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Early Human Development Jun 2024The study aims to compare neurological soft signs and executive functions between Toxocara-seropositive and seronegative groups in children with...
BACKGROUND
The study aims to compare neurological soft signs and executive functions between Toxocara-seropositive and seronegative groups in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
METHODS
The study included 60 boys with ADHD, aged 7-12. After blood samples were taken, the Stroop Color Word Test and Judgment of Line Orientation test (JLOT) were implemented to measure executive functions. Neurological soft signs were evaluated with Physical and Neurological Examination for Subtle Signs (PANESS).
RESULTS
Serological tests were positive for Toxocara antibodies in 20 cases. There was no significant difference between Toxocara seropositive and seronegative regarding age, socioeconomic status, developmental stages, and ADHD severity. However, Toxocara-seropositive children had higher Stroop time and Stroop interference scores and lower JLOT scores than Toxocara-seronegative children. Furthermore, Toxocara-seropositive children exhibited more neurological soft signs, such as gait and station abnormalities, dysrhythmia, and a longer total time in timed movements compared to Toxocara-seronegative children.
CONCLUSION
Our study indicates a link between Toxocara-seropositivity and impaired neurological soft signs and executive functions in ADHD. Further research is needed to understand ADHD mechanisms, develop practical treatments considering immunological factors, and thoroughly evaluate how Toxocara seropositivity affects executive functions and motor skills in children with ADHD.
Topics: Humans; Child; Male; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity; Toxocara; Motor Skills; Executive Function; Animals; Toxocariasis; Attention
PubMed: 38663140
DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2024.106017 -
Parasitology Research Apr 2024Many pathogens are related to carcinogenesis. Chronic inflammation, as a result of persistent infection, leads to DNA damage, higher expression of oncogenes, decreased...
Many pathogens are related to carcinogenesis. Chronic inflammation, as a result of persistent infection, leads to DNA damage, higher expression of oncogenes, decreased apoptosis and immunosuppression, which are some of the reasons for cancer induction. Among parasites, Schistosoma, Opistorchis and Clonorchis are recognised as infectious agents which contribute to cancer. A relationship between Anisakis and cancer was hypothesised because cellular responses to Anisakis products could result in inflammation and DNA damage. Previous research has shown a decrease in CD8+ γδ T-cells and an increase in αβ and γδ T-cell apoptosis in colon cancer (CC) samples. Ninety-two CC patients and 60 healthy subjects were recruited. γδ and αβ T-cells were analysed, and their apoptosis was evaluated. Anti-Anisakis antibodies were tested in sera from CC patients and controls. Anti-Anisakis IgG, IgM, IgA and IgE antibodies were significantly higher in CC patients. A significant increase in anti-Anisakis IgA levels was observed in patients with angiolymphatic invasion. The number of all γδ T-cells, as well as CD3+ CD4+ αβ T-cells, was significantly lower in CC patients. The apoptosis of all T-cells was significantly increased in patients with CC. We observed a significantly higher percentage of anti-Anisakis IgE positive patients having a deficit of CD3+ γδ T-cells. Our results suggest a relationship between Anisakis and CC.
Topics: Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Antibodies, Helminth; Female; Colonic Neoplasms; Aged; Animals; Anisakis; Adult; Apoptosis; Aged, 80 and over; T-Lymphocyte Subsets; Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta; T-Lymphocytes
PubMed: 38662084
DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08216-y -
Tropical Medicine & International... Jun 2024This study evaluated the occurrence of Schistosoma mansoni and soil-transmitted helminths in an endemic area in the Eastern Brazilian Amazon, analysing prevalence and...
OBJECTIVES
This study evaluated the occurrence of Schistosoma mansoni and soil-transmitted helminths in an endemic area in the Eastern Brazilian Amazon, analysing prevalence and spatial distribution.
METHODS
The study was conducted in four localities of Primavera Municipality, in Pará state. Data was obtained from the Decit 40/2012 project and the participants were divided into five age range categories for evaluation: children, adolescents, young adults, adults and elderly individuals. For the diagnostic tests, Kato-Katz slides were prepared to detect S. mansoni and soil-transmitted helminths eggs. The spatial distribution map and the Kernel Density Estimation were performed to assess the presence and location of infections.
RESULTS
Stool samples revealed the presence of hookworms, S. mansoni, Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura eggs. Mono-, bi- and poly-parasitic infections were observed, with a significant prevalence of hookworm monoparasitism.
CONCLUSIONS
The high frequency of children infected with soil-transmitted helminths confirms their significance as an ongoing public health problem in the poorest municipalities of Brazil. The Geographic Information System plays a crucial role in environmental surveillance and in the control of epidemics and endemic diseases, enabling accurate assessment and informed decision-making for their control.
Topics: Humans; Brazil; Child; Schistosomiasis mansoni; Adolescent; Prevalence; Animals; Soil; Adult; Young Adult; Male; Feces; Female; Schistosoma mansoni; Helminthiasis; Child, Preschool; Endemic Diseases; Spatial Analysis; Middle Aged; Aged; Geographic Information Systems; Ascaris lumbricoides
PubMed: 38659108
DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13993 -
Veterinary Parasitology Jun 2024Neutrophils, a crucial element of the host defense system, develop extracellular traps against helminth parasites. Neutrophils accumulate around the larvae of Toxocara...
Neutrophils, a crucial element of the host defense system, develop extracellular traps against helminth parasites. Neutrophils accumulate around the larvae of Toxocara canis (T. canis) in the tissues of the organism. This study aimed to determine the reaction in canine neutrophils after incubation with infective stage T. canis larvae (L3) in vitro. Most L3 were still active and moved between the extracellular traps (NETs) after 60-min incubation. NETs were not disintegrated by L3 movement. The L3 was only immobilized by NETs, entrapped larvae were still motile between the traps at the 24 h incubation. NETs were observed not only to accumulate around the mouth, excretory pole or anus but also the entire body of live L3. The extracellular DNA amount released from the canine neutrophils after being induced with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate was not affected by T. canis excretory/secretory products obtained from 250 L3. To the Authors'knowledge, the extracellular trap structures was firstly observed in canine neutrophils against T. canis L3 in vitro. NETs decorated with myeloperoxidase, neutrophil elastase and histone (H3) were observed under fluorescence microscope. There were not significant differences in the amount of extracellular DNA (P > 0.05), but the morphological structure of NETs was different in the live and head-inactivated T. canis larvae.
Topics: Animals; Extracellular Traps; Dogs; Toxocara canis; Neutrophils; Larva; Dog Diseases; Toxocariasis
PubMed: 38640875
DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2024.110186 -
Parasitology Research Apr 2024Toxocara canis is a parasitic zoonose that is distributed worldwide and is one of the two pathogens causing toxocariasis. After infection, it causes serious public...
Toxocara canis is a parasitic zoonose that is distributed worldwide and is one of the two pathogens causing toxocariasis. After infection, it causes serious public health and safety problems, which pose significant veterinary and medical challenges. To better understand the regulatory effects of T. canis infection on the host immune cells, murine macrophages (RAW264.7) were incubated with recombinant T. canis C-type lectin 4 (rTc-CTL-4) protein in vitro. The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot were used to analyze the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein 1/2 (NOD1/2), receptor-interacting protein 2 (RIP2), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) on mRNA level and protein expression level in macrophages. Our results indicated that 10 μg/mL rTc-CTL-4 protein could modulate the expression of NOD1, NOD2, and RIP2 at both the transcriptional and translational levels. The protein translation levels of NF-κB, P-p65, p38, and P-p38 in macrophages were also modulated by rTc-CTL-4 protein. Macrophages were co-incubated with rTc-CTL-4 protein after siRNA silencing of NOD1, NOD2, and RIP2. The expression levels of NF-κB, P-p65, p38, and P-p38 were significantly changed compared with the negative control groups (Neg. Ctrl.). Taken together, rTc-CTL-4 protein seemed to act on NOD1/2-RIP2-NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways in macrophages and might activate MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways by regulating NOD1, NOD2, and RIP2. The insights from the above studies could contribute to our understanding of immune recognition and regulatory mechanisms of T. canis infection in the host animals.
Topics: Animals; Mice; NF-kappa B; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; Toxocara canis; Signal Transduction; Macrophages
PubMed: 38639821
DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08212-2 -
Experimental Parasitology Jun 2024Toxocara cati and T. canis are parasitic nematodes found in the intestines of cats and dogs respectively, with a cosmopolitan distribution, and the potential for...
Toxocara cati and T. canis are parasitic nematodes found in the intestines of cats and dogs respectively, with a cosmopolitan distribution, and the potential for anthropozoonotic transmission, resulting in human toxocariasis. Spread of Toxocara spp. is primarily through the ingestion of embryonated eggs contaminating surfaces or uncooked food, or through the ingestion of a paratenic host containing a third-stage larva. The Toxocara spp. eggshell is composed of a lipid layer providing a permeability barrier, a chitinous layer providing structural strength, and thin vitelline and uterine layers, which combined create a biologically resistant structure, making the Toxocara spp. egg very hardy, and capable of surviving for years in the natural environment. The use of sodium hypochlorite, household bleach, as a disinfectant for Toxocara spp. eggs has been reported, with results varying from ineffective to limited effectiveness depending on parameters including contact time, concentration, and temperature. Desiccation or humidity levels have also been reported to have an impact on larval development and/or survival of Toxocara spp. eggs. However, to date, after a thorough search of the literature, no relevant publications have been found that evaluated the use of sodium hypochlorite and desiccation in combination. These experiments aim to assess the effects of using a combination of desiccation and 10% bleach solution (0.6% sodium hypochlorite) on fertilized or embryonated eggs of T. cati, T. canis, and T. vitulorum. Results of these experiments highlight the synergistic effects of desiccation and bleach, and demonstrate a relatively simple method for surface inactivation, resulting in a decrease in viability or destruction of T. cati, T. canis and T. vitulorum eggs. Implications for these findings may apply to larger scale elimination of ascarid eggs from both research, veterinary, and farming facilities to mitigate transmission.
Topics: Animals; Sodium Hypochlorite; Toxocara; Desiccation; Ovum; Disinfectants; Dogs; Toxocariasis; Female; Cats; Toxocara canis; Larva
PubMed: 38621506
DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108753 -
Journal of Helminthology Apr 2024We first sequenced and characterised the complete mitochondrial genome of then studied the evolutionary relationship of the species within Toxocaridae. The complete...
We first sequenced and characterised the complete mitochondrial genome of then studied the evolutionary relationship of the species within Toxocaridae. The complete mitochondrial genome was amplified using PCR with 14 specific primers. The mitogenome length was 14303 bp in size, including 12 PCGs (encoding 3,423 amino acids), 22 tRNAs, 2 rRNAs, and 2 NCRs, with 68.38% A+T contents. The mt genomes of had relatively compact structures with 11 intergenic spacers and 5 overlaps. Comparative analyses of the nucleotide sequences of complete mt genomes showed that had higher identities with than other congeners. A sliding window analysis of 12 PCGs among 5 species indicated that 4 had the highest sequence divergence, and 1 was the least variable gene. Relative synonymous codon usage showed that UUG, ACU, CCU, CGU, and UCU most frequently occurred in the complete genomes of The Ka/Ks ratio showed that all mt genes were subject to purification selection. The largest genetic distance between and the other 4 congeneric species was found in 2, and the smallest was found in 2. Phylogenetic analyses based on the concatenated amino acid sequences of 12 PCGs demonstrated that formed a distinct branch and was always a sister taxon to other congeneric species. The present study determined the complete mt genome sequences of , which provide novel genetic markers for further studies of the taxonomy, population genetics, and systematics of the Toxocaridae nematodes.
Topics: Animals; Toxocara; Phylogeny; Genome, Mitochondrial; Ascaridoidea; Biological Evolution; Murinae
PubMed: 38618902
DOI: 10.1017/S0022149X24000221 -
Acta Parasitologica Jun 2024The growing resistance of helminth parasites to currently available commercial anthelmintic drugs, combined with apprehensions regarding detrimental chemical residues in...
AIM OF THE STUDY
The growing resistance of helminth parasites to currently available commercial anthelmintic drugs, combined with apprehensions regarding detrimental chemical residues in livestock products, has sparked an interest in exploring medicinal plants as an alternative strategy for treating helminthiasis. As a result, this study was designed to investigate the anthelmintic activity of crude methanolic extracts (CME) of Saussurea costus root on Ascaridia.galli, a pathogenic nematode of poultry.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In vitro, the anthelmintic effect of Saussurea costus root was evaluated in comparison to commercial anthelmintic, levamisole on the adult nematode parasites, A.galli using worm motility inhibition (WMI) test. The CME of S.costus was also evaluated for in vivo anthelmintic activity in chickens experimentally infected with Ascaridia galli. For the in vivo study, one hundred-day-old chickens were orally infected with embryonated eggs of A. galli worms. The efficacy of the plant extract as an anthelmintic was assessed through two tests: faecal egg count reduction (FECR) test and worm count reduction (WCR) test. The study investigated three distinct doses of plant extract under in vivo setup: 500 mg kg body weight (bw), 1000 mg kg bw, and 2000 mg kg bw.
RESULTS
In vitro, all the tested concentrations of S.costus (25 mg/ml, 50 mg/ml, and 100 mg/ml) showed a significant (P < 0.001) anthelmintic effects on live adult A. galli worms in terms of inhibition of worm motility at different hours post-treatment. At the highest concentration of the extract, we observed worm motility inhibition of 100% at 24 h post-exposure. On day 14 post-treatment, all birds were slaughtered, and adult A. galli worms were subsequently retrieved from their small intestines. Birds treated with CME extract of S. costus root exhibited a significant (P < 0.001) reduction in faecal egg count. However, the administration of the extract at the dosage of 500 mg kgbw to the birds did not reveal any significant (P > 0.05) differences in the worm count compared to the negative control group. The CME of S. costus at a dose of 2000 mg kgbw showed the highest anthelmintic activity by inducing 83.10% FECR and 76.47% WCR.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the root extract of S. costus has a promising anthelmintic activity on A. galli as demonstrated by the results of the present experiment.
Topics: Animals; Ascaridia; Plant Extracts; Poultry Diseases; Anthelmintics; Chickens; Saussurea; Ascaridiasis; Parasite Egg Count; Feces; Plant Roots; Levamisole
PubMed: 38605153
DOI: 10.1007/s11686-024-00837-8 -
Zhongguo Xue Xi Chong Bing Fang Zhi Za... Mar 2024To investigate the prevalence of infections in coastal marine fishes and awareness of anisakiasis control knowledge among local residents in Yantai City, Shandong...
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the prevalence of infections in coastal marine fishes and awareness of anisakiasis control knowledge among local residents in Yantai City, Shandong Province in 2021, so as to provide insights into formulation of anisakiasis control interventions.
METHODS
Marine fishes were purchased from Shunxin Port, Yantai City, Shandong Province in November 2021, and the presence of was detected in different species of fishes and different fish sites. The correlations between body length and weight of marine fish and intensity of infections were examined using Spearman's rank correlation analysis, and the dietary habits and anisakiasis control knowledge were investigated using questionnaire surveys among local residents.
RESULTS
A total of 201 marine fishes belonging to 20 species were dissected, and was detected in 77 marine fishes (38.31%) belonging to 11 species (55.00%), with a mean infection intensity of 45.04 parasites per fish (3 468/77). Spearman's rank correlation analysis revealed that the body length ( = 0.74, < 0.05) and weight ( = 0.79, < 0.01) of the monkfish correlated positively with the intensity of infections, and the body length ( = 0.68, < 0.05) of the flatfish correlated positively with the intensity of infections, while no correlations were examined between the body length or weight of other marine fishes and the intensity of infections. Of all respondents, 53.38% men and 56.67% women did not know anisakiasis control knowledge at all, and there was a significant difference in the proportion of respondents using separate chopping boards for raw and cooked food from different villages (χ = 17.89, < 0.01), while there was an age-specific proportion of respondents with habitats of eating raw or semi-raw seafood (χ = 28.27, < 0.01).
CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence and intensity of infections were high in coastal marine fishes in Yantai City in 2021, and the awareness of anisakiasis control knowledge was low among local residents. Intensified health education pertaining to anisakiasis control knowledge is recommended to reduce the risk of infections.
Topics: Animals; Male; Female; Humans; Anisakiasis; Larva; Fishes; Anisakis; Seafood; Fish Diseases
PubMed: 38604688
DOI: 10.16250/j.32.1374.2023135 -
Experimental Parasitology Jun 2024Anisakiasis is a parasitic disease transmitted through the consumption of raw or undercooked fish and cephalopods that are infected with larvae of Anisakis simplex...
Anisakiasis is a parasitic disease transmitted through the consumption of raw or undercooked fish and cephalopods that are infected with larvae of Anisakis simplex (sensu stricto) or Anisakis pegreffii. The purpose of this study was to investigate how A. simplex (s. s.) responds to the influence of anthelmintics such as ivermectin (IVM) and pyrantel (PYR). In vitro experiments were conducted using larvae at two developmental stages of A. simplex (s. s.) (L3 and L4) obtained from Baltic herring (Clupea harengus membras). Larvae were cultured with different concentrations of IVM or PYR (1.56, 3.125, and 6.25 μg/mL) for various durations (3, 6, 9, and 12 h) under anaerobic conditions (37 °C, 5% CO). The gene expression of actin, ABC transporter, antioxidant enzymes, γ-aminobutyric acid receptors, and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, as well as the oxidative status were analyzed. The results showed that A. simplex (s. s.) L3 stage had lower mobility when cultured with PYR compared to IVM. The analysis of relative gene expression revealed significant differences in the mRNA level of ABC transporters after treatment with IVM and PYR, compared to the control group. Similar patterns were observed in the gene expression of antioxidant enzymes in response to both drugs. Furthermore, the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity were higher in the treatment groups than in the control group. These findings suggest a relationship between the expression of the studied genes, including those related to oxidative metabolism, and the effectiveness of the tested drugs.
Topics: Animals; Anisakis; Ivermectin; Larva; Anthelmintics; Pyrantel; Actins; ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters; Receptors, Nicotinic; Xenobiotics; Gene Expression; Glutathione Transferase; Anisakiasis; Superoxide Dismutase; Catalase; Fishes; Fish Diseases
PubMed: 38604302
DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108751