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Veterinary Medicine and Science May 2024Cats in Iran are definitive hosts for several zoonotic intestinal helminths, such as Toxocara cati, Dipylidium caninum, Toxascaris leonina, Physaloptera praeputialis and...
BACKGROUND
Cats in Iran are definitive hosts for several zoonotic intestinal helminths, such as Toxocara cati, Dipylidium caninum, Toxascaris leonina, Physaloptera praeputialis and Diplopylidium nolleri.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal helminth infection in free-roaming cats in southeast Iran, a region with a high free-roaming cat population.
METHODS
From January 2018 to December 2021, 153 cadavers of free-roaming cats from Southeast Iran were necropsied for intestinal helminth infections. The carcasses were dissected, and the digestive systems were removed. The esophagus, stomach, small intestine, caecum and colon were tightly ligated. All adult helminths were collected, preserved and identified.
RESULTS
The prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections was 80.39% (123/153). Of the cats from Kerman, 73% (73/100) were infected with at least one helminth, including D. caninum 70% (70/100), T. leonina 8% (8/100) and P. praeputialis 17% (17/100). Concurrent infection with two helminth species was found in 16% (16/100) and of three species infections was found in 3% (3/100) of the cats. Of the cats from Zabol, 94.33% (50/53) were infected with at least one of the helminths, including D. caninum 69.81% (37/53), T. leonina 11.32% (6/53), P. praeputialis 37.73% (20/53) and T. cati 5.66% (3/53). Concurrent infection with two helminth species was found in 28.3% (15/53), and three species were found in 1.88% (1/53) of the cats. Helminth infections were more prevalent in older cats. There was no association between sex and infection rate.
CONCLUSION
Based on the very high prevalence of zoonotic intestinal helminth infections in free-roaming cats in southeast Iran, the potential public health risk emphasizes the need for intersectoral collaboration, particularly the provision of health and hygiene education to high-risk populations, such as pre-school and school-age children.
Topics: Animals; Cats; Iran; Helminthiasis, Animal; Helminths; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Cadaver; Cat Diseases; Helminthiasis
PubMed: 38504628
DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1422 -
Actas Espanolas de Psiquiatria Apr 2024Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide parasitic zoonosis caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. In cases of vertical infection, and in immunosuppressed people by the human...
BACKGROUND
Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide parasitic zoonosis caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. In cases of vertical infection, and in immunosuppressed people by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) serious clinical conditions may appear, while immunocompetent people do not present symptoms. However, T. gondii infection has been linked to several mental disorders for decades.
OBJECTIVE
To substantiate the possible relationship between T. gondii and mental disorders and suggest control and prevention strategies.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A systematic review has been carried out to analyze the relationship between T. gondii exposure (presence of IgG) and the onset of mental disorders in minors and adults. The etiopathogenic mechanisms described by the authors have also been included and the systems of surveillance, prevention and control of infection have been evaluated.
RESULTS
Several processes linked to the presence of cysts and the reactivation of the parasite in certain situations produce an immune and inflammatory response. Also, direct and indirect actions on different neurotransmitters. These mechanisms, together with other environmental and genetic factors, would predispose to different psychiatric pathologies.
CONCLUSIONS
Due to the limits of the study, no conclusions can be drawn in childhood and adolescence. However, the results of this systematic review show a possible association of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and compulsive disorder with T. gondii infection in adults. There is a need to improve control, integrated surveillance and extend prevention measures to the entire population.
Topics: Adult; Adolescent; Humans; Toxoplasmosis; Mental Disorders; Toxoplasma; Bipolar Disorder; Schizophrenia
PubMed: 38622004
DOI: 10.62641/aep.v52i2.1658 -
Scientific Reports Mar 2024Effective management and control of parasitic infections on farms depends on their early detection. Traditional serological diagnostic methods for Fasciola hepatica...
Effective management and control of parasitic infections on farms depends on their early detection. Traditional serological diagnostic methods for Fasciola hepatica infection in livestock are specific and sensitive, but currently the earliest detection of the parasite only occurs at approximately three weeks post-infection. At this timepoint, parasites have already entered the liver and caused the tissue damage and immunopathology that results in reduced body weight and loss in productivity. Here, we investigated whether the differential abundance of micro(mi)miRNAs in sera of F. hepatica-infected sheep has potential as a tool for the early diagnosis of infection. Using miRNA sequencing analysis, we discovered specific profiles of sheep miRNAs at both the pre-hepatic and hepatic infection phases in comparison to non-infected sheep. In addition, six F. hepatica-derived miRNAs were specifically identified in sera from infected sheep. Thus, a panel of differentially expressed miRNAs comprising four sheep (miR-3231-3p; miR133-5p; 3957-5p; 1197-3p) and two parasite miRNAs (miR-124-3p; miR-Novel-11-5p) were selected as potential biomarkers. The expression of these candidates in sera samples from longitudinal sheep infection studies collected between 7 days and 23 weeks was quantified using RT-qPCR and compared to samples from age-matched non-infected sheep. We identified oar-miR-133-5p and oar-miR-3957-5p as promising biomarkers of fasciolosis, detecting infection as early as 7 days. The differential expression of the other selected miRNAs was not sufficient to diagnose infection; however, our analysis found that the most abundant forms of fhe-miR-124-3p in sera were sequence variants (IsomiRs) of the canonical miRNA, highlighting the critical importance of primer design for accurate diagnostic RT-qPCR. Accordingly, this investigative study suggests that certain miRNAs are biomarkers of F. hepatica infection and validates miRNA-based diagnostics for the detection of fasciolosis in sheep.
Topics: Animals; Sheep; MicroRNAs; Circulating MicroRNA; Fascioliasis; Biomarkers
PubMed: 38548871
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57704-9 -
PloS One 2023Malaria in pregnancy is a global public health problem with the majority of its impact seen in sub-Saharan Africa. Pregnant women with malaria infection are at risk of...
INTRODUCTION
Malaria in pregnancy is a global public health problem with the majority of its impact seen in sub-Saharan Africa. Pregnant women with malaria infection are at risk of adverse maternal outcomes. In Ghana, malaria in pregnancy accounts for about 17.6% of outpatient department attendance. Ashanti region is among the three regions with the highest malaria prevalence in pregnancy, particularly in the Ejisu Municipality. The study, therefore, assessed the prevalence and determinants of malaria infection among pregnant women seeking antenatal care at the Ejisu Government Hospital in Ghana.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study design with a convenience sampling technique was used to select 140 respondents for the study. Primary data such as age and residence of respondents were collected using a questionnaire and secondary data such as gestational age and Sulphadoxine Pyrimethamine (SP) administration were collected from clients' maternal health record booklet. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to assess the association between the malaria infection and the independent variables, and a p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
RESULTS
The overall prevalence of malaria in pregnancy was 24 (17.1%). Most of the respondents had received counselling and health education 126 (90%), two or more doses of SP 95 (87.2%), Insecticide Treated Net (ITN) 99 (70.7%) and were sleeping under ITN 104 (74.3%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed a statistically significant association between malaria infection and sleeping under ITN (AOR = 0.05; 95% CI = 0.01-0.28, p< .001), the use of insecticide mosquito spray (AOR = 0.27; 95% CI = 0.09-0.84, p = .045) and reason for not using ITN due to the use of other preventive measures (AOR = 0.06; 95% CI = 0.01-0.61, p = .017).
CONCLUSION
There was a high prevalence of malaria infection among study respondents despite the high usage of preventive measures for malaria in this study. It is therefore crucial that stakeholders in malaria control identify effective strategies to curb malaria transmission globally.
Topics: Female; Pregnancy; Humans; Pregnant Women; Antimalarials; Cross-Sectional Studies; Ghana; Prevalence; Insecticides; Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic; Malaria; Drug Combinations; Government; Hospitals
PubMed: 37903177
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293420 -
Pathogens and Global Health Sep 2023Despite advances in modern human and veterinary medicine, gastrointestinal (GI) parasitic infections remain a significant health issue worldwide, mainly in developing...
Despite advances in modern human and veterinary medicine, gastrointestinal (GI) parasitic infections remain a significant health issue worldwide, mainly in developing countries. Increasing evidence of the multi-drug resistance of these parasites and the side effects of currently available synthetic drugs have led to increased research on alternative medicines to treat parasitic infections. The exploration of potential botanical antiparasitics, which are inexpensive and abundant, may be a promising alternative in this context. This study summarizes the / antiparasitic efficacy of different medicinal plants and their components against GI parasites. Published literature from 1990-2020 was retrieved from Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed and Scopus. A total of 68 plant species belonging to 32 families have been evaluated as antiparasitic agents against GI parasites worldwide. The majority of studies (70%) were conducted . Most plants were from the Fabaceae family (53%, = 18). Methanol (37%, = 35) was the most used solvent. Leaf (22%, = 16) was the most used plant part, followed by seed and rhizome (each 12%, = 9). These studies suggest that herbal medicines hold a great scope for new drug discoveries against parasitic diseases and that the derivatives of these plants are useful structures for drug synthesis and bioactivity optimization.
Topics: Humans; Plants, Medicinal; Antiparasitic Agents; Parasitic Diseases; Phytotherapy
PubMed: 36805662
DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2023.2179454 -
Biomolecules Mar 2024In all mammals, the circulating pool of MLTs is synthesized in the pineal gland during the night's darkness hours. Its main function is synchronizing the organism in the... (Review)
Review
In all mammals, the circulating pool of MLTs is synthesized in the pineal gland during the night's darkness hours. Its main function is synchronizing the organism in the photoperiod. In contrast, extra-pineal MLT is synthesized in peripheral organs, does not follow any circadian rhythm or circulate, and plays a detoxifying and cytoprotective role. Circulating MLT may stimulate both innate and acquired immune responses through its circadian action and by activating high-affinity receptors on immunocompetent cells. Extra-pineal MLT may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that dampen the innate immune response. These two seemingly divergent roles may be considered to be two sides of the same coin. In fact, the integration of both circulating and extra-pineal MLT functions might generate a balanced and effective immune response against microbial pathogens. The studies described in this review investigated the effects of exogenous MLT in various models of infectious diseases using extremely different doses and treatment schedules. None of them evaluated the possibility of integrating the non-circadian anti-inflammatory effect with the circadian immunoenhancing action of MLT. As a consequence, in spite of the fact that most studies agree that MLT has a beneficial effect against infections, it seems difficult to draw any definite conclusion about its possible therapeutic use.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Melatonin; Pineal Gland; Antioxidants; Circadian Rhythm; Parasitic Diseases; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Mammals
PubMed: 38540774
DOI: 10.3390/biom14030356 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2024is a unique apicomplexan parasite that specifically invades and proliferates in red blood cells and can be transmitted via blood transfusion, resulting in...
BACKGROUND
is a unique apicomplexan parasite that specifically invades and proliferates in red blood cells and can be transmitted via blood transfusion, resulting in transfusion-transmitted babesiosis. However, detecting in blood before transfusion has not received enough attention, and the risk of transfusing blood containing a low density of () is unclear, possibly threatening public health and wellness.
PURPOSE
This study aimed to determine the lower detection limit of in blood and to evaluate the transmission risk of blood transfusion containing low-density .
METHODS
Infected BALB/c mouse models were established by transfusing infected whole blood with different infection rates and densities of . Microscopic examination, nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (nested PCR), and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to evaluate the infection status of the mouse models. Meanwhile, the nested PCR detection limit of was obtained using pure DNA samples with serial concentrations and whole blood samples with different densities of -infected red blood cells. Thereafter, whole mouse blood with a density lower than that of the nested PCR detection limit and human blood samples infected with were transfused into healthy mice to assess the transmission risk in mouse models. The infection status of these mice was evaluated through microscopic examination, nested PCR tests, and ELISA.
RESULTS
The mice inoculated with different densities of reached the peak infection rate on different days. Overall, the higher the blood density was, the earlier the peak infection rate was reached. The levels of specific antibodies against in the blood of the infected mice increased sharply during the first 30 days of infection, reaching a peak level at 60 days post-infection, and maintaining a high level thereafter. The nested PCR detection limits of DNA and parasite density were 3 fg and 5.48 parasites/μL, respectively. The whole blood containing an extremely low density of and human blood samples infected with could infect mice, confirming the transmission risk of transfusing blood with low-density .
CONCLUSION
Whole blood containing extremely low density of poses a high transmission risk when transfused between mice and mice or human and mice, suggesting that detection should be considered by governments, hospitals, and disease prevention and control centers as a mandatory test before blood donation or transfusion.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Mice; Babesia microti; Babesia; Blood Transfusion; Babesiosis; DNA, Protozoan; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Disease Models, Animal
PubMed: 38375363
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1334426 -
Impact of atorvastatin and mesenchymal stem cells combined with ivermectin on murine trichinellosis.Parasitology Research Dec 2023Trichinellosis is one of the global food-borne parasitic diseases that can cause severe tissue damage. The traditionally used drugs for the treatment of trichinellosis...
Trichinellosis is one of the global food-borne parasitic diseases that can cause severe tissue damage. The traditionally used drugs for the treatment of trichinellosis have limited efficacy against the encysted larvae in the muscular phase of the disease. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the role of atorvastatin and mesenchymal stem cells combined with ivermectin against different phases of Trichinella in experimentally infected mice. A total of 120 male Swiss albino mice were divided into two major groups (n = 60 of each), intestinal and muscular phases. Then, each group was subdivided into 10 subgroups (n = 6); non-infected control, infected non-treated control, infected ivermectin treated, infected atorvastatin treated, infected mesenchymal stem cells treated, infected combined ivermectin and atorvastatin treated, infected combined mesenchymal stem cells and ivermectin treated, infected combined mesenchymal stem cells and atorvastatin treated, infected combined mesenchymal stem cells and a full dose of (ivermectin and atorvastatin) treated, and infected combined mesenchymal stem cells and half dose of (ivermectin and atorvastatin) treated. Mice were sacrificed at days 5 and 35 post-infection for the intestinal and muscular phases, respectively. The assessment was performed through many parameters, including counting the adult intestinal worms and muscular encysted larvae, besides histopathological examination of the underlying tissues. Moreover, a biochemical assay for the inflammatory and oxidative stress marker levels was conducted. In addition, levels of immunohistochemical CD31 and VEGF gene expression as markers of angiogenesis during the muscular phase were investigated. The combined mesenchymal stem cells and atorvastatin added to ivermectin showed the highest significant reduction in adult worms and encysted larvae counts, the most noticeable improvement of the histopathological changes, the most potent anti-inflammatory (lowest level of IL-17) and anti-angiogenic (lowest expression of CD31 and VEGF) activities, and also revealed the highly effective one to relieve the oxidative stress (lowest level of SOD, GSH, and lipid peroxidase enzymes). These observed outcomes indicate that adding mesenchymal stem cells and atorvastatin to ivermectin synergistically potentiates its therapeutic efficacy and provides a promising candidate against trichinellosis.
Topics: Mice; Male; Animals; Trichinellosis; Ivermectin; Atorvastatin; Trichinella spiralis; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; Larva
PubMed: 38105357
DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08077-x -
Parasites & Vectors Feb 2024Human ocular toxocariasis (OT), caused by pet roundworm Toxocara canis (Nematoda Ascaridoidea), is a worldwide ocular parasitic infection that poses a severe threat to...
Human ocular toxocariasis (OT), caused by pet roundworm Toxocara canis (Nematoda Ascaridoidea), is a worldwide ocular parasitic infection that poses a severe threat to eyesight, especially in school-aged children. However, the infection process and pathological mechanism of Toxocara are difficult to study in the human body. This study was designed to explore long-term ocular manifestations in different rodents infected with Toxocara canis, uncovering the specific pathological mechanism and migration pathway of larvae after infection. The three types of experimental animals we selected were C57BL/6 mice, Mongolian gerbils and Brown Norway rats. Mice were randomly divided into five groups and infected orally with 1000, 2000, 4000, 8000 and 10,000 T. canis eggs; gerbils were randomly divided into four groups and infected orally with 1000, 2000, 4000 and 10,000 T. canis eggs; rats were randomly divided into three groups and infected orally with 2000, 6000 and 10,000 T. canis eggs. Their ocular changes were closely observed and recorded for at least 2 months. We also enucleated the eyeballs of some animals to perform pathological sectioning and hematoxylin-eosin staining. After 3 dpi (days post-infection), hemorrhagic lesions, mechanical injury of the retina and larval migration could be observed in some infected animals. The ocular infection and mortality rates tended to be stable at 7 dpi. Larval tissue, structure disorder and inflammation could be observed in the pathological sections. In conclusion, the mice infected with 2000 T. canis eggs and gerbils infected with 1000, 2000 and 4000 T. canis eggs showing obvious ocular lesions and lower mortality rates could provide a basis for long-term observation.
Topics: Humans; Child; Animals; Mice; Rats; Toxocariasis; Toxocara canis; Gerbillinae; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Toxocara; Eye Infections; Larva
PubMed: 38395932
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06070-y -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Dec 2023Cutaneous (CL) and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL) are parasitic diseases caused by parasites of the genus leishmania leading to stigma caused by disfigurations. This...
BACKGROUND
Cutaneous (CL) and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL) are parasitic diseases caused by parasites of the genus leishmania leading to stigma caused by disfigurations. This study aimed to systematically review the dimensions, measurement methods, implications, and potential interventions done to reduce the CL- and MCL- associated stigma, synthesising the current evidence according to an accepted stigma framework.
METHODS
This systematic review followed the PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (ID- CRD42021274925). The eligibility criteria included primary articles discussing stigma associated with CL and MCL published in English, Spanish, or Portuguese up to January 2023. An electronic search was conducted in Medline, Embase, Scopus, PubMed, EBSCO, Web of Science, Global Index Medicus, Trip, and Cochrane Library. The mixed methods appraisal tool (MMAT) was used for quality checking. A narrative synthesis was conducted to summarise the findings.
RESULTS
A total of 16 studies were included. The studies report the cognitive, affective, and behavioural reactions associated with public stigma. Cognitive reactions included misbeliefs about the disease transmission and treatment, and death. Affective reactions encompass emotions like disgust and shame, often triggered by the presence of scars. Behavioural reactions included avoidance, discrimination, rejection, mockery, and disruptions of interpersonal relationships. The review also highlights self-stigma manifestations, including enacted, internalised, and felt stigma. Enacted stigma manifested as barriers to forming proper interpersonal relationships, avoidance, isolation, and perceiving CL lesions/scars as marks of shame. Felt stigma led to experiences of marginalisation, rejection, mockery, disruptions of interpersonal relationships, the anticipation of discrimination, fear of social stigmatisation, and facing disgust. Internalised stigma affected self-identity and caused psychological distress.
CONCLUSIONS
There are various manifestations of stigma associated with CL and MCL. This review highlights the lack of knowledge on the structural stigma associated with CL, the lack of stigma interventions and the need for a unique stigma tool to measure stigma associated with CL and MCL.
Topics: Humans; Leishmaniasis, Mucocutaneous; Cicatrix; Social Stigma; Stereotyping; Fear; Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous
PubMed: 38153950
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011818