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Isolation and Characterization of Extracellular Vesicles from Adult Schistosoma japonicum
Published on: May 22, 2018
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Abnormal liver function in different patients with Schistosoma japonicum
An Ning1, Xiaoying Wu, Hongyu Li
1Jiangxi Provincial Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Nanchang, China.
Parasitology Research
|October 8, 2014
Summary
Schistosomiasis japonica directly damages liver cells, indicated by abnormal ALT and AST levels. Coinfection with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) worsens outcomes, necessitating proactive liver protection for patients.
Area of Science:
- Medical Research
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Schistosomiasis japonica remains a significant public health concern in China, with evolving prevalence patterns.
- Focus is shifting towards improving the quality of life for infected individuals.
- Liver function abnormalities in severe schistosomiasis japonica and direct cellular damage mechanisms are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate liver function abnormalities in patients with severe schistosomiasis japonica.
- To investigate potential associations between schistosomiasis japonica and hepatitis B virus (HBV) coinfection.
- To determine if S. japonicum directly causes liver cell damage.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 494 patients diagnosed with Schistosoma japonicum and 69 healthy controls from Jiangxi Province, China.
- Assessment of liver function, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels.
- Analysis of coinfection rates with chronic hepatitis B (CHB).
Main Results:
- Hepatic metabolism was significantly altered in patients with S. japonicum infection.
- Abnormal ALT and AST levels were significantly higher in schistosomiasis patients compared to controls.
- S. japonicum infection directly impacts liver cells, causing damage.
- CHB and schistosomiasis japonica coinfection is a risk factor for more severe outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Schistosomiasis japonica infection leads to impaired liver function and direct liver cell damage.
- Coinfection with CHB exacerbates the severity of schistosomiasis japonica.
- Routine liver-protective treatment should be considered for S. japonicum patients, especially those with coinfections.
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