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Turkiye Parazitolojii Dergisi Jun 2019Intestinal infections are common in the elderly, presented with atypical symptoms and may be the cause of mortality with a more severe clinical manifestation. The...
OBJECTIVE
Intestinal infections are common in the elderly, presented with atypical symptoms and may be the cause of mortality with a more severe clinical manifestation. The weakening of cellular and humoral immunity by aging affects the intestinal flora and increases the risk of infection in the presence of chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of possible parasitic agents in the intestinal system of ≥65-year-old nursing home residents through fecal examination, and to determine the demographic features (age and gender) of this elderly group.
METHODS
A total of 82 stool samples were examined (100x, 40x) with saline and iodine preparations, formol-ethyl acetate concentration process, trichrome and modified Erlich Ziehl Neelsen stained preparations.
RESULTS
One or more parasitological agents were detected in 17 (20.7%) of the 82 stool samples examined. The most common agent was spp. (13.4%), followed by spp. (2.4%) and (2.4%).
CONCLUSION
In this study, it was determined that attention should be given to elderly population with regard to intestinal parasitic infections. Because of changes in the immune system, more opportunistic factors could be detected. More frequent screening in public areas such as nursing homes is important for preventing infections.
Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Animals; Blastocystis Infections; Cryptosporidiosis; Dientamoebiasis; Entamoebiasis; Feces; Female; Giardia lamblia; Giardiasis; Humans; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Male; Middle Aged; Nursing Homes; Prevalence
PubMed: 31204459
DOI: 10.4274/tpd.galenos.2019.6321 -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2023Non-human primates (NHPs) living in captive conditions are susceptible to intestinal parasites that can contribute to mortality and morbidity, and cause zoonotic...
Non-human primates (NHPs) living in captive conditions are susceptible to intestinal parasites that can contribute to mortality and morbidity, and cause zoonotic infections. Thus, parasite surveys on NHP populations under human care are relevant as part of the evaluation of NHPs welfare and in the zoonotic disease risk assessment, as well as in the exploration of parasite transmission pathways, according to the One-Health concept. This study aimed to identify intestinal parasites infecting NHPs living in two wildlife recovery centers and in a zoological garden, in Italy. Ninety-three fecal samples from and were collected at Piano dell'Abatino Park (Lazio), and fecal smears and flotation were performed in order to identify parasites according to morphological keys. Additionally, one carcass of from the Bioparco Zoological Garden of Rome (Lazio) and one of from the Center for the Recovery of Exotic and Maremma Wild Animals (Tuscany) were necropsied and intestinal adult nematodes were collected and characterized at morphological and molecular level, using the mitochondrial cox1 and rrnL markers. Protozoans (-like, sp.), chromists ( sp.) and nematodes ( sp., sp., strongyliform larvae and sp.) were found through fecal smears and flotation. The collected adult nematodes from dead NHPs were morphologically identified as whipworms (genus ). Phylogenetic analyses grouped specimens into the complex of species, with specimens from clustering into a host-specific branch, and whipworms from clustering within a clade formed by infecting several primate species, including humans. The results here collected revealed the presence of potentially zoonotic parasites circulating in captive primates in Italy, providing useful information for the formulation of management and care plans for captive NHPs, and for the elaboration of safety measures for visitors and animal keepers.
PubMed: 38264469
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1270202 -
Turkiye Parazitolojii Dergisi May 2022Parasitic infections emerge as a significant health problem, especially in underdeveloped and developing countries. Epidemiological data play an important role in taking...
OBJECTIVE
Parasitic infections emerge as a significant health problem, especially in underdeveloped and developing countries. Epidemiological data play an important role in taking effective measures against parasitic diseases.
METHODS
Clinical samples (stool, blood, bone marrow and tissue samples, etc.) that were sent to Hacettepe University Hospitals Parasitology Laboratory between 2014 and 2019 were analyzed retrospectively.
RESULTS
The positivity rates of the parasites detected in this study are as follows; sp. (71.6%), (13.3%), (4.7%), spp. (1.9%), (1.8%) and spp. (0.3%). In this study, four of the patients were found to be positive for spp. and two patients for and four patients for spp. cysts and/or trophozoites examined by Trichrome staining in our study were not detected within six years.
CONCLUSION
According to this data and in the light of the results obtained from different regions of our country, it will be possible to properly direct the necessary strategies for the diagnosis, treatment of parasitic infections and the implementation of preventive measures.
Topics: Animals; Dientamoeba; Faculty; Feces; Giardia lamblia; Humans; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Prevalence; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 35604188
DOI: 10.4274/tpd.galenos.2022.84429 -
Parasite Epidemiology and Control May 2022Comprehensive detection and differentiation of intestinal protists mostly rely on DNA-based methods. Here, we evaluated next-generation sequencing of eukaryotic nuclear...
Comprehensive detection and differentiation of intestinal protists mostly rely on DNA-based methods. Here, we evaluated next-generation sequencing of eukaryotic nuclear ribosomal genes (metabarcoding) for the detection and differentiation of intestinal eukaryotic protists in the stool of healthy Tunisian individuals. Thirty-six faecal DNA samples previously evaluated by microscopy and ameboid species-specific PCRs were tested. The hypervariable regions V3-V4 and V3-V5 of the 18S rRNA gene were amplified using three universal eukaryotic primer sets and sequenced using Illumina®MiSeq sequencing. In addition, real-time PCR assays were used to detect , , and spp. The metabarcoding assay detected (subtypes 1, 2, and 3) and archamoebid species and subtypes (, , RL1 and RL2, , RL1) in 27 (75%) and 22 (61%) of the 36 stool samples, respectively. Meanwhile, the assay had limited sensitivity for flagellates as evidenced by the fact that no -specific reads were found in any of the five -positive samples included, and -specific reads were observed only in 3/13 -positive samples. None of the samples were positive for by any of the methods. In conclusion, a large variety of intestinal eukaryotic protists were detected and differentiated at species and subtype level; however, limited sensitivity for common flagellates was observed.
PubMed: 35146142
DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2022.e00242 -
Gut Pathogens 2020Intestinal parasitic diseases occur worldwide, and their diagnosis poses considerable challenges. spp., (and, arguably, and spp.) are among the most important and...
BACKGROUND
Intestinal parasitic diseases occur worldwide, and their diagnosis poses considerable challenges. spp., (and, arguably, and spp.) are among the most important and common parasitic protozoans causing diarrhea. Several multiplex real-time PCR assays have been developed for the synchronous detection of these parasites. However, most assays include the use of hydrolysis probes, increasing the cost of stool examination. In this study, we designed and evaluated a real-time PCR protocol, based on high-resolution melting (HRM) curve analysis, to simultaneously detect and differentiate five gastrointestinal parasites.
RESULTS
Using a blinded panel of 143 clinical samples with laboratory diagnostic data to evaluate the method, we obtained a 95.8% concordance with conventional methods. Moreover, 4.2% of the samples were positive for and 2.8% additional infections were found with our multiplex assay. Our method is sensitive and specific for the selected parasites with the additional possibility of being run in single-plex as a backup control for mixed infections.
CONCLUSIONS
The assay is a convenient and cost-effective method that could contribute to a quicker and accurate diagnosis as well as to more targeted therapies of parasite-derived diarrhea. Finally, this new multiplex PCR assay could also be instrumental in epidemiology studies on these parasites.
PubMed: 32514315
DOI: 10.1186/s13099-020-00365-6 -
Microbial Pathogenesis Dec 2023The prevalence of Blastocystis sp., its genetic diversity and the distribution of circulating subtypes (STs) were molecularly investigated in a cohort of autochthonous...
The prevalence of Blastocystis sp., its genetic diversity and the distribution of circulating subtypes (STs) were molecularly investigated in a cohort of autochthonous and immigrant patients with gastrointestinal symptoms hospitalized over the period February 2022-June 2023 at the Policlinico Ospedaliero-Universitario "Riuniti", Foggia, in Southern Italy. The population variables, including patient geographical origin, gender and age classes were reported. Out of the 927 investigated patients, 36 (3.9%) were positive for Blastocystis sp. A statistically significant association with African origin and age classes >18 years old was found. ST1 (allele 4), ST2 (alleles 9, 13), ST3 (alleles 34, 36) and ST4 (allele 92) were the subtypes detected with a different distribution between autochthonous and immigrant patients. Co-infections with enteric protozoa such as Giardia duodenalis and Dientamoeba fragilis, pathogenic bacteria as Clostridioides difficile, Campylobacter jejuni and Aeromonas sp. and viral infections such as Norovirus were found in 33% of cases. This is the first study of Blastocystis sp., its circulating subtypes and allele variability among patients with different geographical origin in an area of Southern Italy, in the Central Mediterranean, characterized by high immigrant pressure. These results provide baseline data to better investigate a potential interaction between Blastocystis sp. and other risk factors in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms.
Topics: Humans; Adolescent; Blastocystis; Blastocystis Infections; Prevalence; Genetic Variation; Italy; Emigrants and Immigrants; Feces; Phylogeny
PubMed: 37839760
DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106377 -
New Microbes and New Infections Sep 2023(), the most common intestinal protozoal pathogen in affluent countries, causes asymptomatic or symptomatic infections with severity ranging from mild to disabling....
BACKGROUND
(), the most common intestinal protozoal pathogen in affluent countries, causes asymptomatic or symptomatic infections with severity ranging from mild to disabling. Currently, many studies of treatment options only have small sample sizes and report results that are partly contradictory.
METHODS
Investigating data retrieved from Helsinki University Hospital and Helsinki City patient records, we searched for the most effective antiprotozoal in treating infections. To study microbiological clearance of , we collected laboratory results of control samples from patients given one of four commonly used antiprotozoals: doxycycline, metronidazole, paromomycin, or secnidazole. For patients symptomatic prior to antiprotozoal treatment, we also retrieved data on clinical outcomes. Furthermore, we explored factors associated with faecal clearance and clinical cure.
RESULTS
A total of 369 patients (median age 38) and 492 treatment episodes were included. Paromomycin (n = 297) proved effective (clearance rate 83%), showing strong association with faecal clearance (aOR 18.08 [7.24-45.16], p < 0.001). For metronidazole the rate was 42% (n = 84), for secnidazole 37% (n = 79), and doxycycline 22% (n = 32). In pairwise comparisons, paromomycin outdid the three other regimens (p < 0.001, test). Faecal clearance was associated with clinical cure (aOR 5.85 [3.02-11.32], p < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
Faecal clearance, strongly associated with clinical cure, is most effectively achieved with a course of paromomycin, followed by metronidazole, secnidazole and doxycycline. Our findings will be useful in devising treatment guidelines for adults with symptomatic infection.
PubMed: 37786407
DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2023.101179 -
World Journal of Gastroenterology Jul 2020() and () are two protozoan parasites of human bowel that are found throughout the world. There is still debate about the pathogenicity of these protozoans, despite...
BACKGROUND
() and () are two protozoan parasites of human bowel that are found throughout the world. There is still debate about the pathogenicity of these protozoans, despite them being commonly associated with gastrointestinal symptoms and can cause health issue in both children and adults. These parasites are usually transmitted through faecal-oral contact particularly under poor hygiene conditions or food/water contamination. Once a person is infected, the parasites live in the large intestine and are passed in the faeces.
AIM
To investigate the effect of triple antibiotic therapy using enema infusion in the treatment of and infections.
METHODS
This retrospective longitudinal study was conducted in a single medical centre, which included fifty-four patients (≥ 18 years) who were positive for , or both between 2017 and 2018. The treatment consisted of triple antibiotics that were infused over two consecutive days through rectal enema. Faecal samples were collected from participants pre- and post-treatment and were tested for parasites using microscopy and polymerase chain reaction. Patients' symptoms were recorded prior and after the treatment as well as patient demographic data.
RESULTS
Patients ( = 54), were either positive for (37%), (35%) or both (28%). All patients completed the two-day treatment and no serious adverse effect was reported. The most common side effect experienced by the patients during the treatment was urine discolouration which was cleared by six weeks of follow-up. Common symptoms reported prior to treatment were diarrhoea, abdominal pain, constipation and fatigue. Other symptoms included abdominal discomfort, dizziness and blood in the stool. Eighty-nine percent of patients completed a final stool test post-treatment. At six weeks post-treatment, 79% of patients cleared the parasites from their faeces. Symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, dizziness and blood in the stool decreased significantly at both seven days and six weeks post-treatment ( < 0.040). The enema retention time, bowel preparation, previous antibiotic treatment or previous gastrointestinal problems had no significant effect on parasite eradication.
CONCLUSION
Overall, eradication of parasites and improvement of clinical outcomes were observed in treated patients, showing the efficacy of this combination to eradicate the parasites and provide positive clinical outcome.
Topics: Adult; Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Child; Enema; Feces; Female; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Parasites; Parasitic Diseases; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 32774058
DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i26.3792 -
Microorganisms Oct 2023Indigenous people live in remote areas of Colombia. Multiple infections with bacteria, protozoa and/or helminths are common, as well as colonization in various forms....
Indigenous people live in remote areas of Colombia. Multiple infections with bacteria, protozoa and/or helminths are common, as well as colonization in various forms. This study focused on the question of whether and to what extent various pathogens interact with each other. Therefore, a mathematical approach was retrospectively applied to PCR-based data of 244 stool samples, collected in two datasets. A stable cluster solution of the pathogens assessed was determined, and a unique configuration between / spp./ forming cluster 1 and was verified. A pathogen density-dependent interplay appeared between the / spp./ cluster, and . The applied mathematical approach demonstrated that co-infections with parasites of questionable pathological relevance such as and can be of diagnostic relevance due to their ability to promote or repress other pathogens. With the increasing availability of highly sensitive multiplexed molecular diagnostic approaches even in resource-limited settings, where multiple colonization of infection events with enteric pathogens in parallel are common, the importance of interpreting whole pathogen patterns rather than just individual pathogen detection may become more and more relevant.
PubMed: 38004654
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11112642 -
PloS One 2018Intestinal parasitic infections are a major public health problem in inter-tropical areas. The aim of our study was to describe the situation in Mahajanga, Madagascar...
INTRODUCTION
Intestinal parasitic infections are a major public health problem in inter-tropical areas. The aim of our study was to describe the situation in Mahajanga, Madagascar with a particular focus on two protozoa, Dientamoeba fragilis and Blastocystis sp.
METHODS
This was a prospective study from February to June 2015. Stool samples from symptomatic hospitalized patients and asymptomatic volunteers were submitted to microscopy and molecular assays in order to detect parasites.
RESULTS
A wide panel of intestinal parasites were identified among the 265 included subjects, protozoa being the most prevalent with 72.8% whereas the prevalence of helminths and microsporidia was of 7.9% and 4.5%, respectively. Blastocystis sp. was the most prevalent protozoa (64.5% of the entire cohort) followed by various amoebas (35.5%) and flagellates (27,5%). We only detected subtypes 1, 2 and 3 of Blastocystis sp. Among the patients positive for D. fragilis (9.4%), 23 carried genotype 1 and 1 genotype 2. For the first time, we detected in 4 human stools the DNA of a recently described protozoon, Simplicimonas similis. Interestingly, subjects living in urban areas harbored significantly more different parasitic species than subjects living in rural areas with a correlation between sanitary level of neighborhood and protozoan infection. However, there was no difference in prevalence of digestive symptoms between parasite-free and parasite-infected subjects, except for Giardia intestinalis which had more symptomatic carriers.
DISCUSSION
Our study reveals a high overall parasite prevalence, similar to what had been found in 2003 in the same city and to other prevalence studies conducted in Africa. The poor access of the population to sanitary infrastructures may explain this result. Data from our study provide valuable key for sanitation programs and prevention of fecal-related infectious diseases.
Topics: Adult; Blastocystis; Cities; Dientamoeba; Female; Geography, Medical; Humans; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Madagascar; Male; Phylogeny; Prevalence; Prospective Studies; Protozoan Infections; Rural Population; Sanitation; Urban Population
PubMed: 30304028
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0204576