-
Parasites & Vectors Jun 2024Digital imaging combined with deep-learning-based computational image analysis is a growing area in medical diagnostics, including parasitology, where a number of...
BACKGROUND
Digital imaging combined with deep-learning-based computational image analysis is a growing area in medical diagnostics, including parasitology, where a number of automated analytical devices have been developed and are available for use in clinical practice.
METHODS
The performance of Parasight All-in-One (AIO), a second-generation device, was evaluated by comparing it to a well-accepted research method (mini-FLOTAC) and to another commercially available test (Imagyst). Fifty-nine canine and feline infected fecal specimens were quantitatively analyzed by all three methods. Since some samples were positive for more than one parasite, the dataset consisted of 48 specimens positive for Ancylostoma spp., 13 for Toxocara spp. and 23 for Trichuris spp.
RESULTS
The magnitude of Parasight AIO counts correlated well with those of mini-FLOTAC but not with those of Imagyst. Parasight AIO counted approximately 3.5-fold more ova of Ancylostoma spp. and Trichuris spp. and 4.6-fold more ova of Toxocara spp. than the mini-FLOTAC, and counted 27.9-, 17.1- and 10.2-fold more of these same ova than Imagyst, respectively. These differences translated into differences between the test sensitivities at low egg count levels (< 50 eggs/g), with Parasight AIO > mini-FLOTAC > Imagyst. At higher egg counts Parasight AIO and mini-FLOTAC performed with comparable precision (which was significantly higher that than Imagyst), whereas at lower counts (> 30 eggs/g) Parasight was more precise than both mini-FLOTAC and Imagyst, while the latter two methods did not significantly differ from each other.
CONCLUSIONS
In general, Parasight AIO analyses were both more precise and sensitive than mini-FLOTAC and Imagyst and quantitatively correlated well with mini-FLOTAC. While Parasight AIO produced lower raw counts in eggs-per-gram than mini-FLOTAC, these could be corrected using the data generated from these correlations.
Topics: Animals; Cats; Dogs; Feces; Dog Diseases; Parasite Egg Count; Cat Diseases; Toxocara; Ancylostoma; Trichuris; Helminths; Helminthiasis, Animal; Ovum
PubMed: 38937854
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06351-0 -
Experimental Parasitology Oct 2023Hookworm infection is a major public health problem in many regions of the world. Given the high levels of host morbidity and even mortality of the host caused by these...
Molecular variability of the Ancylostoma secreted Protein-2 (Aca-asp-2) gene from Ancylostoma caninum contributes to expand information on population genetic studies of hookworms.
Hookworm infection is a major public health problem in many regions of the world. Given the high levels of host morbidity and even mortality of the host caused by these infections, it is crucial to understand the genetic structure of hookworm populations. This understanding can provide insights into the ecology, transmission patterns, mechanisms of drug resistance, and the development of vaccines and immunotherapeutic strategies. Previously, we examined presumably neutral molecular markers, such as microsatellites and COI (Cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1) in Brazilian populations of Ancylostoma caninum. Here we analyze the molecular variability of a genomic fragment of the Aca-asp-2 (Ancylostoma secreted protein-2) gene from Ancylostoma caninum. This gene is a highly expressed and activated following the infection of the L3 larvae in the host. We obtained individuals of A. caninum from five different geographic locations in Brazil, sequenced and analyzed parts of the gene. The results revealed extensive polymorphism at this fragment, especially in the intronic region, indicating low selective pressure acting on these sequences. However, we also observed irregular distributions of nucleotides and polymorphisms in the coding region of this gene, resulting in the identification of 27 alleles. The data presented here contribute to expanding the understanding of population genetic studies of hookworms.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Ancylostoma; Ancylostomatoidea; Base Sequence; Polymorphism, Genetic; Genetics, Population
PubMed: 37544398
DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2023.108590 -
American Journal of Veterinary Research Sep 2023To describe dogs with detected Ancylostoma caninum anthelmintic treatment resistance markers in Canada.
OBJECTIVE
To describe dogs with detected Ancylostoma caninum anthelmintic treatment resistance markers in Canada.
ANIMALS
11 client-owned dogs with fecal quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay detected A caninum with benzimidazole (BZ) resistance genotypic markers.
METHODS
Signalment, presenting concern, duration of clinical signs, fecal testing, treatment, and outcomes were obtained. Where available, follow-up data were collected via telephone or email with the primary veterinarian.
RESULTS
Ancylostoma spp was detected from 184/32,205 dog fecal samples by reference laboratory qPCR surveillance, between May 15, 2022, and April 26, 2023. 11 of these 184 samples had A caninum with genetic BZ F167Y resistance marker detection. 4 dogs had not traveled outside Canada, 6 had been imported from the US, and the travel history was unclear in 1 dog. 7 of the dogs had gastro-intestinal signs (diarrhea or soft stool) on initial presentation. Clinical improvement was reported in 6 of these dogs (resolution of diarrhea and soft stool), with 1 dog lost to follow-up. All 11 dogs received anthelmintic treatment (varied drugs and duration).
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Identification of genetic markers of BZ resistance raises concerns about the potential animal and human impacts of resistant hookworms. 4 dogs lacked an origin from or travel history to the US, indicating true emergence and/or novel spread within Canada, not just importation from an area where resistance has been reported. Fecal surveillance was performed with a qPCR test incorporating treatment (BZ) resistance markers. There is a need to raise clinician awareness around treatment-resistant hookworm in dogs and the capability of fecal surveillance for genotypic and phenotypic resistance.
PubMed: 37442544
DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.23.05.0116 -
Parasites & Vectors Mar 2024Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) infect more than a quarter of the world's human population. In the absence of vaccines for most animal and human gastrointestinal...
Phytochemical analysis and anthelmintic activity of Combretum mucronatum leaf extract against infective larvae of soil-transmitted helminths including ruminant gastrointestinal nematodes.
BACKGROUND
Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) infect more than a quarter of the world's human population. In the absence of vaccines for most animal and human gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN), treatment of infections primarily relies on anthelmintic drugs, while resistance is a growing threat. Therefore, there is a need to find alternatives to current anthelmintic drugs, especially those with novel modes of action. The present work aimed to study the composition and anthelmintic activity of Combretum mucronatum leaf extract (CMLE) by phytochemical analysis and larval migration inhibition assays, respectively.
METHODS
Combretum mucronatum leaves were defatted with petroleum ether and the residue was extracted by ethanol/water (1/1) followed by freeze-drying. The proanthocyanidins and flavonoids were characterized by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UPLC). To evaluate the inhibitory activity of this extract, larval migration assays with STH and GIN were performed. For this purpose, infective larvae of the helminths were, if necessary, exsheathed (Ancylostoma caninum, GIN) and incubated with different concentrations of CMLE.
RESULTS
CMLE was found to be rich in flavonoids and proanthocyanidins; catechin and epicatechin were therefore quantified for standardization of the extract. Data indicate that CMLE had a significant effect on larval migration. The effect was dose-dependent and higher concentrations (1000 µg/mL) exerted significantly higher larvicidal effect (P < 0.001) compared with the negative control (1% dimethyl sulfoxide, DMSO) and lower concentrations (≤ 100 µg/ml). Infective larvae of Ascaris suum [half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC) = 5.5 µg/mL], Trichuris suis (IC = 7.4 µg/mL), and A. caninum (IC = 18.9 µg/mL) were more sensitive to CMLE than that of Toxocara canis (IC = 310.0 µg/mL), while infective larvae of Toxocara cati were largely unaffected (IC > 1000 µg/mL). Likewise, CMLE was active against most infective larvae of soil-transmitted ruminant GIN, except for Cooperia punctata. Trichostrongylus colubriformis was most sensitive to CMLE (IC = 2.1 µg/mL) followed by Cooperia oncophora (IC = 27.6 µg/mL), Ostertagia ostertagi (IC = 48.5 µg/mL), Trichostrongylus axei (IC = 54.7 µg/mL), Haemonchus contortus (IC = 145.6 µg/mL), and Cooperia curticei (IC = 156.6 µg/mL).
CONCLUSIONS
These results indicate that CMLE exhibits promising anthelmintic properties against infective larvae of a large variety of soil-transmitted nematodes.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Combretum; Proanthocyanidins; Larva; Plant Extracts; Nematoda; Anthelmintics; Helminths; Ruminants; Flavonoids; Trichostrongyloidea; Phytochemicals
PubMed: 38429804
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06194-9 -
Revista Brasileira de Parasitologia... 2024Ancylostoma spp. are found worldwide. Infected dog and cat feces can contaminate soil in public places. Despite prophylactic measures being available, studies on direct...
Ancylostoma spp. are found worldwide. Infected dog and cat feces can contaminate soil in public places. Despite prophylactic measures being available, studies on direct remediation of Ancylostoma-contaminated soils are scarce. This study aimed to determine the impact of heat treatment and liming on the viability of Ancylostoma spp. eggs in artificially contaminated sandy soil. Sterilized sand samples were contaminated with Ancylostoma spp. eggs extracted from infected dogs' feces. Samples were heated (trial I) to 70 °C or 80 °C, then sieved after 24 hours (212, 90, 38, and 25 µm). Larval cultures were assessed for larval development following heat treatment. Five quicklime concentrations (trial II; 50, 30, 20, 10 and 5%) were used to treat sand. The effect of liming on larval cultures was assessed by measuring embryonic development. Filariform larvae were exposed to 20% quicklime (25 °C and 37 °C, 20 min). Heat treatment destroys Ancylostoma spp. eggs and prevents in vitro larval development. Liming at 50, 30, and 20% concentrations made embryonic development impossible. However, filariform larvae treated with 20% lime solution retained their motility. Heating at 70 °C and liming at 20% were sufficient to make Ancylostoma spp. egg embryogenesis impossible in experimentally contaminated sand samples.
Topics: Animals; Ancylostoma; Ovum; Hot Temperature; Sand; Calcium Compounds; Heating; Oxides
PubMed: 38896755
DOI: 10.1590/S1984-29612024032 -
The American Journal of Tropical... Jun 2024Soil-transmitted helminthiasis remains a notable health problem in developing countries. In 1990 in Shanghai, a city in eastern China, 47% of the population was...
Soil-transmitted helminthiasis remains a notable health problem in developing countries. In 1990 in Shanghai, a city in eastern China, 47% of the population was affected. Due to a series of comprehensive approaches, the prevalence decreased to 0.5% in 2009. We collected 10-year surveillance data to assess the epidemic situation of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections in Shanghai. Stool samples and questionnaires from participants were collected. The Kato-Katz technique was used to detect infections with Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm (Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus), and Trichuris trichiura. From 2014 to 2023, a total of 77,685 participants were screened for parasitic infections, and the overall prevalence of STH infections decreased from 0.1% to 0% in Shanghai. Of 77,685 participants, 25 (0.03%) were positive for intestinal helminths, with the most common parasite being A. lumbricoides (72.0%). Generally, elderly participants from rural areas with lower education levels were more likely to be infected with STHs. A total of 2,914 questionnaires were collected, and most respondents (72.6%) had good knowledge about the transmission routes of STHs. However, 12.3% of participants did not know the damage to health caused by STHs, and 19.3% had no idea of how to prevent infection. These data demonstrate the current state of STH infections in Shanghai. The results suggest that various comprehensive measures should be encouraged, continuously implemented, and strengthened accordingly so that STH elimination can be integrated into the Healthy China initiative by 2030.
Topics: Humans; China; Helminthiasis; Adult; Soil; Middle Aged; Male; Female; Adolescent; Child; Young Adult; Aged; Animals; Prevalence; Ascaris lumbricoides; Child, Preschool; Feces; Ascariasis; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Trichuriasis; Surveys and Questionnaires; Hookworm Infections; Infant; Trichuris
PubMed: 38697072
DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0910 -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2023
PubMed: 38094501
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1297962 -
Zoonoses and Public Health Apr 2024Protozoan and helminth parasitic infections pose significant public health challenges, especially in developing countries with rural populations marked by suboptimal...
AIMS
Protozoan and helminth parasitic infections pose significant public health challenges, especially in developing countries with rural populations marked by suboptimal hygiene practices and socio-economic constraints. The parasites are the etiological agents of these infections and have a notably elevated global prevalence. Therefore, this study focuses on estimating the frequency and transmission dynamics of several parasitic species, including Blastocystis, Giardia, Cryptosporidium spp., Entamoeba histolytica, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, Taenia spp. and hookworms, within a rural community in southwest Colombia with a particular emphasis on the One Health framework, considering environmental and zoonotic transmission potentials.
METHODS AND RESULTS
This study involved the analysis of 125 samples, encompassing human participants (n = 99), their domestic pets (dogs) (n = 24) and water sources (n = 2). Parasite detection was carried out utilizing a combination of microscopy and molecular techniques. Furthermore, the characterization of Blastocystis subtypes (STs) was achieved through Oxford Nanopore sequencing of the rRNA-18S gene. The investigation also entailed the examination of potential associations between intestinal parasitism and various sociodemographic factors. Results revealed a high frequency of parasitic infections when employing molecular methods, with Blastocystis (n = 109/87%), Giardia (n = 20/16%), Ancylostoma duodenale (n = 28/22%), Ancylostoma ceylanicum (n = 7/5.6%), E. histolytica (n = 6/4.8%), Cryptosporidium spp. (n = 12/9.6%) and even Taenia (n = 1/0.8%) detected. Cryptosporidium spp. was also identified in water samples. Coinfections were prevalent, with 57% (n = 70) of samples exhibiting single-parasite infections and 43% (n = 53) showing various degrees of polyparasitism, emphasizing the complexity of transmission dynamics. Blastocystis subtyping, conducted via Oxford Nanopore sequencing, revealed a diversity of subtypes and coexistence patterns, with ST2 being the most prevalent.
CONCLUSIONS
This research underscores the importance of using molecular techniques for frequency estimation, particularly emphasizing the relevance of zoonotic transmission in parasitic infections. It highlights the significance of the One Health approach in comprehending the circulation of parasites among animals, humans and environmental sources, thereby directly impacting public health and epidemiological surveillance.
PubMed: 38688683
DOI: 10.1111/zph.13138 -
Zoonoses and Public Health May 2024This study aimed to characterize feline hookworms from stray cats living in Bangkok.
AIMS
This study aimed to characterize feline hookworms from stray cats living in Bangkok.
METHODS AND RESULTS
A total of 56 hookworm-positive faecal samples were identified for hookworm species by using PCR targeting the ITS1, 5.8S, and ITS2 fragment and qPCR targeting ITS2. Of 56 samples, 96.4% (54/56) were identified as Ancylostoma ceylanicum and 1.8% (1/56) as Ancylostoma caninum. With qPCR, 89.3% (50/56) were identified as single A. ceylanicum infection and 5.4% (3/56) as coinfection of A. ceylanicum and A. caninum. For genetic characterization of A. ceylanicum, 10 samples were pooled, and the partial COI gene was amplified, followed by deep amplicon sequencing. Five pooled samples were analysed, and 99.73% were identified with A. ceylanicum sequences, which were allocated into 19 haplotypes (AC01-AC19). Genetic diversity findings for A. ceylanicum in Asia revealed that three of eight haplotypes considered of zoonotic significance occurred in humans, dogs, and cats, including haplotypes H01, H20, and H21. The predominant haplotype in this study, AC01, was clustered with H01-a zoonotic haplotype.
CONCLUSIONS
The diversity obtained by deep amplicon sequencing supported that the A. ceylanicum community had high genetic variation. Deep amplicon sequencing was a useful method to determine source, zoonotic potential, and host-parasite relationship.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Cats; Dogs; Ancylostoma; Zoonoses; Thailand; Ancylostomatoidea; Feces; Genetic Variation; Dog Diseases; Cat Diseases
PubMed: 38053474
DOI: 10.1111/zph.13102 -
Acta Parasitologica Mar 2024Hookworms are blood-feeding nematodes that infect millions of people and animals worldwide. The most common species infecting dogs in Europe are representatives of the...
BACKGROUND
Hookworms are blood-feeding nematodes that infect millions of people and animals worldwide. The most common species infecting dogs in Europe are representatives of the family Ancylostomatidae, which differ in invasiology, biology and morphological features. However, the differentiation of invasions of species such as Uncinaria stenocephala and Ancylostoma caninum based on a coproscopic examination is problematic. For this reason, it is recommended to use molecular diagnostics for this purpose. The authors of the article investigated the prevalence of U. stenocephala in dogs kept in various living conditions in Slovakia and developed a two-step morphology-molecular analysis-based strategy to identify the genus and the species of eggs and larvae of the Ancylostomatidae family in dogs.
CONCLUSIONS
In our opinion, this work is very much needed as it shows how to effectively diagnose hookworm infestations. However, we do not agree with the information in the title of the article because such studies have already been carried out in Central Europe by other authors.
Topics: Animals; Dogs; Dog Diseases; Hookworm Infections; Ancylostomatoidea; Slovakia; Prevalence; Larva; DNA, Helminth; Feces
PubMed: 37991680
DOI: 10.1007/s11686-023-00737-3