Parasitic Diseases Commons^™

Vasa-Like Dead-Box Rna Helicases Of Schistosoma Mansoni, Danielle E. Skinner, Gabriel Rinaldi, Sutas Suttiprapa, Victoria H. Mann, Pablo Smircich, Alexis A. Cogswell, David L. Williams, Paul J. Brindley

Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine Faculty Publications

Genome sequences are available for the human blood flukes, Schistosoma japonicum, S. mansoni and S. haematobium. Functional genomic approaches could aid in identifying the role and importance of these newly described schistosome genes. Transgenesis is established for functional genomics in model species, which can lead to gain- or loss-of-functions, facilitate vector-based RNA interference, and represents an effective forward genetics tool for insertional mutagenesis screens. Progress toward routine transgenesis in schistosomes might be expedited if germ cells could be reliably localized in cultured schistosomes. Vasa, a member of the ATP-dependent DEAD-box RNA helicase family, is a prototypic marker of …

Elevated Plasma Il-6 Associates With Increased Risk Of Advanced Fibrosis And Cholangiocarcinoma In Individuals Infected By Opisthorchis Viverrini, Banchob Sripa, Bandit Thinkhamrop, Eimorn Mairiang, Thewarach Laha, Sasithorn Kaewkes, Paiboon Sithithaworn, Maria V. Periago, Vajarabhongsa Bhudhisawasdi, Ponlapat Yonglitthipagon, Jason Mulvenna, Paul J. Brindley, Alex Loukas, Jeffrey M. Bethony

Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine Faculty Publications

Opisthorchis viverrini is considered among the most important of the food-borne trematodes due to its strong association with advanced periductal fibrosis and bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma). We investigated the relationship between plasma levels of Interleukin (IL)-6 and the risk of developing advanced fibrosis and bile duct cancer from chronic Opisthorchis infection. We show that IL-6 circulates in plasma at concentrations 58 times higher in individuals with advanced fibrosis than age, sex, and nearest-neighbor matched controls and 221 times higher in individuals with bile duct cancer than controls. We also observed a dose-response relationship between increasing levels of plasma IL-6 and …

Five-Year Longitudinal Assessment Of The Downstream Impact On Schistosomiasis Transmission Following Closure Of The Three Gorges Dam., Darren J. Gray, Aaron P. Thrift, Gail M. Williams, Feng Zheng, Yue-Sheng Li, Jiagang Guo, Honggen Chen, Tianping Wang, Xin J. Xu, Rong Zhu, Hongqing Zhu, Chun Li Cao, Dan D. Lin, Zhen Y. Zhao, Robert S. Li, George M. Davis, Donald P. Mcmanus

Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine Faculty Publications

Background

Schistosoma japonicum is a major public health concern in the Peoples' Republic of China (PRC), with about 800,000 people infected and another 50 million living in areas at risk of infection. Based on ecological, environmental, population genetic and molecular factors, schistosomiasis transmission in PRC can be categorised into four discrete ecosystems or transmission modes. It is predicted that, long-term, the Three Gorges Dam (TGD) will impact upon the transmission of schistosomiasis in the PRC, with varying degree across the four transmission modes.

Methodology/Principal Findings

We undertook longitudinal surveillance from 2002 to 2006 in sentinel villages of the three transmission …

Enhanced Protective Efficacy Of A Chimeric Form Of The Schistosomiasis Vaccine Antigen Sm-Tsp-2, Mark S. Pearson, Darren A. Pickering, Henry J. Mcsorley, Jeffrey M. Bethony, Leon Tribolet, Annette M. Dougall, Peter J. Hotez, Alex Loukas

Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine Faculty Publications

The large extracellular loop of the Schistosoma mansoni tetraspanin, Sm-TSP-2, when fused to a thioredoxin partner and formulated with Freund's adjuvants, has been shown to be an efficacious vaccine against murine schistosomiasis. Moreover, Sm-TSP-2 is uniquely recognised by IgG1 and IgG3 from putatively resistant individuals resident in S. mansoniendemic areas in Brazil. In the present study, we expressed Sm-TSP-2 at high yield and in soluble form in E. coli without the need for a solubility enhancing fusion partner. We also expressed in E. coli a chimera called Sm-TSP-2/5B, which consisted of Sm-TSP-2 fused to …

Characterising The Mucosal And Systemic Immune Responses To Experimental Human Hookworm Infection., Soraya Gaze, Henry J. Mcsorley, James Daveson, Di Jones, Jeffrey M. Bethony, Luciana M. Oliveira, Richard Speare, James S. Mccarthy, Christian R. Engwerda, John Croese, Alex Loukas

Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine Faculty Publications

The mucosal cytokine response of healthy humans to parasitic helminths has never been reported. We investigated the systemic and mucosal cytokine responses to hookworm infection in experimentally infected, previously hookworm naive individuals from non-endemic areas. We collected both peripheral blood and duodenal biopsies to assess the systemic immune response, as well as the response at the site of adult worm establishment. Our results show that experimental hookworm infection leads to a strong systemic and mucosal Th2 (IL-4, IL-5, IL-9 and IL-13) and regulatory (IL-10 and TGF-β) response, with some evidence of a Th1 (IFN-γ and IL-2) response. Despite upregulation after …

Redefining Chronic Toxoplasmosis: A T Cell Exhaustion Perspective, Rajarshi Bhadra, Imtiaz A. Khan

Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Zoonotic And Human Parasites Of Inhabitants Of Cueva De Los Muertos Chiquitos, Rio Zape Valley, Durango, Mexico, F. Agustín Jiménez-Ruiz, Scott Lyell Gardner, Adauto Araújo, Martín Horacio Fugassa, Richard H. Brooks, Elizabeth Racz, Karl J. Reinhard

Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology: Faculty Publications

We present the first reconstruction of the parasitoses among the people of the Loma San Gabriel culture, as represented by 36 coprolites excavated from the Cueva de los Muertos Chiquitos in Durango, Mexico. The coprolites date to approximately 1,400-yr ago. Species identified based on eggs recovered include the trematode Echinostoma sp., the tapeworms Hymenolepis sp. and Dipylidium caninum, and the nematodes Ancylostoma duodenale, Enterobius vermicularis, and Trichuris trichiura. After rehydration and screening, 2 methods were used to recover eggs from these samples including spontaneous sedimentation and flotation. Samples were analyzed by 3 different laboratories for independent …

Transgenic C. Elegans Dauer Larvae Expressing Hookworm Phospho Null Daf-16/Foxo Exit Dauer, Verena Gelmedin, Thomas Brodigan, Xin Gao, Michael Krause, Zhu Wang, John M. Hawdon

Research Center for Neglected Diseases of Poverty

Parasitic hookworms and the free-living model nematode Caenorhabtidis elegans share a developmental arrested stage, called the dauer stage in C. elegans and the infective third-stage larva (L3) in hookworms. One of the key transcription factors that regulate entrance to and exit from developmental arrest is the forkhead transcription factor DAF-16/FoxO. During the dauer stage, DAF-16 is activated and localized in the nucleus. DAF-16 is negatively regulated by phosphorylation by the upstream kinase AKT, which causes DAF-16 to localize out of the nucleus and the worm to exit from dauer. DAF-16 is conserved in hookworms, and hypothesized to control recovery from …

Campylobacter Ureolyticus: An Emerging Gastrointestinal Pathogen?, Susan Bullman, Daniel Corcoran, James O'Leary, Brigid Lucey, Deirdre Byrne, Roy D. Sleator

Department of Biological Sciences Publications

A total of 7194 faecal samples collected over a 1-year period from patients presenting with diarrhoea were screened for Campylobacter spp. using EntericBios, a multiplex-PCR system. Of 349 Campylobacter-positive samples, 23.8% were shown to be Campylobacter ureolyticus, using a combination of 16S rRNA gene analysis and highly specific primers targeting the HSP60 gene of this organism. This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first report of C. ureolyticus in the faeces of patients presenting with gastroenteritis and may suggest a role for this organism as an emerging enteric pathogen.

The Role Of Unrealistic Optimism In Explaining Preventive Behaviors In High Versus Low Endemic Malaria Settings In Belize, Daniel G. Handysides

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background: Of all the diseases an individual can encounter in the world, malaria is one of the most destructive. Simple measures like sleeping under a bednet would greatly reduce the burden (Abeku, 2007). When people estimate their risk relative to others, they are most often unrealistically optimistic, which may explain why those at risk often fail to perform behaviors, such as using a bednet that will reduce their risk. However, one study showed that people at high risk for malaria held pessimistic perceptions of their risk for the disease, but the reasons for this finding are unclear (Morrison, Ager, & …

A Monkey’S Tale: The Origin Of Plasmodium Vivax As A Human Malaria Parasite, Ananias A. Escalante, Omar E. Cornejo, Denise E. Freeland, Amanda C. Poe, Ester Durrego, William E. Collins, Altaf A. Lal

Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology: Library Materials

The high prevalence of Duffy negativity (lack of the Duffy blood group antigen) among human populations in sub-Saharan Africa has been used to argue that Plasmodium vivax originated on that continent. Here, we investigate the phylogenetic relationships among 10 species of Plasmodium that infect primates by using three genes, two nuclear (β-tubulin and cell division cycle 2) and a gene from the plastid genome (the elongation factor Tu). We find compelling evidence that P. vivax is derived from a species that inhabited macaques in Southeast Asia. Specifically, those phylogenies that include P. vivax as an ancient lineage from …

Enterobius Vermicularis: Ancient Dna From North And South American Human Coprolites, Alena M. Iñiguez, Karl J. Reinhard, Adauto Araújo, Luiz F. Ferreira, Ana Carolina P. Vicente

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

A molecular paleoparasitological diagnostic approach was developed for Enterobius vermicularis. Ancient DNA was extracted from 27 coprolites from archaeological sites in Chile and USA. Enzymatic amplification of human mtDNA sequences confirmed the human origin. We designed primers specific to the E. vermicularis 5S ribosomal RNA spacer region and they allowed reproducible polymerase chain reaction identification of ancient material. We suggested that the paleoparasitological microscopic identification could accompany molecular diagnosis, which also opens the possibility of sequence analysis to understand parasite-host evolution.

Out Of Africa: Origins Of The Taenia Tapeworms In Humans, Eric P. Hoberg, Nancy L. Alkire, Alan De Queiroz, Arlene Jones

Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology: Faculty Publications

Phylogenetic and divergence date analyses indicate that the occurrence of Taenia tapeworms in humans pre-dates the development of agriculture, animal husbandry and domestication of cattle (Bos spp.) or swine (Sus scrofa) Taeniid tapeworms in Africa twice independently colonized hominids and the genus Homo prior to the origin of modern humans. Dietary and behavioural shifts, from herbivory to scavenging and carnivory, as early Homo entered the carnivore guild in the Pliocene/Pleistocene, were drivers for host switching by tapeworms to hominids from carnivores including hyaenids and felids. Parasitological data provide a unique means of elucidating the historical ecology, foraging behavior …

Biosystematics And Evolution Of The Triatominae = Biossistemática E Evolução De Triatomíneos, Christopher J. Schofield

Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology: Library Materials

Abstract

In this paper we summarize the systematics of the 130 currently recognized species of Triatominae and the key features of their evolutionary background. There is increasing evidence that the subfamily has polyphyletic origins, with the various tribes and species groups probably arising from different reduviid lineages in relatively recent times.

Resumo

Neste trabalho resume-se a sistemática das 130 espécies de triatomíneos atualmente reconhecidas, com os elementos principais de sua evolução. Existem evidências crescentes para a origem polifilética da subfamília. As diferentes tribos e grupos de espécies que a compõem teriam surgido recentemente, a partir de diferentes linhagens de reduviídeos.

Understanding The Importance Of Eperythrozoon Ovis Infection In Sheep, Marc Kabay

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Assigning priorities for research on sheep diseases relies in part on understanding the prevalence and economic impact of each disease.

Eperythrozoon ovis infection in sheep, for example is a common, but not costly, disease.

Binder 144, Opecoelidae A-Cn [Trematoda Taxon Notebooks], Harold W. Manter Laboratory Of Parasitology

Trematoda Taxon Notebooks

Binder 144, Opecoelidae A-Cn [Trematoda Taxon Notebooks].

Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology, University of Nebraska State Museum, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Created between 1960 and 1990.

Binder 137, Monorchiidae C-K [Trematoda Taxon Notebooks], Harold W. Manter Laboratory Of Parasitology

Trematoda Taxon Notebooks

Binder 137, Monorchiidae C-K [Trematoda Taxon Notebooks].

Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology, University of Nebraska State Museum, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Created between 1960 and 1990.

Binder 147, Opecoelidae He-J [Trematoda Taxon Notebooks], Harold W. Manter Laboratory Of Parasitology

Trematoda Taxon Notebooks

Binder 147, Opecoelidae He-J [Trematoda Taxon Notebooks].

Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology, University of Nebraska State Museum, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Created between 1960 and 1990.

Binder 155, Opecoelidae Plagioporinae M-N [Trematoda Taxon Notebooks], Harold W. Manter Laboratory Of Parasitology

Trematoda Taxon Notebooks

Binder 155, Opecoelidae Plagioporinae M-N [Trematoda Taxon Notebooks].

Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology, University of Nebraska State Museum, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Created between 1960 and 1990.

Binder 150, Opecoelidae Opegaster [Trematoda Taxon Notebooks], Harold W. Manter Laboratory Of Parasitology

Trematoda Taxon Notebooks

Binder 150, Opecoelidae Opegaster [Trematoda Taxon Notebooks].

Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology, University of Nebraska State Museum, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Created between 1960 and 1990.

Binder 160, Opisthorchiidae G-O [Trematoda Taxon Notebooks], Harold W. Manter Laboratory Of Parasitology

Trematoda Taxon Notebooks

Binder 160, Opistorchiidae G-O [Trematoda Taxon Notebooks].

Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology, University of Nebraska State Museum, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Created between 1960 and 1990.

Binder 161, Opistorchiidae P-Z [Trematoda Taxon Notebooks], Harold W. Manter Laboratory Of Parasitology

Trematoda Taxon Notebooks

Binder 161, Opisthorchiidae P-Z [Trematoda Taxon Notebooks].

Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology, University of Nebraska State Museum, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Created between 1960 and 1990.

Binder 152, Opecoelidae Po-Pr [Trematoda Taxon Notebooks], Harold W. Manter Laboratory Of Parasitology

Trematoda Taxon Notebooks

Binder 152, Opecoelidae Po-Pr [Trematoda Taxon Notebooks].

Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology, University of Nebraska State Museum, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Created between 1960 and 1990.

Binder 163, Paramphistomatidae From Fishes K-Z [Trematoda Taxon Notebooks], Harold W. Manter Laboratory Of Parasitology

Trematoda Taxon Notebooks

Binder 163, Paramphistomatidae from Fishes K-Z [Trematoda Taxon Notebooks].

Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology, University of Nebraska State Museum, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Created between 1960 and 1990.

Binder 167, Paramphistomatidae From Mammals F-O [Trematoda Taxon Notebooks], Harold W. Manter Laboratory Of Parasitology

Trematoda Taxon Notebooks

Binder 167, Paramphistomatidae from Mammals F-O [Trematoda Taxon Notebooks].

Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology, University of Nebraska State Museum, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Created between 1960 and 1990.

Binder 170, Philiphthalmidae A-Z [Trematoda Taxon Notebooks], Harold W. Manter Laboratory Of Parasitology

Trematoda Taxon Notebooks

Binder 170, Philiphthalmidae A-Z [Trematoda Taxon Notebooks].

Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology, University of Nebraska State Museum, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Created between 1960 and 1990.

Binder 171, Plagiorchiidae Plagiorogia Plagiorogia A-Z [Trematoda Taxon Notebooks], Harold W. Manter Laboratory Of Parasitology

Trematoda Taxon Notebooks

Binder 171, Plagiorchiidae Plagiorogia Plagiorogia A-Z [Trematoda Taxon Notebooks].

Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology, University of Nebraska State Museum, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Created between 1960 and 1990.

Binder 172, Plagiorchiidae Plagiorogia Multiglandularia A-Z [Trematoda Taxon Notebooks], Harold W. Manter Laboratory Of Parasitology

Trematoda Taxon Notebooks

Binder 172, Plagiorchiidae Plagiorogia Multiglandularia A-Z [Trematoda Taxon Notebooks].

Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology, University of Nebraska State Museum, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Created between 1960 and 1990.

Binder 176, Plagiorchiidae L-M [Trematoda Taxon Notebooks], Harold W. Manter Laboratory Of Parasitology

Trematoda Taxon Notebooks

Binder 176, Plagiorchiidae L-M [Trematoda Taxon Notebooks].

Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology, University of Nebraska State Museum, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Created between 1960 and 1990.

Binder 180, Plagiorchiidae T-Z [Trematoda Taxon Notebooks], Harold W. Manter Laboratory Of Parasitology

Trematoda Taxon Notebooks

Binder 180, Plagiorchiidae T-Z [Trematoda Taxon Notebooks].

Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology, University of Nebraska State Museum, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Created between 1960 and 1990.