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International Journal of Molecular... Sep 2023species (sp.) is one of the less well-understood water- and foodborne protozoa of medical and veterinary importance linked to different gastrointestinal disorders....
species (sp.) is one of the less well-understood water- and foodborne protozoa of medical and veterinary importance linked to different gastrointestinal disorders. Soldiers participating in military missions are particularly vulnerable to infection with this protozoa. The present study used molecular methods to detect, identify, and subtype (ST) sp. in Polish soldiers stationed in the Republic of Kosovo. Fecal samples were collected from 192 soldiers on arrival and after four months of stay. After DNA extraction, the barcoding region of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU-rRNA) gene was amplified and sequenced. The DNA of sp. was detected in six (3.13%) and thirty (15.16%) samples in the first and second batch, respectively. Sequencing analysis revealed infections with ST 2, 3, 4, and 7. There was no statistical association between sp. infection and the parasite's ST or the age or rank of soldiers. The results indicate that the visit to a new environment and prolonged stay in the area of military operation in Kosovo resulted in a significant increase in both sp. infections and ST diversity among surveyed soldiers. This shows the need to undertake appropriate countermeasures to reduce infections in the military environment abroad.
Topics: Blastocystis; Kosovo; Poland; Feces; Water
PubMed: 37762408
DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814100 -
Research in Veterinary Science Nov 2023Due to their close associations with humans, dogs and cats can be important reservoirs for zoonotic pathogens. In the current study 200 fecal samples of dogs (n = 70...
Due to their close associations with humans, dogs and cats can be important reservoirs for zoonotic pathogens. In the current study 200 fecal samples of dogs (n = 70 samples) and cats (n = 130 samples) from animal shelters in Carinthia, southern Austria, were examined for the presence of parasites (fecal flotation and larval migration assay) and selected bacteria. Overall, 17.1% of the canine and 38.5% of the feline samples were positive for parasites (p < 0.001), most commonly Giardia duodenalis (dogs and cats), including potentially zoonotic genotypes revealed by multilocus genotyping, and Toxocara cati (cats). Cryptosporidium (C. felis), Cystoisospora spp. (dogs and cats), hookworms (dog), Trichuris (dog) Capillaria hepatica (cats), taeniids (cat), and Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (cat) were also found. Zoonotic bacteria were detected in 10.5% of the samples, Salmonella enterica (dogs), Campylobacter jejuni (dogs and cats) and Yersinia enterocolitica (cat) and were significantly associated with parasite infections in cats but not in dogs. Samples that were positive for several pathogens were common; especially G. duodenalis and T. cati were frequently found in association with each other, other parasites or bacteria. The spectrum of detected pathogens is comparable to that of other dog and cat populations in central Europe. However, since animals from shelters are frequently rehomed, diagnostic measures, appropriate hygiene and therapy as well as training of shelter staff are recommended to prevent zoonotic transmission of enteropathogens to staff or new owners. The presence of heteroxenic parasites, i.e. Aelurostrongylus abstrusus and Taenia taeniaeformis, and spurious excretion of Ca. hepatica in cats, indicates that these animals preyed on intermediate hosts, and that biosafety measures in pet shelters need to be evaluated for their efficacy in the prevention of pathogen transmission.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Cats; Dogs; Parasites; Cat Diseases; Cryptosporidiosis; Cryptosporidium; Austria; Dog Diseases; Feces; Prevalence
PubMed: 37741041
DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2023.105022 -
PloS One 2023Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common infections in humans and animals, which is caused by an obligate intracellular opportunistic parasite known as Toxoplasma gondii... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common infections in humans and animals, which is caused by an obligate intracellular opportunistic parasite known as Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). Some data have shown that both Rhesus (Rh)-positive and Rh-negative individuals differ in response to biological factors, including Toxoplasma infection. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the scientific evidence regarding the possible association between the Rh blood group and Toxoplasma infection and to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii in the Rh blood group system.
METHODS
The research was conducted on PubMed, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, and Google Scholar databases until January 2023. Twenty-one cross-sectional studies were included with a total of 10910 people. The data were synthesized using a random effect model with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
RESULTS
The overall prevalence of T. gondii was calculated at 32.34% (CI 95%: 28.23-36.45%) and 33.35% (CI 95%: 19.73-46.96%) in Rh-positive and Rh-negative blood groups. In addition, the pooled OR for the relationship between the Rh blood group and the seroprevalence of T. gondii was 0.96 (95% CI: 0.72-1.28).
CONCLUSIONS
This meta-analysis showed a high prevalence of Toxoplasma infection in both Rh-negative and positive blood groups. This systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that no significant association was found between toxoplasmosis and Rh factor. Because of the limited number of studies in this field, more research is recommended to determine the exact relationship between toxoplasmosis and the Rh factor.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Toxoplasma; Rh-Hr Blood-Group System; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Cross-Sectional Studies; Antibodies, Protozoan; Toxoplasmosis; Risk Factors
PubMed: 37406027
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287992 -
Parasitology Nov 2023Metastrongyle lungworms could be particularly detrimental for diving animals such as marine mammals; however, little is known of the drivers of pathogenic... (Review)
Review
Metastrongyle lungworms could be particularly detrimental for diving animals such as marine mammals; however, little is known of the drivers of pathogenic host–parasite relationships in this group. This systematic review analysed the diversity of metastrongyles in marine mammals and the host and parasite traits associated with virulence. There have been at least 40 species of metastrongyles described in 66 species of marine mammals. After penalization for study biases, , , , and were the metastrongyles with the widest host range. Most studies (80.12%, = 133/166) reported that metastrongyles caused bronchopneumonia, while in the cardiovascular system metastrongyles caused vasculitis in nearly half of the studies (45.45%, = 5/11) that assessed these tissues. Metastrongyles were associated with otitis in 23.08% ( = 6/26) of the studies. Metastrongyle infection was considered a potential contributory to mortality in 44.78% ( = 90/201) of the studies while 10.45% ( = 21/201) of these studies considered metastrongyles the main cause of death. Metastrongyle species with a wider host range were more likely to induce pathogenic effects. Metastrongyles can cause significant tissue damage and mortality in marine mammals although virulent host–parasite relationships are dominated by a few metastrongyle species with wider host ranges.
Topics: Animals; Virulence; Parasites; Host-Parasite Interactions; Mammals
PubMed: 37859401
DOI: 10.1017/S0031182023001014 -
MSphere Feb 2024This study investigated the change in the microbiome of tomato rhizosphere soils after the invasion of and analyzed the correlation between microbes and soil...
This study investigated the change in the microbiome of tomato rhizosphere soils after the invasion of and analyzed the correlation between microbes and soil physicochemical properties. Diversity analyses of the bacteria in healthy and diseased rhizosphere soil samples (HRS and DRS) revealed that HRS had a higher species diversity and were compositionally different from DRS ( ≤ 0.05). Substantial differences in the relative abundance of Actinobacteria (37.52% vs 28.96%, ≤ 0.05) and Proteobacteria (29.20% vs 35.59%, ≤ 0.05) were identified in HRS and DRS, respectively. Taxonomic composition analysis showed ten differentially abundant genera, and seven of them (, , , , , , and ) are more abundant in HRS. Soil pH and enzyme activities were negatively correlated with the abundance of . The contents of total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), total potassium (TK), alkaline nitrogen (alkaline N), available phosphorus (AP), available potassium (AK), NO3-N(NN), NH4-N (AN), and organic matter (OM) were all significantly increased in DRS. The composition and richness of protozoa in the samples show significant differences. , , , norank_Tylenchida, and were enriched in DRS. Microbial interaction networks revealed that the HRS networks were more complex than the DRS networks. Overall, the results of this study demonstrate that healthy soil has a more complex microbial community structure and higher enzyme activity, and the invasion of damages the soil microbial system.IMPORTANCEHow does the invasion of affect tomato rhizosphere bacteria and protozoa? Which microbial changes can affect the growth of ? To date, most research studies focus on bacteria, with little research on protozoa, and even less on the synergistic effects between protozoa and bacteria. Here, we analyzed the correlation between tomato rhizosphere bacterial and protozoan communities and soil physicochemical properties during the invasion of . We found that the diversity and abundance of rhizosphere microorganisms in healthy rhizosphere soil samples (HRS) were significantly higher than those in diseased rhizosphere soil samples (DRS), and there were significant changes in soil pH and enzyme activity. Overall, in this study, the analysis of microbial changes during the invasion of provides a theoretical basis for the prevention and control of bacterial wilt.
Topics: Soil; Ralstonia solanacearum; Soil Microbiology; Microbiota; Bacteria; China; Solanum lycopersicum; Nitrogen; Phosphorus; Potassium
PubMed: 38231250
DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00665-23 -
International Journal For Parasitology.... Apr 2024Cryptosporidium, a monoxenous apicomplexan coccidia, is a prevalent diarrhetic and an opportunistic agent, mainly in immunocompromised individuals. As there are few... (Review)
Review
Cryptosporidium, a monoxenous apicomplexan coccidia, is a prevalent diarrhetic and an opportunistic agent, mainly in immunocompromised individuals. As there are few chemotherapeutic compounds that have limited efficacy, we need to identify new compounds or specific parasite targets for designing more potent drugs to treat cryptosporidiosis. Herbal products with low toxicity, environmental compatibility, wide therapeutic potential, and abundant resources can be considered alternatives for treatment. The current review tried to summarize the studies on plants or herbal bioactive constituents with anti-cryptosporidial activities. Based on constituents, plants act via different mechanisms, and further investigations are needed to clarify the exact mechanisms by which they act on the developmental stages of the parasite or host-parasite relationships.
Topics: Humans; Cryptosporidiosis; Cryptosporidium; Coccidia; Host-Parasite Interactions
PubMed: 38246099
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2024.100521 -
Parasites & Vectors May 2024The role of pathogen genotype in determining disease severity and immunopathology has been studied intensively in microbial pathogens including bacteria, fungi, protozoa...
BACKGROUND
The role of pathogen genotype in determining disease severity and immunopathology has been studied intensively in microbial pathogens including bacteria, fungi, protozoa and viruses but is poorly understood in parasitic helminths. The medically important blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni is an excellent model system to study the impact of helminth genetic variation on immunopathology. Our laboratory has demonstrated that laboratory schistosome populations differ in sporocyst growth and cercarial production in the intermediate snail host and worm establishment and fecundity in the vertebrate host. Here, we (i) investigate the hypothesis that schistosome genotype plays a significant role in immunopathology and related parasite life history traits in the vertebrate mouse host and (ii) quantify the relative impact of parasite and host genetics on infection outcomes.
METHODS
We infected BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice with four different laboratory schistosome populations from Africa and the Americas. We quantified disease progression in the vertebrate host by measuring body weight and complete blood count (CBC) with differential over a 12-week infection period. On sacrifice, we assessed parasitological (egg and worm counts, fecundity), immunopathological (organ measurements and histopathology) and immunological (CBC with differential and cytokine profiles) characteristics to determine the impact of parasite and host genetics.
RESULTS
We found significant variation between parasite populations in worm numbers, fecundity, liver and intestine egg counts, liver and spleen weight, and fibrotic area but not in granuloma size. Variation in organ weight was explained by egg burden and intrinsic parasite factors independent of egg burden. We found significant variation between infected mouse lines in cytokine levels (IFN-γ, TNF-α), eosinophils, lymphocytes and monocyte counts.
CONCLUSIONS
This study showed that both parasite and host genotype impact the outcome of infection. While host genotype explains most of the variation in immunological traits, parasite genotype explains most of the variation in parasitological traits, and both host and parasite genotypes impact immunopathology outcomes.
Topics: Animals; Schistosoma mansoni; Mice; Genotype; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Schistosomiasis mansoni; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Female; Host-Parasite Interactions; Cytokines
PubMed: 38711063
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06286-6 -
Brain, Behavior, and Immunity Mar 2024Cerebral malaria (CM) is a fatal neuroinflammatory syndrome caused (in humans) by the protozoa Plasmodium (P.) falciparum. Glial cell activation is one of the mechanisms...
BACKGROUND
Cerebral malaria (CM) is a fatal neuroinflammatory syndrome caused (in humans) by the protozoa Plasmodium (P.) falciparum. Glial cell activation is one of the mechanisms that contributes to neuroinflammation in CM.
RESULT
By studying a mouse model of CM (caused by P. berghei ANKA), we describe that the induction of autophagy promoted p21-dependent senescence in astrocytes and that CXCL-10 was part of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype. Furthermore, p21 expression was observed in post-mortem brain and peripheral blood samples from patients with CM. Lastly, we found that the depletion of senescent astrocytes with senolytic drugs abrogated inflammation and protected mice from CM.
CONCLUSION
Our data provide evidence for a novel mechanism through which astrocytes could be involved in the neuropathophysiology of CM. p21 gene expression in blood cell and an elevated plasma CXCL-10 concentration could be valuable biomarkers of CM in humans. In the end, we believe senolytic drugs shall open up new avenues to develop newer treatment options.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Mice; Malaria, Cerebral; Neuroinflammatory Diseases; Astrocytes; Senotherapeutics; Autophagy
PubMed: 38157948
DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.12.030 -
Revista Brasileira de Parasitologia... 2023The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of endoparasites in domestic cats (Felis catus) in the city of Sousa, state of Paraíba, Northeast Brazil. A total...
The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of endoparasites in domestic cats (Felis catus) in the city of Sousa, state of Paraíba, Northeast Brazil. A total of 207 samples of fresh feces were randomly collected from domestic and semi-domiciled cats. The samples were analyzed by simple centrifugation and centrifuge-flotation in sucrose solution for the diagnosis of helminth eggs and enteric protozoan oocysts and cysts. Epidemiological information was obtained to determine risk factors related to infections. Among the samples collected, 81.6% (169/207; 95% CI: 77.4-83.8) were positive for at least one parasite genus. Ancylostoma spp. was the most prevalent, at 67.1% (139/207), followed by Taenia spp. at 28.5% (59/207), and Spirometra spp. and Platynosomum sp., both at 17.3% (36/207). The variables associated with helminth infection were a historic lack of deworming (Odds ratio = 12.25) and the presence of dry fur (Odds ratio = 2.15). No risk factors were observed for enteric protozoa infection. This study demonstrated a high prevalence of endoparasites in domestic cats in the city of Sousa, state of Paraíba, and associated risk factors, thus establishing an overview of the main helminths and protozoa that affect cats in this region.
Topics: Cats; Animals; Brazil; Parasites; Helminths; Feces; Dolphins; Cat Diseases; Prevalence
PubMed: 38018630
DOI: 10.1590/S1984-29612023065 -
Animal : An International Journal of... Feb 2024The study hypothesized that a 24% protein starter diet supplemented with inert fat (palm fatty acids; PLFs) instead of triglyceride-rich soybean oil (SBO) would promote...
Starter protein content and supplemental soybean oil or hydrogenated palm fatty acids in Holstein dairy calves: growth performance, protozoa population, and nitrogen utilization efficiency.
The study hypothesized that a 24% protein starter diet supplemented with inert fat (palm fatty acids; PLFs) instead of triglyceride-rich soybean oil (SBO) would promote the growth of dairy calves. The effects of different protein contents (20 vs 24% CP) and fat sources (SBO vs PLF at 2.5% DM) on growth, digestibility, blood metabolites, rumen protozoa and urinary nitrogen in dairy calves were investigated. A total of 52 female dairy calves (mean age 3 days and BW 40.7 kg) were allocated to the following treatments in a completely randomized design: (1) 20% CP starter diet supplemented with SBO (20CP-SBO), (2) 20% CP starter diet supplemented with PLF (20CP-PLF), (3) 24% CP starter diet supplemented with SBO (24CP-SBO), and (4) 24% CP starter diet supplemented with PLF (24CP-PLF). Calves were weaned on day 53, and the study ended on day 73. The 24CP diets enhanced starter feed intake, average daily gain (ADG), withers height, hip width, organic matter (OM) digestibility, and preweaning blood glucose compared to the 20CP diets. In contrast, SBO supplementation reduced feed intake, ADG, withers height, OM and CP digestibility, and pre- and postweaning blood glucose and beta-hydroxybutyrate levels, while increasing preweaning aspartate aminotransferase, compared to PLF. SBO supplementation led to lower urinary excretion of purine derivatives and microbial protein synthesis postweaning, and a reduction in protozoa population both pre- and postweaning. Calves fed PLF had higher starter intake than those fed SBO, regardless of the diet being 20CP or 24CP. Calves fed the 24CP-PLF diet had the highest ADG, while calves fed the 20CP-SBO diet had the lowest ADG. Calves fed the 20CP-SBO diet had lower feed efficiency than calves fed the other diets during the preweaning period and throughout the experimental period. Calves fed the 24CP-PLF diet had higher hip heights at weaning and on day 73 than calves fed the other diets. Calves fed the 20CP-SBO diet had lower neutral detergent fiber digestibility than calves fed the other diets. Calves fed the 24CP-SBO diet had higher postweaning blood urea nitrogen concentration than calves fed the other diets. Feeding the 20CP-SBO diet to dairy calves decreased urinary allantoin excretion and rumen microbial protein synthesis but increased urinary nitrogen excretion during the preweaning period. Our results suggest that PLF is more suitable than SBO in calf diets, especially when calves fed 24% CP, possibly due to improved nutrient digestibility.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Female; Soybean Oil; Body Weight; Blood Glucose; Animal Feed; Diet; Fatty Acids; Weaning; Rumen; Nitrogen
PubMed: 38266569
DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.101046