Journal of Bacteriology & Parasitology

Pathogenic and Immunological Aspects of Host-Parasite Interactions in Fasciolopsiasis Infection

Philip Summer^* Department Infectious Disease, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
^*Correspondence: Philip Summer, Department Infectious Disease, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland, Email:

Received: 17-Oct-2023, Manuscript No. JBP-23-23414; Editor assigned: 20-Oct-2023, Pre QC No. JBP-23-23414 (PQ); Reviewed: 03-Nov-2023, QC No. JBP-23-23414; Revised: 10-Nov-2023, Manuscript No. JBP-23-23414 (R); Published: 17-Nov-2023, DOI: 10.35248/2155-9597.23.14.487

Description

Fasciolopsiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by the infection of the intestinal fluke Fasciolopsis buski. It is endemic in some parts of Asia, especially India, Bangladesh, China, and Thailand, where people consume raw or undercooked aquatic plants contaminated with the parasite’s metacercariae. The disease affects mainly children and causes malnutrition, anemia, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and sometimes intestinal obstruction or perforation. The host-parasite interactions in fasciolopsiasis are complex and involve various factors that influence the pathogenesis and immune response of the infection.

Factors influencing infection cause and immune response

The size and number of the worms: Fasciolopsis buski is one of the largest trematodes that infect humans, reaching up to 7.5 cm in length and 2.5 cm in width. The worm burden can range from a few to hundreds of parasites per host. The large size and number of the worms can cause mechanical damage to the intestinal mucosa, leading to ulceration, inflammation, bleeding, and secondary bacterial infections.

The attachment and feeding of the worms: Fasciolopsis buski attaches to the duodenal and jejunal mucosa by its oral and ventral suckers. The worm feeds on blood, mucus, and epithelial cells by rasping the mucosal surface with its tegumental spines. The attachment and feeding of the worms can induce local and systemic immune responses, such as mast cell degranulation, eosinophil infiltration, IgE production, cytokine secretion, and antibody-mediated cytotoxicity.

The antigenic variation and immune evasion of the worms: Fasciolopsis buski can modulate its surface antigens by removing its tegument or expressing different antigenic variants. This can help the worm evade the host’s immune recognition and clearance.Moreover, the worm can also secrete Immunomodulatory molecules, such as proteases, lectins, glycoproteins, and excretory/secretory products that can interfere with the host’s immune effector mechanisms, such as complement activation, phagocytosis, inflammation, and lymphocyte proliferation.

The genetic and environmental factors of the host: The susceptibility and resistance of the host to Fasciolopsis buski infection can be influenced by genetic and environmental factors, such as age, sex, nutritional status, co-infections, and immunization history. For example, children are more prone to infection than adults because of their immature immune system and frequent exposure to contaminated water plants. Similarly, malnourished or immunocompromised hosts are more likely to develop severe disease than healthy hosts.

According to the web search results, there are some existing treatments for fasciolopsiasis, such as praziquantel, tetrachloroethylene, thiabendazole, mebendazole, levamisole, and pyrantel pamoate. However, these drugs may have limited efficacy, adverse effects, or resistance issues. Therefore, there is a need for new treatments for fasciolopsiasis.

Some possible new treatments for fasciolopsiasis

Vaccination: A vaccine against Fasciolopsis buski infection could prevent or reduce the worm burden and the associated morbidity and mortality. A potential vaccine candidate is the recombinant Fasciolopsis buski Cysteine Protease (rFbCP), which has been shown to induce protective immunity in animal models.

Herbal medicine: Some plants or plant extracts have been reported to have anthelmintic activity against Fasciolopsis buski or other flukes. For example, curcumin, the active ingredient of turmeric, has been shown to inhibit the growth and development of Fasciolopsis buski in vitro and in vivo. Other plants that may have anti Fasciolopsis buski effects include garlic, ginger, neem, papaya, and pumpkin.

Nano-medicine: Nanoparticles are tiny particles that can be used to deliver medications or other substances to specific targets in the body. Nanoparticles could enhance the efficacy and safety of existing or new medications for fasciolopsiasis by improving their solubility, bioavailability, stability, and specificity. For instance, silver nanoparticles have been shown to have anti- parasitic activity against F. hepatica, a closely related fluke to Fasciolopsis buski.

These are some of the possible new treatments for Fasciolopsiasis that are being explored or developed by researchers. However, more studies are needed to confirm their effectiveness and safety in humans. In conclusion, fasciolopsiasis is a complex disease that involves multiple host-parasite interactions that determine the outcome of the infection. A better understanding of these interactions can help in developing effective strategies for diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and control of this neglected tropical disease.