Cystic Echinococcosis Micrornas As Potential Noninvasive Biomarkers: Current Insights and Upcoming Perspective Publisher Pubmed



Habibi B¹ ; Gholami S¹ ; Bagheri A² ; Fakhar M^{1, 3} ; Moradi A⁴ ; Khazeei Tabari MA⁵
Source: Expert Review of Molecular Diagnostics Published:2023

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. © 2023 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.