Metagonimiasis is an intestinal disease caused by the metacercariae of the fluke Metagonimus yokogawai. Humans become infected by consuming raw or undercooked freshwater fish containing the metacercariae. Our company offers comprehensive services in the development of vaccines and therapeutics for metagonimiasis.
Overview of Metagonimiasis
Metagonimiasis, a parasitic ailment primarily caused by the intestinal trematode Metagonimus yokogawai, alongside other species like M. takahashii and M. miyatai, is characterized by gastrointestinal distress such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and discomfort. These parasites, belonging to the family Heterophyidae, are among the smallest flukes that can infect humans. The disease typically arises after consuming undercooked or raw fish contaminated with metacercariae. The lifecycle of these trematodes involves various hosts, including snails and fish, leading to the endemic nature of the disease in regions where these hosts are prevalent.
Fig.1 Metacercariae of Metagonimus spp. in different fish hosts, Plecoglossus altivelis (A), Carassius auratus (B), and Zacco platypus (C) in Korea. (Sohn W. M., 2024)
Vaccine Development for Metagonimiasis
As of now, there are no licensed vaccines specifically for metagonimiasis. Vaccine development against trematode infections, including metagonimiasis, is still in its infancy compared to other parasitic diseases. The complexity of the parasite's lifecycle and its ability to evade host immunity complicate the creation of effective vaccines.
Vaccine Research and Development
We focus on identifying potential antigens and formulating vaccine candidates. Our team conducts rigorous preclinical studies to evaluate immunogenicity and safety profiles, ensuring that the developed vaccines are primed for further testing.
Therapeutics Development for Metagonimiasis
- Anthelmintic Drugs
The mainstay of therapy for metagonimiasis is the use of anthelmintic drugs. Praziquantel is the first-line therapeutics, effective at eliminating adult worms and causing them to detach from the intestinal wall. It works by disrupting the parasite's cell membrane, leading to muscle paralysis and ultimately death.
- Novel Therapies
Research is ongoing to identify new therapeutic compounds. For example, artemisinin derivatives have shown activity against various helminths and are being investigated for their potential use against metagonimus.
Our Services
Our company offers a wide range of services dedicated to the advancement of metagonimiasis vaccine and therapy development. These services encompass the following key areas:
- M.takahashii Infection Models
- M.yokogawai Infection Models
- M.miyatai Infection Models
- M.hakubaensis Infection Models
- M.katsuradai Infection Models
- M.otsurui Infection Models
In addition, we provide the following services to provide a solid foundation for vaccine and drug development.
- Biomarker Identification: Researching immune correlates of protection and potential biomarkers for monitoring therapeutic responses is a priority. These biomarkers are critical for assessing the effectiveness of new interventions and guiding future research directions.
- In Vitro Studies: We conduct laboratory studies to assess the efficacy of vaccine candidates and therapeutic agents against Metagonimus species. Our advanced laboratory facilities enable comprehensive evaluations that inform subsequent stages of development.
If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.
Reference
- Sohn, Woon-Mok. "Infection characteristics of Metagonimus species (Digenea: Heterophyidae) metacercariae in fish from major rivers of Korea." Parasites, Hosts and Diseases 62.1 (2024): 1.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use
only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
