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PeerJ 2024Diversity in clinical signs and symptoms are associated with soil transmitted diseases (STD), which are spread to humans by intestinal worms and transmitted in a variety...
BACKGROUND
Diversity in clinical signs and symptoms are associated with soil transmitted diseases (STD), which are spread to humans by intestinal worms and transmitted in a variety of ways. There is a need for the present study, which aimed to investigate the prevalence of intestinal parasites and to compare between the common detection techniques for soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) among newly arrived expatriate labors in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
METHODS
A total of 188 stool samples were analyzed by macroscopic examination, and microscopic examination using direct iodine smear and the formal ether sedimentation technique. Trichrome and modified Kinyoun's stains were used to confirm the morphology of any detected protozoa stages and oocyst of , respectively. A chromatographic immunoassay kit was used for , and . In addition, real-time PCR was employed only to identify various STHs.
RESULTS
Out of 188, several types of parasites were detected in 35 samples (18.62%), of which some with multiple infections. Nine samples (4.79%) were positive for , seven samples (3.72%) for , six samples (3.19%) for , four samples (2.13%) for , four samples (2.13%) for , four samples (2.13%) for , three samples (1.60%) for and two samples (1.06%) for . In comparison between laboratory techniques for STHs, real-time PCR was able to detect the DNA of 19 samples (10.1%) followed by Ritchie sedimentation technique (18, 9.6%), and direct smear (7, 3.7%) ( > 0.05).
CONCLUSION
The high rate of newly arrived foreign workers infected with intestinal parasites could lead to a risk to society. Continuous and regular surveys are needed to deal with the occurrence of intestinal parasitic infections including STHs. To improve the identification of these infections, we recommend a supporting infrastructure for the application of concentration methods and molecular assays.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Parasites; Soil; Cryptosporidiosis; Prevalence; Saudi Arabia; Cryptosporidium; Helminths
PubMed: 38288465
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16820 -
Veterinary Parasitology Apr 2024Nationwide sampling by Venkatesan and colleagues (2023) described the resistance status of the canine hookworm, Ancylostoma caninum, to benzimidazoles across the USA via...
Nationwide USA re-analysis of amplicon metabarcoding targeting β-tubulin isoform-1 reveals absence of benzimidazole resistant SNPs in Ancylostoma braziliense, Ancylostoma tubaeforme and Uncinaria stenocephala.
Nationwide sampling by Venkatesan and colleagues (2023) described the resistance status of the canine hookworm, Ancylostoma caninum, to benzimidazoles across the USA via β-tubulin isotype-1 amplicon metabarcoding. In this study, we aimed to use the existing public amplicon metabarcoding data and mine it for the presence of β-tubulin isotype-1 sequences that belong to hookworm species other than A. caninum. Through bioinformatics analysis we assigned species to A. caninum, Ancylostoma braziliense, Ancylostoma tubaeforme and Uncinaria stenocephala. All non-A. caninum sequences contained only the benzimidazole susceptible residues of β-tubulin isotype-1. Using two β-tubulin isotype-1 metabarcoding sequence data (assay targeting 134 and 167 codons, and assay targeting 198 and 200 codons), 2.0% (6/307) and 2.9% (9/310) individual samples had hookworms other than A. caninum (A. braziliense n = 5, A. tubaeforme n = 4 and U. stenocephala n = 2), respectively. We identified one sample containing A. braziliense in each of the Northeastern region and Midwestern region, and in three samples from the Southern region. Presence of A. tubaeforme in dog faeces is considered as pseudoparasitism. There were no statistically significant regional differences for the distribution of each species, for either of the two assays independently or combined (χ tests, P > 0.05). Our work demonstrates the utility of the amplicon metabarcoding for the identification of species through antemortem assays, thus resolving the dilemma of assigning hookworm species based on either post-mortem or egg sizes for the identification of hookworms.
Topics: Animals; Dogs; Ancylostoma; Ancylostomatoidea; Tubulin; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Dog Diseases; Benzimidazoles; Codon
PubMed: 38278035
DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2024.110118 -
The American Journal of Tropical... Mar 2024Zoonotic human infections with Ancylostoma ceylanicum have recently been reported in the Americas. We used archived human stool samples to study the geographic...
Geographic Distribution of Human Infections with Zoonotic Ancylostoma ceylanicum and Anthropophilic Hookworms in Ecuador: A Retrospective Analysis of Archived Stool Samples.
Zoonotic human infections with Ancylostoma ceylanicum have recently been reported in the Americas. We used archived human stool samples to study the geographic distribution of human infections with A. ceylanicum and anthropophilic hookworms in different geoclimatic regions (coastal, Andean, and Amazon) of Ecuador. We analyzed retrospectively archived human stool samples from five studies previously screened for hookworm infection by microscopy, of which four included hookworm-positive samples only and one involved hookworm-negative samples to increase geographic distribution of sampling. Stools were analyzed using multi-parallel quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays to detect Necator americanus, Ancylostoma duodenale, A. ceylanicum, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and Strongyloides stercoralis. Sequencing was done for the A. ceylanicum cox1 gene. A total of 132 samples were analyzed, of which 69 (52.3%) were from hookworm-positive and 63 (47.7%) from hookworm-negative individuals by microscopy. Overall, 82.6% of microscopy-positive samples and 33.3% of microscopy-negative samples were positive for hookworm by qPCR. Of microscopy-positive samples, 36.2% were A. ceylanicum, 37.7% A. duodenale, and 33.3% N. americanus, whereas equivalent proportions for microscopy-negative samples were 1.6%, 31.7%, and 1.6%, respectively. Ancylostoma duodenale was the most widely dispersed geographically, followed by N. americanus. Ancylostoma ceylanicum was least dispersed but was detected in coastal and Amazon regions. In conclusion, human infections with A. ceylanicum, A. duodenale, and N. americanus were detected in different geoclimatic regions of Ecuador. Additional studies are required to further define the epidemiology of human A. ceylanicum infections, but the potentially widespread presence of this helminth in human populations in Ecuador has implications for hookworm control strategies.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Ancylostoma; Ancylostomatoidea; Ancylostomiasis; Retrospective Studies; Ecuador; Hookworm Infections; Zoonoses; Feces
PubMed: 38266286
DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0469 -
International Journal For Parasitology.... Apr 2024Surveillance data for Ancylostoma spp. and the A. caninum benzimidazole treatment resistance associated F167Y polymorphism using molecular diagnostics was obtained in a...
Benzimidazole F167Y polymorphism in the canine hookworm, Ancylostoma caninum: Widespread geographic, seasonal, age, and breed distribution in United States and Canada dogs.
Surveillance data for Ancylostoma spp. and the A. caninum benzimidazole treatment resistance associated F167Y polymorphism using molecular diagnostics was obtained in a large population of dogs from the United States and Canada. Real-time PCR (qPCR) for Ancylostoma spp. and allele-specific qPCR detecting a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) F167Y was used in 262,872 canine stool samples collected between March and December of 2022. Ancylostoma spp. was found at an overall prevalence of 2.5% (6538/262,872), with the highest prevalence in the Southern US, 4.4% (4490/103,095), and the lowest prevalence in Canada 0.6% (101/15,829). The A. caninum F167Y polymorphism was found with the highest prevalence (13.4%, n = 46/343) in the Western US and the lowest in Canada at 4.1% (4/97). The F167Y polymorphism was detected every month over the 10-month collection period. Seasonal distribution showed a peak in June for both Ancylostoma spp. (3.08%, 547/17,775) and A. caninum F167Y (12.25%, 67/547). However, the A. caninum F167Y polymorphism prevalence was highest in September (13.9%, 119/856). Age analysis indicates a higher prevalence of both hookworm infections and occurrence of resistant isolates in puppies. The breeds with the highest F167Y polymorphism prevalence in Ancylostoma spp. detected samples were poodles (28.9%), followed by Bernese Mountain dogs (25%), Cocker spaniels (23.1%), and greyhounds (22.4%). Our data set describes widespread geographic distribution of the A. caninum benzimidazole resistance associated F167Y polymorphism in the United States and Canada, with no clear seasonality compared to the Ancylostoma spp. prevalence patterns. The F167 polymorphism was present in all geographic areas with detected hookworms, including Canada. Our study highlights that the F167Y polymorphism is represented in many dog breeds, including greyhounds.
Topics: Dogs; Animals; United States; Ancylostoma; Ancylostomatoidea; Seasons; Dog Diseases; Feces; Benzimidazoles
PubMed: 38237210
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2024.100520 -
Annals of Medicine and Surgery (2012) Jan 2024Cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) is a dermatitis caused by the invasion and migration of parasitic larvae of hookworms, primarily affecting tropical and subtropical...
INTRODUCTION
Cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) is a dermatitis caused by the invasion and migration of parasitic larvae of hookworms, primarily affecting tropical and subtropical regions. This report presents a case of CLM in a Nepali child and provides an overview of the literature on this condition.
CASE REPORT
A 4-year-old boy from a rural area in Nepal presented with a pruritic skin lesion on his left foot, initially misdiagnosed as fungal infection. The lesion gradually expanded, forming a serpiginous erythema, and became intensely pruritic. The patient's family had poor socioeconomic conditions, and the child frequently walked barefoot in an area with many domestic and stray dogs. Diagnosis was confirmed clinically, and treatment with oral albendazole and antihistamines resulted in complete resolution of symptoms.
DISCUSSION
CLM is a neglected zoonotic disease, with an underestimated burden in developing countries due to underreporting and misdiagnosis. The larvae of spp. are common culprits, causing a localized inflammatory reaction as they migrate through the skin. Diagnosis is mainly clinical and routine investigations usually reveal no abnormality. Complications may include secondary bacterial infections, allergies, and rare migration to internal organs. Treatment options include albendazole or ivermectin, with preventive measures emphasizing hygiene, footwear use, and pet deworming.
CONCLUSION
CLM is a neglected disease that primarily affects marginalized communities in tropical regions. Raising awareness among healthcare providers, conducting observational studies, and developing treatment guidelines, especially for children, are essential steps to address this public health concern. Preventive efforts, such as promoting hygiene and footwear use, should be encouraged to reduce CLM incidence.
PubMed: 38222776
DOI: 10.1097/MS9.0000000000001512 -
Parasitology Mar 2024Parasitic gastrointestinal nematodes pose significant health risks to humans, livestock, and companion animals, and their control relies heavily on the use of...
Parasitic gastrointestinal nematodes pose significant health risks to humans, livestock, and companion animals, and their control relies heavily on the use of anthelmintic drugs. Overuse of these drugs has led to the emergence of resistant nematode populations. Herein, a naturally occurring isolate (referred to as BCR) of the dog hookworm, , that is resistant to 3 major classes of anthelmintics is characterized. Various drug assays were used to determine the resistance of BCR to thiabendazole, ivermectin, moxidectin and pyrantel pamoate. When compared to a drug-susceptible isolate of , BCR was shown to be significantly resistant to all 4 of the drugs tested. Multiple single nucleotide polymorphisms have been shown to impart benzimidazole resistance, including the F167Y mutation in the -tubulin isotype 1 gene, which was confirmed to be present in BCR through molecular analysis. The frequency of the resistant allele in BCR was 76.3% following its first passage in the lab, which represented an increase from approximately 50% in the founding hookworm population. A second, recently described mutation in codon 134 (Q134H) was also detected at lower frequency in the BCR population. Additionally, BCR exhibits an altered larval activation phenotype compared to the susceptible isolate, suggesting differences in the signalling pathways involved in the activation process which may be associated with resistance. Further characterization of this isolate will provide insights into the mechanisms of resistance to macrocyclic lactones and tetrahydropyrimidine anthelmintics.
Topics: Humans; Dogs; Animals; Ancylostoma; Ancylostomatoidea; Larva; Anthelmintics; Drug Resistance, Multiple; Drug Resistance
PubMed: 38163962
DOI: 10.1017/S0031182023001385 -
Heliyon Dec 2023Rapid diagnosis of urogenital schistosomiasis caused by requires an accurate and timely assay, especially for low-intensity infection cases and in non-endemic areas....
Rapid diagnosis of urogenital schistosomiasis caused by requires an accurate and timely assay, especially for low-intensity infection cases and in non-endemic areas. The mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 (cox1) gene fragment of was selected as detection target as this short fragment, which can be rapidly sequenced and yet possess good diagnostic resolution. A pair of primers and a fluorescent probe were designed according to the principle of recombinase-aided amplification (RAA), which was subsequently optimized and applied as an -specific RAA assay. Its diagnostic performance was validated for sensitivity and specificity in comparison to microscopy-based egg counting after urine filtration. The RAA assay could detect as little as 10 copies/μL of recombinant plasmid, and no cross-reactions were observed with , , , or . This test can be conducted at 39 °C and the whole RAA reaction can be completed within 20 min. The validation of the RAA assay showed that it had 100 % consistency with urine-egg microscopy, as it does not require an elaborate reading tool, is simple to use, and should be useful for field diagnostics and point-of-care applications.
PubMed: 38144328
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23031 -
International Maritime Health 2023Dermatological disorders are among the most common complaints of patients seeking medical assistance after returning from trips to tropical countries. Among exotic...
Dermatological disorders are among the most common complaints of patients seeking medical assistance after returning from trips to tropical countries. Among exotic dermatoses, one of the frequently encountered diagnoses is Cutaneous Larva Migrans (CLM), primarily caused by the nematodes Ancylostoma braziliense and A. caninum. Cats and dogs, which serve as the definitive hosts for these nematodes, excrete with their stool parasite eggs into the environment, where they transform into larvae. Human infection occurs through the invasive form of the larvae, which penetrate the skin, causing itching and the characteristic serpiginous, slightly raised, and enlarging lesion at the site of invasion. Diagnosis is made based on the highly characteristic clinical presentation, although in non-endemic countries, diagnostic errors and delays in initiating effective causal treatment are relatively common. Effective therapy includes oral albendazole and ivermectin. Prevention of CLM involves avoiding skin contact with potentially contaminated soil by wearing shoes and using towels and mats on the beach. Due to the high interest in travel and the risk of importing exotic diseases, it is important to promote knowledge of tropical medicine among healthcare professionals as well as the travellers.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Cats; Dogs; Larva Migrans; Ivermectin; Albendazole; Travel; Feces
PubMed: 38111246
DOI: 10.5603/imh.98098 -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2023
PubMed: 38094501
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1297962 -
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational... 2023(CLM) is a dermatosis caused by accidental infestation with animal hookworms and is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. Humans become infected when...
(CLM) is a dermatosis caused by accidental infestation with animal hookworms and is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. Humans become infected when their skin comes into contact with soil contaminated with dog faeces. The filariform larvae penetrate and burrow into human skin, causing a condition known as "creeping eruption". We describe a case, well-documented by photos, of CLM infection in a family of three who returned from Thailand.
PubMed: 38021420
DOI: 10.2147/CCID.S425885