The Experts below are selected from a list of 150 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Peter U. Fischer - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Systems Biology Studies of Adult Paragonimus Lung Flukes Facilitate the Identification of Immunodominant Parasite Antigens
2016Co-Authors: Samantha N. Mcnulty, Peter U. Fischer, Reid R. Townsend, Kurt C. Curtis, Gary J. Weil, Makedonka MitrevaAbstract:Background: Paragonimiasis is a food-borne trematode infection acquired by eating raw or undercooked crustaceans. It is a major public health problem in the far East, but it also occurs in South Asia, Africa, and in the Americas. Paragonimus worms cause chronic lung disease with cough, fever and hemoptysis that can be confused with tuberculosis or other non-parasitic diseases. Treatment is straightforward, but diagnosis is often delayed due to a lack of reliable parasitological or serodiagnostic tests. Hence, the purpose of this study was to use a systems biology approach to identify key parasite proteins that may be useful for development of improved diagnostic tests. Methodology/Principal Findings: The transcriptome of adult Paragonimus Kellicotti was sequenced with Illumina technology. Raw reads were pre-processed and assembled into 78,674 unique transcripts derived from 54,622 genetic loci, and 77,123 unique protein translations were predicted. A total of 2,555 predicted proteins (from 1,863 genetic loci) were verified by mass spectrometric analysis of total worm homogenate, including 63 proteins lacking homology to previously characterized sequences. Parasite proteins encoded by 321 transcripts (227 genetic loci) were reactive with antibodies from infected patients, as demonstrated by immunoaffinity purification and high-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Serodiagnostic candidates were prioritized based on several criteria, especially low conservation with proteins in other trematodes. Cysteine proteases, MFP6 proteins and myoglobins were abundant among the immunoreactiv
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North American paragonimiasis: epidemiology and diagnostic strategies
Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy, 2015Co-Authors: Peter U. Fischer, Gary J. WeilAbstract:Paragonimiasis is a zoonotic, food-borne trematode infection that affects around 23 million people in Asia, Africa and the Americas. North American paragonimiasis, caused by Paragonimus Kellicotti, is a common infection of crustacean-feeding mammals in parts of the USA and Canada. Although infection rates in crayfish are very high in some areas, human infections are rare and depend on the consumption of raw or undercooked crayfish. Human infections can be easily prevented and treated, but proper diagnosis of paragonimiasis is a problem. Paragonimus lung flukes often cause serious disease symptoms before they produce eggs that may be detectable in sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage, stool or histological sections by microscopy or PCR. Antibodies against selected Paragonimus proteins are detectable as early as 2–3 weeks after infection. Therefore, antibody serology is the most promising diagnostic approach for paragonimiasis in North America and elsewhere.
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Systems biology studies of adult Paragonimus lung flukes facilitate the identification of immunodominant parasite antigens.
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 2014Co-Authors: Samantha N. Mcnulty, Peter U. Fischer, Kurt C. Curtis, Gary J. Weil, R. Reid Townsend, Makedonka MitrevaAbstract:Background: Paragonimiasis is a food-borne trematode infection acquired by eating raw or undercooked crustaceans. It is a major public health problem in the far East, but it also occurs in South Asia, Africa, and in the Americas. Paragonimus worms cause chronic lung disease with cough, fever and hemoptysis that can be confused with tuberculosis or other non-parasitic diseases. Treatment is straightforward, but diagnosis is often delayed due to a lack of reliable parasitological or serodiagnostic tests. Hence, the purpose of this study was to use a systems biology approach to identify key parasite proteins that may be useful for development of improved diagnostic tests. Methodology/Principal Findings: The transcriptome of adult Paragonimus Kellicotti was sequenced with Illumina technology. Raw reads were pre-processed and assembled into 78,674 unique transcripts derived from 54,622 genetic loci, and 77,123 unique protein translations were predicted. A total of 2,555 predicted proteins (from 1,863 genetic loci) were verified by mass spectrometric analysis of total worm homogenate, including 63 proteins lacking homology to previously characterized sequences. Parasite proteins encoded by 321 transcripts (227 genetic loci) were reactive with antibodies from infected patients, as demonstrated by immunoaffinity purification and high-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Serodiagnostic candidates were prioritized based on several criteria, especially low conservation with proteins in other trematodes. Cysteine proteases, MFP6 proteins and myoglobins were abundant among the immunoreactive proteins, and these warrant further study as diagnostic candidates. Conclusions: The transcriptome, proteome and immunolome of adult P. Kellicotti represent a major advance in the study of Paragonimus species. These data provide a powerful foundation for translational research to develop improved diagnostic tests. Similar integrated approaches may be useful for identifying novel targets for drugs and vaccines in the future.
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Paragonimus Kellicotti transcriptome assembly statistics.
2014Co-Authors: Samantha N. Mcnulty, Peter U. Fischer, Reid R. Townsend, Kurt C. Curtis, Gary J. Weil, Makedonka MitrevaAbstract:Paragonimus Kellicotti transcriptome assembly statistics.
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Characterization of the adult transcriptome, adult proteome, and immunogenic proteins of Paragonimus Kellicotti.
2014Co-Authors: Samantha N. Mcnulty, Peter U. Fischer, Reid R. Townsend, Kurt C. Curtis, Gary J. Weil, Makedonka MitrevaAbstract:Characterization of the adult transcriptome, adult proteome, and immunogenic proteins of Paragonimus Kellicotti.
Gary J. Weil - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Eosinophilic Meningitis Due to Infection With Paragonimus Kellicotti.
Clinical Infectious Diseases, 2017Co-Authors: Nathan C. Bahr, Gary J. Weil, Robin Trotman, Hala Samman, Richard S. Jung, Lee Rosterman, Daniel R. HinthornAbstract:Paragonimus Kellicotti is an emerging pathogen in the United States with 19 previously reported cases, most in Missouri. Pulmonary symptoms with eosinophilia are most common, though 1 case did involve the central nervous system with few symptoms. We describe the first 2 cases of eosinophilic meningitis due to Paragonimus Kellicotti.
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Systems Biology Studies of Adult Paragonimus Lung Flukes Facilitate the Identification of Immunodominant Parasite Antigens
2016Co-Authors: Samantha N. Mcnulty, Peter U. Fischer, Reid R. Townsend, Kurt C. Curtis, Gary J. Weil, Makedonka MitrevaAbstract:Background: Paragonimiasis is a food-borne trematode infection acquired by eating raw or undercooked crustaceans. It is a major public health problem in the far East, but it also occurs in South Asia, Africa, and in the Americas. Paragonimus worms cause chronic lung disease with cough, fever and hemoptysis that can be confused with tuberculosis or other non-parasitic diseases. Treatment is straightforward, but diagnosis is often delayed due to a lack of reliable parasitological or serodiagnostic tests. Hence, the purpose of this study was to use a systems biology approach to identify key parasite proteins that may be useful for development of improved diagnostic tests. Methodology/Principal Findings: The transcriptome of adult Paragonimus Kellicotti was sequenced with Illumina technology. Raw reads were pre-processed and assembled into 78,674 unique transcripts derived from 54,622 genetic loci, and 77,123 unique protein translations were predicted. A total of 2,555 predicted proteins (from 1,863 genetic loci) were verified by mass spectrometric analysis of total worm homogenate, including 63 proteins lacking homology to previously characterized sequences. Parasite proteins encoded by 321 transcripts (227 genetic loci) were reactive with antibodies from infected patients, as demonstrated by immunoaffinity purification and high-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Serodiagnostic candidates were prioritized based on several criteria, especially low conservation with proteins in other trematodes. Cysteine proteases, MFP6 proteins and myoglobins were abundant among the immunoreactiv
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North American paragonimiasis: epidemiology and diagnostic strategies
Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy, 2015Co-Authors: Peter U. Fischer, Gary J. WeilAbstract:Paragonimiasis is a zoonotic, food-borne trematode infection that affects around 23 million people in Asia, Africa and the Americas. North American paragonimiasis, caused by Paragonimus Kellicotti, is a common infection of crustacean-feeding mammals in parts of the USA and Canada. Although infection rates in crayfish are very high in some areas, human infections are rare and depend on the consumption of raw or undercooked crayfish. Human infections can be easily prevented and treated, but proper diagnosis of paragonimiasis is a problem. Paragonimus lung flukes often cause serious disease symptoms before they produce eggs that may be detectable in sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage, stool or histological sections by microscopy or PCR. Antibodies against selected Paragonimus proteins are detectable as early as 2–3 weeks after infection. Therefore, antibody serology is the most promising diagnostic approach for paragonimiasis in North America and elsewhere.
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Systems biology studies of adult Paragonimus lung flukes facilitate the identification of immunodominant parasite antigens.
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 2014Co-Authors: Samantha N. Mcnulty, Peter U. Fischer, Kurt C. Curtis, Gary J. Weil, R. Reid Townsend, Makedonka MitrevaAbstract:Background: Paragonimiasis is a food-borne trematode infection acquired by eating raw or undercooked crustaceans. It is a major public health problem in the far East, but it also occurs in South Asia, Africa, and in the Americas. Paragonimus worms cause chronic lung disease with cough, fever and hemoptysis that can be confused with tuberculosis or other non-parasitic diseases. Treatment is straightforward, but diagnosis is often delayed due to a lack of reliable parasitological or serodiagnostic tests. Hence, the purpose of this study was to use a systems biology approach to identify key parasite proteins that may be useful for development of improved diagnostic tests. Methodology/Principal Findings: The transcriptome of adult Paragonimus Kellicotti was sequenced with Illumina technology. Raw reads were pre-processed and assembled into 78,674 unique transcripts derived from 54,622 genetic loci, and 77,123 unique protein translations were predicted. A total of 2,555 predicted proteins (from 1,863 genetic loci) were verified by mass spectrometric analysis of total worm homogenate, including 63 proteins lacking homology to previously characterized sequences. Parasite proteins encoded by 321 transcripts (227 genetic loci) were reactive with antibodies from infected patients, as demonstrated by immunoaffinity purification and high-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Serodiagnostic candidates were prioritized based on several criteria, especially low conservation with proteins in other trematodes. Cysteine proteases, MFP6 proteins and myoglobins were abundant among the immunoreactive proteins, and these warrant further study as diagnostic candidates. Conclusions: The transcriptome, proteome and immunolome of adult P. Kellicotti represent a major advance in the study of Paragonimus species. These data provide a powerful foundation for translational research to develop improved diagnostic tests. Similar integrated approaches may be useful for identifying novel targets for drugs and vaccines in the future.
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Paragonimus Kellicotti transcriptome assembly statistics.
2014Co-Authors: Samantha N. Mcnulty, Peter U. Fischer, Reid R. Townsend, Kurt C. Curtis, Gary J. Weil, Makedonka MitrevaAbstract:Paragonimus Kellicotti transcriptome assembly statistics.
Kurt C. Curtis - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Systems Biology Studies of Adult Paragonimus Lung Flukes Facilitate the Identification of Immunodominant Parasite Antigens
2016Co-Authors: Samantha N. Mcnulty, Peter U. Fischer, Reid R. Townsend, Kurt C. Curtis, Gary J. Weil, Makedonka MitrevaAbstract:Background: Paragonimiasis is a food-borne trematode infection acquired by eating raw or undercooked crustaceans. It is a major public health problem in the far East, but it also occurs in South Asia, Africa, and in the Americas. Paragonimus worms cause chronic lung disease with cough, fever and hemoptysis that can be confused with tuberculosis or other non-parasitic diseases. Treatment is straightforward, but diagnosis is often delayed due to a lack of reliable parasitological or serodiagnostic tests. Hence, the purpose of this study was to use a systems biology approach to identify key parasite proteins that may be useful for development of improved diagnostic tests. Methodology/Principal Findings: The transcriptome of adult Paragonimus Kellicotti was sequenced with Illumina technology. Raw reads were pre-processed and assembled into 78,674 unique transcripts derived from 54,622 genetic loci, and 77,123 unique protein translations were predicted. A total of 2,555 predicted proteins (from 1,863 genetic loci) were verified by mass spectrometric analysis of total worm homogenate, including 63 proteins lacking homology to previously characterized sequences. Parasite proteins encoded by 321 transcripts (227 genetic loci) were reactive with antibodies from infected patients, as demonstrated by immunoaffinity purification and high-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Serodiagnostic candidates were prioritized based on several criteria, especially low conservation with proteins in other trematodes. Cysteine proteases, MFP6 proteins and myoglobins were abundant among the immunoreactiv
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Systems biology studies of adult Paragonimus lung flukes facilitate the identification of immunodominant parasite antigens.
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 2014Co-Authors: Samantha N. Mcnulty, Peter U. Fischer, Kurt C. Curtis, Gary J. Weil, R. Reid Townsend, Makedonka MitrevaAbstract:Background: Paragonimiasis is a food-borne trematode infection acquired by eating raw or undercooked crustaceans. It is a major public health problem in the far East, but it also occurs in South Asia, Africa, and in the Americas. Paragonimus worms cause chronic lung disease with cough, fever and hemoptysis that can be confused with tuberculosis or other non-parasitic diseases. Treatment is straightforward, but diagnosis is often delayed due to a lack of reliable parasitological or serodiagnostic tests. Hence, the purpose of this study was to use a systems biology approach to identify key parasite proteins that may be useful for development of improved diagnostic tests. Methodology/Principal Findings: The transcriptome of adult Paragonimus Kellicotti was sequenced with Illumina technology. Raw reads were pre-processed and assembled into 78,674 unique transcripts derived from 54,622 genetic loci, and 77,123 unique protein translations were predicted. A total of 2,555 predicted proteins (from 1,863 genetic loci) were verified by mass spectrometric analysis of total worm homogenate, including 63 proteins lacking homology to previously characterized sequences. Parasite proteins encoded by 321 transcripts (227 genetic loci) were reactive with antibodies from infected patients, as demonstrated by immunoaffinity purification and high-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Serodiagnostic candidates were prioritized based on several criteria, especially low conservation with proteins in other trematodes. Cysteine proteases, MFP6 proteins and myoglobins were abundant among the immunoreactive proteins, and these warrant further study as diagnostic candidates. Conclusions: The transcriptome, proteome and immunolome of adult P. Kellicotti represent a major advance in the study of Paragonimus species. These data provide a powerful foundation for translational research to develop improved diagnostic tests. Similar integrated approaches may be useful for identifying novel targets for drugs and vaccines in the future.
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Paragonimus Kellicotti transcriptome assembly statistics.
2014Co-Authors: Samantha N. Mcnulty, Peter U. Fischer, Reid R. Townsend, Kurt C. Curtis, Gary J. Weil, Makedonka MitrevaAbstract:Paragonimus Kellicotti transcriptome assembly statistics.
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Characterization of the adult transcriptome, adult proteome, and immunogenic proteins of Paragonimus Kellicotti.
2014Co-Authors: Samantha N. Mcnulty, Peter U. Fischer, Reid R. Townsend, Kurt C. Curtis, Gary J. Weil, Makedonka MitrevaAbstract:Characterization of the adult transcriptome, adult proteome, and immunogenic proteins of Paragonimus Kellicotti.
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The top 25 Paragonimus Kellicotti proteins in adult worms based on spectral counts.
2014Co-Authors: Samantha N. Mcnulty, Peter U. Fischer, Reid R. Townsend, Kurt C. Curtis, Gary J. Weil, Makedonka MitrevaAbstract:Protein abundance was estimated by un-corrected spectral counts. Only the top-scoring transcript from each genetic locus was considered in ranking the top 25 most abundant proteins as long as the isoforms had similar top BLAST hits and annotations. The GenBank accession number of the top BLAST match and the e-value of the match are given in parentheses.The top 25 Paragonimus Kellicotti proteins in adult worms based on spectral counts.
Makedonka Mitreva - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Systems Biology Studies of Adult Paragonimus Lung Flukes Facilitate the Identification of Immunodominant Parasite Antigens
2016Co-Authors: Samantha N. Mcnulty, Peter U. Fischer, Reid R. Townsend, Kurt C. Curtis, Gary J. Weil, Makedonka MitrevaAbstract:Background: Paragonimiasis is a food-borne trematode infection acquired by eating raw or undercooked crustaceans. It is a major public health problem in the far East, but it also occurs in South Asia, Africa, and in the Americas. Paragonimus worms cause chronic lung disease with cough, fever and hemoptysis that can be confused with tuberculosis or other non-parasitic diseases. Treatment is straightforward, but diagnosis is often delayed due to a lack of reliable parasitological or serodiagnostic tests. Hence, the purpose of this study was to use a systems biology approach to identify key parasite proteins that may be useful for development of improved diagnostic tests. Methodology/Principal Findings: The transcriptome of adult Paragonimus Kellicotti was sequenced with Illumina technology. Raw reads were pre-processed and assembled into 78,674 unique transcripts derived from 54,622 genetic loci, and 77,123 unique protein translations were predicted. A total of 2,555 predicted proteins (from 1,863 genetic loci) were verified by mass spectrometric analysis of total worm homogenate, including 63 proteins lacking homology to previously characterized sequences. Parasite proteins encoded by 321 transcripts (227 genetic loci) were reactive with antibodies from infected patients, as demonstrated by immunoaffinity purification and high-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Serodiagnostic candidates were prioritized based on several criteria, especially low conservation with proteins in other trematodes. Cysteine proteases, MFP6 proteins and myoglobins were abundant among the immunoreactiv
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Systems biology studies of adult Paragonimus lung flukes facilitate the identification of immunodominant parasite antigens.
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 2014Co-Authors: Samantha N. Mcnulty, Peter U. Fischer, Kurt C. Curtis, Gary J. Weil, R. Reid Townsend, Makedonka MitrevaAbstract:Background: Paragonimiasis is a food-borne trematode infection acquired by eating raw or undercooked crustaceans. It is a major public health problem in the far East, but it also occurs in South Asia, Africa, and in the Americas. Paragonimus worms cause chronic lung disease with cough, fever and hemoptysis that can be confused with tuberculosis or other non-parasitic diseases. Treatment is straightforward, but diagnosis is often delayed due to a lack of reliable parasitological or serodiagnostic tests. Hence, the purpose of this study was to use a systems biology approach to identify key parasite proteins that may be useful for development of improved diagnostic tests. Methodology/Principal Findings: The transcriptome of adult Paragonimus Kellicotti was sequenced with Illumina technology. Raw reads were pre-processed and assembled into 78,674 unique transcripts derived from 54,622 genetic loci, and 77,123 unique protein translations were predicted. A total of 2,555 predicted proteins (from 1,863 genetic loci) were verified by mass spectrometric analysis of total worm homogenate, including 63 proteins lacking homology to previously characterized sequences. Parasite proteins encoded by 321 transcripts (227 genetic loci) were reactive with antibodies from infected patients, as demonstrated by immunoaffinity purification and high-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Serodiagnostic candidates were prioritized based on several criteria, especially low conservation with proteins in other trematodes. Cysteine proteases, MFP6 proteins and myoglobins were abundant among the immunoreactive proteins, and these warrant further study as diagnostic candidates. Conclusions: The transcriptome, proteome and immunolome of adult P. Kellicotti represent a major advance in the study of Paragonimus species. These data provide a powerful foundation for translational research to develop improved diagnostic tests. Similar integrated approaches may be useful for identifying novel targets for drugs and vaccines in the future.
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Paragonimus Kellicotti transcriptome assembly statistics.
2014Co-Authors: Samantha N. Mcnulty, Peter U. Fischer, Reid R. Townsend, Kurt C. Curtis, Gary J. Weil, Makedonka MitrevaAbstract:Paragonimus Kellicotti transcriptome assembly statistics.
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Characterization of the adult transcriptome, adult proteome, and immunogenic proteins of Paragonimus Kellicotti.
2014Co-Authors: Samantha N. Mcnulty, Peter U. Fischer, Reid R. Townsend, Kurt C. Curtis, Gary J. Weil, Makedonka MitrevaAbstract:Characterization of the adult transcriptome, adult proteome, and immunogenic proteins of Paragonimus Kellicotti.
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The top 25 Paragonimus Kellicotti proteins in adult worms based on spectral counts.
2014Co-Authors: Samantha N. Mcnulty, Peter U. Fischer, Reid R. Townsend, Kurt C. Curtis, Gary J. Weil, Makedonka MitrevaAbstract:Protein abundance was estimated by un-corrected spectral counts. Only the top-scoring transcript from each genetic locus was considered in ranking the top 25 most abundant proteins as long as the isoforms had similar top BLAST hits and annotations. The GenBank accession number of the top BLAST match and the e-value of the match are given in parentheses.The top 25 Paragonimus Kellicotti proteins in adult worms based on spectral counts.
Samantha N. Mcnulty - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Comparative genomics and transcriptomics of 4 Paragonimus species provide insights into lung fluke parasitism and pathogenesis.
GigaScience, 2020Co-Authors: Bruce A. Rosa, Samantha N. Mcnulty, Young Jun Choi, Hyeim Jung, John Martin, Takeshi Agatsuma, Hiromu Sugiyama, Pham Ngoc Doanh, Wanchai MaleewongAbstract:Background Paragonimus spp. (lung flukes) are among the most injurious foodborne helminths, infecting ∼23 million people and subjecting ∼292 million to infection risk. Paragonimiasis is acquired from infected undercooked crustaceans and primarily affects the lungs but often causes lesions elsewhere including the brain. The disease is easily mistaken for tuberculosis owing to similar pulmonary symptoms, and accordingly, diagnostics are in demand. Results We assembled, annotated, and compared draft genomes of 4 prevalent and distinct Paragonimus species: Paragonimus miyazakii, Paragonimus westermani, Paragonimus Kellicotti, and Paragonimus heterotremus. Genomes ranged from 697 to 923 Mb, included 12,072-12,853 genes, and were 71.6-90.1% complete according to BUSCO. Orthologous group analysis spanning 21 species (lung, liver, and blood flukes, additional platyhelminths, and hosts) provided insights into lung fluke biology. We identified 256 lung fluke-specific and conserved orthologous groups with consistent transcriptional adult-stage Paragonimus expression profiles and enriched for iron acquisition, immune modulation, and other parasite functions. Previously identified Paragonimus diagnostic antigens were matched to genes, providing an opportunity to optimize and ensure pan-Paragonimus reactivity for diagnostic assays. Conclusions This report provides advances in molecular understanding of Paragonimus and underpins future studies into the biology, evolution, and pathogenesis of Paragonimus and related foodborne flukes. We anticipate that these novel genomic and transcriptomic resources will be invaluable for future lung fluke research.
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Systems Biology Studies of Adult Paragonimus Lung Flukes Facilitate the Identification of Immunodominant Parasite Antigens
2016Co-Authors: Samantha N. Mcnulty, Peter U. Fischer, Reid R. Townsend, Kurt C. Curtis, Gary J. Weil, Makedonka MitrevaAbstract:Background: Paragonimiasis is a food-borne trematode infection acquired by eating raw or undercooked crustaceans. It is a major public health problem in the far East, but it also occurs in South Asia, Africa, and in the Americas. Paragonimus worms cause chronic lung disease with cough, fever and hemoptysis that can be confused with tuberculosis or other non-parasitic diseases. Treatment is straightforward, but diagnosis is often delayed due to a lack of reliable parasitological or serodiagnostic tests. Hence, the purpose of this study was to use a systems biology approach to identify key parasite proteins that may be useful for development of improved diagnostic tests. Methodology/Principal Findings: The transcriptome of adult Paragonimus Kellicotti was sequenced with Illumina technology. Raw reads were pre-processed and assembled into 78,674 unique transcripts derived from 54,622 genetic loci, and 77,123 unique protein translations were predicted. A total of 2,555 predicted proteins (from 1,863 genetic loci) were verified by mass spectrometric analysis of total worm homogenate, including 63 proteins lacking homology to previously characterized sequences. Parasite proteins encoded by 321 transcripts (227 genetic loci) were reactive with antibodies from infected patients, as demonstrated by immunoaffinity purification and high-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Serodiagnostic candidates were prioritized based on several criteria, especially low conservation with proteins in other trematodes. Cysteine proteases, MFP6 proteins and myoglobins were abundant among the immunoreactiv
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Systems biology studies of adult Paragonimus lung flukes facilitate the identification of immunodominant parasite antigens.
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 2014Co-Authors: Samantha N. Mcnulty, Peter U. Fischer, Kurt C. Curtis, Gary J. Weil, R. Reid Townsend, Makedonka MitrevaAbstract:Background: Paragonimiasis is a food-borne trematode infection acquired by eating raw or undercooked crustaceans. It is a major public health problem in the far East, but it also occurs in South Asia, Africa, and in the Americas. Paragonimus worms cause chronic lung disease with cough, fever and hemoptysis that can be confused with tuberculosis or other non-parasitic diseases. Treatment is straightforward, but diagnosis is often delayed due to a lack of reliable parasitological or serodiagnostic tests. Hence, the purpose of this study was to use a systems biology approach to identify key parasite proteins that may be useful for development of improved diagnostic tests. Methodology/Principal Findings: The transcriptome of adult Paragonimus Kellicotti was sequenced with Illumina technology. Raw reads were pre-processed and assembled into 78,674 unique transcripts derived from 54,622 genetic loci, and 77,123 unique protein translations were predicted. A total of 2,555 predicted proteins (from 1,863 genetic loci) were verified by mass spectrometric analysis of total worm homogenate, including 63 proteins lacking homology to previously characterized sequences. Parasite proteins encoded by 321 transcripts (227 genetic loci) were reactive with antibodies from infected patients, as demonstrated by immunoaffinity purification and high-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Serodiagnostic candidates were prioritized based on several criteria, especially low conservation with proteins in other trematodes. Cysteine proteases, MFP6 proteins and myoglobins were abundant among the immunoreactive proteins, and these warrant further study as diagnostic candidates. Conclusions: The transcriptome, proteome and immunolome of adult P. Kellicotti represent a major advance in the study of Paragonimus species. These data provide a powerful foundation for translational research to develop improved diagnostic tests. Similar integrated approaches may be useful for identifying novel targets for drugs and vaccines in the future.
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Paragonimus Kellicotti transcriptome assembly statistics.
2014Co-Authors: Samantha N. Mcnulty, Peter U. Fischer, Reid R. Townsend, Kurt C. Curtis, Gary J. Weil, Makedonka MitrevaAbstract:Paragonimus Kellicotti transcriptome assembly statistics.
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Characterization of the adult transcriptome, adult proteome, and immunogenic proteins of Paragonimus Kellicotti.
2014Co-Authors: Samantha N. Mcnulty, Peter U. Fischer, Reid R. Townsend, Kurt C. Curtis, Gary J. Weil, Makedonka MitrevaAbstract:Characterization of the adult transcriptome, adult proteome, and immunogenic proteins of Paragonimus Kellicotti.
