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Emerging Infectious Diseases Sep 2022Ancylostoma ceylanicum hookworms are zoonotic parasites that can infect humans. To detect autochthonous transmission, we analyzed human fecal samples collected in 2000....
Ancylostoma ceylanicum hookworms are zoonotic parasites that can infect humans. To detect autochthonous transmission, we analyzed human fecal samples collected in 2000. Multiparallel quantitative PCR detected infection in persons who had never traveled outside Ecuador. These data indicate human transmission of A. ceylanicum in the Americas, although endemicity remains unknown.
Topics: Ancylostoma; Ancylostomatoidea; Ancylostomiasis; Animals; Ecuador; Hookworm Infections; Humans; Zoonoses
PubMed: 35997627
DOI: 10.3201/eid2809.220248 -
Parasitology International Dec 2022Ancylostoma ceylanicum is a zoonotic soil-derived nematode that parasitizes human and animal intestines, causing malnutrition and iron-deficiency anemia. Calreticulin is...
Ancylostoma ceylanicum is a zoonotic soil-derived nematode that parasitizes human and animal intestines, causing malnutrition and iron-deficiency anemia. Calreticulin is a multifunctional protein involved in all stages of parasitic infection. Studies have found that parasites can secret calreticulin to regulate the host's immune response. To explore the immunogenicity of the eukaryotic expression plasmid of Ancylostoma ceylanicum calreticulin (Ace-CRT), we constructed a recombinant Ace-CRT eukaryotic expression plasmid (pEGFP-N3-Ace-CRT). Successful expression of the target protein in Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK) 293 T cells was confirmed by indirect immunofluorescence and Western blot analysis. BALB/c mice were immunized with pEGFP-N3-Ace-CRT plasmid. Measuring IgG antibody levels in immunized mice sera by ELISA showed that the recombinant plasmid stimulated IgG antibody production in mice. Spleen lymphocytes were collected from vaccinated mice to determine the proportion of T cell subsets and the expression levels of cytokines. Flow cytometry revealed that the percentage of CD3 + CD4+ and CD3 + CD8+ T cells in mice spleen in the immunization group was significantly higher than that in the control group. Recombinant plasmid immunization increased IL-4, IL-10, IL-12, and IL-13 expression while decreasing IL-5, IL-6, and INF-γ in mice spleens. These results indicate that the eukaryotic plasmid constructed in this study had good immunogenicity and mainly induced a T helper 2 response in the host, laying a foundation for screening candidate molecules for anti-hookworm vaccines.
Topics: Ancylostoma; Animals; Calreticulin; Eukaryota; HEK293 Cells; Humans; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Vaccines, Synthetic
PubMed: 35872299
DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2022.102633 -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2022An ample variety of parasitic associations are found between mollusks and nematodes, in which the mollusks may act as intermediate, paratenic or definitive hosts. Some...
An ample variety of parasitic associations are found between mollusks and nematodes, in which the mollusks may act as intermediate, paratenic or definitive hosts. Some free-living nematodes, in particular those of the order Rhabditida, are also found frequently in terrestrial mollusks. The present study reviews the results of the parasitological testing on samples of terrestrial mollusks conducted at the Brazilian National Reference Laboratory for Schistosomiasis and Malacology between 2008 and 2021. The samples were supplied primarily by the public health authorities from the different regions of Brazil, but also by research institutions and general population. The mollusks were processed individually and the obtained larvae were identified from their morphology and, whenever necessary, by molecular analysis. A total of 1,919 service orders were registered during the period, including 19,758 mollusk specimens collected from 23 of the 26 Brazilian states, as well as the Federal District, totalizing 145 municipalities. There was a marked predominance of the synanthropic species that are widely distributed in Brazil- (87.08%), (4.18%), (2.06%), and (1.50%). Of the 16,750 terrestrial mollusks examined, nematodes were recorded in 1,308 service orders, with the predominance of the superfamily Metastrongyloidea, in 616 service orders. They included , rat lungworm, which was found in 252 samples, and in 145 samples. Free-living nematodes were found in 952 samples, and (previously identified as sp.) in one and 275 samples, respectively, and other parasites in 210 samples (not identified). The results highlight the diversity of the associations between nematodes and terrestrial mollusks in Brazil, in particular invasive and synanthropic species, with emphasis on the giant African land snail, . They demonstrate the prominent role of this species of mollusk in the transmission of medically-important nematodes, which affect the health of both humans and animals, in particular eosinophilic meningitis, which is caused by . This reinforces the need for more studies, and justify the growing demand for information as well as parasitological diagnosis of this mollusk, given its wide distribution in Brazil and its impact as an urban pest.
PubMed: 36467665
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1023426 -
The Journal of Parasitology Feb 2024Dogs are common in Tonga, where they exist in a close relationship with humans as pets and guard dogs and often are free-roaming due to limited property fencing and the...
Dogs are common in Tonga, where they exist in a close relationship with humans as pets and guard dogs and often are free-roaming due to limited property fencing and the need to scavenge for food. Little is known about the health status of these dogs and the type and level of pathogens carried by them. In this study, blood and fecal samples were analyzed to identify the presence of endoparasites and determine packed cell volume (PCV) values for dogs in Tonga. The current data deficit in this area made it necessary to develop a methodology and collect preliminary data to assist with future research in Tonga. Fecal analysis revealed hookworm in 73% of dogs, primarily those 4-12 mo old. Hematologic evaluation revealed low to borderline low PCV in 87% of dogs. The zoonotic nature of some of the pathogens identified poses a public health risk, with a particular risk for children.
Topics: Child; Animals; Dogs; Humans; Ancylostomatoidea; Tonga; Dog Diseases; Public Health; Feces; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic
PubMed: 38348968
DOI: 10.1645/23-5 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2020Soil-transmitted nematodes (STN) infect 1-2 billion of the poorest people worldwide. Only benzimidazoles are currently used in mass drug administration, with many...
Soil-transmitted nematodes (STN) infect 1-2 billion of the poorest people worldwide. Only benzimidazoles are currently used in mass drug administration, with many instances of reduced activity. Terpenes are a class of compounds with anthelmintic activity. Thymol, a natural monoterpene phenol, was used to help eradicate hookworms in the U.S. South circa 1910. However, the use of terpenes as anthelmintics was discontinued because of adverse side effects associated with high doses and premature stomach absorption. Furthermore, the dose-response activity of specific terpenes against STNs has been understudied. Here we used hollow, porous yeast particles (YPs) to efficiently encapsulate (>95%) high levels of terpenes (52% ) and evaluated their anthelmintic activity on hookworms (, a rodent parasite (), and whipworm (. We identified YP-terpenes that were effective against all three parasites. Further, YP-terpenes overcame albendazole-resistant . These results demonstrate that terpenes are broad-acting anthelmintics. Terpenes are predicted to be extremely difficult for parasites to resist, and YP encapsulation provides water-suspendable terpene materials without surfactants and sustained terpene release that could lead to the development of formulations for oral delivery that overcome fast absorption in the stomach, thus reducing dosage and toxic side effects.
Topics: Albendazole; Ancylostoma; Ancylostomatoidea; Animals; Anthelmintics; Benzimidazoles; Humans; Nematoda; Nematode Infections; Saccharomyces cerevisiae; Terpenes
PubMed: 32605043
DOI: 10.3390/molecules25132958 -
BMC Veterinary Research Oct 2023The zoonotic hookworms Ancylostoma caninum and Uncinaria stenocephala are widespread soil-transmitted helminths in dogs in Europe. Given the veterinary and public health...
BACKGROUND
The zoonotic hookworms Ancylostoma caninum and Uncinaria stenocephala are widespread soil-transmitted helminths in dogs in Europe. Given the veterinary and public health importance of hookworms in dogs and the recent changes in the molecular epidemiology of some species, there is a need to continuously monitor the epidemiological and molecular prevalence of these parasites also at the "local" level. The present study aimed to update the epidemiological scenario of hookworm infections in both owned and stray dogs in southern Italy and to discriminate between different hookworm species (A. caninum and U. stenocephala) through molecular analyses. For this purpose, a retrospective analysis was performed over 10 years (2011-2021), including a total of 7008 owned dogs and 5642 stray dogs referred to our laboratory for copromicroscopic examinations. Moreover, 72 faecal samples, from dogs naturally infected by hookworms, were used to discriminate between A. caninum and U. stenocephala using two PCR protocols. Prior to molecular analyses, a subsample of 40/72 positive faecal samples was used for morphometric investigations on hookworm eggs.
RESULTS
The results of the ten-year retrospective analysis (2011-2021) showed an overall prevalence of hookworm infection of 9.16%, specifically 5.1% in owned dogs and 14.2% in stray dogs. Logistic regression showed a significant association between positivity to hookworms and the variable "puppies" both in stray (13.84%; OR = 2.4) and owned (7.07%; OR = 2.2) dogs. The results of molecular analyses showed that positivity was confirmed only in 21/72 samples, specifically, 6 samples using protocol A and 19 with protocol B. Sequencing revealed 15 samples positive to U. stenocephala and 6 to A. caninum.
CONCLUSIONS
The findings of this study showed a high prevalence of hookworm infections in dogs in southern Italy, updating the epidemiological scenario of the last decade. Moreover, the results of the study revealed the first identification of hookworm species in dogs in Italy by molecular studies, highlighting that U. stenocephala is more prevalent than A. caninum.
Topics: Animals; Dogs; Ancylostomatoidea; Retrospective Studies; Dog Diseases; Hookworm Infections; Italy; Feces; Ancylostoma
PubMed: 37833701
DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03765-3 -
Current Research in Parasitology &... 2022Helminths are among the most-commonly encountered disease-causing agents in dogs all over the world, including Vietnam. A cross-sectional survey was carried out between...
Helminths are among the most-commonly encountered disease-causing agents in dogs all over the world, including Vietnam. A cross-sectional survey was carried out between March and December 2019 in four dog slaughter-slabs in Yen Lap District, Phu Tho Province, northern Vietnam, aiming to reveal the occurrence of gastrointestinal helminths in dogs. Worms were collected from 350 dog samples and identified by morphological techniques followed by molecular methods for tapeworms and hookworms. Nine species, including , , , , , , , and , were found to occur in this area. Infection with at least one worm species was found in 272 dogs (77.7%; 95% Wilson score CI: 73.1-81.8%). The most common species was , with a prevalence of 45.1% (95% Wilson score CI: 40.0-50.4%) while had a very low prevalence of 0.3% (95% Exact CI: 0.0-1.6%). Co-infection with hookworms and was common. Five of the recovered helminth species have a zoonotic potential. Control of these parasites is necessary in order to protect human and animal health.
PubMed: 35676919
DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2022.100091 -
Veterinary Medicine International 2021is one of the most important hookworms in dogs. A study revealed that the prevalence of ancylostomiasis in Indonesia is relatively high. However, cases of persistent... (Review)
Review
is one of the most important hookworms in dogs. A study revealed that the prevalence of ancylostomiasis in Indonesia is relatively high. However, cases of persistent ancylostomiasis in dogs were reported, indicating the possibility of anthelmintic resistance. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the anthelmintic potential of plants preclinically against based on related research articles. This review retrieved 14 articles from 2001 to 2021 investigating 19 different plants. , , and hold a promising prospect as anthelmintic against . This review found aspects of those medicinal plants that need to be investigated deeper to improve our understanding of the matter. results in this review have not yet been tested in trials, which are essential in determining the efficacy and safety of the use of these medicinal plants and also to justify its clinical application.
PubMed: 34876973
DOI: 10.1155/2021/3879099 -
International Journal of Molecular... Mar 2021The integrin αIIbβ3 is the most abundant integrin on platelets. Upon platelet activation, the integrin changes its conformation (inside-out signalling) and outside-in... (Review)
Review
The integrin αIIbβ3 is the most abundant integrin on platelets. Upon platelet activation, the integrin changes its conformation (inside-out signalling) and outside-in signalling takes place leading to platelet spreading, platelet aggregation and thrombus formation. Bloodsucking parasites such as mosquitoes, leeches and ticks express anticoagulant and antiplatelet proteins, which represent major sources of lead compounds for the development of useful therapeutic agents for the treatment of haemostatic disorders or cardiovascular diseases. In addition to hematophagous parasites, snakes also possess anticoagulant and antiplatelet proteins in their salivary glands. Two snake venom proteins have been developed into two antiplatelet drugs that are currently used in the clinic. The group of proteins discussed in this review are disintegrins, low molecular weight integrin-binding cysteine-rich proteins, found in snakes, ticks, leeches, worms and horseflies. Finally, we highlight various oral antagonists, which have been tested in clinical trials but were discontinued due to an increase in mortality. No new αIIbβ3 inhibitors are developed since the approval of current platelet antagonists, and structure-function analysis of exogenous disintegrins could help find platelet antagonists with fewer adverse side effects.
Topics: Actins; Ancylostoma; Animals; Binding Sites; Blood Platelets; Diptera; Disintegrins; Drug Design; Fibrinolytic Agents; Humans; Ligands; Platelet Activation; Platelet Aggregation; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; Platelet Function Tests; Platelet Glycoprotein GPIIb-IIIa Complex; Signal Transduction; Snake Venoms; Snakes; Thrombosis
PubMed: 33806083
DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073366 -
Infection, Genetics and Evolution :... Jan 2020Ancylostoma ceylanicum is a zoonotic hookworm, which mainly causes iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in humans and animals. Hookworm platelet inhibitor (HPI) has been...
Ancylostoma ceylanicum is a zoonotic hookworm, which mainly causes iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in humans and animals. Hookworm platelet inhibitor (HPI) has been isolated from adult Ancylostoma caninum and linked to the pathogenesis of hookworm associated intestinal hemorrhage and IDA. However, there is no available data about HPI from A. ceylanicum. To study the molecular characteristics of A. ceylanicum HPI (Ace-HPI), its corresponding cDNA was amplified from adult A. ceylanicum mRNA using the primers designed based on the Ac-HPI gene sequence, and its sequence homology and phylogenetic relationship were analyzed. The differential expression of Ace-hpi mRNA in the adult and third larval (L3) stages was compared using the quantitative real-time PCR. Ace-HPI reactivity and tissue localization were studied by Western blot and immunofluorescence, respectively. Platelet aggregation activity was monitored in a 96-well microplate reader. The results showed that the Ace-HPI encoding gene was 603 bp in length. Ace-HPI showed 91% homology to Ac-HPI, was closely related to Ac-ASP3, and belonged to the CAP superfamily. Ace-hpi transcripts were most abundant in the adult stage, followed by serum-stimulated infective larvae (ssL3), and finally in L3 stage, with a significant difference. Escherichia coli-expressed recombinant protein had good reactivity with the positive serum of A. ceylanicum-infected dogs. Immunolocalization indicated that Ace-HPI was located in the esophagus and cephalic glands of the adult. As well as, recombinant Ace-HPI inhibited the platelet aggregation in-vitro. HPI overexpression, anatomical location in adults, antigenicity and its in-vitro activity indicate its possible role in adult worm blood-feeding and as a valuable target for hookworm vaccine and drug development.
Topics: Ancylostoma; Animals; Cloning, Molecular; Esophagus; Evolution, Molecular; Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; Helminth Proteins; Larva; Models, Molecular; Phylogeny; Protein Structure, Secondary; Sequence Analysis, DNA; Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid; Tissue Distribution
PubMed: 31689543
DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2019.104102