scholarly journals The Enemy of my Enemy is my Friend: Immune-Mediated Facilitation Contributes to Fitness of Co-Infecting Helminths

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Dagostin ◽  
Chiara M. Vanalli ◽  
Brian Boag ◽  
Renato Casagrandi ◽  
Marino Gatto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Host Population ◽  
Positive Interactions ◽  
Gastrointestinal Helminths ◽  
Free Living ◽  
Ample Evidence ◽  
Immune Mediated ◽  
Iga Antibody ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
Dual Infections

AbstractOur conceptual understanding of immune-mediated interactions between parasites is rooted in the theory of community ecology. One of the limitations of this approach is that most of the theory and empirical evidence has focused on resource or immune-mediated parasite competition and yet, there is ample evidence of positive interactions between species that could be generated by immune-mediated facilitation. Here, we develop an immuno-epidemiological framework and apply it to longitudinal infection data of two gastrointestinal helminths that infect a population of free-living rabbits to investigate, through model testing, the mechanisms of immune-mediated facilitation in dual infections. Simulations show that weakened, species-specific IgA antibody responses and unequal, albeit low, IgA cross-reactions explain higher parasite intensities in dual compared to single infections, for both helminths. Simulations also show that rabbits with dual infections shed more free-living stages that survive fort longer in the environment, implying greater onward transmission than hosts with single infections. These findings support the hypothesis that the two helminths interact through immune-mediated facilitation which contributes to greater fitness and the long-term co-circulation of both species in the host population.

scholarly journals Detection and quantification of house mouse Eimeria at the species level – challenges and solutions for the assessment of Coccidia in wildlife

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Víctor Hugo Jarquín-Díaz ◽  
Alice Balard ◽  
Jenny Jost ◽  
Julia Kraft ◽  
Mert Naci Dikmen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
House Mouse ◽  
Parasite Species ◽  
Host Population ◽  
Species Level ◽  
Free Living ◽  
Additional Indication ◽  
Tissue Samples ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
Apicoplast Genome ◽  
Detection And Quantification

AbstractDetection and quantification of coccidia in studies of wildlife can be challenging. Therefore, the prevalence of coccidia is often not assessed at the parasite species level in non-livestock animals. Parasite species-specific prevalences are especially important when studying evolutionary questions in wild populations. We tested whether increased host population density increases the prevalence of individual Eimeria species at the farm level, as predicted by epidemiological theory. We studied free-living commensal populations of the house mouse (Mus musculus) in Germany and established a strategy to detect and quantify Eimeria infections. We show that a novel diagnostic primer targeting the apicoplast genome (Ap5) and coprological assessment after flotation provide complementary detection results increasing sensitivity. Genotyping PCRs confirm detection in a subset of samples and cross-validation of different PCR markers does not indicate a bias towards a particular parasite species in genotyping. We were able to detect double infections and to determine the preferred niche of each parasite species along the distal-proximal axis of the intestine. Parasite genotyping from tissue samples provides an additional indication for the absence of species bias in genotyping amplifications. Three Eimeria species were found infecting house mice at different prevalences: Eimeria ferrisi (16.7%; 95% CI 13.2 – 20.7), E. falciformis (4.2%; 95% CI 2.6 – 6.8) and E. vermiformis (1.9%; 95% CI 0.9 – 3.8). We also find that mice in dense populations are more likely to be infected with E. falciformis and E. ferrisi.We provide methods for the assessment of prevalences of coccidia at the species level in rodent systems. We show and discuss how such data can help to test hypotheses in ecology, evolution and epidemiology on a species level.

Case Report: Delayed Alemtuzumab-Induced Concurrent Neutropenia and Thrombocytopenia in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

2021 ◽  
pp. 089719002110212
Author(s):  
Akaansha Ganju ◽  
James C. Stock ◽  
Kim Jordan
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Severe Neutropenia ◽  
Cell Counts ◽  
Immune Mediated ◽  
Relapsing Remitting ◽  
Remitting Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

Alemtuzumab is an anti-CD52 monoclonal antibody used to treat relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis following failure of second-line medications. It is administered intravenously in 2 treatment sequences 1 year apart. This drug is frequently associated with mild infusion reactions within days of administration, increased infection risk, and long term adverse events from secondary autoimmunity. Alemtuzumab-induced serious immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP) is well-reported and occurred in 1.0-2.2% of participants in initial phase 2 and 3 trials for multiple sclerosis. Significant neutropenia, however, is rare and was only observed in 0.1% of study participants. Delayed neutropenia and/or ITP is thought to occur from secondary autoimmunity. Few case reports have described severe neutropenia occurring beyond 2 months of last alemtuzumab dose. We present an unusual case of delayed combined neutropenia and thrombocytopenia that occurred 15 months after the second infusion of alemtuzumab. The patient was asymptomatic and presented following discovery of neutropenia and thrombocytopenia during routine laboratory studies. The patient responded to steroids initially and was discharged, although outpatient cell counts subsequently revealed recurrent neutropenia and ITP. The adverse drug reaction probability (Naranjo) scale was completed and showed probable likelihood that the adverse event was alemtuzumab-related. Long term screening for delayed hematologic abnormalities, at least 4 years after initial dose, is necessary when using alemtuzumab. Greater research is needed to understand the mechanism of drug-associated neutropenia.

scholarly journals A rapid, parasite-dependent cellular response to Dirofilaria immitis in the Mongolian jird (Meriones unguiculatus)

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher C. Evans ◽  
Katherine M. Day ◽  
Yi Chu ◽  
Bridget Garner ◽  
Kaori Sakamoto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cellular Response ◽  
Dirofilaria Immitis ◽  
Cell Attachment ◽  
Early Response ◽  
Meriones Unguiculatus ◽  
Filarial Parasite ◽  
Immune Mediated ◽  
Secretory Products ◽  
Species Specific

Abstract Background The Mongolian jird (Meriones unguiculatus) has long been recognized as a permissive host for the filarial parasite Brugia malayi; however, it is nonpermissive to another filarial parasite, canine heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis). By elucidating differences in the early response to infection, we sought to identify mechanisms involved in the species-specific clearance of these parasites. We hypothesized that the early clearance of D. immitis in intraperitoneal infection of the jird is immune mediated and parasite species dependent. Methods Jird peritoneal exudate cells (PECs) were isolated and their attachment to parasite larvae assessed in vitro under various conditions: D. immitis and B. malayi cultured separately, co-culture of both parasites, incubation before addition of cells, culture of heat-killed parasites, and culture with PECs isolated from jirds with mature B. malayi infection. The cells attaching to larvae were identified by immunohistochemistry. Results In vitro cell attachment to live D. immitis was high (mean = 99.6%) while much lower for B. malayi (mean = 5.56%). This species-specific attachment was also observed when both filarial species were co-cultured, with no significant change from controls (U(9, 14) = 58.5, p = 0.999). When we replicated these experiments with PECs derived from jirds subcutaneously infected with B. malayi, the results were similar (99.4% and 4.72% of D. immitis and B. malayi, respectively, exhibited cell attachment). Heat-killing the parasites significantly reduced cell attachment to D. immitis (mean = 71.9%; U(11, 14) = 7.5, p < 0.001) while increasing attachment to B. malayi (mean = 16.7%; U(9, 15) = 20, p = 0.002). Cell attachment to both species was reduced when larvae were allowed a 24-h pre-incubation period prior to the addition of cells. The attaching cells were identified as macrophages by immunohistochemistry. Conclusions These results suggest a strongly species-dependent response from which B. malayi could not confer protection by proxy in co-culture. The changes in cell attachment following heat-killing and pre-incubation suggest a role for excretory/secretory products in host immune evasion and/or antigenicity. The nature of this attachment is the subject of ongoing study and may provide insight into filarial host specificity.

scholarly journals The Influence of Race and Gender on Staff-Resident Interactions in Nursing Homes

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 185-185
Author(s):  
Rachel McPherson ◽  
Barbara Resnick ◽  
Elizabeth Galik
Keyword(s):  
Racial Differences ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Analysis Of Covariance ◽  
Positive Interactions ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Race And Gender ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
And Gender

Abstract Communication and interactions are an integral part of care in long-term care settings. Resident variables, such as race and gender, shape communication and interaction between staff and residents. The Quality of Interactions Schedule (QuIS) was developed to measure the quality of verbal and nonverbal interactions among nursing staff and older adults initially for those in acute care and later used as well in a variety of long term care settings. A quantified measurement of the quality of interactions between residents and staff was created to quantify the QuIS. The purpose of this study was to describe the gender and racial differences in scored quality of interactions. Data for the present study was based on baseline data from the Evidence Integration Triangle for Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (EIT-4-BPSD) implementation study. A total of 535 residents from 55 settings were included in the analyses. An analysis of covariance was conducted to determine a difference in QuIS scores between males and females while controlling for age. The second model tested for differences in QuIS scores between blacks and whites while controlling for age and gender. There was not a statistically significant difference in QuIS scores between male and female residents. There was a significant difference in QuIS scores between those who were black versus white, such that those who were black received more positive interactions from staff than those who were white. Future work should focus on a deeper examination of resident factors and staff factors that may influence these interactions.

scholarly journals Efficacy of a Peruvian Botanical Remedy (Sabell A4+) for Treating Liver Disease and Protecting Gastric Mucosal Integrity

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Mark G. Swain ◽  
John L. Wallace ◽  
D. Lorne Tyrrell ◽  
José Cabanillas ◽  
Steven K. H. Aung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Liver Disease ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Gastric Mucosa ◽  
Virus Replication ◽  
Positive Interactions ◽  
Mucosal Integrity ◽  
Immune Mediated ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of a Peruvian botanical formulation for treating disorders of hepatic function and gastric mucosal integrity. The formulation A4+ (Sabell Corporation) contains extracts of Curcuma longa rhizome, Cordia lutea flower, and Annona muricata leaf. Individually these plants have been used as traditional remedies for liver disease. We report the efficacy of A4+ and its components using a variety of in vitro and in vivo disease models. The methods used included tests for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral activity as well as mouse models of liver disease, including Concanavalin A-induced immune-mediated hepatitis and a bile duct ligation model for evaluating sickness behaviour associated with liver disease. Rat models were used to evaluate the gastric mucosal protective property of A4+ following indomethacin challenge and to evaluate its anti-inflammatory action in an “air pouch” model. In all tests, A4+ proved to be more effective than placebo. A4+ was antioxidant and anti-inflammatory and diminished Hepatitis C virus replication in vitro. In animal models, A4+ was shown to protect the liver from immune-mediated hepatitis, improve behavioural function in animals with late stage liver disease, and protect the rat gastric mucosa from ulceration following NSAID exposure. We conclude that A4+ ameliorated many aspects of liver injury, inhibited hepatitis C virus replication, and protected the gastric mucosa from NSAIDs. These varied beneficial properties appear to result from positive interactions between the three constituent herbs.

scholarly journals Nestling telomere shortening, but not telomere length, reflects developmental stress and predicts survival in wild birds

2014 ◽  
Vol 281 (1785) ◽  
pp. 20133287 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jelle J. Boonekamp ◽  
G. A. Mulder ◽  
H. Martijn Salomons ◽  
Cor Dijkstra ◽  
Simon Verhulst
Keyword(s):  
Telomere Length ◽  
Brood Size ◽  
Developmental Stress ◽  
Free Living ◽  
Telomere Shortening ◽  
Developmental Effects ◽  
Fitness Consequences ◽  
Developmental Conditions ◽  
Fledgling Mass

Developmental stressors often have long-term fitness consequences, but linking offspring traits to fitness prospects has remained a challenge. Telomere length predicts mortality in adult birds, and may provide a link between developmental conditions and fitness prospects. Here, we examine the effects of manipulated brood size on growth, telomere dynamics and post-fledging survival in free-living jackdaws. Nestlings in enlarged broods achieved lower mass and lost 21% more telomere repeats relative to nestlings in reduced broods, showing that developmental stress accelerates telomere shortening. Adult telomere length was positively correlated with their telomere length as nestling ( r = 0.83). Thus, an advantage of long telomeres in nestlings is carried through to adulthood. Nestling telomere shortening predicted post-fledging survival and recruitment independent of manipulation and fledgling mass. This effect was strong, with a threefold difference in recruitment probability over the telomere shortening range. By contrast, absolute telomere length was neither affected by brood size manipulation nor related to survival. We conclude that telomere loss, but not absolute telomere length, links developmental conditions to subsequent survival and suggest that telomere shortening may provide a key to unravelling the physiological causes of developmental effects on fitness.

Combination of Methotrexate and Leflunomide Is Safe and Has Good Drug Retention Among Patients With Psoriatic Arthritis

2021 ◽  
pp. jrheum.201408
Author(s):  
Muhammad Haroon ◽  
Shabnam Batool ◽  
Sadia Asif ◽  
Farzana Hashmi ◽  
Saadat Ullah
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Spine ◽  
Psoriatic Arthritis ◽  
Musculoskeletal Disease ◽  
Sacroiliac Joints ◽  
Antirheumatic Therapy ◽  
Short Delay ◽  
Drug Retention ◽  
Immune Mediated

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a potentially progressive immune-mediated musculoskeletal disease with the involvement of synovium, enthesis, and axial structures (especially the cervical spine and sacroiliac joints), along with the involvement of skin and nails. Even a short delay in the diagnosis and commencement of antirheumatic therapy can cause long-term damage and disabilities.1

scholarly journals Rapid evolution of decreased host susceptibility drives a stable relationship between ultrasmall parasite TM7x and its bacterial host

2018 ◽  
Vol 115 (48) ◽  
pp. 12277-12282 ◽  
Author(s):  
Batbileg Bor ◽  
Jeffrey S. McLean ◽  
Kevin R. Foster ◽  
Lujia Cen ◽  
Thao T. To ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Host Cell ◽  
Rapid Evolution ◽  
Host Population ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Host Susceptibility ◽  
Bacterial Host ◽  
Narrow Host Range ◽  
Stable Relationship ◽  
Candidate Phyla Radiation

Around one-quarter of bacterial diversity comprises a single radiation with reduced genomes, known collectively as the Candidate Phyla Radiation. Recently, we coisolated TM7x, an ultrasmall strain of the Candidate Phyla Radiation phylum Saccharibacteria, with its bacterial host Actinomyces odontolyticus strain XH001 from human oral cavity and stably maintained as a coculture. Our current work demonstrates that within the coculture, TM7x cells establish a long-term parasitic association with host cells by infecting only a subset of the population, which stay viable yet exhibit severely inhibited cell division. In contrast, exposure of a naïve A. odontolyticus isolate, XH001n, to TM7x cells leads to high numbers of TM7x cells binding to each host cell, massive host cell death, and a host population crash. However, further passaging reveals that XH001n becomes less susceptible to TM7x over time and enters a long-term stable relationship similar to that of XH001. We show that this reduced susceptibility is driven by rapid host evolution that, in contrast to many forms of phage resistance, offers only partial protection. The result is a stalemate where infected hosts cannot shed their parasites; nevertheless, parasite load is sufficiently low that the host population persists. Finally, we show that TM7x can infect and form stable long-term relationships with other species in a single clade of Actinomyces, displaying a narrow host range. This system serves as a model to understand how parasitic bacteria with reduced genomes such as those of the Candidate Phyla Radiation have persisted with their hosts and ultimately expanded in their diversity.

scholarly journals Maternal Overnutrition Induces Long-Term Cognitive Deficits across Several Generations

Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gitalee Sarker ◽  
Daria Peleg-Raibstein
Keyword(s):  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Cognitive Deficits ◽  
Maternal Obesity ◽  
Cognitive Impairments ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Ample Evidence ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Maternal Overnutrition

Ample evidence from epidemiological studies has linked maternal obesity with metabolic disorders such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes in the next generation. Recently, it was also shown that maternal obesity has long-term effects on the progeny’s central nervous system. However, very little is known regarding how maternal overnutrition may affect, in particular, the cognitive abilities of the offspring. We reported that first-generation offspring exposed to a maternal high-fat diet (MHFD) displayed age-dependent cognitive deficits. These deficits were associated with attenuations of amino acid levels in the medial prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus regions of MHFD offspring. Here, we tested the hypothesis that MHFD in mice may induce long-term cognitive impairments and neurochemical dysfunctions in the second and third generations. We found that MHFD led to cognitive disabilities and an altered response to a noncompetitive receptor antagonist of the N-Methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor in adult MHFD offspring in both second and third generations in a sex-specific manner. Our results suggest that maternal overnutrition leads to an increased risk of developing obesity in subsequent generations as well as to cognitive impairments, affecting learning and memory processes in adulthood. Furthermore, MHFD exposure may facilitate pathological brain aging which is not a consequence of obesity. Our findings shed light on the long-term effects of maternal overnutrition on the development of the central nervous system and the underlying mechanisms which these traits relate to disease predisposition.

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