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Khanna V, Tilak K, Mukhopadhyay C, Khanna R. Significance of Diagnosing Parasitic Infestation in Evaluation of Unexplained Eosinophilia. J Clin Diagn Res 2015; 9:DC22-4. [PMID: 26393130 DOI: 10.7860/jcdr/2015/12222.6259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The evaluation of unexplained eosinophilia in an asymptomatic individual has always been a diagnostic challenge and requires understanding about a wide range of probable causative agents. Helminthic infestation and schistosomiasis are the main parasitic causes of eosinophilia. Therefore, the availability of simple and accurate diagnostic tests for detection of parasitic infections can prove to be valuable in early diagnosis and solving the mystery of unexplained eosinophilia. MATERIALS AND METHODS In the present study we attempt to find an association between relative eosinophilia and parasitic infections and also to find the parasites responsible for eosinophilia in a substantial number of cases. A retrospective study for the presence of eosinophilia was done on 621 cases positive for parasitic infestation. RESULTS Among a total of 621 cases of parasitic infestation only 66 (10.6%) cases were found to have relative eosinophilia. The parasites found to be responsible for eosinophilia were Trichuris trichiura, Ascaris lumbricoides, Strongyloides stercoralis, filarial worm and hook worm. CONCLUSION From the study it is concluded that eosinophilia is not a universal finding in cases with parasitic infestation. Although presence of eosinophilia can serve as one of the many diagnostic clues to look for the presence of helminthic infestation if other non-infectious causes of eosinophilia are ruled out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinay Khanna
- Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University , Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Kriti Tilak
- Post Graduate Student, Department of Microbiology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University , Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Chiranjay Mukhopadhyay
- Professor, Department of Microbiology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University , Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Ruchee Khanna
- Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University , Manipal, Karnataka, India
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302
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Abstract
Parasites have been infecting humans throughout our evolution. However, not all people suffered with the same species or to the same intensity throughout this time. Our changing way of life has altered the suitability of humans to infection by each type of parasite. This analysis focuses upon the evidence for parasites from archaeological excavations at medieval sites across Europe. Comparison between the patterns of infection in the medieval period allows us to see how changes in sanitation, herding animals, growing and fertilizing crops, the fishing industry, food preparation and migration all affected human susceptibility to different parasites. We go on to explore how ectoparasites may have spread infectious bacterial diseases, and also consider what medieval medical practitioners thought of parasites and how they tried to treat them. While modern research has shown the use of a toilet decreases the risk of contracting certain intestinal parasites, the evidence for past societies presented here suggests that the invention of latrines had no observable beneficial effects upon intestinal health. This may be because toilets were not sufficiently ubiquitous until the last century, or that the use of fresh human faeces for manuring crops still ensured those parasite species were easily able to reinfect the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piers D Mitchell
- Department of Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
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303
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Matto TN, Bharkad GP, Bhat SA. Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites of equids from organized farms of Mumbai and Pune. J Parasit Dis 2015; 39:179-85. [PMID: 26063996 PMCID: PMC4456555 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-013-0315-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2013] [Accepted: 05/14/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
A total of 1,304 faecal samples of different species of equids were examined for presence of helminthic eggs from five different centres in Mumbai and Pune regions of Maharashtra state from October 2011 to June 2012. Overall prevalence of helminthic infestation was found to be 20.63 % with higher rate of occurrence in monsoon (31.29 %) followed by winter (20.40 %) and summer (14.23 %). Four species of nematodes viz. strongyles (10.81 %), Strongyloides westeri (13.19 %), Parascaris equorum (0.23 %) and Dictyocaulus arnfieldi (0.23 %); two species of trematodes viz. amphistomes (1.38 %) and Schistosoma indicum (0.31 %) and only one species of cestode viz. Anoplocephala spp. (0.07 %) were encountered in the study. Coproculture studies revealed that Strongylus vulgaris was predominant species (36.87 %) among strongyles followed by cyathostomes. Amongst equids, mules had the lowest prevalence of 14.80 % followed by ponies (20.61 %) horses (38.79) and donkeys (51.90 %).
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Affiliation(s)
- T. N. Matto
- />Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Bombay Veterinary College, Parel, Mumbai, 400012 India
| | - G. P. Bharkad
- />Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Bombay Veterinary College, Parel, Mumbai, 400012 India
| | - S. A. Bhat
- />Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, 141004 India
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304
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Otranto D, Cantacessi C, Dantas-Torres F, Brianti E, Pfeffer M, Genchi C, Guberti V, Capelli G, Deplazes P. The role of wild canids and felids in spreading parasites to dogs and cats in Europe. Part II: Helminths and arthropods. Vet Parasitol 2015; 213:24-37. [PMID: 26049678 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Over the last few decades, ecological factors, combined with everchanging landscapes mainly linked to human activities (e.g. encroachment and tourism) have contributed to modifications in the transmission of parasitic diseases from domestic to wildlife carnivores and vice versa. In the first of this two-part review article, we have provided an account of diseases caused by protozoan parasites characterised by a two-way transmission route between domestic and wild carnivore species. In this second and final part, we focus our attention on parasitic diseases caused by helminth and arthropod parasites shared between domestic and wild canids and felids in Europe. While a complete understanding of the biology, ecology and epidemiology of these parasites is particularly challenging to achieve, especially given the complexity of the environments in which these diseases perpetuate, advancements in current knowledge of transmission routes is crucial to provide policy-makers with clear indications on strategies to reduce the impact of these diseases on changing ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Universita' degli Studi di Bari, 70010 Valenzano, Italy.
| | - Cinzia Cantacessi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, CB3 0ES Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Universita' degli Studi di Bari, 70010 Valenzano, Italy; Departamento de Imunologia, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães, Fiocruz-PE, Recife, Brazil
| | - Emanuele Brianti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Universita' degli Studi di Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Martin Pfeffer
- Institute of Animal Hygiene & Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Claudio Genchi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie e Sanita' Pubblica, Universita' degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Vittorio Guberti
- Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale, 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy
| | - Gioia Capelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Peter Deplazes
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Zürich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
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305
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Salas-Coronas J, Cabezas-Fernández MT, Vázquez-Villegas J, Soriano-Pérez MJ, Lozano-Serrano AB, Pérez-Camacho I, Cabeza-Barrera MI, Cobo F. Evaluation of eosinophilia in immigrants in Southern Spain using tailored screening and treatment protocols: A prospective study. Travel Med Infect Dis 2015; 13:315-21. [PMID: 26001914 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2015.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2015] [Revised: 04/15/2015] [Accepted: 04/16/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the etiology of eosinophilia in immigrant patients in Southern Spain. METHODS Prospective study of immigrant patients with eosinophilia (> 500 Eo/μL) attended in a reference Tropical Medicine Unit and evaluated through the implementation of a specific protocol structured in different levels meant to be accomplished depending on the findings of each previous level. RESULTS Out of the 549 patients included in the study (89.6% from sub-Saharan countries), a diagnosis of helminthiasis was reached in 417 (75.9%), mainly by Strongyloides stercoralis (n = 190), Schistosoma (n = 33) and Hookworms (n = 126). 30 patients (5.5%) had a non-parasitic disorder (asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, skin conditions and drug-related eosinophilia). Multiple helminthic infections were very common: in 107 patients (19.5%) 2 helminth species were identified, three in 21 patients (3.8%), and four or more in 6 patients (1.1%). Eosinophilia was resolved in 31 of the 33 patients (93.9%) who received empirical treatment with ivermectin, albendazole and praziquantel as an etiological diagnosis was not reached after applying the whole protocol. CONCLUSIONS Diagnosis of helminthic infections in immigrant patients with eosinophilia can be improved by using tailored protocols based on geographical exposure. The implementation of these protocols may also save costs by systematizing diagnostic explorations. Empirical treatment with ivermectin, albendazol and praziquantel in sub-Saharan population when an etiologic diagnosis of eosinophilia has not been attained is an effective measure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joaquín Salas-Coronas
- Tropical Medicine Unit, Hospital de Poniente, Ctra. De Almerimar sn, 04700, El Ejido, Almería, Spain.
| | | | | | | | - Ana Belén Lozano-Serrano
- Tropical Medicine Unit, Hospital de Poniente, Ctra. De Almerimar sn, 04700, El Ejido, Almería, Spain
| | - Inés Pérez-Camacho
- Tropical Medicine Unit, Hospital de Poniente, Ctra. De Almerimar sn, 04700, El Ejido, Almería, Spain
| | | | - Fernando Cobo
- Tropical Medicine Unit, Hospital de Poniente, Ctra. De Almerimar sn, 04700, El Ejido, Almería, Spain
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306
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Naing C, Whittaker MA, Nyunt-Wai V, Reid SA, Wong SF, Mak JW, Tanner M. Malaria and soil-transmitted intestinal helminth co-infection and its effect on anemia: a meta-analysis. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2015; 107:672-83. [PMID: 24123127 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trt086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to synthesize available evidence on the extent of malaria and soil-transmitted intestinal helminth (STH) co-infections in people living in endemic countries and to explore the effect of interactions between malaria and STHs on anemia. We searched relevant studies in electronic databases up to March 2013. Studies comparing malaria and STH co-infected patients with those not co-infected were included and the effect estimates were pooled using a random-effects model. We identified 30 studies for meta-analyses of which 17 were cross-sectional design. The majority of included studies (80%) were carried out in African countries. Among pregnant women, those infected with hookworm were found to have higher association with malaria infection compared with those without (summary OR: 1.36; 95% CI: 1.17-1.59; I(2): 0%). Among non-pregnant adults, the summary OR of the association between anemia and the combined malaria and STH was 2.91 (1.38-6.14). The summary OR of the association between anemia and malaria alone was 1.53 (0.97-2.42), while the association between anemia and STH alone was 0.28 (0.04-1.95). There is no good evidence to support a different effect of malaria and STH on anemia. A subgroup analysis showed a higher risk of malaria infection in the primigravidae (summary OR: 1.61; 95% CI: 1.3-1.99; I(2): 0%). In conclusion, the malaria-STH co-infection was variable with complex outcomes on anemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cho Naing
- School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Queensland 4006, Australia
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307
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Afifi MA, Jiman-Fatani AA, El Saadany S, Fouad MA. Parasites-allergy paradox: Disease mediators or therapeutic modulators. J Microsc Ultrastruct 2015; 3:53-61. [PMID: 30023182 PMCID: PMC6014186 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmau.2015.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2015] [Accepted: 03/09/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The noticeable phenomenon of an increased frequency of immune-inflammatory disorders, in the industrialized world, has led to the implication of parasitic infections in the pathophysiology of these diseases. Most of the studies investigated the infection connection to allergy have centered on helminthes. Parasitic helminthes are a group of metazoans that are evolutionary diverse, yet converge to evolve common modes of immunomodulation. Helminth immunoregulation is mainly mediated by a regulatory response including Treg and Breg cells with alternatively-activated macrophages. There is increasing evidence for a causal relationship between helminth infection and allergic hyporesponsiveness, however, conflicting data are still generating. The helminth immunoregulation seems to be species-specific and phase-specific. It depends on the stage of the clinical disease which correlates with a corresponding parasitic stage (egg, larva or mature adult). Here, we review the cellular and molecular mechanisms utilized by helminthes to manipulate the immune system and the consequent bystander immunomodulatory responses toward environmental allergens. We especially focus on parasitic species and molecules involved in the modulation of allergic disorders and summarize the experimental and clinical trials using them as therapeutic agents. We also discuss the potentials and obstacles, for helminthes and/or their derived molecules, to emerge as novel therapeutic modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed A. Afifi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Corresponding author at: Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80205, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia. Tel.: +966 569722590. E-mail address: (M.A. Afifi)
| | - Asif A. Jiman-Fatani
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sherif El Saadany
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mahmoud A. Fouad
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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308
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Selemetas N, Phelan P, O'Kiely P, de Waal T. The effects of farm management practices on liver fluke prevalence and the current internal parasite control measures employed on Irish dairy farms. Vet Parasitol 2014; 207:228-40. [PMID: 25591405 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2014] [Revised: 12/12/2014] [Accepted: 12/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Fasciolosis caused by Fasciola hepatica is responsible for major production losses in cattle farms. The objectives of this study were to assess the effect of farm management practices on liver fluke prevalence on Irish dairy farms and to document the current control measures against parasitic diseases. In total, 369 dairy farms throughout Ireland were sampled from October to December 2013, each providing a single bulk tank milk (BTM) sample for liver fluke antibody-detection ELISA testing and completing a questionnaire on their farm management. The analysis of samples showed that cows on 78% (n=288) of dairy farms had been exposed to liver fluke. There was a difference (P<0.05) between farms where cows were positive or negative for liver fluke antibodies in (a) the total number of adult dairy cows in herds, (b) the number of adult dairy cows contributing to BTM samples, and (c) the size of the total area of grassland, with positive farms having larger numbers in each case. There was no difference (P>0.05) between positive and negative farms in (a) the grazing of dry cows together with replacement cows, (b) whether or not grazed grassland was mowed for conservation, (c) the type of drinking water provision system, (d) spreading of cattle manure on grassland or (e) for grazing season length (GSL; mean=262.5 days). Also, there were differences (P<0.001) between drainage statuses for GSL with farms on good drainage having longer GSL than moderately drained farms. The GSL for dairy cows on farms with good drainage was 11 days longer than for those with moderate drainage (P<0.001). The percentage of farmers that used an active ingredient during the non-lactating period against liver fluke, gastrointestinal nematodes, lungworm, and rumen fluke was 96%, 85%, 77% and 90%, respectively. Albendazole was the most frequently used active ingredient for treatment against gastrointestinal nematodes (57%), liver fluke (40%) and lungworm (47%), respectively. There was a difference (P<0.05) in the use of triclabendazole and albendazole between positive and negative farms, with triclabendazole use being more common in positive farms. This study highlighted differences in dairy management practices between Irish farms with dairy herds exposed or not exposed to liver fluke and stressed the need of fine-scale mapping of the disease patterns even at farm level to increase the accuracy of risk models. Also, comprehensive advice and professional support services to farmers on appropriate farm management practices are very important for an effective anthelmintic control strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paul Phelan
- Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Grange, Dunsany, Co. Meath, Ireland
| | - Padraig O'Kiely
- Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Grange, Dunsany, Co. Meath, Ireland
| | - Theo de Waal
- UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Ireland.
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309
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Sommer S, Rakotondranary SJ, Ganzhorn JU. Maintaining microendemic primate species along an environmental gradient - parasites as drivers for species differentiation. Ecol Evol 2014; 4:4751-65. [PMID: 25558366 PMCID: PMC4278824 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.1311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2014] [Revised: 10/10/2014] [Accepted: 10/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the drivers of species adaptations to changing environments on the one hand and the limits for hybridization on the other hand is among the hottest questions in evolutionary biology. Parasites represent one of the major selective forces driving host evolution and at least those with free-living stages are at the same time dependent on the ecological conditions of their host's habitat. Local immunological adaptations of host species to varying parasite pressure are therefore expected and might represent the genetic basis for ecological speciation and the maintenance of recently diverged species. Madagascar provides one of the rare examples where two partially sympatric primate species (Microcebus griseorufus, M. murinus) and their hybrids, as well as an allopatric species (M. cf rufus) live in close proximity along a very steep environmental gradient ranging from southern dry spiny bush to gallery forest to evergreen eastern humid rain forest, thus mimicking the situation encountered during extensions and retreats of vegetation formations under changing climatic conditions. This system was used to study parasite infection and immune gene (MHC) adaptations to varying parasite pressure that might provide selective advantages to pure species over hybrids. Parasite burdens increased with increasing humidity. M. griseorufus, M. murinus, and their hybrids but not M. rufus shared the same MHC alleles, indicating either retention of ancestral polymorphism or recent gene flow. The hybrids had much higher prevalence of intestinal parasites than either of the parent species living under identical environmental conditions. The different representation of parasites can indicate a handicap for hybrids that maintains species identities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Sommer
- Evolutionary Genetics, Leibniz-Institute for Zoo- and Wildlife ResearchAlfred-Kowalke-Strasse 10, Berlin, 10315, Germany
- Institute for Experimental Ecology, University of UlmAlbert-Einstein Allee 11, Ulm, 89069, Germany
| | - Solofomalla Jacques Rakotondranary
- Department of Animal Ecology and Conservation, University of Hamburg, Biozentrum GrindelMartin-Luther-King Platz 3, Hamburg, 20146, Germany
| | - Jörg U Ganzhorn
- Department of Animal Ecology and Conservation, University of Hamburg, Biozentrum GrindelMartin-Luther-King Platz 3, Hamburg, 20146, Germany
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310
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Andereck JW, Kipp AM, Ondiek M, Vermund SH. Helminth prevalence among adults in rural Kenya: a stool survey for soil-transmitted helminths and schistosomiasis in Nyanza province. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2014; 108:804-9. [PMID: 25359321 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/tru164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) prevalence in children is high in rural southwestern Kenya, but adult prevalence data are scarce. A 2010 study of a village in Nyanza province found a pediatric STH prevalence of 44% using a direct stool-smear method. Adult STH prevalence and associated predictors was measured in the same village. METHODS Adults (≥18 years) presenting at the out-patient department of the small hospital or community outreach events completed a short questionnaire and provided stool samples. Light microscopy for ova and larvae was conducted using a stool concentration technique to improve sensitivity. Multivariable regression models were used to identify predictors of STH prevalence. RESULTS Among 344 adults, STH prevalence was 15.7% (54/344). Hookworm was most common (13.1%; 45/344), followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (6.1%; 21/344) and Trichuris trichiura (0.6%; 2/344). Twelve participants (3.5%; 12/344) had multiple STHs and three (0.9%; 3/344) had Schistosoma mansoni. Female sex, older age and lower education level were significant STH predictors. CONCLUSIONS Adult STH prevalence was lower than previous studies of children from the same village. Adults with the identified risk factors had a prevalence of ≥20%, which may warrant periodic, targeted deworming of adults with these risk factors given the low cost and low toxicity of anthelmintic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aaron M Kipp
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Nashville, Tennessee, USA Division of Epidemiology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | | | - Sten H Vermund
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Nashville, Tennessee, USA Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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311
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Belli A, Coppola MG, Petrullo L, Lettieri G, Palumbo C, Dell'Isola C, Smeraglia R, Triassi M, Spada E, Amoroso P. The current spectrum and prevalence of intestinal parasitosis in Campania (region of southern Italy) and their relationship with migration from endemic countries. Int J Infect Dis 2014; 29:42-7. [PMID: 25449234 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2014.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2013] [Revised: 03/11/2014] [Accepted: 04/20/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Italy, the current clinical-epidemiological features of intestinal parasitosis and the impact of recent massive migration flows from endemic areas on their distribution are not very well known. METHODS An analysis was carried out involving 1766 patients (720 natives and 1046 immigrants) observed during the period 2009-2010 (the 'current group') and 771 native patients observed during the period 1996-1997 (the 'historical group'), a time at which immigration in the area was minimal. Patients were analyzed for intestinal parasitosis at four healthcare centres in Campania. RESULTS A wide variety of intestinal parasites was detected in the study subjects. Immigrants had a significantly higher prevalence of parasitosis and multiple simultaneous infections than natives in both groups. In both study groups of natives, the detection of at least one parasite was significantly associated with a history of travel to endemic areas. Among immigrants, we found an inverse correlation between the frequency of parasite detection and the amount of time spent in Italy. No circulation of parasites was found among contacts of parasitized patients. CONCLUSIONS Intestinal parasites are still a cause of intestinal infection in Campania. Although immigrants have a significantly higher prevalence of parasitosis than natives, this does not increase the risk of infection for that population. This is likely due to the lack of suitable biological conditions in our area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberta Belli
- Department of Preventive Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Coppola
- Unit of Microbiology, Cotugno Hospital, AORN "Ospedali dei Colli", Naples, Italy
| | - Luciana Petrullo
- Unit of Microbiology, Cotugno Hospital, AORN "Ospedali dei Colli", Naples, Italy
| | - Gennaro Lettieri
- VI Division of Infectious Diseases, Cotugno Hospital, AORN "Ospedali dei Colli", Naples, Italy
| | - Cristiana Palumbo
- VI Division of Infectious Diseases, Cotugno Hospital, AORN "Ospedali dei Colli", Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Dell'Isola
- VI Division of Infectious Diseases, Cotugno Hospital, AORN "Ospedali dei Colli", Naples, Italy
| | - Riccardo Smeraglia
- Unit of Microbiology, Cotugno Hospital, AORN "Ospedali dei Colli", Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Triassi
- Department of Preventive Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Enea Spada
- Department of Infectious, Parasitic and Immuno-mediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Pietro Amoroso
- VI Division of Infectious Diseases, Cotugno Hospital, AORN "Ospedali dei Colli", Naples, Italy.
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312
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Bashi T, Bizzaro G, Ben-Ami Shor D, Blank M, Shoenfeld Y. The mechanisms behind helminth's immunomodulation in autoimmunity. Autoimmun Rev 2015; 14:98-104. [PMID: 25449677 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2014.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2014] [Accepted: 09/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of autoimmune diseases has risen throughout the last half a century, mostly in the industrialized world. Helminths and their derivatives were found to have a protective role in autoimmunity and inflammatory conditions, as they manipulate the immune network, attenuating the host's cellular and humoral responses. Indeed, various helminth species used in several human and animal models were shown to limit inflammatory activity in a variety of diseases including inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis. Our review will focus on the main mechanisms by which helminths and their secreted molecules modulate the host's immune system. The main pathways induce a shift from Th1 to Th2 phenotype, accelerate T regulatory and B regulatory phenotypes, and attenuate the levels of the inflammatory cytokines, leading to a tolerable scenario.
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Mwangi IN, Sanchez MC, Mkoji GM, Agola LE, Runo SM, Cupit PM, Cunningham C. Praziquantel sensitivity of Kenyan Schistosoma mansoni isolates and the generation of a laboratory strain with reduced susceptibility to the drug. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2014; 4:296-300. [PMID: 25516840 PMCID: PMC4266778 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2014.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
We isolated S. mansoni miracidia from 72 Kenyan adults and children. We found no evidence of S. mansoni with reduced praziquantel sensitivity. An S. mansoni lab isolate with reduced praziquantel sensitivity was established. The potential for the emergence of praziquantel resistance remains.
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by blood-dwelling flukes of the genus Schistosoma. While the disease may affect as many as 249 million people, treatment largely relies on a single drug, praziquantel. The near exclusive use of this drug for such a prevalent disease has led to concerns regarding the potential for drug resistance to arise and the effect this would have on affected populations. In this study, we use an in vitro assay of drug sensitivity to test the effect of praziquantel on miracidia hatched from eggs obtained from fecal samples of Kenyan adult car washers and sand harvesters as well as school children. Whereas in a previous study we found the car washers and sand harvesters to harbor Schistosoma mansoni with reduced praziquantel sensitivity, we found no evidence for the presence of such strains in any of the groups tested here. Using miracidia derived from seven car washers to infect snails, we used the shed cercariae to establish a strain of S. mansoni with significantly reduced praziquantel sensitivity in mice. This was achieved within 5 generations by administering increasing doses of praziquantel to the infected mice until the parasites could withstand a normally lethal dose. This result indicates that while the threat of praziquantel resistance may have diminished in the Kenyan populations tested here, there is a strong likelihood it could return if sufficient praziquantel pressure is applied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim N Mwangi
- Center for Biotechnology Research and Development, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Melissa C Sanchez
- Dept. of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Gerald M Mkoji
- Center for Biotechnology Research and Development, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Lelo E Agola
- Center for Biotechnology Research and Development, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Steven M Runo
- Dept. of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Pauline M Cupit
- Dept. of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
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314
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Braga FR, de Freitas Soares FE, Araujo JM, da Fonseca LA, Hiura E, Garschagen Gava M, Toledo Vieira F, da Paz JS, de Carvalho LM, Faccini JV, de Queiroz JH, Araújo JV. Statistical experimental design to assess the influence of enzymes of nematophagous fungi versus helminths. Res Vet Sci 2014; 97:527-32. [PMID: 25267285 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2014.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2014] [Revised: 08/29/2014] [Accepted: 09/08/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The present work used Plackett-Burman experimental design to assess the influence of enzymes of nematophagous fungi versus Strongyloides westeri and trichostrongylides larvae and Platynosomum fastosum eggs. The variables studied in the Plackett-Burman design were the proteases and chitinases of AC001 or VC4 as destructive agents of S. westeri and trichostrongylides larvae, and P. fastosum eggs. All tested enzymes had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on the destruction of S. westeri larvae. Furthermore, only VC4 and AC001 proteases showed a significant effect (P < 0.05) on the destruction of trichostrongylides larvae. On the other hand, chitinases of VC4 showed the highest significance (P < 0.05) on the destruction of P. fastosum eggs. It is proposed that statistical planning for the use of enzymes derived from nematophagous fungi is a viable way to elucidate some questions about their mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Ribeiro Braga
- Departamento de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG 36570-000, Brazil; Universidade Vila Velha, Espírito Santo, Brazil.
| | | | - Juliana Milani Araujo
- Departamento de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG 36570-000, Brazil
| | | | - Emy Hiura
- Universidade Vila Velha, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - João Victor Faccini
- Departamento de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG 36570-000, Brazil
| | - José Humberto de Queiroz
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG 36570-000, Brazil
| | - Jackson Victor Araújo
- Departamento de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG 36570-000, Brazil
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315
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Barda B, Ianniello D, Zepheryne H, Rinaldi L, Cringoli G, Burioni R, Albonico M. Parasitic infections on the shore of Lake Victoria (East Africa) detected by Mini-FLOTAC and standard techniques. Acta Trop 2014; 137:140-6. [PMID: 24865791 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2014.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2012] [Revised: 04/14/2014] [Accepted: 05/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Helminths and protozoa infections pose a great burden especially in developing countries, due to morbidity caused by both acute and chronic infection. The aim of our survey was to analyze the intestinal parasitic burden in communities from Mwanza region, Tanzania. METHODS Subjects (n=251) from four villages on the South of Lake Victoria have been analyzed for intestinal parasites with direct smear (DS), formol-ether concentration method (FECM) and the newly developed Mini-FLOTAC technique; urinary schistosomiasis was also assessed in a subsample (n=151); symptoms were registered and correlation between clinic and infections was calculated by chi-squared test and logistical regression. RESULTS Out of the subjects screened for intestinal and for urinary parasites, 87% (218/251) were found positive for any infection, 69% (174/251) carried a helminthic and 67% (167/251) a protozoan infection, almost half of them had a double or triple infection. The most common helminths were hookworms, followed by Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma haematobium. Among protozoa, the most common was Entamoeba coli followed by Entamoeba histolytica/dispar and Giardia intestinalis. Mini-FLOTAC detected a number of helminth infections (61.7%) higher than FECM (38.6%) and DS (17.9%). Some positive associations with abdominal symptoms were found and previous treatment was negatively correlated with infection. CONCLUSION Despite the limited size of the examined population the current study indicates a high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection in Bukumbi area, Tanzania, and Mini-FLOTAC showed to be a promising diagnostic tool for helminth infections. This high parasitic burden calls for starting a regular deworming programme and other preventive interventions in schools and in the community.
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316
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Ryan KN, Stephenson KB, Trehan I, Shulman RJ, Thakwalakwa C, Murray E, Maleta K, Manary MJ. Zinc or albendazole attenuates the progression of environmental enteropathy: a randomized controlled trial. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2014; 12:1507-13.e1. [PMID: 24462483 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2014.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2013] [Revised: 01/06/2014] [Accepted: 01/06/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Environmental enteropathy (EE) is a subclinical condition among children in the developing world, characterized by T-cell infiltration of the small-bowel mucosa and diffuse villous atrophy. EE leads to macronutrient and micronutrient malabsorption and stunting, with a resultant increased risk for infection and reduced cognitive development. We tested the hypothesis that zinc and albendazole treatments would reduce the severity of EE in rural African children. METHODS In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in rural southern Malawi, asymptomatic children, 1 to 3 years old and at high risk for EE, received either a single dose of albendazole, a 14-day course of 20 mg zinc sulfate, or a placebo. Subjects were given the dual-sugar absorption test, and the ratio of lactulose to mannitol (L:M) in urine was used to determine the severity of EE at baseline and 34 days after completion of the assigned regimen. The primary outcome was the change in the L:M. RESULTS A complete set of urine samples was obtained from 222 of 234 children enrolled and analyzed. The mean baseline L:M was 0.32 ± 0.18 among all children and did not differ among groups (normal L:M range, <0.12). At the end of the study, the L:M ratio had increased more in the placebo group (0.12 ± 0.31) than in the zinc group (0.03 ± 0.20; P < .03) or the albendazole group (0.04 ± 0.22; P < .04). CONCLUSIONS Treatment with zinc or albendazole protects against a significant increase in the L:M ratio, a biomarker for EE, in asymptomatic rural Malawian children. These findings could provide insight into the etiology and pathogenesis of EE. Clinicaltrials.gov Number: NCT01440608.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey N Ryan
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Kevin B Stephenson
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Indi Trehan
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri; Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Robert J Shulman
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Chrissie Thakwalakwa
- Department of Community Health, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Ellen Murray
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Kenneth Maleta
- Department of Community Health, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Mark J Manary
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri; Children's Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; Department of Community Health, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi.
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317
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Hollingsworth TD, Pulliam JRC, Funk S, Truscott JE, Isham V, Lloyd AL. Seven challenges for modelling indirect transmission: vector-borne diseases, macroparasites and neglected tropical diseases. Epidemics 2014; 10:16-20. [PMID: 25843376 PMCID: PMC4383804 DOI: 10.1016/j.epidem.2014.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Revised: 08/22/2014] [Accepted: 08/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Many of the challenges which face modellers of directly transmitted pathogens also arise when modelling the epidemiology of pathogens with indirect transmission – whether through environmental stages, vectors, intermediate hosts or multiple hosts. In particular, understanding the roles of different hosts, how to measure contact and infection patterns, heterogeneities in contact rates, and the dynamics close to elimination are all relevant challenges, regardless of the mode of transmission. However, there remain a number of challenges that are specific and unique to modelling vector-borne diseases and macroparasites. Moreover, many of the neglected tropical diseases which are currently targeted for control and elimination are vector-borne, macroparasitic, or both, and so this article includes challenges which will assist in accelerating the control of these high-burden diseases. Here, we discuss the challenges of indirect measures of infection in humans, whether through vectors or transmission life stages and in estimating the contribution of different host groups to transmission. We also discuss the issues of “evolution-proof” interventions against vector-borne disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Déirdre Hollingsworth
- Mathematics Institute, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK; School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK; Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK.
| | - Juliet R C Pulliam
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Sebastian Funk
- Centre for the Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - James E Truscott
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, W2 1PG London, UK
| | - Valerie Isham
- Department of Statistical Science, University College London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Alun L Lloyd
- Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; Department of Mathematics and Biomathematics Graduate Program, North Carolina State University, NC 27695, USA
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318
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Apiwattanakul N, Thomas PG, Iverson AR, McCullers JA. Chronic helminth infections impair pneumococcal vaccine responses. Vaccine 2014; 32:5405-10. [PMID: 25131738 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2014.07.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2014] [Revised: 07/15/2014] [Accepted: 07/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Pneumonia is the leading killer of children and disproportionately affects developing countries. Vaccination campaigns against Streptococcus pneumoniae, the leading cause of pneumonia, have recently been launched with a new conjugate vaccine in Africa. Using a mouse model, we assessed the potential role that the high burden of helminth infections in the countries targeted for vaccine might have on vaccine effectiveness. Mice vaccinated with either commercial conjugate or purified polysaccharide vaccines had impaired antibody responses if they were chronically infected with Taenia crassiceps. This translated to increased susceptibility to pneumococcal pneumonia and high mortality compared to helminth-negative vaccinated animals, which were fully protected from disease and death. Antibodies taken from Taenia-infected, vaccinated mice were unable to effectively opsonize S. pneumoniae for killing by alveolar macrophages, and did not protect against pneumococcal challenge when adoptively transferred into naïve animals. These data may have implications for vaccination programs in countries endemic with helminths.
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319
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Felippelli G, Lopes WDZ, Cruz BC, Teixeira WFP, Maciel WG, Fávero FC, Buzzulini C, Sakamoto C, Soares VE, Gomes LVC, de Oliveira GP, da Costa AJ. Nematode resistance to ivermectin (630 and 700μg/kg) in cattle from the Southeast and South of Brazil. Parasitol Int 2014; 63:835-40. [PMID: 25130588 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2014.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2014] [Revised: 07/29/2014] [Accepted: 08/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Two high doses of ivermectin (630μg/kg and 700μg/kg) that are sold commercially in Brazil were evaluated in dose-and-slaughter trials with 144 naturally nematode-infected cattle from eight regions within the states of Minas Gerias, São Paulo and Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil. Treatment groups were based on fecal egg counts 1, 2, and 3days before treatment; all animals studied had a minimum egg count of at least 500 eggs per gram of feces (EPG). Post-mortem analyses were conducted on day 14. The highest levels of resistance to ivermectin were found for Haemonchus placei, Cooperia punctata and Oesophagostomum radiatum; all populations of H. placei were resistant to the 630μg/kg dose, and 67% were resistant to 700μg/kg; 86% of C. punctata were resistant to the 630μg/kg dose, and 33% were resistant to 700μg/kg. A combined analysis revealed that 57% of O. radiatum were resistant to the lower dose of ivermectin. H. placei, C. punctata and O. radiatum, in order, were the nematode populations with the highest indices of resistance, whereas Trichostrongylus axei was the most susceptible to 630 and 700μg/kg dosages of ivermectin. The results of helminthic resistance to ivermectin for different populations of H. placei and C. punctata described in the present study support previous literature data, in which a small decrease in the average parasitic burden of C. punctata and a consequent increase of H. placei were observed in cattle from the Southeast, South and Center-West regions of Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Felippelli
- CPPAR, Animal Health Research Center, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donatto Castellani, s/n CEP:14884-900, Jaboticabal, São Paulo-Brasil, Brazil
| | - Welber Daniel Zanetti Lopes
- CPPAR, Animal Health Research Center, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donatto Castellani, s/n CEP:14884-900, Jaboticabal, São Paulo-Brasil, Brazil.
| | - Breno Cayeiro Cruz
- CPPAR, Animal Health Research Center, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donatto Castellani, s/n CEP:14884-900, Jaboticabal, São Paulo-Brasil, Brazil
| | - Weslen Fabricio Pires Teixeira
- CPPAR, Animal Health Research Center, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donatto Castellani, s/n CEP:14884-900, Jaboticabal, São Paulo-Brasil, Brazil
| | - Willian Giquelin Maciel
- CPPAR, Animal Health Research Center, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donatto Castellani, s/n CEP:14884-900, Jaboticabal, São Paulo-Brasil, Brazil
| | - Flávia Carolina Fávero
- CPPAR, Animal Health Research Center, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donatto Castellani, s/n CEP:14884-900, Jaboticabal, São Paulo-Brasil, Brazil
| | - Carolina Buzzulini
- CPPAR, Animal Health Research Center, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donatto Castellani, s/n CEP:14884-900, Jaboticabal, São Paulo-Brasil, Brazil
| | - Claudio Sakamoto
- CPPAR, Animal Health Research Center, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donatto Castellani, s/n CEP:14884-900, Jaboticabal, São Paulo-Brasil, Brazil
| | - Vando Edésio Soares
- CPPAR, Animal Health Research Center, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donatto Castellani, s/n CEP:14884-900, Jaboticabal, São Paulo-Brasil, Brazil; UNICASTELO - Universidade Camilo Castelo Branco, Brazil
| | - Lucas Vinicius Costa Gomes
- CPPAR, Animal Health Research Center, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donatto Castellani, s/n CEP:14884-900, Jaboticabal, São Paulo-Brasil, Brazil
| | - Gilson Pereira de Oliveira
- CPPAR, Animal Health Research Center, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donatto Castellani, s/n CEP:14884-900, Jaboticabal, São Paulo-Brasil, Brazil
| | - Alvimar José da Costa
- CPPAR, Animal Health Research Center, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donatto Castellani, s/n CEP:14884-900, Jaboticabal, São Paulo-Brasil, Brazil
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320
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Cripps J, Beveridge I, Ploeg R, Coulson G. Experimental manipulation reveals few subclinical impacts of a parasite community in juvenile kangaroos. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2014; 3:88-94. [PMID: 25161906 PMCID: PMC4142266 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2014.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2014] [Revised: 03/15/2014] [Accepted: 03/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Large mammalian herbivores are commonly infected with gastrointestinal helminths. In many host species, these helminths cause clinical disease and may trigger conspicuous mortality events. However, they may also have subclinical impacts, reducing fitness as well as causing complex changes to host growth patterns and body condition. Theoretically, juveniles should experience significantly greater costs from parasites, being immunologically naive and undergoing a significant growth phase. The aims of our study were to quantify the subclinical effects of helminths in juvenile eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus), which commonly harbour large burdens of gastrointestinal nematodes and are susceptible to associated mass mortality during cold, wet conditions. We conducted a field experiment on a population of free-ranging kangaroos, removing nematodes from one group of juveniles using an anthelmintic treatment. We then compared growth parameters (body condition and growth rates) and haematological parameters of this group with an age-matched, parasitised (untreated) control group. Treated juvenile kangaroos had significantly higher levels of plasma protein (albumin) but, contrary to our predictions, showed negligible changes in all the other parameters measured. Our results suggest that juvenile kangaroos are largely unaffected by their gastrointestinal helminth burdens, and may be able to compensate for the costs of parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jemma Cripps
- Department of Zoology, The University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Veterinary Clinical Centre, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia
| | - Ian Beveridge
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Veterinary Clinical Centre, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia
| | - Richard Ploeg
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Veterinary Clinical Centre, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia
| | - Graeme Coulson
- Department of Zoology, The University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
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321
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Gay N, Olival KJ, Bumrungsri S, Siriaroonrat B, Bourgarel M, Morand S. Parasite and viral species richness of Southeast Asian bats: Fragmentation of area distribution matters. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2014; 3:161-70. [PMID: 25161915 PMCID: PMC4142259 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2014.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2014] [Revised: 06/18/2014] [Accepted: 06/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Interest in bat-borne diseases and parasites has grown in the past decade over concerns for human health. However, the drivers of parasite diversity among bat host species are understudied as are the links between parasite richness and emerging risks. Thus, we aimed at exploring factors that explain macro and microparasite species richness in bats from Southeast Asia, a hotspot of emerging infectious diseases. First, we identified bat species that need increased sampling effort for pathogen discovery. Our approach highlights pathogen investigation disparities among species within the same genus, such as Rhinolophus and Pteropus. Secondly, comparative analysis using independent contrasts method allowed the identification of likely factors explaining parasite and viral diversity of bats. Our results showed a key role of bat distribution shape, an index of the fragmentation of bat distribution, on parasite diversity, linked to a decrease for both viral and endoparasite species richness. We discuss how our study may contribute to a better understanding of the link between parasite species richness and emergence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noellie Gay
- CNRS – CIRAD AGIRs, Centre d’Infectiologie Christophe Mérieux du Laos, Vientiane, Lao Democratic People’s Republic
- Institut des Sciences de l’Evolution, CNRS-IRD-UM2, CC065, Université de Montpellier 2, 34095 Montpellier, France
| | | | - Sara Bumrungsri
- Bureau of Conservation, Research & Education Zoological Park Organization 71 Rama 5 Road, Dusit, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Mathieu Bourgarel
- Institut des Sciences de l’Evolution, CNRS-IRD-UM2, CC065, Université de Montpellier 2, 34095 Montpellier, France
| | - Serge Morand
- CNRS – CIRAD AGIRs, Centre d’Infectiologie Christophe Mérieux du Laos, Vientiane, Lao Democratic People’s Republic
- Institut des Sciences de l’Evolution, CNRS-IRD-UM2, CC065, Université de Montpellier 2, 34095 Montpellier, France
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Ratchavithi Rd, Bangkok, Thailand
- Walai Rukhavej Botanical Research Institute, Maha Sarakham University, Maha Sarakham, Thailand
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322
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Becerra-Díaz M, Terrazas LI. Taenia crassiceps infection and its excreted/secreted products inhibit STAT1 activation in response to IFN-γ. Int J Parasitol 2014; 44:613-23. [PMID: 24837622 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2014.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2014] [Revised: 03/21/2014] [Accepted: 03/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
It is well understood that helminth infections modulate the immune responses of their hosts but the mechanisms involved in this modulation are not fully known. Macrophages and dendritic cells appear to be consistently affected during this type of infection and are common target cells for helminth-derived molecules. In this report, we show that macrophages obtained from chronically Taenia crassiceps-infected mice displayed an impaired response to recombinant murine IFN-γ, but not to recombinant murine IL-4, as measured based on the phosphorylation of STAT1 and STAT6, respectively. These macrophages expressed high levels of SOCS3. However, the inhibition of phosphatase activity by orthovanadate restored the IFN-γ response of these macrophages by increasing STAT1 phosphorylation without affecting SOCS3 expression. Therefore, we aimed to identify the phosphatases associated with IFN-γ signaling inhibition and found that macrophages from T. crassiceps-infected mice displayed enhanced SHP-1 expression. Interestingly, the exposure of naïve macrophages to T. crassiceps excreted/secreted products similarly interfered with IFN-γ-induced STAT1 phosphorylation. Moreover, macrophages exposed to T. crassiceps excreted/secreted products expressed high levels of SOCS3 as well as SHP-1. Strikingly, human peripheral blood mononuclear cells that were exposed to T. crassiceps excreted/secreted products in vitro also displayed impaired STAT1 phosphorylation in response to IFN-γ; again, phosphatase inhibition abrogated the T. crassiceps excreted/secreted product-altered IFN-γ signaling. These data demonstrate a new mechanism by which helminth infection and the products derived during this infection target intracellular pathways to block the response to inflammatory cytokines such as IFN-γ in both murine and human cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mireya Becerra-Díaz
- Unidad de Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores (FES)-Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Av. De los Barrios 1, Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, Edo. de Mexico 54090, Mexico
| | - Luis I Terrazas
- Unidad de Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores (FES)-Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Av. De los Barrios 1, Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, Edo. de Mexico 54090, Mexico.
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Panic G, Duthaler U, Speich B, Keiser J. Repurposing drugs for the treatment and control of helminth infections. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2014; 4:185-200. [PMID: 25516827 PMCID: PMC4266803 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2014.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2014] [Revised: 07/04/2014] [Accepted: 07/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Drug repurposing continues to be the central drug discovery strategy for helminths. Most repurposed drugs come from veterinary medicine and known drug classes. Only a handful of drugs have advanced clinically. More collaborations and funding are needed to advance discoveries to the market.
Helminth infections are responsible for a considerable public health burden, yet the current drug armamentarium is small. Given the high cost of drug discovery and development, the high failure rates and the long duration to develop novel treatments, drug repurposing circumvents these obstacles by finding new uses for compounds other than those they were initially intended to treat. In the present review, we summarize in vivo and clinical trial findings testing clinical candidates and marketed drugs against schistosomes, food-borne trematodes, soil-transmitted helminths, Strongyloides stercoralis, the major human filariases lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis, taeniasis, neurocysticercosis and echinococcosis. While expanding the applications of broad-spectrum or veterinary anthelmintics continues to fuel alternative treatment options, antimalarials, antibiotics, antiprotozoals and anticancer agents appear to be producing fruitful results as well. The trematodes and nematodes continue to be most investigated, while cestodal drug discovery will need to be accelerated. The most clinically advanced drug candidates include the artemisinins and mefloquine against schistosomiasis, tribendimidine against liver flukes, oxantel pamoate against trichuriasis, and doxycycline against filariasis. Preclinical studies indicate a handful of promising future candidates, and are beginning to elucidate the broad-spectrum activity of some currently used anthelmintics. Challenges and opportunities are further discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jennifer Keiser
- Corresponding author. Address: Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland. Tel.: +41 61 284 8218; fax: +41 61 284 8105.
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Ateba Ngoa U, Zinsou JF, Kassa RFK, Ngoune Feugap E, Honkpehedji YJ, Massinga-Loembe M, Kenguele Moundounga H, Nkoma Mouima AM, Mbenkep LH, Wammes LJ, Mbow M, Kruize Y, Mombo-Ngoma G, Bouyoukou Hounkpatin AL, Dejon Agobe JC, Saadou I, Lell B, Smits H, Kremsner PG, Yazdanbakhsh M, Adegnika AA. Assessment of the effect of Schistosoma haematobium co infection on malaria parasites and immune responses in rural populations in Gabon: study protocol. Springerplus 2014; 3:388. [PMID: 25120947 PMCID: PMC4128953 DOI: 10.1186/2193-1801-3-388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2014] [Accepted: 07/15/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Background Malaria and helminth co infection are common in tropical and subtropical areas where they affect the life of millions of people. While both helminth and malaria parasites have immunomodulatory activities, little is known about the consequence of co-infections on malaria antigen specific immune responses. Method/Design This study will be conducted in two rural areas of the Moyen Ogooué province in Gabon, endemic for both Plasmodium falciparum and Schistosoma haematobium infections. Participants, 5 to 50 years old, will be enrolled and grouped according to their infection status. S. haematobium and malaria parasites will be detected, demographic and clinical data will be recorded and blood will be collected for hematological as well as for immunological assays. The level of antibody specific to Plasmodium falciparum blood stage and gametocyte antigens will be measured using ELISA. PBMC will be isolated for phenotyping of different T cell subsets ex vivo by flow cytometry and for culture and cytokine response assessment. Discussion We will provide a comprehensive picture of the interaction between schistosomes and malaria parasites which co-localize in peripheral blood. We will test the hypothesis that schistosome infection has an impact on specific humoral as well as on cellular immune responses to malaria antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulysse Ateba Ngoa
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, BP: 118, Lambaréné, Gabon ; Institut für Tropenmedizin, Universität Tübingen, Wilhelmstraβe 27, D-72074 Tübingen, Germany ; Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jeannot Fréjus Zinsou
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, BP: 118, Lambaréné, Gabon ; Institut für Tropenmedizin, Universität Tübingen, Wilhelmstraβe 27, D-72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Roland Fabrice Kassa Kassa
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, BP: 118, Lambaréné, Gabon ; Institut für Tropenmedizin, Universität Tübingen, Wilhelmstraβe 27, D-72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Eliane Ngoune Feugap
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, BP: 118, Lambaréné, Gabon ; Institut für Tropenmedizin, Universität Tübingen, Wilhelmstraβe 27, D-72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Yabo Josiane Honkpehedji
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, BP: 118, Lambaréné, Gabon ; Institut für Tropenmedizin, Universität Tübingen, Wilhelmstraβe 27, D-72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Marguerite Massinga-Loembe
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, BP: 118, Lambaréné, Gabon ; Institut für Tropenmedizin, Universität Tübingen, Wilhelmstraβe 27, D-72074 Tübingen, Germany ; Faculté de Médecine, Université des Sciences de la Santé de Libreville, BP: 4009, Libreville, Gabon
| | - Hilaire Kenguele Moundounga
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, BP: 118, Lambaréné, Gabon ; Institut für Tropenmedizin, Universität Tübingen, Wilhelmstraβe 27, D-72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Anne Marie Nkoma Mouima
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, BP: 118, Lambaréné, Gabon ; Institut für Tropenmedizin, Universität Tübingen, Wilhelmstraβe 27, D-72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Lima Honorine Mbenkep
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, BP: 118, Lambaréné, Gabon ; Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Linda Judith Wammes
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, BP: 118, Lambaréné, Gabon ; Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Moustapha Mbow
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands ; Immunology Unit of the Laboratory of Bacteriology and Virology of Aristide Le Dantec Teaching Hospital, 30 Avenue Pasteur, BP 7325, Dakar, Senegal ; Institute of Tropical Medicine of Antwerp, Nationalestraat 155, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Yvonne Kruize
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ghyslain Mombo-Ngoma
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, BP: 118, Lambaréné, Gabon ; Institut für Tropenmedizin, Universität Tübingen, Wilhelmstraβe 27, D-72074 Tübingen, Germany ; Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands ; Faculté de Médecine, Université des Sciences de la Santé de Libreville, BP: 4009, Libreville, Gabon
| | - Aurore Larissa Bouyoukou Hounkpatin
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, BP: 118, Lambaréné, Gabon ; Institut für Tropenmedizin, Universität Tübingen, Wilhelmstraβe 27, D-72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jean Claude Dejon Agobe
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, BP: 118, Lambaréné, Gabon ; Institut für Tropenmedizin, Universität Tübingen, Wilhelmstraβe 27, D-72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Issifou Saadou
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, BP: 118, Lambaréné, Gabon ; Institut für Tropenmedizin, Universität Tübingen, Wilhelmstraβe 27, D-72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Bertrand Lell
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, BP: 118, Lambaréné, Gabon ; Institut für Tropenmedizin, Universität Tübingen, Wilhelmstraβe 27, D-72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Hermelijn Smits
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Gottfried Kremsner
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, BP: 118, Lambaréné, Gabon ; Institut für Tropenmedizin, Universität Tübingen, Wilhelmstraβe 27, D-72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Maria Yazdanbakhsh
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ayola Akim Adegnika
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, BP: 118, Lambaréné, Gabon ; Institut für Tropenmedizin, Universität Tübingen, Wilhelmstraβe 27, D-72074 Tübingen, Germany ; Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
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325
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Gulliver F, Jeandron A, Nguyen VA, Do HA, Ensink JHJ. Transmission of helminth eggs through hands in a high-risk community. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2014; 108:670-2. [PMID: 25059527 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/tru115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role that hands play in the transmission of Ascaris is not well understood. METHODS A newly developed method to quantify the presence helminth eggs on hands was tested among a group of farmers in Vietnam. High turbidity in hand rinse samples meant that the adopted sugar solution had to be replaced by zinc sulphate as a flotation solution. RESULTS The survey found 34% (31/90) of study participant hands' were positive for helminth eggs, though concentrations were low and ranged from 0-10 eggs/2 hands. The use of fresh excreta in agriculture was the only variable that showed an association with the concentrations of eggs found on hands. CONCLUSIONS The results highlight the need to promote handwashing with soap to prevent the transmission of soil-transmitted helminth infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Gulliver
- Environmental Health Group, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Aurelie Jeandron
- Environmental Health Group, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Viet Anh Nguyen
- Hanoi University of Civil Engineering, 55 Giai Phong Road, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Hong Anh Do
- Hanoi University of Civil Engineering, 55 Giai Phong Road, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Jeroen H J Ensink
- Hanoi University of Civil Engineering, 55 Giai Phong Road, Hanoi, Vietnam
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326
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Allen JE, Sutherland TE. Host protective roles of type 2 immunity: parasite killing and tissue repair, flip sides of the same coin. Semin Immunol 2014; 26:329-40. [PMID: 25028340 PMCID: PMC4179909 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2014.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2014] [Accepted: 06/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Type 2 immunity is associated with both helminth infection and responses to injury. Pathways involved in tissue repair and helminth immunity overlap. The IL-4Rα is central to accelerating both repair and helminth control. Adaptive immunity contributes to more rapid wound repair.
Metazoan parasites typically induce a type 2 immune response, characterized by T helper 2 (Th2) cells that produce the cytokines IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 among others. The type 2 response is host protective, reducing the number of parasites either through direct killing in the tissues, or expulsion from the intestine. Type 2 immunity also protects the host against damage mediated by these large extracellular parasites as they migrate through the body. At the center of both the innate and adaptive type 2 immune response, is the IL-4Rα that mediates many of the key effector functions. Here we highlight the striking overlap between the molecules, cells and pathways that mediate both parasite control and tissue repair. We have proposed that adaptive Th2 immunity evolved out of our innate repair pathways to mediate both accelerated repair and parasite control in the face of continual assault from multicellular pathogens. Type 2 cytokines are involved in many aspects of mammalian physiology independent of helminth infection. Therefore understanding the evolutionary relationship between helminth killing and tissue repair should provide new insight into immune mechanisms of tissue protection in the face of physical injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith E Allen
- Centre for Immunity, Infection & Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Tara E Sutherland
- Centre for Immunity, Infection & Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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327
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Fentie T, Erqou S, Gedefaw M, Desta A. Epidemiology of human fascioliasis and intestinal parasitosis among schoolchildren in Lake Tana Basin, northwest Ethiopia. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2014; 107:480-6. [PMID: 23843557 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trt056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parasitic diseases are the second most frequent cause of outpatient morbidity in Ethiopia. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in Lake Tana Basin, northwest Ethiopia, from November 2007 to February 2008, to assess the magnitude and associated risk factors for parasitic diseases, including human fascioliasis. We examined 520 stool samples from randomly selected schoolchildren in six schools by microscopy. Rapid sedimentation and Kato-Katz techniques were used to detect and count Fasciola and Schistosoma eggs. The formol-ether concentration method was used for the identification of other helminth eggs, larvae and cysts of protozoan parasites. RESULTS The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was 71.3% (95% CI 67.3-75.1%). Hookworm was the predominant intestinal parasite (23.5%, 95% CI 19.8-27.1%), followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (18.5%, 95% CI 15.2-21.9%) and Schistosoma mansoni (16.7%, 95% CI 13.5-19.9%). One hundred and sixty-three (31.4%) children had multiple parasitic infections. The most relevant finding was a prevalence of Fasciola spp. of 3.3% in an area where only sporadic cases have been reported previously. The risk of Fasciola spp. infection was significantly associated with raw vegetable consumption, use of unsafe drinking water sources, irrigation practices and sheep and/or cattle ownership. Irrigation practices, male gender, raw vegetable consumption and use of unsafe drinking water sources were risk factors for S. mansoni infection. CONCLUSIONS A high prevalence of parasitic infections among children in the region was found, including a relatively high prevalence of Fasciola spp. infection. Epidemiological studies on the magnitude of parasitic infections in different regions will enable high-risk communities to be identified and allow for planning of appropriate interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsegaw Fentie
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.
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328
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McGarry JW, Higgins A, White NG, Pounder KC, Hetzel U. Zoonotic helminths of urban brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) in the UK: neglected public health considerations? Zoonoses Public Health 2014; 62:44-52. [PMID: 24661776 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Urban brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) carry microbial human pathogens but their role as reservoir hosts for helminths of public health importance is less well known. In this study, 42 brown rats trapped on Merseyside were subject to thorough combined helminthological and pathohistological post-mortem examination. Eggs of the rodent-borne zoonotic nematode Calodium hepaticum were initially detected in histological sections of the livers of 9.5% of rats, but overall diagnostic sensitivity increased to 16.6% when entire liver tissue was disrupted and the resulting filtrates were examined for released eggs. In their rat host, mainly trapped inside the dockland, infections with C. hepaticum were associated with a chronic multifocal pyogranulomatous hepatitis with intralesional eggs and peripheral fibrosis. Mean intensity of hepatic C. hepaticum egg infections was 1041 eggs. This is the first report of C. hepaticum in an urban brown rat population in the UK and provides original data for liver egg burdens in this abundant commensal rodent. The zoonotic cestode Rodentolepis nana had a prevalence of infection of 14.3%. Rodent-specific, non-zoonotic helminths found were the spiruroid Mastophorus muris (16.0%) in the stomach, the trichuroid Trichosomoides crassicauda in the urinary bladder (31.0%); the ascarid Heterakis spumosa was the commonest helminth of the large intestine (76.2%). Many millions of brown rats inhabit cities and rural areas of the UK, and the infective stages of the zoonotic worm species, particularly C. hepaticum, are likely to be widely distributed in the environment presenting a threat to public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- J W McGarry
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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329
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Heylen M, Ruyssers NE, Gielis EM, Vanhomwegen E, Pelckmans PA, Moreels TG, De Man JG, De Winter BY. Of worms, mice and man: an overview of experimental and clinical helminth-based therapy for inflammatory bowel disease. Pharmacol Ther 2014; 143:153-67. [PMID: 24603369 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2014.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2014] [Accepted: 02/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of inflammatory and autoimmune disorders is highest in well-developed countries which is directly related to their higher hygienic standards: it is suggested that the lack of exposure to helminths contributes to the susceptibility for immune-related diseases. Epidemiological, experimental and clinical data support the idea that helminths provide protection against immune-mediated diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The most likely mechanism for the suppression of immune responses by helminths is the release of helminth-derived immunomodulatory molecules. This article reviews the experimental and clinical studies investigating the therapeutic potential of helminth-based therapy in IBD and also focuses on the current knowledge of its immunomodulatory mechanisms of action highlighting innate as well as adaptive immune mechanisms. Identifying the mechanisms by which these helminths and helminth-derived molecules modulate the immune system will help in creating novel drugs for the treatment of IBD and other disorders that result from an overactive immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marthe Heylen
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Nathalie E Ruyssers
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Els M Gielis
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Els Vanhomwegen
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Paul A Pelckmans
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Antwerp University Hospital, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Tom G Moreels
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Antwerp University Hospital, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Joris G De Man
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Benedicte Y De Winter
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
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330
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TEIMOORI S, SABOUR YARAGHI A, MAKKI MS, SHAHBAZI F, NAZMARA S, ROKNI MB, MESDAGHINIA A, SALAHI MOGHADDAM A, HOSSEINI M, RAKHSHANPOUR A, MOWLAVI G. Heavy metal bioabsorption capacity of intestinal helminths in urban rats. Iran J Public Health 2014; 43:310-5. [PMID: 25988090 PMCID: PMC4419168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2013] [Accepted: 01/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of the present study was to evaluate the capability of helminths to absorb heavy metals in comparison with that of the host tissues. METHODS We compared the concentration of cadmium (Cd) and chromium (Cr) in urban rats and in their harboring helminthes -Moniliformis moniliformis, Hymenolepis diminuta and larval stage of Taenia taenaeiformis (Cysticercus fasciolaris). The heavy metal absorption was evaluated in 1g wet weight of parasites and tissues digested in nitric acid, using Inductivity Coupled Plasma (ICP_OES). RESULTS A higher concentration of heavy metals was revealed in the helminths than in the host tissues. Bioconcentration factor (BF= C in parasite/C in tissue) for both Cd and Cr absorption was more than 10-fold higher in M. moniliformis than in the three compared host tissues. The BF of Cd in M. moniliformis compared to the liver, kidney and muscle of the host was 9.16, 14.14 and 17.09, respectively. BF in Cr in the same parasite and the same host tissues ranged from 10.67, 7.06 and 4.6. High level of absorption in H. diminuta was significantly likewise; the individual BF of Cd and Cr in H. diminuta compared to the liver, kidney and muscle of the hosts was 4.95, 5.94 and 4.67 vs. 2.67, 11.56 and 5.59. The mean concentration of Cd and Cr in C. fasciolaris was also significantly higher than that in the rat livers (P<0.007 and P<0.004, respectively). CONCLUSION This study claims that parasites of terrestrial animals exposed to heavy metals can be more accurate indicators than the host tissues as new environmental monitoring agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salma TEIMOORI
- 1. WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Control of Opisthorchiasis (Southeast Asian Liver Fluke Disease), Tropical Disease Research Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand,2. Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mahsa Sadat MAKKI
- 2. Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farideh SHAHBAZI
- 2. Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahrokh NAZMARA
- 4. Dept. of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health and Institute of Public Health Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohhamad Bagher ROKNI
- 2. Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza MESDAGHINIA
- 4. Dept. of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health and Institute of Public Health Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abdoreza SALAHI MOGHADDAM
- 5. Dept. of Pathobiology, Bandar Abbas Faculty of Medicine, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences (HUMS), Iran
| | - Mostafa HOSSEINI
- 6. Dept. of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arash RAKHSHANPOUR
- 2. Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gholamreza MOWLAVI
- 2. Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,* Corresponding Author:
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González-Sánchez E, Corral MJ, Mohamed Fawzi E, Rodríguez-Bertos A, Alunda JM, Cuquerella M. LPS and inactivated Propionibacterium acnes elicit a partially protective response in primary infections of Heligmosomoides polygyrus. Vet Parasitol 2014; 203:231-6. [PMID: 24636785 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.02.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2013] [Revised: 01/14/2014] [Accepted: 02/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Intestinal helminth infections are common and of paramount economic importance in domestic animals. Available chemotherapy is limited and anthelmintic resistance is widespread in some hosts. This scenario favors the exploration of alternative methods of control, among them immune modulators. The effect of Escherichia coli LPS+Propionibacterium acnes on a primary infection of Heligmosomoides polygyrus (Trichostongyloidea) in mice has been tested. Nematode infection induced a rise of specific IgG1, both serum and intestinal, and a significant reduction in the unspecific (ConA) lymphoproliferative response. Treatment with the immune modulator (days -2, 0, 7 and 14 post infection) elicited an apparent delay of larval intramucosal development. Moreover cumulative nematode egg shedding in treated mice was significantly lower (p=0.0041). Preliminary results point toward the interest of immune modulators to control intestinal helminths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena González-Sánchez
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain
| | - María-Jesús Corral
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain
| | - Elshaima Mohamed Fawzi
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Rodríguez-Bertos
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain
| | - José M Alunda
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain.
| | - Montserrat Cuquerella
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain
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332
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Plancarte A, Romero JR, Nava G, Reyes H, Hernández M. Evaluation of the non-catalytic binding function of Ts26GST a glutathione transferase isoform of Taenia solium. Exp Parasitol 2014; 138:63-70. [PMID: 24560769 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2014.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2013] [Revised: 02/07/2014] [Accepted: 02/09/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Taenia solium glutathione transferase isoform of 26.5 kDa (Ts26GST) was observed to bind non-catalytically to porphyrins, trans-trans-dienals, bile acids and fatty acids, as assessed by inhibition kinetics, fluorescence spectroscopy and competitive fluorescence assays with 8-anilino-1-naphthalene sulfonate (ANS). The quenching of Ts26GST intrinsic fluorescence allowed for the determination of the dissociation constants (KD) for all ligands. Obtained data indicate that Ts26GST binds to all ligands but with different affinity. Porphyrins and lipid peroxide products inhibited Ts26GST catalytic activity up to 100% in contrast with only 20-30% inhibition observed for bile acids and two saturated fatty acids. Non-competitive type inhibition was observed for all enzyme inhibitor ligands except for trans-trans-2,4-decadienal, which exhibited uncompetitive type inhibition. The dissociation constant value KD = 0.7 μM for the hematin ligand, determined by competitive fluorescence assays with ANS, was in good agreement with its inhibition kinetic value Ki = 0.3 μM and its intrinsic fluorescence quenching KD = 0.7 μM. The remaining ligands did not displace ANS from the enzyme suggesting the existence of different binding sites. In addition to the catalytic activity of Ts26GST the results obtained suggest that the enzyme exhibits a ligandin function with broad specificity towards nonsubstrate ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Plancarte
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, UNAM, México, D.F. 04510, Mexico.
| | - J R Romero
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, UNAM, México, D.F. 04510, Mexico
| | - G Nava
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, UNAM, México, D.F. 04510, Mexico
| | - H Reyes
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica-Genética y División de Investigación, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, D.F., Mexico
| | - M Hernández
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, UNAM, México, D.F. 04510, Mexico
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Barda B, Ianniello D, Salvo F, Sadutshang T, Rinaldi L, Cringoli G, Burioni R, Albonico M. "Freezing" parasites in pre-Himalayan region, Himachal Pradesh: Experience with mini-FLOTAC. Acta Trop 2014; 130:11-6. [PMID: 24145157 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2013.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2013] [Revised: 10/04/2013] [Accepted: 10/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Helminths and protozoa infections pose a great burden especially in developing, countries, due to morbidity caused both by acute and chronic infections. Data on distribution of intestinal parasitic infections among the native and expatriates populations in Himachal Pradesh are scarce. The aim of our survey was to analyze the intestinal parasitic burden in communities from Dharamsala, Kangra district, in clinical and public health settings. We also field-tested the mini- FLOTAC, an innovative diagnostic device. METHODS Subjects referring to the Tibetan Delek Hospital for abdominal discomfort and all children of the Tibetan Primary School in Dharamsala were screened for intestinal parasitic infections with direct smear, formol-ether concentration (FEC) method and mini-FLOTAC, their clinical history was recorded, and correlations between clinical symptoms and infections analyzed. RESULTS 152 subjects were screened for intestinal parasites, of which 72 subjects in the outpatients department (OPD) (36 expatriates and 36 natives) and 80 in the school. 60% of schoolchildren and 57% of OPD patients were found positive for any infection, the most represented were protozoa infections (50%), whereas helminthic infections accounted only for 13% and 20% in OPD patients and schoolchildren, respectively. The most prevalent among helminths was Ascaris lumbricoides (11%). Giardia intestinalis was more present among schoolchildren than the OPD patients (20% vs 6%) and E. histolytica/dispar was more prevalent among the OPD patients (42%) than the school children (23%). Correlations were found between nausea and loose or watery stools and parasitic infections, particularly in expatriates, whereas schoolchildren, despite being as infected as adults, were completely asymptomatic. Mini-FLOTAC detected higher number of helminth infections whereas FEC method was more accurate for the diagnosis of protozoa. CONCLUSIONS This study presents an accurate snapshot of intestinal parasitic infections in Dharamsala, and their high prevalence calls for more awareness and control measures. Mini-FLOTAC is a promising and simple technique for the diagnosis of helminth infections.
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Bansal DK, Agrawal V, Haque M. A slaughter house study on prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths among small ruminants at Mhow, Indore. J Parasit Dis 2013; 39:773-6. [PMID: 26688650 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-013-0413-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2013] [Accepted: 12/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
A total of 1,405 faecal samples (960 goat and 445 sheep) were examined from animals slaughtered at slaughter house, Mhow, Indore, for a period of 1 year (Feb. 2011-Jan. 2012). Examination of faecal samples by qualitative method exhibited 90.05 % prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) helminths. Among the various helminths, the highest prevalence was of strongyles (85.40 %) followed by amphistomes (21.78 %), Trichuris spp. (21.70 %), Strongyloides spp. (12.24 %), Moniezia spp. (5.77 %) and Fasciola spp. (4.56 %). In monsoon season maximum prevalence (92.96 %) was recorded followed by winter (89.20 %) and summer (87.76 %). Age and sex wise prevalence was higher in less than 1 year of age group (91.05 %) and in females (90.96 %). Percent prevalence of GI helminths was slightly higher in sheep (90.11 %) as compare with goats (90.00 %).
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak K Bansal
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary Science & A.H, Mhow, 453 446 Madhya Pradesh India
| | - Vivek Agrawal
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary Science & A.H, Mhow, 453 446 Madhya Pradesh India
| | - Manjurul Haque
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary Science & A.H, Mhow, 453 446 Madhya Pradesh India
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Abstract
In the present study, 428 foxes were collected and examined for intestinal helminths using the washing-out method. Parasites were found in 93.2% of the examined animals. The most frequently identified nematodes were Uncinaria stenocephala (58.9%), Toxocara canis (38.3%) and Molineus patens (30.6%). Other nematodes found were Pterygodermatites affinis (4.2%), Capillaria sp. (2.8%), Crenosoma vulpis (2.8%), Toxascaris leonina (2.5%), Trichuris vulpis (0.7%) and Physaloptera sp. (0.2%). Mesocestoides sp. (27.6%) and Taenia crassiceps (22.2%) were the most prevalent cestodes, followed by T. polyacantha (6.5%), Hymenolepis nana (2.1%), T. pisiformis (2.1%) and Dipylidium caninum (1.4%). The study also revealed four trematode species: Rossicotrema donicum (1.6%), Heterophyes heterophyes (1.1%), Metagonimus yokogawai (1.1%), Prohemistomum appendiculatum (0.4%) and two protozoan species: oocysts of Sarcocystis (2.8%) and Isospora (0.4%). This is the first extensive study on the intestinal parasites of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in Slovenia. The 2.6% prevalence of Echinococcus multilocularis in the same sample population as investigated herein has been reported previously (Vergles Rataj et al., 2010).
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Vergles Rataj
- 1 University of Ljubljana Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology, Veterinary Faculty Gerbičeva 60 1115 Ljubljana Slovenia
| | - Janez Posedi
- 1 University of Ljubljana Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology, Veterinary Faculty Gerbičeva 60 1115 Ljubljana Slovenia
| | - Diana Žele
- 2 University of Ljubljana Institute for Breeding and Health Care of Wild Animals, Fish and Bees, Veterinary Faculty Ljubljana Slovenia
| | - Gorazd Vengušt
- 2 University of Ljubljana Institute for Breeding and Health Care of Wild Animals, Fish and Bees, Veterinary Faculty Ljubljana Slovenia
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Samuel F, Degarege A, Erko B. Efficacy and side effects of albendazole currently in use against Ascaris, Trichuris and hookworm among school children in Wondo Genet, southern Ethiopia. Parasitol Int 2013; 63:450-5. [PMID: 24211489 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2013.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2013] [Revised: 10/17/2013] [Accepted: 10/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Monitoring the efficacy of anthelminthic drugs is essential. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of a single oral dose of 400mg albendazole (ABZ) against the major soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infection in school children, Wondo Genet, southern Ethiopia. A single fresh stool sample was collected from 298 school children and examined using a duplicate smear of the Kato-Katz method. Children positive for STH infections were treated with single oral dose of 400mg ABZ and re-examined for intestinal helminth infections 21days post-treatment. The participants were interviewed for symptoms related with the drug uptake 24h after ABZ treatment. Children positive for Schistosoma mansoni infections were treated with Praziquantel (40mg/kg of body weight) after an ABZ treatment follow up survey. 51.3%, 49.7%, 44.6% and 88.3% had hookworm, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and any intestinal helminth infection, respectively. Cure rates were 97.4% for hookworm, 96.6% for A. lumbricoides and 30.8% for T. trichiura infections. Egg reduction rates (ERRs) were 99.8% for hookworm, 99.9% for A. lumbricoides and 83.1% for T. trichiura infections. Mild and transient symptoms were observed among the participants which were quite frequent. In conclusion, a 400mg single oral dose of ABZ was effective against hookworm and A. lumbricoides but less efficacious against T. trichiura infection. The drug resulted in high ERRs for hookworm, A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura. Administration of the drug in repeated doses or in combination with other drugs might be necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Abraham Degarege
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, P. O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
| | - Berhanu Erko
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, P. O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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337
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Affiliation(s)
- James Church
- Department of Paediatrics, Whipps Cross University Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, , London, UK
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338
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Choubisa SL, Jaroli VJ. Gastrointestinal parasitic infection in diverse species of domestic ruminants inhabiting tribal rural areas of southern Rajasthan, India. J Parasit Dis 2013; 37:271-5. [PMID: 24431582 PMCID: PMC3793104 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-012-0178-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2012] [Accepted: 09/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
A total of 415 adult domesticated ruminants, 130 cattle (Bos taurus), 108 buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis), 94 goats (Capra hircus) and 83 sheep (Ovis aries) inhabiting tribal rural areas of southern Rajasthan, India were investigated for evidence of gastrointestinal protozoan and helminthic infections. In southern Rajasthan humid ecosystem is predominant and has number of perennial freshwater bodies. Fresh faecal samples of these animals were examined microscopically by direct wet smear with saline and 1 % Lugol's iodine and formalin ether concentration. Of these 296 (71.32 %) were found to be infected with different species of gastrointestinal parasites. The highest (93.84 %) prevalence of these parasitic infections was found in cattle followed by goats (82.97 %), sheep (55.42 %) and buffaloes (46.29 %). Except cattle no other ruminants revealed protozoan infection. A total 8 species of gastrointestinal parasites were encountered. Among these parasites Fasciola hepatica was the commonest (15.18 %) followed by Haemonchus contortus (11.32 %), Ancylostoma duodenale (10.36 %), Trichuris trichiura (9.15 %), Amphistome species (7.95 %), Moniezia expansa (6.98 %), Strongyloides stercoralis (4.57 %) and Balantidium coli (3.37 %). The prevalence rate of these parasitic infections also varied seasonally. The highest prevalence rate was found in rainy season (84.21 %) followed by winter (73.9 %) and summer (52.8 %). The possible causes for variation in prevalence of parasitic infections are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. L. Choubisa
- Parasitology Research Laboratory, Post Graduate Department of Zoology, Government Meera Girls College, Udaipur, 313002 India
| | - V. J. Jaroli
- Parasitology Research Laboratory, Post Graduate Department of Zoology, Government Meera Girls College, Udaipur, 313002 India
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339
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Fugassa MH, Gonzalez Olivera EA, Petrigh RS. First palaeoparasitological record of a dioctophymatid egg in an archaeological sample from Patagonia. Acta Trop 2013; 128:175-7. [PMID: 23774319 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2013.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2013] [Revised: 05/31/2013] [Accepted: 06/05/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The collection of parasitological information from ancient material requires an exhaustive study of samples. In 2005, cestode and nematode eggs were found in a coprolite sample tentatively assigned to a canid. The sample was obtained from the layer of the archaeological site located in Cerro Casa de Piedra, Santa Cruz Province, Argentina, and dated from 6540±110 years before present. The aim of the present work was to reexamine this fixed sample in order to confirm the presence of these parasites. The palaeoparasitological results support our previous findings. Interestingly, another parasite was also confirmed: a dioctophymatid nematode. Dioctophyma renale has been reported in several modern carnivores in the Southern Hemisphere but in ancient materials, it has only been reported in human coprolites from Switzerland. This report constitutes the first evidence of the presence of a dioctophymatid nematode parasite dioctophymatid nematode in American pre-Columbian times. The results obtained in this work show the importance of revising earlier palaeoparasitological results.
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340
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Da Silva AS, Schafer AS, Aires AR, Tonin AA, Pimentel VC, Oliveira CB, Zanini D, Schetinger MRC, Lopes STA, Leal MLR. E-ADA activity in erythrocytes of lambs experimentally infected with Haemonchus contortus and its possible functional correlations with anemia. Res Vet Sci 2013; 95:1026-30. [PMID: 23928180 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2013.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2013] [Accepted: 07/11/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the ecto-adenosine deaminase (E-ADA) activity in erythrocytes of lambs experimentally infected with Haemonchus contortus, correlating it with the degrees of anemia of the experimental animals. A total of 14 healthy lambs, with negative fecal exam for parasites, were to carry out the present study. They were divided into two groups, composed by seven animals: Group A represented the healthy animals (uninfected), while in Group B the animals were infected with 15,000 larvae of H. contortus. Blood was drawn on the days 15, 45 and 75 post-infection (PI) in order to perform the hematological analysis, as well as the mensuration of E-ADA activity in erythrocytes. Parasitological stool exam were performed on the same days mentioned above to follow up the evolution of the infection, as well to determine the number of eggs per gram of feces (EPG). On day 15PI, the animals presented negative EPG and there was not significant (P>0.05) difference between groups in relation to E-ADA activity and hematologic parameters. Animals in Group B had positive EPG for helminths on days 45 and 75 PI, accompanied by varying degrees of anemia, when compared to Group A. At the same periods E-ADA activity was significantly (P<0.05) increased in the erythrocytes of animals of Group B when compared with the not-infected ones. Statistically, there was a negative correlation (P<0.01) between activity E-ADA in erythrocytes and hematocrit on days 45 (r = -0.76) and 75 (r = -0.85)PI. Based on these results and in the scientific literature, it is possible to conclude that the E-ADA may participate on mechanisms related with the pathogenesis and host response against anemia caused by H. contortus.
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341
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Shalaby HA. Anthelmintics Resistance; How to Overcome it? Iran J Parasitol 2013; 8:18-32. [PMID: 23682256 PMCID: PMC3655236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2012] [Accepted: 12/27/2012] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Many parasitic helminthes of veterinary importance have genetic features that favor development of anthelmintic resistance, this becoming a major worldwide constrain in livestock production. The development of anthelmintic resistance poses a large threat to future production and welfare of grazing animals. Development of variable degrees of resistance among different species of gastrointestinal nematodes has been reported for all the major groups of anthelmintic drugs. It has been observed that frequent usage of the same group of anthelmintic; use of anthelmintics in sub-optimal doses, prophylactic mass treatment of domestic animals and frequent and continuous use of a single drug have contributed to the widespread development of anthelmintic resistance in helminthes. The degree and extent of this problem especially with respect to multidrug resistance in nematode populations is likely to increase. Maintaining parasites in refugia and not exposed to anthelmintics, seems to be a key point in controlling and delaying the development of resistance, because the susceptible genes are preserved. Targeted selective treatments attract the interest of scientists towards this direction. Additionally, adoption of strict quarantine measures and a combination drug strategy are two important methods of preventing of anthelmintic resistance. Experience from the development of anthelmintic resistance suggests that modern control schemes should not rely on sole use of anthelmintics, but employ other, more complex and sustainable recipes, including parasite resistant breeds, nutrition, pasture management, nematode-trapping fungi, antiparasitic vaccines and botanical dewormers. Most of them reduce reliance on the use of chemicals and are environmental friendly. Finally, if new anthelmintic products are released, an important question will be raised about how they should be used. It is suggested that slowing the development of resistance to a new class are likely to be gained by releasing it in combination with one or more of the older anthelmintic classes, especially where efficacy of the older active(s) remains high.
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342
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Kamranrashani B, Kia EB, Mobedi I, Mohebali M, Zarei Z, Mowlavi G, Hajjaran H, Abai MR, Sharifdini M, Kakooei Z, Mirjalali H, Charedar S. Helminth Parasites of Rhombomys opimus from Golestan Province, Northeast Iran. Iran J Parasitol 2013; 8:78-84. [PMID: 23682264 PMCID: PMC3655244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2012] [Accepted: 12/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of the study was to determine the helminthic species occurring in great gerbil Rhombomys opimus collected from Maraveh Tappeh, Golestan Province, northeast Iran. METHODS During 2010-2011, a total of 77 R. opimus were captured from rural areas of Maraveh Tappeh, Golestan Province, using Sherman live traps and examined for infectivity with any larva or adult stages of helminthic parasites. RESULTS Overall, 63 R. opimus (81.8%) were found infected with different helminthic species. The rate of infectivity with each species was as follows: Trichuris rhombomidis 31.2%, Trichuris muris 32.5%, Trichuris spp. 10.4%, Syphacia muris 2.6%, Dipetalonema viteae (Acanthocheilonema viteae) 37.7%, Skrjabinotaenia lobata 15.6%, Hymenolepis (=Rodentolepis) nana fraterna 5.2%, and Taenia endothoracicus larva 1.3%. CONCLUSION R. opimus is host for several species of cestodes and nematodes in the study area. The high rate of infectivity with D. viteae indicates the susceptibility of these gerbils to this filarial nematode. Synchronous infections occurred up to four species of helminthes in one host.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Kamranrashani
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - EB Kia
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Corresponding author:Tel.: +98 21 42933139,
| | - I Mobedi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - M Mohebali
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Z Zarei
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gh Mowlavi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - H Hajjaran
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - MR Abai
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - M Sharifdini
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Z Kakooei
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - H Mirjalali
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - S Charedar
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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343
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Choubisa SL, Jaroli VJ, Choubisa P, Mogra N. Intestinal parasitic infection in Bhil tribe of Rajasthan, India. J Parasit Dis 2012; 36:143-8. [PMID: 24082517 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-012-0151-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2012] [Accepted: 07/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
A total of 224 Bhil tribal individuals (115 males and 109 females) of different age groups inhabiting tribal rural areas of Udaipur district of Rajasthan, India were investigated for the prevalence of intestinal parasitic (protozoan and helminths) infections. Fresh stool samples of these tribal subjects were examined microscopically by direct wet smear with saline and 1 % Lugol's iodine and formaline ether concentration. Of these 116 (51.78 %) were found to be infected with diverse species of intestinal parasites. Male individuals showed relatively higher (56.52 %) prevalence of infection as compared to their counterparts (46.78 %). Out of 116 infected tribal subjects, 53 (23.66 %), 33 (14.73 %) and 30 (13.39 %) were infected with protozoan, helminths and mixed (protozoan + helminths) parasitic infections, respectively. Maximum number of parasitic infections occurred in the age group of 6-10 years (69.23 %) in both sexes. Among the intestinal parasites, Entamoeba histolytica was the commonest (14.73 %) followed by Entamoeba coli (8.92 %), Taenia solium (5.35 %), Ascaris lumbricoides (4.46 %), Hymenolepis nana (2.23 %), Ancylostoma duodenale (0.89 %), Strongyloides stercoralis (0.89 %), Trichuris trichiura (0.44 %) and Hymenolepis diminuta (0.44 %). Data pertaining to distribution of parasite species in different age groups, and variation in prevalence of their infection in relation to age and sex were also analysed statistically and found to be significant. Possible causes for variation in prevalence of protozoan and helminthic infection are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- S L Choubisa
- Parasitology Research Laboratory, P. G. Department of Zoology, Government Meera Girls College, Udaipur, 313002 India
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344
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Khajuria JK, Katoch R, Yadav A, Godara R, Gupta SK, Singh A. Seasonal prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths in sheep and goats of middle agro-climatic zone of Jammu province. J Parasit Dis 2012; 37:21-5. [PMID: 24431535 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-012-0122-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2012] [Accepted: 05/19/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
A total of 1920 faecal samples of sheep (960) and goats (960) of stationary flocks of the middle agro-climatic zone of Jammu province were examined, out of which 67.24 % animals were positive for helminthic infections. The different nematodes observed were strongyles (50.1 %), trichurids (12.1 %) and Strongyloides spp. (4.2 %). Trematode ova recorded were of amphistomes (8.3 %), Fasciola spp. (8.2 %) and Dicrocoelium spp. (5.4 %). No significant difference was observed between the infection level in sheep (68.54 %) and goats (65.94 %) which could be attributed to mixed grazing and sharing of pastures/sheds. Significantly (p < 0.05) higher infection was observed in monsoon as compared to winter. Strongyles were predominant during all the seasons, but significantly (p < 0.05) higher infection was observed in monsoon as compared to winter. Coproculture studies revealed that Haemonchus contortus (61.18 %) predominated during all the seasons, followed by Trichostrongylus spp. (13.67 %), Ostertagia spp. (12.17 %), Strongyloides spp. (4.14 %), Oesophagostomum spp. (3.84 %) and Bunostomum spp. (3.83 %). Eggs per gram of faeces (EPG) were the highest (sheep 1883.33 ± 117.6 and goats 1800 ± 110.21) during monsoon and the lowest during winter (sheep 640 ± 41.29 and goats 556.67 ± 33.01). Two peaks of EPG (the first in May and the second in August) were recorded during the 1 year study period. Infection was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in young (73.22 %) as compared to adults (61.25 %). Females showed a higher infection (73.33 %) as compared to males (61.14 %). The effect of prevailing agro-climatic conditions on the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths has been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J K Khajuria
- Division of Veterinary Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, R.S. Pura, 181 102 Jammu India
| | - R Katoch
- Division of Veterinary Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, R.S. Pura, 181 102 Jammu India
| | - Anish Yadav
- Division of Veterinary Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, R.S. Pura, 181 102 Jammu India
| | - R Godara
- Division of Veterinary Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, R.S. Pura, 181 102 Jammu India
| | - S K Gupta
- Division of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, R.S. Pura, 181 102 Jammu India
| | - Ajitpal Singh
- Division of Veterinary Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, R.S. Pura, 181 102 Jammu India
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Katoch R, Yadav A, Godara R, Khajuria JK, Borkataki S, Sodhi SS. Prevalence and impact of gastrointestinal helminths on body weight gain in backyard chickens in subtropical and humid zone of Jammu, India. J Parasit Dis 2012; 36:49-52. [PMID: 23543701 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-011-0090-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2011] [Accepted: 12/18/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Necropsy of gastrointestinal tract of 125 free-range chickens from a subtropical and humid zone of northwestern India revealed four nematode spp. (Ascaridia galli, Heterakis gallinarum, Capillaria spp. and Cheilospirura hamulosa) and four cestode spp. (Raillietina cesticillus, Raillietina echinobothrida, Raillietina tetragona and Amoebotaenia cuneata) The overall prevalence of the helminth parasites was 72.0%. Amongst various helminth species encountered in the region, A. galli emerged out as the most prevalent, followed by H. gallinarum, R. cesticillus and R. echinobothrida. The impact of helminthic infections on body weight gain in growing chickens was investigated. One hundred growing chickens, aged 40 days were randomly assigned to two groups (treated and untreated controls) of 50 birds each. The birds in treated group were given fenbendazole at 7.5 mg per kg body weight in drinking water, while the birds in other group served as untreated controls. At the end of the 90 days of the field trial, the mean body weight gain of untreated controls was 1232.2 ± 7.28 g (13.7 g/day) compared with 1617.6 ± 5.43 g (18.0 g/day) in the treated group. It was associated with a significantly (P < 0.05) higher mean worm burden (32.92 ± 6.12) in untreated controls than the treated group (2.46 ± 1.14). The prevalences of helminthic species and their impact on body weight gain in growing backyard chickens have been discussed.
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Yakhchali M, Tehrani AA, Ghoreishi M. The occurrence of helminth parasites in the gastrointestinal of catfish (Silurus glanis Linnaeus 1758) from the Zarrine-roud river, Iran. Vet Res Forum 2012; 3:143-5. [PMID: 25653761 PMCID: PMC4312810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2010] [Revised: 02/26/2011] [Accepted: 06/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This investigation was undertaken to verify the prevalence of helminths parasites in the gastrointestinal tract of catfish. A total number of 116 catfish (Silurus glanis) were collected from Zarrine-roud river and examined for helminths. Fish were examined after washing contents of gastrointestinal tract and observed for the presence of helminths using a stereo microscope and a light microscope. Results indicated that 18.96% of the examined catfish were infected with digenean trematodes including Orientocreadium siluri (27%), Crowcrocoecum skrjabini (39%), and cestode Bothriocephalus gowkongensis (34%). All the parasites were found in the intestine. Mid-gut followed by foregut appeared to be the most commonly infected parts of the alimentary tract of hosts. The results showed that there was a significant correlation between infection rate, catfish body size, and weight (P < 0.05).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Yakhchali
- Department of Pathobiology, Parasitology division, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran; ,Correspondence: Mohammad Yakhchali, DVM, PhD, Department of Pathobiology, Parasitology division, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran. E-mail:
| | - Ali-Asghar Tehrani
- Department of Pathobiology, Pathology division, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran;
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Halajian A, Eslami A, Mobedi I, Amin O, Mariaux J, Mansoori J, Tavakol S. Gastrointestinal Helminths of Magpies (Pica pica), Rooks (Corvus frugilegus) and Carrion Crows (Corvus corone) in Mazandaran Province, North of Iran. Iran J Parasitol 2011; 6:38-44. [PMID: 22347286 PMCID: PMC3279874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2010] [Accepted: 04/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Corvidae is a cosmopolitan family of oscine birds including crows, rooks, magpies, jays, chough, and ravens. These birds are migratory species, especially in the shortage of foods, so they can act like vectors for a wide range of microorganisms. They live generally in temperate climates and in a very close contact with human residential areas as well as poultry farms. There is no available information in the literature concerning the parasitic infections of these three species of corvidae in Mazandaran Province, northern Iran, so this study was conducted to clarify this. METHODS As there are three species of corvid birds in Mazandaran Province, 106 birds including 79 magpies, 11 rooks, and 16 carrion crows were examined between winter 2007 and spring 2008 at post mortem for gastrointestinal helminths. The helminths were drawn and identified morphologically in the Laboratory of Parasitology, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran and also partly in the School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, based on the reference books and identification keys like Soulsby, Khalil et al. and Anderson et al. RESULTS Four species of nematodes, 2 species of cestodes, 1 species of trematodes and 1 species of acanthocephalans were identified in these three corvid species. CONCLUSION Five species of the helminths are identified for the first time in Iran, and the acanthocephalan species is new host record for rooks. It is clear that these corvid birds have diverse range of helminths and can act as carriers for infecting the domestic fowls.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Halajian
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Specialized Veterinary Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran,Corresponding author: Tel: 00989111940050. E-mail:
| | - A Eslami
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Specialized Veterinary Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - I Mobedi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - O Amin
- Parasitology Center,Inc.(PCI),Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - J Mariaux
- Curator Department of Invertebrates, Natural History Museum, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - J Mansoori
- Department of Environment, Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon Branch, Mazandaran, Iran
| | - S Tavakol
- Department of Fisheries, Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon Branch, Mazandaran, Iran
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Abstract
The hygiene hypothesis is thought to be a significant contributor to the growing incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) around the world, although the evidence for specific factors that underlie the hygiene hypothesis in IBD is unclear. We aimed to systematically review the literature to determine which hygiene-related factors are associated with the development of IBD. Publications identified from a broad based MEDLINE and Current Contents search between 1966 and 2007 on key terms relevant to the 'hygiene hypothesis' and IBD including H pylori exposure, helminths, cold chain hypothesis, measles infection and vaccination, antibiotic use, breastfeeding, family size, sibship, urban upbringing, day care attendance and domestic hygiene were reviewed. The literature suggests that the hygiene hypothesis and its association with decreased microbial exposure in childhood probably plays an important role in the development of IBD, although the strength of the supporting data for each of the factors varies considerably. The most promising factors that may potentially be associated with development of IBD include H pylori exposure, helminths, breastfeeding and sibship. However, the vast majority of studies in this area are plagued by serious methodological shortcomings, particularly the reliance on retrospective recall of information making it difficult to truly ascertain the importance of a 'hygiene hypothesis' in IBD. The 'hygiene hypothesis' in IBD is an important area of research that may give clues to the aetiology of this disease. Directions for future research are recommended.
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