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Parasites & Vectors Jun 2024Digital imaging combined with deep-learning-based computational image analysis is a growing area in medical diagnostics, including parasitology, where a number of...
BACKGROUND
Digital imaging combined with deep-learning-based computational image analysis is a growing area in medical diagnostics, including parasitology, where a number of automated analytical devices have been developed and are available for use in clinical practice.
METHODS
The performance of Parasight All-in-One (AIO), a second-generation device, was evaluated by comparing it to a well-accepted research method (mini-FLOTAC) and to another commercially available test (Imagyst). Fifty-nine canine and feline infected fecal specimens were quantitatively analyzed by all three methods. Since some samples were positive for more than one parasite, the dataset consisted of 48 specimens positive for Ancylostoma spp., 13 for Toxocara spp. and 23 for Trichuris spp.
RESULTS
The magnitude of Parasight AIO counts correlated well with those of mini-FLOTAC but not with those of Imagyst. Parasight AIO counted approximately 3.5-fold more ova of Ancylostoma spp. and Trichuris spp. and 4.6-fold more ova of Toxocara spp. than the mini-FLOTAC, and counted 27.9-, 17.1- and 10.2-fold more of these same ova than Imagyst, respectively. These differences translated into differences between the test sensitivities at low egg count levels (< 50 eggs/g), with Parasight AIO > mini-FLOTAC > Imagyst. At higher egg counts Parasight AIO and mini-FLOTAC performed with comparable precision (which was significantly higher that than Imagyst), whereas at lower counts (> 30 eggs/g) Parasight was more precise than both mini-FLOTAC and Imagyst, while the latter two methods did not significantly differ from each other.
CONCLUSIONS
In general, Parasight AIO analyses were both more precise and sensitive than mini-FLOTAC and Imagyst and quantitatively correlated well with mini-FLOTAC. While Parasight AIO produced lower raw counts in eggs-per-gram than mini-FLOTAC, these could be corrected using the data generated from these correlations.
Topics: Animals; Cats; Dogs; Feces; Dog Diseases; Parasite Egg Count; Cat Diseases; Toxocara; Ancylostoma; Trichuris; Helminths; Helminthiasis, Animal; Ovum
PubMed: 38937854
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06351-0 -
Revista Brasileira de Parasitologia... 2024Ancylostoma spp. are found worldwide. Infected dog and cat feces can contaminate soil in public places. Despite prophylactic measures being available, studies on direct...
Ancylostoma spp. are found worldwide. Infected dog and cat feces can contaminate soil in public places. Despite prophylactic measures being available, studies on direct remediation of Ancylostoma-contaminated soils are scarce. This study aimed to determine the impact of heat treatment and liming on the viability of Ancylostoma spp. eggs in artificially contaminated sandy soil. Sterilized sand samples were contaminated with Ancylostoma spp. eggs extracted from infected dogs' feces. Samples were heated (trial I) to 70 °C or 80 °C, then sieved after 24 hours (212, 90, 38, and 25 µm). Larval cultures were assessed for larval development following heat treatment. Five quicklime concentrations (trial II; 50, 30, 20, 10 and 5%) were used to treat sand. The effect of liming on larval cultures was assessed by measuring embryonic development. Filariform larvae were exposed to 20% quicklime (25 °C and 37 °C, 20 min). Heat treatment destroys Ancylostoma spp. eggs and prevents in vitro larval development. Liming at 50, 30, and 20% concentrations made embryonic development impossible. However, filariform larvae treated with 20% lime solution retained their motility. Heating at 70 °C and liming at 20% were sufficient to make Ancylostoma spp. egg embryogenesis impossible in experimentally contaminated sand samples.
Topics: Animals; Ancylostoma; Ovum; Hot Temperature; Sand; Calcium Compounds; Heating; Oxides
PubMed: 38896755
DOI: 10.1590/S1984-29612024032 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... May 2024Environmental changes in the Brazilian Pantanal and Cerrado facilitate the spread of parasitic diseases in wildlife, with significant implications for public health...
Environmental changes in the Brazilian Pantanal and Cerrado facilitate the spread of parasitic diseases in wildlife, with significant implications for public health owing to their zoonotic potential. This study aimed to examine the occurrence and diversity of gastrointestinal parasites in wild felids within these regions to assess their ecological and health impacts. We collected and analyzed helminth-positive samples from 27 wild felids using specific taxonomic keys. Diverse parasitic taxa were detected, including zoonotic helminths, such as , , , , , , spp., spp., and spp. Other nematodes, such as and were identified, along with acanthocephalans from the genus and a trematode, spp. (potentially the first record of this parasite in wild felids in the Americas). Human encroachment into natural habitats has profound effects on wild populations, influencing parasitic infection rates and patterns. This study underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and research on parasitic infections as a means of safeguarding both wildlife and human populations and highlights the role of wild felids as bioindicators of environmental health.
PubMed: 38891670
DOI: 10.3390/ani14111622 -
Veterinary Parasitology, Regional... Jul 2024Ancylostoma caninum is a widely prevalent parasitic nematode in dogs across the world. There has been a notable increase in reports of anthelmintic resistance in A....
Surveillance of Ancylostoma caninum in naturally infected dogs in Quebec, Canada, and assessment of benzimidazole anthelmintics reveal a variable efficacy with the presence of a resistant isolate in imported dogs.
Ancylostoma caninum is a widely prevalent parasitic nematode in dogs across the world. There has been a notable increase in reports of anthelmintic resistance in A. caninum within the United States of America in recent years, which has led us to investigate the potential of this scenario in Canada. The study objectives were to assess the prevalence of A. caninum in two different groups, including a colony of rescued dogs in Canada and three imported Greyhound dogs from USA, and to evaluate the efficacy of two benzimidazole (BZ) anthelmintics against A. caninum, complemented with a molecular genetic analysis adapted to low prevalence. Fecal samples were collected at pre- and post-treatment with fenbendazole for the native shelters-origin group, and a combination of anthelmintic formulations, including the pro-BZ febantel for the USA-origin group. The coprology analyses found several genera of internal parasites. Canine ancylostomiasis was the most prevalent parasitosis with 30.77% in the native group and 100% in the USA group, but with overall low average of A. caninum eggs per gram. Through the fecal egg count reduction test (FECRT), applying a cut-off at 90% as baseline of egg reduction for successful efficacy, BZ showed variable efficacy. Furthermore, molecular analysis confirmed the presence of A. caninum in both groups of dogs and found differences in the genetics linked to BZ resistance on the A. caninum β-tubulin isotype 1 gene. In the isolate from the native group, both codons 167 and 200 were homozygous without the presence of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). In contrast, the selected isolate from the USA group, showed a homozygous allele at position 200 and a heterozygous SNP at position 167. The latter was congruent with the low efficacy in FECRT and agrees with the recent findings of USA A. caninum isolate resistant phenotype to the BZ anthelmintics. The limitations of the study include an overall low eggs-per-gram in both canine groups, and the shortage of additional fecal samples from the USA group, restraining the molecular analysis only to one out of the three Greyhounds. This study provided some insights on the efficacy of BZs against A. caninum and revealed the presence of BZ resistant isolates in imported dogs in Quebec, Canada. All this information should be considered, for choosing the best strategy in the control of A. caninum using anthelmintic drugs.
Topics: Animals; Dogs; Dog Diseases; Benzimidazoles; Ancylostoma; Ancylostomiasis; Anthelmintics; Drug Resistance; Feces; Quebec; Prevalence; Female; Male
PubMed: 38880561
DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101036 -
IJID Regions Jun 2024The zoonotic hookworm species has drawn more attention recently because of its potential impact on public health. Although and are more common, is still known to...
The zoonotic hookworm species has drawn more attention recently because of its potential impact on public health. Although and are more common, is still known to play a major role in human infections, particularly in regions where close human-animal interactions are prevalent. While there has been a notable increase in documenting the presence of in the Asia-Pacific area, bottlenecks remains in understanding its epidemiology in Bangladesh. This report highlights the first documented case of infection isolated and identified in a 15-year-old girl experiencing frequent diarrhea and weakness, residing in an urban tea garden area in Sylhet, Bangladesh. Microscopic examination of stool samples revealed the presence of hookworm eggs and subsequent culture led to the observation of larvae. Molecular investigation by amplifying Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS1+) regions of the ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid (rDNA) confirmed the infection as . The identification of in a human host in Bangladesh carries significant implications for global health. The careful measurement of eggs and larvae, coupled with molecular analysis, serves as an appropriate diagnostic strategy for confirming the infections. This finding emphasizes the emergence of as a zoonotic infection in endemic regions and calls for increased awareness among healthcare professionals and the general public.
PubMed: 38827635
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2024.100376 -
Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease May 2024While conducting research in a protected ecological reserve within Ecuador's subtropical rainforest, a 49-year-old biologist, residing in an Andean city, contracted...
While conducting research in a protected ecological reserve within Ecuador's subtropical rainforest, a 49-year-old biologist, residing in an Andean city, contracted hookworm-related cutaneous larva migrans (Hr-CLM) in the vesiculobullous clinical form. Since there were no domestic dogs or cats in the reserve, it is likely that wild animals carrying sp. larvae infected the patient. She was effectively treated with two doses of oral ivermectin, administered 31 days after getting the infection. This case was diagnosed in a temperate city; therefore, a comprehensive travel history and clinical assessments are crucial for an accurate diagnosis and timely treatment.
PubMed: 38787039
DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed9050106 -
Emerging Infectious Diseases Jun 2024Ancylostoma ceylanicum is the second most common hookworm infecting humans in the Asia-Pacific region. Recent reports suggest presence of the parasite in the Americas....
Ancylostoma ceylanicum is the second most common hookworm infecting humans in the Asia-Pacific region. Recent reports suggest presence of the parasite in the Americas. We report A. ceylanicum infections in coyotes from the Guanacaste Conservation Area, Costa Rica. Our findings call for active surveillance in humans and animals.
Topics: Costa Rica; Animals; Ancylostomiasis; Ancylostoma; Zoonoses; Coyotes; Humans
PubMed: 38782140
DOI: 10.3201/eid3006.231618 -
Veterinary Parasitology, Regional... Jun 2024Recent studies demonstrated that Greyhounds are commonly infected with Ancylostoma caninum and these infections have been shown to be resistant to anthelmintics. This...
Recent studies demonstrated that Greyhounds are commonly infected with Ancylostoma caninum and these infections have been shown to be resistant to anthelmintics. This study evaluated samples submitted to a commercial reference laboratory (IDEXX Laboratories) for canine fecal flotation zinc sulfate centrifugation and coproantigen immunoassay between January 1, 2019, and July 30, 2023 for evidence that Greyhounds were more often positive for Ancylostoma spp. (hookworms) compared to other breeds. The purpose of the study was to determine if Greyhounds were more likely to be hookworm-positive compared to other breeds, if Greyhounds on preventives with efficacy against hookworm infections are more likely to test positive than other breeds, if their infections take longer to resolve, to estimate how long this takes and to assess whether the proportion of hookworm positive tests for all breeds is increasing over time. Records of 25,440,055 fecal results were obtained representing 17,671,724 unique dogs. Of these, 49,795 (∼0.3%) were Greyhounds. The overall odds ratio (OR) of 15.3 (p < 0.001) suggests that Greyhounds are at significantly higher risk than other breeds for hookworm positive float findings, and the OR of 14.3 (p < 0.001) suggests significantly higher risk for hookworm antigen positive results. The median time to negative testing event from the Turnbull distribution estimate was in the interval of 1-2 days for other breeds and 71-72 days for Greyhounds. These results provide evidence that anthelmintic resistant A. caninum strains may be having population-level impacts on the frequency and duration of infections in Greyhounds. The findings have broader health implications beyond Greyhounds as MADR A. caninum strains could spread to other breeds and even pet owners.
Topics: Animals; Dogs; Dog Diseases; Feces; Retrospective Studies; Ancylostoma; Hookworm Infections; Immunoassay; Ancylostomiasis; Antigens, Helminth; Female; Male
PubMed: 38772642
DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101026 -
Cureus Apr 2024There are a few existing gaps and paucity of literature from Southeast Asia on the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among migrant construction workers. The...
There are a few existing gaps and paucity of literature from Southeast Asia on the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among migrant construction workers. The present cross-sectional study was conducted to address this gap among migrant construction workers and their households in Bhopal. The study design included an interview questionnaire survey prior to the enrollment of participants and stool sample collection. The stool samples were processed according to the study protocol of macroscopy, occult blood testing, microscopy techniques combined with modified acid-fast, and sedimentation techniques. Participants were deemed positive if they exhibited microscopic findings in one out of three stool samples per recruit. We recommended clinical consultation for these cases and provided a report. Direct therapeutic intervention was not part of the study. The total recruits were 361. The predominant age group was young, i.e., aged 21 to 30 years (122/361, 33.8%), with the majority of females (55.2%). Most workers were occupied with work of digging soil (47.4%). The majority of participants (93.1%) practiced open field defecation (OFD). The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among migrant workers and households was 36.9% (133/361). Monoinfection was 88.7%, with 41% from .Monoinfection with (10.2%)was a predominant helminth. The most common coinfection observed was of with (26.7%). Hand washing was the only independent predictor with an odds ratio of 3.6. Migrant behavior of the construction workers and their households was the major reason for not reaching the benefits of deworming schemes for children and vulnerability to intestinal parasitic infections.
PubMed: 38756280
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58413 -
Heliyon May 2024Four species of dominant wild animals, namely, , , , and , are hosts of potential infectious agents, including helminths and protozoa. Therefore, it is necessary to...
Four species of dominant wild animals, namely, , , , and , are hosts of potential infectious agents, including helminths and protozoa. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze the infectious agents present in these wild animals to monitor and control the spread of pathogens. In the present study, fecal samples from 51 wild animals were collected from the mountains of Yangpyeong, Hoengseong, and Cheongyang in South Korea and metabarcoding of the V9 region of the 18S rRNA gene was performed to identify various parasite species that infect these wild animals. Genes from nematodes, such as sp., spp., sp., and sp., were detected in the fecal samples from wild animals. In addition, platyhelminthes, including sp., Echinostomatidae gen. sp., sp., sp. and sp., and protozoa, including sp., sp., sp., sp., sp. and sp., were detected. In the present study, various parasites infecting wild animals were successfully identified using metabarcoding. Our technique may play a crucial role in monitoring parasites within wild animals, especially those causing zoonoses.
PubMed: 38707283
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30059