Cystic echinococcosis microRNAs as potential noninvasive biomarkers: current insights and upcoming perspective

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Echinococcosis, also known as hydatidosis, is a zoonotic foodborne disease occurred by infection with the larvae of Echinococcus spp. which can lead to the development of hydatid cysts in various organs of the host. The diagnosis of echinococcosis remains challenging due to limited diagnostic tools.

Areas covered

In recent years, microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as a promising biomarker for various infectious diseases, including those caused by helminths. Recent studies have identified several novel miRNAs in Echinococcus spp. shedding light on their essential roles in hydatid cyst host-parasite interactions. In this regard, several studies have shown that Echinococcus-derived miRNAs are present in biofluids such as serum and plasma of infected hosts. The detection of these miRNAs in the early stages of infection can serve as an early prognostic and diagnostic biomarker for echinococcosis.

Expert opinion

The miRNAs specific to Echinococcus spp. show great potential as early diagnostic biomarkers for echinococcosis and can also provide insights into the pathogenesis of this disease. This review attempts to provide a comprehensive overview of Echinococcus-specific miRNAs, their use as early diagnostic biomarkers, and their function in host-parasite interactions.

KEYWORDS:

• Circulatory miRnas
• cystic echinococcosis
• diagnostic biomarkers
• Echinococcus
• host-derived micrornas

Article highlights

• Diagnosis of echinococcosis using noninvasive clinical samples along with accurate tool is highly requested.

• Circulatory microRNAs are emerged as a promising noninvasive early diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for diagnosing echinococcosis.

• This review attempts to provide a comprehensive overview of Echinococcus-specific miRNAs, their use as diagnosis, and their function in host-parasite interactions.

Declaration of interest

The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Reviewers disclosure

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial relationships or otherwise to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran (IR.MAZUMS.REC.1401.14128)