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Fulltext Identification of potential vectors of Dirofilaria immitis and Brugia pahangi (Spirurida: Filariidae): First observation of infective third-stage larva of B. pahangi in Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae)

Vinnie-Siow WY, Low VL, Tan TK, Wong ML, Leong CS, Ahmad NW, et al.

Pathog Glob Health, 2022 Sep;116(6):356-364.
PMID: 35287548 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2022.2035624

Information on the mosquito species that transmit canine filariosis is scanty. Hence, an experimental study was conducted to identify the potential vectors responsible for the transmission of D. immitis Leidy and B. pahangi Buckley & Edeson. A total of 367 mosquitoes belonging to six species containing both laboratory and field strains (i.e. Aedes togoi Theobald, Aedes aegypti Linnaeus, Aedes albopictus Skuse, Culex quinquefasciatus Say, Culex vishnui Theobald and Anopheles dirus Peyton & Harrison) were used in this study. All mosquitoes were artificially fed on either D. immitis or B. pahangi microfilariae (mfs) infected blood by using the Hemotek™ membrane feeding system. Out of 367 mosquitoes, 228 (64.9%) were fully engorged. After feeding on D. immitis (20%) and B. pahangi (33%) mfs positive blood, the mortality rates for Cx. quinquefasciatus were found to be slightly lower than that of other species of mosquitoes. On the other hand, majority of An. dirus were found to be incapable to withstand the infection of mfs as the mortality rates were relatively high (D. immitis = 71.4%; B. pahangi = 100.0%). Brugia pahangi was detected in Ae. togoi and Cx. quinquefasciatus with infection rates of 50% and 25%, respectively. Aedes togoi was the only species infected with D. immitis with an infection rate of 69%. Our results showed that Ae. togoi was an excellent experimental vector for both D. immitis and B. pahangi. This study also documented the observation of B. pahangi, for the first time in the head region of Cx. quinquefasciatus under a laboratory setting.

Matched MeSH terms: Brugia pahangi*
Fulltext X-treme loss of sequence diversity linked to neo-X chromosomes in filarial nematodes

Mattick J, Libro S, Bromley R, Chaicumpa W, Chung M, Cook D, et al.

PLoS Negl Trop Dis, 2021 Oct;15(10):e0009838.
PMID: 34705823 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009838

The sequence diversity of natural and laboratory populations of Brugia pahangi and Brugia malayi was assessed with Illumina resequencing followed by mapping in order to identify single nucleotide variants and insertions/deletions. In natural and laboratory Brugia populations, there is a lack of sequence diversity on chromosome X relative to the autosomes (πX/πA = 0.2), which is lower than the expected (πX/πA = 0.75). A reduction in diversity is also observed in other filarial nematodes with neo-X chromosome fusions in the genera Onchocerca and Wuchereria, but not those without neo-X chromosome fusions in the genera Loa and Dirofilaria. In the species with neo-X chromosome fusions, chromosome X is abnormally large, containing a third of the genetic material such that a sizable portion of the genome is lacking sequence diversity. Such profound differences in genetic diversity can be consequential, having been associated with drug resistance and adaptability, with the potential to affect filarial eradication.

Matched MeSH terms: Brugia/classification; Brugia/genetics*
Applicability of Brugia malayi immune antibody library for the isolation of a human recombinant monoclonal antibody to Echinococcus granulosus antigen B

Rahumatullah A, Ahmad A, Noordin R, Lai JY, Baharudeen Z, Lim TS

Exp Parasitol, 2020 Dec;219:108029.
PMID: 33096112 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2020.108029

Echinococcus granulosus is a worldwide zoonotic infection that causes human cystic echinococcosis (CE) or hydatid disease. The present study describes the isolation and production of a monoclonal antibody against recombinant AgB protein using the developed Human AntibodY Disease ENhanced (HAYDEN)-Filariasis library. The DNA sequences of the isolated clones were analyzed, followed by gene analysis and binding assays. Clone E1 showed a full-length sequence and represents the IgHV5-LV3 antibody gene family. The antibody protein yield was satisfactory, and it reacted specifically against rAgB. The novel E1 protein is potentially useful for the development of an antigen detection assay for CE. The ability of the Brugia malayi immune antibody library to isolate antibodies against Echinococcus granulosus antigens highlights the broad coverage of immune antibody libraries.

Matched MeSH terms: Brugia malayi/genetics; Brugia malayi/immunology*
Morphological characteristics of microfilariae in blood smears of the common treeshrew Tupaia glis (Mammalia: Scandentia) in Gemas, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

Mat Udin AS, Uni S, Zainuri NA, Abdullah Halim MR, Belabut DA

Trop Biomed, 2020 Dec 01;37(4):1152-1157.
PMID: 33612768 DOI: 10.47665/tb.37.4.1152

Some filarial nematodes, such as Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, and Brugia timori, cause lymphatic diseases in humans in the tropics, whereas other filarial parasites from wild animals cause zoonotic diseases in humans worldwide. To elucidate the prevalence and diversity of filarial parasites in Malaysia, we investigated the filarial parasites from wild animals in Gemas, Negeri Sembilan. To find adult filarial parasites, we dissected 26 animals, which included five frogs, one skink, one snake, two birds, six common treeshrews, and 11 rats. Then, we examined microfilariae in the blood smears and skin snips obtained from each animal. We found two types of microfilariae in the blood smears of common treeshrews: one was very similar to Malayfilaria sofiani and the other closely resembled Brugia tupaiae. These findings indicate an additional distribution of these filarial parasites in Gemas.

Matched MeSH terms: Brugia/anatomy & histology*; Brugia/isolation & purification
Effect of Brugia pahangi co-infection with Plasmodium berghei ANKA in gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus)

Junaid OQ, Vythilingam I, Khaw LT, Sivanandam S, Mahmud R

Parasitol Res, 2020 Apr;119(4):1301-1315.
PMID: 32179986 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06632-4

Malaria and lymphatic filariasis (LF) are two leading and common mosquito-borne parasitic diseases worldwide. These two diseases are co-endemic in many tropical and sub-tropical regions and are known to share vectors. The interactions between malaria and filarial parasites are poorly understood. Thus, this study aimed at establishing the interactions that occur between Brugia pahangi and Plasmodium berghei ANKA (PbA) co-infection in gerbils. Briefly, the gerbils were matched according to age, sex, and weight and grouped into filarial-only infection, PbA-only infection, co-infection, and control group. The parasitemia, survival and clinical assessment of the gerbils were monitored for a period of 30 days post Plasmodium infection. The immune responses of gerbils to both mono and co-infection were monitored. Findings show that co-infected gerbils have higher survival rate than PbA-infected gerbils. Food and water consumption were significantly reduced in both PbA-infected and co-infected gerbils, although loss of body weight, hypothermia, and anemia were less severe in co-infected gerbils. Plasmodium-infected gerbils also suffered hypoglycemia, which was not observed in co-infected gerbils. Furthermore, gerbil cytokine responses to co-infection were significantly higher than PbA-only-infected gerbils, which is being suggested as a factor for their increased longevity. Co-infected gerbils had significantly elicited interleukin-4, interferon-gamma, and tumor necrotic factor at early stage of infection than PbA-infected gerbils. Findings from this study suggest that B. pahangi infection protect against severe anemia and hypoglycemia, which are manifestations of PbA infection.

Matched MeSH terms: Brugia pahangi/immunology*
Fulltext Is it safe to prescribe triple drugs therapy for lymphatic filariasis infection in Epidermolysis Bullosa patient? a case report

S. Izuddin, Nur Dalila Zakaria, Nur L. A., Omar K. K.

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(106):85-85.
MyJurnal

Introduction:Filariasis is an endemic infection in tropical and subtropical countries. The disease is caused by para-sites from the group filarodidae. Epidermolysis Bullosa, on the other hand is a group of rare genetic skin diseases that characterize by skin blister and erode facilely. Due to rarity of Epidermolysis Bullosa and uncommon occurrence of Filariasis, there is extremely limited case or paper reporting on safety profile of medication that are used to treat Filariasis patient with underlying Epidermolysis Bullosa.Serious adverse event that is anticipated in this cohort of patient are Stevens-Johnson syndrome and Mazotti reaction. Case description: Surveillance activity is necessary in high endemic localities in Sabah in order to control the spread of this mosquitoes-borne disease. The available tool is Brugia RapidTM kit, a test kit that detects filarial antibodies.A 13 year-old boy with underlying Epidemolysis Bullosa Simplex was detected during surveillance activities. It was further confirmed with night blood on microscopic slide that depicted high density of parasite (microfilaria count: 31). The WHO specifically exempted the following groups from the treatment - children under 5 years of age; pregnant women; and seriously ill individuals i.e. those who are having acute or chronic illness that makes them too sick or weak to get out of bed; and those with an illness who are life-dependent on medical intervention. This is because ingestion of the medications can result in adverse events due to the destruction of killed parasites. No guideline is available for treatment of lymphatic filariasis in rare genetic disorders. Conclusion: The recommended dosage for IDA is Ivermectin 3mcg/kg, Diethylcarbamazine 6mg/kg and Albendazole 400mg for positive patient yearly. Patient was admitted in hospital for observation treatment with the suggested dose. From the case study it shows it is safe to treat this cohort patient. However, it is advisable to treat such rare cases by case basis and in comparison to others where treatment is given in the community this patients should be treat in more control environment such in the hospital.

Matched MeSH terms: Brugia
Fulltext Field demonstration of the usefulness of a model of 3D printed mosquito light trap made in Sabah

Shigeharu Sato, Tomonori Hoshi, Bumpei Tojo, Samson Yodot, Joni Jain

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(106):80-80.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Collecting mosquitoes is essential for research in mosquito-borne diseases, but the light traps used for that purpose are expensive and often difficult to obtain around research fields. We designed a new 3D-printable mosquito light trap that can be made inexpensively anywhere where electricity is available (Hoshi et al, Scientific Reports, in press). In this study, we produced that trap in Sabah and demonstrated its usefulness in the field. Meth-ods: With a 3D printer, the main parts of the trap - body, lid, lamp stand and collection box - were printed in Kota Kinabalu using black polylactic acid (PLA) filaments purchased online. All other parts such as the computer fan and batteries were commercially available at local shops in Sabah. The parts were assembled into the complete units at Universiti Malaysia Sabah’s Rural Medical Education Centre (RMEC) in Sikuati, Kudat. Demonstration was performed at two sites in the Kudat district: RMEC campus and the premises of a local farm in Kampung Paradason. Results: The 3D traps collected 6 and 7 different species of mosquitoes at RMEC and Paradason sites, respectively. The numbers of mosquito species collected by the commercially-available CDC model-512 traps in parallel experiments were 2 (RMEC) and 10 (Paradason). The species collected by the 3D traps included Aedes albopictus (vector transmitting Dengue virus), Anopheles barbumbrosus (malaria), Culex quinquefasciatus (Wuchereria bancrofti, avian malaria, and arboviruses including Japanese encephalitis and Zika viruses) and Mansonia indiana (Brugia malayi). Conclu-sion: The 3D light trap which was produced in Sabah demonstrated its usefulness in the field tests performed in the Kudat district. This model can be used as an alternative to the rather expensive commercial light traps to collect the vector insects transmitting mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, Japanese encephalitis, Zika fever and filariasis.

Matched MeSH terms: Brugia malayi
Fulltext Ten-year analysis of Filariasis in east-coast Malaysia

Ahmad Syaify B., Alamin M. D., Norafidah A. R.

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(106):83-83.
MyJurnal

Introduction:Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a neglected tropical disease that can cause significant morbidity. In Malay-sia, National Programme for the Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis started in 2001 with the initial target of achiev-ing Lymphatic Filariasis elimination status by 2018 but it has been revised to year 2020. Mass Drug Administration (MDA) Programme was performed from 2004 to 2008 in all endemic areas (Red Implementation Unit, IU) in Malay-sia including Terengganu state to stop disease transmission. Transmission Assessment Surveys (TAS) were conducted later on and for Terengganu, they were done in 2011 (TAS 1), 2015 (TAS 2) and 2017 (TAS 3) and had passed all the surveys based on critical cut off (CCO) point given. Methods: A cross sectional analysis of 10-year Terengganu filariasis records (2009-2018) was initiated in June 2019 using data source from eVekpro and filariasis cases line-list-ing. Results: Majority of filariasis cases in Terengganu were among males (n=147, 76.6%) with the highest number among 30-39 year-old age group (n=35, 18.2%). Majority of cases were Malaysian citizens (n=162, 84.4%) with main filariasis species identified were Brugia Malayi (n=149, 77.6%). The number of cases diagnosed was slightly higher from Green Implementation Unit area (n=102, 53.1%) compared to Red Implementation Unit area. Conclu-sion: The number of lymphatic filariasis cases among Terengganu citizens was below critical cut off point after the accomplishment of MDA programme and in accordance with the aim of lymphatic filariasis elimination status in Malaysia by 2020.

Matched MeSH terms: Brugia malayi
Histopathology of Brugia pahangi and Plasmodium berghei ANKA co-infection in the Gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus)

Junaid OQ, Wong KT, Khaw LT, Mahmud R, Vythilingam I

Trop Biomed, 2018 Dec 01;35(4):981-998.
PMID: 33601846

Co-infection with multiple different parasites is a common phenomenon in both human and animals. Among parasites that frequently co-infect the same hosts, are the filarial worms and malaria parasites. Despite this, the mechanisms underlying the interactions between these parasites is still relatively unexplored with very few studies available on the resulting pathologies due to co-infection by filarial nematodes and malaria parasites. Hence, this study investigated the histopathological effect of Brugia pahangi and Plasmodium berghei ANKA (PbA) infections in gerbil host. Gerbils grouped into B. pahangi-infected, PbA-infected, B. pahangi and PbA-coinfected, and uninfected control, were necropsied at different time points of post PbA infections. Brugia pahangi infections in the gerbils were first initiated by subcutaneous inoculation of 50 infective larvae, while PbA infections were done by intraperitoneal injection of 106 parasitized red blood cells after 70 days patent period of B. pahangi. Organs such as the lungs, kidneys, spleen, heart and liver were harvested aseptically at the point of necropsy. There was significant hepatosplenomegaly observed in both PbA-infected only and coinfected gerbils. The spleen, liver and lungs were heavily pigmented. Both B. pahangi and PbA infections (mono and coinfections) resulted in pulmonary edema, while glomerulonephritis was associated with PbA infections. The presence of both parasites induced extramedullary hematopoiesis in the spleen and liver. These findings suggest that the pathologies associated with coinfected gerbils were synergistically induced by both B. pahangi and PbA infections.

Matched MeSH terms: Brugia pahangi
Generation and selection of naïve Fab library for parasitic antigen: Anti-BmSXP antibodies for lymphatic filariasis

Omar N, Hamidon NH, Yunus MH, Noordin R, Choong YS, Lim TS

Biotechnol Appl Biochem, 2018 May;65(3):346-354.
PMID: 28833498 DOI: 10.1002/bab.1591

Phage display has been applied successfully as a tool for the generation of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Naive antibody libraries are unique as they are able to overcome several limitations associated with conventional mAb generation methods like the hybridoma technology. Here, we performed an in vitro selection and generation of Fab antibodies against Brugia malayi SXP protein (BmSXP), a recombinant antigen for the detection of lymphatic filariasis. We developed a naïve multi ethnic Fab antibody library with an estimated diversity of 2.99 × 109 . The antibody library was used to screen for mAbs against BmSXP recombinant antigen. Soluble monoclonal Fab antibodies against BmSXP were successfully isolated from the naïve library. The Fab antibodies obtained were expressed and analyzed to show its binding capability. The diversity obtained from a pool of donors from various ethnic groups allowed for a diverse antibody library to be generated. The mAbs obtained were also functional in soluble form, which makes it useful for further downstream applications. We believe that the Fab mAbs are valuable for further studies and could also contribute to improvements in the diagnosis of filariasis.

Matched MeSH terms: Brugia malayi/immunology*
Fulltext Antifilarial activity of caffeic acid phenethyl ester on Brugia pahangi in vitro and in vivo

Al-Abd NM, Nor ZM, Junaid QO, Mansor M, Hasan MS, Kassim M

Pathog Glob Health, 2017 Oct;111(7):388-394.
PMID: 29065795 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2017.1380946

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a vector borne disease caused by parasitic worms such as Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi and B. timori, which are transmitted by mosquitoes. Current therapeutics to treat LF are mainly microfilarcidal, and lack activity against adult worms. This set back, poses a challenge for the control and elimination of filariasis. Thus, in this study the activities of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) against the filarial worm B. pahangi and its bacterial endosymbiont, Wolbachia were evaluated. Different concentrations (2, 5, 10, 15, 20 μg/ml) of CAPE were used to assess its effects on motility, viability and microfilarial (mf) production of B. pahangi in vitro. Anti-Wolbachial activity of CAPE was measured in worms by quantification of Wolbachial wsp gene copy number using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Our findings show that CAPE was found to significantly reduce adult worm motility, viability, and mf release both in vitro and in vivo. 20 μg/ml of CAPE halts the release of mf in vitro by day 6 of post treatment. Also, the number of adult worms recovered in vivo were reduced significantly during and after treatment with 50 mg/kg of CAPE relative to control drugs, diethylcarbamazine and doxycycline. Real time PCR based on the Wolbachia ftsZ gene revealed a significant reduction in Wolbachia copy number upon treatment. Anti-Wolbachia and antifilarial properties of CAPE require further investigation as an alternative strategy to treat LF.

Matched MeSH terms: Brugia pahangi/drug effects*
The design of target specific antibodies (scFv) by applying de novo workflow: Case study on BmR1 antigen from Brugia malayi

Khor BY, Lim TS, Noordin R, Choong YS

J Mol Graph Model, 2017 09;76:543-550.
PMID: 28811153 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2017.07.004

De novo approach was applied to design single chain fragment variable (scFv) for BmR1, a recombinant antigen from Bm17DIII gene which is the primary antigen used for the detection of anti-BmR1 IgG4 antibodies in the diagnostic of lymphatic filariasis. Three epitopes of the BmR1 was previously predicted form an ab initio derived three-dimensional structure. A collection of energetically favourable conformations was generated via hot-spot-centric approach. This resulted in a set of three different scFv scaffolds used to compute the high shape complementary conformations via dock-and-design approach with the predicted epitopes of BmR1. A total of 4227 scFv designs were generated where 200 scFv designs produced binding energies of less than -20 R.E.U with shape complementarity higher than 0.5. We further selected the design with at least one hydrogen bond and one salt bridge with the epitope, thus resulted in a total of 10, 1 and 19 sFv designs for epitope 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The results thus showed that de novo design can be an alternative approach to yield high affinity in silico scFv designs as a starting point for antibody or specific binder discovery processes.

Matched MeSH terms: Brugia malayi/immunology
Fulltext Morphological and molecular characteristics of Malayfilaria sofiani Uni, Mat Udin & Takaoka n. g., n. sp. (Nematoda: Filarioidea) from the common treeshrew Tupaia glis Diard & Duvaucel (Mammalia: Scandentia) in Peninsular Malaysia

Uni S, Mat Udin AS, Agatsuma T, Saijuntha W, Junker K, Ramli R, et al.

Parasit Vectors, 2017 Apr 20;10(1):194.
PMID: 28427478 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2105-9

BACKGROUND: The filarial nematodes Wuchereria bancrofti (Cobbold, 1877), Brugia malayi (Brug, 1927) and B. timori Partono, Purnomo, Dennis, Atmosoedjono, Oemijati & Cross, 1977 cause lymphatic diseases in humans in the tropics, while B. pahangi (Buckley & Edeson, 1956) infects carnivores and causes zoonotic diseases in humans in Malaysia. Wuchereria bancrofti, W. kalimantani Palmieri, Pulnomo, Dennis & Marwoto, 1980 and six out of ten Brugia spp. have been described from Australia, Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka and India. However, the origin and evolution of the species in the Wuchereria-Brugia clade remain unclear. While investigating the diversity of filarial parasites in Malaysia, we discovered an undescribed species in the common treeshrew Tupaia glis Diard & Duvaucel (Mammalia: Scandentia).
METHODS: We examined 81 common treeshrews from 14 areas in nine states and the Federal Territory of Peninsular Malaysia for filarial parasites. Once any filariae that were found had been isolated, we examined their morphological characteristics and determined the partial sequences of their mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and 12S rRNA genes. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products of the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) region were then cloned into the pGEM-T vector, and the recombinant plasmids were used as templates for sequencing.
RESULTS: Malayfilaria sofiani Uni, Mat Udin & Takaoka, n. g., n. sp. is described based on the morphological characteristics of adults and microfilariae found in common treeshrews from Jeram Pasu, Kelantan, Malaysia. The Kimura 2-parameter distance between the cox1 gene sequences of the new species and W. bancrofti was 11.8%. Based on the three gene sequences, the new species forms a monophyletic clade with W. bancrofti and Brugia spp. The adult parasites were found in tissues surrounding the lymph nodes of the neck of common treeshrews.
CONCLUSIONS: The newly described species appears most closely related to Wuchereria spp. and Brugia spp., but differs from these in several morphological characteristics. Molecular analyses based on the cox1 and 12S rRNA genes and the ITS1 region indicated that this species differs from both W. bancrofti and Brugia spp. at the genus level. We thus propose a new genus, Malayfilaria, along with the new species M. sofiani.

Matched MeSH terms: Brugia/anatomy & histology; Brugia/genetics
Fulltext Antifilarial and Antibiotic Activities of Methanolic Extracts of Melaleuca cajuputi Flowers

Al-Abd NM, Nor ZM, Mansor M, Hasan MS, Kassim M

Korean J Parasitol, 2016 Jun;54(3):273-80.
PMID: 27417081 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2016.54.3.273

We evaluated the activity of methanolic extracts of Melaleuca cajuputi flowers against the filarial worm Brugia pahangi and its bacterial endosymbiont Wolbachia. Anti-Wolbachia activity was measured in worms and in Aedes albopictus Aa23 cells by PCR, electron microscopy, and other biological assays. In particular, microfilarial release, worm motility, and viability were determined. M. cajuputi flower extracts were found to significantly reduce Wolbachia endosymbionts in Aa23 cells, Wolbachia surface protein, and microfilarial release, as well as the viability and motility of adult worms. Anti-Wolbachia activity was further confirmed by observation of degraded and phagocytized Wolbachia in worms treated with the flower extracts. The data provided in vitro and in vivo evidence that M. cajuputi flower extracts inhibit Wolbachia, an activity that may be exploited as an alternative strategy to treat human lymphatic filariasis.

Matched MeSH terms: Brugia pahangi/drug effects*
Delineation of BmSXP antibody V-gene usage from a lymphatic filariasis based immune scFv antibody library

Rahumatullah A, Ahmad A, Noordin R, Lim TS

Mol Immunol, 2015 Oct;67(2 Pt B):512-23.
PMID: 26277276 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2015.07.040

Phage display technology is an important tool for antibody generation or selection. This study describes the development of a scFv library and the subsequent analysis of identified monoclonal antibodies against BmSXP, a recombinant antigen for lymphatic filariasis. The immune library was generated from blood of lymphatic filariasis infected individuals. A TA based intermediary cloning approach was used to increase cloning efficiency for the library construction process. A diverse immune scFv library of 10(8) was generated. Six unique monoclonal antibodies were identified from the 50 isolated clones against BmSXP. Analysis of the clones showed a bias for the IgHV3 and Vκ1 (45.5%) and IgHV2 and Vκ3 (27.3%) gene family. The most favored J segment for light chain is IgKJ1 (45.5%). The most favored D and J segment for heavy chain are IgHD6-13 (75%) and IgHJ3 (47.7%). The information may suggest a predisposition of certain V genes in antibody responses against lymphatic filariasis.

Matched MeSH terms: Brugia malayi/immunology*
Fulltext Draft genome of Brugia pahangi: high similarity between B. pahangi and B. malayi

Lau YL, Lee WC, Xia J, Zhang G, Razali R, Anwar A, et al.

Parasit Vectors, 2015;8:451.
PMID: 26350613 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-1064-2

Efforts to completely eradicate lymphatic filariasis from human population may be challenged by the emergence of Brugia pahangi as another zoonotic lymphatic filarial nematode. In this report, a genomic study was conducted to understand this species at molecular level.

Matched MeSH terms: Brugia pahangi/genetics*
Fulltext The structure and dynamics of BmR1 protein from Brugia malayi: in silico approaches

Khor BY, Tye GJ, Lim TS, Noordin R, Choong YS

Int J Mol Sci, 2014 Jun 19;15(6):11082-99.
PMID: 24950179 DOI: 10.3390/ijms150611082

Brugia malayi is a filarial nematode, which causes lymphatic filariasis in humans. In 1995, the disease has been identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the second leading causes of permanent and long-term disability and thus it is targeted for elimination by year 2020. Therefore, accurate filariasis diagnosis is important for management and elimination programs. A recombinant antigen (BmR1) from the Bm17DIII gene product was used for antibody-based filariasis diagnosis in "Brugia Rapid". However, the structure and dynamics of BmR1 protein is yet to be elucidated. Here we study the three dimensional structure and dynamics of BmR1 protein using comparative modeling, threading and ab initio protein structure prediction. The best predicted structure obtained via an ab initio method (Rosetta) was further refined and minimized. A total of 5 ns molecular dynamics simulation were performed to investigate the packing of the protein. Here we also identified three epitopes as potential antibody binding sites from the molecular dynamics average structure. The structure and epitopes obtained from this study can be used to design a binder specific against BmR1, thus aiding future development of antigen-based filariasis diagnostics to complement the current diagnostics.

Matched MeSH terms: Brugia malayi/metabolism*
Fulltext Vector and reservoir host of a case of human Brugia pahangi infection in Selangor, peninsular Malaysia

Muslim A, Fong MY, Mahmud R, Sivanandam S

Trop Biomed, 2013 Dec;30(4):727-30.
PMID: 24522144 MyJurnal

A case of human eye infection caused by Brugia pahangi was reported in 2010 in a semi rural village in Selangor, peninsular Malaysia. Our report here reveals results of investigation on the vector and animal host for the transmission of the infection. We conducted entomological survey and cat blood examination in the vicinity of the patient's home. The mosquito species Armigeres subalbatus was incriminated as the vector, whereas cat served as the reservoir host.

Matched MeSH terms: Brugia pahangi/isolation & purification*
Comparative analysis of ITS1 nucleotide sequence reveals distinct genetic difference between Brugia malayi from Northeast Borneo and Thailand

Fong MY, Noordin R, Lau YL, Cheong FW, Yunus MH, Idris ZM

Parasitology, 2013 Jan;140(1):39-45.
PMID: 22917270 DOI: 10.1017/S0031182012001242

Brugia malayi is one of the parasitic worms which causes lymphatic filariasis in humans. Its geographical distribution includes a large part of Asia. Despite its wide distribution, very little is known about the genetic variation and molecular epidemiology of this species. In this study, the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) nucleotide sequences of B. malayi from microfilaria-positive human blood samples in Northeast Borneo Island were determined, and compared with published ITS1 sequences of B. malayi isolated from cats and humans in Thailand. Multiple alignment analysis revealed that B. malayi ITS1 sequences from Northeast Borneo were more similar to each other than to those from Thailand. Phylogenetic trees inferred using Neighbour-Joining and Maximum Parsimony methods showed similar topology, with 2 distinct B. malayi clusters. The first cluster consisted of Northeast Borneo B. malayi isolates, whereas the second consisted of the Thailand isolates. The findings of this study suggest that B. malayi in Borneo Island has diverged significantly from those of mainland Asia, and this has implications for the diagnosis of B. malayi infection across the region using ITS1-based molecular techniques.

Matched MeSH terms: Brugia malayi/classification*; Brugia malayi/genetics*
Fulltext Impact of six rounds of mass drug administration on Brugian filariasis and soil-transmitted helminth infections in eastern Indonesia

Supali T, Djuardi Y, Bradley M, Noordin R, Rückert P, Fischer PU

PLoS Negl Trop Dis, 2013;7(12):e2586.
PMID: 24349595 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002586

The lymphatic filarial parasite Brugia timori occurs only in eastern Indonesia where it causes high morbidity. The absence of an animal reservoir, the inefficient transmission by Anopheles mosquitoes and the high sensitivity to DEC/albendazole treatment make this species a prime candidate for elimination by mass drug administration (MDA).

Matched MeSH terms: Brugia/isolation & purification

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