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Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift Fur... Feb 2007Urticaria is one of the most prevalent disorders in dermatological practice. The disease can be incapacitating. There are clear pathophysiological and epidemiological... (Review)
Review
Urticaria is one of the most prevalent disorders in dermatological practice. The disease can be incapacitating. There are clear pathophysiological and epidemiological hints that helminths and protozoa are rare but treatable causes of acute and chronic urticaria. Doctors and patients are often not aware that parasitic diseases are increasingly common even in industrialized countries due to a steep rise in migration and international travel. This review presents the most important parasitic causes of urticaria and provides relevant details regarding personal history, clinical presentation, diagnosis and therapy.
Topics: Animals; Diagnosis, Differential; Eukaryota; Helminthiasis; Helminths; Humans; Immunoglobulin E; Mast Cells; Protozoan Infections; Urticaria
PubMed: 16832670
DOI: 10.1007/s00105-006-1174-z -
BioMed Research International 2015Protozoa are eukaryotic cells distributed worldwide in nature and are receiving increasing attention as reservoirs and potential vectors for the transmission of...
Protozoa are eukaryotic cells distributed worldwide in nature and are receiving increasing attention as reservoirs and potential vectors for the transmission of pathogenic bacteria. In the environment, on the other hand, many genera of the protozoa are human and animal pathogens. Only limited information is available on these organisms in developing countries and so far no information on their presence is available from Sudan. It is necessary to establish a molecular identification of species of the protozoa from drinking and environmental water. 600 water samples were collected from five states (Gadarif, Khartoum, Kordofan, Juba, and Wad Madani) in Sudan and analysed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing. 57 out of 600 water samples were PCR positive for protozoa. 38 out of the 57 positive samples were identified by sequencing to contain 66 protozoa species including 19 (28.8%) amoebae, 17 (25.7%) Apicomplexa, 25 (37.9%) ciliates, and 5 (7.6%) flagellates. This study utilized molecular methods identified species belonging to all phyla of protozoa and presented a fast and accurate molecular detection and identification of pathogenic as well as free-living protozoa in water uncovering hazards facing public health.
Topics: Amoeba; Animals; Apicomplexa; DNA, Protozoan; Environment; Humans; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Prevalence; Protozoan Infections; Sudan; Water
PubMed: 25789313
DOI: 10.1155/2015/345619 -
BMC Ophthalmology Oct 2016The repertoire of free-living protozoa in contact lens solutions is poorly known despite the fact that such protozoa may act as direct pathogens and may harbor...
BACKGROUND
The repertoire of free-living protozoa in contact lens solutions is poorly known despite the fact that such protozoa may act as direct pathogens and may harbor intra-cellular pathogens.
METHODS
Between 2009 and 2014, the contact lens solutions collected from patients presenting at our Ophthalmology Department for clinically suspected keratitis, were cultured on non-nutrient agar examined by microscope for the presence of free-living protozoa. All protozoa were identified by 18S rRNA gene sequencing.
RESULTS
A total of 20 of 233 (8.6 %) contact lens solution specimens collected from 16 patients were cultured. Acanthamoeba amoeba in 16 solutions (80 %) collected from 12 patients and Colpoda steini, Cercozoa sp., Protostelium sp. and a eukaryotic more closely related to Vermamoeba sp., were each isolated in one solution. Cercozoa sp., Colpoda sp., Protostelium sp. and Vermamoeba sp. are reported for the first time as contaminating contact lens solutions.
CONCLUSION
The repertoire of protozoa in contact lens solutions is larger than previously known.
Topics: Acanthamoeba; Amoebida; Bacteria; Contact Lens Solutions; Contact Lenses; Female; Fungi; Humans; Keratitis; Male; Phylogeny; Prospective Studies; Protozoan Infections; RNA, Protozoan; RNA, Ribosomal, 18S
PubMed: 27793130
DOI: 10.1186/s12886-016-0370-6 -
The Journal of Protozoology Feb 1981Autecology (cellular organelles and secretions, encystment and dispersal abilities), environmental conditions (physiological tolerances and interaction with other... (Review)
Review
Autecology (cellular organelles and secretions, encystment and dispersal abilities), environmental conditions (physiological tolerances and interaction with other organisms), and evolutionary history contribute to protist biogeography, which manifests ecological and historical aspects. Ecological biogeography is seen in the influence of geochemistry on the distribution of fresh-water phytoflagellates and algae, and of moisture and vegetation type on soil-litter protists. A temporal feature is often present because many protists encyst and respond only to certain ranges of temperature and organic content. Historical biogeography has occurred by radiative host evolution on symbiotic protozoa (e.g., termite flagellates and rumen ciliates), and by the isolating effects of water currents, temperature, and density gradients on oceanic protists (coccoliths, dinoflagellates, foraminifera, radiolaria, and tintinnines). These two aspects combine in protists living on animal surfaces. Humans affect protist biogeography by increasing parasite ranges through human migrations and by water pollution. They can diminish these situations by disease control and exploiting appropriate ciliates in sewage disposal. Many free-living protozoa appear to be cosmopolitan, but mating types and isoenzyme studies suggest that speciation with its geographic connotations may be more widespread than presently appreciated.
Topics: Animals; Biological Evolution; Blood; Digestive System; Ecology; Eukaryota; Humans; Soil; Symbiosis; Water
PubMed: 7019419
DOI: 10.1111/j.1550-7408.1981.tb02794.x -
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Mar 2023The detection of Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. was performed, along with the identification of the ciliated protozoa biodiversity, to evaluate the...
Molecular characterization of waterborne protozoa in surface water and sediment in Brazil: a taxonomic survey of ciliated protozoa and their correlation with Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp.
The detection of Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. was performed, along with the identification of the ciliated protozoa biodiversity, to evaluate the correlation between these protozoa in freshwater quality monitoring. Water and sediment samples from two sites in the Atibaia River (Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil) were collected monthly for 2 years (n = 96). Pathogenic protozoa in water and sediment were detected by using immunomagnetic separation, followed by visualization by immunofluorescence assay (IFA). All positive aliquots in IFA were subjected to DNA extraction and subsequently nested PCR. Qualitative (in vivo observation and silver impregnation) and quantitative (in vivo enumeration) analyses were performed for the ciliated protozoa. Giardia cysts were detected in 62.5% of the surface water samples and Cryptosporidium spp. in 25.0%. In the sediment, cysts were detected in 35.4% samples and oocysts in 16.6%. A total of 57 samples positive for Giardia cysts were subjected to sequencing, 40 of which were harboring G. duodenalis (24 were characterized as sub-assemblage AII). For ciliated protozoa, 73 taxa belonging to 53 genera were identified over the period of the study. These results revealed a high degree of contamination by waterborne protozoa in the main water source which supplies drinking water for more than one million people in Campinas (São Paulo), highlighting the need for continuous monitoring of this catchment site. In addition, the present study provides important data regarding the sources of the water body degradation, i.e., fecal contamination of human origin, in addition to the survey of the ciliated protozoa.
Topics: Humans; Giardia lamblia; Water; Cryptosporidiosis; Brazil; Cryptosporidium; Environmental Monitoring; Giardia
PubMed: 36922479
DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11065-4 -
The Journal of Parasitology Feb 2019Gastroenteritis caused by single or multiple pathogens remains a major diagnostic challenge for the laboratory, as diagnosis is achieved using different techniques with... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
Gastroenteritis caused by single or multiple pathogens remains a major diagnostic challenge for the laboratory, as diagnosis is achieved using different techniques with variable sensitivity and specificity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the EasyScreen™ Enteric Protozoa Detection Kit, a multiplex PCR assay for the detection and identification of the 5 most common protozoan parasites in fecal samples. A total of 632 fecal samples, submitted for routine screening to 2 centers in north-eastern Italy, was included in the study. The results of the molecular assay were compared to those of the standard diagnostic procedures, represented by microscopy and immunoassays. Out of 32 samples testing positive by conventional tools, 31 were detected as concordantly positive using the EasyScreen Kit. Additionally, 91 out of 632 samples only tested positive by the molecular test, therefore increasing the positive detection rate by 275%. Finally, the EasyScreen assay detected 14 co-infections compared to 3 co-infections identified by conventional methods. The EasyScreen Kit provided a rapid and sensitive simultaneous identification of the most important diarrhea-causing protozoa that infect humans. Additionally, this molecular assay presents several advantages compared to conventional tools, such as the standardization and near-total automation of the process. Although critical issues related to the employment of molecular assays are still evident, the system is suitable for clinical parasitological diagnosis as long as it is used in association with conventional tools.
Topics: Algorithms; Chi-Square Distribution; Diagnostic Screening Programs; Diarrhea; Feces; Gastroenteritis; Humans; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction; Protozoan Infections; Retrospective Studies; Sensitivity and Specificity
PubMed: 30807725
DOI: No ID Found -
BioMed Research International 2014Flagellated protozoa that cause bronchopulmonary symptoms in humans are commonly neglected. These protozoal forms which were presumed to be "flagellated protozoa" have...
Flagellated protozoa that cause bronchopulmonary symptoms in humans are commonly neglected. These protozoal forms which were presumed to be "flagellated protozoa" have been previously identified in immunosuppressed patients in a number of studies, but have not been certainly classified so far. Since no human cases of bronchopulmonary flagellated protozoa were reported from Turkey, we aimed to investigate these putative protozoa in immunosuppressed patients who are particularly at risk of infectious diseases. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples of 110 immunosuppressed adult patients who were admitted to the Department of Chest Diseases, Hafsa Sultan Hospital of Celal Bayar University, Manisa, Turkey, were examined in terms of parasites by light microscopy. Flagellated protozoal forms were detected in nine (8.2%) of 110 cases. Metronidazole (500 mg b.i.d. for 30 days) was given to all positive cases and a second bronchoscopy was performed at the end of the treatment, which revealed no parasites. In conclusion, immunosuppressed patients with bronchopulmonary symptoms should attentively be examined with regard to flagellated protozoa which can easily be misidentified as epithelial cells.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; Bronchoscopy; Communicable Diseases; Female; Humans; Immunosuppression Therapy; Male; Metronidazole; Middle Aged; Protozoan Infections; Turkey
PubMed: 24804259
DOI: 10.1155/2014/912346 -
Reproduction, Nutrition, Developpement 1985We have studied the contribution of ciliate protozoa to the degradation of dietary protein, utilizing 5 defaunated and 6 faunated sheep. Rumen samples from these animals...
We have studied the contribution of ciliate protozoa to the degradation of dietary protein, utilizing 5 defaunated and 6 faunated sheep. Rumen samples from these animals were used as inocular for in vitro determination of the degradability of different protein sources: lupine grain, peanut and soybean cake, and fish meal. We also applied the in sacco method to measure the digestibility of soybean proteins. Two pore sizes (50 and 100 microns) were used in the in sacco study. The nitrogen degradation curve was constructed according to the mathematical model: P(t) = a + b (1-e-ct), and the parameters a, b, and c were determined for both faunated and defaunated animals. The proteolytic activity of the rumen contents was also determined using azocasein. The in vitro degradability of proteins was significantly less in defaunated than in faunated animals: 17, 19, 28 and 64% with lupine grain, peanut cake, soybean cake and fish meal proteins, respectively. The protozoal effect was greater when protein solubility was low. The in sacco study showed that neither the protozoa nor bag pore size had any effect on the protein fraction (a) immediately soluble in the rumen juice. However, both factors increased the insoluble, potentially degradable fraction "b" (P less than or equal to .01). Protozoa had a positive effect on the rate of degradation (c) of the fraction b. This effect was most clear with the 100 micron bags. The significant interaction between protozoa and pore size on factor "c" showed that large ciliate protozoa (100 microns) were directly involved in determining this parameter.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Topics: Animals; Dietary Proteins; Eukaryota; Rumen; Sheep
PubMed: 4095377
DOI: 10.1051/rnd:19850807 -
Ying Yong Sheng Tai Xue Bao = the... Oct 2004Due to the abundant species and huge biomass, soil protozoa play an important role in soil ecosystem. As a bio-indicator, soil protozoa have many advantages over other... (Review)
Review
Due to the abundant species and huge biomass, soil protozoa play an important role in soil ecosystem. As a bio-indicator, soil protozoa have many advantages over other soil animals. Studies on the community structures, quantities, and dynamic variations of biodiversity of soil protozoa could provide powerful means to evaluate natural environmental changes and to monitor the environmental pollution brought by anthropic activities. Based on the current study at home and abroad, this paper gave a review on the function of soil protozoa in ecosystems, their advantages as bio-indicator, and their responses to environmental factors, soil contaminants and the change of atmospheric CO2. The application prospect of soil protozoa in eco-toxicity diagnosis was also discussed.
Topics: Animals; Biodiversity; Ecosystem; Environmental Monitoring; Eukaryota; Soil; Soil Pollutants
PubMed: 15624848
DOI: No ID Found -
Journal of Dairy Science Jan 2012The flow of ciliate protozoa from the reticulo-rumen is significantly less than expected given the total density of rumen protozoa present. To maintain their numbers in...
The flow of ciliate protozoa from the reticulo-rumen is significantly less than expected given the total density of rumen protozoa present. To maintain their numbers in the reticulo-rumen, protozoa can be selectively retained through association with feed particles and the rumen wall. Few mathematical models have been designed to model rumen protozoa in both the free-living and attached phases, and the data used in the models were acquired using classical techniques. It has therefore become necessary to provide an updated model that more accurately represents these microorganisms and incorporates the recent literature on distribution, sequestration, and generation times. This paper represents a novel approach to synthesizing experimental data on rumen microorganisms in a quantitative and structured manner. The development of a linear programming model of rumen protozoa in an approximate steady state will be described and applied to data from healthy ruminants consuming commonly fed diets. In the model, protozoa associated with the liquid phase and protozoa attached to particulate matter or sequestered against the rumen wall are distinguished. Growth, passage, death, and transfer of protozoa between both pools are represented. The results from the model application using the contrasting diets of increased forage content versus increased starch content indicate that the majority of rumen protozoa, 63 to 90%, are found in the attached phase, either attached to feed particles or sequestered on the rumen wall. A slightly greater proportion of protozoa are found in the attached phase in animals fed a hay diet compared with a starch diet. This suggests that experimental protocols that only sample protozoa from the rumen fluid could be significantly underestimating the size of the protozoal population of the rumen. Further data are required on the distribution of ciliate protozoa in the rumen of healthy animals to improve model development, but the model described herein does indicate that the attached protozoal population is a significant component of the total rumen protozoal community.
Topics: Animals; Body Fluids; Cattle; Ciliophora; Diet; Linear Models; Models, Biological; Omasum; Rumen; Sheep
PubMed: 22192205
DOI: 10.3168/jds.2011-4352