scholarly journals Identifying Key Antigens that Drive Antibody-Mediated Regulation of Chronic Schistosomiasis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Jonnel Anthony Jaurigue
Keyword(s):  
Severe Disease ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Protective Role ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Chronic Patients ◽  
Protective Antibodies ◽  
Disease Induction ◽  
Specific Antigens ◽  
Severe Pathology ◽  
Therapeutic Tools

<p><b>Chronic schistosomiasis is a spectral illness where patients present with either moderate intestinal (INT) schistosomiasis or severe hepatosplenic schistosomiasis (HS). The different clinical manifestations are associated with the immune response in the patient against schistosome eggs that end up lodged in the liver and other organs. Inbred male CBA/J mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni present with two distinct syndromes, moderate splenomegaly syndrome (MSS) and hypersplenomegaly syndrome (HSS); the pathologies of which parallel human INT and HS forms, respectively. Furthermore, antibody with a cross-reactive idiotype (CRI) is produced in MSS mice and INT patients (Montesano, Freeman et al. 1990a) that is absent in HSS mice and HS patients and is believed to play a protective role against severe pathology.</b></p> <p>Our primary aim was to determine the specific antigens in soluble egg antigen (SEA) that react to protective CRI+ anti-SEA antibodies using the CBA/J mouse model of disease. Using one-dimensional Western blotting, we have shown that the specificities of anti-SEA antibodies present in MSS and HSS forms of schistosomiasis are different. Using two-dimensional differential in-gel electrophoresis, we isolated six spots that were of significant interest as disease-specific candidates and a further six candidates that were infection-specific. Finally, we characterized these antigens using mass spectrometry, where we managed to identify several of these isolated antigens. Our infection-specific antigens can be useful in developing diagnostic tools to identify individuals infected withschistosomiasis, and individuals who are at risk of developing severe disease. Additionally, we found evidence for antigens that are specifically reactive to CRI+ antibodies and these can be used as candidates for the development of a vaccine that can drive the production of these protective antibodies. We also found evidence of CRI- antibody-specific antigens, and further analysis of these antigens may help increase our understanding of severe disease induction in chronic patients. Overall, this study identified several unique candidate antigens that merit further research in developing diagnostic and therapeutic tools, and added to our understanding of helminth interactions in human biology.</p>

scholarly journals Identifying Key Antigens that Drive Antibody-Mediated Regulation of Chronic Schistosomiasis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Jonnel Anthony Jaurigue
Keyword(s):  
Severe Disease ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Protective Role ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Chronic Patients ◽  
Protective Antibodies ◽  
Disease Induction ◽  
Specific Antigens ◽  
Severe Pathology ◽  
Therapeutic Tools

<p><b>Chronic schistosomiasis is a spectral illness where patients present with either moderate intestinal (INT) schistosomiasis or severe hepatosplenic schistosomiasis (HS). The different clinical manifestations are associated with the immune response in the patient against schistosome eggs that end up lodged in the liver and other organs. Inbred male CBA/J mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni present with two distinct syndromes, moderate splenomegaly syndrome (MSS) and hypersplenomegaly syndrome (HSS); the pathologies of which parallel human INT and HS forms, respectively. Furthermore, antibody with a cross-reactive idiotype (CRI) is produced in MSS mice and INT patients (Montesano, Freeman et al. 1990a) that is absent in HSS mice and HS patients and is believed to play a protective role against severe pathology.</b></p> <p>Our primary aim was to determine the specific antigens in soluble egg antigen (SEA) that react to protective CRI+ anti-SEA antibodies using the CBA/J mouse model of disease. Using one-dimensional Western blotting, we have shown that the specificities of anti-SEA antibodies present in MSS and HSS forms of schistosomiasis are different. Using two-dimensional differential in-gel electrophoresis, we isolated six spots that were of significant interest as disease-specific candidates and a further six candidates that were infection-specific. Finally, we characterized these antigens using mass spectrometry, where we managed to identify several of these isolated antigens. Our infection-specific antigens can be useful in developing diagnostic tools to identify individuals infected withschistosomiasis, and individuals who are at risk of developing severe disease. Additionally, we found evidence for antigens that are specifically reactive to CRI+ antibodies and these can be used as candidates for the development of a vaccine that can drive the production of these protective antibodies. We also found evidence of CRI- antibody-specific antigens, and further analysis of these antigens may help increase our understanding of severe disease induction in chronic patients. Overall, this study identified several unique candidate antigens that merit further research in developing diagnostic and therapeutic tools, and added to our understanding of helminth interactions in human biology.</p>

scholarly journals Moderate vs. mild cases of overseas-imported COVID-19 in Beijing: a retrospective cohort study

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wenliang Zhai ◽  
Zujin Luo ◽  
Yue Zheng ◽  
Dawei Dong ◽  
Endong Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Severe Disease ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
C Reactive Protein ◽  
Inflammatory Reactions ◽  
Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio ◽  
Reactive Protein ◽  
Erythrocyte Sedimentation ◽  
Neutrophil Percentage ◽  
Local Lesions ◽  
Protective Antibodies

AbstractThis study compared the differences in the clinical manifestations, treatment courses and clinical turnover between mild and moderate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Clinical data of the patients with imported COVID-19 admitted to Beijing Xiaotangshan Designated Hospital between March 15 and April 30, 2020, were retrospectively analysed. A total of 53 COVID-19 patients were included, with 21 mild and 32 moderate cases. Compared with the mild group, the moderate group showed significant differences in breathing frequency, lymphocyte count, neutrophil percentage, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, and dynamic erythrocyte sedimentation rate. In the moderate group, 87.5% exhibited ground-glass opacities, 14% exhibited consolidative opacities, 53.1% exhibited local lesions and 68.8% exhibited unilateral lesions. The proportion of patients who received antiviral or antibiotic treatment in the moderate group was higher than that in the mild group, and the number of cases that progressed to severe disease in the moderate group was also significantly higher (18.7% vs. 0%, p = 0.035). Compared with patients with mild COVID-19, those with moderate COVID-19 exhibited more noticeable inflammatory reactions, more severe pulmonary imaging manifestations and earlier expression of protective antibodies. The overall turnover of the moderate cases was poorer than that of the mild cases.

Multiple Myeloma or Brucellosis: A Case Report

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 102-105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hossein A. Rahdar ◽  
Mansoor Kodori ◽  
Mohamad R. Salehi ◽  
Mahsa Doomanlou ◽  
Morteza Karami-Zarandi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Myeloma ◽  
Brucella Melitensis ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Correct Diagnosis ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Bone Marrow Aspiration ◽  
Major Health Problem ◽  
Brucella Infection ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Parental Treatment

Background: Brucellosis, a major health problem in developing countries, is a multisystem infection with a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations. Hematological complications, ranging from an intravascular coagulopathy to mild homeostasis disorders (such as gammopathy), have been reported in brucella infection. These signs and symptoms may lead to misdiagnosis of brucellosis with other hematological diseases. Case: A 65-year-old male whose occupation was shepherding was referred to our hospital as a known case of multiple myeloma with continuous fever, muscle weakness, and night sweating after taking 2 courses of chemotherapy. The laboratory diagnosis of multiple myeloma had been based on the observation of a high percent of plasma cells in the bone marrow aspiration. At follow- up, the result of patient's fever workup, with 2 sets of blood cultures, was positive for Brucella melitensis. Isolated brucella was confirmed as B. melitensis by 16S rRNA sequencing. Brucellosis serologic test was performed by agglutination test and positive results were obtained. The patient was discharged with the cessation of fever and general improvement after the end of the parental treatment phase of brucella bacteremia. Conclusions: Brucella infection may cause a severe disease, mimicking a primary hematological disease, which could complicate the correct diagnosis. In brucellosis cases, due to the wide range of symptoms, in addition to cultivation and serological methods, molecular methods should also be used to prevent inappropriate diagnosis and additional costs.

scholarly journals Genetic polymorphism for IFNγ +874T/A in patients with acute toxoplasmosis

2012 ◽  
Vol 45 (6) ◽  
pp. 757-760 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth de Souza Neves ◽  
André Luis Land Curi ◽  
Maira Cavalcanti de Albuquerque ◽  
Cassius Schnel Palhano-Silva ◽  
Laura Berriel da Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Single Nucleotide Polymorphism ◽  
Case Control Study ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Nucleotide Polymorphism ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
Single Nucleotide ◽  
Duration Of Disease ◽  
Acute Toxoplasmosis ◽  
Control Study

INTRODUCTION: A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the gene encoding gamma interferon influences its production and is associated with severity of infectious diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the association of IFNγ+874T/A SNP with duration of disease, morbidity, and development of retinochoroiditis in acute toxoplasmosis. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted among 30 patients and 90 controls. RESULTS: Although statistical associations were not confirmed, A-allele was more common among retinochoroiditis cases and prolonged illness, while T-allele was more frequent in severe disease. CONCLUSIONS: Despite few cases, the results could indicate a relation between IFNγ+874T/A single nucleotide polymorphism and clinical manifestations of toxoplasmosis.

scholarly journals A systematic review of historical and current trends in Chagas disease

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 204993612110337
Author(s):  
Diego-Abelardo Álvarez-Hernández ◽  
Rodolfo García-Rodríguez-Arana ◽  
Alejandro Ortiz-Hernández ◽  
Mariana Álvarez-Sánchez ◽  
Meng Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Chagas Disease ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Human Case ◽  
Acute Stage ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Chronic Stage ◽  
Pubmed Database ◽  
Trypanocidal Drugs

Introduction: Chagas disease (CD) is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi. When acquired, the disease develops in stages. For diagnosis, laboratory confirmation is required, and an extensive assessment of the patient’s health should be performed. Treatment consists of the administration of trypanocidal drugs, which may cause severe adverse effects. The objective of our systematic review was to analyze data contained in the CD published case reports to understand the challenges that patients and clinicians face worldwide. Materials and methods: We performed a systematic review following the PRISMA guidance. PubMed database was explored using the terms ‘American trypanosomiasis’ or ‘Chagas disease’. Results were limited to human case reports written in English or Spanish. A total of 258 reports (322 patients) were included in the analysis. Metadata was obtained from each article. Following this, it was analyzed to obtain descriptive measures. Results: From the sample, 56.2% were males and 43.8% were females. Most cases were from endemic countries (85.4%). The most common clinical manifestations were fever during the acute stage (70.0%), dyspnea during the chronic stage in its cardiac form (53.7%), and constipation during the chronic stage in its digestive form (73.7%). Most patients were diagnosed in the chronic stage (72.0%). Treatment was administered in 56.2% of cases. The mortality rate for the acute stage cases was 24.4%, while for the chronic stage this was 28.4%. Discussion: CD is a parasitic disease endemic to Latin America, with increasing importance due to human and vector migration. In this review, we report reasons for delays in diagnosis and treatment, and trends in medical practices. Community awareness must be increased to improve CD’s diagnoses; health professionals should be appropriately trained to detect and treat infected individuals. Furthermore, public health policies are needed to increase the availability of screening and diagnostic tools, trypanocidal drugs, and, eventually, vaccines.

scholarly journals Current diagnostic tools and management modalities of Nocardia keratitis

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Soleimani ◽  
Ahmad Masoumi ◽  
Sadegh Khodavaisy ◽  
Mostafa Heidari ◽  
Ali A. Haydar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Trauma Surgery ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Topical Steroid ◽  
Nocardia Asteroides ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Contact Lens Wear ◽  
Drug Of Choice ◽  
Good Visual Acuity ◽  
Lens Wear

AbstractNocardia species are an uncommon but important cause of keratitis. The purpose of this review is to discus previous published papers relation to the epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis and management of Nocardia keratitis. Nocardia asteroides is the most frequently reported from Nocardia keratitis. Pain, photophobia, blepharospasm and lid swelling are mainly clinical manifestations. Usual risk factors for Nocardia keratitis are trauma, surgery, corticosteroids, and contact lens wear. Several antibiotics were used for treatment of Nocardia infection but according to studies, topical amikacin is the drug of choice for Nocardia keratitis. Topical steroid should not prescribe in these patients. In conclusion, although Nocardia keratitis is rare, early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent any scar formation and preserve a good visual acuity.

Nephrotic syndrome secondary to alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. e240288
Author(s):  
Gabriela F Santos ◽  
Paul Ellis ◽  
Daniela Farrugia ◽  
Alice M Turner
Keyword(s):  
Nephrotic Syndrome ◽  
Membranous Nephropathy ◽  
Clinical Investigation ◽  
Genetic Disorder ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Protective Role ◽  
Caucasian Woman ◽  
Antitrypsin Deficiency ◽  
Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency ◽  
Alpha 1 Antitrypsin

We report a 64-year-old caucasian woman diagnosed with membranous nephropathy secondary to alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD). AATD is a rare autosomal codominant genetic disorder. Its clinical manifestations are mostly observed in the lungs, with early-onset emphysema. Nephropathy due to AATD is still very rare and only a few cohort studies have been reported. It has been recognised that alpha-1 antitrypsin has a protective role in the kidneys which enhances the possibility of development of kidney failure, such as nephrotic syndrome, in cases of AATD. Further clinical investigation is needed to understand the relationship between the development of nephropathy, namely membranous nephropathy, and AATD.

scholarly journals Animais Venenosos em Território Português: Abordagem Clínica de Picadas e Mordeduras

2021 ◽  
Vol 34 (11) ◽  
pp. 784
Author(s):  
Sofia R. Valdoleiros ◽  
Inês Correia Gonçalves ◽  
Carolina Silva ◽  
Diogo Guerra ◽  
Lino André Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Native Species ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Specific Treatment ◽  
Hospital Setting ◽  
Marine Species ◽  
Symptomatic Treatment ◽  
Thaumetopoea Pityocampa ◽  
Hermodice Carunculata ◽  
Spider Bites

There are many native species of animals with the potential to cause severe disease in Portugal. Of the four clinically relevant snake species, the vipers (Vipera latastei and Vipera seoanei) are the most concerning. They can cause severe disease and require in-hospital management, monitoring and specific treatment, including the administration of anti-snake venom serum. The Malpolon monspessulanus and Macroprotodon brevis snakes cause mostly localized clinical manifestations, which do not require specific treatment. Only a minority of the spider species in Portugal possess chelicerae (mouthparts of the Chelicerata, shaped as either articulated fangs or pincers, which may contain venom or be connected to the venom glands and are used for predation or capture of food) long enough to perforate the human skin. Nevertheless, Latrodectus tredecimguttatus and Loxosceles rufescens spider bites may require specialized treatment in a hospital setting, as well as careful active symptom surveillance. Diversely, the treatment for Scolopendra cingulata and Scolopendra oraniensis centipedes’ bites is merely symptomatic. The only existing scorpion species in Portugal is the Buthus ibericus; its sting typically causes local symptoms with intense pain, and its treatment consists essentially of analgesia. The insects of the Hymenoptera order, such as bees and wasps, have the ability to inject venom into the skin. Most people present only with local or regional inflammatory response, and symptomatic treatment is usually effective. Even so, individuals with hypersensitivity to bee venom may develop anaphylaxis. Several marine species in the Portuguese coast are venomous to humans, including weeverfish (Trachinidae family), stingrays (Dasyatis pastinaca, Taeniura grabata, Myliobatis aquila), red scorpion fish (Scorpaena scrofa), cnidaria (Pelagia noctiluca, Chrysaora hysoscella, Physalia physalis) and bearded fireworm (Hermodice carunculata); treatment is symptomatic. Contact with the larvae or bristles (chitinous structures with locomotor or tactile functions) of Thaumetopoea pityocampa (pine processionary) can cause cutaneous, ocular and, rarely, respiratory reactions; its management is also symptomatic.

scholarly journals Graves Disease in Childhood

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madhukar Mittal ◽  
Vanishri Ganakumar
Keyword(s):  
Thyroid Hormone ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Age Of Onset ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone ◽  
Graves Disease ◽  
Older Children ◽  
Prepubertal Children ◽  
Pediatric Age Group

Graves’ disease (GD) is an autoimmune disease caused by autoantibodies against thyroid stimulating hormone receptor (TSH-R), resulting in stimulation of thyroid gland and overproduction of thyroid hormones resulting in clinical manifestations. It is uncommon in children and is 6 times more prevalent in females. The symptomatology, clinical and biochemical severity are a function of age of onset of disease. Prepubertal children tend to present with weight loss and bowel frequency, associated with accelerated growth and bone maturation. Older children are more likely to present with the classical symptoms of thyrotoxicosis like palpitations, tremors and heat intolerance. Prepubertal children tend to have a more severe disease, longer duration of complaints and higher thyroid hormone levels at presentation than the pubertal and postpubertal children. The non-specificity of some of the symptoms in pediatric age group can lead to children being initially seen by other specialities before being referred to endocrinology. Management issues are decided based on patient’s priorities and shared decision making between patient and treating physician. Radioactive Iodine Ablation is preferred when there is relatively higher value placed on Definitive control of hyperthyroidism, Avoidance of surgery, and potential side effects of ATDs. Similarly Antithyroid drugs are chosen when a relatively higher value is placed on possibility of remission and avoidance of lifelong thyroid hormone treatment, Avoidance of surgery, Avoidance of exposure to radioactivity. Surgery is preferred when access to a high-volume thyroid surgeon is available and a relatively higher value is on prompt and definitive control of hyperthyroidism, avoidance of exposure to radioactivity and avoidance of potential side effects of ATDs. Continental differences with regards to management do exist; radio-iodine ablation being preferred in North America while Anti-thyroid drug treatment remains the initial standard care in Europe.

scholarly journals Autoantibodies Against Ubiquitous and Confined Antigens in Patients With Ocular, Neuro-Ophthalmic and Congenital Cerebral Toxoplasmosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monica Goldberg-Murow ◽  
Carlos Cedillo-Peláez ◽  
Luz Elena Concha-del-Río ◽  
Rashel Cheja-Kalb ◽  
María José Salgar-Henao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Molecular Mimicry ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Protective Role ◽  
Cross Reactivity ◽  
Ocular Toxoplasmosis ◽  
Cerebral Toxoplasmosis ◽  
Blood Retinal Barrier ◽  
The Central Nervous System

Toxoplasma gondii infection can trigger autoreactivity by different mechanisms. In the case of ocular toxoplasmosis, disruption of the blood-retinal barrier may cause exposure of confined retinal antigens such as recoverin. Besides, cross-reactivity can be induced by molecular mimicry of parasite antigens like HSP70, which shares 76% identity with the human ortholog. Autoreactivity can be a determining factor of clinical manifestations in the eye and in the central nervous system. We performed a prospective observational study to determine the presence of autoantibodies against recoverin and HSP70 by indirect ELISA in the serum of 65 patients with ocular, neuro-ophthalmic and congenital cerebral toxoplasmosis. We found systemic autoantibodies against recoverin and HSP70 in 33.8% and 15.6% of individuals, respectively. The presence of autoantibodies in cases of OT may be related to the severity of clinical manifestations, while in cases with CNS involvement they may have a protective role. Unexpectedly, anti-recoverin antibodies were found in patients with cerebral involvement, without ocular toxoplasmosis; therefore, we analyzed and proved cross-reactivity between recoverin and a brain antigen, hippocalcin, so the immunological phenomenon occurring in one immune-privileged organ (e.g. the central nervous system) could affect the environment of another (egg. the eye).

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