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Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease 2024We aimed to evaluate the performance of a novel multiplex serological assay, able to simultaneously detect IgG of six infections, as a screening tool for imported...
BACKGROUND
We aimed to evaluate the performance of a novel multiplex serological assay, able to simultaneously detect IgG of six infections, as a screening tool for imported diseases in migrants.
METHODS
Six panels of 40 (n = 240) anonymized serum samples with confirmed infections were used as positive controls to assess the multiplex assay's sensitivity. One panel of 40 sera from non-infected subjects was used to estimate the seropositivity cutoffs, and 32 non-infected sera were used as negative controls to estimate each serology's sensitivity and specificity. The multi-infection screening test was validated in a prospective cohort of 48 migrants from endemic areas. The sensitivity of the Luminex assay was calculated as the proportion of positive results over all positive samples identified by reference tests. The specificity was calculated using 32 negative samples. Uncertainty was quantified with 95 % confidence intervals using receiver operating characteristic analyses.
RESULTS
The sensitivity/specificity were 100 %/100 % for HIV (gp41 antigen), 97.5 %/100 % for Hepatitis B virus (HBV-core antigen), 100 %/100 % for Hepatitis C virus (HCV-core antigen), 92.5 %/90.6 % for strongyloidiasis [31-kDa recombinant antigen (NIE)], 97.5 %/100 % for schistosomiasis (combined serpin Schistosoma mansoni and S.haematobium antigens) and 95 %/90.6 % for Chagas disease [combined Trypanosoma cruzi kinetoplastid membrane protein-11 (KMP11) and paraflagellar rod proteins 2 (PFR2) antigens]. In the migrant cohort, antibody response to the combination of the T.cruzi antigens correctly identified 100 % individuals, whereas HBV-core antigen correctly identified 91.7 % and Strongyloides-NIE antigen 86.4 %.
CONCLUSIONS
We developed a new, robust and accurate 8-plex Luminex assay that could facilitate the implementation of screening programmes targeting migrant populations.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Transients and Migrants; Prospective Studies; Schistosomiasis; Immunoassay; Schistosoma mansoni; Hepatitis C; Hepacivirus
PubMed: 38141899
DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2023.102681 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Dec 2023Gastrointestinal helminth parasites continue to be a significant threat to the health of equine. OvaCyte Telenostic (OCT) (Telenostic Ltd., Kilkenny, Ireland) has...
Gastrointestinal helminth parasites continue to be a significant threat to the health of equine. OvaCyte Telenostic (OCT) (Telenostic Ltd., Kilkenny, Ireland) has developed an automated digital microscope utilising Artificial Intelligence to identify and count the clinically important helminth species in equine, bovine, and ovine host species. In this paper, the performance of the OCT analyser was evaluated for the detection and counting of equine helminth species parasites and its performance compared to the currently accepted benchmark methods of faecal egg counts being the McMaster and the Mini-FLOTAC techniques. A pairwise comparison of tests was assessed based on the correlation of egg counts and Cohen's kappa agreement statistics for dichotomized outcomes. Bayesian latent class analysis was used to estimate the sensitivity and specificity of all three techniques in the absence of a gold standard for four helminth parasites (strongyles, spp., spp. and ). Based on the analysis of 783 equine faecal samples, we found a high level (ρ ≥ 0.94) of correlation between each pairwise comparison of techniques for strongyle egg counts. Cohen's kappa agreement between techniques was high for strongyles and , moderate for spp., and low for spp. All three techniques had a high sensitivity and specificity (>0.90) for strongyles. Across helminth parasites, the sensitivity of the OCT was the highest of the three techniques evaluated for strongyles (0.98 v 0.96 and 0.94), spp. (0.86 v 0.44 and 0.46) and spp. (0.96 v 0.83 and 0.96); but lowest for (0.74 v 0.88 and 0.88), compared to McMaster and Mini-FLOTAC, respectively. In terms of specificity, OCT was the lowest in two species ( spp. 0.96, spp. 0.95). In conclusion, OCT has a sensitivity and specificity statistically similar to both McMaster and Mini-FLOTAC, and had a higher correlation with Mini-FLOTAC. The OCT point of care faecal analyser offers improved workflow, test turn-around time and does not require trained laboratory personnel to operate or interpret the results.
PubMed: 38136911
DOI: 10.3390/ani13243874 -
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