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PloS One 2024Although the overall burden of malaria is decreasing in Ethiopia, a recent report of an unpredictable increased incidence may be related to the presence of...
Although the overall burden of malaria is decreasing in Ethiopia, a recent report of an unpredictable increased incidence may be related to the presence of community-wide gametocyte-carrier individuals and a high proportion of infected vectors. This study aimed to reveal the current prevalence of gametocyte-carriage and the sporozoite infectivity rate of Anopheles vectors for Plasmodium parasites. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 01 to June 30/2019. A total of 53 households were selected using systematic random sampling and a 242 study participants were recruited. Additionally,515 adult female Anopheles mosquitoes were collected using Center for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) light traps and mouth aspirators. Parasite gametocytemia was determined using giemsa stain microscopy, while sporozoite infection was determined by giemsa staining microscopy and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Among the total 242 study participants, 5.4% (95%, CI = 2.9-8.3) of them were positive for any of the Plasmodium species gametocyte. Furthermore, being female [AOR = 15.5(95%, CI = 1.71-140.39)], age group between 15-29 years old [AOR = 16.914 (95%, CI = 1.781-160.63)], no ITNs utilization [AOR = 16.7(95%, CI = 1.902 -146.727)], and high asexual parasite density [(95%, CI = 0.057-0.176, P = 0.001, F = 18.402)] were identified as statistically significant factors for gametocyte carriage. Whereas sporozoite infection rate was 11.6% (95%, CI = 8.2-15.5) and 12.7% (95%, CI = 9.6-16.3) by microscopy and ELISA, respectively. Overall, this study indicated that malaria remains to be an important public health problem in Gondar Zuria district where high gametocyte carriage rate and sporozoite infection rate could sustain its transmission and burden. Therefore, in Ethiopia, where malaria elimination program is underway, frequent, and active community-based surveillance of gametocytemia and sporozoite infection rate is important.
Topics: Animals; Ethiopia; Humans; Anopheles; Female; Adult; Sporozoites; Adolescent; Young Adult; Male; Cross-Sectional Studies; Mosquito Vectors; Child; Child, Preschool; Malaria; Middle Aged; Plasmodium; Infant; Plasmodium falciparum; Prevalence
PubMed: 38950022
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306289 -
Parasite (Paris, France) 2024Myxidium rhodei Léger, 1905 (Cnidaria: Myxozoa) is a kidney-infecting myxosporean that was originally described from the European bitterling Rhodeus amarus....
Myxidium rhodei Léger, 1905 (Cnidaria: Myxozoa) is a kidney-infecting myxosporean that was originally described from the European bitterling Rhodeus amarus. Subsequently, it has been documented based on spore morphology in more than 40 other cypriniform species, with the roach Rutilus rutilus being the most commonly reported host. This study introduces the first comprehensive data assessment of M. rhodei, conducted through morphological, ecological and molecular methods. The morphological and phylogenetic analyses of SSU rDNA sequences of Myxidium isolates obtained from European bitterling and roach did not support parasite conspecificity from these fish. In fact, the roach-infecting isolates represent three distinct parasite species. The first two, M. rutili n. sp. and M. rutilusi n. sp., are closely related cryptic species clustering with other myxosporeans in the freshwater urinary clade, sharing the same tissue tropism. The third one, M. batuevae n. sp., previously assigned to M. cf. rhodei, clustered in the hepatic biliary clade sister to bitterling-infecting M. rhodei. Our examination of diverse cypriniform fishes, coupled with molecular and morphological analyses, allowed us to untangle the cryptic species nature of M. rhodei and discover the existence of novel species. This underscores the largely undiscovered range of myxozoan diversity and highlights the need to incorporate sequence data in diagnosing novel species.
Topics: Animals; Myxozoa; Phylogeny; Parasitic Diseases, Animal; Fish Diseases; Host Specificity; Cypriniformes; DNA, Ribosomal; Kidney; Cyprinidae
PubMed: 38949637
DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2024030 -
Parasite (Paris, France) 2024Wild rodents serve as reservoirs for Cryptosporidium and are overpopulated globally. However, genetic data regarding Cryptosporidium in these animals from China are...
Wild rodents serve as reservoirs for Cryptosporidium and are overpopulated globally. However, genetic data regarding Cryptosporidium in these animals from China are limited. Here, we have determined the prevalence and genetic characteristics of Cryptosporidium among 370 wild rodents captured from three distinct locations in the southern region of Zhejiang Province, China. Fresh feces were collected from the rectum of each rodent, and DNA was extracted from them. The rodent species was identified by PCR amplifying the vertebrate cytochrome b gene. Cryptosporidium was detected by PCR amplification and amplicon sequencing the small subunit of ribosomal RNA gene. Positive samples of C. viatorum and C. parvum were further subtyped by analyzing the 60-kDa glycoprotein gene. A positive Cryptosporidium result was found in 7% (26/370) of samples, involving five rodent species: Apodemus agrarius (36), Niviventer niviventer (75), Rattus losea (18), R. norvegicus (155), and R. tanezumi (86). Their respective Cryptosporidium positive rates were 8.3%, 5.3%, 11.1%, 7.1%, and 7.0%. Sequence analysis confirmed the presence of three Cryptosporidium species: C. parvum (4), C. viatorum (1), and C. muris (1), and two genotypes: Cryptosporidium rat genotype IV (16) and C. mortiferum-like (4). Additionally, two subtypes of C. parvum (IIdA15G1 and IIpA19) and one subtype of C. viatorum (XVdA3) were detected. These results demonstrate that various wild rodent species in Zhejiang were concurrently infected with rodent-adapted and zoonotic species/genotypes of Cryptosporidium, indicating that these rodents can play a role in maintaining and dispersing this parasite into the environment and other hosts, including humans.
Topics: Animals; Cryptosporidiosis; China; Cryptosporidium; Feces; Rodent Diseases; Animals, Wild; Rats; Rodentia; Prevalence; Public Health; Disease Reservoirs; Phylogeny; Humans; DNA, Protozoan; Murinae; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Zoonoses; Genotype
PubMed: 38949636
DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2024033 -
PeerJ 2024The integration of diagnostic methods holds promise for advancing the surveillance of malaria transmission in both endemic and non-endemic regions. Serological assays...
BACKGROUND
The integration of diagnostic methods holds promise for advancing the surveillance of malaria transmission in both endemic and non-endemic regions. Serological assays emerge as valuable tools to identify and delimit malaria transmission, serving as a complementary method to rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) and thick smear microscopy. Here, we evaluate the potential of antibodies directed against peptides encompassing the entire amino acid sequence of the MSP-1 Sal-I strain as viable serological biomarkers for exposure.
METHODS
We screened peptides encompassing the complete amino acid sequence of the Merozoite Surface Protein 1 (MSP-1) Sal-I strain as potential biomarkers for exposure. Here, immunodominant peptides specifically recognized by antibodies from individuals infected with were identified using the SPOT-synthesis technique followed by immunoblotting. Two 15-mer peptides were selected based on their higher and specific reactivity in immunoblotting assays. Subsequently, peptides p70 and p314 were synthesized in soluble form using SPPS (Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis) and tested by ELISA (IgG, and subclasses).
RESULTS
This study unveils the presence of IgG antibodies against the peptide p314 in most -infected individuals from the Brazilian Amazon region. B-cell epitope prediction further supports the utilization of p314 as a potential biomarker for evaluating malaria transmission, strengthened by its amino acid sequence being part of a conserved block of MSP-1. Indeed, compared to patients infected with and uninfected individuals never exposed to malaria, -infected patients have a notably higher recognition of p314 by IgG1 and IgG3.
Topics: Humans; Malaria, Vivax; Merozoite Surface Protein 1; Plasmodium vivax; Biomarkers; Antibodies, Protozoan; Immunoglobulin G; Adult; Female; Male; Middle Aged; Peptides; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Young Adult; Adolescent; Amino Acid Sequence
PubMed: 38948214
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17632 -
Trauma Case Reports Aug 2024Thumb distal amputation refers to the loss of a portion of the thumb at or near the tip, which can be caused by various injuries such as crush injuries, lacerations, or...
Thumb distal amputation refers to the loss of a portion of the thumb at or near the tip, which can be caused by various injuries such as crush injuries, lacerations, or avulsions. Several surgical methods can be used to repair thumb distal amputations, including composite graft, flap reconstruction, replantation, and amputation revision. In this case report, we describe a successful surgical procedure performed on three healthy men (19, 26, and 44 years old) who suffered a sharp amputation of their left and right hands thumb. In one case initial fixation of the amputated part was performed by a general orthopedic surgeon as a composite graft, two other cases were referred us without any procedure. The procedure involved irrigation and minimal debridement and deepithelializing the amputated part and fixation it with one or two 1.5 mm steinman pins and repairing the nail bed with7/0 absorbable sutures. An adiposofaciocutaneous flap from the index finger was used to cover the pulp of the thumb and the nail bed, while a full-thickness grafts from the same wrist in one case and medial part of ipsilateral arm in others were used to repair the defect on the dorsal side of the index finger. The wound was dressed, and the sutures were removed after two weeks. The base of the flap was detached from the index finger after three weeks, and the kwires were removed after six weeks. The flap and graft were successfully taken, except for a small part of the tip of the thumb. Two years after the operation, in two patients and 3 months in whom was operated recently, all the patient's thumbs had a reasonable shape and length with minimal nail deformity. The use of an index finger based adiposofaciocutaneous flap and full-thickness graft in these cases allowed for successful reconstruction of the thumb and, improving both function and appearance.
PubMed: 38948102
DOI: 10.1016/j.tcr.2024.101052 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2024Red blood cells (RBCs), also known as erythrocytes, are underestimated in their role in the immune system. In mammals, erythrocytes undergo maturation that involves the...
Erythrocytes of the common carp are immune sentinels that sense pathogen molecular patterns, engulf particles and secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines against bacterial infection.
INTRODUCTION
Red blood cells (RBCs), also known as erythrocytes, are underestimated in their role in the immune system. In mammals, erythrocytes undergo maturation that involves the loss of nuclei, resulting in limited transcription and protein synthesis capabilities. However, the nucleated nature of non-mammalian RBCs is challenging this conventional understanding of RBCs. Notably, in bony fishes, research indicates that RBCs are not only susceptible to pathogen attacks but express immune receptors and effector molecules. However, given the abundance of RBCs and their interaction with every physiological system, we postulate that they act in surveillance as sentinels, rapid responders, and messengers.
METHODS
We performed a series of experiments with RBCs exposed to , as well as laboratory infections using different concentrations of bacteria.
RESULTS
qPCR revealed that RBCs express genes of several inflammatory cytokines. Using cyprinid-specific antibodies, we confirmed that RBCs secreted tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and interferon gamma (IFNγ). In contrast to these indirect immune mechanisms, we observed that RBCs produce reactive oxygen species and, through transmission electron and confocal microscopy, that RBCs can engulf particles. Finally, RBCs expressed and upregulated several putative toll-like receptors, including and , in response to infection .
DISCUSSION
Overall, the RBC repertoire of pattern recognition receptors, their secretion of effector molecules, and their swift response make them immune sentinels capable of rapidly detecting and signaling the presence of foreign pathogens. By studying the interaction between a bacterium and erythrocytes, we provide novel insights into how the latter may contribute to overall innate and adaptive immune responses of teleost fishes.
Topics: Animals; Carps; Erythrocytes; Cytokines; Aeromonas hydrophila; Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections; Fish Diseases; Phagocytosis; Pathogen-Associated Molecular Pattern Molecules; Immunity, Innate
PubMed: 38947329
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1407237 -
Journal of Veterinary Research Jun 2024The occurrence of pesticide residues in animal products deserves attention because of the contamination by environmental pollutants and pesticides that may be present in...
INTRODUCTION
The occurrence of pesticide residues in animal products deserves attention because of the contamination by environmental pollutants and pesticides that may be present in the food that animals are fed. The goal of this work was the validation of a method for detection of residues of multiple classes of pesticide and determination of their residues in chicken breast fillets.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Gas chromatography with mass spectrometry was used for analysis. A modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe (QuEChERS) method was put into practice for its validation and applied to real samples. The study optimised mass detection and investigated the effect of a freezing step during the preparation of samples. Pesticides were determined in samples from conventional and organic production.
RESULTS
The impact of the matrix effect decreased, with the largest number of pesticides and satisfactory recovery determined by the application of mixed solvent acetonitrile and ethyl acetate for extraction. Detection of pesticide residues was achieved in a linear range between 5 and 50 µg/kg with satisfactory excellent correlation coefficients greater than 0.99. The recovery of all the pesticide residues ranged between 71.2 and 118.80%. The relative standard deviation was from 2.9% to 18.1% for all validated pesticide residues. The limits of quantification were in the range of 3.0-4.9 µg/kg. Out of 56 pesticide residues analysed in real samples, 5 were detected: α endosulfan, cypermethrin, endosulfan sulphate, permethrin and ,-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and their concentrations ranged from 4.9 to 15.2 µg/kg.
CONCLUSION
All tested samples were compliant with the evaluation criteria, and detected values of pesticide residues were lower than the maximum residual levels.
PubMed: 38947162
DOI: 10.2478/jvetres-2024-0036 -
Journal of Veterinary Research Jun 2024Feline panleukopenia is a contagious viral disease caused by the feline panleukopenia virus (FPV). A closely related pathogen is canine parvovirus (CPV), and amino acid...
INTRODUCTION
Feline panleukopenia is a contagious viral disease caused by the feline panleukopenia virus (FPV). A closely related pathogen is canine parvovirus (CPV), and amino acid substitutions in this virus allow it to acquire a feline host range. In feline hosts, the disease induced by CPV manifests with similar symptoms to those caused by FPV or milder ones, leading to its underdiagnosis. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of CPV type 2 (CPV-2) in cats with clinical symptoms of panleukopenia and to assess the use of commercial CPV antigen tests for the clinical diagnosis of FPV.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Samples from 59 cats from central Slovakia were included in the study. Rectal swabs were collected and clinically tested for parvovirus infection using a commercial antigen test. Antigen-positive samples were confirmed by PCR targeting the viral gene. The sequences of the PCR products were established with the Sanger method.
RESULTS
Of 59 samples, 23 were revealed to be positive for parvovirus infection by both antigen and PCR test (38.9%). Analysis with the National Center for Biotechnology Information BLASTn application showed 99.78-100% pairwise identity with FPV. The mortality rate of parvovirus-infected cats included in this study was 8.69% (2/23).
CONCLUSION
Although feline disease with CPV-2 was not confirmed, the CPV antigen test was able to detect FPV infection.
PubMed: 38947159
DOI: 10.2478/jvetres-2024-0021 -
The Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine Jun 2024Environmental mismatches are defined as changes in the environment that induce public health crises. Well known mismatches leading to chronic disease include the... (Review)
Review
Environmental mismatches are defined as changes in the environment that induce public health crises. Well known mismatches leading to chronic disease include the availability of technologies that facilitate unhealthy diets and sedentary lifestyles, both factors that adversely affect cardiovascular health. This commentary puts these mismatches in context with biota alteration, an environmental mismatch involving hygiene-related technologies necessary for avoidance of infectious disease. Implementation of hygiene-related technologies causes a loss of symbiotic helminths and protists, profoundly affecting immune function and facilitating a variety of chronic conditions, including allergic disorders, autoimmune diseases, and several inflammation-associated neuropsychiatric conditions. Unfortunately, despite an established understanding of the biology underpinning this and other environmental mismatches, public health agencies have failed to stem the resulting tide of increased chronic disease burden. Both biomedical research and clinical practice continue to focus on an ineffective and reactive pharmaceutical-based paradigm. It is argued that the healthcare of the future could take into account the biology of today, effectively and proactively dealing with environmental mismatch and the resulting chronic disease burden.
Topics: Humans; Chronic Disease; Immune System Diseases; Animals; Environment
PubMed: 38947109
DOI: 10.59249/VUNF1315 -
The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology Jul 2024This paper highlights and honors the connectivity among protistan researchers, using my own research journey as a backdrop, with attention to the supply chain of ideas,... (Review)
Review
This paper highlights and honors the connectivity among protistan researchers, using my own research journey as a backdrop, with attention to the supply chain of ideas, supporters, and other influencers who helped to shape and guide my career by sharing their ideas, protocols, skills, and enthusiasm. In looking back at the journey, the supply chain in my career has also included changes in the conceptual framework for my research studies, converging with a continuous flow of ideas and support from colleagues and mentors. To illustrate the complex map of ideas and supporters, this paper will examine technological advances, paradigm shifts in ecological constructs, geographical considerations, breakthroughs in peritrich biology, and the importance of an integrated perspective as we navigate the changing realities of today's scientific challenges.
PubMed: 38946328
DOI: 10.1111/jeu.13037