Culture of Schistosomes in human blood
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Culture of Schistosomes (trematode parasites) in human blood
IRAS ID
153576
Contact name
Matthew Berriman
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 4 months, 1 days
Research summary
Schistosomes (for example Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma haematobium) are significant parasites of humans. Schistosomes infect about 200 million people worldwide and Schistosoma mansoni is the most widespread of the human-infecting schistosomes, being present in 54 countries. The parasite uses two hosts during its life-cycle: humans and freshwater snails.
We aim to investigate the host-parasite interactions of schistosomes and their human host. This knowledge could help us understand how the parasites live inside humans and how pathology occurs and, therefore, could lead to improvements in the prevention and treatment of infection.
We will create an appropriate environment in the laboratory (in vitro culture) to maintain schistosomes in their human host phase. Their development will be investigated with a particular focus on which genes actively code for proteins (gene expression) and cellular structure. Candidate genes that maybe responsible for host-parasite interactions will be further investigated and we will screen for interacting molecular partner(s) and decipher the effects of such interactions.
In the human phase, schistosomes feed on red blood cells; hence, we will maintain them in the laboratory by adding red blood cells into the culture media - aiming to produce laboratory culture conditions as close to their natural environment as possible.
We are seeking NRES REC approval to store anonymised human blood obtained from NHS Blood and Transfusion Service blood donors (excess to transfusion requirements) and from Cambridge BioScience Ltd. (a commercial supplier) for the culture of Schistosoma species schistosomules (the parasite larvae which live in the human host) at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute (WTSI). The WTSI is not licensed by the Human Tissue Authority and so we require NRES REC approval for studies storing Human Tissue Act defined 'relevant material'.
We will not be carrying out any scientific analysis of the human material - the blood will only be used as 'culture medium'.
REC name
South West - Frenchay Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/SW/0041
Date of REC Opinion
24 Feb 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion