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Background The highly expressed surface antigen 1 (SAG1)-related sequence (SRS) proteins of T. gondii tachyzoites, as a widespread zoonotic parasite, are critical for host cell invasion and represent promising vaccine targets. In this study, we employed a computer-aided multi-method approach for in silico design and evaluation of TgVax452, an epitope-based candidate vaccine against T. gondii tachyzoite-specific SRS proteins. Methods Using immunoinformatics web-based tools, structural modeling, and static/dynamic molecular simulations, we identified and screened B- and T-cell immunodominant epitopes and predicted TgVax452’s antigenicity, stability, safety, adjuvanticity, and physico-chemical properties. Results The designed protein possessed 452 residues, a MW of 44.07 kDa, an alkaline pI (6.7), good stability (33.20), solubility (0.498), and antigenicity (0.9639) with no allergenicity. Comprehensive molecular dynamic (MD) simulation analyses confirmed the stable interaction (average potential energy: 3.3799 × 10 6 KJ/mol) between the TLR4 agonist residues (RS09 peptide) of the TgVax452 in interaction with human TLR4, potentially activating innate immune responses. Also, a dramatic increase was observed in specific antibodies (IgM and IgG), cytokines (IFN-γ), and lymphocyte responses, based on C-ImmSim outputs. Finally, we optimized TgVax452’s codon adaptation and mRNA secondary structure for efficient expression in E. coli BL21 expression machinery. Conclusion Our findings suggest that TgVax452 is a promising candidate vaccine against T. gondii tachyzoite-specific SRS proteins and requires further experimental studies for its potential use in preclinical trials.

Background Toxocariasis is a worldwide zoonotic parasitic disease caused by species of Toxocara and Toxascaris , common in dogs and cats. Herein, a meta-analysis was contrived to assess the prevalence of Toxocara / Toxascaris in carnivore and human hosts in different regions of Iran from April 1969 to June 2019. Methods The available online articles of English (PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Ovid) and Persian (SID, Iran Medex, Magiran, and Iran Doc) databases and also the articles that presented in held parasitology congresses of Iran were involved. Results The weighted prevalence of Toxocara/Toxascaris in dogs ( Canis familiaris ) and cats ( Felis catus ) was 24.2% (95% CI: 18.0–31.0%) and 32.6% (95% CI: 22.6–43.4%), respectively. Also, pooled prevalence in jackal ( Canis aureus ) and red fox ( Vulpes vulpes ) was 23.3% (95% CI: 7.7–43.2%) and 69.4% (95% CI: 60.3–77.8%), correspondingly. Weighted mean prevalence of human cases with overall 28 records was 9.3% (95% CI: 6.3–13.1%). The weighted prevalence of Toxocara canis , Toxocara cati , and Toxascaris leonina was represented as 13.8% (95% CI: 9.8–18.3%), 28.5% (95% CI: 20–37.7%) and 14.3% (95% CI: 8.1–22.0%), respectively. Conclusion Our meta-analysis results illustrate a considerable prevalence rate of Toxocara/Toxascaris , particularly in cats and dogs of northern parts of Iran. The presence of suitable animal hosts, optimum climate and close contact of humans and animals would have been the reason for higher seroprevalence rates of human cases in our region. Given the significance clinical outcomes of human Toxocara/Toxascaris , necessary measures should be taken.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a very common parasitic infection in subtropical areas worldwide. Throughout decades, there have been challenges in vaccine design and vaccination against CL. The present study introduced novel T-cell-based vaccine candidates containing IFN-γ Inducing epitopic fragments from Leishmania major ( L. major ) glycoprotein 46 (gp46), cathepsin L-like and B-like proteases, histone H2A, glucose-regulated protein 78 (grp78) and stress-inducible protein 1 (STI-1). For this aim, top-ranked human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-specific, IFN-γ Inducing, antigenic, CD 4 + and CD 8 + binders were highlighted. Four vaccine candidates were generated using different spacers (AAY, GPGPG, GDGDG) and adjuvants (RS-09 peptide, human IFN-γ, a combination of both, Mycobacterium tuberculosis Resuscitation promoting factor E (RpfE)). Based on the immune simulation profile, those with RS-09 peptide (Leish- App ) and RpfE (Leish- Rpf ) elicited robust immune responses and their tertiary structure were further refined. Also, molecular docking of the selected vaccine models with the human toll-like receptor 4 showed proper interactions, particularly for Leish- App , for which molecular dynamics simulations showed a stable connection with TLR-4. Upon codon optimization, both models were finally ligated into the pET28a( +) vector. In conclusion, two potent multi-epitope vaccine candidates were designed against CL and evaluated using comprehensive in silico methods, while further wet experiments are, also, recommended.

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI), caused by the protozoan parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis. Female sex workers are intensely affected by the infection, since they have frequent direct physical contact. The current systematic review and meta-analysis represents the global prevalence of T. vaginalis in female sex workers. Five databases (Science Direct, Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) were explored for literatures that published from July 1985 to June 2020. Totally, 85 studies (54,515 participants) from 46 countries met the inclusion criteria. The global pooled prevalence of T. vaginalis was 16% (95% CI 13–19%). The estimated pooled prevalence based on methods including wet mount, culture, and molecular techniques was 15% (95% CI 12–19%), 16% (95% CI 10–24%), and 22% (95% CI 13–32%), respectively. Moreover, the infection was most prevalent at the mean age of 30–36 (20%, 95% CI 11–30%). Regarding the World Health Organization (WHO) regions, the highest pooled prevalence was estimated to be in the African region (23%, 95% CI 7–46%). In addition, we indicated that countries with low-income level have the highest pooled prevalence (23%, 95% CI 14–34%). Our results revealed that the worldwide prevalence of T. vaginalis was significant in female sex workers. Therefore, considering a precise strategy such as a health education program with regard to safe intercourse is needed to increase knowledge and prevent T. vaginalis infection in sex workers.

Discovering novel antimicrobials is highly crucial to combat drug-resistant bacteria. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are one of the compounds that are being studied as suitable candidates for antibiotics. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the antibacterial and cytotoxic properties of the d-leucine modified CM11 peptide. To assess the antibacterial activity, minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) and bactericidal killing assay were utilized against multidrug-resistant (MDR)clinical isolates and standard strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA),Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella enterica serovartyphi. In addition, the scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to evaluate the effect of the peptide on the bacterial cell structure and morphology. Also, MTT assay was used to determine the cytotoxicity potential of the d-leucine modified CM11 peptide on the Vero cell line. d-leucine modified CM11 exhibited good bactericidal properties and the MIC and MBC values were ranged from 4 to 32 and 8–64 µg ml−1, respectively. The effect of the d-leucine modified CM11 peptide on the morphology and bacterial structures was confirmed by the SEM. The IC50 value of the d-leucine modified CM11 peptide against Vero cells was 160 µl.ml−1.Also, there was no significant difference between the toxicity of the d-leucine modified CM11 peptide with the original CM11 peptide (p > 0.05).Antibacterial and non-toxicity of the d-leucine modified CM11 peptide, which is reported for the first time in this study, speculate the use of this peptide as safe antibacterial agent.

Background Urinary schistosomiasis is a serious threat in endemic territories of Africa and the Middle East. The status of female urinary schistosomiasis (FUS) in published literature between 2016 and 2020 was investigated. Methods A systematic search in PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science, based on the ‘Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses’ checklist, and a meta-analysis using random-effects model to calculate the weighted estimates and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were done. Results Totally, 113 datasets reported data on 40,531 women from 21 African countries, showing a pooled prevalence of 17.5% (95% CI: 14.8–20.5%). Most studies (73) were performed in Nigeria, while highest prevalence was detected in Mozambique 58% (95% CI: 56.9–59.1%) (one study). By sample type and symptoms, vaginal lavage [25.0% (95% CI: 11.4–46.1%)] and hematuria 19.4% (95% CI: 12.2–29.4%) showed higher FUS frequency. Studies using direct microscopy diagnosed a 17.1% (95% CI: 14.5–20.1%) prevalence rate, higher than PCR-based studies 15.3% (95% CI: 6.1–33.2%). Except for sample type, all other variables had significant association with the overall prevalence of FUS. Conclusions More studies are needed to evaluate the true epidemiology of FUS throughout endemic regions.

The parasites are repeatedly confronting their host to take advantage of nutrients for multiplication and survival. In this sense, a wide spectrum of molecules is released from both sides, with immune-regulatory activity, accompanying this biological battle. Such parasites and their valuable molecules can be directed toward microbial-based cancer therapy. Herein, we contrived a systematic review to gather information on the antitumor activity of parasite-derived compounds. Following systematic search in Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Scopus, PubMed, ProQuest and Embase until 31 December 2019, a total number of 51 articles (54 datasets) were finally included in this review. Thirteen parasitic agents were found to possess possible antitumor activity, comprising protozoan species Toxoplasma gondii , Trypanosoma cruzi , Trichomonas vaginalis , Acanthamoeba castellanii , Besnoitia jellisoni , Leishmania major , Plasmodium yoelii , and Plasmodium lophurae , as well as parasitic helminths Toxocara canis , Echinococcus granulosus , Taenia crassiceps , Trichinella spiralis , and Schistosoma mansoni . Most experiments were done based on antigenic preparations from T. gondii (16 studies), E. granulosus (10 studies), T. spiralis (8 studies), and T. cruzi (6 studies). Possible antitumor properties of the selected parasites were revealed in this review. However, precise molecular basis of anticancer activity for each parasite remains to be elucidated in the future.

Objectives Toxoplasma gondii ( T. gondii ), an obligate intracellular apicomplexan parasite, could affect numerous warm-blooded animals, such as humans. Calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) are essential Ca 2+ signaling mediators and participate in parasite host cell egress, outer membrane motility, invasion, and cell division. Results Several bioinformatics online servers were employed to analyze and predict the important properties of CDPK4 protein. The findings revealed that CDPK4 peptide has 1158 amino acid residues with average molecular weight (MW) of 126.331 KDa. The aliphatic index and GRAVY for this protein were estimated at 66.82 and – 0.650, respectively. The findings revealed that the CDPK4 protein comprised 30.14% and 34.97% alpha-helix, 59.84% and 53.54% random coils, and 10.02% and 11.49% extended strand with SOPMA and GOR4 tools, respectively. Ramachandran plot output showed 87.87%, 8.40%, and 3.73% of amino acid residues in the favored, allowed, and outlier regions, respectively. Also, several potential B and T-cell epitopes were predicted for CDPK4 protein through different bioinformatics tools. Also, antigenicity and allergenicity evaluation demonstrated that this protein has immunogenic and non-allergenic nature. This paper presents a basis for further studies, thereby provides a fundamental basis for the development of an effective vaccine against T. gondii infection.