Gnathostomiasis presents with a range of debilitating symptoms, from migratory skin lesions to potentially fatal neurological complications, making the development of effective vaccines and therapeutics critical. Protheragen is at the forefront of the fight against gnathostomiasis, leveraging its extensive expertise in infectious disease research and drug development to pioneer innovative solutions.
Introduction to Gnathostomiasis
Gnathostomiasis is a serious food-borne zoonotic disease caused by the third-stage larvae (L3) of parasitic nematodes belonging to the genus Gnathostoma. Primarily endemic across parts of Asia and Latin America, this neglected tropical disease poses a growing global threat as expanding food trade and travel increase exposure.
The Gnathostoma life cycle involves two intermediate hosts - freshwater copepods and various fish, amphibians or reptiles - before reaching the definitive hosts, which are typically carnivorous mammals like cats and dogs. Humans become accidental dead-end hosts when they consume raw or undercooked meat containing the infective L3 larvae. Once inside the human body, these highly invasive larvae can migrate through tissues, causing extensive damage and provoking severe inflammatory reactions.
Fig.1 Life cycle of Gnathostoma. (Liu G.H., et al., 2020)
Vaccine Development for Gnathostomiasis
Vaccine development for gnathostomiasis is a critical area of research aimed at preventing the disease by stimulating the immune system to recognize and combat the parasite. The development of a vaccine involves identifying key antigens that can elicit a protective immune response.
- Subunit Vaccines
These vaccines use specific parts of the parasite, such as proteins or glycoproteins, to induce an immune response. For gnathostomiasis, potential subunit vaccines could target the excretory-secretory products (ES) of Gnathostoma larvae, which have been shown to induce host immune reactions.
- DNA Vaccines
Research into DNA vaccines for gnathostomiasis is in the early stages but holds promise for future prevention strategies. A recent study identified a 24 kDa antigen from G. spinigerum as a potential candidate for a subunit vaccine. This antigen has been shown to induce a strong IgG response in infected individuals, indicating its potential as a vaccine component.
Therapeutics Development for Gnathostomiasis
Therapy development for gnathostomiasis focuses on effective drugs that can eliminate the parasite or alleviate symptoms. Current therapeutics include anthelmintic drugs, but resistance to these drugs is a growing concern.
Albendazole and Ivermectin: These are the first-line therapeutics for gnathostomiasis. Albendazole, a benzimidazole anthelmintic, works by disrupting helminth microtubules, while ivermectin, a macrocyclic lactone, targets glutamate-gated chloride channels.
Our Services
As a research service provider, Protheragen is at the forefront of developing innovative solutions for gnathostomiasis, offering a comprehensive range of services from vaccine and therapeutics development to preclinical research.
- Gnathostoma spinigerum Infection Mouse Models
- Gnathostoma hispidum Infection Mouse Models
- Gnathostoma spinigerum Infection Rat Models
- Gnathostoma hispidum Infection Rat Models
Protheragen's preclinical research services are designed to support the translation of laboratory discoveries into clinical applications. We offer a range of services, including:
- In Vitro Assays: To assess the direct effects of potential vaccines and therapeutics on Gnathostoma larvae.
- In Vivo Assays: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of our vaccine and therapeutic candidates in relevant animal models before they proceed to clinical trials.
- Molecular Biology Services: To investigate the genetic basis of drug resistance and to identify new targets for intervention.
If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.
References
- Liu, Guo-Hua, et al. "Human gnathostomiasis: a neglected food-borne zoonosis." Parasites & vectors 13 (2020): 1-11.
- Nogrado Kathyleen, Poom Adisakwattana, and Onrapak Reamtong. "Human gnathostomiasis: A review on the biology of the parasite with special reference on the current therapeutic management." Food and Waterborne Parasitology (2023): e00207.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use
only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
