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Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) emerged in the past 20 years due to massive amounts of scientific data regarding transcriptomic analyses. They have been implicated in a plethora of cellular processes in higher eukaryotes. However, little is known about lncRNA possible involvement in parasitic diseases, with most studies only detecting their presence in parasites of human medical importance. Here, we review the progress on lncRNA studies and their functions in protozoans and helminths. In addition, we show an example of knockdown of one lncRNA in Schistosoma mansoni, SmLINC156349, which led to in vitro parasite adhesion, motility, and pairing impairment, with a 20% decrease in parasite viability and 33% reduction in female oviposition. Other observed phenotypes were a decrease in the proliferation rate of both male and female worms and their gonads, and reduced female lipid and vitelline droplets that are markers for well-developed vitellaria. Impairment of female worms' vitellaria in SmLINC156349-silenced worms led to egg development deficiency. All those results demonstrate the great potential of the tools and methods to characterize lncRNAs as potential new therapeutic targets. Further, we discuss the challenges and limitations of current methods for studying lncRNAs in parasites and possible solutions to overcome them, and we highlight the future directions of this exciting field.

Background Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by hematodes of genus Schistosoma. This review evaluated the available nucleic acid amplification techniques for diagnosing S. mansoni infections in humans, intermediate host snails, and presumed rodent reservoirs. Methods Sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and 95% CI were calculated based on available literature. The potential of PCR, nPCR, PCR-ELISA, qPCR, and LAMP was compared for diagnosing S. mansoni infections. Results A total of 546 published records were identified. Quality assessment by QUADAS-2 revealed an uncertain risk in most studies, and 21 references were included in the final. For human samples, the four nucleic acid amplification techniques showed an overall sensitivity of 89.79% (95% CI: 83.92%-93.67%), specificity of 87.70% (95% CI: 72.60%-95.05%), and DOR of 37.73 (95% CI: 21.79-65.33). LAMP showed the highest sensitivity, followed by PCR-ELISA, PCR, and qPCR, while this order was almost reversed for specificity; qPCR had the highest AUC. For rodent samples, qPCR showed modest sensitivity (68.75%, 95% CI: 43.32%-86.36%) and high specificity (92.45%, 95% CI: 19.94%-99.83%). For snail samples, PCR and nPCR assays showed high sensitivity of 90.06% (95% CI: 84.39%-93.82%) and specificity of 85.51% (95% CI: 54.39%-96.69%). Conclusion Nucleic acid amplification techniques had high diagnostic potential for identifying S. mansoni infections in humans.

Biomphalaria spp. snails are intermediary hosts of Schistosoma mansoni, etiologic agent of intestinal schistosomiasis, one of the most important neglected tropical diseases. Biomphalaria straminea is an important intermediary host that possess a different phenotype to parasite infection but shows a large geographic distribution and high capacity of new ecologic niche invasion. Our purpose was to characterize for the first time the differentially expressed proteome in B. straminea during two times intervals after primary and secondary exposure to S. mansoni. The hemolymph was collected at 1 and 15 days after primary and secondary exposure of snails to the parasite. Total proteins were extracted and digested with trypsin. LC-MS/MS label-free quantification was performed and analyzed using Maxquant and Perseus software. Proteins were identified and annotated using Blast2GO tools. After 1 day of exposure, most of upregulated proteins are hemoglobin type 2, C and H type lectins, molecules related to cell adhesion, and response to oxidative stress. After 15 days, we found a similar pattern of upregulated proteins but some fibrinogen-related proteins (FREPs) and TEPs homologs were downregulated. Regarding the differentially expressed proteins during secondary response, the principal immune-related proteins upregulated were C and H type lectins, cellular adhesion molecules, biomphalysin, and FREP3. We noted a several upregulated biological processes during both responses that could be the one of the key points of efficacy in the immune response to parasite. Our data suggests different immune mechanisms used by B. straminea snails challenged with S. mansoni.

Schistosomiasis is a major public health problem that afflicts more than 240 million individuals globally, particularly in poor communities. Treatment of schistosomiasis relies heavily on a single oral drug, praziquantel, and there is interest in the search for new antischistosomal drugs. This study reports the anthelmintic evaluation of carvacryl acetate, a derivative of the terpene carvacrol, against Schistosoma mansoni ex vivo and in a schistosomiasis animal model harboring either adult (patent infection) or juvenile (prepatent infection) parasites. For comparison, data obtained with gold standard antischistosomal drug praziquantel are also presented. Initially in vitro effective concentrations of 50% (EC50) and 90% (EC90) were determined against larval and adult stages of S. mansoni. In an animal with patent infection, a single oral dose of carvacryl acetate (100, 200, or 400 mg/kg) caused a significant reduction in worm burden (30–40%). S. mansoni egg production, a process responsible for both life cycle and pathogenesis, was also markedly reduced (70–80%). Similar to praziquantel, carvacryl acetate 400 mg/kg had low efficacy in pre-patent infection. In tandem, although carvacryl acetate had interesting in vitro schistosomicidal activity, the compound exhibited low efficacy in terms of reduction of worm load in S. mansoni-infected mice.

Schistosomiasis is caused by dioecious helminths of the genus Schistosoma. Recent work indicated that unpaired female and male schistosomes can survive within their definitive host for at least 1 year, although the viability or fertility of these worms after subsequent pairing remained untested. We performed two experiments on laboratory mice, one with female Schistosoma japonicum exposure first and male schistosomes second and another vice versa. After surviving as single-sex unpaired forms for up to 1 year, 58.5% of male and 70% of female schistosomes were able to mate and produce viable eggs. This highlights an additional biological challenge in achieving elimination of schistosomiasis.

Schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease (NTD), is one of the most prevalent parasitoses in the World. Certain freshwater snail species are the intermediate host in the life cycle of schistosome species. Controlling snails employing molluscicides is an effective, quick, and convenient intervention strategy to prevent the spread of Schistosoma species in endemic regions. Advances have been made in developing both synthetic molluscicides and molluscicides derived from plants. However, at present, the development of molluscicides is not adapted to the actual demand for snails and schistosoma controlling. We undertake a systematic review of exploitation and application of synthetic molluscicides and molluscicides derived from plants to combat intermediate host snails. The detailed molluscicidal activity, structure–activity relationship, structural feature, and possible mechanism of some molluscicides are also highlighted, which may afford an important reference for the design of new, more effective molluscicides with low environmental impact and realize the aim of controlling schistosome at transmission stages. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00436-021-07288-4.

Schistosomiasis is an important fresh-water-borne parasitic disease caused by trematode worms of the genus Schistosoma. With > 250 million people infected worldwide and approximately 800 million people at risk, the World Health Organization considers schistosomiasis to be the most important human helminth infection. Several prophylactic non-living vaccines are in pre-clinical and clinical development, but only one has been assessed for therapeutic effect in an animal model with modest results. Live attenuated Salmonella have multiple potential advantages as vaccine vectors. We have engineered an attenuated Salmonella enterica Typhimurium strain (YS1646) to produce a vaccine that targets the parasite digestive enzyme Cathepsin B (CatB). A multi-modality immunization schedule was used in chronically infected mice that included three oral (PO) doses of this CatB-bearing YS1646 strain on days one, three, and five as well as an intramuscular (IM) dose of recombinant CatB on day one. Parasite burden (worm count, intestinal and liver egg numbers) were 46.5 – 50.3% lower than in control animals 1 month post-vaccination and relative reductions further increased to 63.9 – 73.3% at 2 months. Serum anti-CatB IgG increased significantly after vaccination with the development of a more balanced TH1/TH2 pattern of response (ie: a shift in the IgG1:IgG2c ratio). Compared to control animals, a broad and robust CatB-specific cytokine/chemokine response was seen in splenocytes isolated 1 month post-vaccination. A vaccine that has both prophylactic and therapeutic activity would be ideal for use in conjunction with mass treatment campaigns with praziquantel in schistosome-endemic countries.

Understanding of the larval trematode infections in snail intermediate hosts is essential in designing appropriate control measures. The current study was designed to determine larval trematode infection and seasonal variations in freshwater intermediate host snails Iringa and Arumeru Districts where trematode infections in cattle are endemic. A repeated cross-sectional study was adopted whereby Snails were collected three times a year (dry, early wet and mid wet). The selection of water bodies for sampling was based on random sampling and snails were collected by scooping method. The collected snails were identified based on the published morphological keys. A total of 2,016 snails were collected and 134 (6.6%) were found to be infected with trematode larvae. Six species of snails were identified that were Radix natalensis, Bulinus africanus group snails, Bulinus tropicus group snails, Bulinus forskalli group snails, Biomphalaria pfeifferi and Ceratophallous natalensis. Five morphologically different types of cercariae were identified that included gymnocephalous, amphistomes, mammalian Schistosoma, avian Schistosoma and Xiphidiocercariae. The findings on overall seasonal snail infection rates indicated low rate during the wet season while peak of infections were in the dry and early wet seasons. It is concluded that domesticated ruminants in the study areas are at high risk of getting infected with the trematodes (Fasciola and amphistomes) during dry and early wet seasons. Therefore, deworming of domesticated ruminants with an effective flukicide is recommended at the end of the wet season and followed by a treatment in mid dry season and the last treatment in early wet season.

Helminths are the old dirty friends of humans from decades and may live undetected by the immune system for years in the tissues. They have evolved as good experts at subverting the immune system. Despite of their pathogenicity, they provide protection to their host against certain inflammatory diseases such as diabetes by modulating the immune mechanisms. These parasites are extra-cellular and induce Th2 response which triggers the adaptive immune cells as well as innate immune cells to work synergistically allowing Tregs to work in a toll-like receptor-dependent manure. T-helper cells type-2 also secrete certain anti-inflammatory cytokines including IL-4, IL-10, IL-13 and TGF-β which also provide protection against type-1 diabetes. Several helminths such as T. crassiceps, S. venezuelensis, filarial worms, Schistosoma spp. and T. spiralis have been reported to prevent diabetes in mouse models as well as in some clinical trials. Immunomodulatory talent of helminths is receiving greater attention to prevent diabetes. Herein, an attempt has been made to review and highlight the possible immuno-modulatory mechanisms by which helminths provide protection against diabetes. Moreover, this review also emphasizes on the use of helminth-derived molecules or synthetic derivatives of helminth-antigens in clinical trials to overcome rapidly growing autoimmune disorders including diabetes.

Control and elimination of the parasitic disease schistosomiasis relies on mass administration of praziquantel. Whilst these programmes reduce infection prevalence and intensity, their impact on parasite transmission and evolution is poorly understood. Here we examine the genomic impact of repeated mass drug administration on Schistosoma mansoni populations with documented reduced praziquantel efficacy. We sequenced whole-genomes of 198 S. mansoni larvae from 34 Ugandan children from regions with contrasting praziquantel exposure. Parasites infecting children from Lake Victoria, a transmission hotspot, form a diverse panmictic population. A single round of treatment did not reduce this diversity with no apparent population contraction caused by long-term praziquantel use. We find evidence of positive selection acting on members of gene families previously implicated in praziquantel action, but detect no high frequency functionally impactful variants. As efforts to eliminate schistosomiasis intensify, our study provides a foundation for genomic surveillance of this major human parasite., Schistosomiasis control strategies rely on mass drug administration (MDA) using praziquantel. Here, Berger et al. perform whole-genome sequencing of larvae from infected children across Ugandan regions with differing MDA histories. They find extensive gene flow with limited positive selection suggesting minimal change post MDA.

Human schistosomiasis is a debilitating, life-threatening disease affecting more than 229 million people in as many as 78 countries. There is only one drug of choice effective against all three major species of Schistosoma, praziquantel (PZQ). However, as with many monotherapies, evidence for resistance is emerging in the field and can be selected for in the laboratory. Previously used therapies include oxamniquine (OXA), but shortcomings such as drug resistance and affordability resulted in discontinuation. Employing a genetic, biochemical and molecular approach, a sulfotransferase (SULT-OR) was identified as responsible for OXA drug resistance. By crystallizing SmSULT- OR with OXA, the mode of action of OXA was determined. This information allowed a rational approach to novel drug design. Our team approach with schistosome biologists, medicinal chemists, structural biologists and geneticists has enabled us to develop and test novel drug derivatives of OXA to treat this disease. Using an iterative process for drug development, we have successfully identified derivatives that are effective against all three species of the parasite. One derivative CIDD-0149830 kills 100% of all three human schistosome species within 5 days. The goal is to generate a second therapeutic with a different mode of action that can be used in conjunction with praziquantel to overcome the ever-growing threat of resistance and improve efficacy. The ability and need to design, screen, and develop future, affordable therapeutics to treat human schistosomiasis is critical for successful control program outcomes., Graphical abstract Image 1, Highlights • Identification of gene for oxamniquine drug resistance. • Identify the mode of action of oxamniquine. • Develop an iterative approach to drug discovery. • Identify oxamniquine derivatives that will kill the three major species of Schistosoma.

We elucidate the morphology of the miracidia with passive strategy of infection. In contrast to the well-studied "active" free-swimming larvae (e.g., those of Schistosoma, Fasciola, Echinostoma), "passive" miracidia do not search for their hosts in the external environment. The infection occurs only after the mollusk ingests the eggs with the larvae. The miracidia of this type are extremely miniaturized organisms whose somatic elements are reduced compared to the "active" forms. The details of the structure are unknown for the majority of taxa with "passive" larvae. Here, we provide the first description of a gymnophalloid miracidium based on ultrastructural data. The larva of Parvatrema affinis Jameson & Nicoll, 1913 consists of 21 cells. Its nervous and excretory systems are reduced to the extreme level. Its penetration apparatus includes two crystalloid gland-cells, unique among digeneans. The "true" epithelium of its body wall is a novelty never described for any other miracidium. We compare the structure of gymnophalloid and bucephaloid miracidia trying to determine possible ancestral features of the larvae in this digenean lineage and trends of their evolution.

Schistosomiasis is a widespread human parasitic disease currently affecting over 200 million people, particularly in poor communities. Chemotherapy for schistosomiasis relies exclusively on praziquantel (PZQ). Previous studies have shown that licarin A (LIC-A), a dihydrobenzofuran neolignan, exhibited in vitro antiparasitic activity against Schistosoma mansoni adult worms. This study aimed to investigate the potential of LIC-A, isolated as main metabolite from leaves of Nectandra oppositifolia Nees & Mart. (Lauraceae), as an antischistosomal agent orally active in schistosomiasis animal model. PZQ was used as a reference compound. As result, LIC-A showed, at a single dose of 400 mg/kg, to be able to partially cure infected mice (worm burden reductions of ~50%). Parasite eggs, that are responsible for a variety of pathologies and transmission of schistosomiasis, were also moderately inhibited by LIC-A (egg burden reductions of ~50%-60%). Furthermore, it was observed that LIC-A achieved a slight reduction of hepatomegaly and splenomegaly. Collectively, although LIC-A was partially active when administered orally, these results give support for the antiparasitic potential LIC-A as lead compound for novel antischistosomal agent.

Background: Schistosomiasis is a chronic granulomatous inflammation affecting many organs and systems of the body including the gastrointestinal tract with frequent involvement of the appendix. It presents with clinical diagnostic challenge without biopsy and histopathologic evaluation. The study aims to documents the histopathologic pattern of the appendiceal schistosomiasis in our environment. Material and Methods: A 15-year (2004 to 2018) review of all appendix specimens received in the department of Histopahology, Aminu Kano University Teaching Hospital. Information on age, sex and duration of disease was retrieved from request cards and patient case notes. Cases with histological evidence of Schistosomiasis were selected for the study. Data presented as frequency distribution tables, charts and photomicrographs. Results: Thirty six (36) cases of histopathologically confirmed Schistosomal appendicitis constituting 3.2% of all appendectomy specimen with male to female ratio of 9:1, and peak incidence in the third decade of life. Majority (83.3%) of cases show granuloma formation with either calcified or viable schistosoma ova or both. Only 6 cases show Minimal inflammatory response and calcified schistosoma ova. The most common presentation was recurrent and acute appendicitis. Conclusion: Appendiceal schistosomiasis constitutes 3.2% of appendiceal lesions in our settings, affecting predominantly young male. High index of suspicions is therefore advocated in all cases of acute recurrent abdominal pains to avoid unnecessary surgical trauma. Keywords: Appendix, Schistosoma ova, Pathology.

Objective To report the prevalence of polyparasitism during pregnancy in the Lambarene region of Gabon and its association with newborn birth weight. Method Pregnant women in their third trimester were recruited in a prospective study between November 2011 and March 2015. Parasite infection status was assessed microscopically in stool, urine and blood samples. Maternal demographic and obstetrical characteristics and newborns anthropometric data were collected. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association between low birth weight and polyparasitism. Results 678 of 927 pregnant women were included for analysis with mean age (SD) of 25 (6.8) years. The analysis showed that 69% (468/678) were infected with at least one parasite (Plasmodium spp., Schistosoma spp., soil-transmitted helminths, filarial infections). This comprised of 38% with monoparasitism and 31% polyparasitism. The proportion of newborn babies with a weight below 2500 g (LBW) in our study was 21% (142/678). Compared to pregnant women without infection, women with monoparasitic infection had adjusted Odds Ratio confidence interval 95% CI (aOR [95%CI]) of 1.6 [0.95-2.73], those with two parasites had aOR 95%CI of 2.63 [1.51-4.62], and those with more than two parasites had aOR of 5.08 [2.5-10.38] for delivering a newborn with low birth weight. Conclusion In Lambarene, an endemic area for multiple parasite infections, there is a high prevalence of polyparasitism in pregnant women. Polyparasitism is associated with low birth weight. Therefore, there is an urgent need for active screening and treatment of parasite infections in pregnant women to assess the potential public health benefit of such interventions.

A digenetic platyhelminth Schistosoma is the causative agent of schistosomiasis, one of the neglected tropical diseases that affect humans and animals in numerous countries in the Middle East, sub-Saharan Africa, South America and China. Several control methods were used for prevention of infection or treatment of acute and chronic disease. Mass drug administration led to reduction in heavy-intensity infections and morbidity, but failed to decrease schistosomiasis prevalence and eliminate transmission, indicating the need to develop anti-schistosome vaccine to prevent infection and parasite transmission. This review summarizes the efficacy and protective capacity of available schistosomiasis vaccine candidates with some insights and future prospects.

The point-of-care urine based strip test for the detection of circulating cathodic antigen (POC-CCA) in schistosome infections is a frequently used tool for diagnosis and mapping of Schistosoma mansoni in school-aged children. Because of its ease of use, the test is increasingly applied to adults and preschool-aged children (PSAC), but its performance has not been specifically evaluated in these target groups. Recent observations have raised concerns about possible reduced specificity, in particular in pregnant women (PW) and PSAC. We thus explored specificity of the POC-CCA urine strip test (Rapid Medical Diagnostics, Pretoria, South Africa) in a non-endemic, nonexposed population of 47 healthy nonpregnant adults (NPAs), 52 PW, and 58 PSAC. A total of 157 urines were tested with POC-CCA, of which five (10.6%) NPAs, 17 (32.7%) PW, and 27 (46.5%) PSAC were positive. The highest scores were found in the youngest babies, with an infant of 9 months being the oldest positive case. On measuring pH, it appeared that all POC-CCA strongly positive urines were acidic (pH range 5–5.5), whereas addition of pH-neutral buffer to a subsample reversed the false positivity. We conclude that the POC-CCA test has reduced specificity in PW and infants younger than 9 months, but that the false positivity might be eliminated by modifications in the buffers used in the test.

Background: Nanotechnology enables researchers to boost accuracy of the existing diagnostic techniques.Immunomagnetic beads (IMB) based-ELISA was utilized to diagnose several parasitic diseases;schistosomiasis mansoni and japonicum, toxoplasmosis and neurocysticercosis.Objectives: The present work aims to develop and evaluate a novel nano-diagnostic assay using goldnanoparticles (AuNPs) in ELISA (IMB based-ELISA) for the diagnosis of urinary schistosomiasis.Subjects and Methods: IMB based-ELISA assay was developed by preparation of polycolonal antibodies(pAbs) against Schistosoma soluble egg antigen (SEA). The developed novel assay was evaluated in urinesamples of 290 schoolchildren collected from primary and preparatory schools in four villages in Beni-Suefgovernorate, Egypt. Urine samples were screened by chemical reagent strips (Combi 10) and examined byurine microscopy (UM). The conventional ELISA technique was used to evaluate the efficacy of IMB based-ELISA using UM as the gold standard method for diagnosis of urinary schistosomiasis.Results: The novel IMB based-ELISA assay succeeded to diagnose 50 out of 290 schoolchildren (17.2%).In comparison with other methods, results showed that 39/290 (13.4%) were positive by UM and53/290 (18.3%) by conventional ELISA. A sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of the evaluatedELISA assay using UM as the gold standard method were 94.87%, 95.22% and 94.48% respectively. Itwas observed that Combi-10 gave sensitivity and specificity of 35.9% and 94.9% respectively for microhaematuriaand proteinuria.Conclusion: IMB-ELISA based on AuNPs provides a more rapid as well as sensitive detection of SEA in urinesamples of patients with active schistosomiasis. Its high sensitivity and specificity ensure its applicationin field studies. Additionally, urinary schistosomiasis proved highly prevalent in schoolchildren living inBeni-Suef villages.

Background: Since its discovery in 1850 by Theodor Bilharz at Kasr Al-Ainy hospital, Cairo, Egypt,schistosomiasis continues to be a significant health challenge with a wide spectrum of chronic sequelae.There is no reliable single gold standard conventional method (microscopy or serology) for communitieswith low intensity and low transmission settings.Objectives: To evaluate a two-step immunomolecular diagnostic approach to rule-out recent Schistosomare-infection in patients with characteristic pathological radiological features of chronic schistosomiasis.Subjects and Methods: Single serum samples were collected from patients from Kafr El Sheikh, Egypt.Selection of patients was based on microscopic absence of Schistosoma spp. eggs in either stool or urinesamples; abstinence from treatment by Praziquantel in the last 2 months; and clinical and radiologicaldiagnosis of pathological features of chronic schistosomiasis. All serum samples were serologicallyexamined using indirect hemagglutination test (IHAT) for identification of anti-Schistosoma antibodies.Serum samples from 100 seropositive patients using IHAT were tested by multiplex PCR (mPCR) fordetection of species-specific cell-free circulating Schistosoma DNA.Results: None of the seropositive serum samples were positive by PCR targeting Schistosoma speciesspecificgene. Patients who were farmers and/or who had received Praziquantel treatment were associatedwith Schistosoma seropositivity with statistical significance.Conclusion: A two-step immunomolecular diagnostic approach, using a single serum sample, can rule-outacute or active chronic schistosomiasis in patients that have characteristic pathological and radiologicalfeatures of chronic schistosomiasis. Also, the two-step approach avoids over-treatment and developmentof drug resistance to Praziquantel, the only effective broad anti-Schistosoma medicine.

We aimed to explore the population dynamics of snail in 3 sites of the White Nile in Sudan. More specifically, we aimed to investigate the annual patterns of snail populations that act as intermediate hosts of schistosomes and monthly snail infection rates and ecological characteristics presumably related to snail populations. We collected snails for 1 year monthly at 3 different shore sites in the vicinity of El Shajara along the White Nile river in Khartoum State, Sudan. In addition, we measured air and water temperatures, water turbidities, vegetation coverages, and water depths and current speeds. Most of the collected snails were Biomphalaria pfeifferi and Bulinus truncatus. The population densities of snails and their infection rates varied across survey sites. The collected snails liberated S. mansoni and S. haematobium cercariae as well as Amphistome and Echinostome cercariae. Infected snails were found during March-June. The ecological characteristics found to be associated with the absence of snails population were: high turbidity, deep water, low vegetation coverage (near absence of vegetation), high water temperature, and high current speed. To our knowledge, this is the first longitudinal study of the snail population and ecological characteristics in the main basin of the White Nile river.

Background Schistosomiasis remains a major public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa. Although schistosomiasis is well documented in school-aged children in Burkina Faso, prevalence data among preschool-aged children (PSAC) are limited and outdated, and its risk factors in this group remain poorly documented. The main objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and risk factors associated with Schistosoma (S.) mansoni infection among PSAC from Panamasso village, western Burkina Faso. Methodology A cross-sectional study was carried out among 228 children under 6 years old from Panamasso village. Sociodemographic and water contact data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Kato-Katz and formol-ether concentration techniques were used to detect S. mansoni eggs in stool samples. Urine samples were subjected to a point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen (POC-CCA) cassette test and a centrifugation method to check for both S. mansoni and S. haematobium infection, respectively. Potential risk factors for S. mansoni infection were explored using multivariable logistic regression. Results The mean age of children was 40.2 ± 15.0 months. The prevalence of S. mansoni infection as determined by Kato-Katz, formol-ether concentration and POC-CCA was 42.1%, 39.5% and 80.7%, respectively. Based on the combined results of the three methods, the overall prevalence of S. mansoni infection was 81.1%. No case of S. haematobium infection was found. The geometric mean intensity of S. mansoni infection was 107.2 eggs per gram of feces with 54.2%, 33.3% and 12.5% of the children having light, moderate and heavy infections, respectively. Girls (AOR = 2.9, 95% CI 1.3–6.1), a household located within 500 m from the pond (AOR = 3.0, 95% CI 1.0–8.6) or between 500 and 1000 m from the pond (AOR = 3.0, 95% CI 1.2–7.2), and the child’s history of going to the pond (AOR = 5.0, 95% CI 1.7–14.3) were the variables significantly associated with S. mansoni infection. Conclusion S. mansoni was the sole species infecting a high proportion of PSAC in the study area. A mass drug administration program with praziquantel is therefore urgently required for those below 6 years old. Other control strategies should include increased community-awareness and provision of safe water. Graphical Abstract

Appendicitis is the most common cause of acute abdomen leading to invasive surgery. While the mainstay treatment of appendicitis is appendicectomy, there are a few conditions where conservative medical treatment cures the patient. One such condition is intestinal parasitosis, where only pharmacotherapy causes remission. Although Enterobius vermicularis is the commonest parasite in this regard, others such as Schistosoma, Taenia, Ascaris and Trichuris can also be found. Coexistence of two parasites in appendicectomy specimen is distinctly rare. We present one such case here of double infestation with Enterobius and Trichuris in the appendix.

Schistosomiasis, a neglected parasitic tropical disease that has plagued humans for centuries, remains a major public health burden. A primary challenge to understanding schistosomiasis is deciphering the most remarkable pathological feature of this disease, the granuloma - a highly dynamic and self-organized structure formed by both host and parasite components. Granulomas are considered a remarkable example of how parasites evolved with their hosts to establish complex and intimate associations. However, much remains unclear regarding life within the granuloma, and strategies to restrain its development are still lacking. Here we explore current information on the hepatic Schistosoma mansoni granuloma in the light of Ecology and propose that this intricate structure acts as a real ecosystem. The schistosomal granuloma is formed by cells (biotic component), protein scaffolds, fibres, and chemical compounds (abiotic components) with inputs/outputs of energy and matter, as complex as in classical ecosystems. We review the distinct cell populations ('species') within the granuloma and examine how they integrate with each other and interact with their microenvironment to form a multifaceted cell community in different space-time frames. The colonization of the hepatic tissue to form granulomas is explained from the point of view of an ecological succession whereby a community is able to modify its physical environment, creating conditions and resources for ecosystem construction. Remarkably, the granuloma represents a dynamic evolutionary system that undergoes progressive changes in the 'species' that compose its community over time. In line with ecological concepts, we examine the granuloma not only as a place where a community of cells is settled (spatial niche or habitat) but also as a site in which the functional activities of these combined populations occur in an orchestrated way in response to microenvironmental gradients such as cytokines and egg antigens. Finally, we assert how the levels of organization of cellular components in a granuloma as conventionally defined by Cell Biology can fit perfectly into a hierarchical structure of biological systems as defined by Ecology. By rethinking the granuloma as an integrating and evolving ecosystem, we draw attention to the inner workings of this structure that are central to the understanding of schistosomiasis and could guide its future treatment.

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma and involves bovines and snails as a reservoir and intermediate hosts, respectively. This disease is endemic in Lake Mainit, Philippines, as early as 1947. The study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Schistosoma infection in ricefields adjacent to Lake Mainit by collecting Oncomelania hupensis quadrasi snails and bovine fecal samples which are then subjected to laboratory examination and analysis. A total of 345 O. quadrasi individuals and 32 bovine fecal samples were collected from six barangay rice field stations adjacent to Lake Mainit from February and July 2020. Among the six barangays, Alipao had the highest prevalence of Schistosoma in O. quadrasi (39.71%), followed by San Isidro (28.3%), Matin-ao (18%), Poblacion (15%), and Magpayang (2.5%). No Oncomelania snails were collected in the ricefields of Cuyago. Schistosoma japonicum had an overall prevalence of 14.71% in all the bovines sampled, where Cuyago had the highest prevalence (50.0%) followed by Alipao (33.33%). The intensity of infection of Schistosoma eggs per gram (MPEG = 0.70) among bovines is categorized as light. Bovine contamination index calculations revealed that, on average, infected bovines in Lake Mainit excrete ~ 55,000 S. japonicum eggs per day. The study confirms the important role of bovines as a reservoir host for schistosomiasis. The presence of both infected bovines and O. quadrasi in ricefields makes this agricultural venue an important nidus of S. japonicum emergence in Lake Mainit. An integrated approach of mass drug administration (MDA) of praziquantel, implementation of a bovine vaccine-directed control program, and providing farmers with mechanized farm equipment are highly recommended to minimize the risk of exposure and infection to schistosomiasis in rice fields adjacent to the lake.

Bilharziasis is a tropical parasitic disease caused by different species of the genus Schistosoma. One species, S. haematobium, is widely spread in Sudan. There is a scarcity of information about S. haematobium infection among the fishermen in the country. Therefore, this study was designed to determine the prevalence of S. haematobium infection among fishermen, and the immune status among non-infected fishermen in two villages, El Hadib and Hawer-Ajowel at the White Nile state in Sudan. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 119 fishermen in addition to 20 samples from non-endemic area which were included as a control group. Urine samples were examined by sedimentation method and faecal samples were examined by the Kato Katz method and formalin-ether concentration technique. Blood samples were examined for enumeration of IgE antibody and cytokines, interferon Gamma (IFN-γ), Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) and Interleukin10 (IL–10) levels using ELISA. The result of the study indicated that the overall prevalence of S. haematobium among the fishermen was 35 (29.41 %). Of the 35 positive participants, 23 (65.71 %) were infected for the first time, and 12 (34.29 %) for the second time (re-infection). Twenty-four candidates of the non-infected fishermen were included in the immunological study. The total IgE mean titer was 282.90 ±70.93 iu/ml, IFN-γ mean level was 9.62±4.60 pg/ml. TNF, 114.64±46.63 pg/ml and the IL–10 was 1.51±0.58 pg/ml. High prevalence of S. haematobium exists among fishermen and the non-infected fishermen from the endemic area showed high immune response similar to those exposed to the infection.

Schistosomiasis is a major public health problem in Madagascar. The WHO recommends preventive chemotherapy by mass drug administration (MDA) with praziquantel as the primary approach to control Schistosoma mansoni–related morbidity in endemic populations, alongside complementary interventions such as health education. The impact of annual MDA and health education programs was assessed in the hard-to-reach Marolambo district of eastern Madagascar, an area endemic for S. mansoni. Repeated cross-sectional studies undertaken 2015–2019 examined between 300 and 381 school-aged children (aged 5–14 years) annually. The prevalence and infection intensity of S. mansoni were assessed by urine-circulating cathodic antigen (CCA) dipsticks and coproscopy using Kato–Katz (KK) methodologies. After four rounds of annual MDA, a reduction in S. mansoni prevalence was seen in CCA (93.9% in year 1–87.7% in year 5; P = 0.007) and KK (73.9% in year 1–59.4% in year 5; P < 0.0001). The prevalence of heavy-intensity infections roughly halved from 23.7% to 10.1% (P < 0.0001), and the mean intensity of infection fell by 55.0% (480.2–216.3 eggs per gram of feces). A malacological survey found Biomphalaria pfeifferi snail intermediate hosts in multiple water contact sites including rice paddies, streams, and Nosivolo River. Despite reductions in infection prevalence and intensity, schistosomiasis still poses a significant public health challenge in Marolambo district. Twice yearly MDA cycles and/or community-wide MDA are suggested to better reduce infections. Expanding health education, improving standards of water, sanitation and hygiene, and attention on snail-related control will also be important, especially in rice paddy irrigated areas.

In many tropical areas, the coinfection of Schistosoma spp. and other pathogens is frequent. The impact of schistosomiasis on other infections has been demonstrated for several organisms. Infection with the widely spread bacterium, Helicobacter pylori, has been linked to ulcers and tumors of the digestive system with the humoral immune response playing possible modulatory roles. The present study investigated the impact of patent S. mansoni infection on the antibody response to H. pylori. A total of 100 participants from a schistosomiasis endemic area in Egypt were enrolled in the study. Based on the detection of S. mansoni eggs and H. pylori coproantigen in fecal samples, they were equally divided into four groups: schistosomiasis, concomitant S. mansoni and H. pylori infection, H. pylori infection alone, and healthy controls. Anti-H. pylori IgG and IgA were determined in serum samples using ELISA. A significantly lower IgA seropositivity rate and significantly lower IgG levels were found in patients with concomitant schistosomiasis (Gp2) compared to those infected only with H. pylori (Gp1). Concomitant S. mansoni infection with light to moderate intensity alters serological responses to H. pylori. In schistosomiasis endemic areas, the routine examination for H. pylori infection should, therefore, rely on coproantigen level rather than antibody levels. Further studies should investigate histopathological changes and other immunological parameters in coinfection.

Background. Schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma parasites is one of the most common parasitic infections worldwide. Genetic regulation of the genus Schistosoma, which has different developmental stages throughout its life, is quite complex. In these parasites, thousands of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) estimated to be functional were identified. Identifying the transcripts expressed in common and detecting their functions for better understanding of the role of these lncRNAs require a comparative study. Methods. Assembled RNA-seq datasets belonging to S. mansoni and S. haematobium were obtained from the National Center for Biotechnology. A basic local alignment search tool (BLASTN) analysis was conducted against previously constructed lncRNA library to identify the common lncRNAs between two species. LncRNAs target genes and their gene ontology annotation was performed. Results. In S. mansoni and S. haematobium, 5132 and 3589 lncRNA transcripts were detected, respectively. These two species had 694 lncRNAs in common. A significant number of lncRNAs was determined to be transcribed from sex chromosomes. The frequently expressed lncRNAs appear to be involved in metabolic and biological regulation processes. Conclusions. These two species share similar lncRNAs; thus, this finding is a clue that they might have similar functions. In sexual development, they especially might play important roles. Our results will provide important clues to further studies about interactions between human hosts and parasites and the infection mechanisms of Schistosoma parasites.

Summary Medicinal plants have been successfully used in the ethno medicine for a wide range of diseases since ancient times. The research on natural products has allowed the discovery of biologically relevant compounds inspired by plant secondary metabolites, what contributed to the development of many chemotherapeutic drugs. Flavonoids represent a group of therapeutically very effective plant secondary metabolites and selected molecules were shown to exert also antiparasitic activity. This work summarizes the recent knowledge generated within past three decades about potential parasitocidal activities of several flavonoids with different chemical structures, particularly on medically important flatworms such as Schistosoma spp., Fasciola spp., Echinococcus spp., Raillietina spp., and model cestode Mesocestoides vogae. Here we focus on curcumin, genistein, quercetin and silymarin complex of flavonolignans. All of them possess a whole spectrum of biological activities on eukaryotic cells which have multi-therapeutic effects in various diseases. In vitro they can induce profound alterations in the tegumental architecture and its functions as well as their activity can significantly modulate or damage worm´s metabolism directly by interaction with enzymes or signaling molecules in dose-dependent manner. Moreover, they seem to differentially regulate the RNA activity in numbers of worm´s genes. This review suggests that examined flavonoids and their derivates are promising molecules for antiparasitic drug research. Due to lack of toxicity, isoflavons could be used directly for therapy, or as adjuvant therapy for diseases caused by medically important cestodes and trematodes.

Background: Many refugees and asylum seekers from countries where schistosomiasis is endemic are infected with the Schistosoma parasite when they arrive in Canada. We assessed, from a systemic perspective, which of the following management strategies by health care providers is cost-effective: testing for schistosomiasis and treating if the individual is infected, treating presumptively or waiting for symptoms to emerge. Methods: We constructed a decision-tree model to examine the cost-effectiveness of 3 management strategies: watchful waiting, screening and treatment, and presumptive treatment. We obtained data for the model from the literature and other sources, to predict deaths and chronic complications caused by schistosomiasis, as well as costs and net monetary benefit. Results: Presumptive treatment was cost-saving if the prevalence of schistosomiasis in the target population was greater than 2.1%. In our baseline analysis, presumptive treatment was associated with an increase of 0.156 quality-adjusted life years and a cost saving of $405 per person, compared with watchful waiting. It was also more effective and less costly than screening and treatment. Interpretation: Among recently resettled refugees and asylum claimants in Canada, from countries where schistosomiasis is endemic, presumptive treatment was predicted to be less costly and more effective than watchful waiting or screening and treatment. Our results support a revision of the current Canadian recommendations.

Schistosomiasis is a chronic disease, and remains a major public health problem. It holds second place among parasitic endemics in the world. Schistosoma can infect various organs through the blood vessels. The genital form affects at least 16 million women in endemic areas, and the uterine cervix is the most common site. Two cases of cervical cancer associated with schistosomiasis of the cervix are presented. The aim of this study is to discuss the epidemiological, clinical and histopathological features. Both of the patients lived in Mahanjaga, aged respectively 57 and 43 years old. They complained of uterine bleeding disorder and presented cauliflower lesions with ulceration of the uterine cervix that extended to the vagina in one case. They were undergone cervical biopsies. The diagnosis was, in both cases, invasive, well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma with cervical schistosomiasis.

MicroRNA 200a (miR-200a) can inhibit the activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) through the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway, and improve fibrotic lesions. However, to date, there is no study exploring the role of miR-200a in schistosomiasis liver fibrosis (SLF). In this study, 64 healthy female Balb/c mice were selected and randomly divided into four groups: normal control group (non-infected schistosomiasis group), schistosomiasis model group, Lenti-NC group (lentivirus-negative control group), and Lenti-miR-200a group (lentivirus experimental group). Fluorescence quantitative PCR detection was used to measure the expression level of RNA. HE and Masson staining were used to observe the pathological changes of mouse liver tissue. Furthermore, ELISA was used to detect the serum concentrations of inflammation factors. We found that the expression level of miR-200a in liver tissues gradually decreased with the development of SLF. However, fibrosis factors (α-SMA and TGF-β2) and inflammatory cytokines (IL-4 and IFN-γ) in liver tissues and serum increased and the expression level of Colla I reached its peak in the 6th week of infection. Besides, compared with the schistosomiasis group and Lenti-NC group, the Lenti-NC group had lower levels of α-SMA, TGF-β2 and Colla I (P > 0.05). Furthermore, inflammatory cells and blue collagen fibers appeared and they increased with the development of infection in the schistosomiasis group and Lenti-NC group, but these changes reduced significantly in Lenti-miR-200a group. Our study demonstrated that upregulation of miR-200a might contribute to inhibiting schistosomiasis liver fibrosis., Graphical abstract

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is highly distributed in Egypt. Moreover, parasitic diseases such as schistosomiasis, toxoplasmosis, or amebiasis are frequent in Egypt. Dual infections of HCV and each of these parasitic diseases are possible and associated with bad clinical consequences. The present study was done to monitor the clinical, biochemical, and hematological changes in Toxoplasma gondii, Entamoeba histolytica, and/or Schistosoma co-infection in the HCV-infected patients from Menoufia Province, Egypt. Methods: One hundred and nine blood samples, HCV monoinfected patients and co-infected with T. gondii, E. histolytica, and/or Schistosoma, were monitored and subjected to clinical chemistry and hematological examinations Results: Liver cirrhosis in patients with concomitant multiple parasites during chronic HCV infections showed a high percentage compared to HCV mono-infected patients. Moreover, significant increases in the level of alpha-fetoprotein, aspartate transaminase, prothrombin time, and the relative monocyte count were demonstrated in patients with concomitant multiple parasites during chronic HCV infections compared to HCV mono-infected patients. Changes in the levels of platelets and relative lymphocytes/neutrophils count were detected during dual or multiple infections. Conclusions: Schistosomiasis, toxoplasmosis, or amebiasis had unpropitious effects on HCV-infected patients and it is recommended to screen these parasitic diseases among HCV patients to reduce the HCV clinical outcome.

What is already known about this topic? Oncomelania hupensis (O. hupensis) is the only intermediate host of Schistosoma japonica. The distribution of O. hupensis is affected by a series of climate, geographical, sand ocioeconomic factors, which reflect the risk areas of schistosomiasis. What is added by this report? There were certain geographical aggregations in the potential high distribution areas of O. hupensis, which were mainly distributed in Poyang Lake area, Dongting Lake area, and the middle and the lower reaches of the Yangtze River. What are the implications for public health practice? Monitoring and forecasting the distribution of O. hupensis is conducive to improving the early warning capabilities of the potential risk of schistosomiasis transmission and progressively promoting the elimination of schistosomiasis nationwide.

Schistosomiasis is a chronic and painful disease of poverty caused by the flatworm parasite Schistosoma. Drug discovery for antischistosomal compounds predominantly employs in vitro whole organism (phenotypic) screens against two developmental stages of Schistosoma mansoni, post-infective larvae (somules) and adults. We generated two rule books and associated scoring systems to normalize 3898 phenotypic data points to enable machine learning. The data were used to generate eight Bayesian machine learning models with the Assay Central software according to parasite's developmental stage and experimental time point (≤24, 48, 72, and >72 h). The models helped predict 56 active and nonactive compounds from commercial compound libraries for testing. When these were screened against S. mansoni in vitro, the prediction accuracy for active and inactives was 61% and 56% for somules and adults, respectively; also, hit rates were 48% and 34%, respectively, far exceeding the typical 1-2% hit rate for traditional high throughput screens.

The epidemiological studies and clinical features of Schistosoma hermatobium were carried out on 100 pupils of Local Education Authority (L.E.A) Primary School in Giri Village, Abuja. The result of this study showed a total prevalence rate of 33%. The prevalence of Schistosoma hermatobium in relation to gender showed that the male pupils 33.9% were more infected than the female pupils 31.8% But there was no significant relationship between prevalence and gender (p> 0.05). However, the prevalence rate in relation to age group showed that age group 14-16 had the highest rate of prevalence (43.5%). Statistical analysis also showed that there is positive correlation between prevalence and the various age groups (p0.05). This study reveals that Schistosoma hermatobium parasite is a concern in Giri area, Abuja, FCT. Therefore, this study recommends that the government should create awareness on the impact of this disease and to enlighten the children through health education programs on the mode of transmission of this parasite and how to control Schistosomiasis.

Schistosomiasis is one of the most significant parasites especially in tropics and subtropics.The only recognized drug used for treatment of all species of Schistosoma is praziquantel (PZQ).Worries about drug resistance motivated the quest for novel drug sources. Genistein, which is anatural product present in soybeans, was assessed for its antischistosomal effects in experimentallySchistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni) infected mice either solely or in association with PZQ.All groups that were infected subjected to portal and mesenteric veins perfusion, evaluation ofworm burden, liver and intestinal ova count, and the oogram. Moreover, ultrastructural changesin the worm’s tegument and interleukin IL-1β (IL-1β) levels in infected mice were also assessed.There were significant reductions in the total worm number and egg load of liver and intestinewith significant decrease in immature and mature eggs in all groups received treatment in comparisonwith the infected non treated control one. Tegument of adult worms exposed to genisteinexhibited distortion of suckers and erosions with loss of tubercles and spines. There was decreasein the IL-1β level in all treated groups. The best results, in all parameters, were given bycombined (genistein & PZQ) treatment. Genistein possessed moderate activity against S. mansoniadults and considered as a good adjuvant to PZQ.

Schistosomiasis is an infectious tropical disease caused by parasitic flatworm of the genus Schistosoma. This debilitating disease chronically infects about 200 million people globally and manageme...

Purpose: Praziquantel (PZQ) is a well-known drug accredited by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the treatment of schistosomiasis. It shows poor efficiency in patients during the earliest infection phases. Therefore, the search for new alternative drugs was the intention of many researchers. Methods: In the current study, the effect of different concentrations (ranging from 0.07-10 μg∕mL) of calcium silicate (CS) containing 5% copper oxide [CS-5%CuO] on golden hamster infected by Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma haematobium (Egyptian strains) was evaluated in both in vitro and in vivo. To the best of our knowledge, this is a novel study in investigating the efficiency of CS-5%CuO against both strains of schistosomes. The worms of S. mansoni and S. haematobium were tested in RPMI-1640 medium in vitro. Results: The results declare that CS-5% CuO exhibited excellent anti-schistosomal activities on both in vitro and in vivo experiments for both Egyptians Schistosoma strains. The most potential effect of the CS-5% CuO was exhibited after 6 h by 10 μg∕mL with significant activity of (P value = 0.001). Conclusion: Therefore, CS-5%CuO may become an innovative treatment for the schistosomiasis.

Parasites of the genus Schistosoma are organisms capable of living for decades within the definitive host. They interfere with the immune response by interacting with host's receptors. In this review, we discuss from the first reports to the most recent discoveries regarding the ability of Schistosoma antigens in triggering intracellular receptors and inducing inflammasome activation.

Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease inflicting significant morbidity in humans worldwide. The disease is caused by infections with a parasitic trematode belonging to the genus Schistosoma. Over 250 million people are currently infected globally, with an estimated disability-adjusted life-years of 1.9 million attributed to the disease. Current understanding, based on several immunological studies using experimental and human models of schistosomiasis, reveals that complex immune mechanisms play off each other in the acquisition of immune resistance to infection/reinfection. Nevertheless, the precise characteristics of these responses, the specific antigens against which they are elicited, and how these responses are intricately regulated are still being investigated. What is apparent is that immunity to schistosome infections develops slowly and over a prolonged period of time, augmented by the death of adult worms occurring naturally or by praziquantel therapy. In this review, aspects of immunity to schistosomiasis, host-parasite interactions and their impact on schistosomiasis vaccine development are discussed.

Background Genitourinary (GU) schistosomiasis is a chronic infection caused by a parasitic trematode, with Schistosoma haematobium (S. haematobium) being the prevalent species. The disease has a variable prevalence around the world, with a greater burden on, but not limited to Africa, South America, Asia, and the Middle East. Case summary We report the case of a 30-year-old man who presented with symptoms of bladder stones. During endoscopic cystolithalopaxy, we did not detect any stones in the bladder. Upon careful scanning of the urinary bladder trigone, sandy patches were detected. We performed endoscopic resection, which revealed a closed diverticulum with bladder stones. The diverticular wall was sent for histopathology and revealed features of chronic granulomatous inflammation with numerous embedded Schistosoma eggs, with some of the eggs having lateral spines. The patient was treated with praziquantel, and his symptoms completely resolved. Conclusion GU schistosomiasis is primarily caused by S. haematobium. However, Schistosoma mansoni mediated GU schistosomiasis is unusual, making this a quite interesting case.

Objectives: Progress in national schistosomiasis control in China has successfully reduced disease transmission in many districts. However, a low transmission rate hinders conventional snail surveys in identifying areas at risk. In this study, Schistosoma japonicum-infected sentinel mice surveillance was conducted to identify high-risk areas of schistosomiasis transmission in Hubei province, China. Methods: The risk of schistosomiasis transmission was assessed using sentinel mice monitoring in Hubei province from 2010 to 2018. Field detections were undertaken in June and September, and the sentinel mice were kept for approximately 35 days in a laboratory. They were then dissected to determine whether schistosome infection was present. Ripley's K-function and kernel density estimation were applied to analyze the spatial distribution and positive point pattern of schistosomiasis transmission. Results: In total, 190 sentinel mice surveillance sites were selected to detect areas of schistosomiasis infection from 2010 to 2018, with 29 (15.26%) sites showing infected mice. Of 4723 dissected mice, 256 adult worms were detected in 112 infected mice. The infection rate was 2.37%, with an average of 2.28 worms detected per infected mouse. Significantly more infected mice were detected in the June samples than in the September samples (χ2 = 12.11, p

Background Spinal neuroschistosomiasis (SN) is one of the most severe clinical presentations of schistosomiasis infection and an ectopic form of the disease caused by any species of Schistosoma. In Brazil, all cases of this clinical manifestation are related to Schistosoma mansoni, the only species present in the country. Although many cases have been reported in various endemic areas in Brazil, this is the first time in the literature that SN is described in two brothers. Case presentation Two cases of SN were accidentally diagnosed during an epidemiological survey in an urban area endemic for schistosomiasis transmission. Both patients complained of low back pain and muscle weakness in the lower limbs. Sphincter dysfunction and various degrees of paresthesia were also reported. The patients’ disease was classified as hepato-intestinal stage schistosomiasis mansoni at the onset of the chronic form. A positive parasitological stool test for S. mansoni, clinical evidence of myeloradicular damage and exclusion of other causes of damage were the basic criteria for diagnosis. After treatment with praziquantel and corticosteroid, the patients presented an improvement in symptoms, although some complaints persisted. Conclusions It is important to consider SN when patients come from areas endemic for transmission of schistosomiasis mansoni. Clinical physicians and neurologists should consider this diagnostic hypothesis, because recovery from neurological injuries is directly related to early treatment. As, described here in two brothers, a genetic predisposition may be related to neurological involvement. Primary care physicians should thus try to evaluate family members and close relatives in order to arrive at prompt schistosomiasis diagnosis in asymptomatic individuals and propose treatment in an attempt to avoid progression to SN.

Incidence of parasitic diseases is persistent vital bottle neck in livestock development in developing countries. Nasal schistosoma is one of the snail-born parasitic diseases. A six year HF cross bred bull was investigated with typical sings, proliferated nasal membrane with sessile, cauliflower like growth, mucopurulent discharge, dyspnoea, snoring during respiration. Main focus of this case study was on investigation and effectual treatment of nasal schistosomiasis. Three doses of Anthomaline @ 20 ml intramuscular according to the body weight of bull at weekly intervals was given. Significant recovery of clinical signs with regression of the growth and general improvement of health condition was observed within three weeks.

Changes in the inflow of water into the Thamalakane River had been predicted to alter snail population dynamics and influence the risk of schistosomiasis transmission in Maun. We determined the abu...

Schistosomiasis is the second most prevalent tropical parasitic disease after malaria, and one of the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries especially in Africa. This study was carried out among students, farmers and fishermen/women from four villages in the Central River Region of The Gambia. The aim of this study was to show the prevalence value of schistosomiasis in Central River Region of The Gambia. Questionnaires were administered to acquire data such as age, gender, prior schistosomiasis infection and treatment. One hundred and ninety-five blood and 192 urine samples collected from 117 females and 78 males were examined. Microscopy, ELISA and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) techniques were used to detect and characterize schistosome isolates from the biological samples. Prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium was 28.7 with 41.0% in males and 23.9% in females. The highest prevalence value among the villages was in Brikama Ba with 53.1% while the age group 6-15 years had the highest prevalence of 50.0%. Schistosoma mansoni was only detected in Jahally village (1.5%). Schistosomiasis detection was highest using ELISA (40%) and lowest using microscopy (24.5%). PCR gave a 28.7% prevalence value. Key words: Prevalence, Schistosoma, diagnostic techniques, Central River Region.

Schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease provoked by infection with parasitic blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma, affects almost 240 million people worldwide, and more than 700 million people live in endemic areas. However, 40 years after the approval of praziquantel as an anthelmintic drug, the pipeline is nearly empty, and no other therapeutic alternative has reached the market. In its roadmap to "eliminate Schistosomiasis as a public health problem by 2030", the World Health Organization calls for the development of new therapeutic interventions. A viewpoint on the learnings from praziquantel research as well as shaping the next generation of drugs is shared.

Schistosomiasis is an acute and chronic disease of the genus Schistosoma triggered by blood flukes. Schistosomiasis is a disease occurring in, or endemic to, tropical and subtropical regions. A new concept was implemented to deal with schistosomiasis from natural plant sources. Curcumin’s common name is Turmeric. Curcumin has proven to be main active component in Curcuma longa L. and has a wide range of anti-phrastic effects. Previous studies have shown the role of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) therapy in hepatic fibrosis recovery. The current study was, therefore, intended to examine therapeutic role of BMSCs and Turmeric in murine schistosomiasis mansoni. Mice were divided into five groups: a negative control group (non-infected non-treated), a positive control group (infected non-treated), a BMSCs treated group; Turmeric treated group, and untreated group. BMSCs derived from male mice were injected intraperitoneally into female mice receiving S. mansoni cercariae through the subcutaneous route. Liver histopathology and immuno-histochemical examinations were evaluated. BMSCs intraperitoneal injection resulted in a significant reduction of liver collagen, granuloma size, and significant increase of OV-6 expression in the Schistosomiasis-treated mice group. There was overall improvement in pathological changes of the liver. Unfortunately, group IV showed a mild improvement in the granuloma size and fibrosis compared to corresponding BMSCs treatment group, although with vacuolated liver cells. BMSCs have a regenerative potential in liver tissue histopathology by decreasing liver fibrosis and granulomas. Turmeric, by contrast, could not be used as an anti-fibrotic, according to the findings.

Ion channels underlie electrical excitability in cells and are essential for a variety of functions, most notably neuromuscular and sensory activity. They are also validated targets for a preponderance of approved anthelmintic compounds. Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels constitute an ion channel superfamily whose members play important roles in sensory signaling, regulation of ion homeostasis, organellar trafficking, and other key cellular and organismal activities. Unlike most other ion channels, TRP channels are often polymodal, gated by a variety of mechanisms. Furthermore, TRP channels fall into several classes or subtypes based on sequence and structure. Until recently, there had been very little investigation of the properties and functions of TRP channels from parasitic helminths, including schistosomes, but that situation has changed in the past few years. Indeed, it is now clear that at least some schistosome TRP channels exhibit unusual pharmacological properties, and, intriguingly, both a mammalian and a schistosome TRP channel are activated by praziquantel, the current antischistosomal drug of choice. With the latest release of the Schistosoma mansoni genome database, several changes in predicted TRP channel sequences appeared, some of which were significant. This review updates and reassesses the TRP channel repertoire in S. mansoni, examines recent findings regarding these potential therapeutic targets, and provides guideposts for some of the physiological functions that may be mediated by these channels in schistosomes., Graphical abstract Image 1