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The Brazilian Journal of Infectious... 2021Describe the diagnostic characteristics of a conventional multiplex PCR for the diagnosis of S. stercoralis, N. americanus and Ancylostomas spp.
OBJECTIVES
Describe the diagnostic characteristics of a conventional multiplex PCR for the diagnosis of S. stercoralis, N. americanus and Ancylostomas spp.
METHODS
Fecal samples were collected from a cross-sectional study in Orán department, Salta province, Argentina. The stool samples were analyzed using concentration-sedimentation, Harada Mori, McMaster, and Baermann techniques. DNA was extracted from 50 mg fecal sample using the FastPrep® Spin Kit for Soil. Three pairs of primers were used for the amplification of three products of 101, 330, and 577 base pairs (bp) for S. stercoralis, N. americanus and Ancylostoma spp, respectively. The sensitivity and analytical specificity of multiplex PCR were evaluated, as well as the sensitivity and diagnostic specificity, using a composite standard and Bayesian approach.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS
Multiplex PCR did not present cross-reaction with other intestinal parasites, and the detection limit for multiplex PCR was between 2 and 20 pg of genomic DNA. In addition it presented a diagnostic sensitivity of 97.4% for S. stercoralis and 90.3% for hookworms with a specificity of 100% and 87.6%, respectively. PCR identified a higher proportion (p <0.01) of coinfections (15.3%) than microscopic techniques (3.5%). Also, multiplex PCR showed that there was a positive association between S. stercoralis and hookworms (odds ratio = 2.12). However, this association was due to N. americanus (odds ratio= 3.22), since no association was observed between S. stercoralis and Ancylostoma spp. Neither was an association observed between the two species of hookworms.
Topics: Ancylostomatoidea; Animals; Bayes Theorem; Cross-Sectional Studies; Feces; Humans; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction; Sensitivity and Specificity; Strongyloides stercoralis; Strongyloidiasis
PubMed: 34774469
DOI: 10.1016/j.bjid.2021.101649 -
Australian Veterinary Journal Oct 2023Hookworms (Ancylostomatidae) are well-known parasites in dogs due to their health impacts and zoonotic potential. While faecal analysis is the traditional method for...
Hookworms (Ancylostomatidae) are well-known parasites in dogs due to their health impacts and zoonotic potential. While faecal analysis is the traditional method for detection, improvements in husbandry and deworming have decreased their prevalence in urban owned dogs. Drug resistance in Ancylostoma caninum is becoming a discussion point in small animal practices across the region. This study aimed to identify hookworm species present in Australian and New Zealand dogs using molecular techniques. The ITS-2 and isotype-1 β-tubulin assays were used to identify and quantify hookworm species. Results showed absence of coinfection in Australian samples from Greater Sydney region belonging either to A. caninum or Uncinaria stenocephala, while New Zealand samples were a mixture of A. caninum and U. stenocephala. The amplified isotype-1 β-tubulin sequences exhibited susceptibility to benzimidazole drugs. Rare mutations were identified in A. caninum and U. stenocephala sequences, representing a small percentage of reads. This study highlights the importance of molecular techniques in accurately identifying and quantifying hookworm species in dog populations.
Topics: Dogs; Animals; Ancylostoma; Ancylostomatoidea; New Zealand; Tubulin; Dog Diseases; Australia; Hookworm Infections; Feces
PubMed: 37537874
DOI: 10.1111/avj.13272 -
The Canadian Veterinary Journal = La... Apr 2023The canine hookworm is one of the most prevalent parasitic nematodes in dogs worldwide and has the potential for zoonotic transmission to humans, including the... (Review)
Review
The canine hookworm is one of the most prevalent parasitic nematodes in dogs worldwide and has the potential for zoonotic transmission to humans, including the development of cutaneous larva migrans. Recent confirmation of anthelmintic resistance (AR) in to several anthelmintic classes, mainly in the USA, indicates the potential for this scenario in Canada. We consider various factors that may lead to resistant isolates in Canada, such as the widespread use of antiparasitic drugs without the assessment of efficacy; increased prevalence in various Canadian provinces; and the importation of dogs, mostly from the USA, with a history of persistent infection by . Our objective was to review factors that influence to develop AR and raise awareness regarding the need for a strategic plan to control this parasitic nematode through the appropriate use of anthelmintics.
Topics: Dogs; Animals; Humans; Ancylostoma; Ancylostomatoidea; Ancylostomiasis; Canada; Anthelmintics; Hookworm Infections; Dog Diseases
PubMed: 37008647
DOI: No ID Found -
Medical Science Monitor : International... Mar 2024BACKGROUND Ancylostoma spp., including A. duodenale, A. braziliense, A. caninum, and A. ceylanicum, are hookworms that are transmitted from infected soil and by contact...
BACKGROUND Ancylostoma spp., including A. duodenale, A. braziliense, A. caninum, and A. ceylanicum, are hookworms that are transmitted from infected soil and by contact with domestic animals and rodent hosts, and can cause systemic disease and cutaneous larva migrans. The objective of this study was to describe the ecoepidemiology of Ancylostoma caninum and Ancylostoma spp. in urban-marginal sectors and in rural sectors located in Ecuador. MATERIAL AND METHODS Through addressed sampling, a total of 498 domestic dogs and 40 synanthropic rodents were analyzed via the following coproparasitic methods: direct, flotation, sedimentation with centrifugation using saline (egg identification), modified Baermann (larval identification), and morphometric methods (confirmation). A total of 236 people were surveyed, and a clinical analysis was performed via physical examination. The environmental variables were obtained through reports from the INAMHI of Ecuador and the use of online environmental programs. Through surveys, data related to social determinants were obtained. Epidemiological indicators (prevalence, morbidity, and mortality) were obtained through microbial analysis and surveys. RESULTS A total of 250 domestic dogs were diagnosed with Ancylostoma caninum (50, 20%), and 41 were diagnosed with Ancylostoma spp. (8.23%). One synanthropic rodent (2.5%) was positive for A. caninum. In the clinical analysis, 3 patients were identified as positive (1.27%) for cutaneous larva migrans (CLM). Likewise, environmental variables and social determinants influence the transmission, prevalence, and nature of parasitism by hookworm. CONCLUSIONS People, domestic dogs, and rodents were infected with these parasites. Consequently, there is a risk of ancylostomiasis and cutaneous larvae migrans spreading.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Dogs; Ancylostoma; Larva Migrans; Ecuador; Prevalence; Larva; Feces
PubMed: 38500436
DOI: 10.12659/MSM.943931 -
Parasites & Vectors Jan 2018We present evidence that the dog hookworm (Ancylostoma caninum) is underutilised in the study of host-parasite interactions, particularly as a proxy for the... (Review)
Review
We present evidence that the dog hookworm (Ancylostoma caninum) is underutilised in the study of host-parasite interactions, particularly as a proxy for the human-hookworm relationship. The inability to passage hookworms through all life stages in vitro means that adult stage hookworms have to be harvested from the gut of their definitive hosts for ex vivo research. This makes study of the human-hookworm interface difficult for technical and ethical reasons. The historical association of humans, dogs and hookworms presents a unique triad of positive evolutionary pressure to drive the A. caninum-canine interaction to reflect that of the human-hookworm relationship. Here we discuss A. caninum as a proxy for human hookworm infection and situate this hookworm model within the current research agenda, including the various 'omics' applications and the search for next generation biologics to treat a plethora of human diseases. Historically, the dog hookworm has been well described on a physiological and biochemical level, with an increasing understanding of its role as a human zoonosis. With its similarity to human hookworm, the recent publications of hookworm genomes and other omics databases, as well as the ready availability of these parasites for ex vivo culture, the dog hookworm presents itself as a valuable tool for discovery and translational research.
Topics: Ancylostoma; Ancylostomiasis; Animals; Disease Models, Animal; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Host-Parasite Interactions; Humans; Translational Research, Biomedical
PubMed: 29370855
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2621-2 -
Urology Jun 2020Cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) also termed as "creeping eruption," is a parasitic infestation produced by burrowing of the larva of Ancylostoma braziliense. The larva...
Cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) also termed as "creeping eruption," is a parasitic infestation produced by burrowing of the larva of Ancylostoma braziliense. The larva enters intact or abraded skin following exposure with soil contaminated with faeces. Solitary tracts involving feet, hands, buttocks, and genitalia are usually encountered. Although CLM is an endemic tropical disease, in this era of global migration, physicians worldwide should promptly diagnose and treat the condition.
Topics: Child; Humans; Larva Migrans; Male; Penile Diseases; Skin Diseases, Parasitic
PubMed: 32194091
DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2020.03.004 -
Infection, Genetics and Evolution :... Aug 2018Ancylostoma ceylanicum may inhabit the small intestine of canids, felids and humans, can pose a potential risk to public health. This study is the first time to amplify...
Ancylostoma ceylanicum may inhabit the small intestine of canids, felids and humans, can pose a potential risk to public health. This study is the first time to amplify complete mitochondrial genome sequence of A. ceylanicum from dog and to compare it with Ancylostoma tubaeforme, Ancylostoma duodenale and Ancylostoma caninum. The results showed that the complete mitochondrial genome of A. ceylanicum was 13,660 bp in length, including 12 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes and 22 tRNA genes and 3 non-coding regions (AT-rich region, SNCR and LNCR). Its mtDNA was the shortest, biased toward A and T at base composition, and higher than other three Ancylostoma species at total AT content. Its nad5 and nad6 genes used TTG and ATT as initiation codons, while other three Ancylostoma species used ATT and GTG or ATG. The 22 tRNA genes were different in length among four Ancylostoma species, but their anticodons were the same. Among 12 protein-coding genes, the cox1 gene was the lowest at AT content and minimum at Ka/Ks while the nad2 gene was the opposite. The phylogenetic tree showed that in the lineage of Ancylostoma, A. ceylanicum occurred on a branch external to other three Ancylostoma species, and A. caninum and A. tubaeforme had closer phylogenetic relationship than A. duodenale. This study not only enhances the mitochondrial genome database of Ancylostomatidae nematodes, but also provides new data for further phylogenetic studies among Ancylostomatidae nematodes.
Topics: Ancylostoma; Animals; Biological Evolution; DNA, Helminth; DNA, Mitochondrial; Evolution, Molecular; Genome, Mitochondrial; Phylogeny; RNA, Transfer; Species Specificity
PubMed: 29660556
DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2018.04.012 -
Parasitology Research Oct 2021Dogs may serve as hosts for a variety of zoonotic or potentially zoonotic helminths, including Ancylostoma ceylanicum and Trichuris species. Cross-sectional study design...
Dogs may serve as hosts for a variety of zoonotic or potentially zoonotic helminths, including Ancylostoma ceylanicum and Trichuris species. Cross-sectional study design was used to collect 210 faecal samples of dogs from Nay Pyi Taw area, Myanmar. According to microscopic examination, 180 samples (85.7%) were positive for eight species of gastrointestinal helminths. Among them, positive rates of Ancylostoma species and Trichuris species eggs were observed as 79.0% (166/210) and 11.9% (15/210), respectively. Molecular identification of A. ceylanicum and Trichuris species was confirmed by COX1 gene- and SSU rRNA gene-targeted PCR. Partial sequences of COX1 and SSU rRNA showed 100% identity with A. ceylanicum, Trichuris trichiura, and Trichuris vulpis deposited in GenBank.
Topics: Ancylostoma; Animals; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dogs; Feces; Helminths; Myanmar; Trichuris
PubMed: 34417864
DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07290-w -
Veterinary Journal (London, England :... May 2016Dogs used for dogfighting often receive minimal preventive health care, and the potential for spread of infectious diseases is high. The purpose of this study was to...
Dogs used for dogfighting often receive minimal preventive health care, and the potential for spread of infectious diseases is high. The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence of infectious diseases in dogs rescued from fighting operations to guide medical protocols for their immediate and long-term care. A total of 269 pit bull-type dogs were seized in a multi-state investigation. Fleas were present on most dogs, but few ticks were observed. Testing performed at intake included packed cell volume (PCV), serology and PCR for vector-borne pathogens, and fecal analysis. The most common infections were Babesia gibsoni (39%), 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum' (32%), Mycoplasma haemocanis (30%), Dirofilaria immitis (12%), and Ancylostoma (23%). Anemia was associated with B. gibsoni infection (63% of infected dogs, odds ratio = 2.5, P <0.001), but not with hemotropic mycoplasmas or Ancylostoma. Pit bull heritage and dogfighting are known risk factors for B. gibsoni infection, possibly via blood transmission from bites and vertical transmission. Hemotropic mycoplasmas have a similar risk pattern. Empirical care for dogs from dogfighting cases should include broad-spectrum internal and external parasiticides and monitoring for anemia. Dogfighting case responders should be prepared for mass screening and treatment of B. gibsoni and heartworm infections and should implement protocols to prevent transmission of infectious and zoonotic diseases in the shelter and following adoption. Former fighting dogs and dogs with possible dog bite scars should not be used as blood donors due to the risk of vector-borne pathogens that can escape detection and for which curative treatment is difficult to document.
Topics: Animals; Communicable Diseases; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Feces; Female; Hematocrit; Male; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Prevalence; Serologic Tests; Southeastern United States; Species Specificity; Texas
PubMed: 27056107
DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2016.02.012 -
Tropical Parasitology 2023The complex life cycle of geohelminth parasites make it difficult to manage repeated infections that occur in endemic areas, that requires the development of new...
BACKGROUND
The complex life cycle of geohelminth parasites make it difficult to manage repeated infections that occur in endemic areas, that requires the development of new therapeutic strategies. Human hookworm . and . are a serious problem in many areas of the world where the old age anti-helminthics are ineffective. To address this, we have tried a non-traditional therapeutic approach for a sustainable solution to manage parasite infections.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
In this study, we attempted to develop a new type of therapy using value-added probiotics-producing antiparasitic RNA interference (RNAi) molecules against a vital hookworm ( sp.) enzyme, astacin-like metalloprotease -MTP-1. A new gut delivery RNAi vector was designed to produce double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) against the target to be delivered by feeding with a probiotic lactis that when administered in endemic areas can potentially be used to control the spread of infection by interrupting the life cycle of hookworm.
RESULTS
The engineered probiotics colonizing the gut, when consumed by the parasite released the dsRNA that which knocked down the target by RNAi interfering with their moulting and tissue migration. The initial penetration of the larvae into the gut lining was reduced by 70%, followed by a reduction of up to 50% in migration to the critical organs. The damage caused to the liver (30%-40%) and the kidneys (50%-60%) by the hookworm in mouse models as quantitated by enzymes released in the blood was totally reversed when the worms were pre fed with the engineered L. lactis before the parasite challenge.
CONCLUSIONS
We believe that this is the first demonstrated knockdown of a target gene in hookworms using probiotics genetically engineered to stimulate RNAi (RNAi food), administered through the oral route. This novel method of parasite control when extended to other hookworms, and can augment the efficacy of the existing anthelminthics if combined with them.
PubMed: 37860612
DOI: 10.4103/tp.tp_74_22