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Journal of Medicine and Life Apr 2022Cytokine response to () infection was measured after starting treatments with piperazine. This study aims to determine the impact of cytokine production after infection...
Cytokine response to () infection was measured after starting treatments with piperazine. This study aims to determine the impact of cytokine production after infection with before and after treatment with piperazine. Blood and stool samples of 50 patients with infection and 28 healthy individuals (control) were collected. In this study, IFNγ, IL-5, IL-12, and IL-13 in serum (using ELISA-based methods) were measured. Stool samples were examined using the Kato-Katz technique to detect parasites. Blood and stool samples were analyzed 14 days after starting piperazine treatment for infection. The medium concentration of IFNγ, IL-5, IL-12, and IL-13 in the serum samples with infection is higher than that of the control group. IFNγ, IL-5, IL-12, and IL-13 levels were significantly higher in the infected individuals (10.5±7.4 pg/ml, 14.6±5.1 pg/ml, 8.5±3.2 pg/ml and 13.6±7.5 pg/ml respectively) than the control group (4.7±2.4 pg/ml, 7.8±4.06 pg/ml, 6.3±3.4 pg/ml and 3.5±2.7 pg/ml respectively). Also, piperazine treatment can significantly reduce cytokines levels (IFN-γ: P=0.043, IL-5: P=0.02, and IL-12, p=0.001). This study shows that piperazine treatment can reduce cytokines profiles in patients with infection.
Topics: Ancylostomiasis; Cytokines; Humans; Interleukin-12; Interleukin-13; Interleukin-5; Piperazines
PubMed: 35646178
DOI: 10.25122/jml-2021-0383 -
Journal of Helminthology Feb 2023Helminth zoonoses remain a global problem to public health and the economy of many countries. Polymerase chain reaction-based techniques and sequencing have resolved... (Review)
Review
Helminth zoonoses remain a global problem to public health and the economy of many countries. Polymerase chain reaction-based techniques and sequencing have resolved many taxonomic issues and are now essential to understanding the epidemiology of helminth zoonotic infections and the ecology of the causative agents. This is clearly demonstrated from research on (echinococcosis) and (trichinosis). Unfortunately, a variety of anthropogenic factors are worsening the problems caused by helminth zoonoses. These include cultural factors, urbanization and climate change. Wildlife plays an increasingly important role in the maintenance of many helminth zoonoses making surveillance and control increasingly difficult. The emergence or re-emergence of helminth zoonoses such as , , and exacerbate an already discouraging scenario compounding the control of a group of long neglected diseases.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Zoonoses; Helminths; Echinococcosis; Animals, Wild; Helminthiasis
PubMed: 36790130
DOI: 10.1017/S0022149X23000020 -
The American Journal of Tropical... Sep 2016Historically, the diagnosis of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) (e.g., Strongyloides stercoralis, Trichuris trichiura, Ancylostoma duodenale, Necator americanus, and... (Review)
Review
Historically, the diagnosis of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) (e.g., Strongyloides stercoralis, Trichuris trichiura, Ancylostoma duodenale, Necator americanus, and Ascaris lumbricoides) has relied on often-insensitive microscopy techniques. Over the past several years, there has been an effort to use molecular diagnostics, particularly quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), to detect intestinal pathogens. While some platforms have been approved by regulatory bodies (e.g., Food and Drug Administration) to detect intestinal bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, there are no approved tests currently available for STH. Although studies comparing qPCR to microscopy methods for STH are imperfect, due in large part to a lack of a sufficient gold standard, they do show a significant increase in sensitivity and specificity of qPCR compared with microscopic techniques. These studies, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of using qPCR for STH diagnosis, are discussed. Guidelines for those designing future studies utilizing qPCR are proposed for optimizing results, as is the proposition for using standardized molecular diagnostics routinely for STH in clinical laboratories and for field-based studies when possible.
Topics: Helminthiasis; Humans; Molecular Diagnostic Techniques; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Sensitivity and Specificity; Soil
PubMed: 27481053
DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.16-0266 -
Advances in Parasitology 2019The soil-transmitted helminths (STHs), Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm and Trichuris trichiura are common in areas with warm and moist climates with little access to... (Review)
Review
The soil-transmitted helminths (STHs), Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm and Trichuris trichiura are common in areas with warm and moist climates with little access to adequate water, sanitation, and hygiene affecting the poorest populations. The current control strategy of the World Health Organization is preventive chemotherapy (PC), i.e., the administration of the two benzimidazoles (albendazole and mebendazole) using single, oral doses to at risk populations without prior diagnosis. The recent success of PC is threatened by anthelmintic drug resistance and the low efficacy of the drugs against hookworm (mebendazole) and T. trichiura (albendazole and mebendazole). Only a handful of alternative drugs with anthelmintic properties are available, however, none of the drugs show high efficacy against all three STHs. The combination of two drugs with different activity profiles presents an attractive alternative, which could prevent the development of drug resistance and increase the efficacy compared to monotherapy. In this review, we summarize the efficacy of current and alternative anthelmintics, coadministrations and triple drug therapies assessed by means of network meta-analysis including only randomized controlled trials. Our results highlight that coadministrations have improved efficacy over monotherapy and the necessity of adapting current STH control strategies for the successful continuation of PC programs.
Topics: Animals; Anthelmintics; Drug Therapy, Combination; Helminthiasis; Helminths; Humans; Soil
PubMed: 30878060
DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2018.08.002 -
International Journal For Parasitology.... Aug 2019For a long time, wildlife carnivores have been disregarded for their potential in transmitting zoonotic nematodes. However, human activities and politics (e.g.,... (Review)
Review
For a long time, wildlife carnivores have been disregarded for their potential in transmitting zoonotic nematodes. However, human activities and politics (e.g., fragmentation of the environment, land use, recycling in urban settings) have consistently favoured the encroachment of urban areas upon wild environments, ultimately causing alteration of many ecosystems with changes in the composition of the wild fauna and destruction of boundaries between domestic and wild environments. Therefore, the exchange of parasites from wild to domestic carnivores and vice versa have enhanced the public health relevance of wild carnivores and their potential impact in the epidemiology of many zoonotic parasitic diseases. The risk of transmission of zoonotic nematodes from wild carnivores to humans via food, water and soil (e.g., genera , , , , , , ) or arthropod vectors (e.g., genera spp., spp., spp.) and the emergence, re-emergence or the decreasing trend of selected infections is herein discussed. In addition, the reasons for limited scientific information about some parasites of zoonotic concern have been examined. A correct compromise between conservation of wild carnivores and risk of introduction and spreading of parasites of public health concern is discussed in order to adequately manage the risk of zoonotic nematodes of wild carnivores in line with the 'One Health' approach.
PubMed: 31338295
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2018.12.011 -
Journal of Acute Medicine Dec 2018Hookworms infection is a soil-transmitted helminthic disease particularly endemic in developing counties of tropical regions. It is attributed mainly to two human... (Review)
Review
Hookworms infection is a soil-transmitted helminthic disease particularly endemic in developing counties of tropical regions. It is attributed mainly to two human pathogens nematodes namely Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale. Although the disease has been characterized as "neglected" is very diffi cult to be eliminated and the economic consequences are great. Worms are fed with blood of hosts in small intestine and cause typically iron deficiency anemia with relevant symptoms as well as eosinophilia. Patients admitted in emergency department claim often diffuse general symptoms, whereas cases with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding can be seen. Within this brief review, after introducing some basic elements of hookworms' epidemiology, taxonomy and socioeconomic problem is emphasized, pathogenesis, and life cycle of parasite are concisely explained. Furthermore, clinical manifestations often or rarely seen in emergency department are described. Therapeutic options are also enclosed. Awareness of the problem and critical thinking of patients coming from endemic regions could result to identifying more hookworm cases and their therapy will efficiently alleviate not only the patients per se but health system and societies as well.
PubMed: 32995216
DOI: 10.6705/j.jacme.201812_8(4).0001 -
Parasites & Vectors Mar 2020Hookworm infection is a major public health problem that threatens about 500 million people throughout tropical areas of the world. Adult hookworms survive for many... (Review)
Review
Hookworm infection is a major public health problem that threatens about 500 million people throughout tropical areas of the world. Adult hookworms survive for many years in the host intestine, where they suck blood, causing iron deficiency anemia and malnutrition. Numerous molecules, named excretory/secretory (ES) products, are secreted by hookworm adults and/or larvae to aid in parasite survival and pathobiology. Although the molecular cloning and characterization of hookworm ES products began 25 years ago, the biological role and molecular nature of many of them are still unclear. Hookworm ES products, with distinct structures and functions, have been linked to many essential events in the disease pathogenesis. These events include host invasion and tissue migration, parasite nourishment and reproduction, and immune modulation. Several of these products represent promising vaccine targets for controlling hookworm disease and therapeutic targets for many inflammatory diseases. This review aims to summarize our present knowledge about hookworm ES products, including their role in parasite biology, host-parasite interactions, and as vaccine and pharmaceutical targets and to identify research gaps and future research directions in this field.
Topics: Ancylostoma; Ancylostomatoidea; Animals; Antioxidants; Body Fluids; Cloning, Molecular; Female; Helminth Proteins; Hookworm Infections; Host-Parasite Interactions; Humans; Immunologic Factors; Male; Peptide Hydrolases; Protease Inhibitors; Vaccines
PubMed: 32171305
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04010-8 -
International Journal For Parasitology.... Dec 2017Hookworms are blood-feeding nematodes that parasitize the alimentary system of mammals. Despite their high pathogenic potential, little is known about their diversity... (Review)
Review
Hookworms are blood-feeding nematodes that parasitize the alimentary system of mammals. Despite their high pathogenic potential, little is known about their diversity and impact in wildlife populations. We conducted a systematic review of the literature on hookworm infections of wildlife and analyzed 218 studies qualitative and quantitatively. At least 68 hookworm species have been described in 9 orders, 24 families, and 111 species of wild mammals. Black bears, red foxes, and bobcats harbored the highest diversity of hookworm species and , , and were the hookworm species with the highest host diversity index. Hookworm infections cause anemia, retarded growth, tissue damage, inflammation and significant mortality in several wildlife species. Anemia has been documented more commonly in canids, felids and otariids, and retarded growth only in otariids. Population- level mortality has been documented through controlled studies only in canines and eared seals although sporadic mortality has been noticed in felines, bears and elephants. The main driver of hookworm pathogenic effects was the hookworm biomass in a population, measured as prevalence, mean burden and hookworm size (length). Many studies recorded significant differences in prevalence and mean intensity among regions related to contrasts in local humidity, temperature, and host population density. These findings, plus the ability of hookworms to perpetuate in different host species, create a dynamic scenario where changes in climate and the domestic animal-human-wildlife interface will potentially affect the dynamics and consequences of hookworm infections in wildlife.
PubMed: 28765810
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2017.03.007 -
Parasites & Vectors Apr 2022Little is known about the prevalence of Ancylostoma in dogs in the Caribbean. In view of the number of owned free-roaming and feral dogs within the islands and the ideal... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Little is known about the prevalence of Ancylostoma in dogs in the Caribbean. In view of the number of owned free-roaming and feral dogs within the islands and the ideal subtropical climate for parasite development and environmental survival, Ancylostoma could pose a threat to the health of the dogs as well as a zoonotic risk to people.
METHODS
To determine whether generalities about Ancylostoma in dogs in the Caribbean could be made and to obtain a better understanding of the prevalence, published (Scielo, Scopus, and PubMed databases) and gray (e.g., student theses, conference presentations) literature was reviewed. Retrieved manuscripts were screened, and relevant data (year, location, dog population, method of diagnosis, positivity rate) were extracted. Data from two dog populations on St. Kitts also were included: a 2014 field study involving dogs with limited veterinary care and data from the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine's Veterinary Clinic records for 2018-2019.
RESULTS
Fourteen manuscripts from the 1950s to 2019, representing ten of the Caribbean islands/countries and the Bahamas, were identified. Methods of diagnosing infection status ranged from simple qualitative or quantitative flotation methods to centrifugation with Sheather's sugar flotation solution or necropsy. Dog populations sampled included stray, owned free-roaming, and owned confined. Reported rates of Ancylostoma infection ranged from 10 to 91%. Studies from the last 10 years indicate positivity rates of 21 to 73%. Ancylostoma positivity rates in the St. Kitts' populations were 61% and 10% for the 2014 and 2018-2019 populations, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
There was no indication that hookworm prevalence has changed over time in the Caribbean, and there were no obvious differences between owned and unowned dogs or free-roaming and confined dogs. The data from St. Kitts were on par with positivity rates from the other islands within the last 10 years and reflective of the impact that veterinary care, including anthelmintic treatment, is expected to have on parasites in pets. There is a clear need to expand the available data for the region and improve control programs for Ancylostoma infections to protect both canine and human health.
Topics: Ancylostoma; Ancylostomatoidea; Animals; Caribbean Region; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Feces; Humans; Parasites; West Indies
PubMed: 35449121
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05254-2 -
Microorganisms May 2022Anaemia is an important cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Among infectious agents responsible for anaemia, helminthic infections are often neglected,... (Review)
Review
Anaemia is an important cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Among infectious agents responsible for anaemia, helminthic infections are often neglected, particularly in non-endemic countries. However, they should not be neglected in this setting, as international travel and migration are on the rise. In this narrative review, we aimed to describe soil-transmitted helminths as a cause of or contributing factor to anaemia, focusing on hookworms ( and ), the whipworm (), the roundworm (), and the threadworm (). A general review on the epidemiology, lifecycle, and clinical spectrum of anaemia is proposed, with a special focus on helminthic infections' association with anaemia as well as the diagnostic approach, which are both particularly important in non-endemic settings.
PubMed: 35630469
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10051027