Compounds 1-4 meet or exceed standards set by the World Health Organization for leads for schistosomiasis therapy activity. The mechanism of TGR inhibition was studied further with wild-type and mutant TGR proteins. Compounds 4-6 were found to induce an nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase activity in TGR, leading to the production of superoxide and hydrogen peroxide. Collectively, this effort has identified several active compound series that may serve as the basis for the development of new schistosomicidal compounds.

Seroprevalence of toxoplasma gondii infection: An umbrella review of updated systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

Objectives:Toxoplasmosis is one of the neglected parasitic disease in humans and animals that produced via toxoplasma gondii. This study we implemented an umbrella review of all existing systematic reviews, meta-analyzing studies to apprise, and summarize seroprevalence of human toxoplasmosis in worldwide.Methods:The search was carried out in databases including: Pub Med, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, and global health from their start dates until December 2018 in Persian and English language. A total of 21 systematics review and meta-analysis met the inclusion criteria of umbrella review. The Q test and the I2 statistic were used to evaluate heterogeneities. Quality assessment were performed and made use of the AMSTAR tool.Results:The estimated pooled seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in blood donors, Immunocompromised patients, childbearing age women, general population, newborns and children, pregnant women and overall was 33% (95% CI, 29.0–38.0%), 42.0% (95 CI, 34.0–49.0%), 32.0% (CI, 26.0–38.0%), 42.0% (CI, 38.0–45.0%), 4.0% (CI, 2.0–5.0%), 40.0% (CI,37.0–44.0%), and 36% (CI, 24.0–48.0%), respectively.Conclusion:The results of our umbrella review show a higher seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in immunocompromised patients, general population, pregnant women, blood donors, childbearing age women, and newborn groups, respectively. Routine serologic screening test and health education by primary care physicians for Toxoplasmosis is recommended to be conducted in high-risk groups in the endemic region.