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Helminthologia Mar 2024The continuous challenges of land use change have brought potential threats to biodiversity and the spread of zoonotic diseases. In this study, synanthropic rodents and...
The continuous challenges of land use change have brought potential threats to biodiversity and the spread of zoonotic diseases. In this study, synanthropic rodents and their helminth parasites were used as sentinels to assess the potential impact of land use on zoonosis. Rats were collected in different ecosystems, namely agricultural, agroforest, and residential areas in the northeastern sub-watersheds of Mount Makiling, Laguna, Philippines. Three (3) species of rats were captured, namely, and . Of the total 180 rats collected, 92.7 % were found infected with helminth parasites, namely and (cestodes); , , and sp. (nematodes); and (trematode). Of these 11 species, nine (9) were considered zoonotic. This study provides important information on the helminth parasites of rats in the northeastern sub-watersheds of Mount Makiling and the potential threat of zoonotic transmission due to increasing land use change and urbanization in the area. Moreover, urbanization can provide favorable eco-epidemiological conditions for rodent-borne pathogens, such as parasites, that are seriously threatening agricultural settings and human settlements in these areas.
PubMed: 38659471
DOI: 10.2478/helm-2024-0005 -
Iranian Journal of Parasitology 2024Uncovering the roles and characteristics of pathogenesis-related molecules can help us develop novel management methods in parasitology. In this study, we studied the...
BACKGROUND
Uncovering the roles and characteristics of pathogenesis-related molecules can help us develop novel management methods in parasitology. In this study, we studied the expression levels of heat shock protein70 (HSP70) () and astacin () as pathogenesis-related genes as well as the expression of HSP70 and HSP17.1 (, ) in the larvae and adult stages of .
METHODS
A hyperinfection isolate of from Gilan Province, northern Iran was cultivated on nutrient agar. After a couple of days, parasites in different stages of life were collected, and total RNA was extracted. The expression levels of astacin and HSP genes were compared by real-time PCR.
RESULTS
Statistically higher expression levels of , and genes in L3 larvae than in adults were observed. However, the expression level of was non-significantly lower in the larval stage than in adult worms.
CONCLUSION
Higher expression levels of , , and genes in the larval stages of suggest the potential role of these enzymes in parasite cutaneous invasion and pathogenesis. However, higher expression of in adult forms is probably involved in resistance and survival mechanisms. The similarity in gene expression between . and can provide helpful hints to better understand strongyloidiasis from various perspectives, including pathogenesis, proper diagnosis, and targeted treatment.
PubMed: 38654956
DOI: 10.18502/ijpa.v19i1.15187 -
Case Reports in Pulmonology 2024. causes a helminthic infection that occurs via penetration of the skin with migration to the bloodstream, tracheobronchial tree, and gastrointestinal system. Pulmonary...
. causes a helminthic infection that occurs via penetration of the skin with migration to the bloodstream, tracheobronchial tree, and gastrointestinal system. Pulmonary manifestations are rare and are typically seen in immunosuppressed patients who have hyperinfection syndrome. Eosinophilic pleural effusions are rare in strongyloidiasis and only cited in a few case reports. . A 45-year-old male with a past medical history of diabetes mellitus, alcoholic cirrhosis, and end-stage renal disease presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain and dyspnea. Imaging studies demonstrated large bilateral pleural effusions, and he subsequently underwent an ultrasound-guided thoracentesis on the right hemithorax, yielding an exudative eosinophilic pleural effusion. An extensive hematology, gastroenterology, and infectious work-up was pursued. Strongyloides immunoglobulin G was positive, and he was successfully treated with ivermectin. . Eosinophilic pleural effusions related to strongyloidiasis are exceedingly rare. Clinicians should consider infection as a part of the differential diagnosis when evaluating immunosuppressed patients with eosinophilic pleural effusions. Loculated abdominal fluid may also be a rare manifestation of hyperinfection syndrome.
PubMed: 38628651
DOI: 10.1155/2024/6652207 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Apr 2024The exposure to parasites may influence the immune response to vaccines in endemic African countries. In this study, we aimed to assess the association between helminth...
BACKGROUND
The exposure to parasites may influence the immune response to vaccines in endemic African countries. In this study, we aimed to assess the association between helminth exposure to the most prevalent parasitic infections, schistosomiasis, soil transmitted helminths infection and filariasis, and the Ebola virus glycoprotein (EBOV GP) antibody concentration in response to vaccination with the Ad26.ZEBOV, MVA-BN-Filo vaccine regimen in African and European participants using samples obtained from three international clinical trials.
METHODS/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS
We conducted a study in a subset of participants in the EBL2001, EBL2002 and EBL3001 clinical trials that evaluated the Ad26.ZEBOV, MVA-BN-Filo vaccine regimen against EVD in children, adolescents and adults from the United Kingdom, France, Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Kenya, Uganda and Sierra Leone. Immune markers of helminth exposure at baseline were evaluated by ELISA with three commercial kits which detect IgG antibodies against schistosome, filarial and Strongyloides antigens. Luminex technology was used to measure inflammatory and activation markers, and Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokines at baseline. The association between binding IgG antibodies specific to EBOV GP (measured on day 21 post-dose 2 and on Day 365 after the first dose respectively), and helminth exposure at baseline was evaluated using a multivariable linear regression model adjusted for age and study group. Seventy-eight (21.3%) of the 367 participants included in the study had at least one helminth positive ELISA test at baseline, with differences of prevalence between studies and an increased prevalence with age. The most frequently detected antibodies were those to Schistosoma mansoni (10.9%), followed by Acanthocheilonema viteae (9%) and then Strongyloides ratti (7.9%). Among the 41 immunological analytes tested, five were significantly (p < .003) lower in participants with at least one positive helminth ELISA test result: CCL2/MCP1, FGFbasic, IL-7, IL-13 and CCL11/Eotaxin compared to participants with negative helminth ELISA tests. No significant association was found with EBOV-GP specific antibody concentration at 21 days post-dose 2, or at 365 days post-dose 1, adjusted for age group, study, and the presence of any helminth antibodies at baseline.
CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE
No clear association was found between immune markers of helminth exposure as measured by ELISA and post-vaccination response to the Ebola Ad26.ZEBOV/ MVA-BN-Filo vaccine regimen.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
NCT02416453, NCT02564523, NCT02509494. ClinicalTrials.gov.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Animals; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Young Adult; Africa; Antibodies, Helminth; Antibodies, Viral; Cytokines; Ebola Vaccines; Ebolavirus; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Helminthiasis; Helminths; Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola; Immunoglobulin G; Aged
PubMed: 38603720
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011500 -
Veterinary World Feb 2024Gastrointestinal (GI) parasite infections are the foremost and prevalent diseases that affect pigs in Thailand. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of GI...
BACKGROUND AND AIM
Gastrointestinal (GI) parasite infections are the foremost and prevalent diseases that affect pigs in Thailand. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of GI parasites among pigs in Kalasin Province. This study is the first attempt to understand the occurrence of GI parasites in pigs within Kalasin province using fecal samples as the methodology.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We collected 324 fecal samples directly from the rectums of pigs from May to July 2023. The formalin-ethyl acetate concentration and floatation methods were used to examine these samples. The eggs or oocysts were identified by observing their morphology and size under a light microscope.
RESULTS
Of the 324 fecal samples examined, 276 tested positive for gastrointestinal parasitic infections, resulting in a prevalence rate of 85.19%. Nematodes were the most prevalent, with Strongyle-type infections being the highest in 267 cases (82.41%), followed by in 222 cases (68.52%), and spp. in 152 cases (46.91%). spp. infections were also observed in 92 cases (28.40%). However, trematode infection was relatively rare, with only spp. found in 15 cases (4.63%). We identified spp. in 87 cases (26.85%), spp. in 70 cases (21.60%), in 67 cases (20.68%), and spp. in 52 cases (16.05%). Notably, most of the positive fecal samples showed double infections with a prevalence rate of approximately 38.27%. Single infections were the next most common, accounting for 25.31% of the cases, followed by 3 parasites (14.81%) and 4-5 parasites (6.79%).
CONCLUSION
This study underscores the high endemicity of GI parasites among pigs in Kalasin province. To improve prevention and control measures, it is recommended to establish a health monitoring program that includes deworming and emphasizes good hygiene practices. The insights gained from this study will contribute to the enhancement of pig farming practices in Kalasin province, ultimately leading to improved production and profitability. In addition, future research should focus on detecting these parasites in Kalasin and exploring their relationship with human transmission cycle.
PubMed: 38595646
DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2024.273-281 -
BioRxiv : the Preprint Server For... Mar 2024Skin-penetrating nematodes infect nearly one billion people worldwide. The developmentally arrested infective larvae (iL3s) seek out hosts, invade hosts via skin...
Skin-penetrating nematodes infect nearly one billion people worldwide. The developmentally arrested infective larvae (iL3s) seek out hosts, invade hosts via skin penetration, and resume development inside the host in a process called activation. Activated infective larvae (iL3as) traverse the host body, ending up as parasitic adults in the small intestine. Skin-penetrating nematodes respond to many chemosensory cues, but how chemosensation contributes to host seeking, intra-host development, and intra-host navigation - three crucial steps of the parasite-host interaction - remains poorly understood. Here, we investigate the role of carbon dioxide (CO) in promoting parasite-host interactions in the human-infective threadworm . We show that exhibits life-stage-specific preferences for CO: iL3s are repelled, non-infective larvae and adults are neutral, and iL3as are attracted. CO repulsion in iL3s may prime them for host seeking by stimulating dispersal from host feces, while CO attraction in iL3as may direct worms toward high-CO areas of the body such as the lungs and intestine. We also identify sensory neurons that detect CO; these neurons are depolarized by CO in iL3s and iL3as. In addition, we demonstrate that the receptor guanylate cyclase -GCY-9 is expressed specifically in CO-sensing neurons and is required for CO-evoked behavior-GCY-9 also promotes activation, indicating that a single receptor can mediate both behavioral and physiological responses to CO. Our results illuminate chemosensory mechanisms that shape the interaction between parasitic nematodes and their human hosts and may aid in the design of novel anthelmintics that target the CO-sensing pathway.
PubMed: 38585813
DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.28.587273 -
BMC Veterinary Research Apr 2024Parasitic infestations have a substantial economic impact on pig production. This study aimed to investigate the gastrointestinal (GI) helminths in pigs and to...
A survey of gastrointestinal helminth infestation in smallholder backyard pigs and the first molecular identification of the two zoonotic helminths Ascaris suum and Trichuris suis in Myanmar.
BACKGROUND
Parasitic infestations have a substantial economic impact on pig production. This study aimed to investigate the gastrointestinal (GI) helminths in pigs and to molecularly characterise two important nematodes, Ascaris and Trichuris species.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A total of 500 pig faecal samples were collected from small holder backyard pig farms in five townships within Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar. Microscopic examination was conducted to estimate the prevalence of GI helminth infestation in the pigs. DNA extraction and PCR were performed on faecal samples that were morphologically positive for Ascaris and Trichuris eggs. Molecular analysis was then conducted to characterise A. suum and T. suis, the most common and zoonotic helminths.
RESULTS
According to microscopic examination, 69.2% (346/500) were positive for GI helminth eggs. The GI helminth species observed were A. suum, Strongyle, Strongyloides spp., T. suis, Metastrongylus spp., Hyostrongylus spp., Fasciolopsis spp., Paragonimus spp., and Schistosoma spp., with occurrences of 34.8%, 29.6%, 21.4%, 20.0%, 4.0%, 1.6%, 1.0%, 1.0%, and 0.4%, respectively. Mixed infections of GI helminths were noted in 31.0% of the samples. Overall, sampled pigs excreted mostly low levels (< 100 EPG) or moderate levels (> 100-500 EPG) of GI helminth eggs. The highest mean EPG for each parasite species was noted in A. suum. The presence of A. suum and T. suis was confirmed molecularly. The sequences of the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) region of A. suum showed high similarity with previously reported sequences. Likewise, the sequences of T. suis exhibited high similarity with the sequences reported from humans and pigs. Age was noted as an associated factor (P < 0.05) for GI helminth infection status.
CONCLUSIONS
In this report, A. suum and T. suis were molecularly identified for the first time in Myanmar. It is important to extend the information among the farmers to be aware of the necessity of preventing zoonotic parasites by practicing regular deworming, proper use of anthelmintics and maintaining hygienic conditions in their pig farms.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Swine; Ascaris suum; Trichuris; Myanmar; Ovum; Helminths; Feces; Swine Diseases
PubMed: 38582856
DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-03998-w -
The American Journal of Tropical... May 2024Infection with Strongyloides stercoralis is often asymptomatic but can be life-threatening in immunocompromised patients, which can be prevented by ivermectin (IVM)...
Infection with Strongyloides stercoralis is often asymptomatic but can be life-threatening in immunocompromised patients, which can be prevented by ivermectin (IVM) treatment. The efficacy of IVM has been reported to have lessened over time in some regions as a consequence of prolonged use and mass treatment campaigns. Ivermectin has been used in Thailand for more than a decade; therefore, we investigated the efficacy of a single dose (200 µg/kg) of IVM against in asymptomatic strongyloidiasis in northeastern Thailand. Fecal samples were collected before and 2 weeks after treatment and were analyzed for the presence of Strongyloides using a modified agar plate culture and the formalin-ethyl acetate concentration technique. Our results showed that single-dose IVM treatment successfully eliminated S. stercoralis infection in asymptomatic individuals in the endemic area with a 100% cure rate, indicating the high efficacy of IVM treatment in strongyloidiasis in northeast Thailand.
Topics: Ivermectin; Strongyloidiasis; Humans; Animals; Strongyloides stercoralis; Thailand; Feces; Male; Female; Adult; Middle Aged; Antiparasitic Agents; Young Adult; Adolescent; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38579698
DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0645 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Apr 2024Numerous studies indicate a potential protective role of helminths in diabetes mellitus (DM) progression. The complement system, vital for host defense, plays a crucial...
BACKGROUND
Numerous studies indicate a potential protective role of helminths in diabetes mellitus (DM) progression. The complement system, vital for host defense, plays a crucial role in tissue homeostasis and immune surveillance. Dysregulated complement activation is implicated in diabetic complications. We aimed to investigate the influence of the helminth, Strongyloides stercoralis (Ss) on complement activation in individuals with type 2 DM (T2D).
METHODOLOGY
We assessed circulating levels of complement proteins (C1q, C2, C3, C4, C4b, C5, C5a, and MBL (Lectin)) and their regulatory components (Factor B, Factor D, Factor H, and Factor I) in individuals with T2D with (n = 60) or without concomitant Ss infection (n = 58). Additionally, we evaluated the impact of anthelmintic therapy on these parameters after 6 months in Ss-infected individuals (n = 60).
RESULTS
Ss+DM+ individuals demonstrated reduced levels of complement proteins (C1q, C4b, MBL (Lectin), C3, C5a, and C3b/iC3b) and complement regulatory proteins (Factor B and Factor D) compared to Ss-DM+ individuals. Following anthelmintic therapy, there was a partial reversal of these levels in Ss+DM+ individuals.
CONCLUSION
Our findings indicate that Ss infection reduces complement activation, potentially mitigating inflammatory processes in individuals with T2D. The study underscores the complex interplay between helminth infections, complement regulation, and diabetes mellitus, offering insights into potential therapeutic avenues.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Strongyloides stercoralis; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Complement Factor B; Complement Factor D; Complement C1q; Strongyloidiasis; Complement Activation; Anthelmintics; Helminths; Lectins
PubMed: 38564496
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012048 -
Indian Journal of Pathology &... Mar 2024Strongyloides stercoralis is a parasitic nematode that infects millions of people worldwide. It primarily infects humans but can also be found in domestic animals and...
Strongyloides stercoralis is a parasitic nematode that infects millions of people worldwide. It primarily infects humans but can also be found in domestic animals and primates. The severity of infection varies from asymptomatic to life-threatening complications. We present a case of a 56-year-old male with a known case of angiosarcoma liver with massive ascites and low-grade fever. He was clinically diagnosed as having malignant ascites and was planned for chemotherapy. During therapeutic cum diagnostic ascitic tap, cell block sections revealed the presence of cross sections of nematode S. stercoralis gravid uterus with eggs. Later, stool for ova and cysts also revealed multiple larval forms of the nematode. S. stercoralis hyperinfection is often accompanied by sepsis or meningitis with enteric organisms. Patient was started on tab. ivermectin 12 mg once a day for two days (in the standard dosage of 200 mcg/kg) was then repeated in the same dosage for another two days after two weeks, and gradually the ascites settled. Post-treatment ascitic tap cell block preparations did not show any parasites. Patient has been on follow-up for 6 months, and he remains asymptomatic.
PubMed: 38563713
DOI: 10.4103/ijpm.ijpm_801_23