Diphyllobothriasis, a parasitic infection caused by the tapeworm Diphyllobothrium, poses a significant health risk in regions where raw or undercooked fish is consumed. As a leading company in the field of infectious disease research, we offer comprehensive services for the development of vaccines and therapeutics against diphyllobothriasis.
Overview of Diphyllobothriasis
Diphyllobothriasis is an intestinal infection caused by the cestode Diphyllobothrium. The parasite's complex life cycle involves freshwater fish serving as intermediate hosts and humans as definitive hosts. Humans are infected by consuming raw or undercooked fish containing the infective plerocercoid larvae. The adult worm resides in the small intestine, where it can grow to a significant length and cause a range of symptoms from mild gastrointestinal discomfort to severe vitamin B12 deficiency and, in rare cases, neurological disorders.
Fig.1 Pathological features of adult D. nihonkaiense. (Tsukamoto Y., et al., 2019)
Vaccine Development for Diphyllobothriasis
As of now, there are no commercially available vaccines for diphyllobothriasis. Vaccine development for parasitic infections poses significant challenges due to the complex life cycles of the parasites and their ability to evade host immune responses. However, research efforts are ongoing to explore potential vaccine candidates targeting specific antigens.
Potential Vaccine Candidates:
Research has focused on identifying and characterizing recombinant proteins derived from Diphyllobothrium species. For instance, studies have suggested that certain proteins involved in the parasite's adhesion and immune evasion could serve as potential vaccine targets.
DNA vaccines introduce plasmid DNA encoding specific antigens from Diphyllobothrium, eliciting an immune response. Early-stage studies have shown promise in animal models, demonstrating the potential to induce both humoral and cellular immunity against Diphyllobothrium infections.
Although challenging, the development of live attenuated vaccines is also a consideration. These vaccines would involve using a weakened form of the parasite to stimulate an immune response without causing disease. However, its safety and effectiveness need further verification.
Therapeutics Development for Diphyllobothriasis
The primary pharmacological approach for treating diphyllobothriasis involves the use of anthelmintic drugs. The following therapies have been established as effective:
Praziquantel
This drug is regarded as the therapeutics of choice for diphyllobothriasis. Administered orally at a dosage of 5-10 mg/kg, praziquantel works by causing severe spasms and paralysis of the parasite's musculature, leading to its detachment from the intestinal wall and subsequent expulsion from the host. Studies have shown a high efficacy rate, often exceeding 90%.
Niclosamide
An alternative therapeutics, niclosamide, is administered at a higher dosage (2 g orally for adults). This drug acts by inhibiting the parasite's ability to absorb glucose, effectively starving it. Although effective, niclosamide requires careful administration due to its potential side effects.
Our Services
Engaging in vaccine and therapeutic development for diphyllobothriasis requires a multidisciplinary approach, leveraging expertise in immunology, parasitology, and pharmacology. Our company has the combined capabilities to provide the following services for diphyllobothriasis vaccine and therapeutic development, including:
Preclinical Research
- Pharmacodynamics Study Services
- Pharmacokinetics Study Services
- Drug Safety Evaluation Services
Disease Models
- D. latum Infection Models
- D. dendriticum Infection Models
- D.dallinae Infection Models
- D. alascense Infection Models
- D. nihonkaiense Infection Models
- D. pacificum Infection Models
- D.stemnacephalum Infection Models
Our preclinical research services span a comprehensive spectrum of tasks, starting from the discovery of promising vaccine candidates to assessing their safety and effectiveness in animal models. By employing advanced technologies and stringent scientific approaches, we guarantee the resilience and dependability of our vaccine and drug development services. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.
References
- Tsukamoto, Yoshitane, et al. "Dibothriocephalus nihonkaiensis infection identified by pathological and genetic analyses-a case report and a recent literature review of human diphyllobothriasis." Human Pathology: Case Reports 16 (2019): 200298.
- Mohammed, M. M., et al. "A REVIEW OF DIPHYLLOBOTHRIASIS: AN EMERGING AND RE-EMERGING PARASITC ZOONOSIS." Nigerian Journal of Animal Production (2023): 1469-1473.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use
only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
