Baylisascaris Infection is a rare disease caused by infection with the raccoon roundworm, Baylisascaris procyonis. In humans, it can lead to fatal central nervous system (CNS) infections, ocular disease, or visceral larva migrans syndrome. As a prominent company, we are focus on developing vaccines and therapies for Baylisascaris Infection, providing high-quality services to support your research.
Overview of Baylisascaris Infection
Baylisascariasis is a rare but severe zoonotic infection primarily caused by the raccoon roundworm Baylisascaris procyonis. Human cases are infrequent, with only a few dozen confirmed globally, but the true incidence may be underestimated due to underdiagnosis. The disease predominantly affects children and can result in serious neurological complications, with a high mortality rate if left untreated.
Fig.1 Map demonstrating the highest prevalence of Baylisascaris procyonis reported in the literature for each state and province in the United States and Canada. (French, S. K., et al., 2019)
Pathogenesis of Baylisascaris Infection
Baylisascaris infection leads to severe neurological damage due to larval migration through the central nervous system. The larvae can cause extensive tissue damage, inflammation, and eosinophilic granulomas, often resulting in encephalitis. Human infection occurs through the ingestion of embryonated eggs, with young children and immunocompromised individuals being particularly at risk. Recent studies highlight the critical role of host immune response in modulating disease severity and progression.
Fig.2 The life cycle of Baylisascaris procyonis. (Kazacos, K. R., L. A. Jelicks, and H. B. Tanowitz., 2013)
Therapeutics Development for Baylisascaris Infection
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy has been investigated as a potential therapeutic avenue, includes the use of monoclonal antibodies targeting inflammatory pathways, such as TNF-alpha inhibitors, to reduce the pathological immune response while allowing antiparasitic drugs to work more effectively.
Targeted Molecular Therapy
Advances in understanding the molecular biology of B. procyonis have led to the exploration of targeted therapies. Ongoing research is focused on drugs that target enzymes or proteins essential for larval survival and migration, aiming for more effective therapeutics with fewer side effects.
Identification of Vaccine Targets for Baylisascaris Infection
Vaccine development for Baylisascaris Infection is still in the early stages, but recent research has made significant strides in identifying potential vaccine candidates and understanding the immune responses necessary for protection.
Identifying antigens from B. procyonis larvae that can trigger protective immune response is crucial, as larvae cause the most damage to the host. Recently,several proteins expressed during larval migration, such as excretory/secretory (ES) proteins, which are ideal vaccine targets due to their roles in immune evasion and tissue penetration.
Recombinant DNA technology allows the lab production of specific B. procyonis antigens, which can then be tested for inducing immunity in animal models. This approach could lead to a subunit vaccine that uses only essential antigens, reducing the risk of adverse reactions.
Our Services
At our company, we are proud to offer a comprehensive suite of services to support our clients in the development of innovative Baylisascaris Infection vaccines and therapies. Our team of seasoned scientists, immunologists, and pharmacologists leverages state-of-the-art technologies and deep domain expertise to accelerate the progress of your projects.
Animal Models of Baylisascaris Infection
Drawing on our extensive expertise, we develop and employ animal models that accurately replicate the disease characteristics and therapeutic responses of baylisascaris Infection. These models are crucial for precisely studying the pathophysiology of baylisascaris Infection and for rigorously evaluating the safety and efficacy of potential therapies.
| Pathogen Infection Models |
| These models involve infecting specific animal species with Baylisascaris larvae to study disease mechanisms, host immune responses, and evaluate potential therapeutics. |
| Optional Models |
- Baylisascaris procyonis-Infected Mouse Model
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- Baylisascaris procyonis-Infected Rat Model
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| Humanized Models |
| Humanized models are engineered to express human tissues or immune components, providing a more accurate representation of human disease conditions and immune responses in Baylisascaris infection. |
| Optional Models |
- Humanized Immune System Mouse Model Infected with Baylisascaris procyonis Larvae
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- Human Brain Tissue Xenograft Mouse Model with Baylisascaris procyonis Infection
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| Optional Species |
Mice, Rats, Non-human primates, Others |
In Baylisascaris Infection therapy development, our team focuses on discovering and characterizing new antimicrobial agents, such as small molecules, peptides, and biologics, that target virulence factors. We also offer services to support the evaluation, optimization, and advancement of your therapeutic pipeline.
If you are interested in our services, please don't hesitate to contact us.
References
- French, S. K., et al. "Baylisascaris Procyonis Infection in Raccoons: A Review of Demographic and Environmental Factors Influencing Parasite Carriage." Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 16 (2019): 100275.
- Kazacos, K. R., L. A. Jelicks, and H. B. Tanowitz. "Baylisascaris Larva Migrans." Handb Clin Neurol 114 (2013): 251-62.
- Jurankova, J., et al. "Baylisascaris Transfuga (Ascaridoidea, Nematoda) from European Brown Bear (Ursus Arctos) Causing Larva Migrans in Laboratory Mice with Clinical Manifestation." Parasitol Res 121.2 (2022): 645-51.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use
only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
