-
International Journal of Health... Nov 2023African trypanosomiasis is a tsetse-borne parasitic infection that affects humans, wildlife, and domesticated animals. Tsetse flies are endemic to much of Sub-Saharan...
BACKGROUND
African trypanosomiasis is a tsetse-borne parasitic infection that affects humans, wildlife, and domesticated animals. Tsetse flies are endemic to much of Sub-Saharan Africa and a spatial and temporal understanding of tsetse habitat can aid surveillance and support disease risk management. Problematically, current fine spatial resolution remote sensing data are delivered with a temporal lag and are relatively coarse temporal resolution (e.g., 16 days), which results in disease control models often targeting incorrect places. The goal of this study was to devise a heuristic for identifying tsetse habitat (at a fine spatial resolution) into the future and in the temporal gaps where remote sensing and proximal data fail to supply information.
METHODS
This paper introduces a generalizable and scalable open-access version of the tsetse ecological distribution (TED) model used to predict tsetse distributions across space and time, and contributes a geospatial Bayesian Maximum Entropy (BME) prediction model trained by TED output data to forecast where, herein the Morsitans group of tsetse, persist in Kenya, a method that mitigates the temporal lag problem. This model facilitates identification of tsetse habitat and provides critical information to control tsetse, mitigate the impact of trypanosomiasis on vulnerable human and animal populations, and guide disease minimization in places with ephemeral tsetse. Moreover, this BME analysis is one of the first to utilize cluster and parallel computing along with a Monte Carlo analysis to optimize BME computations. This allows for the analysis of an exceptionally large dataset (over 2 billion data points) at a finer resolution and larger spatiotemporal scale than what had previously been possible.
RESULTS
Under the most conservative assessment for Kenya, the BME kriging analysis showed an overall prediction accuracy of 74.8% (limited to the maximum suitability extent). In predicting tsetse distribution outcomes for the entire country the BME kriging analysis was 97% accurate in its forecasts.
CONCLUSIONS
This work offers a solution to the persistent temporal data gap in accurate and spatially precise rainfall predictions and the delayed processing of remotely sensed data collectively in the - 45 days past to + 180 days future temporal window. As is shown here, the BME model is a reliable alternative for forecasting future tsetse distributions to allow preplanning for tsetse control. Furthermore, this model provides guidance on disease control that would otherwise not be available. These 'big data' BME methods are particularly useful for large domain studies. Considering that past BME studies required reduction of the spatiotemporal grid to facilitate analysis. Both the GEE-TED and the BME libraries have been made open source to enable reproducibility and offer continual updates into the future as new remotely sensed data become available.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Bayes Theorem; Entropy; Reproducibility of Results; Trypanosomiasis, African; Tsetse Flies
PubMed: 37974150
DOI: 10.1186/s12942-023-00349-0 -
PloS One 2023Chagas disease, a neglected tropical disease, is now considered a worldwide health concern as a result of migratory movements from Central and South America to other...
Chagas disease, a neglected tropical disease, is now considered a worldwide health concern as a result of migratory movements from Central and South America to other regions that were considered free of the disease, and where the epidemiological risk is limited to transplacental transmission or blood or organ donations from infected persons. Parasite detection in chronically ill patients is restricted to serological tests that only determine infection by previous infection and not the presence of the parasite, especially in patients undergoing treatment evaluation or in newborns. We have evaluated the use of nucleic acids from both circulating exovesicles and cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from 50 samples twice randomly selected from a total of 448 serum samples from immunologically diagnosed patients in whom the presence of the parasite was confirmed by nested PCR on amplicons resulting from amplification with kinetoplastid DNA-specific primers 121F-122R. Six samples were randomly selected to quantify the limit of detection by qPCR in serum exovesicles. When the nucleic acids thus purified were assayed as a template and amplified with kinetoplastid DNA and nuclear satellite DNA primers, a 100% positivity rate was obtained for all positive samples assayed with kDNA-specific primers and 96% when SAT primers were used. However, isolation of cfDNA for Trypanosoma cruzi and amplification with SAT also showed 100% positivity. The results demonstrate that serum exovesicles contain DNA of mitochondrial and nuclear origin, which can be considered a mixed population of exovesicles of parasitic origin. The results obtained with serum samples prove that both cfDNA and Exovesicle DNA can be used to confirm parasitaemia in chronically ill patients or in samples where it is necessary to demonstrate the active presence of the parasite. The results confirm for the first time the existence of exovesicles of mitochondrial origin of the parasite in the serum of those affected by Chagas disease.
Topics: Infant, Newborn; Humans; Cell-Free Nucleic Acids; DNA; Nucleic Acids; Persistent Infection; Chagas Disease; DNA Primers; Extracellular Vesicles; Neglected Diseases
PubMed: 37682970
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282814 -
Parasites & Vectors Jul 2023A close connection between a protozoan parasite and the balance of the other gut microbes of the host has been demonstrated. The calves may be naturally co-infected with...
BACKGROUND
A close connection between a protozoan parasite and the balance of the other gut microbes of the host has been demonstrated. The calves may be naturally co-infected with many parasites, and the co-effects of parasites on other intestinal microbes of calves remain unclear. This study aims to preliminarily reveal the relationship between intestinal parasites and other intestinal microbes in calves.
METHODS
Fecal samples were collected from four calves with bloody diarrhea, four calves with watery diarrhea, and seven normal calves, and the microbial flora of the samples were analyzed by whole-genome sequencing. Protozoal parasites were detected in the metagenome sequences and identified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
RESULTS
Cryptosporidium, Eimeria, Giardia, Blastocystis, and Entamoeba were detected by metagenomic analysis, and the identified species were Giardia duodenalis assemblage E, Cryptosporidium bovis, Cryptosporidium ryanae, Eimeria bovis, Eimeria subspherica, Entamoeba bovis, and Blastocystis ST2 and ST10. Metagenomic analysis showed that the intestinal microbes of calves with diarrhea were disordered, especially in calves with bloody diarrhea. Furthermore, different parasites show distinct relationships with the intestinal microecology. Cryptosporidium, Eimeria, and Giardia were negatively correlated with various intestinal bacteria but positively correlated with some fungi. However, Blastocystis and Entamoeba were positively associated with other gut microbes. Twenty-seven biomarkers not only were significantly enriched in bloody diarrhea, watery diarrhea, and normal calves but were also associated with Eimeria, Cryptosporidium, and Giardia. Only Eimeria showed a distinct relationship with seven genera of bacteria, which were significantly enriched in the healthy calves. All 18 genera of fungi were positively correlated with Cryptosporidium, Eimeria, and Giardia, which were also significantly enriched in calves with bloody diarrhea. Functional genes related to parasites and diseases were found mainly in fungi.
CONCLUSIONS
This study revealed the relationship between intestinal protozoan parasites and the other calf gut microbiome. Different intestinal protozoan parasites have diametrically opposite effects on other gut microecology, which not only affects bacteria in the gut, but also is significantly related to fungi and archaea.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Parasites; Cryptosporidiosis; Cryptosporidium; Metagenome; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Giardiasis; Giardia; Giardia lamblia; Blastocystis; Eimeria; Entamoeba; Feces; Diarrhea
PubMed: 37525231
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05877-z -
Parasites & Vectors Aug 2023Fasciolosis (Fasciola hepatica) and paramphistomosis (Calicophoron daubneyi) are two important infections of livestock. Calicophoron daubneyi is the predominant...
Comparison of Mini-FLOTAC, Flukefinder and sedimentation techniques for detection and quantification of Fasciola hepatica and Calicophoron daubneyi eggs using spiked and naturally infected bovine faecal samples.
BACKGROUND
Fasciolosis (Fasciola hepatica) and paramphistomosis (Calicophoron daubneyi) are two important infections of livestock. Calicophoron daubneyi is the predominant Paramphistomidae species in Europe, and its prevalence has increased in the last 10-15 years. In Italy, evidence suggests that the prevalence of F. hepatica in ruminants is low in the southern part, but C. daubneyi has been recently reported at high prevalence in the same area. Given the importance of reliable tools for liver and rumen fluke diagnosis in ruminants, this study evaluated the diagnostic performance of the Mini-FLOTAC (MF), Flukefinder (FF) and sedimentation (SED) techniques to detect and quantify F. hepatica and C. daubneyi eggs using spiked and naturally infected cattle faecal samples.
METHODS
Briefly, negative bovine faecal samples were artificially spiked with either F. hepatica or C. daubneyi eggs to achieve different egg count levels: 10, 50 and 100 eggs per gram (EPG) of faeces. Moreover, ten naturally infected cattle farms from southern Italy with either F. hepatica and/or C. daubneyi were selected. For each farm, the samples were analysed individually only with MF technique and as pools using MF, FF and SED techniques. Bayesian latent class analysis (LCA) was used to estimate sensitivity and accuracy of the predicted intensity of infection as well as the infection rate in the naturally infected farms.
RESULTS
The outcome of this study showed that the highest number of eggs (F. hepatica and C. daubneyi) recovered was obtained with MF, followed by FF and SED in spiked infected samples at 50 and 100 EPG, while at lower infection levels of 10 EPG, FF gave the best results. Moreover, the sensitivity for all the techniques included in the study was estimated at > 90% at infection levels > 20 EPG for both F. hepatica and C. daubneyi eggs. However, MF was the most accurate of the three techniques evaluated to estimate fluke infection intensity. Nevertheless, all three techniques can potentially estimate infection rate at farm level accurately.
CONCLUSIONS
Optimization and standardization of techniques are needed to improve the FEC of fluke eggs.
Topics: Cattle; Animals; Fasciola hepatica; Bayes Theorem; Cattle Diseases; Fascioliasis; Trematode Infections; Trematoda; Paramphistomatidae; Ruminants; Feces
PubMed: 37533114
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05890-2 -
Scientific Reports Sep 2023Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) is one of the most well-known herons in Egypt. It is called the friend of the farmer because it benefits farmers and helps them get rid of...
Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) is one of the most well-known herons in Egypt. It is called the friend of the farmer because it benefits farmers and helps them get rid of insects and worms. It acts as a reservoir for many diseases. Few researchers have discussed the significance of parasitic diseases that affect this wild bird and may lead to mortalities among the population especially the importance of vital organs such as kidneys. Therefore, this study aimed to spotlight parasitic infection-affected herons in Egypt and consider the risks to this beneficial bird. During this study, 23 Bubulcus ibis were captured after their death from Abou Rewash Giza Governorate, Egypt, during the period from February to September (2022). Renicola species (spp.) and Apharyngostrigea spp. are two important digenean parasites that were recovered from the kidneys, and small intestine of the heron Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) with an infection rate of (17.2%) and (11.8%) respectively. Histopathological techniques were used to assess tissue alterations while light microscopy and molecular assays were used to assess the parasites. The parasites' morphological and morphometrical characteristics, as well as polymerase chain reaction and sequencing assays (mitochondrial sections), were investigated for the first time in Egypt. These parasites were given in-depth illustrations and drawings. The distinctive qualities of the two species were discussed. As the first record from Egypt, the nucleotide sequences discovered in this work have been uploaded into the GenBank database (accession numbers: OR021986 and OQ955829). Microscopically, the renal blood vessels had vasculitis, necrosis, and other degenerative alterations. Further research analyzing the health of various heron spp. and environmental deterioration can help to close information gaps about the interactions between parasites, their hosts, and environmental health.
Topics: Animals; Birds; Databases, Nucleic Acid; Kidney; Phylogeny; Trematoda
PubMed: 37759085
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-43479-y -
Turkiye Parazitolojii Dergisi Dec 2023This study examines the risk of malaria, leishmaniasis, and scabies following earthquakes in southeastern Türkiye. The focus is on the impact on the local population...
This study examines the risk of malaria, leishmaniasis, and scabies following earthquakes in southeastern Türkiye. The focus is on the impact on the local population and Syrian immigrants. Recommendations for prevention include vector control measures such as indoor residual spraying and distribution of insecticidal nets. Surveillance and early detection through rapid diagnostic tests and active case finding are important. Public awareness campaigns and community engagement are crucial for promoting protective measures. Strengthening healthcare infrastructure, providing essential supplies, and capacity building is essential. For leishmaniasis, early detection and treatment, vector control, health education, and community engagement are vital. Scabies outbreaks affect the socioeconomically depressed local population and Syrian immigrants. Early detection, treatment, contact tracing, health education, hygiene promotion, and improved living conditions are necessary. Implementing these interventions and strategies can effectively prevent, control, and manage these diseases. Tailoring approaches to the specific context and needs of affected communities is crucial. By addressing these challenges, we can protect the health and well-being of the affected population.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Scabies; Mosquito Control; Earthquakes; Mosquito Vectors; Insecticides; Malaria; Leishmaniasis
PubMed: 38149448
DOI: 10.4274/tpd.galenos.2023.26122 -
Microbiology Spectrum Aug 2023Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease that afflicts approximately 250 million people worldwide. There is an urgent demand for new antiparasitic agents because...
Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease that afflicts approximately 250 million people worldwide. There is an urgent demand for new antiparasitic agents because praziquantel, the only drug available for the treatment of schistosomiasis, is not universally effective and may derail current progress toward the WHO goal of eliminating this disease as a public health problem by 2030. Nifuroxazide (NFZ), an oral nitrofuran antibiotic, has recently been explored to be repurposed for parasitic diseases. Here, , , and studies were conducted to evaluate the activity of NFZ on Schistosoma mansoni. The study showed significant antiparasitic activity, with 50% effective concentration (EC) and 90% effective concentration (EC) values of 8.2 to 10.8 and 13.7 to 19.3 μM, respectively. NFZ also affected worm pairing and egg production and induced severe damage to the tegument of schistosomes. , a single oral dose of NFZ (400 mg/kg of body weight) to mice harboring either prepatent or patent S. mansoni infection significantly reduced the total worm burden (~40%). In patent infection, NFZ achieved a high reduction in the number of eggs (~80%), but the drug caused a low reduction in the egg burden of animals with prepatent infection. Finally, results from target fishing methods predicted that serine/threonine kinases could be one of the potential targets for NFZ in S. mansoni. Overall, the present study revealed that NFZ possesses antischistosomal properties, mainly in terms of egg burden reduction in animals with patent S. mansoni infection. The increasing recognition of the burden imposed by helminthiasis, associated with the limited therapeutic arsenal, has led to initiatives and strategies to research and develop new drugs for the treatment of schistosomiasis. One of these strategies is drug repurposing, which considers low-risk compounds with potentially reduced costs and shorter time for development. In this study, nifuroxazide (NFZ) was evaluated for its anti-Schistosoma mansoni potential through , , and studies. , NFZ affected worm pairing and egg production and induced severe damage to the tegument of schistosomes. , a single oral dose of NFZ (400 mg/kg) to mice harboring either prepatent or patent S. mansoni infection significantly reduced the total worm burden and egg production. investigations have identified serine/threonine kinases as a molecular target for NFZ. Collectively, these results implied that NFZ might be a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of schistosomiasis.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Schistosomicides; Schistosomiasis mansoni; Schistosoma mansoni; Schistosomiasis; Nitrofurans; Threonine; Serine
PubMed: 37409934
DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01393-23 -
Journal of Medical Case Reports Jun 2024Schistosomiasis is one of the endemic parasitic diseases in many developing countries. Despite this, appendicitis secondary to schistosomiasis is an uncommon condition...
BACKGROUND
Schistosomiasis is one of the endemic parasitic diseases in many developing countries. Despite this, appendicitis secondary to schistosomiasis is an uncommon condition even in some endemic areas. Schistosomal appendicitis, an incidentally discovered appendicitis associated with schistosomiasis histological findings, affects young males predominantly. Timely diagnosis and treatment, including appendectomy and anti-helminthic therapy, are crucial.
CASE REPORT
A 24-year-old Sudanese male patient presented with abdominal pain. Diagnosed with acute appendicitis, he underwent appendectomy, revealing appendix inflammation with Schistosoma ova in histopathology. Abdominal ultrasound detected no complications. Weakly positive Schistosoma serology was noted, but stool and urine analysis showed no infection evidence. Prescribed praziquantel, patient had 3-year post-op follow-up without complications.
CONCLUSIONS
This case report underscores the significance of including schistosomiasis in the differential diagnosis of appendicitis, particularly in regions where the disease is endemic. It underscores the necessity of histopathological evaluations for accurate diagnosis, emphasizing the potential implications for clinical practice in similar settings.
Topics: Humans; Appendicitis; Male; Young Adult; Praziquantel; Appendectomy; Anthelmintics; Schistosomiasis; Diagnosis, Differential; Abdominal Pain; Ultrasonography; Animals; Treatment Outcome; Appendix
PubMed: 38890741
DOI: 10.1186/s13256-024-04610-3 -
The Pan African Medical Journal 2023globally, an estimated two billion cases of diarrhea occur every year, and an estimated 1.7 million children under the age of five years, mostly in developing countries...
INTRODUCTION
globally, an estimated two billion cases of diarrhea occur every year, and an estimated 1.7 million children under the age of five years, mostly in developing countries die due to diarrheal cases. It is caused by different enteropathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Diarrhea caused by parasitic etiology is common in under-five-year children in sub-Saharan Africa. The objective was to investigate the parasitic etiology of diarrhea among under-five-year children in Mizan-Tepi University Teaching Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia.
METHODS
institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from September to November 2021. A total of 300 under-five-year children presenting with diarrhea in Mizan-Tepi University Teaching Hospital were included in the study. Data used to assess associated factors for intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) was collected using a structured questionnaire. Stool specimens were collected from the study participants for investigations of the parasitic etiology of diarrhea. The specimens were processed microscopically using direct wet mount and formol ether concentration techniques. Modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining of formol-ether concentrated specimens was also performed. Data was entered using Epi-Data version 4.6.0 and analyzed using Stata/SE version 14.0. Crude odds ratio and adjusted odds ratio were used to determine the association.
RESULTS
from a total of 300 children who participated in this study, 68 (22.67%) were positive for at least one intestinal parasite. E. histolytica23(7.67%) and G. lamblia17(5.67%) were the predominant parasitic etiologies and 28(9.33%) were positive for intestinal helminthic parasites; 11(3.67%) Ascaris lumbricoides, 10(3.33%) Trichuris trichiura, 4(1.33%) Hymenolepsis nana, and 3(1%) were double infection with Trichuris trichuria and Ascaris lumbricoides. Multivariable analysis revealed the age group category 2-3 years of age children was more attributable to intestinal parasitic infections (AOR= 0.466, 95% CI: 0.204-0.976).
CONCLUSION
the overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) in this study was 22.67%. Diarrheal etiology of intestinal parasites among under five years of children identified in this study were significantly associated with maternal/ guardians´ educational status, (AOR=94.900, 95% CI: 24.664-365.155) use of unprotected water for drinking, (AOR =25.189, 95% CI: 4.671-135.847).
Topics: Animals; Humans; Child; Child, Preschool; Parasites; Universities; Ethiopia; Cross-Sectional Studies; Risk Factors; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Diarrhea; Hospitals, Teaching; Surveys and Questionnaires; Prevalence; Ethers; Formaldehyde
PubMed: 38020348
DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2023.45.187.38263 -
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) Dec 2023Oxidative stress plays a significant role in the development and course of parasitic infections, both in the attacked host organism and the parasite organism struggling... (Review)
Review
Oxidative stress plays a significant role in the development and course of parasitic infections, both in the attacked host organism and the parasite organism struggling to survive. The host uses large amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mainly superoxide anion (O) and hydrogen peroxide (HO), to fight the developing parasitic disease. On the other hand, the parasite develops the most effective defense mechanisms and resistance to the effects of ROS and strives to survive in the host organism it has colonized, using the resources and living environment available for its development and causing the host's weakening. The paper reviews the literature on the role of oxidative stress in parasitic diseases, which are the most critical epidemiological problem worldwide. The most common parasitosis in the world is malaria, with 300-500 million new cases and about 1 million deaths reported annually. In Europe and Poland, the essential problem is intestinal parasites. Due to a parasitic infection, the concentration of antioxidants in the host decreases, and the concentration of products of cellular components oxidation increases. In response to the increased number of reactive oxygen species attacking it, the parasites have developed effective defense mechanisms, including primarily the action of antioxidant enzymes, especially superoxide dismutase and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate hydrogen (NADPH)-dependent complexes glutathione and thioredoxin.
PubMed: 38247462
DOI: 10.3390/antiox13010038