-
Veterinary Parasitology Jul 2024Sustainable parasite control practices are necessary to combat the negative effects of gastrointestinal nematodes on animal health and production while reducing the... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
Sustainable parasite control practices are necessary to combat the negative effects of gastrointestinal nematodes on animal health and production while reducing the selection pressure for anthelmintic resistance. Parasite diagnostic tests can inform treatment decisions, the timing and effectiveness of treatment and enable livestock breeding programmes. In recent years new diagnostic methods have been developed, some incorporating machine learning (ML), to facilitate the detection and enumeration of parasite eggs. It is important to understand the technical characteristics and performance of such new methods compared to long standing and commonly utilised methods before they are widely implemented. The aim of the present study was to trial three new diagnostic tools relying on image analysis (FECPAK, Micron and OvaCyte) and to compare them to traditional manual devices (McMaster and Mini-FLOTAC). Faecal samples were obtained from 41 lambs naturally infected with gastrointestinal nematodes. Samples were mixed and separated into 2 aliquots for examination by each of the 5 methods: McMaster, Mini-FLOTAC, FECPAK, Micron and OvaCyte. The techniques were performed according to their respective standard protocols and results were collected by trained staff (McMaster and Mini-FLOTAC) or by the device (FECPAK, Micron and OvaCyte). Regarding strongyle worm egg count, McMaster values varied from 0 to 9,000 eggs per gram (EPG). When comparing replicate aliquots, both the Mini-FLOTAC and Micron methods displayed similar repeatability to McMaster. However, we found FECPAK and OvaCyte significantly less precise than McMaster. When comparing parasite egg enumeration, significant positive linear correlations were established between McMaster and all other methods. No difference was observed in EPG between McMaster and Mini-FLOTAC or FECPAK; however, Micron and OvaCyte returned significantly higher and lower EPG, respectively, compared to McMaster. The number of eggs ascribed to other parasite species was not sufficient for performing a robust statistical comparison between all methods. However, it was noted that FECPAK generally did not detect Strongyloides papillosus eggs, despite these being detected by other methods. In addition, Moniezia spp and Trichuris spp eggs were detected by OvaCyte and Mini-FLOTAC, respectively, but not by other methods. The observed variation between traditional and new methods for parasite diagnostics highlights the need for continued training and enhancing of ML models used and the importance of developing clear guidelines for validation of newly developed methods.
Topics: Animals; Sheep; Sheep Diseases; Nematode Infections; Feces; Parasite Egg Count; Microscopy; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Nematoda; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Sensitivity and Specificity
PubMed: 38815364
DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2024.110216 -
The American Journal of Tropical... May 2024Human strongyloidiasis is a potentially life-threatening parasitic disease among immunocompromised hosts. We aim to determine the factors and mortality associated with...
Human strongyloidiasis is a potentially life-threatening parasitic disease among immunocompromised hosts. We aim to determine the factors and mortality associated with disseminated strongyloidiasis. We conducted a U.S.-based multicenter retrospective cohort study to determine 90-day clinical outcomes for people diagnosed with Strongyloides infection in the TriNetX patient database. We identified adult patients with the International Classification of Diseases (10th revision, clinical modification) code for Strongyloides infection (B78) or a positive Strongyloides IgG antibody test and captured outcomes at 90 days. We identified 5,434 patients with strongyloidiasis, of whom 48 had disseminated strongyloidiasis for 0.9% prevalence of disseminated disease. Systemic connective tissue disorders, pulmonary eosinophilia, liver cirrhosis, blood disorders (monoclonal gammopathy, aplastic anemia, and lymphoid malignancy), malnutrition, alcohol use disorder, and transplantation status were frequent in patients with disseminated disease. Mortality was significantly higher in people with disseminated disease at 30 days (21%). The 90-day risk of hospitalization, bacteremia, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) was higher in those with disseminated infection. People with disseminated strongyloidiasis had a heightened risk of hospitalization, bacteremia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and mortality. The population at risk for severe strongyloidiasis infection is evolving, reflecting conditions in which glucocorticoids or additional immunosuppressive medications are commonly used for treatment.
PubMed: 38806043
DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0863 -
Parasitology May 2024The rhabditid nematode is known worldwide as the causative agent of strongyloidiasis in humans. In addition to public health concerns, . also infects dogs, which...
The rhabditid nematode is known worldwide as the causative agent of strongyloidiasis in humans. In addition to public health concerns, . also infects dogs, which represent a possible reservoir for potentially zoonotic transmissions. We describe the first confirmed case of fatal disseminated infection in a dog in the Czech Republic. The microscopic and histological results were supported by a complex genotyping approach. Using high-throughput sequencing of the hypervariable region (HVR-IV) of 18S rDNA and Sanger sequencing of the partial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene (), the potentially zoonotic haplotype/lineage A of . was confirmed, while the solely canine haplotype/lineage B was not found. The development of the disease is mainly associated with immunodeficiency, and in this case, it was triggered by inappropriate treatment, in particular the use of corticosteroids.
PubMed: 38800868
DOI: 10.1017/S0031182024000568 -
Microorganisms May 2024Multiple microbial detections in stool samples of indigenous individuals suffering from chronic gastroenteric disorder of a likely infectious origin, characterized by...
Collider Bias Assessment in Colombian Indigenous Wiwa and Kogui Populations with Chronic Gastroenteric Disorder of Likely Infectious Etiology Suggests Complex Microbial Interactions Rather Than Clear Assignments of Etiological Relevance.
Multiple microbial detections in stool samples of indigenous individuals suffering from chronic gastroenteric disorder of a likely infectious origin, characterized by recurring diarrhea of variable intensity, in the rural north-east of Colombia are common findings, making the assignment of etiological relevance to individual pathogens challenging. In a population of 773 indigenous people from either the tribe Wiwa or Kogui, collider bias analysis was conducted comprising 32 assessed microorganisms including 10 bacteria ( spp., spp., enteroaggregative (EAEC), enteropathogenic (EPEC), enterotoxigenic (ETEC), spp., Shiga toxin-producing (STEC), spp./enteroinvasive (EIEC), and spp.), 11 protozoa ( spp., spp., spp., , , /// complex, , , , and ), 8 helminths ( spp., , spp., , spp., spp., spp. and spp.), microsporidia ( spp.) and fungal elements (microscopically observed conidia and pseudoconidia). The main results indicated that negative associations potentially pointing towards collider bias were infrequent events (n = 14), while positive associations indicating increased likelihood of co-occurrence of microorganisms quantitatively dominated (n = 88). Microorganisms showing the most frequent negative associations were EPEC (n = 6) and spp. (n = 3), while positive associations were most common for spp. (n = 16), (n = 15), spp./EIEC (n = 12), spp. (n = 11) and spp. (n = 10). Of note, positive associations quantitively dominated for spp. In conclusion, collider bias assessment did not allow clear-cut assignment of etiological relevance for detected enteric microorganisms within the assessed Colombian indigenous population. Instead, the results suggested complex microbial interactions with potential summative effects. Future studies applying alternative biostatistical approaches should be considered to further delineate respective interactions.
PubMed: 38792799
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12050970 -
Cureus Apr 2024Strongyloidiasis is a parasitic infection caused by the nematode that presents with a variety of nonspecific symptoms. Diagnosis is challenging unless physicians...
Strongyloidiasis is a parasitic infection caused by the nematode that presents with a variety of nonspecific symptoms. Diagnosis is challenging unless physicians suspect this disease and perform sensitivity tests. We report a case of strongyloidiasis with protein-losing gastroenteropathy-like symptoms in a 92-year-old Japanese female with lower extremity edema and hypoalbuminemia. In this case, the patient refused invasive tests for a complete examination; however, an agar plate culture of a stool sample was used to diagnose strongyloidiasis. The patient was treated with ivermectin during the second visit. One month later, leg edema and hypoproteinemia improved. When the cause of the symptoms is unclear, physicians should be aware of the possibility of strongyloidiasis in a person residing in a tropical or subtropical environment, where human feces are used as fertilizer and individuals frequently go barefoot in agricultural settings.
PubMed: 38784335
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58851 -
Indian Journal of Pathology &... May 2024We report an unusual case of jejunal strongyloidiasis presenting as chronic malabsorption and intractable small bowel diarrhea in an immunocompetent adolescent boy who...
We report an unusual case of jejunal strongyloidiasis presenting as chronic malabsorption and intractable small bowel diarrhea in an immunocompetent adolescent boy who posed a diagnostic challenge for pathologists, radiologists, and gastroenterologists. Histopathology revealed chronic active colitis and was consistent with the clinicoradiological diagnosis of Crohn's colitis but nonresponse to immunomodulators warranted full-thickness jejunal biopsy through laparotomy which showed numerous larvae and eggs of Strongyloides. There is a need to increase the awareness of Strongyloides colitis given its high rate of misdiagnosis and mortality as the correct diagnosis can avoid a fatal outcome of this curable disease.
PubMed: 38769818
DOI: 10.4103/ijpm.ijpm_298_23 -
Annual Review of Nutrition May 2024The global prevalence of type 2 diabetes is increasing rapidly, with an anticipated 600 million cases by 2035. While infectious diseases such as helminth infections have... (Review)
Review
The global prevalence of type 2 diabetes is increasing rapidly, with an anticipated 600 million cases by 2035. While infectious diseases such as helminth infections have decreased due to improved sanitation and health care, recent research suggests a link between helminth infections and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), with helminths such as , , , and potentially mitigating or slowing down T2D progression in human and animal models. Helminth infections enhance host immunity by promoting interactions between innate and adaptive immune systems. In T2D, type 1 immune responses are suppressed and type 2 responses are augmented, expanding regulatory T cells and innate immune cells, particularly type 2 immune cells and macrophages. This article reviews recent research shedding light on the favorable effects of helminth infections on T2D. The potential defense mechanisms identified include heightened insulin sensitivity and reduced inflammation. The synthesis of findings from studies investigating parasitic helminths and their derivatives underscores promising avenues for defense against T2D.
PubMed: 38724017
DOI: 10.1146/annurev-nutr-061121-100742 -
PloS One 2024[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269080.].
Correction: Association of Strongyloides stercoralis infection and type 2 diabetes mellitus in northeastern Thailand: Impact on diabetic complication-related renal biochemical parameters.
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269080.].
PubMed: 38723010
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303774 -
Journal of Parasitology Research 2024Gastrointestinal (GIT) parasites cause sickness and mortality in working donkeys, reducing their productivity. A cross-sectional study was done in the Damot Gale...
Gastrointestinal (GIT) parasites cause sickness and mortality in working donkeys, reducing their productivity. A cross-sectional study was done in the Damot Gale district of southern Ethiopia from November 2020 to June 2021 to determine the frequency of donkey GIT nematode parasite infection and to examine its related risk factors. Overall, 514 simple randomly selected donkeys from peasant associations were sampled for the coprological examination of gastrointestinal nematode infection. The flotation technique was employed to identify parasite eggs in feces. The total prevalence of parasitic gastrointestinal nematodes was 71.79% (95% CI: 67.73-75.52). The most prevalent nematodes were (37.74%), (11.28%), (7.20%), and combined infections of and (14.01%) and and (1.56%). The association between the prevalence of parasitic GIT nematode infections and body conditions score was statistically significant ( < 0.05). Comparatively, donkeys with semi-intensified systems were five times (OR = 5.36) and those with medium body condition were twice (OR = 1.94) had a higher risk of infection than donkeys with intensive systems and good body condition scores, respectively. In conclusion, the current study indicated that gastrointestinal nematode parasites of donkeys are highly prevalent in the study area. Thus, regular deworming, proper housing, and feeding management were recommended to improve the health and productivity of donkeys in the research area.
PubMed: 38715768
DOI: 10.1155/2024/3073173 -
Heliyon May 2024Four species of dominant wild animals, namely, , , , and , are hosts of potential infectious agents, including helminths and protozoa. Therefore, it is necessary to...
Four species of dominant wild animals, namely, , , , and , are hosts of potential infectious agents, including helminths and protozoa. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze the infectious agents present in these wild animals to monitor and control the spread of pathogens. In the present study, fecal samples from 51 wild animals were collected from the mountains of Yangpyeong, Hoengseong, and Cheongyang in South Korea and metabarcoding of the V9 region of the 18S rRNA gene was performed to identify various parasite species that infect these wild animals. Genes from nematodes, such as sp., spp., sp., and sp., were detected in the fecal samples from wild animals. In addition, platyhelminthes, including sp., Echinostomatidae gen. sp., sp., sp. and sp., and protozoa, including sp., sp., sp., sp., sp. and sp., were detected. In the present study, various parasites infecting wild animals were successfully identified using metabarcoding. Our technique may play a crucial role in monitoring parasites within wild animals, especially those causing zoonoses.
PubMed: 38707283
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30059