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Fasciolopsiasis is a trematode infection that is contracted through food and caused by the intestinal fluke Fasciolopsis buski. Here at Protheragen, our unwavering dedication lies in spearheading the battle against fasciolopsiasis. We offer an all-encompassing range of services dedicated to the development of vaccines and therapeutics to combat this parasitic disease.
Fasciolopsiasis is an overlooked tropical disease that is caused by an intestinal fluke which goes by the same name and is a member of the Fasciolidae family. The infection is acquired by humans and pigs living in rural and peri-urban regions of Asia the most, including China, India, and Bangladesh, where both sanitation and water sources are inadequate.
Fig.1 Life cycle stages of Fasciola hepatica involved in the infection of humans. (Mas-Coma S., et al., 2018)
The primary hosts of the parasite are human beings and pigs. The life cycle of the Fasciolopsis buski fluke starts with freshwater snails belonging to the Planorbidae family. These snails function as intermediate hosts, where the parasite reproduces asexually. Humans acquire the ailment through consumption of contaminated aquatic plants. The metacercarial stage of the parasite is usually encysted when consumed. After the juvenile flukes are ingested by humans, they excyst in the intestine and grow into adult worms. The mature worms inflict immense damage and have profound pathological effects on the host.
Research has been able to screen many proteins from F. buski that can elicit immune responses for example cathepsin L-like proteases might be suitable as vaccines because of how they aid the parasites pathogenesis and survival.
Genetic immunization of plasmid DNA that encodes for F. buski antigens has been shown to induce the desired protective immunity in experimental settings. This technique eliminates the requirement of using live weakened or inactivated organisms, making it much safer.
Recombinant technology makes it possible to manufacture particular F. buski antigens in a controlled environment. These antigens can then be used in the formulation of vaccines aimed at getting the host's immune system to attack the parasite.
Praziquantel: This drug is first choice of therapy against fasciolopsiasis. It paralyzes the worms so that the immune response of the host can eliminate them. There is ongoing research for formulations of praziquantel that will be more effective and have fewer side effects.
Nitazoxanide: Nitazoxanide is effective in eliminating F. buski infections and is used as an alternative to praziquantel, especially where there is suspected or known resistance to praziquantel.
Natural Products: The use of natural products in the formulation of new anthelmintics seems to be an area of increasing interest. Some plant extracts and their metabolites are being investigated for their ability to change the physiology of the parasite which is a new avenue in therapy.
Protheragen is a leader in the control of fasciolopsiasis because we are actively developing new approaches to control this disease. Among our services is the design and development of vaccines and therapeutics, which are modified to complex requirements of this disease.
Protheragen's preclinical research services are designed to support the entire spectrum of vaccine and drug development. We offer:
If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.
References
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.