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Enfermedades Infecciosas Y... Nov 2011The last few years has seen an increase in the number of immigrants and travellers from endemic areas where filariasis are mainly caused by Loa loa (L. loa), Mansonella... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
INTRODUCTION
The last few years has seen an increase in the number of immigrants and travellers from endemic areas where filariasis are mainly caused by Loa loa (L. loa), Mansonella perstans (M. perstans) and Wuchereria bancrofti (W. bancrofti) species. These demographic changes has led to the need for better filariae species-specific molecular diagnostic tests to solve problems, as alternatives to the more time consuming classic parasitology methods. Thus, the objective of the present work was the implementation of optimised molecular protocols (nested-PCR and ITS1-RFLP) developed in our laboratory, for the differential diagnosis of filarial parasites. The results obtained were compared with those obtained using the conventional parasitological methods.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A total of 523 samples (517 peripheral blood, 5 adult worms and one vitreous body) were sent to Parasitology Department of the National Microbiology Centre, Carlos II Research Institute (ISCIII), from 47 Health Centres in the Autonomous Regions of Spain, from 2006 to 2009. The samples were studied by the Knott technique, nested-PCR and ITS1-RFLP.
RESULTS
The molecular techniques applied on blood samples showed to be more sensitive that Knott's concentration technique in the diagnosis of both L. loa (n=12 versus n=4) and M. perstans (n=57 versus n=25) infections.
CONCLUSIONS
The nested-PCR and ITS1-RFLP are potential diagnostic tools for daily routine laboratory species-specific and sensitive detection of L. loa and M. perstans filarial species in immigrant population and travellers from endemic areas where these filarial species are co-endemic. Knott's concentration technique was less sensitive than molecular methods and should be carried out as a complementary diagnostic assay.
Topics: Africa, Western; Animals; DNA, Helminth; Diagnosis, Differential; Dipetalonema Infections; Emigrants and Immigrants; Endemic Diseases; Eye Infections, Parasitic; Humans; Loa; Loiasis; Mansonella; Mansonelliasis; Parasitemia; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length; Ribotyping; Spain; Species Specificity
PubMed: 21906850
DOI: 10.1016/j.eimc.2011.06.012 -
Parasites & Vectors Jul 2011Hippobosca longipennis (the 'dog louse fly') is a blood sucking ectoparasite found on wild carnivores such as cheetahs and lions and domesticated and feral dogs in...
BACKGROUND
Hippobosca longipennis (the 'dog louse fly') is a blood sucking ectoparasite found on wild carnivores such as cheetahs and lions and domesticated and feral dogs in Africa, the Middle East and Asia, including China. Known as an intermediate host for Acanthocheilonema dracunculoides and a transport host for Cheyletiella yasguri, it has also been suggested that H. longipennis may be a vector for other pathogens, including Acanthocheilonema sp.? nov., which was recently reported to infect up to 48% of dogs in northern India where this species of fly is known to commonly infest dogs. To test this hypothesis, hippoboscid flies feeding on dogs in Ladakh in northern India were collected and subjected to microscopic dissection.
RESULTS
A total of 12 infective larvae were found in 10 out of 65 flies dissected; 9 from the head, 2 from the thorax and 1 from the abdomen. The larvae averaged 2, 900 (± 60) μm in length and 34 (± 5) μm in width and possessed morphological features characteristic of the family Onchocercidae. Genetic analysis and comparison of the 18S, ITS-2, 12S and cox-1 genes confirmed the identity of the larvae as the Acanthocheilonema sp.? nov. reported in dogs in Ladakh.
CONCLUSION
This study provides evidence for a potential intermediate host-parasite relationship between H. longipennis and the canine Acanthocheilonema sp.? nov. in northern India.
Topics: Animals; Dipetalonema; Dipetalonema Infections; Diptera; Disease Vectors; Dog Diseases; Dogs; India; Larva; Microscopy; Parasitology
PubMed: 21781294
DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-4-143 -
Parasitology Research Aug 2011Filarial infections of dogs are attracting attention across Europe because of the risk of spread into previously non-endemic areas (e.g. Dirofilaria repens with...
Filarial infections of dogs are attracting attention across Europe because of the risk of spread into previously non-endemic areas (e.g. Dirofilaria repens with Culicidae as vectors) and as emerging zoonotic agents. The occurrence of filarial infections in German dogs has been analysed based on 8,545 samples collected either from imported animals or following travel into endemic regions. All samples were tested by means of modified Knott's test and heartworm antigen assay within the period 2008 - 2010. Heartworm antigen was detected in 127 samples (1.49 %; 95 % CI: 1.25 - 1.77 %), but only 38 dogs also had microfilariae in their blood samples. On the other hand, 125 animals (1.46 %; 95 % CI: 1.23 - 1.74 %) were only positive in the Knott's test. For discrimination by means of PCR and sequencing a total of 73 blood samples as well as two samples of adult worms were included, which have been sent by veterinarians during 2008 - 2010. A mono-infection caused by D. repens was detected in 35 cases, while D. immitis was proven in 15 samples, with 6 of these showing a combination of D. immitis and D. repens. Imported Dipetalonema dracunculoides (transmitted by Rhipicephalus sanguineus or Hippobosca longipennis) or Acanthocheilonema reconditum (fleas and lice serve as intermediate hosts) infections were diagnosed in 24 cases and in a single sample a co-infection of A. reconditum and D. repens was evident. D. repens was the most common filarial infection imported and it was introduced into Germany from eleven European countries. Slovenia and Hungary are reported for the first time as endemic for D. repens and A. reconditum, respectively. Furthermore this study reports, to the best of our knowledge, for the first time import of D. dracunculoides from the Canary Islands, A. reconditum from Majorca, D. immitis from Corfu and a co-infection of D. repens and A. reconditum from Spain as well as mixed infections of D. repens and D. immitis from Corfu, Sardinia and Bulgaria. Co-infections with other arthropod-borne infections as well as therapeutical follow-up were also considered. Selamectin (as spot-on formulation) was not able to clear microfilaraemia in dogs infected with either D. repens, A. reconditum or D. dracunculoides, whereas a topical moxidectin/imidacloprid formulation was able to eliminate microfilariae in one dog infected with A. reconditum.
Topics: Animals; Antigens, Protozoan; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Female; Filariasis; Filarioidea; Germany; Male; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Prevalence; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 21739376
DOI: 10.1007/s00436-011-2403-7 -
Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. :... Nov 2010APC dysfunction has been postulated to mediate some of the parasite-specific T cell unresponsiveness seen in patent filarial infection. We have shown that live...
APC dysfunction has been postulated to mediate some of the parasite-specific T cell unresponsiveness seen in patent filarial infection. We have shown that live microfilariae of Brugia malayi induce caspase-dependent apoptosis in human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs) in vitro. This study addresses whether apoptosis observed in vitro extends to patent filarial infections in humans and is reflected in the number of circulating myeloid DCs (mDCs; CD11c(-)CD123(lo)) in peripheral blood of infected microfilaremic individuals. Utilizing flow cytometry to identify DC subpopulations (mDCs and plasmacytoid DCs [pDCs]) based on expression of CD11c and CD123, we found a significant increase in numbers of circulating mDCs (CD11c(+)CD123(lo)) in filaria-infected individuals compared with uninfected controls from the same filaria-endemic region of Mali. Total numbers of pDCs, monocytes, and lymphocytes did not differ between the two groups. To investigate potential causes of differences in mDC numbers between the two groups, we assessed chemokine receptor expression on mDCs. Our data indicate that filaria-infected individuals had a lower percentage of circulating CCR1(+) mDCs and a higher percentage of circulating CCR5(+) mDCs and pDCs. Finally, live microfilariae of B. malayi were able to downregulate cell-surface expression of CCR1 on monocyte-derived DCs and diminish their calcium flux in response to stimulation by a CCR1 ligand. These findings suggest that microfilaria are capable of altering mDC migration through downregulation of expression of some chemokine receptors and their signaling functions. These observations have major implications for regulation of immune responses to these long-lived parasites.
Topics: Adult; Animals; Brugia malayi; Cell Separation; Chemotaxis, Leukocyte; Clinical Trials as Topic; Dendritic Cells; Dipetalonema Infections; Female; Filariasis; Flow Cytometry; Humans; Male; Mansonella; Mansonelliasis; Middle Aged; Myeloid Cells; Receptors, CCR1; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; Wuchereria bancrofti
PubMed: 20956349
DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1001605 -
Anales Del Sistema Sanitario de Navarra 2010We present a case of mixed infection by two filariae (Loa loa and Mansonella perstans). It seems that the infection was suspected due to a pronounced eosinophilia in a...
We present a case of mixed infection by two filariae (Loa loa and Mansonella perstans). It seems that the infection was suspected due to a pronounced eosinophilia in a routine analysis. Sheathed and unsheathed microfilariae were observed in the spread of peripheral blood, which enabled a diagnosis to be established of mixed infection by filariae. The definitive diagnosis of the species was carried out at the National Centre of Microbiolgy of Majadahonda. A treatment was initiated with dietilcarbamazina and mebendazole which resulted in the patient's being cured and in the elimination of the microfilariae in the patient's blood. Filariasis is still endemic in many countries. Due to the increase of travellers to such zones and the migratory movements from such areas it is not unusual for us to come across such a diagnosis. The implantation of massive treatments against filariae in endemic zones by the World Health Organisation is reducing their transmission and is managing to eliminate the disease in some areas.
Topics: Aged; Dipetalonema Infections; Female; Guinea; Humans; Loiasis; Mansonella
PubMed: 20927150
DOI: 10.4321/s1137-66272010000300012 -
Journal of Wildlife Diseases Apr 2010The Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) is one of the world's most endangered marine mammals. The largest population is located mainly throughout the Aegean and...
The Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) is one of the world's most endangered marine mammals. The largest population is located mainly throughout the Aegean and Ionian islands and along the coastline of southern continental Greece. We report the findings of a necropsy and discuss their potential importance to the conservation of the species. The adult female monk seal appeared to be in a good nutritional state. The main necropsy findings were injuries consistent with a violent and sudden death, including three round wounds on the ventral surface of the body and several hematomas, as well as a decomposing male fetus in the uterus. Two nematodes were found in the right ventricle of the heart; no abnormalities were observed in the lungs, pulmonary vessels, or heart. The nematodes were identified as Acanthocheilonema spirocauda. This is the first report of infection of the Mediterranean monk seal with A. spirocauda, even though this is the most common heartworm found in most pinnipeds worldwide. This parasite should be considered in health care monitoring projects of this endangered species.
Topics: Animals; Dipetalonema; Dipetalonema Infections; Endangered Species; Fatal Outcome; Female; Male; Mediterranean Sea; Seals, Earless
PubMed: 20688652
DOI: 10.7589/0090-3558-46.2.570 -
Acta Tropica Oct 2010Tropomyosins of invertebrates are pan-allergens responsible for wide spread allergic reactions against seafood and arthropods. As invertebrate tropomyosins are highly...
Tropomyosins of invertebrates are pan-allergens responsible for wide spread allergic reactions against seafood and arthropods. As invertebrate tropomyosins are highly conserved, helminth tropomyosins are likely to show properties similar to these medically important allergens. Studies with a monoclonal antibody, NR1, raised against tropomyosin of the rodent filarial nematode Acanthocheilonema viteae revealed a B cell epitope common to helminths and marine mollusks, which does not occur in vertebrate tropomyosin. This antibody detected tropomyosin of A. viteae, other filariids, nematodes, trematodes and a cestode, and recognized as well tropomyosin of oyster, squid and octopus, but not of arthropods and vertebrates. Immunohistological analyses of A. viteae, Onchocerca volvulus and other nematodes using NR1 showed that tropomyosin is located in the fibrillar part of the body wall muscles and the uterus, and is also conspicuous in muscles of the pharynx, the vagina and other organs of the nematodes. The abundance of a pan-allergen like tropomyosin in parasitic worms and the counterintuitive, but well documented protection against allergic reactivity by some chronic helminth infections is discussed.
Topics: Allergens; Animals; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Blotting, Western; Developing Countries; Dipetalonema; Dipetalonema Infections; Female; Humans; Hybridomas; Immunohistochemistry; Invertebrates; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Tropomyosin
PubMed: 20525500
DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2010.05.010 -
Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences Oct 2009Blood samples from camels, sheep, goats and cattle from six Regions in Saudi Arabia were examined for blood parasites. Asir Region camels were disinfected while those of...
Blood samples from camels, sheep, goats and cattle from six Regions in Saudi Arabia were examined for blood parasites. Asir Region camels were disinfected while those of the Eastern, Jazan, Northern Frontiers, Riyadh and Tabouk Regions were infected with Trypanosoma evansi (5-40%), those of Riyadh and the Eastern Regions were infected with Dipetalonema evansi (1-6%) and those of the Eastern, Jazan and Riyadh Regions were infected with Eperythrozoon species (8-20%). Sheep and goats of all tested regions were infected with Theilaria hirci (4-20% and 6-14%, respectively), Theilaria ovis (5-19% and 6-24%, respectively) and Eperthrozoon ovis (2-9% and 2-8%, respectively). Sheep of the Eastern and Northern Frontiers Regions were also infected with Anaplasma ovis (2%) and also those of the Eastern Region were infected with Babesia motasi (4%) as well. Cattle of Asir and Eastern Regions were infected with Anaplasma marginale (1-3.4%) and those of the Eastern, Jazan and Riyadh Regions were infected with Theileria annulata (11.3-25%) and Eperthrozoon wenyoni (1-4%). Moreover, Jazan cattle were infected with Babesia bigemina (6%) and a benign Theileria species (27%). Some of these parasites are recorded in new localities indicating that they are spreading in the country. Also, this is the first report in Saudi Arabia of D. evansi in camels, A. ovis and B. motasi in sheep and A. marginale and B. bigemina in cattle. These parasites may be introduced into the country with infected livestock infested with the vectors of these parasites. The suspected vectors of the detected parasites in Saudi Arabia is discussed. Follow up surveys of blood parasites are recommended to assess their distribution and infection rates in the livestock of all Regions of Saudi Arabia, to make plans for control measures against their vectors.
PubMed: 23961044
DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2009.10.002 -
Parasitology Research Dec 2008The heartworm Acanthocheilonema spirocauda (Leidy, Proc Acad Nat Sci Philadelphia 10:110-112, 1858) Anderson, 1992 is described from material collected from harbour...
The heartworm Acanthocheilonema spirocauda (Leidy, Proc Acad Nat Sci Philadelphia 10:110-112, 1858) Anderson, 1992 is described from material collected from harbour seals in Scandinavia and compared with types and other specimens described by Anderson (Can J Zool 37:481-493, 1959) from harbour seals in eastern USA. Most morphometric characters of the material from USA fall within the ranges established for the Scandinavian one. Some intraspecific variability in the organisation of papillae on the male tail was detected among the Scandinavian specimens. Differences between the specimens from Scandinavia and Eastern USA are also found in the organisation of papillae on the tail of males and females. An excretory pore was not discernible, but a clearly hemizonid-like structure is described. For the first time, scanning electron micrographs present external morphological structures of the species.
Topics: Animals; Dipetalonema; Dipetalonema Infections; Female; Heart; Male; Microscopy; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Phoca; Scandinavian and Nordic Countries; Species Specificity
PubMed: 18762981
DOI: 10.1007/s00436-008-1159-1 -
Parasitology Research Oct 2008A total of 1,070 camels of different ages and of both sexes slaughtered at Mashhad slaughterhouse were inspected for infection with Dipetalonema evansi. Microfilariae...
A total of 1,070 camels of different ages and of both sexes slaughtered at Mashhad slaughterhouse were inspected for infection with Dipetalonema evansi. Microfilariae were found in peripheral blood smears of 221 (20.7%) camels (14% females and 23% males). In a second study, the testicles, epididymises, spermatic cords, and lungs of 197 male camels were examined, and 165 (83.7%) were infected with adult forms of D. evansi. Tissue sections from 30 infected and ten uninfected camels were collected and processed routinely for further histopathological studies. The arteries infected with D. evansi in the region of nodules in testis showed chronic reaction characterized by proliferative and hyperplastic changes of the endothelial and fibrous connective tissue layers, narrowing the lumen or occluding it. The testicles were either hypertrophic or atrophic and showed chronic orchitis with infiltration of lymphocytes, eosinophils, macrophages and fibroblasts, parenchymal degeneration, and necrosis and, in some cases, with hematoma and hydrocele formation. Necrosis of the alveolar walls, atelectasis, pulmonary edema, and fibrosis of the pulmonary parenchyma with chronic interstitial pneumonia and rarely mineralization of the wall of the blood vessels were also seen in some of the infected animals. D. evansi is highly endemic and constitutes an important health problem to camels in this area, resulting in high morbidity, impaired working capacity, and lowered productivity.
Topics: Animals; Camelus; Dirofilaria; Dirofilariasis; Epididymis; Female; Iran; Lung; Male; Prevalence; Spermatic Cord; Testis
PubMed: 18629537
DOI: 10.1007/s00436-008-1104-3