Host tissue proteomics reveal insights into the molecular basis of Schistosoma haematobium-induced bladder pathology.

Urogenital schistosomiasis remains a major public health concern worldwide. In response to egg deposition, the host bladder undergoes gross and molecular morphological changes relevant for disease manifestation. However, limited mechanistic studies to date imply that the molecular mechanisms underlying pathology are not well-defined. We leveraged a mouse model of urogenital schistosomiasis to perform for the first time, proteome profiling of the early molecular events that occur in the bladder after exposure to S. haematobium eggs, and to elucidate the protein pathways involved in urogenital schistosomiasis-induced pathology. Purified S. haematobium eggs or control vehicle were microinjected into the bladder walls of mice. Mice were sacrificed seven days post-injection and bladder proteins isolated and processed for proteome profiling using mass spectrometry. We demonstrate that biological processes including carcinogenesis, immune and inflammatory responses, increased protein translation or turnover, oxidative stress responses, reduced cell adhesion and epithelial barrier integrity, and increased glucose metabolism were significantly enriched in S. haematobium infection. S. haematobium egg deposition in the bladder results in significant changes in proteins and pathways that play a role in pathology. Our findings highlight the potential bladder protein indicators for host-parasite interplay and provide new insights into the complex dynamics of pathology and characteristic bladder tissue changes in urogenital schistosomiasis. The findings will be relevant for development of improved interventions for disease control

Paediatric schistosomiasis:What we know and what we need to know

Schistosomiasis affects over 200 million people worldwide, most of whom are children. Research and control strategies directed at preschool-aged children (PSAC), i.e., ≤5 years old, have lagged behind those in older children and adults. With the recent WHO revision of the schistosomiasis treatment guidelines to include PSAC, and the recognition of gaps in our current knowledge on the disease and its treatment in this age group, there is now a concerted effort to address these shortcomings. Global and national schistosome control strategies are yet to include PSAC in treatment schedules. Maximum impact of schistosome treatment programmes will be realised through effective treatment of PSAC. In this review, we (i) discuss the current knowledge on the dynamics and consequences of paediatric schistosomiasis and (ii) identify knowledge and policy gaps relevant to these areas and to the successful control of schistosome infection and disease in this age group. Herein, we highlight risk factors, immune mechanisms, pathology, and optimal timing for screening, diagnosis, and treatment of paediatric schistosomiasis. We also discuss the tools required for treating schistosomiasis in PSAC and strategies for accessing them for treatment

Risk factors for schistosome infection in PSAC.

<p><i>Adapted from</i>: <b>1</b> [<a href="http://www.plosntds.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pntd.0006144#pntd.0006144.ref014" target="_blank">14</a>]; <b>2</b> [<a href="http://www.plosntds.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pntd.0006144#pntd.0006144.ref014" target="_blank">14</a>, <a href="http://www.plosntds.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pntd.0006144#pntd.0006144.ref015" target="_blank">15</a>]; <b>3</b> [<a href="http://www.plosntds.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pntd.0006144#pntd.0006144.ref016" target="_blank">16</a>]; <b>4</b> [<a href="http://www.plosntds.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pntd.0006144#pntd.0006144.ref015" target="_blank">15</a>], <b>5</b> [<a href="http://www.plosntds.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pntd.0006144#pntd.0006144.ref015" target="_blank">15</a>, <a href="http://www.plosntds.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pntd.0006144#pntd.0006144.ref017" target="_blank">17</a>, <a href="http://www.plosntds.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pntd.0006144#pntd.0006144.ref018" target="_blank">18</a>]; <b>6</b> [<a href="http://www.plosntds.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pntd.0006144#pntd.0006144.ref013" target="_blank">13</a>, <a href="http://www.plosntds.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pntd.0006144#pntd.0006144.ref014" target="_blank">14</a>]; 7 [<a href="http://www.plosntds.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pntd.0006144#pntd.0006144.ref019" target="_blank">19</a>]; <b>8</b> [<a href="http://www.plosntds.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pntd.0006144#pntd.0006144.ref014" target="_blank">14</a>]; <b>9</b> [<a href="http://www.plosntds.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pntd.0006144#pntd.0006144.ref018" target="_blank">18</a>]; <b>10</b> [<a href="http://www.plosntds.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pntd.0006144#pntd.0006144.ref020" target="_blank">20</a>]; <b>11</b> [<a href="http://www.plosntds.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pntd.0006144#pntd.0006144.ref021" target="_blank">21</a>].</p