Giardiasis is considered a neglected tropical disease by the World Health Organization, highlighting the need for continued research and development. At Protheragen, we are proud to offer a comprehensive suite of services to support the development of giardiasis vaccines and therapies.
Overview of Giardiasis
Giardiasis is a significant gastrointestinal disease caused by the protozoan parasite Giardia intestinalis (also known as Giardia lamblia or Giardia duodenalis). This microscopic, flagellated parasite is one of the most common waterborne and foodborne parasitic infections worldwide, affecting an estimated 200 million people globally, particularly in developing countries and areas with poor sanitation.
Fig.1 Molecules involved in G. duodenalis ABZ-resistant clones. (Argüello-García R., et al., 2020)
The manifestations of giardiasis can range from asymptomatic carriage to severe diarrhea, malabsorption, and malnutrition, especially in children. The parasite's life cycle involves the ingestion of infectious cysts, which then transform into trophozoites that colonize the small intestine. The interaction between the Giardia trophozoites and the intestinal epithelium can lead to epithelial damage, brush border disruption, and impaired nutrient absorption, resulting in characteristic gastrointestinal symptoms.
Vaccine Development for Giardiasis
Developing a vaccine for giardiasis presents significant challenges due to the parasite's ability to alter its surface antigens, thereby evading the host's immune response. This antigenic variation complicates the design of a vaccine that can provide long-lasting immunity.
Existing Animal Vaccines
One of the notable advancements in giardiasis vaccine development is the creation of GiardiaVax, an anti-giardiasis vaccine for animals. This vaccine is composed of a mixture of isolates from sheep, dogs, and humans. It has been shown to reduce symptoms and the duration of cyst shedding in cats and dogs. Additionally, GiardiaVax has been used as an immunotherapeutic agent in dogs with chronic giardiasis that did not respond to standard drug therapeutics.
Existing Animal Vaccines
One of the notable advancements in giardiasis vaccine development is the creation of GiardiaVax, an anti-giardiasis vaccine for animals. This vaccine is composed of a mixture of isolates from sheep, dogs, and humans. It has been shown to reduce symptoms and the duration of cyst shedding in cats and dogs. Additionally, GiardiaVax has been used as an immunotherapeutic agent in dogs with chronic giardiasis that did not respond to standard drug therapeutics.
Therapeutics Development for Mansonelliasis
Repurposing Existing Drugs
An approach involves repurposing established drugs with recognized antiparasitic properties for addressing giardiasis. For instance, a notable example is the examination of specific 5-nitroimidazole derivatives like metronidazole and tinidazole, traditionally utilized as primary therapies for giardiasis.
Targeting Novel Therapeutic Targets
One such target being explored is the parasite's ventral disk, a structure crucial for its attachment to the intestinal epithelium. By developing compounds that interfere with the maintenance or function of the ventral disk, researchers hope to prevent the parasite's colonization and subsequent pathogenesis.
Natural Product-Derived Therapies
In parallel with synthetic drug development efforts, researchers are also investigating the potential of natural products and plant-derived compounds as alternative therapeutics for giardiasis. Researchers have screened a variety of phytochemicals, such as certain alkaloids, terpenoids, and flavonoids, for their antigiardial properties and mechanism of action.
Our Services
As a research service provider, Protheragen takes pride in providing an extensive range of services dedicated to bolstering the progress of giardiasis vaccines and therapies. Our team of seasoned professionals in immunology, parasitology, medicinal chemistry, and preclinical research collaborates synergistically to expedite the development of groundbreaking solutions against this enduring parasitic ailment.
- G. duodenalis Infection Neonates, Suckling or Weanling Mouse Models
- G. duodenalis Infection Rat Models
- G. duodenalis Infection Mongolian gerbil Models
In addition to vaccine and therapeutics development capabilities, we also offer comprehensive preclinical research services to support the advancement of giardiasis-related projects. We have an experienced research team and have established robust in vitro and in vivo models to evaluate the efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetics of vaccine and drug candidates. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.
References
- Argüello-García Raúl, et al. "Drug resistance in Giardia: Mechanisms and alternative treatments for Giardiasis." Advances in parasitology 107 (2020): 201-282.
- Vivancos V., et al. "Giardiasis: characteristics, pathogenesis and new insights about treatment." Current topics in medicinal chemistry 18.15 (2018): 1287-1303.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use
only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
