Lipid profiling of the filarial nematodes Onchocerca volvulus, Onchocerca ochengi and Litomosoides sigmodontis reveals the accumulation of nematode-specific ether phospholipids in the host

摘要: Onchocerciasis, a neglected tropical disease prevalent in western and central Africa, is major health problem has been targeted for elimination. The causative agent this the human parasite Onchocerca volvulus. ochengi Litomosoides sigmodontis, infectious agents of cattle rodents, respectively, serve as model organisms to study filarial nematode infections. Biomarkers determine infection without use painful skin biopsies microscopic identification larval worms are needed their discovery facilitated by an improved knowledge parasite-specific metabolites. In addition proteins nucleic acids, lipids may be suitable candidates biomarkers that currently underexplored. To fill gap, we present phospholipid profile nematodes O. ochengi, volvulus L. sigmodontis. Direct infusion quadrupole time-of-flight (Q-TOF) mass spectrometry was employed analyze composition phospholipids molecular species three species. Analysis profiles plasma or serum uninfected infected hosts showed nematode-specific were below detection limits. However, several phospholipids, particular ether phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), abundant bovine nodule fluid, suggesting these might released from into host, could potential biomarkers.