Solutions

Online Inquiry

Your Name *

Phone Number *

E-mail Address *

Services Interested *

Project Description

Please note that we are a research service provider, not a pharmacy or clinic, so we are unable to see patients and do not offer diagnostic and treatment services for individuals.

Hymenolepiasis

Hymenolepiasis, a neglected tropical disease is caused by the infection of the cestode species Hymenolepis diminuta and Hymenolepis nana. Our company is at the forefront of developing innovative solutions to combat Hymenolepiasis.

Overview of Hymenolepiasis

The disease Hymenolepiasis is zoonotic including global spread, with animals and humans as opposing infectious sources. This disease is common in warm regions with poor hygiene. Most of the time, the infection is asymptomatic but can occur with allergic reactions, gastrointestinal complaints, and in more advanced cases with malnutrition and developmental disorders in children. The life cycle of the parasite involves both an intermediate host, which is usually an arthropod, and a definitive host which can be a human or rodent.

The life cycle of Hymenolepis spp. Fig.1 Hymenolepis spp. life cycle. (Aguilar-Marcelino L., et al., 2023)

Vaccine Development for Hymenolepiasis

Proteomics-Driven Vaccine Candidates

The study of proteomics has helped in finding vaccine candidates against Hymenolepiasis. The searching of specific antigens that can be targeted by an immune response has been made possible by analyzing the proteins expressed by the parasite. For instance, the spectacles that can induce immune responses such as heat-shock proteins (HSPs) and paramyosin are potential candidates for a vaccine against the infection.

Molecular Approaches

Separation of these antigens and their expression can be done due to advancements in molecular biology techniques. The use of these proteins in vaccine development is possible due to recombinant DNA technology which enables the production of the proteins in bulk. In addition, use of genetic engineering has also improved the vaccines by creating live attenuated or purified candidate vaccines that are safer and more immunogenic.

Therapeutics Development for Hymenolepiasis

Anthelmintic Drugs

Therapeutics of hymenolepiasis relies heavily and chiefly on the use of anthelmintic drugs. Praziquantel and nitazoxanide are broadly used for treatment of Cestode infections. These medications kill the parasite by rupturing the cellular architecture and disrupting its metabolism.

Albendazole has been shown to be effective in treating for Hymenolepis nana in pre-school aged children. A recent study reported an efficacy of 83% and 75% for albendazole (Zentel) and for albendazole (bendazol) respectively which was effective in reducing the parasite load.

Alternative Therapies

Medicinal plants and mushroom extracts are some of the alternative therapies which have shown promise against Hymenolepiasis as evidenced by recent research. For instance, cinnamon extracts and Pleurotus ostreatus have shown some anthelmintic activity in laboratory tests.

Our Services

Using our knowledge of molecular biology and immunology, we focus on the development and formulation testing of new vaccines aimed at specific antigens unique to Hymenolepis parasites. Our therapeutics development services also include the discovery and optimization of novel anthelmintic drugs. In addition, we investigate diversification of the therapeutic pipeline through alternative therapeutic technologies.

Vaccine Development

Therapeutic Development

Disease Models

Hymenolepis nana Infection Mouse Models: Mice were infected with Hymenolepis nana eggs, which then developed into adult worms within the mice.
Hymenolepis diminuta Infection Mouse Models

Hymenolepiasis, while neglected, is a disease that warrants significant attention and investment in research and development. The advancement of vaccines and therapeutics is crucial in controlling and eventually eliminating this parasitic infection. Our company is dedicated to providing cutting-edge services that accelerate the discovery and delivery of life-saving solutions. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.

References

Aguilar-Marcelino, L., et al. "Hymenolepiasis." One Health Triad, Unique Scientific Publishers, Faisalabad, Pakistan 3 (2023): 122-127.
Sulima, Anna, et al. "Identification of immunogenic proteins of the cysticercoid of Hymenolepis diminuta." Parasites & vectors 10 (2017): 1-12.
Khan, Wali, et al. "Albendazole in the treatment of Hymenolepiasis in school children." Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences 31 (2018).

All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.