Parasitic Cysts Research Articles

Rebound of cyst number following discontinuation of guanabenz treatment for latent toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that causes opportunistic infection in immunocompromised individuals. The parasite forms latent tissue cysts that are refractory to current treatments and give rise to life-threatening reactivated infection following immune suppression. Previously, we showed that guanabenz sharply reduces brain cyst count in BALB/c mice harboring latent toxoplasmosis; however, whether cyst count would change once drug treatment stopped was not addressed. In the present study, we observed a rebound in brain cysts following the discontinuation of guanabenz or a guanabenz-pyrimethamine combination therapy. The re-expansion of brain cysts was not accompanied by symptoms of acute toxoplasmosis. We also tested whether the rebound in cyst counts could be ameliorated by administering pyrimethamine during or after guanabenz treatment.

The use of endoscopic cryoapplicator in liver and gallbladder surgery

Purpose of the study. To investigate the efficacy of focal destruction tissues of local liver diseases, chole- and hemostasis of created endoscopic cryoapplicator in operations on the liver and gallbladder.Material and methods. Review the results of surgical treatment of 121 patients with various diseases of the liver (tumors, alveococcosis, parasitic and non-parasitic cysts) and gallbladder (chronic and acute cholecystitis) using a new endoscopic porous TiNi cryoapplicator. 49 patients were operated by an open method, 72 - laparoscopically. Hemo-and cholestatic control of the instrument was performed intraoperative and in postoperative period - by clinical condition of patient and by ultrasonography. Efficiency of destruction of focal liver diseases was investigated by histological examinations of surgical materials, is confirmed by the absence of relapses in the period from 4 to 6 years.The results. Cryoapplicator is simple in use, in sterilization, no energy consumption, can be used both in open surgery, particularly in arduous regions of the liver and laparoscopic procedures and, most importantly, patients with artificial cardiac pacemakers.Cryodestruction of the liver stump after its resection and the bed of the gallbladder after cholecystectomy reduces blood loss by 30-40%, and also helps to reduce the number of relapses of the disease. There were not observed bleeding and bile leakage in postoperative period. Histological examination proved picture of avascular necrosis, a violation of tissue structure of subjected to destruction liver focal diseases, death of epithelial lining of non-parasitic cysts and membranes of echinococcal cysts. There were not diseases recurrences in the period from 4 to 6 years.Conclusion. Endoscopic porous TiNi cryoapplicator is simple and convenient in use, it has a good hemo- and cholestatic effects, pronounced effect to local destruction of liver focal diseases, can be recommended for open and laparoscopic operations on liver.

Application of 3D Technologies in Surgery on the Example of Liver Echinococcosis

Preoperative assessment of an echinococcal liver cyst with surrounding tissue structures is extremely important for planning the course of surgical intervention. The paper presents the first experience of treating a patient with a parasitic cyst using three-dimensional reconstruction of the liver affected by echinococcus at the preoperative stage. The use of this approach made it possible to avoid the development of intraoperative complications and get a good treatment result.

Characterization of digenetic trematodes infecting African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) based on integrated morphological, molecular, histopathological, and immunological examination.

Parasitic infection may cause massive losses in Clarias gariepinus fries and fingerlings. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize the digenetic trematodes species (two adults' flukes and one metacercariae) infecting African catfish Clarias gariepinus, as well as their histopathological impacts on infected fish. The intestinal flukes were identified as Orientocreadium batrachoides and Masenia bangweulensis based on their morphological and molecular characteristics. Sequencing of their 28S (LSU rRNA) and 18S rRNA (SSU rRNA) genes confirmed that these trematodes belong to the families Orientocreadiidae and Cephalogonimidae, respectively. The metacercariae trematode infecting skin and muscles were only morphologically identified as Cyanodiplostomum sp. The gene expression levels of MHC II increased in naturally infected fish either with O. batrachoides or Cyanodiplostomum sp. alone, compared with uninfected catfish. In addition, lysozyme levels in individual fish serum increased in catfish infected either with O. batrachoides or Cyanodiplostomum sp. alone. Histopathological examination of the skin revealed embedded parasitic cysts that displaced tissue in the dermis. Surrounding tissues were infiltrated with melanomacrophages and displayed dermal edema. Histopathological analysis showed O. batrachoides or M. bangweulensis between the gastric folds of the stomach of infected catfish, causing infiltration of mononuclear inflammatory cells in the lamina propria.

Parasitic cysts in wild boars hunted in Central Italy: The sanitary controls in the wild game meats chain.

Seven hundred sixty-five (765) adult wild boars were examined during the 2016/2017 hunting season for the research of parasites. Post mortem inspection was carried out at the slaughterhouse by the Official Veterinarian on the plucks (heart, tongue, lungs, diaphragm, and liver) of the killed animals presented by hunters. Of these, 0.8% (6/765) were positive for Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.), and 2.6% (20/765) were positive for the metacestode stage of Taenia hydatigena (Cysticercus tenuicollis), while 0.5% (4/765) animals showed a mixed infection (Echinococcus granulosus s.l. and Taenia hydatigena). Sixty-three (63) cystic lesions were found. Of these 25,4% (16/63) were caused by Echinococcus granulosus s.l. and 74,6% (47/63) were caused by Cysticercus tenuicollis. The more involved organs were liver and lungs, in a less extension omentum and diaphragm. Parasitological analyses showed an overall prevalence of 3.9% for metacestodes in the hunted animals examined (Paoletti et al., 2018). Hydatids were molecularly characterized as E. granulosus sensu stricto. Trichinella spp. examination results showed no evidences of parasitic cysts. The products of hunting used for own consumption and direct sale to the final consumer or retailer, according to Regulation (EC) No 853/2004, lack of overall control by the Competent Authority. This is a critical point in the food chain of the game meat. The data obtained show the importance of the post mortem inspection and the central role of the Competent Authority to ensure not only the food safety of game meat but also to collect data for extensive epidemiological investigations on live-stocks wildlife settings having a direct impact on public health.

Plant parasitic cyst nematodes redirect host indole metabolism via NADPH oxidase‐mediated ROS to promote infection

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated in response to infections often activate immune responses in eukaryotes including plants. In plants, ROS are primarily produced by plasma membrane-bound NADPH oxidases called respiratory burst oxidase homologue (Rboh). Surprisingly, Rbohs can also promote the infection of plants by certain pathogens, including plant parasitic cyst nematodes. The Arabidopsis genome contains 10 Rboh genes (RbohA-RbohJ). Previously, we showed that cyst nematode infection causes a localised ROS burst in roots, mediated primarily by RbohD and RbohF. We also found that plants deficient in RbohD and RbohF (rbohD/F) exhibit strongly decreased susceptibility to cyst nematodes, suggesting that Rboh-mediated ROS plays a role in promoting infection. However, little information is known of the mechanism by which Rbohs promote cyst nematode infection. Here, using detailed genetic and biochemical analyses, we identified WALLS ARE THIN1 (WAT1), an auxin transporter, as a downstream target of Rboh-mediated ROS during parasitic infections. We found that WAT1 is required to modulate the host's indole metabolism, including indole-3-acetic acid levels, in infected cells and that this reprogramming is necessary for successful establishment of the parasite. In conclusion, this work clarifies a unique mechanism that enables cyst nematodes to use the host's ROS for their own benefit.

A Large Parasitic Dermoid Cyst in The Pouch of Douglas, A Torsion Complication?

Abstract
 Objectives:
 To identify the underlying etiology of dermoid cysts in the pouch of Douglas.
 Case presentation:
 A 44-year-old woman presented to our clinic complaining of chronic, dull-aching lower abdominal pain of one-month duration. Pelvic ultrasound examination showed an eight-centimeter cystic appearing lesion in the right adnexa. Computed tomography (CT) suggested the diagnosis of dermoid cyst. Laparoscopy revealed a residual ovarian tissue on the right side and an eight-centimeter cystic mass occupying the pouch of Douglas. The entire specimen was removed en bloc through the umbilicus incision inside a bag with no spillage. Histopathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of a mature cystic teratoma.
 Conclusion:
 Parasitic dermoid cysts are extremely rare entity especially those located in the pouch of Douglas. Autoamputation and reimplantation is the most accepted etiology to explain this phenomenon.
 
 Key-words: Autoamputation, dermoid cyst, Douglas, Laparoscopy, Mature cystic teratoma

Surgical treatment of liver echinococcosis

Objective. To improve the results of treatment of patients with liver echinococcosis and carry out a comparative assessment of techniques of surgical treatment depending on the nature of postoperative complications, hospital stay and antirecurrent efficacy.
 Materials and methods. The experience of complex examination and treatment of 65 patients with liver echinococcosis for the period of 1999-2019 was analyzed. Open echinococectomy was performed in 21 patients, atypical liver resection in 18 patients, anatomical liver resection in 14 patients, pericystectomy in 10, laparoscopic echinococectomy in 1, percutaneous puncture of an echinococcal cyst under ultrasound control in 1 patient.
 Results. The time of inpatient treatment of patients after open echinococectomy was 23.5 4.3 days, after pericystectomy 19.8 1.4 days, after liver resection 14.4 2.7 days, after laparoscopic echinococcectomy 6, after percutaneous puncture echinococcal cyst 7 days. Postoperative complications were observed in 52.4 % of patients who underwent open echinococectomy, in 20 % of patients after pericystectomy, and in 15.6 % after liver resection. There were no relapses of liver echinococcosis in all the groups. Mortality was 1.5 % and was recorded after open echinococectomy.
 Conclusions. The most effective techniques for preventing postoperative complications are pericystectomy and liver resection. The duration of surgery and the average length of hospital stay with minimally invasive methods of treatment are shorter. However, the use of these methods of treatment remains controversial due to the possibility of intra-abdominal spread of the parasite. Patients with parasitic liver cysts after surgical treatment are subjected to dynamic follow-up observation (ultrasound examination of the liver, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, computed tomography of the abdominal organs) after 3-6 months for at least 5 years.

Parasitological and bacteriological survey of liquid wastes from Naze industrial clusters in Owerri, Imo state

Liquid wastes are known to be highly contaminated and pose great public health risk, especially when indiscriminately discharged to the environment. The parasitological and bacteriological survey of liquid wastes from Naze industrial clusters in Owerri metropolis was carried out. Sewage wastewater and laundry wastewater were used as study samples. 100mls each of the samples were collected from the drainage sites with sterile screw-capped specimen bottles, and sent to the laboratory for analysis. The liquid wastes were filtered and the filtrates were used for the analysis. Parasitological analysis employed Zinc Sulphate Centrifugal Flotation Technique and Modified Ziel-Nielsen stain (Acid-Fast Staining). Parasitic ova, cysts, larva and oocysts isolated were identified using standard morphological and taxonomic keys. Bacterial isolates were identified using standard microbiological techniques and biochemical characteristics where necessary. Parasites such as Ascaris lumbricoides, Strongyloides stercoralis, Trichuris trichiura, Enterobius vermicularis, Schistosoma mansoni, Hymenolepsis nana, Entamoeba histolytica, Gardia lamblia, Balantidium coll and Isospora belli were isolated from the liquid wastes. Bacteria species isolated included Erwinia amylovora, Listeria monocytogens, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus vulgaris. The results showed that the most prevalent parasite and bacteria isolated were Ascaris lumbricoides 49(37.6%) and Salmonella typhi (3.38x104 CFU/mL) respectively. These potentially pathogenic parasites and bacteria detected in these liquid wastes, pose serious threat to public health. Interventive measures such as public health education, adequate drainage and waste disposal system, regular and monitored environmental sanitation, and provision of safe and portable water supply to the study area, are recommended.

Parasitic Contamination of Local Drinking Water Sources in Aba Metropolis, Abia State, Nigeria

Water-borne parasitic infections have become a source of concern in recent times due to the contamination of various water sources. A survey on the parasitic contamination of local drinking water sources in Aba metropolis was carried out between August and October 2018. This was done to evaluate the extent of contamination of these water sources and their public health implications. A total number of eighty (80) water samples were investigated from five (5) major water sources within the study area using the standard sedimentation method and examined for parasite cysts, eggs and larvae. Physical/macroscopic examination was done to determine the pH, colour, odour, temperature and presence/absence of particles. Among the water sources analyzed, stream water samples had the highest rate of parasite contamination 27 (44.3%) followed by river water 14 (22.9%) while the least contaminated was borehole 7 (11.5%). Rainwater was found free from parasitic infestation. The differences in the level of contamination among the water sources analyzed were found to be statistically significant (P<0.05). Five parasites Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, Ascaris lumbricoides of Entamoeba coli and Hookworm were observed. Each of the sample sources except rainwater harbored at least one of these. Among these parasites, Giardia lamblia had the highest rate occurrence of 15 (24.6%), followed by Entamoeba histolytica 14 (22.9%) and the least frequently occurring parasite was hookworm 8 (13.1%). Most of the identified water sources are utilized by the populace who lack access to potable water. The detection of protozoan and helminthic parasites in drinking water sources is a serious public health concern, hence the proper implementation of a supply of safe drinking water is vital.

A rare clinical presentation of human <i>Dirofilaria repens</i> infection as a pseudo-tumour of the epididymis – Case Report

Introduction. Epididymal dirofilariasis is one of the unusual manifestations of this zoonosis. In Slovakia, this is the third case out of 20 Dirofilaria repens infected patients in whom the worm (the parasite) was identified in the epididymis. The patient felt a painless tumour about 2 cm in size on the left testicle. During ultrasound examination, the radiologist observed a cyst containing a live worm within the epididymis. After mechanical stimulation, the movement characteristic for filarial worms (´filarial dance sign´) appeared. An orchiectomy was performed at the Department of Urology in the University Hospital in Kosice. Histopathology confirmed a parasitic cyst with a worm, and based on characteristic morphological features, the parasite was identified as Dirofilaria repens. Objective. The aim of case report is to alert physicians to the possibility dirofilarial infection of the epididymis, where tumors and cystic structures often occur and to present clinical signs of the disease.

Morphomolecular and pathological study of Scaphanocephalus sp. in new host Siganus argenteus in the Arabian Gulf.

In this study, Scaphanocephalus parasite (Platyhelminthes: Heterophyidae) metacercariae were found in Siganus argenteus (forktail rabbitfish or streamlined spinefoot) in the Arabian Gulf of Jubail province, Saudi Arabia. The findings may constitute new host and locality records for this parasite. Based on the number of black spots containing parasite cysts per fish, our study indicated that Siganus argenteus had high infection intensities of encysted metacercariae belonging to the genus Scaphanocephalus. Of the 3500 S. argenteus specimens examined, 800 (22.9%) showed multiple black cysts over the entire body surface, including the membranous parts of fins, while none were seen on the internal organs. The prevalence of infection was highest in summer (June-August) (8.8%). The excysted metacercariae differed morphologically from previously identified Scaphanocephalus spp. Molecular analysis of rDNA showed 100% identity with an unnamed Scaphanocephalus sp. reported in Caribbean fish. Therefore, our findings may indicate a new species of this previously rarely recorded fish parasite. The histopathological examination revealed that the encysted parasites were restricted to the dermal layer of the skin and surrounded by melanophores and a fibrous connective tissue capsule, with focal myositis and Zenker's necrosis in the underlying muscle tissue. The characteristically 'winged' parasite was clearly observed within the cysts. The high prevalence of Scaphanocephalus infection in siganid fish we detected requires further epidemiological study.

Insights into immunopathology and triggering of apoptosis in chronic cerebral toxoplasmosis using murine models.

toxoplasmosis is a cosmopolitan protozoan disease with a wide range of neuropathology. Recent studies identified its potential association with several mental disorders e.g. schizophrenia dependable on apoptosis in their pathogenesis. We investigated value of toxoplasmosis to induce apoptosis of the neuronal cells. per-orally infected C57BL/6 mice with 15-20 cysts of the avirulent T. gondii Beverly strain at 9-11 weeks of age were examined 12 weeks later during parasite establishment. Distributions of the parasite's cysts and the histopathological lesions in the brains were analyzed using Image J software. Relative expression of TNF-α and iNOS of cell-mediated immunity (CMI), Bax (pro-apoptosis) and Bcl-2 (anti-apoptosis) were all assessed using immunohistochemistry. higher parasite burden was seen in the forebrain with p value <= 0.05. Dramatically increased TNF-α, iNOS, and Bax expressions with Bax/Bcl-2 ratio 2.42:0.52 were reported (p value <= 0.05). The significant correlation between Bax data and different CMI biomarkers including TNF-α and i-NOS was evaluated. Interestingly, no significant correlation was seen between TNF-α, iNOS, Bax and Bcl-2 expressions and location of the parasite. However, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was statistically correlated with CMI biomarkers and whole sample mean parasite burden, p value <= 0.05. Chronic toxoplasmosis exhibits an immense pro-apoptotic signal on the cerebral tissues of experimental mice.

Current status and progress in the treatment of congenital liver cyst

Liver cyst is a relatively common benign liver disease. According to the cause of the disease, it can be divided into two types: non-parasitic liver cyst and parasitic liver cyst. Congenital liver cyst is the most common non-parasitic liver cyst in clinical practice, also known as true cyst, which mainly include simple liver cyst and polycystic liver diseases (PLD). In recent years, with the popularization of ultrasound and other examinations, the detection rate of liver cyst has increased year by year, but there is no unified consensus on the treatment of liver cysts. This article reviews the conservative treatment, puncture drainage, aspiration sclerotherapy, surgical treatment and other treatment options for congenital liver cysts, as well as the technological progress in recent years.

The private life of Cystodinium: in situ observation of its attachments and population dynamics.

Phytoplankton images were collected using an Imaging Flow Cytobot moored in the mesotrophic lake Lac Montjoie (Quebec, Canada). Cystodinium—an unusual dinoflagellate genus—was found during manual classification of the images into taxonomic groups while building an automated classifier. Cystodinium’s particularity is that while it can take a typical motile dinoflagellate form, it is thought to exist primarily as an immotile photosynthetically competent parasitic cyst in the shape of a crescent moon. Observations presented here are of this immotile lunate cyst. Manually classified images revealed that the majority of the Cystodinium found (86%) were attached to other microalgae or detrital material while the rest were unattached. The established auto-classifier was only able to correctly identify unattached Cystodinium images and thus was used to generate time series as cells per 100 mL for the unattached cell subset. Our observations, coupled with a literature review, lead us to question the parasitic nature of this taxonomic group.

Segmentation of focal liver lesions and virtual resection based on computed tomography data

The aim of the study was to test the work of plugins for segmentation and virtual resection of focal liver lesions based on CT data. Materials and methods. Analysis of CT data of the abdominal organs with bolus contrast enhancement in 80 patients with focal liver lesions was carried out. Segmentation and 3D-modeling of the CT data was carried out by radiologists and the surgeon in the ‘Autoplan’ system. Results . The liver nosological structure in patients was determined (the most common were hemangiomas in 21.25% of 80 patients, cysts in 20%, parasitic cysts in 20%, etc.), according to the computed tomography results. The segmentation of the liver, its focal lesions, arteries and veins was carried out using the ‘Autoplan’ system. The surgeon determined the volume of the parenchyma and focal liver formations using the standard function ‘volume of segmentation’, chose the optimal treatment tactics and performed a virtual liver resection. In some cases, the use of segmentation and preoperative planning made it possible to avoid an inefficient surgery. The effectiveness of modeling changed the treatment tactics of 42 patients. Conclusion. The obtained results indicate that the use of the ‘Autoplan’ system plugins for planning an abdominal surgery allows doctors: 1) to carry out the segmentation of liver, focal lesions and blood vessels; 2) to determine the location of a focal formation in a particular segment, their combination; 3) to perform a virtual resection, evaluate the structures passing through it; 4) to choose the optimal tactics of intervention or abandon it due to objective anatomical reasons.

LIVER ECHINOCOCCOSIS: DIAGNOSIS AND SURGICAL TREATMENT EXPERIENCE

Summary. The purpose: to analyze the results of treatment of patients with liver echinococcosis.&#x0D; Materials and methods: results of treatment of 76 patients with echinococcosis of the liver were analyzed, women — 66 (86,8 %), men — 10 (13,2 %). Primary echinococcosis was detected in 73 (96,1 %) patients, secondary — in 3 (3,9 %). Among instrumental research methods, ultrasound and computed tomography examination were of diagnostic value. Single liver cysts were found in 66 (86,8 %) patients, multiple — in 10 (13,2 %). Among patients with solitary cysts, the right lobe was more often affected in 56 (73,7 %) patients than the left — 20 (26,3 %) cases. Echinococcosis complications were observed in 16 (21,1 %) patients. Among them, most often there were suppurations of the cyst — in 13 (17,1 %); a break of the cyst in the free abdominal cavity — in 1 (1,3 %), in the pleural cavity — 1 (1,3 %), in the biliary tract — in 1 (1,3 %). In 20 (26,3 %) cases, the operation was performed from the upper median access, in 46 (60,5%) — from oblique hypochondriac accesses by Kocher or by Fedorov. Pericystectomy was performed in 52 (68,4 %) patients, in 8 (10,5 %) patients had resections of liver segments with an echinococcal cyst, in 4 (5,3 %) — cyst opening with removal of contents and treatment of its cavity. Laparoscopic echinococectomy was used in 12 (15,8 %) patients. In the postoperative period, complications were observed in 16 (21,1 %) patients. The use of the welding electrocoagulator EK-300M «Swarmed» in the thermal rehabilitation of the walls of the residual cavity after echinococectomy allowed to reduce blood loss from (2200 ± 210) to (250 ± 50) ml, recurrences – with 2,8 up to 0 %. Before and after operation was performed antireсedive antiparasitic therapy with albendazole (Vormil) in two cycles of 28 days, separated by a 14-day break. The dose at body weight over 60 kg was 400 mg 2 times a day, and for less than 60 kg the drug was prescribed at a rate of 15 mg/kg/day.&#x0D; Results. With the use of laparoscopic echinococectomy, intraoperative blood loss was reduced by 9 times (р=0,0001); duration of operation — 2 times (р&gt;0,05), stay in hospital - 3,3 times (р=0,002). There were no fatal outcomes.&#x0D; Conclusions. Pericystectomy is an effective operation for complete recovery and does not give recurrence of the disease. The use of a welding electrocoagulator and laparoscopic echinococectomy significantly improve the results of treatment of patients with parasitic liver cysts.

Pathogenic parasites in sewage irrigated crops and soil: pattern of occurrence and health implications

ABSTRACT The current study aimed to determine the contamination level by human parasite eggs and cysts of sewage-irrigated soil, food crops and fodder crops. Field trials were conducted on spray-irrigated lettuce and flood-irrigated crops using raw wastewater and fresh water. Findings showed that irrigation by raw wastewater led to crops contamination with parasite eggs and cysts in varying levels. Lettuce samples were positive (27.7%) for one or more helminth eggs including the pathogens Ascaris and Trichuris with an average of 4.7 eggs/kg. Wastewater application caused an increase in lettuce contamination, followed by a decreasing phase. Cessation of irrigation resulted in helminth eggs disappearance within a week. Flood-irrigated crops were contaminated with helminth eggs in levels ranging from 1.5 eggs/kg in alfalfa to 4.75 eggs/kg in coriander. The pathogenic Giardia,Entamoeba histolytica/dispar and commensal amoeba cysts were highly detected reaching 9.97x103 cysts/kg in alfalfa. Parasites highly concentrated in soil, with levels up to 159 eggs/100gdw and 1.3x103 cysts/gdw. Ascaris and Trichuris eggs developed in soil and crops attaining the infective stage. Crops and soil irrigated with fresh water were free from parasite eggs and cysts. The occurrence of pathogens in soil and crops implies health risks for farmers, produce handlers and consumers.

Treatment of splenic cysts

: Splenic cysts are a relatively rare entity with variable etiology. They are typically classified as primary or secondary cysts, and primary cysts are divided into parasitic and non-parasitic cysts. Parasitic cysts are typically caused by Echinococcus granulosis or multilocularis. Secondary cysts lack an epithelial lining and are therefore considered psuedocysts. They are frequently discovered incidentally and otherwise typically present with symptoms related to mass effect of the cyst. The management is greatly dependent upon size and symptomatology. Cysts that are parasitic, large, or symptomatic require operative intervention. Cysts that present with rupture or infection also require operative intervention. Laparoscopic surgery is safe and effective in surgical management of splenic cysts, and spleen preservation is preferable whenever it is possible, though splenectomy vaccines should be given if spleen preservation seems unlikely. There are a variety of techniques in operative management of splenic cysts. They can be managed by partial splenectomy, decapsulation, cyst fenestration, or unroofing of the cyst. The other technique that can be used in patients who are of prohibitive surgical risk is “PAIR” which stands for Puncture of cyst, Aspiration of cyst contents, Injection to sterilize the cyst, and Re-aspiration. This has a greater recurrence rate as does any technique that leaves any remaining cyst wall behind.

Transcriptome and Secretome Analysis of Intra-Mammalian Life-Stages of Calicophoron daubneyi Reveals Adaptation to a Unique Host Environment

AbstractParamphistomosis, caused by the rumen fluke, Calicophoron daubneyi, is a parasitic infection of ruminant livestock, which has seen a rapid rise in prevalence throughout Western Europe in recent years. After ingestion of metacercariae (parasite cysts) by the mammalian host, newly excysted juveniles (NEJs) emerge and invade the duodenal submucosa, which causes significant pathology in heavy infections. The immature flukes then migrate upward, along the gastrointestinal tract, and enter the rumen where they mature and begin to produce eggs. Despite their emergence, and sporadic outbreaks of acute disease, we know little about the molecular mechanisms used by C. daubneyi to establish infection, acquire nutrients, and avoid the host immune response. Here, transcriptome analysis of four intramammalian life-cycle stages, integrated with secretome analysis of the NEJ and adult parasites (responsible for acute and chronic diseases, respectively), revealed how the expression and secretion of selected families of virulence factors and immunomodulators are regulated in accordance with fluke development and migration. Our data show that while a family of cathepsins B with varying S2 subsite residues (indicating distinct substrate specificities) is differentially secreted by NEJs and adult flukes, cathepsins L and F are secreted in low abundance by NEJs only. We found that C. daubneyi has an expanded family of aspartic peptidases, which is upregulated in adult worms, although they are under-represented in the secretome. The most abundant proteins in adult fluke secretions were helminth defense molecules that likely establish an immune environment permissive to fluke survival and/or neutralize pathogen-associated molecular patterns such as bacterial lipopolysaccharide in the microbiome-rich rumen. The distinct collection of molecules secreted by C. daubneyi allowed the development of the first coproantigen-based ELISA for paramphistomosis which, importantly, did not recognize antigens from other helminths commonly found as coinfections with rumen fluke.