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BMC Veterinary Research Apr 2024Ethno-veterinary practices could be used as a sustainable developmental tool by integrating traditional phytotherapy and husbandry. Phytotherapeutics are available and...
BACKGROUND
Ethno-veterinary practices could be used as a sustainable developmental tool by integrating traditional phytotherapy and husbandry. Phytotherapeutics are available and used worldwide. However, evidence of their antiparasitic efficacy is currently very limited. Parasitic diseases have a considerable effect on pig production, causing economic losses due to high morbidity and mortality. In this respect, especially smallholders and organic producers face severe challenges. Parasites, as disease causing agents, often outcompete other pathogens in such extensive production systems. A total of 720 faecal samples were collected in two farms from three age categories, i.e. weaners, fatteners, and sows. Flotation (Willis and McMaster method), modified Ziehl-Neelsen stained faecal smear, centrifugal sedimentation, modified Blagg technique, and faecal cultures were used to identify parasites and quantify the parasitic load.
RESULTS
The examination confirmed the presence of infections with Eimeria spp., Cryptosporidium spp., Balantioides coli (syn. Balantidium coli), Ascaris suum, Oesophagostomum spp., Strongyloides ransomi, and Trichuris suis, distributed based on age category. A dose of 180 mg/kg bw/day of Allium sativum L. and 90 mg/kg bw/day of Artemisia absinthium L. powders, administered for 10 consecutive days, revealed a strong, taxonomy-based antiprotozoal and anthelmintic activity.
CONCLUSIONS
The results highlighted the therapeutic potential of both A. sativum and A. absinthium against gastrointestinal parasites in pigs. Their therapeutic effectiveness may be attributed to the content in polyphenols, tocopherols, flavonoids, sterols, sesquiterpene lactones, and sulfoxide. Further research is required to establish the minimal effective dose of both plants against digestive parasites in pigs.
Topics: Animals; Swine; Female; Parasites; Garlic; Artemisia absinthium; Cryptosporidiosis; Antiparasitic Agents; Farms; Cryptosporidium; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Anti-Infective Agents; Swine Diseases; Feces; Prevalence
PubMed: 38561770
DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-03983-3 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Mar 2024Strongyloides stercoralis is not endemic in Aotearoa New Zealand (AoNZ). However, approximately one third of Auckland residents are born in endemic countries. This study...
BACKGROUND
Strongyloides stercoralis is not endemic in Aotearoa New Zealand (AoNZ). However, approximately one third of Auckland residents are born in endemic countries. This study aimed to describe the epidemiology and management of strongyloidiasis in Auckland, with a focus on migrants from Pacific Island Countries and Territories.
METHODS
This study retrospectively reviewed clinical, laboratory and pharmacy records data for all people diagnosed with strongyloidiasis in the Auckland region between July 2012 and June 2022. People with negative Strongyloides serology were included to estimate seropositivity rate by country of birth.
FINDINGS
Over ten years, 691 people were diagnosed with strongyloidiasis. Most diagnoses were made by serology alone (622, 90%). The median age was 63 years (range 15-92), 500 (72%) were male, and the majority were born in Polynesia (350, 51%), Fiji (130, 19%) or were of Pasifika ethnicity (an additional 7%). Twelve participants (1.7%) had severe strongyloidiasis at diagnosis. The total proportion treated with ivermectin was only 70% (484/691), with no differences between immunocompromised and immunocompetent participants, nor by ethnicity. The outcome of treatment (based on a combination of serology and/or eosinophilia and/or stool microscopy) could only be determined in 50% of the treated cohort. One participant failed treatment with ivermectin, experiencing recurrent strongyloidiasis, and another participant died in association with severe strongyloidiasis. The rate of 'positive' Strongyloides serology was highest among participants born in Samoa (48%), Fiji (39%), and Southeast Asian countries (34%).
INTERPRETATION
Strongyloidiasis was common and under-treated in Auckland during the study period. Clinicians should have a low threshold for considering strongyloidiasis in migrants from endemic countries, including Polynesia and Fiji.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Animals; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Young Adult; Ethnicity; Ivermectin; Pacific Island People; Retrospective Studies; Strongyloides stercoralis; Strongyloidiasis; Transients and Migrants; Treatment Outcome; Southeast Asian People
PubMed: 38547314
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012045 -
The American Journal of Tropical... May 2024Co-occurrence of paracoccidioidomycosis and strongyloidiasis in immunosuppressed patients, particularly those infected with human T-lymphotropic virus type 1/2, is...
Co-occurrence of paracoccidioidomycosis and strongyloidiasis in immunosuppressed patients, particularly those infected with human T-lymphotropic virus type 1/2, is infrequent. We describe the case of a Peruvian farmer from the central jungle with human T-lymphotropic virus type 1/2 infection, with 2 months of illness characterized by respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms associated with fever, weight loss, and enlarged lymph nodes. Strongyloides stercoralis and Paracoccidioides brasiliensis were isolated in sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage samples, respectively. The clinical evolution was favorable after the patient received ivermectin and amphotericin B. We hypothesize that autoinfestation by S. stercoralis in human T-lymphotropic virus type 1/2-infected patients may contribute to the disseminated presentation of Paracoccidioides spp. Understanding epidemiological context is crucial for suspecting opportunistic regional infections, particularly those that may coexist in immunosuppressed patients.
Topics: Humans; Paracoccidioidomycosis; Strongyloidiasis; Male; HTLV-I Infections; Animals; Ivermectin; Strongyloides stercoralis; Human T-lymphotropic virus 1; Paracoccidioides; Coinfection; HTLV-II Infections; Immunocompromised Host; Amphotericin B; Antifungal Agents; Adult
PubMed: 38531110
DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0171 -
Acta Parasitologica Jun 2024Soil-transmitted nematodes (STNs) are widespread in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly where the communities are socio-economically challenged. We...
PURPOSE
Soil-transmitted nematodes (STNs) are widespread in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly where the communities are socio-economically challenged. We investigated the effect of soil temperature on the prevalence and intensity of STN infection in free-roaming dogs.
METHODS
Fresh faecal samples collected from free-roaming dogs in Digana and Pussellawa town areas in the Kandy District, Sri Lanka, were microscopically analysed for canine STNs. Soil temperature was measured at each sampling site. Highly prevalent canine hookworm Ancylostoma, was further studied using PCR and sequencing, followed by phylogenetic analysis.
RESULTS
The soil temperature ranged between 28 and 31 °C (mean = 29.79 °C) and 18-21 °C (mean = 19.52 °C) in Digana and Pussellawa, respectively, showing a significant difference in the two sites (Students t-test t = 1.68, p < 0.0001). Of the total 44 dogs sampled, 41 (93.2%) were positive for STNs. During microscopic analysis, five nematodes: Ancylostoma spp., Capillaria sp., Strongyloides sp., Toxocara canis, and Trichuris sp., were identified. Ancylostoma species (93.2%) were the most prevalent, followed by Strongyloides sp. (22.7%) and Toxocara canis (15.9%). Infection prevalence of Strongyloides sp. was higher in Digana (40.9%) compared to that in Pussellawa (4.5%; Chi-square test, χ = 8.28, p = 0.004) and also the infection intensity from Digana (EPG = 8.02 ± 20.2) compared to that from Pussellawa (0.45 ± 2.1; Mann Whitney U test, p = 0.006). Amplicons (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) of the expected size for A. caninum, and A. tubaeforme were produced. An A. caninum sequence reported here (OQ101719) illustrated the highest similarity of 99.2% to one of the local sequences (MZ707153) upon pairwise comparison.
CONCLUSION
Digana, with a higher soil temperature than Pussellawa, had a significantly higher prevalence and infection intensity, particularly Strongyloides sp. This study also signifies the first molecular identification of hookworm species A. tubaeforme in Sri Lanka.
Topics: Animals; Dogs; Soil; Sri Lanka; Dog Diseases; Feces; Temperature; Ancylostoma; Phylogeny; Prevalence; Ancylostomiasis; Nematoda
PubMed: 38514604
DOI: 10.1007/s11686-024-00829-8 -
PloS One 2024Consuming contaminated raw vegetables and fruits is one of the primary means of parasite transmission to humans. Periodic monitoring of parasitic contamination in these...
Parasitic contamination of fresh vegetables and fruits sold in open-air markets in peri-urban areas of Jimma City, Oromia, Ethiopia: A community-based cross-sectional study.
BACKGROUND
Consuming contaminated raw vegetables and fruits is one of the primary means of parasite transmission to humans. Periodic monitoring of parasitic contamination in these food items is a crucial step in preventing the spread of parasitic disease in the community. This study was aimed at detecting intestinal parasitic contamination caused by consuming raw vegetables and fruits sold in three open-air markets and its associated factors in peri-urban areas of Jimma City, Oromia, Ethiopia.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study was conducted on fruits and vegetables collected from three peri-urban open-aired markets (namely; Hora Gibe, Bore and Jiren markets) in peri-urban areas of Jimma City between July and September 2021. A total of 187 fresh vegetable samples and 188 fruits were collected and examined for intestinal parasite contamination. About 200g of fruit and vegetable samples were processed and examined microscopically for parasite contamination, utilizing direct wet mount and modified Zeihl-Neelson staining methods in accordance with standard protocols. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on the socio-demographic characteristics of vendors and risk factors for fruit and vegetable contamination. All data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0.
RESULT
Of the 187 fresh vegetable samples and 188 fresh vegetable samples, 105 (56.1%) and 68/188 (36.2%) of vegetables and fruit samples, respectively, were found contaminated with one or more intestinal parasites. Remarkably, high level of contamination in fresh vegetable samples was recorded both in Carrot (Daucus carota) 63.8% (30/46) and Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) 63.1% (29/46) while Green pepper (Capsicum spp.) is the least contaminated. In fruit samples, Avokado (Persea americana) 42.6% (20/47) and Banana (Musa acuminata) 14.9% (7/47) were the most and the least commonly contaminated items respectively. The identified helminthes and protozoans were Ascaris lumbricoides, Strongyloides stercoralis, Hymenolepis nana, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium spp., Toxocara spp. And Fasciola spp. The most predominant parasite encountered was A. lumbricoides 46(12.3%) whereas both Toxocara spp. 12(6.9) and Fasciola spp. 2(0.5) were the least detected parasites. It is worth-mentioned that the rate of contamination in Bore market (38.15%) was higher compared with Jiren market (34.7%) and Hora Gibe market (27%). However, the rate of contamination in vegetables and fruit obtained from the three district was non-significant (p = 0.19). Contamination was more common in vegetables than fruits (AOR = 5.78, p<0.001). It was also observed that decreased parasitic contamination was significantly associated with washing the products before displaying it for selling (p < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
The study has identified a high rate of raw vegetables and fruits contaminated with intestinal helminthes and protozoan. Contaminated fresh vegetables and fruits in open-aired peri-urban markets of Jimma city, Ethiopia may play a significant role in transmission of intestinal parasitic infections to humans, particularly A. lumbricoides infection. Therefore, it is urgently needed for health authorities to educate the public on the proper handling of vegetables and fruits prior to consumption.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Parasites; Vegetables; Fruit; Cross-Sectional Studies; Ethiopia; Cryptosporidiosis; Cryptosporidium; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Fasciola; Toxocara; Prevalence
PubMed: 38512863
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290655 -
Australian Veterinary Journal Mar 2024Strongyloides stercoralis is parasite affecting both humans and dogs and is most prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas of Australia. This case report describes two...
Strongyloides stercoralis is parasite affecting both humans and dogs and is most prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas of Australia. This case report describes two dogs from a household in Sydney, New South Wales, one with chronic gastrointestinal signs and the other who was asymptomatic who were subsequently diagnosed with S. stercoralis. Diagnosis can be challenging in humans and dogs due to intermittent shedding and low worm burdens and in this case the symptomatic dog had Strongyloides spp. rhabitiform larvae detected on a direct faecal smear and PCR, the asymptomatic dog on PCR only. Obtained sequences from the symptomatic dog confirmed the presence of the S. stercoralis clade affecting both dogs and humans. Infection does not respond to commonly used deworming drugs for dogs. Treatment in both cases was undertaken using off-label doses of ivermectin and follow-up PCR testing was negative. This case report should increase practitioner awareness of this parasite as present and transmissible in temperate areas of Australia.
PubMed: 38506222
DOI: 10.1111/avj.13330 -
Acta Parasitologica Mar 2024Multi-factorial reasons are an induction to cause cancer. Different infections and infestations with viruses, bacteria, and parasites have been detected for many years... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Multi-factorial reasons are an induction to cause cancer. Different infections and infestations with viruses, bacteria, and parasites have been detected for many years to be related to human carcinogenesis.
PURPOSE
The study aimed to review all ideas of tumor carcinogenesis and its associations with parasitic infections and infestations.
METHODS
We reviewed several articles (published and imprinted) by selecting, extracting, and synthesizing data about the relationship between cancers and parasites.
RESULTS
Several helminths infections as schistosomiasis, are highly carcinogenic agents for bladder cancer, whereas trypanosomiasis has a bi-model role in cancer development. Leishmaniasis may be a cause of hepatocarcinoma, skin cancer, and lymphomas. In addition, malaria appears to be causative in the carcinogenesis of some cancers; as Burkitt lymphoma. Also, data from previous studies suggested that Strongyloides stercoralis may be a relevant co-factor in lymphomas.
CONCLUSION
There are different mechanisms of parasitic infection to be enhancing in carcinogenesis of cancer in human.
Topics: Humans; Carcinogenesis; Animals; Neoplasms; Parasitic Diseases
PubMed: 38489011
DOI: 10.1007/s11686-024-00832-z -
Acta Parasitologica Mar 2024Strongyloides stercoralis is a parasite with special characteristics presenting it as a unique nematode. Iran is an endemic area for S. stercoralis. In this study,...
PURPOSE
Strongyloides stercoralis is a parasite with special characteristics presenting it as a unique nematode. Iran is an endemic area for S. stercoralis. In this study, nested-qPCR-high resolution melting (HRM) technology was applied on some human isolates of S. stercoralis from this country by focusing on evolutionary genetics analysis.
METHODS
Twelve human isolates of S. stercoralis were collected from four endemic provinces of Iran. Genomic DNA was extracted from a single filariform larva for every isolate. Using specific primers targeting partial regions in cox1 gene, nested-qPCR-HRM was performed and melting-curve profiles were analyzed alongside the evaluation of genetic proximity and phylogenetic analysis using MEGA7 and DnaSP5 software.
RESULTS
The melting temperature (T) values of the isolates were 77.9 °C-78.3 °C. All isolates from Guilan, Mazandaran, and Khouzestan Provinces shared T values of 78.2 °C to 78.3 °C, while the isolates from Hormozgan Province showed T values of 77.9 °C, 78.0 °C, and 78.1 °C. The phylogenetic tree illustrated that the sequences of the current study included nine haplotypes. Tajima's D index analyses showed that cox1 gene in S. stercoralis isolates was negative (Tajima's D = 0.27).
CONCLUSION
The isolates were divided into five temperature groups. Although HRM assay compared to PCR sequencing identified more limited genetic changes, it revealed that the mean of T of the isolates from Hormozgan Province was lower than those of other provinces and represented specific haplotypes for this geographical region on the phylogenetic tree.
Topics: Animals; Iran; Strongyloides stercoralis; Phylogeny; Humans; Strongyloidiasis; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; DNA, Helminth; Transition Temperature; Haplotypes; Cyclooxygenase 1
PubMed: 38470530
DOI: 10.1007/s11686-024-00821-2 -
Medicina Intensiva Mar 2024
PubMed: 38461144
DOI: 10.1016/j.medine.2024.02.011 -
Journal of Parasitic Diseases :... Mar 2024American cockroach () has been implicated as mechanical vector of parasites of humans and animals. Therefore, this study aimed to identify and determine the prevalence...
American cockroach () has been implicated as mechanical vector of parasites of humans and animals. Therefore, this study aimed to identify and determine the prevalence of human intestinal parasites associated with the body surface and gut of . A total of 221 cockroaches which include 104 males and 117 females were collected from household kitchen, toilet area and canteen after which they were brought to laboratory for study. The body surface of the cockroach was washed with 5 ml normal saline solution to remove external parasites on the body surface for examination and later rinsed with 70% alcohol and dried before dissecting. The cockroach was dissected to examine internal parasites. Eleven parasites were recovered and identified, these include (51.58%), (48.42%) (52.49%), (.10%), spp (14.93%), (31.67%), spp (34.84%), (53.39%), and (66.23%) (66.52%). The parasites were recorded both on the body surface and gut of the cockroach. There is no significant difference ( > 0.05) between parasites infection rate comparing both sexes; though, female cockroach having a higher infection rate (91.45%) than male (81.5%). Cockroach collected from toilets carried more parasites (96.34%) as compared to those from restaurants/canteen (89.71%) and household kitchens (81.69%). All parasites encountered were pathogenic to human and animals. This study has revealed that can act as mechanical vector by transporting and transmitting these parasites easily to man and animal. Good sanitary practices, reinforcement of worms' eradication programs, and the fight against these insects remain a necessity to contain the menace of parasites burden and cockroach control.
PubMed: 38440767
DOI: 10.1007/s12639-024-01645-7