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The Korean Journal of Gastroenterology... Jun 2024Toxocariasis, a zoonotic infection transmitted by (from dogs) and (from cats) larvae, poses rare but severe risks to humans. We present a case of hepatic visceral... (Review)
Review
Toxocariasis, a zoonotic infection transmitted by (from dogs) and (from cats) larvae, poses rare but severe risks to humans. We present a case of hepatic visceral larva migrans (VLM) caused by in a 21-year-old male with a history of close contact with a pet dog. Initial symptoms and imaging findings mimicked a pyogenic liver abscess. The initial laboratory investigations revealed neutrophilia and elevated levels of IgE. Despite broad-spectrum antibiotics, persistent fever prompted further investigation. Subsequent serological testing for Toxocara antibodies and histopathological analysis of liver tissue demonstrating eosinophil infiltrates and Charcot-Leyden crystals led to a confirmed diagnosis of a liver abscess caused by . Serological testing for Toxocara antibodies and histopathological analysis of liver tissue confirmed a -induced liver abscess. Albendazole treatment yielded significant clinical improvement. This case highlights the necessity of considering toxocariasis in liver abscess differentials, particularly in high-seroprevalence regions like Vietnam. Relying solely on serological tests may be insufficient, emphasizing the need for corroborative evidence, including invasive procedures like liver biopsy, for accurate hepatic toxocariasis diagnosis.
Topics: Humans; Toxocara canis; Larva Migrans, Visceral; Male; Animals; Young Adult; Albendazole; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Dogs; Liver; Antibodies, Helminth; Ultrasonography; Liver Abscess; Toxocariasis; Immunoglobulin E; Anthelmintics
PubMed: 38918038
DOI: 10.4166/kjg.2024.051 -
PloS One 2024Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) with the highest regional burden in East Africa. Relapse and Post Kala-azar Dermal Leishmaniasis (PKDL)...
BACKGROUND
Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) with the highest regional burden in East Africa. Relapse and Post Kala-azar Dermal Leishmaniasis (PKDL) contribute to the spread of VL in endemic areas, making their surveillance imperative for control and elimination. Little is known about long-term patient outcomes in Kenya through follow-up after VL treatment, despite its requirement for control and elimination by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Kenya Ministry of Health (KMOH).
METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS
36 follow-up patients in Tiaty East and West, sub-counties, Kenya, and records from 248 patients at the regional Chemolingot Sub-county Hospital (CSCH) were analyzed separately using Fisher's Exact Tests, two-sample t-tests, and Welch's t-tests in R (Version 4.3.0). The study found a prevalence rate of 88.89% (n = 32) final cure, 5.56% (n = 2) relapse, and 5.56% (n = 2) PKDL in follow-up patients and 92.74% (n = 230) initial cure, 6.86% (n = 17) relapse, and 0.80% (n = 2) PKDL in overall CSCH patients. The mean lengths of time at which follow-up patients relapsed and developed PKDL were 4.5 and 17 months, respectively. Young age (p = 0.04, 95% CI 0.63-24.31), shorter length of time from initial treatment to follow-up (p = 0.002, 95% CI 1.03-∞), lower Hb level at primary treatment (p = 0.0002, 95% CI 1.23-3.24), and living in Tiaty East sub-county (p = 0.04, 95% CI 0.00-1.43) were significantly associated (p<0.05) with VL relapse in follow-up study patients. Female sex (p = 0.04, 95% CI 0.84-∞) and living in Tiaty East sub-county (p = 0.03, 95% CI 0.00-1.43) were significantly associated with PKDL in follow-up study patients.
CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE
More research should be done on PKDL in Kenya with active follow-up to understand its true burden. These results on prevalence and risk factors for PKDL and relapse in Kenya should inform knowledge of patient outcomes and interventions in the region.
Topics: Humans; Leishmaniasis, Visceral; Kenya; Male; Female; Adult; Recurrence; Adolescent; Follow-Up Studies; Child; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult; Child, Preschool; Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous; Middle Aged; Antiprotozoal Agents; Prevalence
PubMed: 38917127
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306067 -
ImmunoHorizons Jun 2024Malaria is a serious vector-borne disease characterized by periodic episodes of high fever and strong immune responses that are coordinated with the daily synchronized...
Malaria is a serious vector-borne disease characterized by periodic episodes of high fever and strong immune responses that are coordinated with the daily synchronized parasite replication cycle inside RBCs. As immune cells harbor an autonomous circadian clock that controls various aspects of the immune response, we sought to determine whether the intensity of the immune response to Plasmodium spp., the parasite causing malaria, depends on time of infection. To do this, we developed a culture model in which mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages are stimulated with RBCs infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA (iRBCs). Lysed iRBCs, but not intact iRBCs or uninfected RBCs, triggered an inflammatory immune response in bone marrow-derived macrophages. By stimulating at four different circadian time points (16, 22, 28, or 34 h postsynchronization of the cells' clock), 24-h rhythms in reactive oxygen species and cytokines/chemokines were found. Furthermore, the analysis of the macrophage proteome and phosphoproteome revealed global changes in response to iRBCs that varied according to circadian time. This included many proteins and signaling pathways known to be involved in the response to Plasmodium infection. In summary, our findings show that the circadian clock within macrophages determines the magnitude of the inflammatory response upon stimulation with ruptured iRBCs, along with changes of the cell proteome and phosphoproteome.
Topics: Animals; Macrophages; Mice; Erythrocytes; Malaria; Plasmodium berghei; Circadian Rhythm; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Reactive Oxygen Species; Cytokines; Circadian Clocks; Cells, Cultured; Proteome
PubMed: 38916585
DOI: 10.4049/immunohorizons.2400021 -
Microbiology Spectrum Jun 2024The coccidian parasite is the causative agent for foodborne outbreaks of cyclosporiasis disease and multiple annual fresh produce recalls. The aim of this study was to...
UNLABELLED
The coccidian parasite is the causative agent for foodborne outbreaks of cyclosporiasis disease and multiple annual fresh produce recalls. The aim of this study was to identify potential cross-reacting species for the 18S rRNA and MIT1C gene target real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays. The environmental samples evaluated were irrigation pond water, produce wash water, and wastewater treatment sludge from a previous study with qPCR detections of by the 18S rRNA gene target qPCR. From these samples, longer regions of the 18S rRNA gene and the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit III gene () were sequenced. Of 65 irrigation pond water samples with positive test results using the 18S rRNA gene qPCR assay, none had MIT1C qPCR assay detections or sequences that clustered with based on sequencing of the and 18S rRNA gene. Sequences from these samples clustered around coccidia sequences found in bird, fish, reptile, and amphibian hosts. Of 26 sludge samples showing detections by either qPCR assay, 14 (54%) could be confirmed as containing by sequencing of and 18S rRNA gene regions. In three of the remaining sludge samples, sequenced reads clustered with coccidia from rodents. This study demonstrated that caution should be taken when interpreting qPCR detection data in environmental samples and sequencing steps will likely be needed for confirmation.
IMPORTANCE
Fresh produce is a leading transmission source in cyclosporiasis outbreaks. It is therefore essential to understand the role that produce-growing environments play in the spread of this disease. To accomplish this, sensitive and specific tests for environmental and irrigation waters must be developed. Potential cross-reactions of real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays have been identified, hindering the ability to accurately identify this parasite in the environment. Amplicon sequencing of the cox3 and 18S rRNA genes revealed that all irrigation pond water and two sludge samples that initially detected by qPCR were most likely cross-reactions with related coccidian organisms shed from birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and rodents. These results support that a single testing method for environmental samples is likely not adequate for sensitive and specific detection of .
PubMed: 38916361
DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00906-24 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2024
Topics: Humans; Malaria; Global Health; Disease Eradication
PubMed: 38915746
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1433213 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2024is a protozoan parasite that causes the tropical ailment known as Chagas disease, which has its origins in South America. Globally, it has a major impact on health and...
INTRODUCTION
is a protozoan parasite that causes the tropical ailment known as Chagas disease, which has its origins in South America. Globally, it has a major impact on health and is transported by insect vector that serves as a parasite. Given the scarcity of vaccines and the limited treatment choices, we conducted a comprehensive investigation of core proteomics to explore a potential reverse vaccine candidate with high antigenicity.
METHODS
To identify the immunodominant epitopes, T. cruzi core proteomics was initially explored. Consequently, the vaccine sequence was engineered to possess characteristics of non-allergenicity, antigenicity, immunogenicity, and enhanced solubility. After modeling the tertiary structure of the human TLR4 receptor, the binding affinities were assessed employing molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations (MDS).
RESULTS
Docking of the final vaccine design with TLR4 receptors revealed substantial hydrogen bond interactions. A server-based methodology for immunological simulation was developed to forecast the effectiveness against antibodies (IgM + IgG) and interferons (IFN-g). The MDS analysis revealed notable levels of structural compactness and binding stability with average RMSD of 5.03 Aring;, beta-factor 1.09e+5 Å, Rg is 44.7 Aring; and RMSF of 49.50 Aring;. This is followed by binding free energies calculation. The system stability was compromised by the complexes, as evidenced by their corresponding Gibbs free energies of -54.6 kcal/mol.
DISCUSSION
Subtractive proteomics approach was applied to determine the antigenic regions of the T cruzi. Our study utilized computational techniques to identify B- and T-cell epitopes in the T. cruzi core proteome. In current study the developed vaccine candidate exhibits immunodominant features. Our findings suggest that formulating a vaccine targeting the causative agent of Chagas disease should be the initial step in its development.
Topics: Trypanosoma cruzi; Molecular Dynamics Simulation; Chagas Disease; Humans; Proteome; Toll-Like Receptor 4; Protozoan Vaccines; Animals; Molecular Docking Simulation; Immunodominant Epitopes; Proteomics; Antigens, Protozoan; Antibodies, Protozoan; Protozoan Proteins; Vaccine Development; Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte
PubMed: 38915396
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1413893 -
Malaria in under-five children: prevalence and multi-factor analysis of high-risk African countries.BMC Public Health Jun 2024Malaria remains a significant public health challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), particularly affecting under-five (UN5) children. Despite global efforts to control...
BACKGROUND
Malaria remains a significant public health challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), particularly affecting under-five (UN5) children. Despite global efforts to control the disease, its prevalence in high-risk African countries continues to be alarming, with records of substantial morbidity and mortality rates. Understanding the association of multiple childhood, maternal, and household factors with malaria prevalence, especially among vulnerable young populations, is crucial for effective intervention strategies.
OBJECTIVE
This study examines the prevalence of malaria among UN5 children in selected high-risk SSA countries and analyzes its association with various childhood, maternal, and household factors.
METHODS
Data from the Malaria Indicator Surveys (MIS) spanning from 2010 to 2023 were analyzed. A weighted sample of 35,624 UN5 children from seven countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) known for high malaria prevalence was considered in the analyses. Descriptive statistics and modified Poisson regression analysis were used to assess the association of multiple factors with malaria prevalence. Stata version 15 software was used in analyzing the data and statistical significance was set at a 5% significance level.
RESULTS
The overall pooled prevalence of malaria among the studied population was 26.2%, with substantial country-specific variations observed. In terms of child factors, a child's age was significantly associated with malaria prevalence (APR = 1.010, 95% CI: 1.007-1.012). Children of mothers with higher education levels (APR for higher education = 0.586, 95% CI: 0.425-0.806) and Fansidar uptake during pregnancy (APR = 0.731, 95% CI: 0.666-0.802) were associated with lower malaria risk. Children from middle-wealth (APR = 0.783, 95% CI: 0.706-0.869) and rich (APR = 0.499, 95% CI: 0.426-0.584) households had considerably lower malaria prevalence compared to those from poor households. Additionally, rural residency was associated with a higher risk of malaria compared to urban residency (APR = 1.545, 95% CI: 1.255-1.903).
CONCLUSION
The study highlights a notable malaria prevalence among under-five (UN5) children in high-risk SSA countries, influenced significantly by factors such as maternal education, Fansidar uptake during pregnancy, socioeconomic status, and residency. These findings underscore the importance of targeted malaria prevention strategies that address these key determinants to effectively reduce the malaria burden in this vulnerable population.
Topics: Humans; Prevalence; Female; Child, Preschool; Malaria; Male; Africa South of the Sahara; Infant; Risk Factors; Infant, Newborn; Factor Analysis, Statistical; Socioeconomic Factors
PubMed: 38915034
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19206-1 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Having been successfully bred in semi-intensive and intensive aquaculture systems, oval squids of the Sepioteuthis lessoniana species complex are emerging as promising...
Having been successfully bred in semi-intensive and intensive aquaculture systems, oval squids of the Sepioteuthis lessoniana species complex are emerging as promising candidates for research and industry. Nevertheless, information about pathogens and diseases that may affect squid aquaculture remains sparse. In this study, we identify new parasitic copepod species that causes squid mortality and decreases squid hatching rates, and we also offer a solution to eliminate the pathogen during incubation of squid eggs. The newly discovered copepod Ikanecator primus gen. et sp. nov. was identified on oval squid eggs for the first time using both morphological and molecular diagnostic markers. In the genomes of the copepod and associated microbiome, we identified multiple genes for enzymes involved in cephalopod eggshell degradation in genomes of the copepod and associated microbiome. Furthermore, we conducted experiments to assess efficacy of peracetic acid in inhibiting the I. primus gen. et sp. nov. both in vitro and in vivo using immersion treatment. We established that a 2-min exposure to a concentration of 250 μl/L of peracetic acid containing product (PAA-product; 35 mg/L PAA and 15 mg/L HO) inhibited the development of nauplii in vitro. All parasites exposed to a concentration of 500 μl/L of PAA-product (70 mg/L PAA and 30 mg/L HO) were eliminated within two minutes. On top of this, the immersion treatment with 500 μl/L of PAA-product (70 mg/L PAA and 30 mg/L HO) improved survival of squid embryos and increased size of squid hatchlings compared with control and the immersion treatment with 125 μl/L of PAA-product (17.5 mg/L PAA and 7.5 mg/L HO) and the immersion treatment with 250 μl/L of PAA-product (35 mg/L PAA and 15 mg/L HO). These findings suggest that PAA holds a great potential as inhibitor and controller of parasitic copepod infections and for overall health management in cephalopod culture.
Topics: Animals; Decapodiformes; Copepoda; Peracetic Acid; Ovum; Aquaculture
PubMed: 38914681
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65290-z -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Pyrethroid bednets treated with the synergist piperonyl butoxide (PBO) offer the possibility of improved vector control in mosquito populations with metabolic...
LLIN Evaluation in Uganda Project (LLINEUP)-effects of a vector control trial on Plasmodium infection prevalence and genotypic markers of insecticide resistance in Anopheles vectors from 48 districts of Uganda.
Pyrethroid bednets treated with the synergist piperonyl butoxide (PBO) offer the possibility of improved vector control in mosquito populations with metabolic resistance. In 2017-2019, we conducted a large-scale, cluster-randomised trial (LLINEUP) to evaluate long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) treated with a pyrethroid insecticide plus PBO (PBO LLINs), as compared to conventional, pyrethroid-only LLINs across 104 health sub-districts (HSDs) in Uganda. In LLINEUP, and similar trials in Tanzania, PBO LLINs were found to provide greater protection against malaria than conventional LLINs, reducing parasitaemia and vector density. In the LLINEUP trial, we conducted cross-sectional household entomological surveys at baseline and then every 6 months for two years, which we use here to investigate longitudinal changes in mosquito infection rate and genetic markers of resistance. Overall, 5395 female Anopheles mosquitoes were collected from 5046 households. The proportion of mosquitoes infected (PCR-positive) with Plasmodium falciparum did not change significantly over time, while infection with non-falciparum malaria decreased in An. gambiae s.s., but not An. funestus. The frequency of genetic markers associated with pyrethroid resistance increased significantly over time, but the rate of change was not different between the two LLIN types. The knock-down resistance (kdr) mutation Vgsc-995S declined over time as Vgsc-995F, the alternative resistance mutation at this codon, increased. Vgsc-995F appears to be spreading into Uganda. Distribution of LLINs in Uganda was previously found to be associated with reductions in parasite prevalence and vector density, but here we show that the proportion of infective mosquitoes remained stable across both PBO and non-PBO LLINs, suggesting that the potential for transmission persisted. The increased frequency of markers of pyrethroid resistance indicates that LLIN distribution favoured the evolution of resistance within local vectors and highlights the potential benefits of resistance management strategies.Trial registration: This study is registered with ISRCTN, ISRCTN17516395. Registered 14 February 2017, http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN17516395 .
Topics: Animals; Anopheles; Insecticide Resistance; Uganda; Mosquito Vectors; Insecticide-Treated Bednets; Mosquito Control; Humans; Pyrethrins; Insecticides; Malaria; Female; Plasmodium falciparum; Prevalence; Genetic Markers; Cross-Sectional Studies; Malaria, Falciparum; Piperonyl Butoxide; Genotype
PubMed: 38914669
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65050-z -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Cryptosporidiosis is a worldwide zoonotic disease. Oxymatrine, an alkaloid extracted and isolated from the plant bitter ginseng, has been reported to have therapeutic...
Cryptosporidiosis is a worldwide zoonotic disease. Oxymatrine, an alkaloid extracted and isolated from the plant bitter ginseng, has been reported to have therapeutic effects on cryptosporidiosis. However, the underlying mechanism of its action remains unclear. In this study, we utilized network pharmacology and experimental validation to investigate the mechanism of oxymatrine in the treatment of cryptosporidiosis. First, the potential targets of drugs and diseases were predicted by TCMSP, Gene Cards, and other databases. Following the intersection of drug-disease targets, the DAVID database was used to implement the enrichment analysis of GO functions and KEGG pathways, and then the network diagram of "intersected target-KEGG" relationship was constructed. Autodock 4.2.6 software was used to carry out the molecular docking of core targets to drug components. Based on the establishment of a mouse model of cryptosporidiosis, the validity of the targets in the TNF/NF-κB signaling pathway was confirmed using Western blot analysis and Quantitative Rea-ltime-PCR. A total of 41 intersectional targets of oxymatrine and Cryptosporidium were generated from the results, and five core targets were screened out by network analysis, including RELA, AKT1, ESR1, TNF, and CASP3. The enrichment analysis showed that oxymatrine could regulate multiple gene targets, mediate TNF, Apoptpsis, IL-17, NF-κB and other signaling pathways. Molecular docking experiments revealed that oxymatrine was tightly bound to core targets with stable conformation. Furthermore, we found through animal experiments that oxymatrine could regulate the mRNA and protein expression of IL-6, NF-κB, and TNF-α in the intestinal tissues of post-infected mice through the TNF/NF-κB signaling pathway. Therefore, it can be concluded that oxymatrine can regulate the inflammatory factors TNF-α, NF-κB, and IL-6 through the TNF/NF-κB signaling pathway for the treatment of cryptosporidiosis. This prediction has also been validated by network pharmacology and animal experiments.
Topics: Quinolizines; Cryptosporidiosis; Animals; Signal Transduction; Alkaloids; Mice; NF-kappa B; Network Pharmacology; Molecular Docking Simulation; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Disease Models, Animal; Humans; Matrines
PubMed: 38914662
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65362-0