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Blood platelets and schistosome egg excretion
1Department of Medical Helminthology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Winches Farm Laboratories, St. Albans, Herts, United Kingdom.
Summary
Platelets play a crucial role in Schistosoma parasite egg excretion. Suppressing platelet activity significantly reduced egg excretion in infected mice, suggesting a therapeutic target for schistosomiasis.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Immunology
- Hematology
Background:
- Schistosoma parasite eggs must extravasate to complete their life cycle.
- The precise mechanism of egg extravasation remains incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of platelets in the extravasation and excretion of Schistosoma eggs.
- To explore potential therapeutic strategies targeting platelet activity in schistosomiasis.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a mouse model of Schistosoma mansoni infection.
- Administered anti-platelet agents (serum or drugs) to suppress platelet activity.
- Examined egg excretion levels and observed platelet-egg interactions using microscopy.
- Assessed platelet aggregation in response to isolated parasite eggs in vitro and ex vivo.
Main Results:
- Suppression of platelet activity significantly reduced parasite egg excretion.
- Optimal reduction in egg excretion was observed when anti-platelet agents were given before egg excretion onset.
- In vivo and in vitro studies revealed platelet aggregates on parasite egg surfaces.
- Isolated eggs induced platelet aggregation, which could be inhibited by ticarcillin.
Conclusions:
- Platelets are implicated in the extravasation and excretion of Schistosoma parasite eggs.
- Targeting platelet function presents a potential therapeutic avenue for managing schistosomiasis.