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Parasitology Research Nov 2017The German cockroach (Blattella germanica) is a common domestic pest, which produces allergens that have been associated with broncho-pulmonary disease. Various...
The German cockroach (Blattella germanica) is a common domestic pest, which produces allergens that have been associated with broncho-pulmonary disease. Various protozoan species have been identified in the intestine of this cockroach and it has been hypothesised that these protozoa, or their proteases, may contribute to the burden of cockroach-associated allergens and adjuvants present in domestic dust. The aim of this study was therefore to determine the prevalence of protozoan species in the intestine of Blattella germanica. German cockroaches were anesthetised and dissected and gut contents are used to produce wet slides for microscopy. Both, Giemsa and Papanicolaou stains were used to confirm correct identification of Lophomonas blattarum. Representatives of four genera of protozoa were identified in 110 cockroaches: Nyctoterus sp. was observed in 91.8% of cases, Gregarina sp. in 64.5%, Amoeba sp. in 25.4% and Lophomonas blattarum in 13.6%. Nyctoterus and Gregarina were statistically significantly more likely to be found in diseased cockroaches compared to Amoeba or Lophomonas. The prevalence of Lophomonas blattarum was similar to that in published studies of a different species of cockroach, Periplaneta americana. Further work is needed to assess the interplay between protozoa, cockroaches and broncho-pulmonary diseases.
Topics: Allergens; Animals; Cockroaches; Immunologic Tests; Intestines; Parabasalidea; Prevalence
PubMed: 28986693
DOI: 10.1007/s00436-017-5640-6 -
FEMS Microbiology Letters Mar 2016Species composition and concentration of rumen ciliate protozoa were investigated in the rumen contents of 14 domestic sheep and 1 goat living in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan....
Species composition and concentration of rumen ciliate protozoa were investigated in the rumen contents of 14 domestic sheep and 1 goat living in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. This is the first report on rumen ciliates from ruminants living in Kyrgyzstan. In sheep 12 genera, 28 species and 12 morphotypes were detected, whereas in goat 8 genera, 12 species and 4 morphotypes were detected. The density of ciliates in sheep was (28.1 ± 20.0) × 10(4) cells mL(-1) and in goat was 37.0 × 10(4) cells mL(-1). Dasytricha ruminantium, Isotricha prostoma, Entodinium simulans and Ophryoscolex caudatus were major species (100%) in sheep, and for the first time, Diplodinium rangiferi was detected in a domestic goat.
Topics: Animals; Biodiversity; Ciliophora; Goats; Kyrgyzstan; Phenotype; Rumen; Sheep; Sheep, Domestic
PubMed: 26850444
DOI: 10.1093/femsle/fnw028 -
Zhurnal Mikrobiologii, Epidemiologii I... 2009To determine rate of infection of protozoa by enteroviruses to assess the potential role of protozoa as a natural reservoir of enteroviruses.
AIM
To determine rate of infection of protozoa by enteroviruses to assess the potential role of protozoa as a natural reservoir of enteroviruses.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The samples were collected from flowing and stagnant water reservoirs in Orenburg region in summer and autumn. The samples of sewages were taken in all stages of their treatment. Cultures of protozoa were isolated with micromanipulator equipped with micropipette, incubated on Pratt's medium at 25 degrees C and fed with Pseudomonas fluorescens culture. RNA of enteroviruses was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
RESULTS
Seventy-two protozoan species were found in Ural river, whereas 15 and 38 species were found in lakes and sewages respectively. Enteroviruses were detected by RT-PCR in 61.8% cultures of protozoa belonging to 23 species of flagellates, amoebae and ciliates isolated from natural water bodies undergoing anthropogenic impact as well as from sewages in all stages of their treatment. Predominant localization of enteroviruses in dominant taxons of protozoa (Paraphysomonas sp., Spumella sp., Petalomonas poosilla, Amoeba sp.) was noted.
CONCLUSION
Obtained data confirm presence of enteroviruses in protozoa living both in flowing and stagnant recreation natural water bodies as well as in sewages and confirm the hypothesis of persistence of enteroviruses in protozoa and the reservoir role of the latter. Contingency of life cycles of viruses and protozoa allows to explain the seasonality of aseptic meningitis incidence caused by enteroviruses, which peaks in summer and autumn when protozoa massively multiply in water bodies.
Topics: Disease Reservoirs; Enterovirus; Enterovirus Infections; Eukaryota; Fresh Water; Humans; RNA, Viral; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; Russia; Sewage
PubMed: 20063789
DOI: No ID Found -
Epidemiology and Infection Dec 1999Protozoa are important enteric pathogens in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. In this study the prevalence of intestinal protozoa in 154...
Protozoa are important enteric pathogens in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. In this study the prevalence of intestinal protozoa in 154 HIV-infected patients, with or without diarrhoea, in our region (Apulia, South Italy) was evaluated between December 1993 and February 1998. In the majority of patients CD4+ T cell count was below 200/microl. The overall prevalence of intestinal protozoa was 43/154 (27.92%). Twenty-eight (43.08%) out of 65 patients with diarrhoea and 15 (16-85%) out of 89 non-diarrhoeic patients were parasitized. In particular, in the group of 65 patients with diarrhoea the following protozoa were identified: Cryptosporidium parvum in 14 (21.54%), Blastocystis hominis in 7 (10.77%), microsporidia in 6 (9.23%), Giardia lamblia in 4 (6.15%) and Isospora belli in 1 (1.54%). Three patients were Cryptosporidium parvum-microsporidia co-infected. In patients without intestinal symptoms, prevalence was 3/89 (3.37%) for Cryptosporidium parvum, 9/89 (10.11%) for Blastocystis hominis, 1/89 (1.12%) for microsporidia and 2/89 (2.25%) for Giardia lamblia. A significant (P<0.001) correlation was observed between protozoan infection and the presence of diarrhoea. In particular, Cryptosporidium parvum and microsporidia infections were significantly (P<0.001) and P = 0.046, respectively) associated with diarrhoeal illness. Moreover, the majority of cases of cryptosporidiosis were first diagnosed in the periods of heaviest rainfall. Therefore, drinking water contamination may be a possible source of human infection in our area.
Topics: Adult; Animals; Diarrhea; Digestive System; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Incidence; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Italy; Male; Prevalence; Protozoan Infections; Water Supply
PubMed: 10694157
DOI: 10.1017/s0950268899003015 -
The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal Sep 2018Intestinal protozoa are common opportunistic infections in HIV patients. Longitudinal studies on either the clinical relevance or the effect of immune reconstitution by...
Multiplex Real-time PCR Detection of Intestinal Protozoa in HIV-infected Children in Malawi: Enterocytozoon Bieneusi Is Common and Associated With Gastrointestinal Complaints and May Delay BMI (Nutritional Status) Recovery.
BACKGROUND
Intestinal protozoa are common opportunistic infections in HIV patients. Longitudinal studies on either the clinical relevance or the effect of immune reconstitution by antiretroviral therapy on intestinal protozoan infections in children are lacking however. This study investigates prevalence and clinical relevance of intestinal protozoa in HIV-infected Malawian children before and during their first year of antiretroviral treatment (ART).
METHODS
Stool samples collected at enrolment and during follow-up were tested for nonopportunistic (Giardia lamblia, Dientamoeba fragilis, Entamoeba histolytica) and opportunistic protozoa (Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Encephalitozoon spp., Cryptosporidium spp. and Cystoisospora belli) using multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction. Associations between infections and clinical symptoms were evaluated using univariate methods.
RESULTS
Nonopportunistic and opportunistic protozoa were detected in 40% (14/35) and 46% (16/35) of children at baseline, respectively. E. bieneusi was the most prevalent protozoa (37%, 13/35) and associated with gastrointestinal complaints (43% in positive (10/13) versus 18% (4/22) in E. bieneusi-negative children, P = 0.001. Body mass index recovery during 12 months of ART was more commonly delayed in E. bieneusi-positive children (+0.29 +standard deviation 0.83) than E. bieneusi-negative children (+1.03 +standard deviation 1.25; P = 0.05). E. bieneusi was not detected after 12 months of ART.
CONCLUSIONS
E. bieneusi was the most prevalent opportunistic intestinal protozoa, present in over a third of study participants before initiation of ART. Although all children cleared E. bieneusi after 12 months of ART, E. bieneusi was associated with gastrointestinal complaints and may delay body mass index recovery. Trials to assess effect of treatment of E. bieneusi on nutritional status should be considered in HIV-infected African children.
Topics: AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections; Anti-Retroviral Agents; Body Mass Index; Child; Enterocytozoon; Feces; Female; HIV; HIV Infections; Humans; Intestines; Malawi; Male; Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction; Nutritional Status; Prevalence; Prospective Studies
PubMed: 29762365
DOI: 10.1097/INF.0000000000001924 -
European Journal of Protistology Feb 2020The colonization features of periphytic protozoa have proved to be a useful tool for indicating water quality status in aquatic ecosystems. In order to reveal the...
The colonization features of periphytic protozoa have proved to be a useful tool for indicating water quality status in aquatic ecosystems. In order to reveal the seasonal variations in colonization dynamics of the protozoa, a 1-year baseline survey was carried out in coastal waters of the Yellow Sea, northern China. Using glass slides as artificial substrates, a total of 240 slides were collected at a depth of 1 m in four seasons after colonization periods of 3, 7, 10, 14, 21, and 28 days. A total of 122 ciliate species were identified with 21 dominant species. The colonization dynamics of the protozoa were well fitted to the MacArthur-Wilson and logistic models in all four seasons (P < 0.05). However, the equilibrium species numbers (S), colonization rates (G), and the time to 90% S (T) represented a clear seasonal variability: (1) more or less similar levels in spring and autumn (S = 29/23; G = 0.301/0.296; T=7.650/7.779); (2) with a significant difference in summer and winter (S = 32/121; G = 0.708/0.005; T = 3.252/479.705). Multivariate approaches demonstrated that the exposure time for the species composition and community structure of the protozoa to an equilibrium period were 10-14 days in spring and autumn, but less and more time periods were needed in summer and winter, respectively. Based on the results, we suggest that the colonization dynamics of periphytic protozoa were different within four seasons, and an optimal sampling strategy for monitoring surveys should be modified during different seasons in marine ecosystems.
Topics: Biodiversity; China; Ciliophora; Environmental Monitoring; Logistic Models; Seasons; Seawater
PubMed: 31734636
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejop.2019.125643 -
Revista Da Sociedade Brasileira de... 2007A parasitological survey was carried out among Terena Indians living in the Tereré settlement in the municipality of Sidrolândia, State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil....
A parasitological survey was carried out among Terena Indians living in the Tereré settlement in the municipality of Sidrolândia, State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Single samples of feces from 313 Indians were processed by means of the spontaneous sedimentation method. In the population studied, 73.5% were infected with at least one intestinal parasite or commensal. Protozoa predominated. Blastocystis hominis (40.9%), Entamoeba coli (33.2%) and Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar (31.6%) were the most common. Bivariate analysis showed that females were generally more infected and presented higher rates of infection by Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar and Entamoeba coli. Males were more infected by hookworms and Strongyloides stercoralis than females. The precarious sanitary conditions of the Tereré settlement are probably a contributory factor towards the high prevalence of intestinal protozoa.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Animals; Blastocystis Infections; Blastocystis hominis; Brazil; Child; Child, Preschool; Feces; Female; Helminthiasis; Humans; Indians, South American; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Male; Middle Aged; Prevalence; Protozoan Infections
PubMed: 18200414
DOI: 10.1590/s0037-86822007000600006 -
International Journal For Parasitology Jan 2020Bivalve molluscs are now considered indicator species of aquatic contamination by human parasitic protozoa. Nonetheless, the possible effects of these protozoa on the...
Comparison of viability and phagocytic responses of hemocytes withdrawn from the bivalves Mytilus edulis and Dreissena polymorpha, and exposed to human parasitic protozoa.
Bivalve molluscs are now considered indicator species of aquatic contamination by human parasitic protozoa. Nonetheless, the possible effects of these protozoa on the immune system of their paratenic hosts are poorly documented. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of two protozoa on hemocyte viability and phagocytosis from two mussels, the zebra mussel (freshwater habitat) and the blue mussel (seawater habitat). For these purposes, viability and phagocytic markers have been analysed on hemocytes from mussels without biological stress (control hemocytes), and on hemocytes exposed to a biological stress (Toxoplasma gondii and Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts). We report, for the first known time, the interactions between protozoa and hemocytes of mussels from different aquatic environments. Zebra mussel hemocytes showed a decrease in phagocytosis of fluorescent microbeads after exposure to both protozoa, while blue mussel hemocytes reacted only to T. gondii oocysts. These decreases in the ingestion of microbeads can be caused by competition between beads and oocysts and can be influenced by the size of the oocysts. New characterisations of their immune capacities, including aggregation, remain to be developed to understand the specificities of both mussels.
Topics: Animals; Cryptosporidium; Disease Transmission, Infectious; Dreissena; Fresh Water; Hemocytes; Humans; Immunity, Cellular; Mytilus edulis; Phagocytosis; Seawater; Sentinel Species; Toxoplasma
PubMed: 31857073
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2019.10.005 -
Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases Aug 2013Intestinal protozoa are becoming increasingly recognized as significant pathogens in immunocompromised hosts. However, pathogenesis of infection is still poorly... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Intestinal protozoa are becoming increasingly recognized as significant pathogens in immunocompromised hosts. However, pathogenesis of infection is still poorly understood, diagnostic tests remain insensitive, and management continues to pose a challenge.
RECENT FINDINGS
Invasion by intestinal protozoa can be facilitated by impaired host T-cell immune response, although the exact pathogenesis at the cellular level is unclear. HIV-infected and transplant patients have been reported to have the highest risk for developing severe disease. Cryptosporidium is the most common parasite encountered in the immunocompromised host, followed by Cyclospora and Isospora. In recent years, Microsporidia and Blastocystis have also emerged as important players, due in part to improved molecular diagnostic assays. Effective drugs against these parasites in immunocompromised patients have not been reported in recent years. When possible, reducing the level of immunosuppression seems to be the most effective treatment strategy in combination with adjunctive antiparasitic therapy.
SUMMARY
Despite that intestinal protozoan infections cause greater morbidity and mortality in the immunocompromised host, their pathogenesis in the setting of immunosuppression is poorly understood and efforts to develop new therapeutic agents are rather limited. Improving detection and identification of species or subtypes by PCR will result in improved management decisions and a better understanding of the epidemiology of intestinal protozoa. Favorable clinical outcomes can be achieved by early detection and effective treatment of the infection. Further research on key aspects of pathogenesis at the cellular level in humans is needed.
Topics: Humans; Immunocompromised Host; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Protozoan Infections; Risk Factors
PubMed: 23806893
DOI: 10.1097/QCO.0b013e3283630be3 -
Journal of Animal Science Jul 1990Ruminal samples were collected at slaughter from 364 unfasted steers fed different finishing diets to obtain information on numbers and species distribution of ciliated...
Ruminal samples were collected at slaughter from 364 unfasted steers fed different finishing diets to obtain information on numbers and species distribution of ciliated protozoa in feedlot cattle. Total numbers of protozoa averaged 1.59 X 10(5)/g of ruminal contents. A total of 47 steers (12.9%) were defaunated, but 4.1% of the steers possessed numbers of protozoa greater than 10(6)/g. Entodinium species did not always dominate the protozoan populations; 41 faunated steers (11.2%) were devoid of entodinia, and 79 additional steers (21.7%) possessed populations dominated (greater than 50%) by other genera. Isotricha was the most commonly occurring genus supplanting Entodinium, but Polyplastron and Epidinium were frequently present in high concentrations. Tallow and soybean soapstock supplementation reduced (P less than .05) numbers of protozoa in steers consuming wheat diets. However, yellow grease supplementation did not affect numbers of protozoa in steers fed either sorghum or corn diets. Average ruminal pH was 6.20 on the wheat diet, 6.05 on the corn diet, and 5.69 and 6.23 for the two sorghum diets, respectively. We found no correlation between ruminal pH and numbers of protozoa on any diet. The presence of relatively high protozoan concentrations and few defaunated animals in feedlot cattle necessitates reevaluation of the role that ciliated protozoa play in ruminal metabolism of animals fed processed, high-concentrate diets.
Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; Cattle; Ciliophora; Dietary Fats; Edible Grain; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Male; Rumen; Triticum; Zea mays
PubMed: 2117004
DOI: 10.2527/1990.6872150x