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Journal de Mycologie Medicale Mar 2024Exophiala dermatitidis is a relatively common environmental black yeast with a worldwide distribution that rarely causes fungal infection. Here, we report a case of a... (Review)
Review
Concurrent infection of Exophiala dermatitidis and Angiostrongylus cantonensis in central nervous system of a child with inherited CARD9 deficiency: A case report and literature review.
Exophiala dermatitidis is a relatively common environmental black yeast with a worldwide distribution that rarely causes fungal infection. Here, we report a case of a 6-year-old girl with central nervous system (CNS) encephalitis caused by E. dermatitidis and Angiostrongylus cantonensis. E. dermatitidis was identified by both cerebrospinal fluid culture and metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS). Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection was confirmed by an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Whole exome sequencing showed that this previously healthy girl carried a homozygous CARD9 mutation for c.820dupG (p.D274Gfs*61) that underlies invasive fungal and parasite infections. We chose glucocortieoid pulse therapy and anti-infective therapy based on the initial results of laboratory examination and cranial MRI images. With the aggravation of the disease and the evidence of the subsequent etiologic test, the combination of antifungal antiparasitic treatments (voriconazole, fluorocytosine and amphotericin B) were actively used. Unfortunately, the girl finally died due to severe systemic infection. mNGS performs a potential value for diagnosing rare CNS infections, and autosomal recessive CARD9 deficiency should be considered in patient with fatal invasive fungal infections.
Topics: Child; Animals; Female; Humans; Angiostrongylus cantonensis; Central Nervous System; Candidiasis, Chronic Mucocutaneous; Exophiala; CARD Signaling Adaptor Proteins
PubMed: 38042015
DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2023.101455 -
Parasitology International Apr 2024Angiostrongylus spp. (Metastrongyloidea) can cause severe disease in several animal species and humans. This report describes an infection with Angiostrongylus dujardini...
Angiostrongylus spp. (Metastrongyloidea) can cause severe disease in several animal species and humans. This report describes an infection with Angiostrongylus dujardini in a captive coconut lorikeet (Trichoglossus haematodus) from a zoo in Switzerland. The bird was reported being attacked by conspecifics, removed from the flock, and hospitalized. It showed lethargy, moderately reduced body condition, and lack of reaction to visual stimuli. Analgesic and antibiotic treatment were initiated but because of worsening of its general condition, the bird was euthanized the following day. Necropsy revealed multifocal, subcutaneous hemorrhages, diffusely reddened lungs and a moderately dilated right heart with several intraluminal nematodes embedded in a coagulum. Four worms were collected and microscopically examined. They were identified as adult females, measuring 19-21 mm long x 0.4-0.5 mm wide, with general morphological and morphometric characteristics consistent with angiostrongylid nematodes. In lung sections, multifocal collection of thin-walled embryonated eggs in variable stages of development was observed along with fully developed nematode larvae within the lumina of alveoli and lung vessels. Associated granulomatous infiltrates indicated a severe, multifocal, chronic, granulomatous pneumonia. The diagnosis of A. dujardini infection was formulated by morphological examination of adult and larval stages, supported by molecular analysis (PCR-amplification and sequencing of the ITS2, 5.8S and 28S rDNA flanking regions). This is the first report of A. dujardini infection in an avian species, providing evidence that birds can serve as accidental hosts of this parasite in addition to mammals, and that the parasite can reach maturity and multiply in the avian cardiorespiratory system.
Topics: Animals; Female; Humans; Switzerland; Lung; Heart; Angiostrongylus; Strongylida Infections; Parrots; Mammals
PubMed: 38030119
DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2023.102829 -
One Health (Amsterdam, Netherlands) Dec 2023Neural angiostrongyliasis (NA) is a parasitic disease caused by (rat lungworm). This study presents a case of NA in a captive Bolivian squirrel monkey from a zoo in...
Neural angiostrongyliasis (NA) is a parasitic disease caused by (rat lungworm). This study presents a case of NA in a captive Bolivian squirrel monkey from a zoo in western Sydney, Australia. The objective was to identify the 1 haplotype responsible for the infection and compare its mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to known Australian mtDNA. An epidemiological investigation was conducted to assess the risk of infection, focusing on the resident rat population in the zoo. Methods involved trapping rats and collecting rat faeces for detection, speciation, and 1 haplotype confirmation. Various techniques were employed, including necropsy, morphological examination, and molecular methods such as ITS-2 qPCR, 1 sequencing, and ITS-2 metabarcoding. Cluster analysis of rat faeces distribution and detection utilised an equal sampling effort (ESE) approach. Gastropods were collected throughout the study for surveillance using a hypersensitive qPCR assay. Results revealed significant clustering of rat faeces near exhibits with fresh food provision and absence of predators. -positive faeces were uniformly distributed across the zoo property. Mitochondrial DNA analysis confirmed the presence of the Ac13 haplotype of in the monkey. Morphology, ITS-2 metabarcoding and partial 1 sequencing detected only , with the Ac13 1 haplotype predominating. A high prevalence of infection (64%, 9/14) was found in brown rats, with quantification of larvae indicating high shedding rates. Co-infections with both Ac13 and local SYD.1 1 haplotypes were observed. Only three gastropods (all of which were -negative) were found in the survey. To minimise the risk of exposure for susceptible species, targeted rodent control was implemented in areas with higher exposure risk. A potential strategy (which requires further exploration) to consider for future zoo design was suggested. This study provides insights into the epidemiology and genetic diversity of in Australia, emphasising the importance of control measures to prevent future outbreaks.
PubMed: 38024275
DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100628 -
Journal of Parasitic Diseases :... Dec 2023Angiostrongyliasis is a parasitic disease and a leading cause of human eosinophilic meningoencephalitis caused by rat lungworm . This parasite infects a wide range of...
Angiostrongyliasis is a parasitic disease and a leading cause of human eosinophilic meningoencephalitis caused by rat lungworm . This parasite infects a wide range of animal hosts, including snails and rats, which plays a significant role in zoonotic transmission. The study was conducted to determine the prevalence of infection in freshwater snails and definitive rat hosts in the agricultural area in Ampayon, Butuan City, Philippines. A total of 54 rat samples and 719 snail individuals were collected in June and July 2020. An overall 2.36% prevalence rate of snail infection was recorded, consisting of and , with a prevalence rate of 4.05% and 1.38%, respectively. Results revealed an overall prevalence of 38.9% in rat infection. (48.48%) showed a higher infection than (23.80%). Higher infection rates were found in rice field environments than residential houses, with 44.12% and 30% prevalence rates, respectively. Moreover, male rats showed higher infection rates (50%) than female rats (26.92%). Among age classes, adult rats had significantly higher infection rates (48.57%) than juvenile rats (21.05%). Correlation analysis showed a significant positive correlation between infection intensity to the body length (r = 0.603; = 0.001) and body weight (r = 0.715; = 0.000) of rats. The study exemplifies the critical role of intermediate and definitive hosts for angiostrongyliasis. Infected freshwater snails and rats in rice fields make these agricultural areas a venue for emergence. Integrated actions, health education campaigns, surveillance, hygiene, and good farming practices will help prevent the potential risk of the transmission of angiostrongyliasis in the area.
PubMed: 38009157
DOI: 10.1007/s12639-023-01626-2 -
Infectious Diseases of Poverty Nov 2023Gastropoda, the largest class within the phylum Mollusca, houses diverse gut microbiota, and some gastropods serve as intermediate hosts for parasites. Studies have... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Gastropoda, the largest class within the phylum Mollusca, houses diverse gut microbiota, and some gastropods serve as intermediate hosts for parasites. Studies have revealed that gut bacteria in gastropods are associated with various biological aspects, such as growth, immunity and host-parasite interactions. Here, we summarize our current knowledge of gastropod gut microbiomes and highlight future research priorities and perspectives.
METHODS
A literature search was undertaken using PubMed, Web of Science and CNKI for the articles on the gut microbiota of gastropods until December 31, 2022. We retrieved a total of 166 articles and identified 73 eligible articles for inclusion in this review based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria.
RESULTS
Our analysis encompassed freshwater, seawater and land snails, with a specific focus on parasite-transmitting gastropods. We found that most studies on gastropod gut microbiota have primarily utilized 16S rRNA gene sequencing to analyze microbial composition, rather than employing metagenomic, metatranscriptomic, or metabolomic approaches. This comprehensive review provided an overview of the parasites carried by snail species in the context of gut microbiota studies. We presented the gut microbial trends, a comprehensive summary of the diversity and composition, influencing factors, and potential functions of gastropod gut microbiota. Additionally, we discussed the potential applications, research gaps and future perspectives of gut microbiomes in parasite-transmitting gastropods. Furthermore, several strategies for enhancing our comprehension of gut microbiomes in snails were also discussed.
CONCLUSIONS
This review comprehensively summarizes the current knowledge on the composition, potential function, influencing factors, potential applications, limitations, and challenges of gut microbiomes in gastropods, with a specific emphasis on parasite-transmitting gastropods. These findings provide important insights for future studies aiming to understand the potential role of gastropod gut microbiota in controlling snail populations and snail-borne diseases.
Topics: Animals; Parasites; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Snails; Host-Parasite Interactions
PubMed: 38001502
DOI: 10.1186/s40249-023-01159-z -
Revista Espanola de Salud Publica Nov 2023The rat pulmonary artery nematode, Angiostrongylus cantonensis (discovered in rats from the province of Canton, southern China, in 1933 ) is the main cause in humans...
The rat pulmonary artery nematode, Angiostrongylus cantonensis (discovered in rats from the province of Canton, southern China, in 1933 ) is the main cause in humans of what is known as eosinophilic meningoencephalitis (EEM), with around of 3,000 confirmed cases in various parts of the world.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Rats; Angiostrongylus cantonensis; Eosinophilia; Europe; Meningoencephalitis; Nematode Infections; Spain
PubMed: 37937820
DOI: No ID Found -
Zhongguo Xue Xi Chong Bing Fang Zhi Za... Jun 2023is a food-borne zoonotic parasite, and human infection may cause eosinophilic meningitis. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) may regulate physiological and pathological processes... (Review)
Review
is a food-borne zoonotic parasite, and human infection may cause eosinophilic meningitis. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) may regulate physiological and pathological processes at multiple biological levels; however, there are few studies pertaining to the regulatory role of ncRNAs in infection. Based on publications retrieved from PubMed, Wanfang Data and CNKI, the regulatory role of ncRNAs in infections mainly includes immune responses, cell apoptosis and signaling transduction, and ncRNAs may serve as biomarkers for diagnosis of angiostrongyliasis. This review summarizes the main roles of ncRNAs in infections and the underlying mechanisms, so as to provide insights into diagnosis and treatment of angiostrongyliasis.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Meningitis; Strongylida Infections; Angiostrongylus cantonensis; RNA
PubMed: 37926478
DOI: 10.16250/j.32.1374.2022283 -
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) Oct 2023Angiostrongyliasis is a parasitic disease caused by larvae of the genus , with and being the two main species causing diseases in humans [...].
Angiostrongyliasis is a parasitic disease caused by larvae of the genus , with and being the two main species causing diseases in humans [...].
PubMed: 37887730
DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12101214 -
Iranian Journal of Parasitology 2023The pathogen of angiostrongyliasis is the parasite and the transcriptome profiling of the male adult was unclear. We aimed to understand how the male adults adapt, so...
BACKGROUND
The pathogen of angiostrongyliasis is the parasite and the transcriptome profiling of the male adult was unclear. We aimed to understand how the male adults adapt, so the expression profile of adult males was analyzed.
METHODS
In order to improve the understanding of the transcriptome of adult males, RNA from three groups of male adult was extracted and reverse transcribed to construct cDNA libraries. After sequencing, annotation of unigenes and transcripts was performed by querying the NR (Non-Redundant Protein Sequence Database), GO (Gene Ontology) and COG/KOG (Clusters of Orthologous Groups of proteins/euKaryotic Ortholog Groups) databases.
RESULTS
For each group of adults, 43,260,894 raw reads and 43,200,341 clean reads were obtained. After successful assembly, 87,649 unigenes and 146,895 transcripts were obtained. Annotation of the unigenes and transcripts was identical and male adults expressed a series of genes encoding proteins specific to the male gender at the adult stage, such as proteins involved in energy metabolism, energy synthesis and transport. Expression of the ribosome pathway suggests a relationship with the physical activities during the adult male stage.
CONCLUSION
The transcriptome analysis is a good reference to understand further the expression profile of male adult .
PubMed: 37886258
DOI: 10.18502/ijpa.v18i3.13761 -
Parasites & Vectors Oct 2023Pathogen outbreaks mostly originate from animals, but some species are more likely to trigger epidemics. The giant land snail (Lissachatina fulica) is a widespread... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Pathogen outbreaks mostly originate from animals, but some species are more likely to trigger epidemics. The giant land snail (Lissachatina fulica) is a widespread invader, a popular exotic pet, and a notorious vector of the rat lungworm, causing eosinophilic meningitis in humans. However, a comprehensive assessment of the risks of disease outbreak associated with this species is lacking.
METHODS
We assessed and mapped the risk of disease transmission associated with the invasion and pet trade of L. fulica. First, we conducted a review of the scientific literature to list all known L. fulica parasites and pathogens and query host-pathogen databases to identify their potential mammalian hosts. Then, to assess the potential for L. fulica to spread globally, we modelled its suitable climatic conditions and tested whether, within climatically suitable areas, the species tended to occur near humans or not. Finally, we used social media data to map L. fulica possession as an exotic pet and to identify human behaviours associated with increased risk of disease transmission.
RESULTS
Lissachatina fulica can carry at least 36 pathogen species, including two-thirds that can infect humans. The global invasion of L. fulica is climatically limited to tropical areas, but the species is strongly associated with densely populated areas where snails are more likely to enter in contact with humans. In temperate countries, however, climatic conditions should prevent L. fulica's spread. However, we show that in Europe, giant snails are popular exotic pets and are often handled with direct skin contact, likely increasing the risk of pathogen transmission to their owners.
CONCLUSIONS
It is urgent to raise public awareness of the health risks associated with L. fulica in both tropical countries and Europe and to regulate its trade and ownership internationally. Our results highlight the importance of accounting for multiple types of human-wildlife interactions when assessing risks of infectious disease emergence. Furthermore, by targeting the species most likely to spread pathogens, we show that it is possible to rapidly identify emerging disease risks on a global scale, thus guiding timely and appropriate responses.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Rats; Snails; Animals, Wild; Angiostrongylus cantonensis; Communicable Diseases; Europe; Mammals
PubMed: 37848903
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06000-y