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Ibrahim HS, Salem AI, Ahmed NMAER, El-Taweel HA. Pre-and post-treatment evaluation of intestinal inflammation in Giardia and Blastocystis infected children: a community-based study. J Parasit Dis 2021; 45:1026-1033. [PMID: 34789986 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-021-01398-7] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Giardia intestinalis and Blastocystis hominis cause frequent infections in children in developing countries. However, the role of intestinal inflammation in their pathogenesis is still poorly understood. Faecal calprotectin (FC) level is used as an indicator of intestinal inflammation and neutrophil migration in the intestinal tract. The present study aimed to evaluate intestinal inflammation by measuring FC level among children infected with either G. intestinalis or B. hominis before and after treatment. Stool samples were collected from 282 children inhabiting a rural area in Egypt and examined microscopically for intestinal parasites. FC level was estimated in a group of children infected with G. intestinalis (n = 12) or B. hominis (n = 12) before and 3 weeks after receiving nitazoxanide (200 mg twice daily for 3 days) and compared to a control group (n = 18) of parasite-free children. Cases of mixed infection were excluded. Nitazoxanide cure rate was 83% in both infections with a remarkable reduction of infection intensity in uncured children. The difference in FC levels between infected children and controls was not statistically significant. Also, the difference between the pre- and post-treatment estimations was not statistically significant. Elevated levels were observed before treatment in three children (two infected with G. intestinalis and one with B. hominis) who displayed normal post-treatment levels. Although G. intestinalis and B. hominis infections appear to cause no remarkable intestinal inflammation, they may induce abnormally elevated FC levels in a subset of children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heba Said Ibrahim
- Parasitology Department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Aziza Ibrahim Salem
- Parasitology Department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | | | - Hend Aly El-Taweel
- Parasitology Department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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Abdo SM, El-Adawy H, Farag HF, El-Taweel HA, Elhadad H, El-Badry AAM. Detection and molecular identification of Blastocystis isolates from humans and cattle in northern Egypt. J Parasit Dis 2021; 45:738-745. [PMID: 34475655 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-021-01354-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [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: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis is one of the less well-understood waterborne protozoa of medical and veterinary importance. The present study aimed to detect, identify, and subtype Blastocystis in cattle and humans in northern Egypt and to investigate the potential for zoonotic transmission. Fecal samples were collected from 136 humans (68 in contact with animals and 68 no animal contact) and 190 cattle from a rural area in Kafr El-Sheikh Province, Egypt. All samples were microscopically examined by direct wet mount technique and cultured in Jones' medium. Genomic DNA was extracted from positive cultures. A region of the Blastocystis small subunit ribosomal ribonucleic acid (SSU rRNA) gene was amplified using PCR. Blastocystis subtypes were identified by sequencing of the amplified SSU rRNA gene. The relatedness of sequence types obtained in this study and others submitted in GenBank was compared according to their genetic relatedness. Out of 136 human and 190 cattle samples, Blastocystis was detected in 53 (38.9%) and 37 (19.4%), respectively using either culture or direct wet mount. Blastocystis SSU rRNA gene was amplified in 55 samples (32 humans and 23 animals). Six subtypes were identified (STs 1-3 in humans and ST4, ST10 and ST14 in cattle) and were distinguishable with inter (up to 0.075) and intra (up to 0.024) subtype variations. A close phylogenetic relationship between human and animal isolated STs 1-4 was demonstrated. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the the potentiality for zoonotic transmission of certain Blastocystis subtypes in northern Egypt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Mohamed Abdo
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr El-Sheikh, 35516 Egypt
| | - Hosny El-Adawy
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Naumburger Str. 96a, 07743 Jena, Germany.,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr El-Sheikh, 35516 Egypt
| | - Hoda Fahmy Farag
- Parasitology Department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Hend Aly El-Taweel
- Parasitology Department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Heba Elhadad
- Parasitology Department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Ayman Abdel-Moamen El-Badry
- Department of Microbiology-Medical Parasitology Section, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
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Ahmed AFM, El-Sayad MH, Ali HS, El-Taweel HA. Impact of Coinfection with Schistosoma mansoni on the Antibody Response to Helicobacter pylori. Acta Parasitol 2021; 66:857-862. [PMID: 33598776 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-020-00330-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE In many tropical areas, the coinfection of Schistosoma spp. and other pathogens is frequent. The impact of schistosomiasis on other infections has been demonstrated for several organisms. Infection with the widely spread bacterium, Helicobacter pylori, has been linked to ulcers and tumors of the digestive system with the humoral immune response playing possible modulatory roles. The present study investigated the impact of patent S. mansoni infection on the antibody response to H. pylori. METHODS A total of 100 participants from a schistosomiasis endemic area in Egypt were enrolled in the study. Based on the detection of S. mansoni eggs and H. pylori coproantigen in fecal samples, they were equally divided into four groups: schistosomiasis, concomitant S. mansoni and H. pylori infection, H. pylori infection alone, and healthy controls. Anti-H. pylori IgG and IgA were determined in serum samples using ELISA. RESULTS A significantly lower IgA seropositivity rate and significantly lower IgG levels were found in patients with concomitant schistosomiasis (Gp2) compared to those infected only with H. pylori (Gp1). CONCLUSIONS Concomitant S. mansoni infection with light to moderate intensity alters serological responses to H. pylori. In schistosomiasis endemic areas, the routine examination for H. pylori infection should, therefore, rely on coproantigen level rather than antibody levels. Further studies should investigate histopathological changes and other immunological parameters in coinfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashraf Fawzy Mosa Ahmed
- Parasitology Department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, 165, Horreya Avenue, Hadara, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mona Hassan El-Sayad
- Parasitology Department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, 165, Horreya Avenue, Hadara, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Hala Shehata Ali
- Parasitology Department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, 165, Horreya Avenue, Hadara, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Hend Aly El-Taweel
- Parasitology Department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, 165, Horreya Avenue, Hadara, Alexandria, Egypt.
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Saleh AG, Shehab AY, Abdul-ghani RA, Allam AF, Osman MM, El-taweel HA, Ibrahim HS, Hagras NA, Farag HF. Hematological Parameters and Key Cytokines in Patients With Uncomplicated Falciparum Malaria in Hodeidah, Yemen.. [DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-695903/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Immunity to malaria has a major role in controlling disease and pathogenesis with cytokine production being involved in almost each phase of the immune response. The present study aimed to assess hematological variables and to measure plasma levels of TNFα, IFNg and IL10, their ratios, and their relation to parasitemia among patients with uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Hodeidah, Yemen. Forty patients with uncomplicated P. falciparum monoinfection and 40 healthy age and sex matched controls were enrolled in the study. Parasitological diagnosis was confirmed, and parasite density estimated. Hematologic parameters, the presence of gametocytes, and plasma cytokine levels were determined. Results revealed lower Hb levels, RBC, lymphocyte and platelet counts and higher neutrophil and reticulocyte counts among patients compared to controls. TNFα, IFNg and IL10 were higher in patients than controls. A relatively higher IL10 production was demonstrated by the significantly lower TNFα/IL10 and IFNg/IL10 ratios in patients than controls. TNFα and IL10 correlated positively with parasite density. Reticulocyte count was higher and IFNg level was lower in the presence of gametocytes. Conclusively, uncomplicated falciparum malaria is associated with the ability to regulate the production of the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. This mediates parasite clearance while simultaneously avoiding severe pathology.
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Shehab AY, Allam AF, Farag HF, Elhadad H, Kotb SFE, El-Taweel HA. Intestinal parasites among humans and their livestock animals in a rural community in Gharbia governorate, Egypt. J Parasit Dis 2021; 45:96-100. [PMID: 33746392 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-020-01282-w] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Our objective was to study the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among humans and their contact livestock animals in a rural community in Gharbia governorate, Egypt. The collected human and livestock animal fecal samples were examined by formol ether sedimentation technique and modified Ziehl-Neelsen stain. Human samples were further examined by the Kato-Katz technique. The total prevalence of intestinal parasites in humans was 52.3%; 7.3% helminths and 45% protozoa. Regarding animals, 29% of livestock animals had protozoan parasites and no helminths were detected. Results revealed that risk factors including drinking tap water and attendance of nurseries, affected the rate of parasitic infection among humans. The infection rate of protozoa was significantly higher among humans (1.5 times) as compared to animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amel Youssef Shehab
- Head of Parasitology Department, Medical Research Institute, University of Alexandria, 165 El Horreya Avenue, El Hadara, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Amal Farahat Allam
- Head of Parasitology Department, Medical Research Institute, University of Alexandria, 165 El Horreya Avenue, El Hadara, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Hoda Fahmy Farag
- Head of Parasitology Department, Medical Research Institute, University of Alexandria, 165 El Horreya Avenue, El Hadara, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Heba Elhadad
- Head of Parasitology Department, Medical Research Institute, University of Alexandria, 165 El Horreya Avenue, El Hadara, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Shimaa Fawzy El Kotb
- Head of Parasitology Department, Medical Research Institute, University of Alexandria, 165 El Horreya Avenue, El Hadara, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Hend Aly El-Taweel
- Head of Parasitology Department, Medical Research Institute, University of Alexandria, 165 El Horreya Avenue, El Hadara, Alexandria, Egypt
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Ibrahim HS, Salem AI, Ahmed NMAE, El-taweel HA. Pre-and Post-treatment Evaluation of Intestinal Inflammation in Giardia and Blastocystis Infected Children: A Community-based Study .. [DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-308755/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Giardia intestinalis and Blastocystis hominis cause frequent infections in children in developing countries. However, the role of intestinal inflammation in their pathogenesis is still poorly understood. Faecal calprotectin (FC) level is used as an indicator of intestinal inflammation and neutrophil migration in the intestinal tract. The present study aimed to evaluate intestinal inflammation by measuring FC level among children infected with either G. intestinalis or B. hominis before and after treatment. Stool samples were collected from 282 children inhabiting a rural area in Egypt and examined microscopically for intestinal parasites. FC level was estimated in a group of children infected with G. intestinalis (n=12) or B. hominis (n=12) before and three weeks after receiving nitazoxanide (200 mg twice daily for three days) and compared to a control group (n=18) of parasite-free children. Cases of mixed infection were excluded. Nitazoxanide cure rate was 83% in both infections with a remarkable reduction of infection intensity in uncured children. Both parasites caused non-significant elevation in FC level compared to the uninfected children and the difference between pre and post-treatment estimations was not statistically significant. Elevated levels were observed before treatment in three children (two infected with G. intestinalis and one with B. hominis) who displayed normal post-treatment levels. Although G. intestinalis and B. hominis infections appear to cause no remarkable intestinal inflammation, they may induce abnormally elevated FC levels in a subset of children who may be suspected of having inflammatory bowel disease.
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El-Taweel HA. Understanding drug resistance in human intestinal protozoa. Parasitol Res 2015; 114:1647-59. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4423-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2014] [Accepted: 03/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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El-Taweel HA, Tolba MM, Sadaka HA, El-Zawawy LA, Osman MM. Zinc PVA versus potassium dichromate for preservation of microsporidian spores of human origin. Parasitol Res 2012; 111:689-94. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-012-2888-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2011] [Accepted: 03/01/2012] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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Osman MM, El-Taweel HA, Shehab AY, Farag HF. Ineffectiveness of myrrh-derivative Mirazid against schistosomiasis and fascioliasis in humans. East Mediterr Health J 2010; 16:932-936. [PMID: 21218718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The present study assessed the schistosomicidal and fasciolicidal actions of the myrrh-derivative Mirazid in an area of low schistosomiasis transmission. A total of 27 patients infected with Schistosoma mansoni and 16 with Fasciola spp. received the maximum recommended dose of Mirazid. Pretreatment egg counts in 4 Kato-Katz slides were compared with similar counts in stool samples collected 1 and 2 months after treatment. Standard procedures and quality control measures were followed. The results revealed that Mirazid used as schistosomicidal or fasciolicidal agent in the maximum recommended dose has a low cure rate and produced a negligible reduction in egg counts. Prescribing such an ineffective drug in Egypt might endanger the achievements of the schistosomiasis control strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Osman
- Department of Parsitology, Medical Research Institute, University of Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
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