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Emerging Infectious Diseases Sep 2023We describe a case in Australia of human neural larva migrans caused by the ascarid Ophidascaris robertsi, for which Australian carpet pythons are definitive hosts. We...
We describe a case in Australia of human neural larva migrans caused by the ascarid Ophidascaris robertsi, for which Australian carpet pythons are definitive hosts. We made the diagnosis after a live nematode was removed from the brain of a 64-year-old woman who was immunosuppressed for a hypereosinophilic syndrome diagnosed 12 months earlier.
Topics: Female; Animals; Humans; Middle Aged; Larva Migrans; Australia; Ascaridoidea; Brain; Immunocompromised Host
PubMed: 37610238
DOI: 10.3201/eid2909.230351 -
Current Biology : CB May 2020Wang and Davis provide an overview of the parasite nematode Ascaris, including the history of its role in biological research.
Wang and Davis provide an overview of the parasite nematode Ascaris, including the history of its role in biological research.
Topics: Animals; Ascariasis; Ascaris; Female; Humans; Male; Reproduction
PubMed: 32428467
DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2020.02.064 -
Acta Medica Portuguesa Jul 2022Ingestion of Anisakis is a common cause of allergic reactions to seafood in countries in which undercooked/raw seafood is part of gastronomic traditions. Despite current... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Ingestion of Anisakis is a common cause of allergic reactions to seafood in countries in which undercooked/raw seafood is part of gastronomic traditions. Despite current trends for the ingestion of raw/marinated/undercooked fish, the prevalence rate of anisakiasis and allergy to Anisakis is still considered to be low in Portugal. We aimed to review the current pathogenic mechanisms, the clinical and diagnostic approach of Anisakis allergy, and Anisakis-related eviction measures, while raising awareness to this problem.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Literature search in the MEDLINE and Scopus databases, regarding Anisakis allergy.
CONCLUSION
Assessment of sensitization to Anisakis should be included in the workup study of urticaria/angioedema and anaphylaxis, as there is a rise in consumption of raw and undercooked fish. Ingestion of previously frozen and properly cooked fish appears to be safe for most patients who are allergic to Anisakis.
Topics: Animals; Anisakis; Seafood; Anisakiasis; Anaphylaxis; Angioedema; Fishes
PubMed: 35377838
DOI: 10.20344/amp.15908 -
Ugeskrift For Laeger Jul 2023
Topics: Humans; Animals; Ascaris; Capsule Endoscopy
PubMed: 37539804
DOI: No ID Found -
Parasitology Jan 2022Human toxocariasis is a neglected tropical disease, which is actually global in distribution and has a significant impact on global public health. The infection can lead... (Review)
Review
Human toxocariasis is a neglected tropical disease, which is actually global in distribution and has a significant impact on global public health. The infection can lead to several serious conditions in humans, including allergic, ophthalmic and neurological disorders such as epilepsy. It is caused by the common roundworm species Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati, with humans becoming accidentally infected via the ingestion of eggs or larvae. Toxocara eggs are deposited on the ground when infected dogs, cats and foxes defecate, with the eggs contaminating crops, grazing pastures, and subsequently food animals. However, transmission of Toxocara to humans via food consumption has received relatively little attention in the literature. To establish the risks that contaminated food poses to the public, a renewed research focus is required. This review discusses what is currently known about food-borne Toxocara transmission, highlighting the gaps in our understanding that require further attention, and outlining some potential preventative strategies which could be employed to safeguard consumer health.
Topics: Animals; Brain; Dogs; Humans; Nervous System Diseases; Toxocara; Toxocara canis; Toxocariasis; Zoonoses
PubMed: 34694217
DOI: 10.1017/S0031182021001591 -
Trends in Parasitology Mar 2021Ascariasis is a globally spread intestinal nematode infection of humans and a considerable concern in pig husbandry. Ascaris accomplishes a complex body migration from... (Review)
Review
Ascariasis is a globally spread intestinal nematode infection of humans and a considerable concern in pig husbandry. Ascaris accomplishes a complex body migration from the intestine via the liver and lung before returning to the intestine. Tissue migration and the habitat shared with a complex microbial community pose the question of how the nematode interacts with microbes and host cells from various tissues. This review addresses the current knowledge of the trilateral relationship between Ascaris, its microbial environment, and host cells, and discusses novel approaches targeting these interactions to combat this widespread infection of livestock and man.
Topics: Animals; Ascariasis; Ascaris; Environment; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Host-Parasite Interactions; Swine; Swine Diseases
PubMed: 33008723
DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2020.09.002 -
Turkiye Parazitolojii Dergisi Sep 2023Cats have an important and different place due to their close relationships with humans. Since most of the parasites they carry are zoonotic, it is important to detect... (Review)
Review
Cats have an important and different place due to their close relationships with humans. Since most of the parasites they carry are zoonotic, it is important to detect them. According to the research, spp., spp., spp., and sp. were found to be higher in cats compared to other parasites. It has been determined that scabies and flea infestations are common as ectoparasites. This review aims to present the reported parasites and their prevalence rates in cats in Türkiye.
Topics: Humans; Cats; Animals; Parasites; Flea Infestations; Scabies; Toxoplasma; Toxocara
PubMed: 37724370
DOI: 10.4274/tpd.galenos.2023.85698 -
Radiologia 2022To review the main findings for anisakiasis in the different imaging tests that can be used to diagnose it, based on studies done at our center.
OBJECTIVE
To review the main findings for anisakiasis in the different imaging tests that can be used to diagnose it, based on studies done at our center.
CONCLUSION
The presence of Anisakis species in food consumed in Western countries is becoming more common. Patients with anisakiasis present with acute abdomen; there are no specific clinical signs or laboratory findings. Careful history taking is key to discovering exposure to Anisakis-contaminated food, but this task is hindered by unfamiliarity with the condition and lack of suspicion and is also confounded by the variable latency period after ingestion of Anisakis-contaminated food. Give the nonspecific presentation, patients with anisakiasis often undergo imaging tests to rule out other processes. Thus, radiologists need to be familiar with the spectrum of imaging findings that should lead to the inclusion of anisakiasis in the differential diagnosis, so they can guide clinicians toward directed history taking and specific tests.
Topics: Abdomen, Acute; Animals; Anisakiasis; Anisakis; Diagnosis, Differential; Humans
PubMed: 35676056
DOI: 10.1016/j.rxeng.2022.05.001 -
Genes Mar 2021Nematodes of the genus are important parasites of humans and swine, and the phylogenetically related genera (, and infect mammals of veterinary interest. Over the last... (Review)
Review
Nematodes of the genus are important parasites of humans and swine, and the phylogenetically related genera (, and infect mammals of veterinary interest. Over the last decade, considerable genomic resources have been established for , including complete germline and somatic genomes, comprehensive mRNA and small RNA transcriptomes, as well as genome-wide histone and chromatin data. These datasets provide a major resource for studies on the basic biology of these parasites and the host-parasite relationship. and its relatives undergo programmed DNA elimination, a highly regulated process where chromosomes are fragmented and portions of the genome are lost in embryonic cells destined to adopt a somatic fate, whereas the genome remains intact in germ cells. Unlike many model organisms, transcription drives early development beginning prior to pronuclear fusion. Studies on demonstrated a complex small RNA network even in the absence of a piRNA pathway. Comparative genomics of these ascarids has provided perspectives on nematode sex chromosome evolution, programmed DNA elimination, and host-parasite coevolution. The genomic resources enable comparison of proteins across diverse species, revealing many new potential drug targets that could be used to control these parasitic nematodes.
Topics: Animals; Ascariasis; Ascaris; Databases, Genetic; Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; Genome, Protozoan; Humans; Swine; Transcriptome
PubMed: 33800545
DOI: 10.3390/genes12040493 -
PLoS Pathogens Feb 2023In most organisms, the whole genome is maintained throughout the life span. However, exceptions occur in some species where the genome is reduced during development... (Review)
Review
In most organisms, the whole genome is maintained throughout the life span. However, exceptions occur in some species where the genome is reduced during development through a process known as programmed DNA elimination (PDE). In the human and pig parasite Ascaris, PDE occurs during the 4 to 16 cell stages of embryogenesis, when germline chromosomes are fragmented and specific DNA sequences are reproducibly lost in all somatic cells. PDE was identified in Ascaris over 120 years ago, but little was known about its molecular details until recently. Genome sequencing revealed that approximately 1,000 germline-expressed genes are eliminated in Ascaris, suggesting PDE is a gene silencing mechanism. All germline chromosome ends are removed and remodeled during PDE. In addition, PDE increases the number of chromosomes in the somatic genome by splitting many germline chromosomes. Comparative genomics indicates that these germline chromosomes arose from fusion events. PDE separates these chromosomes at the fusion sites. These observations indicate that PDE plays a role in chromosome karyotype and evolution. Furthermore, comparative analysis of PDE in other parasitic and free-living nematodes illustrates conserved features of PDE, suggesting it has important biological significance. We summarize what is known about PDE in Ascaris and its relatives. We also discuss other potential functions, mechanisms, and the evolution of PDE in these parasites of humans and animals of veterinary importance.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Swine; Ascaris; Chromosomes; Nematoda; Base Sequence; DNA
PubMed: 36730159
DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011087