Schistosomiasis
Schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease, is caused by helminths of the Schistosoma genus and ranks second in global impact among all parasites. Transmission occurs through contact with contaminated freshwater, primarily affecting regions in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and South America. Our company is well-equipped to address your drug and therapy development requirements in Schistosomiasis therapy.
Overview of Schistosomiasis
Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, is a neglected tropical disease caused by parasitic trematode worms from the genus Schistosoma. The primary species responsible for the disease include S. haematobium, S. mansoni, and S. japonicum. The World Health Organization reports that more than 250 million people worldwide are affected by this illness, which results in considerable health issues and an estimated 1.9 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost, though this figure is probably an understatement.
Pathogenesis of Schistosomiasis
Life cycle
The schistosome life cycle starts when cercariae penetrate human skin from contaminated water. They become schistosomula, migrate to the liver, and mature into adult worms in the blood vessels. Adults produce eggs, which are excreted in urine or feces. In freshwater, eggs hatch into miracidia, infecting snails, which then release new cercariae.
Pathogenesis
Human schistosomiasis pathophysiology is driven by the immune response to the eggs of the parasite. After cercariae penetrate the skin and mature into adult worms, their eggs can become lodged in tissues, causing granuloma formation and fibrosis. This leads to urogenital disease in S. haematobium infections and intestinal and hepatosplenic diseases in S. mansoni and S. japonicum infections. Acute schistosomiasis presents with fever and muscle pain, while chronic schistosomiasis can cause significant organ damage and fibrosis.
Fig. 1 Life cycle of human schistosomes. (McManus, D.P., et al., 2020)
Detection Methods for Schistosomiasis
The common diagnostic methods for schistosomiasis can be categorized into three main types: parasitological, immunological, and molecular techniques.
Parasitological Methods
These include urine filtration and centrifugation for detecting S. haematobium eggs, and the Kato-Katz fecal smear technique for S. mansoni and S. japonicum. These methods are widely used due to their cost-effectiveness and simplicity, particularly in highly endemic areas.
Immunological Methods
These involve detecting antibodies or antigens related to schistosomes. Common techniques include enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), the circumoval precipitin test (COPT), and various rapid tests like the dipstick dye immunoassay (DDIA).
Molecular Methods
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays are used to detect schistosome DNA in various samples, including stool, urine, and blood. Real-time PCR and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) are examples of advanced techniques that offer high sensitivity and specificity.
Fig. 2 A frameworkof new diagnostic tagrets for schistosomiasis. (Ogongo, P., et al., 2022) Vaccine Development of Schistosomiasis
Table. 1 Schistosomiasis candidate vaccines in human clinical trials.
| Vaccine Candidate | Targeted Species | Clinical Trial Phase | Efficacy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recombinant Sh28GST/Alhydrogel® (Bilharvax) | Schistosoma haematobium | Phases 1, 2, & 3 completed | 67% and 93% worm reduction in immunized mice and rabbits respectively. |
| Recombinant Sm14/GLA-SE | Schistosoma mansoni | Phases 1 & 2a completed. Phase 2b initiated | Direct genetic modification of microorganisms, targets specific pathogens. |
| Recombinant Sm-TSP-2/Alhydrogel® | Schistosoma mansoni | Phase 1a completed. Phase 1b initiated | Immunized mice showed a 57% and 64% reduction in worm and liver egg burden respectively. |
| Recombinant Sm-p80/GLA-SE | Schistosoma mansoni | Phase 1 initiated | Immunized baboons showed a 93% drop in adult female worms, a 90% decrease in tissue egg load, and an 81% reduction in egg hatching rate. |
Our Services
Our company adopts a collaborative approach, partnering closely with clients to create tailored and innovative therapy strategies for Schistosomiasis. We offer comprehensive support throughout the entire development process, ensuring effective and customized solutions.
Platforms of Schistosomiasis Therapy Development
Animal Models of Schistosomiasis
We have extensive experience in creating and utilizing animal models that faithfully mimic the disease traits and therapeutic reactions of Schistosomiasis. These models enable us to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of prospective therapies with precision.
| Non-Genetically Engineering Models | ||
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| We provide an array of models designed to meet specific research requirements for Schistosomiasis. These models allow researchers to replicate and study the intricate biological processes associated with the disease. | ||
| Optional Models |
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| Optional Species | Mice, Rabbits, Non-human primates, Others | |
In addition, we offer a range of comprehensive animal model services that concentrate on specific signaling pathways and molecular targets.
If you are interested in our services, please contact us as soon as possible for more information.
References
- McManus, D.P., et al., "Schistosomiasis-from immunopathology to vaccines." Semin Immunopathol, (2020). 42(3): p. 355-371.
- Ogongo, P., et al., "The Road to Elimination: Current State of Schistosomiasis Research and Progress Towards the End Game." Front Immunol, (2022). 13: p. 846108.
- He, P., et al., "Nucleic acid detection in the diagnosis and prevention of schistosomiasis." Infect Dis Poverty, (2016). 5: p. 25.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.