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Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) Nov 2023Determining gastrointestinal parasites' frequency in non-human primates (NHPs) and handlers in different Brazilian institutions, and associate it with management...
Gastrointestinal Parasites Affecting Non-Human Primates That Are Kept Ex Situ and Their Handlers in Different Brazilian Institutions: Diagnosis and Analysis of Risk Factors.
AIM
Determining gastrointestinal parasites' frequency in non-human primates (NHPs) and handlers in different Brazilian institutions, and associate it with management information.
METHODS
Different institutions in São Paulo (A), Brasília (B), Rio de Janeiro (C), Pará (D) and Santa Catarina (E) were included in the study. Fecal samples were processed by using coproparasitological techniques; information about NHP handling and professionals' routine were collected through the use of questionnaires.
RESULTS
In total, 33.1% of 511 NHP samples were positive for parasites; the Entamoebidae Group and sp.-compatible eggs were the most detected protozoa and helminths, respectively. The Entamoebidae Group was mainly diagnosed in from Institutions E and D, and was also the only parasite detected in handlers. -compatible eggs were mostly evident in fecal samples collected from Cebidae from Institutions B and D. Some risk factors associated with parasite infection were a high number of animals in the same enclosure and their use for research protocol purposes, whereas quarantine, a post-infection vacant period in enclosures and antiparasitic supply were categorized as protective factors against these agents' infection.
CONCLUSIONS
Parasites showing different transmission routes but concomitantly circulating in NHP institutions located in different Brazilian regions were identified in the current study, with an emphasis on those presenting zoonotic potential.
PubMed: 38133294
DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12121410 -
Biomedica : Revista Del Instituto... Dec 2023The frequency of detected strongyloidiasis is affected by the selected laboratory method in the studied population. Considering that Honduras has few community-based...
INTRODUCTION
The frequency of detected strongyloidiasis is affected by the selected laboratory method in the studied population. Considering that Honduras has few community-based studies, the analysis of the laboratory record data can provide information helping to understand this parasitosis.
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the frequency and to identify the factors associated with strongyloidiasis, analyzing the laboratory records of the Servicio de Parasitología at Hospital Escuela in Tegucigalpa (Honduras) between 2010 and 2022.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We carried out a descriptive, cross-sectional, analytical study. The laboratory diagnosis consisted of stool samples' examination by direct smear and modified Baermann technique. We estimated frequencies and percentages. The statistical association was calculated with prevalence ratios and a 95% confidence interval. Software R, version 4.2.0, and epiR package, version 2.0.46, were used to perform the analysis.
RESULTS
The frequency of strongyloidiasis was 0.29% (112/38,085). It was higher with the modified Baermann technique (0.87%; 40/4,575) among male patients (0.44%; 70/15,758). Regarding the age, strongyloidiasis was higher in the 20-40 years old group (0.41%; 28/6,886) with direct smear and 41-61 years old (1.14%; 14/1,232) group with the modified Baermann technique. Among the factors associated with strongyloidiasis were age between 20 and 61 years old (PR=2.26, CI 95%=1.53-3.31), male patients (PR=2.34, CI 95%=1.60‑3.44), mucus (PR=1.86, CI 95%=1.22-2.83) and Charcot-Leyden crystals in stool (PR=8.47, CI 95%=5.14-13.96); watery stool (PR=2.39, CI 95%=1.55-3.68), and other helminthiases (PR=6.73, CI 95%=3.98-11.38). Associated factors to cases detected with the modified Baermann technique were outpatient consultation (PR=4.21, CI 95%=1.91-9.28) and formed stools (PR=3.99, CI 95%=1.94-8.19).
CONCLUSIONS
The modified Baermann technique increased the detection of strongyloidiasis almost four times. Most cases were distributed among male adults. The cases diagnosed exclusively with the modified Baermann technique have differences from those with observed larvae in the direct smear. It is necessary to develop community-based population studies.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Male; Young Adult; Middle Aged; Strongyloidiasis; Tertiary Care Centers; Honduras; Cross-Sectional Studies; Laboratories
PubMed: 38109136
DOI: 10.7705/biomedica.7086 -
Parasite (Paris, France) 2023Strongyloidiasis is a neglected tropical disease that can cause fatal complications due to hyperinfection and disseminated strongyloidiasis in immunocompromised...
Strongyloidiasis is a neglected tropical disease that can cause fatal complications due to hyperinfection and disseminated strongyloidiasis in immunocompromised patients. We used two Strongyloides stercoralis recombinant antigenic proteins, L3NieAg.01 (NIE) and IgG-immunoreactive antigen (SsIR), to develop the recombinant antigen-based immunochromatography test (ICT) kit. We constructed and compared kits using either the NIE (NIE ICT kit) or the SsIR (SsIR ICT kit) antigens and a kit using a mixture of both (NIE-SsIR ICT kit) for detection of anti-Strongyloides IgG antibody in human serum samples. Serum samples from normal healthy individuals (Group I, n = 40), proven strongyloidiasis patients (Group II, n = 100), and those with other parasitic infections (Group III, n = 154) were evaluated. Sensitivity and specificity were 81.0% and 84.0% for the NIE ICT kit, 89.0% and 83.5% for the SsIR ICT kit, and 95.0% and 90.2% for the NIE-SsIR ICT kit, respectively. The NIE-SsIR ICT kit provided the best diagnostic results; it can supplement stool examination for clinical diagnosis and can be used to screen for asymptomatic S. stercoralis infection in people at risk in endemic areas. The NIE-SsIR ICT kit can also be used in large-scale sero-epidemiological investigations in endemic areas without the need for additional facilities or ancillary supplies.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Strongyloidiasis; Strongyloides stercoralis; Point-of-Care Systems; Antibodies, Helminth; Sensitivity and Specificity; Chromatography, Affinity
PubMed: 38099622
DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2023063 -
Veterinary Parasitology Jan 2024This study reports the spatial and temporal distribution of ascarid and strongylid nematodes in Thoroughbred horses by age category across different climatic zones in...
This study reports the spatial and temporal distribution of ascarid and strongylid nematodes in Thoroughbred horses by age category across different climatic zones in Australia over an 18-month period. Faecal samples (n = 2046) from individual horses were analysed using the modified McMaster technique for faecal egg counts (FECs). Strongylids were identified using PCR-directed next-generation sequencing of the second internal transcribed spacer (ITS-2) of the nuclear ribosomal DNA. Yearlings had the highest prevalence (82%) of strongyle eggs followed by weanlings (79%), foals (58%), wet mares (49%) and dry mares (46%). For Parascaris spp., foals had the highest prevalence (35%) followed by weanlings (21%) and yearlings (10%). The highest mean FECs for Parascaris spp. were observed in foals (525 eggs per gram [EPG] of faeces) while those for strongyles were in yearlings (962 EPG). Among horses that were classified as adults at the time of sampling, 77% (860 of 1119) of mares were low (i.e., <250 EPG) strongyle egg-shedders. Mean strongyle FEC counts were highest in the Mediterranean (818 EPG) followed by summer (599 EPG), winter (442 EPG), and non-seasonal (413 EPG) rainfall zones. Twenty-six nematode species were detected, with Cylicostephanus longibursatus (26.5%), Cylicocyclus nassatus (23.7%) and Coronocyclus coronatus (20.5%) being the most frequently detected species. Their richness and relative abundance varied with horse age, season and climatic zone. In addition, Strongylus equinus and Triodontophorus spp. (T. brevicauda and T. serratus) were also detected. This comprehensive study elucidates spatial (climatic zone) and temporal (i.e., seasonal) trends in prevalence and burdens of intestinal nematodes in Australian horses using non-invasive conventional and molecular methods. The information presented in this study is crucial for developing integrated management strategies to control horse parasites in farmed horses.
Topics: Horses; Animals; Female; DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic; Australia; Ovum; Feces; Strongyloidea; Strongyloides
PubMed: 38091893
DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2023.110094 -
Cureus Nov 2023Strongyloidiasis is a parasitic infection caused by which commonly presents as an asymptomatic infection in immunocompetent patients but may cause non-specific...
Strongyloidiasis is a parasitic infection caused by which commonly presents as an asymptomatic infection in immunocompetent patients but may cause non-specific gastrointestinal and pulmonary complaints. Here, we report the atypical presentation of strongyloidiasis in a 72-year-old Vietnamese male with shortness of breath and flushing. This case is notable for the unique presentation of cutaneous flushing, the absence of eosinophilia, and negligible microscopic findings on stool examination. Despite insignificant laboratory findings, clinicians should consider strongyloidiasis in patients from endemic areas with unexplained gastrointestinal and pulmonary findings.
PubMed: 38090419
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.48608 -
Le Infezioni in Medicina 2023is an intestinal nematode endemic throughout tropical and subtropical areas, with a life cycle consisting of free-living and parasitic components. Unlike other...
is an intestinal nematode endemic throughout tropical and subtropical areas, with a life cycle consisting of free-living and parasitic components. Unlike other soil-transmitted nematodes, it is capable of self-infection, which can cause chronic disease that lasts for decades, or cause overwhelming hyperinfection in people taking corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs or who have impaired Th2 cell-mediated immunity, particularly those infected with human T-lymphotropic virus 1. During hyperinfection, a large numbers of larvae have access to the bloodstream, lungs, central nervous system, and other organs. Bacteremia and polymicrobial meningitis can occur due to disruption of the intestinal mucosa and the presence of bacteria on the surface of foreign larvae. Enterococcal meningitis for instance may occur concurrently with strongyloidiasis as a consequence of haematogenous dissemination. We present a clinical case of a 45-year-old, man from Bangladesh, in which co-infection occurred. The patient was not immunocompromized and had no apparent risk factors, which represents the unusual aspect of this case report. A literature review on enterococcal meningitis and coinfection in adult patients was performed encountering 21 cases. Cases have been reviewed and discussed. Clinicians may suspect co-infection when identifying an enterococcal meningitis in adult patients coming from endemic areas.
PubMed: 38075422
DOI: 10.53854/liim-3104-18 -
Infectious Medicine Sep 2023Strongyloidiasis, a neglected disease caused by intestinal nematodes of the genus, is endemic to tropical and subtropical areas such as Vietnam. Morphological methods...
BACKGROUND
Strongyloidiasis, a neglected disease caused by intestinal nematodes of the genus, is endemic to tropical and subtropical areas such as Vietnam. Morphological methods only identify the genus, while DNA-molecular techniques are susceptible in spp. detection. The study aims to determine the prevalence of dominant species among the population in Duc Hoa district, Long An, Vietnam.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study used 1190 stool specimens collected from July 2017 to November 2018. All samples were transported within 2 h, stored at 2-8°C, and processed within 48 h for microscopy smear and culture at the Laboratory of Medical Parasitology, Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine (PNT). Then all positive samples with the above 2 methods were verified by real-time PCR technique. Real-time PCR amplification was conducted at the Laboratory of Molecular Biology, PNT.
RESULTS
Direct microscopy and modified Harada-Mori culture detected spp. larvae in 79/1190 samples (6.6%). About 94.2% of the DNA samples were , 2.9% were co-infections with and , and 2.9% were patients with . The identity of 12/14 sequences was confirmed as with a high level of similarity (91.3%-100%) and over 98% for .
CONCLUSION
DNA-molecular techniques and sequence analysis are highly suitable for identifying species isolated from stool samples. It is remarkable evidence of the presence of zoonosis disease in human, not just the known . It is likely to result in a certain proportion of people being infected by this animal-borne infectious pathogen.
PubMed: 38073881
DOI: 10.1016/j.imj.2023.08.002 -
Journal of Parasitology Research 2023Pigs are important livestock that contribute to the economy and food security of Ghana, but the productivity of the sector is hindered by factors such as parasitic...
Pigs are important livestock that contribute to the economy and food security of Ghana, but the productivity of the sector is hindered by factors such as parasitic disease infections. Here, we detected the prevalence and polyparasitism of gastrointestinal parasites in pigs from selected farms in the Tolon and Kumbungu districts. Faeces of the animals were screened for parasite eggs using the sedimentation and flotation methods. From 56 pigs screened, 91.1% (CI = 95%; = 0.212) of them had parasitic infections, and affected pigs harboured 1-5 distinct parasites with the most occurring being (46.43%). Other parasites identified included , , , , and Coccidia, among others. Parasitism was more frequent in pigs under 2 years (94%) than older ones (66.67%). The high prevalence of GI parasites was attributed to poor husbandry practices and inadequate of veterinary care for the animals. The situation can be improved by farmer education on good husbandry practices and regular deworming of pigs.
PubMed: 38058409
DOI: 10.1155/2023/1308329 -
Veterinary Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) 2023Eukaryotic infections are common among dairy calves and can have significant impacts on their health and growth rates. Fungal infections caused by , and can cause... (Review)
Review
Eukaryotic infections are common among dairy calves and can have significant impacts on their health and growth rates. Fungal infections caused by , and can cause respiratory diseases, dermatophytosis, and diarrhea, respectively. Protozoan parasites, including , and ., are also common in dairy calves. is highly contagious and can cause severe diarrhea and dehydration, while can lead to poor growth and is transmissible to humans through contaminated food or water. . can cause coccidiosis and lead to reduced growth rates, poor feed conversion, and death. The common helminthic infections in dairy calves include , and . These parasitic infections significantly impact calf health, growth, and dairy industry productivity. Diagnosis of these infections can be made through fecal samples using microscopy or molecular methods. However, diagnosis of the infections can be challenging and requires a combination of clinical signs and laboratory tests such as culture and PCR. Preventing and controlling eukaryotic infections in dairy calves requires several measures. Good hygiene and sanitation practices, proper management strategies, and timely treatment of affected animals are important. It is also necessary to avoid overcrowding and consider vaccination against ringworm. Further research is needed to better understand the epidemiology and characterization of eukaryotic infections in dairy calves, which will help in the development of more effective prevention and control strategies. In general, good hygiene practices, appropriate management strategies, and timely treatment of affected animals are crucial in preventing and controlling the infections, ensuring the health and well-being of dairy calves.
PubMed: 38058381
DOI: 10.2147/VMRR.S442374 -
Veterinary Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) 2023Anthelmintic resistance (AR) in gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) is currently present worldwide and a major challenge to goat production. However, no updated...
BACKGROUND AND AIM
Anthelmintic resistance (AR) in gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) is currently present worldwide and a major challenge to goat production. However, no updated information is available on this topic in the study area. Thus, this study evaluated the efficacy of commonly used anthelmintics on GINs in naturally-infected goats and assessed farmers' perception of anthelmintic utilization practices in Humbo district, Southern Ethiopia.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The field experiments for routinely used anthelmintics, namely, albendazole, ivermectin, and tetramisole, were conducted from September 2022 to April 2023. Sixty naturally-infected goats with nematodes were selected based on egg count (≥150 eggs per gram of feces) and allocated randomly into four groups (15 animals per group). Then, fecal samples were collected pre- and post-treatment and examined for fecal egg count reduction (FECRT) to determine the AR status of goat GINs. The modified McMaster technique using standard floatation was used for quantifying the eggs. In addition, a questionnaire survey was conducted to assess anthelmintic utilization practices among goat owners.
RESULTS
The FECR levels for albendazole, ivermectin, and tetramisole were 94.6, 95.9, and 97.3%, respectively. By coproculture, the nematode genera identified before treatment were Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus, Teladorsagia, Oesophagostomum, Bunostomum, and Chabertia Species. However, post-treatment fecal cultures showed that some Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus, and Strongyloides spp. did not respond to the treatments. The questionnaire survey revealed that albendazole was the most commonly used anthelmintic to treat nematode infection in goats. Respondents expressed that anthelmintic treatment was utilized based on veterinarian prescription (59%), availability (32%), efficacy (4%), and affordability (5%).
CONCLUSION
Tetramisole should be used cautiously to prevent the development of resistant strains, as it was still effective in the study area. Additionally, regular monitoring of anthelmintic effectiveness is necessary.
PubMed: 38054011
DOI: 10.2147/VMRR.S434584