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International Journal For Parasitology.... Dec 2023Intestinal parasitic infections such as amoebiasis, ascariasis, hookworm infection, and are the most common infections among non-human primates (NHPs). There are always...
Intestinal parasitic infections such as amoebiasis, ascariasis, hookworm infection, and are the most common infections among non-human primates (NHPs). There are always the possibilities of transmission these parasites between humans and NHPs. Multiple groups of rhesus macaques () live in the urban area of Kathmandu Valley near human settlements, however the gastrointestinal (GI) parasitic infections in those macaques are understudied. This study aimed to explore the GI parasites in free-ranging macaques from Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Tripureshwor, Nilbarahi temples and a group of captive rhesus macaques in the Central Zoo, Kathmandu. Fecal samples were collected from the macaques between October 2021 to September 2022 and assessed for parasites by the both wet mount method and concentration technique. There is high prevalence of GI parasite infection; out of 121 fecal samples examined, 87.6% of samples were positive. Six species of protozoans and eight species of helminths were identified from the fecal samples including the first report of in monkeys of Nepal. Among the protozoan parasites, (54.71%) showed the highest prevalence followed by (44.33%), (19.81%), and (10%). Among the helminths, spp. (31.13%) and spp. (31.13%) showed the highest prevalence followed by Hookworm (24.52%), and spp. (23.58%) The likelihood ratio test suggested that the prevalence differed significantly with the seasons for , spp., spp., Hookworm, and spp. The prevalence of , , spp. spp. and Unknown spp.1 differed with sampling localities. The high prevalence of GI parasites found in the macaques living in the densely urbanized Kathmandu presents a potential threat to humans and warrants further study as well as increased education of the public and management of the human-macaque interface in the urban landscape of the Valley.
PubMed: 37915770
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2023.10.007 -
Anais Da Academia Brasileira de Ciencias 2023Enteroparasites are an important public health problem and the treatment seeks to cure and reduce transmission. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic...
Enteroparasites are an important public health problem and the treatment seeks to cure and reduce transmission. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of anthelmintic treatment in individuals living in a rural community area in Camamu, Bahia, Brazil. The parasitological diagnosis was performed by spontaneous sedimentation, Baermann-Moraes and Agar Plate Culture methods. A total of 212 individuals were evaluated. The most frequent helminth was Trichuris trichiura, 24.5% (52/212), followed by Ascaris lumbricoides, 21.2% (45/212), hookworms, 16.5% (35/212), and S. stercoralis, 4.7% (10/212). In the anthelmintic treatment follow up, T. trichiura infection presented the lowest parasitological cure rate, only 60.6% (20/33). Hookworm, Ascaris lumbricoides and Strongyloides stercoralis infections demonstrated cure rates of 70.5 (12/17), 78.1 (25/32) and 100% (5/5), respectively. Individuals who remained infected underwent a new drug therapy. The second parasitological cure rate for T. trichiura was 38.5% (5/13), and 66.7% (2/3) and 75% (3/4) for hookworms and Ascaris lumbricoides, respectively. Trichuris trichiura infection presented the lowest parasitological cure rate at this second evaluation. This reinforces the need to perform a follow-up of all treated individuals. The possibility of drug resistance denotes the necessity for studies to clarify the mechanisms and to evaluate new therapeutic approaches.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Follow-Up Studies; Brazil; Rural Population; Anthelmintics; Hookworm Infections; Ancylostomatoidea; Ascaris lumbricoides; Feces; Prevalence
PubMed: 37909545
DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765202320230323 -
Parasites & Vectors Oct 2023Strongyloides stercoralis infection is a common neglected tropical disease distributed worldwide, mainly in tropical and subtropical climates. The impact of S....
BACKGROUND
Strongyloides stercoralis infection is a common neglected tropical disease distributed worldwide, mainly in tropical and subtropical climates. The impact of S. stercoralis infections on human health ranges from mild asymptomatic infections to chronic strongyloidiasis unnoticeable until the host is immunosuppressed. In severe strongyloidiasis, a syndrome of hyperinfection and larval dissemination to various organs can occur with high mortality rates. The diagnosis of strongyloidiasis is challenging because of the absence of a single standard reference test with high sensitivity and specificity, which also makes it difficult to estimate the accuracy of other diagnostic tests. This study aimed to evaluate, for the first time, the use of an easy-to-perform loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) colorimetric assay (named Strong-LAMP) for the molecular screening of strongyloidiasis in stool samples from patients in a low-resource endemic area in Cubal, Angola. To compare different LAMP application scenarios, the performance of the Strong-LAMP under field conditions in Angola was reassessed in a well-equipped reference laboratory in Spain and compared with a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) method.
METHODS
A total of 192 stool samples were collected from adult population in Cubal, Angola, and examined by parasitological methods (direct saline microscopy and Baermann's technique). DNA was extracted from each stool sample using a commercial kit and tested by the colorimetric Strong-LAMP assay for the detection of Strongyloides spp. under field conditions. Furthermore, all samples were shipped to a well-equipped laboratory in Spain, reanalysed by the same procedure and compared with a qPCR method. The overall results after testing were compared.
RESULTS
Strongyloides stercoralis larvae were identified by direct saline microscopy and Baermann in a total of 10/192 (5.2%) and 18/192 (9.4%) stool samples, respectively. Other helminth and protozoan species were also identified. The Strong-LAMP-positive results were visually detected in 69/192 (35.9%) stool samples. The comparison of Strong-LAMP results in field conditions and at a reference laboratory matched in a total of 146/192 (76.0%) samples. A total of 24/192 (12.5%) stool samples tested positive by qPCR.
CONCLUSIONS
This is the first study in which colorimetric Strong-LAMP has been clinically evaluated in a resource-poor strongyloidiasis endemic area. Strong-LAMP has been shown to be more effective in screening for strongyloidiasis than parasitological methods under field conditions and qPCR in the laboratory. Our Strong-LAMP has proven to be a field-friendly and highly accurate molecular test for the diagnosis of strongyloidiasis.
Topics: Adult; Animals; Humans; Strongyloidiasis; Angola; Strongyloides stercoralis; Laboratories; Feces
PubMed: 37907997
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06009-3 -
Cureus Sep 2023Strongyloides hyperinfection syndrome is a rare manifestation caused by the parasite and has mortality rates close to 90% if left untreated. Corticosteroids are...
Strongyloides hyperinfection syndrome is a rare manifestation caused by the parasite and has mortality rates close to 90% if left untreated. Corticosteroids are commonly implicated as a trigger for hyperinfection syndrome in patients with Strongyloides autoinfection, and it has been suggested that even a single dose of corticosteroids can trigger hyperinfection syndrome. Here, we report a case of hyperinfection syndrome eight days after administering a single 8 mg dose of dexamethasone for fetal lung development before a late preterm, emergency cesarean section (C-section) delivery secondary to placental abruption. Prior to the C-section, the patient had been exhibiting signs of autoinfection syndrome, cough, and abdominal pain, for several months. Following corticosteroid administration, she had sequelae of Strongyloides hyperinfection syndrome, including gram-negative bacteremia, undulating fevers, protein wasting enteropathy, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Sputum cultures were positive for Strongyloides, and after treatment with ivermectin and albendazole, the patient fully recovered. Strongyloides hyperinfection syndrome is a documented consequence of short courses of corticosteroids. Still, this case is unique because the patient only received a single dose of corticosteroids before developing hyperinfection syndrome. Clinicians must recognize patients at risk for Strongyloides hyperinfection syndrome and understand the risks of administering corticosteroids to patients harboring the parasite.
PubMed: 37900370
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.46067 -
BMC Infectious Diseases Oct 2023Tuberculosis (TB) and intestinal helminths have huge public health importance, and they are geographically overlapped. Data about the burden of intestinal helminth and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Tuberculosis (TB) and intestinal helminths have huge public health importance, and they are geographically overlapped. Data about the burden of intestinal helminth and TB co-infection in these areas are fragmented. In this systematic review and meta-analysis we compile the current literatures and generate pooled prevalence. We also identity factors associated with intestinal helminth co-infection among TB patients.
METHODS
Original articles published in English language up to March 23, 2022 were systematically searched from electronic database (PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Science Direct, Google Scholars and HINARI). The search was done using medical subject heading terms and keywords. Identified articles were exported into the EndNote library. The identified articles were screened using PRISMA flow diagram. Then the methodological quality of included articles was evaluated and rated using the modified version of Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Data were extracted using Microsoft Excel. Sensitivity analysis and Egger regression test were used for the assessment of heterogeneity and publication bias. Finally the results are presented with a meta-analysis of pooled estimates, forest plots, and tables. The quantitative data were analyzed using Stata version 14.
RESULTS
From a total of 5457 searched articles, 22 eligible articles were included in the review. The pooled prevalence of helminth co-infection among TB cases was 29.69% (95%CI: 21.10, 38.29). TB patients were found to more frequently harbor one or more intestinal helminths than TB negative individuals (OR = 1.72 (95%CI: 1.20, 2.48)). Among the reported helminths, Schistosoma mansoni and Strongyloides stercoralis had the highest pooled prevalence among TB cases. However, unlike other individual helminths, only Strongyloides stercoralis (OR = 2.67 (95% CI, 1.20-6.76)) had significant association with TB cases compared to TB negatives. BMI was significantly associated with intestinal helminth co-infection among TB patients (OR = 2.75 (95%CI: 1.19, 6.38)).
CONCLUSIONS
Patients with TB have been shown to harbor co-infection with one or more intestinal helminths with considerable proportions when compared with TB-negative individuals. The higher prevalence of helminth infection in TB cases might indicate that co-infection promotes active TB disease. Thus, routine intestinal helminth screening and assessment of their nutritional status is suggested for TB patients.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Coinfection; Risk Factors; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary; Tuberculosis; Helminths; Africa; Asia
PubMed: 37899439
DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08716-9 -
Biomolecules Oct 2023Human T-cell leukemia virus type-1 (HTLV-1) causes adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL). HTLV-1 carriers have a lifelong asymptomatic balance between infected cells and... (Review)
Review
Human T-cell leukemia virus type-1 (HTLV-1) causes adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL). HTLV-1 carriers have a lifelong asymptomatic balance between infected cells and host antiviral immunity; however, 5-10% of carriers lose this balance and develop ATL. Coinfection with promotes ATL development, suggesting that the immunological status of infected individuals is a determinant of HTLV-1 pathogenicity. As CD4+ T cells play a central role in host immunity, the deregulation of their function and differentiation via HTLV-1 promotes the immune evasion of infected T cells. During ATL development, the accumulation of genetic and epigenetic alterations in key host immunity-related genes further disturbs the immunological balance. Various approaches are available for treating these abnormalities; however, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is currently the only treatment with the potential to cure ATL. The patient's immune state may contribute to the treatment outcome. Additionally, the activity of the anti-CC chemokine receptor 4 antibody, mogamulizumab, depends on immune function, including antibody-dependent cytotoxicity. In this comprehensive review, we summarize the immunopathogenesis of HTLV-1 infection in ATL and discuss the clinical findings that should be considered when developing treatment strategies for ATL.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Human T-lymphotropic virus 1; Leukemia-Lymphoma, Adult T-Cell; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Lymphoma
PubMed: 37892225
DOI: 10.3390/biom13101543 -
Parasites & Vectors Oct 2023Strongyloides stercoralis is a soil-transmitted intestinal nematode with a complex life cycle that primarily affects humans, non-human primates, dogs, and occasionally...
BACKGROUND
Strongyloides stercoralis is a soil-transmitted intestinal nematode with a complex life cycle that primarily affects humans, non-human primates, dogs, and occasionally cats. This study presents, to the best of our knowledge, the first case of S. stercoralis infection and its genotyping in a domestic dog from Argentina.
METHODS
The patient was a female wired-haired Teckel dog exhibiting recurrent coughing. Coproparasitological analysis using the Baermann technique revealed the presence of rhabditiform larvae morphologically compatible with S. stercoralis. To confirm this finding, molecular diagnosis (18S ribosomal RNA) and analysis of the cox1 gene were performed.
RESULTS
We identified a haplotype (HP20) that has previously only been related to S. stercoralis infection in dogs, but was found in the present study to be highly related to the haplotype (HP16) of a zoonotic variant and divergent from those previously described from human patients in Argentina. Furthermore, unlike in human cases following treatment with ivermectin, the dog was negative after moxidectin treatment according to polymerase chain reaction of the sampled faeces.
CONCLUSIONS
This case report shows the importance of further investigation into potential transmission events and prevalences of S. stercoralis in dogs and humans in South America. The results reported here should also encourage future work that examines different scenarios of infection with S. stercoralis in dogs and humans with the aim of integrating clinical management, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up strategies in the quest for new approaches for the treatment of this disease in animals and humans. The findings support the adoption of a One Health approach, which recognizes the interconnectedness between animal and human health, in addressing parasitic infections such as strongyloidiasis.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Dogs; Female; Strongyloidiasis; Strongyloides stercoralis; Argentina; Feces; Life Cycle Stages
PubMed: 37891629
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06022-6 -
Journal of Fungi (Basel, Switzerland) Sep 2023Cryptococcosis is a systemic mycosis that causes pneumonia and meningoencephalitis. Strongyloidiasis is a chronic gastrointestinal infection caused by parasites of the...
Cryptococcosis is a systemic mycosis that causes pneumonia and meningoencephalitis. Strongyloidiasis is a chronic gastrointestinal infection caused by parasites of the genus Cryptococcosis and strongyloidiasis affect the lungs and are more prevalent in the same world regions, i.e., Africa and tropical countries such as Brazil. It is undeniable that those coincidences may lead to the occurrence of coinfections. However, there are no studies focused on the interaction between spp. and spp. In this work, we aimed to investigate the interaction between (Sv) and (Cg) in a murine coinfection model. Murine macrophage exposure to Sv antigens reduced their ability to engulf Cg and produce reactive oxygen species, increasing the ability of fungal growth intracellularly. We then infected mice with both pathogens. Sv infection skewed the host's response to fungal infection, increasing lethality in a murine coinfection model. In addition to increased NO levels and arginase activity, coinfected mice presented a classic Th2 anti-Sv response: eosinophilia, higher levels of alternate activated macrophages (M2), increased concentrations of CCL24 and IL-4, and lower levels of IL-1β. This milieu favored fungal growth in the lungs with prominent translocation to the brain, increasing the host's tissue damage. In conclusion, our data shows that primary Sv infection promotes Th2 bias of the pulmonary response to Cg-infection and worsens its pathological outcomes.
PubMed: 37888224
DOI: 10.3390/jof9100968 -
Nature Communications Oct 2023Nematodes are important parasites of people and animals, and in natural ecosystems they are a major ecological force. Strongyloides ratti is a common parasitic nematode...
Nematodes are important parasites of people and animals, and in natural ecosystems they are a major ecological force. Strongyloides ratti is a common parasitic nematode of wild rats and we have investigated its population genetics using single-worm, whole-genome sequencing. We find that S. ratti populations in the UK consist of mixtures of mainly asexual lineages that are widely dispersed across a host population. These parasite lineages are likely very old and may have originated in Asia from where rats originated. Genes that underly the parasitic phase of the parasite's life cycle are hyperdiverse compared with the rest of the genome, and this may allow the parasites to maximise their fitness in a diverse host population. These patterns of parasitic nematode population genetics have not been found before and may also apply to Strongyloides spp. that infect people, which will affect how we should approach their control.
Topics: Humans; Rats; Animals; Strongyloides ratti; Ecosystem; Life Cycle Stages; Genetics, Population; Asia
PubMed: 37833369
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42250-1 -
Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease 2023Few reliable data are available on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and other infections among African refugees and asylum seekers in Italy. We aimed to estimate the... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
BACKGROUND
Few reliable data are available on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and other infections among African refugees and asylum seekers in Italy. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of NTDs and other infections in a large cohort of African refugees and asylum seekers living in reception centers in Lazio, Italy.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
This is an observational, prospective prevalence study on infectious diseases in a large population of African refugees and asylum seekers (936 overall) consecutively enrolled for screening purpose at the Infectious and Tropical diseases outpatient clinic of the National Institute of Migrant and Poverty (INMP), Rome from August 2019 to December 2020.
RESULTS
We found a prevalence of 8.8 % and 31 % for Strongyloides and schistosoma infection, respectively, while the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection was 0.7 %, HCV antibodies 2.5%, hepatitis B virus surface antigen 10.8 % and syphilis serological tests 2.9 %.
CONCLUSION
Strongyloidiasis and schistosomiasis are highly prevalent among African refugees and asylum seekers in Italy, in contrast to communicable diseases (with the exception of hepatitis B). Raising awareness of NTDs among health professionals and implementing guidelines seems to be of paramount importance to prevent these diseases and their sufferers from becoming even more "neglected".
Topics: Humans; Refugees; Rome; Neglected Diseases; Prospective Studies; Italy; HIV Infections
PubMed: 37820947
DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2023.102649