A phase IIa, randomized, double-blind, safety, immunogenicity and efficacy trial of Plasmodium falciparum vaccine antigens merozoite surface protein 1 and RTS,S formulated with AS02 adjuvant in healthy, malaria-naïve adults.

BACKGROUND: To improve the efficacy of Plasmodium falciparum malaria vaccine RTS,S/AS02, we conducted a study in 2001 in healthy, malaria-naïve adults administered RTS,S/AS02 in combination with FMP1, a recombinant merozoite surface-protein-1, C-terminal 42kD fragment. METHODS: A double-blind Phase I/IIa study randomized N = 60 subjects 1:1:1:1 to one of four groups, N = 15/group, to evaluate safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of intra-deltoid half-doses of RTS,S/AS02 and FMP1/AS02 administered in the contralateral (RTS,S + FMP1-separate) or same (RTS,S + FMP1-same) sites, or FMP1/AS02 alone (FMP1-alone), or RTS,S/AS02 alone (RTS,S-alone) on a 0-, 1-, 3-month schedule. Subjects receiving three doses of vaccine and non-immunized controls (N = 11) were infected with homologous P. falciparum 3D7 sporozoites by Controlled Human Malaria Infection (CHMI). RESULTS: Subjects in all vaccination groups experienced mostly mild or moderate local and general adverse events that resolved within eight days. Anti-circumsporozoite antibody levels were lower when FMP1 and RTS,S were co-administered at the same site (35.0 µg/mL: 95 % CI 20.3-63), versus separate arms (57.4 µg/mL: 95 % CI 32.3-102) or RTS,S alone (62.0 µg/mL: 95 % CI: 37.8-101.8). RTS,S-specific lymphoproliferative responses and ex vivo ELISpot CSP-specific interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) responses were indistinguishable among groups receiving RTS,S/AS02. There was no difference in antibody to FMP1 among groups receiving FMP1/AS02. After CHMI, groups immunized with a RTS,S-containing regimen had âˆ¼ 30 % sterile protection against parasitemia, and equivalent delays in time-to-parasitemia. The FMP1/AS02 alone group showed no sterile immunity or delay in parasitemia. CONCLUSION: Co-administration of RTS,S and FMP1/AS02 reduced anti-RTS,S antibody, but did not affect tolerability, cellular immunity, or efficacy in a stringent CHMI model. Absence of efficacy or delay of patency in the sporozoite challenge model in the FMP1/AS02 group did not rule out efficacy of FMP1/AS02 in an endemic population. However, a Phase IIb trial of FMP1/AS02 in children in malaria-endemic Kenya did not demonstrate efficacy against natural infection. CLINICALTRIALS: gov identifier: NCT01556945.

Multicenter Evaluation of the Clinical Performance and the Neutralizing Antibody Activity Prediction Properties of 10 High-Throughput Serological Assays Used in Clinical Laboratories.

As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic second wave is emerging, it is of the upmost importance to screen the population immunity in order to keep track of infected individuals. Consequently, immunoassays for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) with high specificity and positive predictive values are needed to obtain an accurate epidemiological picture. As more data accumulate about the immune responses and the kinetics of neutralizing-antibody (nAb) production in SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals, new applications are forecast for serological assays such as nAb activity prediction in convalescent-phase plasma from recovered patients. This multicenter study, involving six hospital centers, determined the baseline clinical performances, reproducibility, and nAb level correlations of 10 commercially available immunoassays. In addition, three lateral-flow chromatography assays were evaluated, as these devices can be used in logistically challenged areas. All assays were evaluated using the same patient panels in duplicate, thus enabling accurate comparison of the tests. Seven immunoassays examined in this study were shown to have excellent specificity (98 to 100%) and good to excellent positive predictive values (82 to 100%) when used in a low (5%)-seroprevalence setting. We observed sensitivities as low as 74% and as high as 95% at ≥15 days after symptom onset. The determination of optimized cutoff values through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses had a significant impact on the diagnostic resolution of several enzyme immunoassays by increasing the sensitivity significantly without a large trade-off in specificity. We found that spike-based immunoassays seem to be better correlates of nAb activity. Finally, the results reported here will add to the general knowledge of the interlaboratory reproducibility of clinical performance parameters of immunoassays and provide new evidence about nAb activity prediction.

Global prevalence of latent toxoplasmosis in pregnant women: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Toxoplasma gondii infection, if acquired as an acute infection during pregnancy, can have substantial adverse effects on mothers, fetuses and newborns. Latent toxoplasmosis also causes a variety of pathologies and has been linked to adverse effects on pregnancy. OBJECTIVE: Here, we present results of a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of the global prevalence of latent toxoplasmosis in pregnant women. DATA SOURCE: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, SciELO and Scopus databases for relevant studies that were published between 1 January 1988 and 20 July 2019. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: All population-based, cross-sectional and longitudinal studies reporting the prevalence of latent toxoplasmosis in healthy pregnant women were considered for inclusion. PARTICIPANTS: Pregnant women who were tested for prevalence of latent toxoplasmosis. INTERVENTIONS: There were no interventions. METHOD: We used a random effects model to calculate pooled prevalence estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We grouped prevalence data according to the geographic regions defined by the World Health Organization (WHO). Multiple subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: In total, 311 studies with 320 relevant data sets representing 1 148 677 pregnant women from 91 countries were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. The global prevalence of latent toxoplasmosis in pregnant women was estimated at 33.8% (95% CI, 31.8-35.9%; 345 870/1 148 677). South America had the highest pooled prevalence (56.2%; 50.5-62.8%) of latent toxoplasmosis in pregnant women, whereas the Western Pacific region had the lowest prevalence (11.8%; 8.1-16.0%). A significantly higher prevalence of latent toxoplasmosis was associated with countries with low income and low human development indices (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate a high level of latent toxoplasmosis in pregnant women, especially in some low- and middle-income countries of Africa and South America, although the local prevalence varied markedly. These results suggest a need for improved prevention and control efforts to reduce the health risks to women and newborns.

Phylogenetic relationships of three tribes of cloacinine nematodes (Strongylida: Chabertiidae) from macropodid marsupials.

The phylogenetic relationships of 42 species of cloacinine nematodes belonging to three tribes (Coronostrongylinea, Macropostrongylinea and Zoniolaiminea) were examined based on sequence data of the first and second internal transcribed spacers (ITS-1 and ITS-2) of the nuclear ribosomal DNA. All nematodes examined are parasites of Australian macropodid marsupials. None of the three nematode tribes was monophyletic. Paraphyly was also encountered in three genera: Papillostrongylus, Monilonema and Wallabinema. Species within the genus Thallostonema were limited to a single host genus (i.e. Thylogale), whereas species within the five principal genera (Coronostrongylus, Macropostrongylus, Popovastrongylus, Wallabinema and Zoniolaimus) were found to occur in multiple host genera. Potential modes of evolution among these nematodes are discussed.

Helminth Microbiomes - A Hidden Treasure Trove?

There is increasing attention on the complex interactions occurring between gastrointestinal parasitic helminths and the microbial flora (microbiota) inhabiting the host gut. However, little is known about the occurrence, structure, and function of microbial populations residing within parasite organs and tissues. In this article, we argue that an in-depth understanding of the interplay between parasites and their microbiomes may significantly enhance current knowledge of parasite biology and physiology, and may lead to the discovery of entirely novel, anthelmintic-independent interventions against parasites and parasitic diseases.

Advancing the multi-disciplinarity of parasitology within the British Society for Parasitology: studies of host-parasite evolution in an ever-changing world.

The study of parasites typically crosses into other research disciplines and spans across diverse scales, from molecular- to populational-levels, notwithstanding promoting an understanding of parasites set within evolutionary time. Today, the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) help frame much of contemporary parasitological research, since parasites can be found in all ecosystems, blighting human, animal and plant health. In recognition of the multi-disciplinary nature of parasitological research, the 2017 Autumn Symposium of the British Society for Parasitology was held in London to provide a forum for novel exchange across medical, veterinary and wildlife fields of study. Whilst the meeting was devoted to the topic of parasitism, it sought to foster mutualism, the antithesis perhaps of parasitism, by forging new academic connections and social networks to exchange novel ideas. The meeting also celebrated the longstanding career of Professor David Rollinson, FLS in the award of the International Federation for Tropical Medicine Medal for his efforts spanning 40 years of parasitological research. Indeed, David has done so much to explore and promote the fascinating biology of parasitism, as exemplified by the 15 manuscripts contained within this Special Issue.

Toxocara eggs in public places worldwide - A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Toxocariasis is a neglected tropical disease of humans. Although many studies have indicated or shown that environmental contamination with Toxocara species eggs is a major risk factor for toxocariasis in humans, there has been no comprehensive analysis of published data or information. Here, we conducted the first systematic review and meta-analysis of current literature to assess the global prevalence of Toxocara eggs in public places (including beaches, parks and playgrounds). We conducted searches of the PubMed, Embase, Scopus and Science Direct databases for relevant studies published until 20 April 2018, and assessed the prevalence rates of Toxocara eggs in public places. We used the random effects model to calculate pooled prevalence estimates, with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and analysed data in relation to WHO geographical regions. Subgroup analysis and meta-regressions regarding the geographical and environmental variables were also performed. Of 2384 publications identified, 109 studies that tested 42,797 soil samples in 40 countries were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled global prevalence of Toxocara eggs in public places was 21% (95% CI, 16-27%; 13,895/42,797). The estimated prevalence rates in the different WHO regions ranged from 13% to 35%: Western Pacific (35%; 95% CI, 15-58%), Africa (27%; 95% CI, 11-47%), South America (25%; 95% CI, 13-33%), South-East Asia (21%; 95% CI, 3-49%), Middle East and North Africa (18%; 95% CI, 11-24%), Europe (18%; 95% CI, 14-22%), and North and Central Americas (13%; 95% CI, 8-23%). A high prevalence was significantly associated with high geographical longitude (P = 0.04), low latitude (P = 0.02) and high relative environmental humidity (P = 0.04). This meta-analysis of data from published records indicates that public places are often heavily contaminated with eggs of Toxocara. This finding calls for measures to reduce the potential risk of infection and disease in humans.

A rare case of a 123I-MIBG SPECT/CT positive, but 68Ga-DOTA-TOC PET/CT negative pheochromocytoma of the bladder. / Caso infrecuente de feocromocitoma vesical positivo en la SPECT/TC con 123I-MIBG, pero negativo en la PET/TC con 68Ga-DOTA-TOC.

Pheochromocytoma (PHEO) is rare and belongs to the group of neuroendocrine tumours (NETs). These tumours can be found anywhere from the neck to the pelvis associated with sympathetic ganglia. Morphological imaging, for example CT, provides excellent anatomical detail and high sensitivity but lacks specificity as difficulties may occur when distinguishing between tumours derived from the sympathetic nervous system and other tumour entities. In contrast to anatomical imaging, functional imaging (123I-MIBG, 68Ga-DOTA-TOC PET) provides high sensitivity and specificity in detecting NETs. Early detection of PHEO is crucial and has a major effect on treatment and prognosis. This case report describes the important role of anatomical and functional imaging in a patient with a neuroendocrine tumour of unusual origin.

Speciation in the genus Cloacina (Nematoda: Strongylida): species flocks and intra-host speciation.

Sequences of the first and second internal transcribed spacers (ITS1 + ITS2) of nuclear ribosomal DNA were employed to determine whether the congeneric assemblages of species of the strongyloid nematode genus Cloacina, found in the forestomachs of individual species of kangaroos and wallabies (Marsupialia: Macropodidae), considered to represent species flocks, were monophyletic. Nematode assemblages examined in the black-striped wallaby, Macropus (Notamacropus) dorsalis, the wallaroos, Macropus (Osphranter) antilopinus/robustus, rock wallabies, Petrogale spp., the quokka, Setonix brachyurus, and the swamp wallaby, Wallabia bicolor, were not monophyletic and appeared to have arisen by host colonization. However, a number of instances of within-host speciation were detected, suggesting that a variety of methods of speciation have contributed to the evolution of the complex assemblages of species present in this genus.

Understanding Haemonchus contortus Better Through Genomics and Transcriptomics.

Parasitic roundworms (nematodes) cause substantial mortality and morbidity in animals globally. The barber's pole worm, Haemonchus contortus, is one of the most economically significant parasitic nematodes of small ruminants worldwide. Although this and related nematodes can be controlled relatively well using anthelmintics, resistance against most drugs in common use has become a major problem. Until recently, almost nothing was known about the molecular biology of H. contortus on a global scale. This chapter gives a brief background on H. contortus and haemonchosis, immune responses, vaccine research, chemotherapeutics and current problems associated with drug resistance. It also describes progress in transcriptomics before the availability of H. contortus genomes and the challenges associated with such work. It then reviews major progress on the two draft genomes and developmental transcriptomes of H. contortus, and summarizes their implications for the molecular biology of this worm in both the free-living and the parasitic stages of its life cycle. The chapter concludes by considering how genomics and transcriptomics can accelerate research on Haemonchus and related parasites, and can enable the development of new interventions against haemonchosis.

[Position paper on medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ)]. / Positionspapier zur medikamentenassoziierten Osteonekrose des Kiefers (MRONJ).

It is now 12 years since the first article on medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) was reported in 2003. The recognition of MRONJ is still inconsistent between physicians and dentists but it is without doubt a severe disease with impairment of oral health-related quality of life. This position paper was developed by three Austrian societies for dentists, oral surgeons and osteologists involved in this topic. This update contains amendments on the incidence, pathophysiology, diagnosis, staging and treatment and provides recommendations for management based on a multidisciplinary international consensus. The MRONJ can be a medication-related side effect of treatment of malignant and benign bone diseases with bisphosphonates (Bp), bevacizumab and denosumab (Dmab) as antiresorptive therapy. The incidence of MRONJ is highest in the oncology patient population (range 1-15 %), where high doses of these medications are used at frequent intervals. In the osteoporosis patient population, the incidence of MRONJ is estimated to be 0.001-0.01 %, marginally higher than the incidence in the general population (< 0.001 %). Other risk factors for MRONJ include glucocorticoid use, maxillary or mandibular bone surgery, poor oral hygiene, chronic inflammation, diabetes mellitus, ill-fitting dentures as well as other drugs, including antiangiogenic agents. Prevention strategies for MRONJ include elimination or stabilization of oral disease prior to initiation of antiresorptive agents, as well as maintenance of good oral hygiene. In those patients at high risk for the development of MRONJ, including cancer patients receiving high-dose BP or Dmab therapy, consideration should be given to withholding antiresorptive therapy following extensive oral surgery until the surgical site heals with mature mucosal coverage. Management of MRONJ is based on the stage of the disease, extent of the lesions and the presence of contributing drug therapy and comorbidity. Conservative therapy includes topical antibiotic oral rinses and systemic antibiotic therapy. Early data have suggested enhanced osseous wound healing with teriparatide in those patients without contraindications for its use. The MRONJ related to denosumab may resolve more quickly with a drug holiday than MRONJ related to bisphosphonates. Localized surgical debridement is indicated in advanced nonresponsive disease and has proven successful. More invasive surgical techniques are becoming increasingly more important. Prevention is the key for the management of MRONJ. This requires a close teamwork for the treating physician and the dentist. It is necessary that this information is disseminated to other relevant health care professionals and organizations.

Current controversies in clinical management of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a frequent disease in postmenopausal women. Despite the fact that fragility fractures cause many problems - a bio-psycho-social burden for the individual and an economic burden for the society - osteoporosis is still underdiagnosed and undertreated. Controversies exist concerning assessment with different tools for initiating a disease-specific treatment, patient monitoring with bone turnover markers, and treatment duration due to potential side effects in long-term treatment. This manuscript outlines and discusses these controversies and the presented cases, representatives for frequent clinical problems, may give guidance for the clinician in deciding how and how long to treat his/her patient. Re-evaluations of the patients on a regular basis are essential to warrant the necessity of treatment continuation and may improve patients' compliance.

[Diabetes and osteoporosis: pathophysiological interactions and clinical importance for geriatric patients]. / Diabetes und Osteoporose: Pathophysiologische Interaktionen und klinische Bedeutung für geriatrische Patienten.

Osteoporosis is an age-associated disease, resulting in impaired bone quality and increased risk for bone fractures. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus have--despite a normal or even increased bone mineral density--an increased risk for fractures, which is related to an imbalance between osteoblastic bone formation and osteoclastic resorption. Complex pathophysiological mechanisms associated with insulin resistance and hyperglycemia are involved in the deleterious effects on osteoblast function and bone formation. The quality and regimen of antidiabetic therapy are discussed as modulators of bone metabolism. Of great clinical importance is an assessment of the fall risk especially for diabetic patients, because late complications, such as neuropathy, but also side effects of medication can result in a significantly increased risk for falls. Lifestyle intervention is of advantage with respect to diabetes and osteoporosis prevention and therapy. Vitamin D supplementation results in favorable effects with a reduced risk for falls and also improvements of insulin sensitivity. According to published data, the safety and efficacy of specific medication for the treatment of osteoporosis (bisphosphonates, denosumab, selective estrogen receptor modulators) reveal no difference between patients with and without diabetes mellitus.

How long should women with postmenopausal osteoporosis be treated with a bisphosphonate?

Bisphosphonates are very frequently prescribed to women suffering from postmenopausal osteoporosis with or without fragility fractures. The present review was aimed to update the available information on the most efficient treatment duration. Studies on bisphosphonate treatment duration were identified by Medline up to January 2013. Bisphosphonates are very effective in the short as well as in the medium-term. However, the optimal duration of use has not been determined yet. Therefore, this review summarizes the long-term effects of bisphosphonates on surrogate parameters of fracture prevention, bone mineral density measurements, and bone turnover markers. An initial treatment period of 3-5 years is recommended. Then, the patient has to be re-evaluated for fracture risk, which depends on fracture status as well as on other health issues. Beyond that, life style factors such as regular physical activity as well as a sufficient intake of calcium and vitamin D or, if necessary supplementation of calcium and/or vitamin D play an essential part in fracture prevention.

Surgeons save bones: an algorithm for orthopedic surgeons managing secondary fracture prevention.

Postmenopausal osteoporosis has a big impact on health care budget worldwide, which are expected to double by 2050. In spite of severe medical and socioeconomic consequences from fragility fractures, there are insufficient efforts in optimizing osteoporotic treatment and prevention. Undertreatment of osteoporosis is a well known phenomenon, particularly in elderly patients. Treatment rates remain low across virtually all patient, provider, and hospital-level characteristics, even after fragility fractures. In-hospital initiation is one of the options to increase treatment rates and improve osteoporosis management. However, multiple factors contribute to the failure of initiating appropriate treatment of osteoporosis in patients with fragility fractures. These include a lack of knowledge in osteoporosis and an absence of a comprehensive treatment guideline among family physicians and orthopedic surgeons. Furthermore, orthopedic surgeons are hardly willing to accept their responsibility for osteoporosis treatment due to the fact that they are usually not familiar with the initiation of specific drug treatments. The presented algorithm offers trauma surgeons and orthopedic surgeons a safe and simple guided pathway of treating osteoporosis in postmenopausal women appropriately after fragility fractures based on the current literature. From our point of view, this algorithm is useful for almost all cases and the user can expect treatment recommendations in more than 90 % of all cases. Nevertheless, some patients may require specialized review by an endocrinologist. The proposed algorithm may help to increase the rate of appropriate osteoporosis treatment hence reducing the rates of fragility fractures.

Bone mineral density and bone metabolism in patients with major depressive disorder without somatic comorbidities.

BACKGROUND: Major depressive disorder (MDD) has been linked with accelerated bone loss leading to the development of low bone mineral density (BMD). Several mechanisms have been discussed as causative factors, e.g. lifestyle, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) intake, or the influence of proinflammatory cytokines. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study of in-patients with a current episode of MDD, without somatic comorbidities, we determined various parameters of bone metabolism, inflammatory parameters and parameters of depression. BMD was measured by dual x-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: Of 50 patients, only one had low BMD in any of the measure sites. Body mass index (BMI) correlated positively with Z-scores. 83.3% of the examined patients had elevated osteoprotegerin (OPG) levels. SSRI intake did not have an effect on BMD. BMD in the femoral neck was significantly lower in smokers. We also found a positive correlation between the level of physical activity and osteocalcin levels. CONCLUSIONS: In our sample, young to middle-aged, somatically healthy, and acutely depressed patients with a history of MDD showed no reduction of BMD. This could be due to compensatory mechanisms, as suggested by elevated OPG levels. Physical activity and high BMI could also have served as protective factors. Still, as patients with MDD often suffer from comorbidities or take medication with a negative effect on bone, this population should be appreciated as a high-risk group for the development of osteopenia and osteoporosis.

Bioinformatics meets parasitology.

The advent and integration of high-throughput '-omics' technologies (e.g. genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, glycomics and lipidomics) are revolutionizing the way biology is done, allowing the systems biology of organisms to be explored. These technologies are now providing unique opportunities for global, molecular investigations of parasites. For example, studies of a transcriptome (all transcripts in an organism, tissue or cell) have become instrumental in providing insights into aspects of gene expression, regulation and function in a parasite, which is a major step to understanding its biology. The purpose of this article was to review recent applications of next-generation sequencing technologies and bioinformatic tools to large-scale investigations of the transcriptomes of parasitic nematodes of socio-economic significance (particularly key species of the order Strongylida) and to indicate the prospects and implications of these explorations for developing novel methods of parasite intervention.

Inflammation, adiponectin, obesity and cardiovascular risk.

The development of atherosclerotic lesions leading to myocardial infarction (MI) or stroke encompasses a cascade of cellular and molecular events that can well be characterized as a chronic immune-mediated inflammation occurring preferentially in the biologic surrounding of the so called metabolic syndrome. Adipokines, chemokines, cytokines, and their receptors are critically involved in the initiation and perpetuation of atherosclerosis, and they play important roles at all levels in the pathogenesis of this disease. Metabolic risk profiles associated with sedentary lifestyle, obesity, especially intra-abdominal fat accumulation, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia pave the way for a chronic, immune-mediated vascular inflammation around vascular lipid deposits. In the present article, the impact of adiponectin, monocyte and T-cell associated cytokines (with emphasis on Neopterin), individual adipose tissue - distribution and pleiotropic drug effects on the individual course of atherosclerosis and associated cardiovascular disease are reviewed.

Bioinformatic analysis of abundant, gender-enriched transcripts of adult Ascaris suum (Nematoda) using a semi-automated workflow platform.

Expressed sequence tag (EST) data representing transcripts with a high level of differential hybridization in suppressive-subtractive hybridization (SSH)-based microarray analysis between adult female and male Ascaris suum were subjected to detailed bioinformatic analysis. A total of 361 ESTs clustered into 209 sequences, of which 52 and 157 represented transcripts that were enriched in female and male A. suum, respectively. Thirty (57.7%) of the 'female' subset of 52 sequences had orthologues/homologues in other parasitic nematodes and/or Caenorhabditis elegans, 13 (25%) exclusively in other parasitic nematodes and nine (17.3%) had no match in any other organism for which sequence data are currently available; the C. elegans orthologues encoded molecules involved in reproduction as well as embryonic and gamete development, such as vitellogenins and chitin-binding proteins. Of the 'male' subset of 157 sequences, 73 (46.5%) had orthologues/homologues in other parasitic nematodes and/or C. elegans, 57 (37.5%) in other parasitic nematodes only, and 22 (14.5%) had no significant similarity match in any other organism; the C. elegans orthologues encoded predominantly major sperm proteins (MSPs), kinases and phosphatases, actins, myosins and an Ancylostoma secreted protein-like molecule. The findings of the present study should support further genomic investigations of A. suum.

A portrait of the "SCP/TAPS" proteins of eukaryotes--developing a framework for fundamental research and biotechnological outcomes.

A wide range of proteins belonging to the SCP/TAPS "family" has been described for various eukaryotic organisms, including plants and animals (vertebrates and invertebrates, such as helminths). Although SCP/TAPS proteins have been proposed to play key roles in a number of fundamental biological processes, such as host-pathogen interactions and defence mechanisms, there is a paucity of information on their genetic relationships, structures and functions, and there is no standardised nomenclature for these proteins. A detailed analysis of the relationships of members of the SCP/TAPS family of proteins, based on key protein signatures, could provide a foundation for investigating these areas. In this article, we review the current state of knowledge of key SCP/TAPS proteins of eukaryotes, with an emphasis on those from parasitic helminths, and undertake a comprehensive, systematic phylogenetic analysis of currently available full-length protein sequence data (considering characteristic protein signatures or motifs) to infer relationships and provide a framework (based on statistical support) for the naming of these proteins. This framework is intended to guide genomic and molecular biological explorations of key SCP/TAPS molecules associated with infectious diseases of plants and animals. In particular, fundamental investigations of these molecules in parasites and the integration of structural and functional data could lead to new and innovative approaches for the control of parasitic diseases, with important biotechnological outcomes.