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Scientific Reports Jan 2023Accurate diagnosis by precise identification of causative agents is essential for the effectiveness of any control interventions. Despite high zoonotic potential,...
Accurate diagnosis by precise identification of causative agents is essential for the effectiveness of any control interventions. Despite high zoonotic potential, available literature on hookworms in Bangladesh is still scarce and nonspecific. The objective of this study was to determine the occurrence of hookworms in public locations across northeastern Bangladesh (Sylhet metropolitan area) using integrated parasitological and molecular assays. A total of 130 samples (80 soil and 50 environmental canine feces) were collected and examined using modified flotation technique and formalin-ether sedimentation methods. Modified plate culture was used to isolate larvae. The identification was made based on morphometric features and confirmed by amplifying the ITS region of the nuclear rDNA. Overall, 66.2% (86/130) of examined samples were positive for hookworms infection. Characteristic eggs (61-68 × 29-37 μm) and/or larvae of hookworms were observed in 73.8% (59/80) soils and 54.0% (27/50) environmental fecal samples. Rhabditiform larvae (0.48-0.54 × 0.04-0.07 mm) were observed in cultured samples. Genetic analysis of rDNA sequences revealed the presence of Ancylostoma caninum and Ancylostoma ceylanicum. In this study, hookworms' contamination of the public environment was substantial. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first molecular proof of A. caninum and A. ceylanicum observed in urban public environment in Bangladesh.
Topics: Animals; Dogs; Ancylostomatoidea; Bangladesh; Hookworm Infections; Ancylostoma; Feces; DNA, Ribosomal; Soil; Larva; Dog Diseases
PubMed: 36599848
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26813-8 -
The Journal of Clinical Investigation Feb 2023Despite major advances in acute interventions for myocardial infarction (MI), adverse cardiac remodeling and excess fibrosis after MI causing ischemic heart failure...
Despite major advances in acute interventions for myocardial infarction (MI), adverse cardiac remodeling and excess fibrosis after MI causing ischemic heart failure (IHF) remain a leading cause of death worldwide. Here we identify a profibrotic coagulation signaling pathway that can be targeted for improved cardiac function following MI with persistent ischemia. Quantitative phosphoproteomics of cardiac tissue revealed an upregulated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway in human IHF. Intervention in this pathway with trametinib improves myocardial function and prevents fibrotic remodeling in a murine model of non-reperfused MI. MAPK activation in MI requires myeloid cell signaling of protease-activated receptor 2 linked to the cytoplasmic domain of the coagulation initiator tissue factor (TF). They act upstream of pro-oxidant NOX2 NADPH oxidase, ERK1/2 phosphorylation, and activation of profibrotic TGF-β1. Specific targeting with the TF inhibitor nematode anticoagulant protein c2 (NAPc2) starting 1 day after established experimental MI averts IHF. Increased TF cytoplasmic domain phosphorylation in circulating monocytes from patients with subacute MI identifies a potential thromboinflammatory biomarker reflective of increased risk for IHF and suitable for patient selection to receive targeted TF inhibition therapy.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Mice; Fibrosis; Heart Failure; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; Myeloid Cells; Myocardial Infarction; Signal Transduction; Transforming Growth Factor beta1; Ventricular Remodeling
PubMed: 36548062
DOI: 10.1172/JCI156436 -
Journal of the American Veterinary... Dec 2022To evaluate the efficacy of the 3 major classes of anthelmintics used for the treatment of hookworms in dogs in the US and an extralabel treatment with an FDA-approved...
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of the 3 major classes of anthelmintics used for the treatment of hookworms in dogs in the US and an extralabel treatment with an FDA-approved product for use in cats in a Labrador kennel with a history of persistent hookworm infections.
ANIMALS
22 dogs housed in a single kennel comprised of the following breeds: 19 Labrador Retrievers, 1 English Cocker Spaniel, 1 Chesapeake Bay Retriever, and 1 Boykin Spaniel.
PROCEDURES
We performed a fecal egg count (FEC) reduction test using 22 dogs that were allocated randomly to 1 of 5 treatment groups: pyrantel pamoate (Pyrantel pamoate suspension), fenbendazole (Safe-Guard suspension 10%), milbemycin oxime (Interceptor), moxidectin plus imidacloprid (Advantage Multi), and emodepside plus praziquantel (Profender topical solution for cats). FEC was performed on samples collected on days 0 and 11.
RESULTS
FEC reductions for the milbemycin oxime, moxidectin plus imidacloprid, and emodepside plus praziquantel groups were 43.9%, 57.4%, and 100%, respectively. The FEC increased following treatment for the pyrantel and fenbendazole groups.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
These data demonstrate that the Ancylostoma caninum infecting the dogs in this kennel are highly resistant to all major anthelmintic classes approved for use in dogs in the US but are susceptible to emodepside. This was the first report of multiple anthelmintic drug-resistant A caninum in a dog kennel that does not involve Greyhounds.
Topics: Animals; Dogs; Ancylostoma; Ancylostomatoidea; Anthelmintics; Cat Diseases; Dog Diseases; Drug Resistance; Feces; Fenbendazole; Georgia; Macrolides; Parasite Egg Count; Praziquantel; Pyrantel Pamoate
PubMed: 36520649
DOI: 10.2460/javma.22.08.0377 -
The American Journal of Tropical... Feb 2023Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is increasingly used in the diagnosis of soil-transmitted helminth infections. Despite this, few studies have evaluated the impact of...
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is increasingly used in the diagnosis of soil-transmitted helminth infections. Despite this, few studies have evaluated the impact of different fecal fixatives on the outcome of fecal helminth qPCR analysis, and none have evaluated the effect of commercial parasitology fixatives commonly used in diagnostic laboratories. We fixed dog feces containing Ancylostoma spp. hookworm eggs in zinc polyvinyl alcohol (Zn-PVA) and Total-Fix, and with 70% ethanol (EtOH) as a control. DNA was extracted at timepoints 11, 33, 64, and 94 days and subjected to Ancylostoma spp. quantitative PCR (qPCR). A linear regression model was created to assess the effect of preservative types on the temporal change of qPCR quantification cycle number (Cq) values, accounting for variances among individual animals. Fixation in 70% EtOH least affected Cq values over 94 days. Total-Fix preservation yielded a higher Cq overall, but there was no significant difference compared with 70% EtOH fixation. Fixation in Zn-PVA resulted in significantly (P < 0.001) higher Cq values than 70% EtOH after only 33 days and loss of amplification at 64 days. Consistent with other helminth fixation studies, 70% EtOH performed well in preserving hookworm DNA over 94 days. Total-Fix provided a comparable alternative for qPCR analysis for hookworm. Fixation in Zn-PVA resulted in loss of detectable hookworm DNA at 64 days, as determined by qPCR.
Topics: Animals; Dogs; Ancylostomatoidea; Fixatives; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Hookworm Infections; Helminthiasis; Ancylostoma; Helminths; Feces; Polyvinyl Alcohol
PubMed: 36509060
DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.22-0406 -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2022An ample variety of parasitic associations are found between mollusks and nematodes, in which the mollusks may act as intermediate, paratenic or definitive hosts. Some...
An ample variety of parasitic associations are found between mollusks and nematodes, in which the mollusks may act as intermediate, paratenic or definitive hosts. Some free-living nematodes, in particular those of the order Rhabditida, are also found frequently in terrestrial mollusks. The present study reviews the results of the parasitological testing on samples of terrestrial mollusks conducted at the Brazilian National Reference Laboratory for Schistosomiasis and Malacology between 2008 and 2021. The samples were supplied primarily by the public health authorities from the different regions of Brazil, but also by research institutions and general population. The mollusks were processed individually and the obtained larvae were identified from their morphology and, whenever necessary, by molecular analysis. A total of 1,919 service orders were registered during the period, including 19,758 mollusk specimens collected from 23 of the 26 Brazilian states, as well as the Federal District, totalizing 145 municipalities. There was a marked predominance of the synanthropic species that are widely distributed in Brazil- (87.08%), (4.18%), (2.06%), and (1.50%). Of the 16,750 terrestrial mollusks examined, nematodes were recorded in 1,308 service orders, with the predominance of the superfamily Metastrongyloidea, in 616 service orders. They included , rat lungworm, which was found in 252 samples, and in 145 samples. Free-living nematodes were found in 952 samples, and (previously identified as sp.) in one and 275 samples, respectively, and other parasites in 210 samples (not identified). The results highlight the diversity of the associations between nematodes and terrestrial mollusks in Brazil, in particular invasive and synanthropic species, with emphasis on the giant African land snail, . They demonstrate the prominent role of this species of mollusk in the transmission of medically-important nematodes, which affect the health of both humans and animals, in particular eosinophilic meningitis, which is caused by . This reinforces the need for more studies, and justify the growing demand for information as well as parasitological diagnosis of this mollusk, given its wide distribution in Brazil and its impact as an urban pest.
PubMed: 36467665
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1023426 -
Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease Nov 2022In spite of ongoing eradication programs, helminth infections are still a medical issue in Ghana. For follow-up assessments on the decline of regional helminth...
In spite of ongoing eradication programs, helminth infections are still a medical issue in Ghana. For follow-up assessments on the decline of regional helminth infections, historic baseline prevalence values obtained with standardized diagnostic procedures can be helpful. In this retrospective cross-sectional study, real-time PCR targeting the nematodes spp. (ITS2), (ITS1), (ITS1), (ITS2), (18S rRNA) and (18S rRNA), the trematodes spp. (ITS2) as well as the cestodes (ITS1), (ITS1) and (ITS1) was applied with 2046 DNA eluates from stool samples of Ghanaian children from the Ashanti region collected between 2007 and 2008 in order to retrospectively define prevalence values. The overall prevalence was low with 3.8% ( = 77) and only 0.1% ( = 2) double infections with helminths were recorded. The three most frequently detected enteric helminth species comprised 2% ( = 41), 0.8% ( = 16), and 0.7% ( = 14), while only sporadic infection events were recorded for other helminth species comprising 0.1% ( = 2), 0.1% spp. ( = 2), 0.1% ( = 1) and 0.1% ( = 1). , spp. and were not detected at all. In conclusion, the retrospective assessment suggests a low prevalence of enteric helminth infections in Ghanaian children from the Ashanti Region within the assessment period between 2007 and 2008.
PubMed: 36422925
DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7110374 -
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) Nov 2022Dogs cared for in a shelter are dewormed every three-four months, but they all become infected one-two months later by the soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) , , and ....
Dogs cared for in a shelter are dewormed every three-four months, but they all become infected one-two months later by the soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) , , and . For the purpose of reducing their risk of infection by decreasing the survival of helminths' infective stages in soil, chlamydospores of two parasiticide fungi, (ovicide) and (larvicide) were formulated as handmade edible gelatins and given three days per week for 17 months to 18 dogs (DRF, dogs receiving fungi); a second group was maintained without fungi (CD, control dogs). All individuals were dewormed at months 0, 3, 7, 10 and 13, and it was observed that the levels of helminths egg-output were reduced by 96-98% fourteen days after each treatment. Fecal egg counts of STHs were similar in both groups until the 6th-8th months, and then remained significantly lower in DRF than in CD (42-100% ascarids; 30-100% trichurids and ancylostomatids). According to the results, and considering that gelatin treats have always been fully accepted, it is concluded that this new formulation offers an efficient solution to decrease the risk of infection among dogs maintained in shelters, and is therefore recommended.
PubMed: 36422641
DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11111391 -
Parasites & Vectors Nov 2022Praziquantel is the drug of choice for treating the tapeworm Dipylidium caninum in dogs; however, resistance is possible, and regular, non-targeted administration of...
BACKGROUND
Praziquantel is the drug of choice for treating the tapeworm Dipylidium caninum in dogs; however, resistance is possible, and regular, non-targeted administration of praziquantel may select for anthelminthic-resistant populations.
METHODS
The zinc sulfate fecal floatation procedure was conducted. Gross visualization was used to identify Dipylidium spp. segments, and capsule endoscopy was used to visualize adult tapeworms within the intestinal tract.
RESULTS
An 18-month-old spayed female terrier mix was presented due to diarrhea, hematochezia and weight loss. The dog received appropriate anthelmintic therapy for Giardia spp., Ancylostoma spp. and Dipylidium spp. The dog's clinical signs resolved, and elimination of Ancylostoma spp. was confirmed by subsequent fecal analysis. However, Dipylidium spp. segments were repeatedly present in the stool. Observation of the segments confirmed the presence of adult Dipylidium spp in feces. Treatment with praziquantel and epsiprantel were unsuccessful in eliminating the organism but was apparently successful in flea prevention. A single dose of nitrosconate was administered and eliminated Dipylidium spp. infection in the dog.
CONCLUSIONS
Nitrosconate can be an effective treatment for praziquantel-resistant dipylidiasis in dogs. The novel application of capsule endoscopy confirmed the anthelmintic efficacy of this treatment.
Topics: Dogs; Female; Animals; Praziquantel; Dog Diseases; Cestoda; Cestode Infections; Anthelmintics; Ancylostoma
PubMed: 36419194
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05559-2 -
Parasitology Research Jan 2023Coproantigen immunoassays (IDEXX Fecal Dx® antigen tests) were evaluated for their ability to identify Toxocara cati and Ancylostoma tubaeforme infections in cats and...
Coproantigen immunoassays (IDEXX Fecal Dx® antigen tests) were evaluated for their ability to identify Toxocara cati and Ancylostoma tubaeforme infections in cats and Uncinaria stenocephala infection in dogs. Five cats were experimentally infected with 500 embryonated eggs of T. cati, eight cats with 500 third-stage larvae (L3) of A. tubaeforme and seven dogs with 500 L3 of U. stenocephala. In addition to the three coproantigen tests, the course of infection was monitored by a combined sedimentation-flotation method with ZnSO as flotation medium (specific gravity: 1.28-1.30) and a modified McMaster method in case of copromicroscopically positive samples. Eggs of T. cati were first observed between 28 and 54 days post infection (dpi) in four of the five infected cats. In these four cats, positive roundworm coproantigen signals were obtained between 16 and 44 dpi. Positive coproantigen signal always preceded egg observations, but the interval varied between 6 and 30 days. Hookworm-specific positive coproantigen signals were detected in seven of the eight A. tubaeforme infected cats between 10 and 52 dpi, while consecutive egg excretion was observed in three cats between day 26 and 54 pi. Of these three, coproantigen signal preceded egg observation by 12 to 24 days. Four cats had positive coproantigen results in the absence of egg excretion, and one cat never achieved a positive result for egg or coproantigen. In six of seven U. stenocephala infected dogs, infection was confirmed by copromicroscopy between 16 and 24 dpi as well as for hookworm coproantigen between 10 and 14 dpi. Coproantigen signal was detected prior to egg observation by 2 to 14 days. No cross-reactions between the roundworm, hookworm und whipworm tests occurred in study animals. The results of this study demonstrate the ability of the coproantigen tests to detect the common roundworm and hookworm infections in cats and U. stenocephala infections in dogs as well as the ability to detect the prepatent stage of infection.
Topics: Cats; Animals; Dogs; Ancylostoma; Toxocara; Ancylostomatoidea; Nematoda; Nematode Infections; Immunoassay; Feces; Cat Diseases; Dog Diseases
PubMed: 36385307
DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07715-0 -
Parasitology Research Jan 2023Estimates of intestinal parasite prevalence in canine populations have largely been based on use of fecal flotation methods only. Dogs in animal shelters are likely at...
Estimates of intestinal parasite prevalence in canine populations have largely been based on use of fecal flotation methods only. Dogs in animal shelters are likely at higher risk of intestinal parasite infection because of their previous exposure history. Our objectives were to estimate the prevalence of intestinal parasites among Texas shelter dogs using centrifugal fecal flotation and saline sedimentation techniques, to identify risk factors for infection, and to compare proportions of positive samples detected via fecal flotation vs. saline sedimentation for the most common parasites. Using a repeated cross-sectional study design, we collected fecal samples from dogs on three visits to each of seven Texas animal shelters between May 2013 and December 2014. Fecal flotation and/or saline sedimentation were used to identify parasites in samples. Fecal samples were collected from 529 dogs. The most frequently detected parasites were Ancylostoma caninum (26.4% via fecal flotation, 20.7% via saline sedimentation) and Trichuris vulpis (12.0% via fecal flotation, 14.1% via saline sedimentation). Risk factors for certain parasites were identified; for example, dogs with abnormal fecal consistency were more likely to be shedding T. vulpis eggs than dogs with normal fecal consistency (OR = 1.8, p = 0.005). The addition of fecal sedimentation not only added to the number of parasite species detected in this study, but it also increased the number of dogs diagnosed with the common intestinal parasites that are primarily detected using fecal flotation methods. Texas shelter dogs carry a high burden of intestinal parasites, including those of zoonotic importance.
Topics: Animals; Dogs; Parasites; Cross-Sectional Studies; Texas; Dog Diseases; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Feces; Prevalence
PubMed: 36372803
DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07722-1