Strobilocercus fasciolaris infection with hepatic sarcoma and gastroenteropathy in a Wistar colony

Rodent Gut Bacteria Coexisting with an Insect Gut Virus in Tapeworm Parasitic Cysts: Metagenomic Evidence of Microbial Selection in Extra-Intestinal Clinical Niches

In medicine, parasitic cysts (e.g., brain cysticerci) are believed to be sterile, and are primarily treated with antiparasitic medications, not antibiotics, which could prevent abscess formation and localized inflammation. This study quantified the microbial composition of parasitic cysts in a wild rodent, using multi-kingdom metagenomics to comprehensively assess if parasitic cysts are sterile, and further understand gut microbial translocation and adaptation in wildlife confined environments, outside the gut. Analysis was conducted on DNA from two hepatic parasitic cysts from a feline tapeworm, Hydatigera (Taenia) taeniaeformis, affecting a wild vole mouse (Microtus pennsylvanicus), and from feces, liver and peritoneal fluid of this and two other concurrent individual wild voles trapped during pest control in one of our university research vegetable gardens. Bacterial metagenomics revealed the presence of gut commensal/opportunistic species, Parabacteroides distasonis, Bacteroides (Bacteroidota); Klebsiella variicola, E. coli (Enterobacteriaceae); Enterococcus faecium and Lactobacillus acidophilus (Bacillota) inhabiting the cysts, and peritoneal fluid. Remarkably, viral metagenomics revealed various murine viral species, and unexpectedly, a virus from the insect armyworm moth (Pseudaletia/Mythimna unipuncta), known as Mythimna unipuncta granulovirus A (MyunGV-A), in both cysts, and in one fecal and one peritoneal sample from the other non-cyst voles, indicating the survival and adaption potential of the insect virus in voles. Metagenomics also revealed a significantly lower probability of fungal detection in cysts compared to that in peritoneal fluid/feces (p < 0.05), with single taxon detection in each cyst (Malassezia and Pseudophaeomoniella oleicola). The peritoneal fluid had the highest probability for fungi. In conclusion, metagenomics revealed that bacteria/viruses/fungi coexist within parasitic cysts supporting the potential therapeutic benefits of antibiotics in cystic diseases, and in inflammatory microniches of chronic diseases, such as Crohn's disease gut wall cavitating micropathologies, from which we recently isolated similar synergistic pathogenic Bacteroidota and Enterobacteriaceae, and Bacillota.

Rodent Gut Bacteria Coexisting with an Insect Gut Virus in Parasitic Cysts: Metagenomic Evidence of Microbial Translocation and Co-adaptation in Spatially-Confined Niches

In medicine, parasitic cysts or cysticerci (fluid-filled cysts, larval stage of tapeworms) are believed to be sterile (no bacteria), and therein, the treatment of cysticerci infestations of deep extra-intestinal tissues (e.g., brain) relies almost exclusively on the use of antiparasitic medications, and rarely antibiotics. To date, however, it is unclear why common post-treatment complications include abscessation. This study quantified the microbial composition of parasitic cyst contents in a higher-order rodent host, using multi-kingdom shotgun metagenomics, to improve our understanding of gut microbial translocation and adaptation strategies in wild environments. Analysis was conducted on DNA from two hepatic parasitic cysts (Hydatigera (Taeenia) taeniaeformis) in an adult vole mouse (Microtus arvalis), and from feces, liver, and peritoneal fluid of three other vole family members living in a vegetable garden in Ohio, USA. Bacterial metagenomics revealed the presence of gut commensal/opportunistic species, including Parabacteroides distasonis, Klebsiella variicola, Enterococcus faecium, and Lactobacillus acidophilus, inhabiting the cysts. Parabacteroides distasonis and other species were also present outside the cyst in the peritoneal fluid. Remarkably, viral metagenomics revealed various murine viral species, but unexpectedly, it detected an insect-origin virus from the army moth (Pseudaletia/Mythimna unipuncta) known as Mythimna unipuncta granulovirus A (MyunGV-A) in both cysts, and in one fecal and one peritoneal sample from two different voles, indicating survival of the insect virus and adaption in voles. Metagenomics also revealed a significantly lower probability of fungal detection in the cysts compared to other samples (peritoneal fluid, p<0.05; and feces p<0.05), with single taxon detection in each cyst for Malassezia and Pseudophaeomoniella oleicola. The samples with a higher probability of fungi were the peritoneal fluid. In conclusion, commensal/pathobiont bacterial species can inhabit parasitic tapeworm cysts, which needs to be considered during therapeutic decisions of cysticerci or other chronic disease scenarios where immune privileged and spatially restricted ecosystems with limited nutrients and minimal presence of immune cells could facilitate microbial adaptation, such as within gut wall cavitating micropathologies in Crohn's disease.

Cancerogenic parasites in veterinary medicine: a narrative literature review

Parasite infection is one of the many environmental factors that can significantly contribute to carcinogenesis and is already known to be associated with a variety of malignancies in both human and veterinary medicine. However, the actual number of cancerogenic parasites and their relationship to tumor development is far from being fully understood, especially in veterinary medicine. Thus, the aim of this review is to investigate parasite-related cancers in domestic and wild animals and their burden in veterinary oncology. Spontaneous neoplasia with ascertained or putative parasite etiology in domestic and wild animals will be reviewed, and the multifarious mechanisms of protozoan and metazoan cancer induction will be discussed.

Surveillance for diseases, pathogens, and toxicants of muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) in Pennsylvania and surrounding regions

Using diagnostic data and contemporary sampling efforts, we conducted surveillance for a diversity of pathogens, toxicants, and diseases of muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus). Between 1977 and 2019, 26 diagnostic cases were examined from Kansas and throughout the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic, USA. We identified multiple causes of mortality in muskrats, but trauma (8/26), Tyzzer's disease (5/6), and cysticercosis (5/26) were the most common. We also conducted necropsies, during November 2018-January 2019 Pennsylvania muskrat trapping season, on 380 trapper-harvested muskrat carcasses after the pelt was removed. Tissue samples and exudate were tested for presence of or exposure to a suite of pathogens and contaminants. Gastrointestinal tracts were examined for helminths. Intestinal helminths were present in 39.2% of necropsied muskrats, with Hymenolepis spp. (62%) and echinostome spp. (44%) being the most common Molecular testing identified a low prevalence of infection with Clostridium piliforme in the feces and Sarcocystis spp. in the heart. We detected a low seroprevalence to Toxoplasma gondii (1/380). No muskrats were positive for Francisella tularensis or Babesia spp. Cysticercosis was detected in 20% (5/26) of diagnostic cases and 15% (57/380) of our trapper-harvested muskrats. Toxic concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, lead, or mercury were not detected in tested liver samples. Copper, molybdenum, and zinc concentrations were detected at acceptable levels comparative to previous studies. Parasite intensity and abundance were typical of historic reports; however, younger muskrats had higher intensity of infection than older muskrats which is contradictory to what has been previously reported. A diversity of pathogens and contaminants have been reported from muskrats, but the associated disease impacts are poorly understood. Our data are consistent with historic reports and highlight the wide range of parasites, pathogens and contaminants harbored by muskrats in Pennsylvania. The data collected are a critical component in assessing overall muskrat health and serve as a basis for understanding the impacts of disease on recent muskrat population declines.

Hydatigera taeniaeformis in urban rats (Rattus rattus) in Faisalabad, Pakistan

Hydatigera taeniaeformis formerly referred to as Taenia taeniaeformis is a cestode of cats (definitive hosts) and rodents (intermediate hosts). The prevalence of the metacestode larval stage has been reported in rodents in many parts of the world even though the genetic polymorphisms or intraspecies variation is still understudied. Here, we report a prevalence of 22.09% (38/172) from an urban rodent population in Pakistan and a nucleotide diversity (cox1) of 0.00463 among the population. Infection was higher in male (27.85%) and adult (32.29%) rats than female and sub-adult/young rats. Interestingly, The median-joining network and phylogenetic construction comprising isolates from China, Japan, Kenya, Laos, Malaysia, Senegal, the United Arab Emirates, and countries in Europe demonstrated that Pakistani H. taeniaeformis are closer to Asian and African population than those of European origin. The results of the study will add-in preliminary data for H. taeniaeformis and will also contribute to understand the global molecular epidemiology and population structure of H. taeniaeformis.

Cysticercus fasciolaris in Brown Rats (Rattus norvegicus) in Grenada, West Indies

Cat is the definitive host of Taenia taeniaeformis (T. taeniaeformis). Cysticercus fasciolaris (C. fasciolaris), the larval stage of T. taeniaeformis, develops in small rodents which act as intermediate host. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of C. fasciolaris in brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) in the densely human populated parishes, St. George's and St. David's of Grenada, West Indies. One hundred and seventy rats were trapped near the residential areas from May to July, 2017 and examined for C. fasciolaris in their liver. Of the 170 rats 115 (67.6%, CI 95% from 60.1 to 74.6) were positive for the larval stage of T. taeniaeformis. One to three cysts were observed in each liver, containing a single larva in each cyst. The prevalence was 77.9% in St. George and 59.1% in St. David which is a significant difference (p < 0.05) between the two parishes under study. Based on gender, prevalence in males was 60.9% and females 74.7%. Significant difference was observed between young and adult rats (p = 0.03). Prevalence in young rats was 45.0% compared to adults (70.7%). Further study of risk assessment in the cat population in areas of the present research is strongly suggested.

Gross, histopathological and immunohistochemical study on strobilocercus of Taenia taeniaeformis infection in the liver of laboratory rats (Rattus norvegicus) in India

We report the detailed gross, histopathological and immunohistochemical study of Strobilocercus fasciolaris infection, the metacestodal stage of Taenia taeniaeformis, in the liver of laboratory Wistar rats. Necropsy examination of seventeen rats revealed transparent or white or cream to clear, thick walled cysts, 1 to 97 in number, measuring about 2mm to 12mm on one or many of the liver lobes and containing strobilocercus of Taenia taeniaeformis. Histopathological examination revealed the presence of the cross-section of larva surrounded by a thick fibrous capsule and moderate infiltration of lymphocytes, plasma cells and a few eosinophils. Fatty degeneration of hepatocytes, gastric mucosal hyperplasia, distended gastric glands and marked increase in the mucosal epithelial cells and goblet cells in the duodenum were also observed. Contamination of feed and bedding materials seems to be the probable source in these naturally infected rats.

Resveratrol attenuates monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation and associated inflammation via modulation of intracellular GSH homeostasis: Relevance in atherosclerosis

Monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation promotes an inflammatory environment within the arterial vessel wall that causes a mal-adaptive immune response, which contributes to the progression of atheromatous plaque formation. In the current study, we show that resveratrol, a well-known antioxidant, dose-dependently attenuated phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-induced monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation, as measured by cell adhesion, increase in cell size, and scavenger receptor expression in THP-1 monocytes. Also, resveratrol significantly inhibited PMA-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine/chemokine and matrix metalloprotease (MMP-9) production. This inhibitory effect of resveratrol on monocyte differentiation results from its ability to restore intracellular glutathione (GSH) status, as resveratrol in the presence of buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) failed to affect monocyte differentiation. Furthermore, PMA-induced monocyte differentiation and inflammation was greatly inhibited when cells were co-treated with N-Acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC), a GSH precursor, while the presence of BSO aggravated these processes. These results also show that resveratrol mediated up-regulation of GSH is due to AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-α activation, as compound C (AMPK inhibitor) treatment drastically depleted intracellular GSH and exacerbated PMA-induced monocyte differentiation and pro-inflammatory cytokine production. More importantly, chronic administration of resveratrol efficiently prevented monocyte infiltration and markedly diminished angiotensin (Ang)-II-induced atheromatous plaque formation in apolipoprotein-E knockout (ApoE(-/-)) mice. We conclude that, intracellular GSH status plays a critical role in regulating monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation and inflammation and resveratrol, by restoring GSH levels, inhibits these processes. Taken together, these results suggest that resveratrol can attenuate atherosclerosis, at least, in part, by inhibiting monocyte differentiation and pro-inflammatory cytokines production.

Histopathological and morphological studies on natural Cysticercus fasciolaris infection in liver of Wistar rats

Descriptive morphology of multifocal hepatic cysts found in eight of forty five (17.78 %) Wistar rats sacrificed during pharmacological studies related to herbal formulations was studied. The creamish to white cysts were of varying sizes, ranging from 3-8 mm in diameter. Morphological studies of these cysts depicted the presence of metacestodes of Taenia taeniaeformis i.e. Cysticercus fasciolaris inside them. The scolex of metacestode revealed four suckers and rostellum armed with two distinct rows of characteristic pen knife shaped hooks (characteristics of taeniid cestodes). The average size of large hooks was 392.92 ± 10.12 µ and that of small hooks was 240.64 ± 14.26 µ. The average size of suckers was 304.36 ± 12.33 µ. Histopathology of hepatic tissue surrounding the cysts revealed zones of fatty change, inflammation, granulation tissue and metaplasia. However, the histopathology of stomach and small intestines didn't show any significant lesions.

[Morphological and molecular identification of Cysticercus fasciolaris isolated from rodent hosts (Rattus norvegicus) in Buenos Aires province (Argentina)]

In a rodent (Rattus norvegicus) survey in Buenos Aires province, metacestodes of tapeworms were found encysted in the liver of the host. The aim of this work was the morphological and molecular identification of this parasite. To achieve the molecular characterization of the parasite, ribosomal (28S) and mitochondrial (COI) DNA were amplified and sequenced. Based on both morphological and molecular data using bioinformatic tools, the metacestode was identified as Cysticercus fasciolaris. The adult form of this tapeworm (Taenia taeniaeformis) commonly infects felid and canid mammalian hosts. This is the first report on the molecular identification of Cysticercus fasciolaris in Buenos Aires province (Argentina).

Taenia taeniaeformis in rat favors protracted skin lesions caused by Sporothrix schenckii infection: Dectin-1 and IL-17 are dispensable for clearance of this fungus

We occasionally found that cestode Taenia taeniaeformis in rats favored Sporothrix schenckii infection and survival, causing protracted cutaneous lesions. In this study, we compared the pathology and cytokines profile of rats co-infected with the two pathogens and infected with S. schenckii alone to explore underlying mechanisms. In the co-infection group, there was high expression of β-glucan receptor Dectin-1 in the cutaneous lesions and no multinucleated giant cells, but in the S. schenckii infection group the opposite was observed. Cytokines profiles demonstrated an expected finding that IL-4, commonly expressed in helminth and fungus infection, is undetectable in the two infection groups. In the single fungal infection group, cytokines IFN-γ, IL-10 and IL-17 kept increasing in the first few weeks of infection to a peak which was followed by gradual decrease. This study showed that Dectin-1 and IL-17, which were believed to be the major anti-fungus mechanisms, are Th2 independent and dispensable for clearance of S. schenckii infection, suggesting that S. schenckii has a different molecular recognition pattern and evokes anti-infection mechanisms other than Dectin-1 and IL-17.

Mitochondrial genes and genomes support a cryptic species of tapeworm within Taenia taeniaeformis

Taenia taeniaeformis is a globally distributed cestode, which uses felids as definitive and rodents as intermediate hosts. The complete mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of T. taeniaeformis from Germany (Tt-GER) was sequenced, and compared with that of another isolate from China (GenBank NC_014768; Tt-CHN), both taken from cats. Analysis of the two mtDNAs indicated that the isolates are significantly different from one another with 12.6% and 9.9% nucleotide and amino acid divergence between them, for concatenated protein-coding genes; overall difference based on a pairwise nucleotide alignment of complete mtDNAs was 11.8%. A phylogenetic analysis based on the 12 protein-coding genes of all available taeniid mtDNAs confirmed the two T. taeniaeformis isolates as sister taxa (likely separate species) and early divergent members of the genus, as suggested previously by morphology. Phylogenetic analysis of published fragments of mt genes rrnS, cox1 and nad1, which represent multiple geographic isolates of T. taeniaeformis also resolve two distinct clades that at present do not seem to be geographically isolated. Mean pairwise (nucleotide) differences between the two clades of T. taeniaeformis were approximately 11%, 10% and 13% in partial rrnS (182bp), cox1 (371bp) and nad1 (459bp) genes, respectively. Differences between entire mtDNAs and partial mt genes of the two T. taeniaeformis isolates are of a similar magnitude between established taeniid sister species. Tt-CHN differs from all other Taenia mtDNAs in lacking a short (∼69bp) non-coding region between trnY and trnL1. Partial mt fragment analysis highlighted likely misidentifications of T. taeniaeformis on GenBank.

Morphological and molecular identification of the metacestode parasitizing the liver of rodent hosts in bamboo growing areas of mizoram, northeast India

In Mizoram (Northeast India), rodent outbreaks are known to occur periodically with the onset of bamboo flowering causing a tremendous destruction to food grains and as per the folk belief, often resulting in famine. In an exploratory survey of rodent pests in bamboo growing atreas for their helminth parasite spectrum, metacestodes of tapeworms were frequently encountered infecting the liver lobes and body cavity of the host. The morphological criteria were found to be closely consistent with the metacestode of Taenia species. In molecular characterization of the parasite, the ribosomal DNA (ITS1, ITS2) and mitochondrial COI were amplified and sequenced. Based upon both morphological data and molecular analysis using bioinformatic tools, the metacestode is identified as confirmed to be representing Cysticercus fasciolaris. The adult form of which (Taenia taeniaeformis) commonly occurs in felid and canid mammalian hosts.

Diversity of the helminth community of the Pampean grassland mouse (Akodon azarae) on poultry farms in central Argentina

This paper describes the helminth community of the Pampean grassland mouse (Akodon azarae) inhabiting poultry farms in central Argentina. Winter diversity (season of high rodent abundance) has been compared to spring diversity (season of low rodent abundance). Species richness was seven in both seasons: five nematodes (Syphacia carlitosi,Stilestrongylusspp.,Trichuris laevitestis,Pterygodermatites (Paucipectines) azaraiandProtospirura numidica criceticola) and two cestodes (adults of Cyclophyllidea andTaenia taeniaeformishepatic cysts). No difference in richness was detected between host sexes in each season or among host age classes. However, the helminth community showed 67% similarity between winter and spring, with diversity being significantly higher in spring (H = 0.873) than in winter (H = 0.546;P < 0.0005). This could be attributed to different factors, such as host abundance, host diet or environmental factors, that affect the transmission of each species differently. On the other hand,Stilestrongylusspp. andS. carlitosishowed higher dominance and intensity in both seasons compared to their cohabiting species,P. (P.) azaraiandT. laevitestis, respectively. The lower values of the latter two species may be related to a crowding effect due to their large body sizes. This is the first report of cestodes inA. azarae. The finding ofT. taeniaeformisstrobilocerci could be important in the epidemiology of parasitosis in domestic animals of the farms.

The occurrence of the larval cestode Cysticercus fasciolaris in rodent populations from the Cuxtal ecological reserve, Yucatan, Mexico

Cysticercus fasciolaris is the larval stage of the cestode Taenia taeniaeformis, whose definitive hosts are mainly cats. This larval stage uses a wide variety of small rodents, and occasionally birds and humans, as intermediate hosts. In the Yucatan, there are no reports of the presence of this cestode in animal populations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of C. fasciolaris in rodent populations from the Cuxtal ecological reserve, Yucatan, Mexico. Trapping of rodents was conducted from October 2009 to April 2010 in 40 households in Molas, in which Sherman traps were placed both inside and outside backyards. Rodents were dissected to inspect the liver for the presence of the worm. To determine risk factors associated with infection, univariate analysis was performed using sex, age, species, trapping site, and season as independent variables. Variables with a P value <  0.2 were analysed using a logistic regression model. In this study, 411 individuals of six rodent species were trapped; Mus musculus was the most abundant (78%), followed by Rattus rattus (13%) and the wild species Peromyscus yucatanicus, Ototylomys phyllotis,Heteromys gaumeri and Reithrodontomys gracilis (9%). Only 7.5% (n = 31) of M. musculus and R. rattus were infected with C. fasciolaris (demonstrated by the presence of liver cysts) with a prevalence of 9.0% and 3.5%, respectively. Both adults and male mice were 4.33 and 3.46 (OR values) times more likely to have C. fasciolaris than juveniles and females respectively. We can conclude that in the Cuxtal Reserve, Yucatan, Mexico, the prevalence of C. fasciolaris is higher in M. musculus, and that adult males had a higher probability of infection. Wild species, mainly P. yucatanicus, were not found to be infected with the cestode, but its presence in the backyards of households could result in a potential risk of acquiring this infection.

Ovicidal activity of different concentrations of Pochonia chlamydosporia chlamydospores on Taenia taeniaeformis eggs

Three concentrations of chlamydospores of the nematophagous fungus Pochonia chlamydosporia (1000, 10,000 and 20,000 per Petri dish) were evaluated in vitro on Taenia taeniaeformis eggs. Chlamydospores at each concentration were cultured in two different media: 2% water-agar (2%WA) and 2% corn-meal-agar (2%CMA). Taenia taeniaeformis eggs were plated in each chlamydospore concentration in 2%WA and 2%CMA (treated groups) and without fungus (control group). Eggs were removed from each Petri dish at intervals of 7, 14 and 21 days and classified according to ovicidal activity (type 1, type 2 and type 3 effects). Plates containing 2%CMA showed the highest percentages for type 3 effect (81.3%) on the 21st day of observation. A difference (P < 0.01) between the media 2%WA and 2%CMA for type 1 effect was observed only at a concentration of 1000 chlamydospores on the 7th day. There were differences (P < 0.01) between 2%WA and 2%CMA on the 14th and 21st days, at the concentration of 20,000 chlamydospores, for type 1 and type 3 effects. Regression curves for type 3 effect in 2%WA and 2%CMA at the tested concentrations showed higher ovicidal activity with increasing chlamydospore concentrations. Results indicate that, at concentrations of 1000, 10,000 and 20,000 per Petri dish, chlamydospores of P. chlamydosporia effectively destroyed T. taeniaeformis eggs and can be considered a potential biological control agent for this cestode.

Taenia taeniaeformis: colonic hyperplasia in heavily infected rats

Only one study previously mentioned the involvement of colon during Taenia taeniaeformis larvae infection in rats with inconsistent occurrence of lesions. Present study aimed to determine the consistency of histopathologic changes in colonic epithelia, and the proliferation of mucosal cells through BrdU and PCNA immunohistochemistry. Results demonstrated that crypt hyperplasia of the colon was found in all infected rats, although variable in degree even in a single tissue section. Cystic cavities were frequently seen in severely hyperplastic mucosa. Proliferative zone lengths were significantly increased and PCNA positive cells were observed throughout the colonic crypt lengths at 9 but not at 6 weeks post infection. Cell proliferation involving the major types of cells in the epithelial colon was also increased in infected rats at 9 weeks post infection, with labeling indices significantly greater than the control rats throughout the BrdU time course labeling. Findings suggested that massive increases in epithelial cells and depth of colonic crypts were due to a remarkable increase in cell proliferation. The study concluded that enteropathy in the colon during T. taeniaeformis infection could be consistently observed in heavily infected rats.

Immunohistochemical characterization of cellular proliferation in small intestinal hyperplasia of rats with hepatic Strobilocercus fasciolaris infection

Rats infected with the larvae of Taenia taeniaeformis harbour the intermediate stage of the parasite Strobilocercus fasciolaris within the liver. Affected animals also develop gastric and intestinal hyperplasia. The pathogenesis of the gastric hyperplasia has been extensively investigated, but few studies have addressed the nature of the intestinal changes. This study characterizes the proliferation of small intestinal epithelial cells by immunohistochemical labelling for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) uptake. At 6 weeks post-infection (wpi) there was an increase in villous length but crypt depth was normal. At 9 wpi there was evidence of epithelial hyperplasia, increased villous length and crypt depth, and expansion of zones of epithelial proliferation. Immunohistochemical labelling indicated that an increase in the number of proliferating cells produced a greater number of progeny cells. Intestinal hyperplasia during experimental infection with T. taeniaeformis larvae is likely to be related to the associated gastropathy, although the mechanisms underlying both changes remain undefined.