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Veterinary Medicine and Science Jul 2024Toxoplasma gondii is a widely prevalent zoonotic protozoan parasite in humans and warm-blooded animals worldwide. Infection of humans by this parasite can result in...
BACKGROUND
Toxoplasma gondii is a widely prevalent zoonotic protozoan parasite in humans and warm-blooded animals worldwide. Infection of humans by this parasite can result in severe clinical symptoms, particularly in individuals with congenital toxoplasmosis or immunocompromised patients. Contamination mainly occurs through foodborne routes, especially the consumption of raw or undercooked meat from animals.
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to use PCR to detect T. gondii in tissues and organs of buffaloes and cattle slaughtered at Tabriz slaughterhouse, in Iran.
METHODS
Fifty grams of heart, thigh, diaphragm and tongue from 50 buffaloes and 100 cattle slaughtered at the Tabriz industrial slaughterhouse were selected for sampling using a combination of convenience sampling. The samples were tested using a previously published PCR method.
RESULTS
Out of the 150 animal samples, T. gondii was detected in 10 (6.7%, 95%CI: 3.2-11.9), including one buffalo (2%, 95%CI: 0.1-10.6) and nine cattle (9%, 95%CI: 4.2-16.4). There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of T. gondii infection among cattle based on age and sex (p > 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
The results indicated a potential risk of T. gondii transmission to humans through the consumption of infected meat. Therefore, appropriate and effective preventive measures should be taken to limit the transmission of this parasite to humans, and the consumption of raw and undercooked meat should be discouraged.
Topics: Animals; Buffaloes; Iran; Cattle; Toxoplasmosis, Animal; Abattoirs; Toxoplasma; Cattle Diseases; Female; Male; Prevalence; Polymerase Chain Reaction
PubMed: 38940227
DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1511 -
Annals of Agricultural and... Jun 2024Morphological anomalies are considered a rare phenomenon among natural tick populations. New cases of abnormalities in ticks are being described, such as body...
Morphological anomalies are considered a rare phenomenon among natural tick populations. New cases of abnormalities in ticks are being described, such as body assymetries, nanism, gynandromorphism and limb malformations. The tick removed from a cat was morphologically identified to species and developmental stage. The time of feeding on the host was determined. The specimen was tested using PCR and Real-Time PCR methods for the presence of the common tick-borne pathogens: , spp, spp., , spp. For visualisation of the anomalous structures, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed. The tick was identified as a slightly engorged adult female of I. ricinus exhibiting ectromely of leg I on the left side of the idiosoma. The specimen was tested positive for two medically important pathogens: and . The case report describes a rare case of a morphological anomaly in an tick from Poland.
Topics: Animals; Poland; Ixodes; Female; Cats; Cat Diseases; Anaplasma phagocytophilum; Tick Infestations
PubMed: 38940115
DOI: 10.26444/aaem/172533 -
Annals of Agricultural and... Jun 2024Intestinal parasitoses are important causes of morbidity and mortality, especially in immunocompromised individuals. In patients with chronic renal insufficiency (CRI),...
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE
Intestinal parasitoses are important causes of morbidity and mortality, especially in immunocompromised individuals. In patients with chronic renal insufficiency (CRI), the accumulation of non-excreted metabolites leads to uraemia, which induces a state of immunodeficiency, increasing the incidence of infections. The aim of the study was molecular screening for enteric protozoa in patients with chronic renal insufficiency.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A total of 53 samples were collected in January 2023 from patients undergoing dialysis at Logman Ltd. Nephrodialysis Centre in Košice, Slovakia. Samples were examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of / , , Microsporidia spp., and sp.
RESULTS
From the 53 samples, the only pathogen identified by PCR was Blastocystis sp., in 13 patients (24.5 %). Sequence analyses confirmed that the most prevalent subtype (ST) among patients was ST 3 (n=9, 69.2%), followed by ST 1 (n=3, 23.1%) and ST 2 (n=1, 7.7%).
CONCLUSIONS
Molecular methods for the detection of microscopic enteric parasites are not used as a first-line diagnostic method in Slovakia. In immunocompromised patients, diarrhoea can be caused not only by a chronic disease or therapy but can also be a result of an ongoing underdiagnosed infection. Early diagnosis leads to targeted therapy and subsequent partial improvement of the quality of life. This study also shows the first insights into sp. subtype distribution in humans in Slovakia.
Topics: Humans; Slovakia; Blastocystis; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Blastocystis Infections; Renal Dialysis; Aged; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Adult; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Feces; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Aged, 80 and over
PubMed: 38940102
DOI: 10.26444/aaem/185634 -
Journal of Parasitology Research 2024Human toxocariasis (HT) is a zoonotic disease with a global expansion. Contaminated soil with spp. eggs is the main source of human infection, which may lead to severe...
BACKGROUND
Human toxocariasis (HT) is a zoonotic disease with a global expansion. Contaminated soil with spp. eggs is the main source of human infection, which may lead to severe complications depending on the organs invaded by migrating larvae.
AIM
This study is aimed at eliciting the prevalence of spp. eggs in public parks in Zahedan, southeast Iran, and providing new insight into the soil contamination rate in this area using microscopic and molecular methods.
METHODS
Based on five municipal districts, 240 soil samples were collected from public parks and playgrounds in Zahedan. The modified Sheather's flotation technique was employed to isolate spp. eggs from the soil, followed by microscopic assessment and molecular evaluation of internal transcribed spacer 1 and 2 ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid (ITS1 and 2 rDNA) using nested polymerase chain reaction (nested PCR) to identify the presence of spp. eggs. The Sanger sequence was used to differentiate the species. Subsequently, all the sequenced data were blasted and compared with other sequences available in the GenBank.
RESULTS
Out of 240 soil samples collected, 7 (2.9%) samples were identified to contain spp. eggs using Sheather's flotation and microscopic techniques. Meanwhile, 19 (7.9%) samples were positive using nested PCR. According to the Sanger sequencing analysis findings, all positive samples were contaminated with .
CONCLUSION
As evidenced by the obtained results, only species were detected in public parks and playgrounds in Zahedan; therefore, control and prevention programs against this species should be considered in human and animal communities.
PubMed: 38939904
DOI: 10.1155/2024/2132696 -
Acta Medica Philippina 2024Indigenous peoples (IPs) remain vulnerable to soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) due to limited access to sanitary toilets, clean water, quality health education, and...
BACKGROUND
Indigenous peoples (IPs) remain vulnerable to soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) due to limited access to sanitary toilets, clean water, quality health education, and services. The World Health Organization recommends periodic mass drug administration (MDA) of anthelminthics, health education, and improvements in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) as control strategies to reduce morbidities caused by STH in target populations such as school-age children (SAC).This paper complements the published results of the parasitological survey (prevalence and intensity of STH) conducted in selected Aeta and Ata-Manobo communities.
OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to describe the accessibility of STH control strategies to respond to the needs of SAC in IP communities in Pampanga and Davao del Norte, the Philippines. It likewise intended to describe access of these IP communities to STH control strategies.
METHODS
Data on accessibility of and access to STH control strategies were collected using key informant interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs). Eleven officials and workers from the departments of health and education, local government units, and two IP leaders were interviewed on the existing STH burden in SAC, implementation of STH control strategies, particularly of MDA, health education campaigns, and improvements in WASH including good practices and challenges in program implementation.Three FGDs with parents, elementary school teachers of IP schools, and rural health midwives were conducted separately. Guide questions focused on accessibility of and access to STH prevention and control strategies for SAC in IP communities. Informed consent to conduct and record KIIs and FGDs were obtained from participants prior to participation.Analysis of a multi-disciplinary team was based on the accessibility framework for IPs accessing indigenous primary health care services by Davy et al. (2016).
RESULTS
The characteristics of the STH control strategies and the target populations are interrelated factors that influence accessibility. Challenges in the availability of the MDA program, particularly, inadequate staffing, drug shortages, and delays in delivery affect accessibility of and access to the free STH control strategies. Perceived harm, adverse events, stigma, beliefs, and practices likewise affect access. Lack of information on the similarity of treatment through community- and school-based MDA programs also affected engagement of SAC.IP communities are special settings where geographic isolation, peace and order situation as well as water supply need to be considered to help ensure access to STH control strategies, high MDA coverage, and improvements in WASH leading to desired outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS
Considering the context of IP communities and addressing the challenges in the accessibility of and access to STH control strategies are necessary to ensure successful implementation of an integrated approach in STH prevention and control strategies. Challenges in the accessibility of STH control strategies are inadequate staffing, poor inventory, and delays in the delivery of drugs, as well as poor sanitation and hygiene. Access of SAC is likewise affected by misconceptions on safety and efficacy of anthelminthics, including stigma and cultural practices. The similarity of the MDA programs based in school or community need to be disseminated.
PubMed: 38939852
DOI: 10.47895/amp.vi0.6439 -
Forensic Sciences Research Jun 2024Ongoing terrorist attacks in the Sahel region call for strengthening the security system by using human DNA identification technology. In this context, public opinion...
Ongoing terrorist attacks in the Sahel region call for strengthening the security system by using human DNA identification technology. In this context, public opinion must be considered when establishing solid standards and universal safeguards for one of the most invasive forms of surveillance and profiling. For this purpose, we gathered internet users' opinions in Burkina Faso (a country located in the Sahel region) on the use of DNA technology to support criminal investigations. The results revealed that 91.7% (431) of the 470 participants believed that this technology is currently necessary for the Burkina Faso's criminal justice system. However, the respondents expressed concerns about the custody and management of a national forensic DNA database. In this particular security setting, the public opinion of this study may provide leaders and political policymakers with clues for considering genetic fingerprints and implementing an national forensic DNA database to support criminal investigations in Burkina Faso whilst also considering the ethical implications.
PubMed: 38939471
DOI: 10.1093/fsr/owad056 -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2024Elasmobranchs are common, iconic species in public aquaria; their wild counterparts are key members of marine ecosystems. Post-mortem examination is a critical tool for...
Elasmobranchs are common, iconic species in public aquaria; their wild counterparts are key members of marine ecosystems. Post-mortem examination is a critical tool for disease monitoring of wild elasmobranchs and for management of those under human care. Careful necropsy of the head, with a focus on clinically relevant anatomy, can ensure that proper samples are collected, increasing the chance of presumptive diagnoses prior to slower diagnostic workup. Immediate feedback from a thorough head necropsy allows for faster management decisions, often identifying pathogens, routes of pathogen entry, and pathogenesis, which are current shortcomings in published literature. This article proposes a protocol for necropsy of the elasmobranch chondrocranium, emphasizing unique anatomy and careful dissection, evaluation, and sampling of the endolymphatic pores and ducts, inner ears, brain, and olfactory system as part of a complete, whole-body necropsy. Extensive use of cytology and microbiology, along with thorough sample collection for histology and molecular biology, has proven effective in identifying a wide range of pathogens and assisting with characterization of pathogenesis. The cause of mortality is often identified from a head necropsy alone, but does not replace a thorough whole-body dissection. This protocol for necropsy and ancillary diagnostic sample collection and evaluation was developed and implemented in the necropsy of 189 wild and aquarium-housed elasmobranchs across 18 species over 13 years (2011-2023) in California. Using this chondrocranial approach, meningoencephalitis was determined to be the primary cause of mortality in 70% (118/168) of stranded wild and aquarium-housed elasmobranchs. Etiology was largely bacterial or protozoal. bacterial meningoencephalitis occurred in salmon sharks (), shortfin mako sharks (), common thresher sharks (), and one Pacific electric ray (). was the most common cause of protozoal meningoencephalitis and found almost exclusively in leopard sharks () and bat rays () that stranded in San Francisco Bay. Bacterial pathogens were found to use an endolymphatic route of entry, while protozoa entered via the nares and olfactory lamellae. Trauma was the second most common cause of mortality and responsible for 14% (24/168) of wild shark strandings and deaths of aquarium-housed animals.
PubMed: 38938914
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1410332 -
Computation (Basel, Switzerland) Jan 2024The prognosis of mixed-lineage leukemia (MLL) has remained a significant health concern, especially for infants. The minimal treatments available for this aggressive...
The prognosis of mixed-lineage leukemia (MLL) has remained a significant health concern, especially for infants. The minimal treatments available for this aggressive type of leukemia has been an ongoing problem. Chromosomal translocations of the KMT2A gene are known as MLL, which expresses MLL fusion proteins. A protein called menin is an important oncogenic cofactor for these MLL fusion proteins, thus providing a new avenue for treatments against this subset of acute leukemias. In this study, we report results using the structure-based drug design (SBDD) approach to discover potential novel MLL-mediated leukemia inhibitors from natural products against menin. The three-dimensional (3D) protein model was derived from Protein Databank (Protein ID: 4GQ4), and EasyModeller 4.0 and I-TASSER were used to fix missing residues during rebuilding. Out of the ten protein models generated (five from EasyModeller and I-TASSER each), one model was selected. The selected model demonstrated the most reasonable quality and had 75.5% of residues in the most favored regions, 18.3% of residues in additionally allowed regions, 3.3% of residues in generously allowed regions, and 2.9% of residues in disallowed regions. A ligand library containing 25,131 ligands from a Chinese database was virtually screened using AutoDock Vina, in addition to three known menin inhibitors. The top 10 compounds including ZINC000103526876, ZINC000095913861, ZINC000095912705, ZINC000085530497, ZINC000095912718, ZINC000070451048, ZINC000085530488, ZINC000095912706, ZINC000103580868, and ZINC000103584057 had binding energies of -11.0, -10.7, -10.6, -10.2, -10.2, -9.9, -9.9, -9.9, -9.9, and -9.9 kcal/mol, respectively. To confirm the stability of the menin-ligand complexes and the binding mechanisms, molecular dynamics simulations including molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann surface area (MM/PBSA) computations were performed. The amino acid residues that were found to be potentially crucial in ligand binding included Phe243, Met283, Cys246, Tyr281, Ala247, Ser160, Asn287, Asp185, Ser183, Tyr328, Asn249, His186, Leu182, Ile248, and Pro250. MI-2-2 and PubChem CIDs 71777742 and 36294 were shown to possess anti-menin properties; thus, this justifies a need to experimentally determine the activity of the identified compounds. The compounds identified herein were found to have good pharmacological profiles and had negligible toxicity. Additionally, these compounds were predicted as antileukemic, antineoplastic, chemopreventive, and apoptotic agents. The 10 natural compounds can be further explored as potential novel agents for the effective treatment of MLL-mediated leukemia.
PubMed: 38938622
DOI: 10.3390/computation12010003 -
Scientifica 2024This study provides the design of a microencapsulation formula, physicochemical characterization, and antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiplasmodial activities of...
This study provides the design of a microencapsulation formula, physicochemical characterization, and antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiplasmodial activities of microcapsules. The ethanolic extract of was microencapsulated with chitosan (CHI) and sodium tripolyphosphate (Na-TPP) with various stirring times: 60 minutes (CHI60), 90 minutes (CHI90), and 120 minutes (CHI120). The microcapsules were then observed for physicochemical properties using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The microcapsules were tested for antioxidant activity and antibacterial activity against and using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) method. Antiplasmodial bioactivity was assessed through in silico molecular docking. The CHI60 and CHI120 microcapsules exhibited a smaller size and an irregular spherical shape, while the same FTIR profile was observed in CHI90 and CHI120. The bioactivity tests demonstrated that CHI90 exhibited high antibacterial activity against and , while CHI120 exhibited high antioxidant performance. Calcigeroside B and Echinoside B exhibited antiplasmodial activity against the dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (PfDHODH) protein, along with an artemisinin inhibition mechanism. In conclusion, the microcapsules with the CHI90 formula demonstrated the best antibacterial activity, while the CHI120 formula exhibited high antioxidant activity. Two terpenoids, Calcigeroside B and Echinoside B, exhibited the best antiplasmodial activity.
PubMed: 38938546
DOI: 10.1155/2024/5559133 -
Open Veterinary Journal May 2024One zoonotic infectious animal disease is brucellosis. The bacteria that cause brucellosis belong to the genus . Numerous animal and human species are affected by... (Review)
Review
One zoonotic infectious animal disease is brucellosis. The bacteria that cause brucellosis belong to the genus . Numerous animal and human species are affected by brucellosis, with an estimated 500,000 human cases recorded annually worldwide. The occurrence of new areas of infection and the resurgence of infection in already infected areas indicate how dynamically brucellosis is distributed throughout different geographic regions. Bacteria originate from the blood and are found in the reticuloendothelial system, the liver, the spleen, and numerous other locations, including the joints, kidneys, heart, and genital tract. Diagnosis of this disease can be done by bacterial isolation, molecular tests, modified acid-fast stain, rose bengal test (RBT), milk ring test, complement fixation test, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and serum agglutination test. The primary sign of a infection is infertility, which can result in abortion and the birth of a frail fetus that may go on to infect other animals. In humans, the main symptoms are acute febrile illness, with or without localization signs, and chronic infection. Female cattle have a greater risk of contracting Brucella disease. Human populations at high risk of contracting brucellosis include those who care for cattle, veterinarians, slaughterhouse employees, and butchers. Antibiotic treatment of brucellosis is often unsuccessful due to the intracellular survival of and its adaptability in macrophages. A "one health" strategy is necessary to control illnesses like brucellosis.
Topics: Brucellosis; Animals; Zoonoses; Humans; Brucella; Cattle; Global Health
PubMed: 38938422
DOI: 10.5455/OVJ.2024.v14.i5.1