Fascioliasis is a zoonnc disease, affecting numerous animals, including humans. It is caused by the parasitic tremade which consists of Fasciola Hepatica and Fasciola Gigantica. At Protheragen, we are committed to advancing the fight against fascioliasis through the development of innovative vaccines and therapeutic solutions.
Overview of Fascioliasis
This ailment is also referred to as fasciolosis, liver rot, or distomatosis, and has a strong global significance. Like many other parasitice diseases, this is also caused by parasites, in this case, it's the trematode worms known as Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola Gigantica. The presence of these parasitic flukes is a danger for both livestock economy and public health. The life cycle of these parasites is highly unique as they depend on herbivorous mammals for sustenance and as host. These mammels include humans along with sheep and cattle. The adult parasitic flukes settle in the bile ducts of the liver, which leads to severe viollary liver disease.
Fig.1 Life cycle stages of Fasciola hepatica involved in the infection of humans. (Mas-Coma S., et al., 2018)
Vaccine Development for Fascioliasis
Attenuated Vaccines
The use of weakened pathogens in vaccines hence, termed as attenuated vaccines is an age old method of vaccine development. This technique has previously been tested for use with fascioliasis using the metacercariae of F. hepatica, which has been irradiated. Sufficient studies show that γ-irradiated metacercariae can also severely decrease parasite burden and reproduction rates in calves, thereby demonstrating the practicality of this method for further research in vaccine development.
Recombinant Vaccines
The ability to synthesize specific antigens aids in the production of vaccines under recombinant DNA technology. And in the case of fascioliasis, a number of recombinant vaccines are currently being developed and tested focusing on the major proteins essential for the survival of the parasite. For example, cathepsin L and fatty-acid-binding protein (FABPs) have been proposed and tested for their ability to be used as vaccines due to their functions in the invasion and survival of the parasite.
Nucleic-Acid Vaccines
Immune responses at both humoral and cellular level can be effectively stimulated using nucleic-acid vaccines such as DNA vaccines. As an illustration, one study showed that DNA naked FgFABP with mannosylated-polyethyleneimine-FgFABP raised Th1 cytokines levels and protected against F. hepatica infection in mice. These examples provide convincing evidence for the usefulness of nucleic-acid vaccines against fascioliasis.
Therapeutics Development for Fascioliasis
The therapeutic of fascioliasis has mainly relied on chemotherapy, and currently the most widely used drug is triclabendazole. The emergence of drug resistance, however, has necessitated the search for new therapeutic agents. Some natural products such as derived from Artemisia spp., Bassia latifolia and Moringa oleifera have exhibited in vitro and in vivo anthelmintic activity and therefore represent potential sources for drug development.
Immunotherapy aims to enhance the host immune response to fight the parasite. This has been attempted via development of vaccines and through the administration of some specific immune modulators. The strategy is aimed at improving the host's defense mechanisms against the parasite, and thus lowering its pathogenicity while at the same time improving outcomes of disease.
Table 1. Drugs used against F. hepatica. (Rufino-Moya P. J., et al., 2024)
| Group |
Chemical Name |
Use |
Efficacy |
| Benzimidazoles |
Albendazole |
Oral |
Adults |
| Ricobendazole |
Oral |
Adults |
| Triclabendazole |
Oral |
Adults and immature (2 days of age) |
| Halogenated phenol |
Nitroxinil |
|
|
| Salicylanilides |
Closantel |
Oral |
Adults and immature (5 weeks of age) |
| Oxyclozanide |
Oral |
Adults |
| Rafoxanide |
Oral |
Adults |
| Sulphonamide |
Clorsulon |
Oral |
Adults |
Our Services
We provide extended fascioliasis research services, especially in the aspects of vaccine and therapeutic development. We use modern techniques and deep knowledge of the biology of the parasite for enabling fascioliasis control.
Preclinical Research
- Pharmacodynamics Study Services
- Pharmacokinetics Study Services
- Drug Safety Evaluation Services
Disease Models
- F. hepatica Infection Rabbit Models: 15 or 30 metacercariae
- F. hepatica Infection SD Rat Models: 20 or 30 metacercariae
- F. hepatica Infection Kunming Mouse Models: 2, 6, or 10 metacercariae
Our commitment to innovation and our deep understanding of the fascioliasis challenge make us a trusted partner in the pursuit of effective solutions to combat this important parasitic disease. By collaborating with us, you can leverage our expertise and cutting-edge capabilities to accelerate the development of transformative fascioliasis vaccines and therapies. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.
References
- Mas-Coma S., M. D. Bargues, and M. A. Valero. "Human fascioliasis infection sources, their diversity, incidence factors, analytical methods, and prevention measures." Parasitology 145.13 (2018): 1665-1699.
- Rufino-Moya, Pablo José, et al. "Advancement in Diagnosis, Treatment, and Vaccines against Fasciola hepatica: A Comprehensive Review." Pathogens 13.8 (2024): 669.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use
only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
