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The Journal of Veterinary Medical... Mar 2024Strongyloides myopotami is an intestinal nematode parasite of nutrias. Identification of S. myopotami is conducted based on the morphological characteristics of adult...
Strongyloides myopotami is an intestinal nematode parasite of nutrias. Identification of S. myopotami is conducted based on the morphological characteristics of adult worms or cultured larvae. To widely and effectively understand the infection in nutrias, it would be preferable to develop the molecular identification using a few grams of the feces. Here, we attempted to identify S. myopotami using DNA extracted from eggs obtained from fecal samples. Among previously reported primer pairs targeting the 18S rRNA gene of Strongyloides spp., most could not be successful. We newly designed primers that successfully amplified the partial sequences in S. myopotami, resulting in being sequenced. Our simple protocol can be useful in nationwide surveys for clarifying the risk of human infection.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Strongyloides; Ovum; Rodentia; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Feces; Rodent Diseases
PubMed: 38281761
DOI: 10.1292/jvms.23-0198 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Jan 2024Gastrointestinal parasite (GIP) infections are a major cause of global morbidity, infecting hundreds of millions of people each year and potentially leading to lifelong...
BACKGROUND
Gastrointestinal parasite (GIP) infections are a major cause of global morbidity, infecting hundreds of millions of people each year and potentially leading to lifelong infection and serious complications. Few data exist on screening for GIP infections in migrants entering the UK or on the current performance of different traditional diagnostic approaches. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of GIP infections in Nepalese Gurkha recruits screened on arrival in the UK.
METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS
We present a retrospective analysis of data from screening male adults (18-21 years) who arrived in the UK from Nepal between 2012 and 2020. Three separate faecal samples were obtained from participants at weekly intervals and processed for formalin-ethyl acetate (FEA) concentration/light microscopy and charcoal culture. Serum samples were analysed for IgG antibodies to Strongyloides stercoralis by ELISA. Results were available from 2,263 participants, of whom 463 (20.5%, 95% CI 18.8%-22.2%) had a positive diagnostic test for at least one GIP infection. A total of 525 potential infections were identified. Giardia duodenalis was most common (231/2263, 10.2%), followed by S. stercoralis (102/2263, 4.5%), and hookworm species (86/2263, 3.8%). Analysis (microscopy and culture) of the initial stool sample diagnosed only 244/427 (57.1%) faecally identified pathogens, including 41/86 (47.7%) hookworm infections. The proportion of participants infected with any GIP showed a downward trend over the study period. Log-binomial regression showed risk of infection decreasing by 6.1% year-on-year (95% CI 3.2% - 9.0%). This was driven predominantly by a fall in hookworm, S. stercoralis and Trichuris trichiura prevalence.
CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE
The level of potentially pathogenic GIP infection in young Nepalese men migrating to the UK is high (20.5%) and requires a combined diagnostic approach including serology and analysis of multiple stool samples incorporating specialised parasitological methods. Advances in molecular approaches may optimise and simplify the intensive screening strategy required.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Animals; Male; Parasites; Strongyloidiasis; Nepal; Retrospective Studies; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Strongyloides stercoralis; Communicable Diseases; Ancylostomatoidea; Feces; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Prevalence
PubMed: 38277403
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011931 -
The American Journal of Tropical... Mar 2024Zoonotic human infections with Ancylostoma ceylanicum have recently been reported in the Americas. We used archived human stool samples to study the geographic...
Geographic Distribution of Human Infections with Zoonotic Ancylostoma ceylanicum and Anthropophilic Hookworms in Ecuador: A Retrospective Analysis of Archived Stool Samples.
Zoonotic human infections with Ancylostoma ceylanicum have recently been reported in the Americas. We used archived human stool samples to study the geographic distribution of human infections with A. ceylanicum and anthropophilic hookworms in different geoclimatic regions (coastal, Andean, and Amazon) of Ecuador. We analyzed retrospectively archived human stool samples from five studies previously screened for hookworm infection by microscopy, of which four included hookworm-positive samples only and one involved hookworm-negative samples to increase geographic distribution of sampling. Stools were analyzed using multi-parallel quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays to detect Necator americanus, Ancylostoma duodenale, A. ceylanicum, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and Strongyloides stercoralis. Sequencing was done for the A. ceylanicum cox1 gene. A total of 132 samples were analyzed, of which 69 (52.3%) were from hookworm-positive and 63 (47.7%) from hookworm-negative individuals by microscopy. Overall, 82.6% of microscopy-positive samples and 33.3% of microscopy-negative samples were positive for hookworm by qPCR. Of microscopy-positive samples, 36.2% were A. ceylanicum, 37.7% A. duodenale, and 33.3% N. americanus, whereas equivalent proportions for microscopy-negative samples were 1.6%, 31.7%, and 1.6%, respectively. Ancylostoma duodenale was the most widely dispersed geographically, followed by N. americanus. Ancylostoma ceylanicum was least dispersed but was detected in coastal and Amazon regions. In conclusion, human infections with A. ceylanicum, A. duodenale, and N. americanus were detected in different geoclimatic regions of Ecuador. Additional studies are required to further define the epidemiology of human A. ceylanicum infections, but the potentially widespread presence of this helminth in human populations in Ecuador has implications for hookworm control strategies.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Ancylostoma; Ancylostomatoidea; Ancylostomiasis; Retrospective Studies; Ecuador; Hookworm Infections; Zoonoses; Feces
PubMed: 38266286
DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0469 -
Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease 2024Imported strongyloidiasis in non-endemic countries has increasingly been diagnosed. The aim of the present study is to describe the main epidemiological and clinical... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
BACKGROUND
Imported strongyloidiasis in non-endemic countries has increasingly been diagnosed. The aim of the present study is to describe the main epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients with imported strongyloidiasis attended in a referral International Health Unit and to detect trend changes over a 12-year period.
METHODS
This is an observational retrospective study including all imported strongyloidiasis cases seen at the International Health Unit Vall d'Hebron-Drassanes (Barcelona, Spain) from January 2009 to December 2020. Epidemiological and clinical characteristics from included patients were collected.
RESULTS
Overall, 865 cases of imported strongyloidiasis were diagnosed, of whom 472 (54.6 %) were men and mean age was 38.7 (SD 13.4) years. Most cases were diagnosed in migrants (830, 96 %). The distribution of the geographic origin was: Latin America (561, 67.6 %), Sub-Saharan Africa (148, 17.8 %), Asia (113, 13.6 %), North Africa (5, 0.6 %), Eastern Europe (2, 0.2 %), and North America (1, 0.1 %). The main reasons for consultation at the Unit were screening of health status (371, 42.9 %), laboratory test alteration (367, 42.4 %), gastrointestinal symptoms (56, 6.5 %), cutaneous symptoms (26, 3 %), and other clinical symptoms (45, 5.2 %). An increase in the number of cases was observed in the last years of the study period.
CONCLUSIONS
Imported strongyloidiasis has increasingly been diagnosed in our referral unit, mostly due to screening strategies implementation. Most of the patients were young migrants coming from Latin America, with no symptoms at the time of diagnosis. The optimization of screening strategies will increase the detection and treatment of cases, reducing potential complications.
Topics: Male; Animals; Humans; Adult; Female; Strongyloidiasis; Spain; Strongyloides stercoralis; Retrospective Studies; Global Health; Emigrants and Immigrants; Referral and Consultation
PubMed: 38246513
DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2024.102690 -
Parasites & Vectors Jan 2024Strongyloidiasis is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) that is caused mainly by Strongyloides stercoralis, with an estimated 600 million people infected worldwide, and...
BACKGROUND
Strongyloidiasis is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) that is caused mainly by Strongyloides stercoralis, with an estimated 600 million people infected worldwide, and in fewer cases by Strongyloides fuelleborni fuelleborni and Strongyloides fuelleborni kellyi. A number of studies have been conducted on the genetic diversity of S. stercoralis in East and Southeast Asia; however, there is very limited corresponding information from West Asian countries, including Iran.
METHODS
For Strongyloides worms collected from patients in southwestern Iran, the hypervariable regions I (HVR-I) and IV (HVR-IV) of the nuclear 18S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) locus (SSU) and a fragment of the subunit 1 mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase gene (cox-1) were sequenced. For a subset of the worms, whole-genome sequencing data were generated.
RESULTS
The cox-1 sequences of 136 worms isolated from 23 patients indicated that all isolates were S. stercoralis. Among the cox-1 sequences, 33 polymorphic sites and 13 haplotypes were found. The phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that some sequences clustered fairly closely with sequences from humans and dogs from other parts of the world, while others formed a separate, Iran-specific group. Among 64 S. stercoralis analyzed, we found three of the previously described SSU HVR-I haplotypes, with haplotype II being the most frequent haplotype. In contrast to Southeast Asia, where S. stercoralis heterozygous for different haplotypes at the HVR-I locus are rare, we found 20 worms to be heterozygous for two different HVR-I haplotypes, 18 of which fell into the Iran-specific cox-1 cluster. SSU-heterozygous worms also showed elevated heterozygosity at the whole-genome level.
CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that the S. stercoralis population from the Khuzestan province shares much of the genetic diversity with the population in Southeast Asia, but there is an indication of additional genetic input. There appears to be some population structure with different subpopulations, which however do interbreed at least occasionally.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Dogs; Strongyloides stercoralis; Genotype; Phylogeny; Iran; Strongyloidiasis; Strongyloides; Feces
PubMed: 38229164
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06103-6 -
Veterinary Research Jan 2024Carbonyl-reducing enzymes (CREs) catalyse the reduction of carbonyl groups in many eobiotic and xenobiotic compounds in all organisms, including helminths. Previous...
Flubendazole carbonyl reduction in drug-susceptible and drug-resistant strains of the parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus: changes during the life cycle and possible inhibition.
Carbonyl-reducing enzymes (CREs) catalyse the reduction of carbonyl groups in many eobiotic and xenobiotic compounds in all organisms, including helminths. Previous studies have shown the important roles of CREs in the deactivation of several anthelmintic drugs (e.g., flubendazole and mebendazole) in adults infected with the parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus, in which the activity of a CRE is increased in drug-resistant strains. The aim of the present study was to compare the abilities of nematodes of both a drug-susceptible strain (ISE) and a drug-resistant strain (IRE) to reduce the carbonyl group of flubendazole (FLU) in different developmental stages (eggs, L1/2 larvae, L3 larvae, and adults). In addition, the effects of selected CRE inhibitors (e.g., glycyrrhetinic acid, naringenin, silybin, luteolin, glyceraldehyde, and menadione) on the reduction of FLU were evaluated in vitro and ex vivo in H. contortus adults. The results showed that FLU was reduced by H. contortus in all developmental stages, with adult IRE females being the most metabolically active. Larvae (L1/2 and L3) and adult females of the IRE strain reduced FLU more effectively than those of the ISE strain. Data from the in vitro inhibition study (performed with cytosolic-like fractions of H. contortus adult homogenate) revealed that glycyrrhetinic acid, naringenin, mebendazole and menadione are effective inhibitors of FLU reduction. Ex vivo study data showed that menadione inhibited FLU reduction and also decreased the viability of H. contortus adults to a similar extent. Naringenin and mebendazole were not toxic at the concentrations tested, but they did not inhibit the reduction of FLU in adult worms ex vivo.
Topics: Female; Animals; Mebendazole; Haemonchus; Vitamin K 3; Anthelmintics; Larva; Glycyrrhetinic Acid
PubMed: 38225645
DOI: 10.1186/s13567-023-01264-9 -
World Journal of Hepatology Dec 2023is a parasitic infection caused by a roundworm that is transmitted through soil contaminated with larvae. It can infrequently cause hepatic abscesses in...
BACKGROUND
is a parasitic infection caused by a roundworm that is transmitted through soil contaminated with larvae. It can infrequently cause hepatic abscesses in immunocompromised patients and is rarely reported to form hepatic lesions in immunocompetent hosts.
CASE SUMMARY
We present a case study of a 45-year-old female who presented with right upper quadrant abdominal pain and constitutional symptoms for several weeks. Cross-sectional imaging identified several malignant-appearing liver masses. Further investigation, including serological testing and histopathologic examination, revealed the presence of serum antibodies and hepatic granulomas with extensive necrosis. Following treatment with ivermectin for 2 wk, there was complete resolution of the liver lesions and associated symptoms.
CONCLUSION
This case highlights the importance of considering parasitic infections, such as , in the differential diagnosis of hepatic masses. Early recognition and appropriate treatment can lead to a favorable outcome and prevent unnecessary invasive procedures. Increased awareness among clinicians is crucial to ensure the timely diagnosis and management of such cases.
PubMed: 38223414
DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v15.i12.1338 -
Helminthologia Dec 2023Rhesus macaques ( are distributed across Nepal in close association with humans and with a high probability of sharing of soil-transmitted intestinal helminth parasites....
Rhesus macaques ( are distributed across Nepal in close association with humans and with a high probability of sharing of soil-transmitted intestinal helminth parasites. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence, richness and risk factors of gastrointestinal (GI) helminth parasites among rhesus macaques and humans in the Daunne Forest area, a community managed forest in the central mid-hills of Nepal. A total of 190 fecal samples, including 120 samples from rhesus macaques residing around the Daunne Devi Temple and in the surrounding forest, and 70 from local people, were microscopically examined by direct wet mount, floatation and sedimentation methods. Seasonal and age-sex based variations in helminth parasite prevalence were analyzed. Among the rhesus macaques, the total parasite prevalence was 39.2 %. sp. accounted for the highest prevalence (19.17 %) followed by sp. (13.33 %), hookworm (10.83 %) and sp. (4.17 %). Among the humans, (11.3 %) was the only parasite detected. The Sorenson's coefficient of similarity of GI parasites between the macaques and local people at the generic level was 0.4. Mean parasite richness for the macaques was 1.21 ± 0.41 (SD) per infected sample. Parasite prevalence in the summer season (41.4 %) was higher than in the winter season (36 %). Adult macaques (41.67 %) had higher GI parasite prevalence than the young (30.77 %) and infants (27.27 %). Among the adult macaques, the prevalence rate was significantly higher (=0.005) in females (52.46 %) than in males (22.86 %). Our results indicate that the temple rhesus macaques have a high prevalence of GI helminth parasites and could pose a potential zoonotic risk. As such, the need for routine monitoring and an effective management strategy is essential.
PubMed: 38222485
DOI: 10.2478/helm-2023-0037 -
Helminthologia Dec 2023This study aimed to identify the helminth parasites of invasive anuran species in selected barangays in Butuan City, Philippines. In urbanized areas, invasive species...
This study aimed to identify the helminth parasites of invasive anuran species in selected barangays in Butuan City, Philippines. In urbanized areas, invasive species dominate anuran diversity, and one of the primary threats they pose to native wildlife is the transmission of diseases and parasites. Out of the 91 collected individuals of invasive anuran species, was the most abundant (88 %), followed by (12 %) and (3 %). The study identified five species of parasites, with sp. being the most prevalent (17.58 %), followed by sp. (16.5 %), (14.3 %), sp. (6.6 %), and (3.30 %), respectively. sp. also had the highest intensity (7.67), followed by a sp. (5), (3.33), (3.30), and a sp. (2.73). This parasitological survey revealed that had the highest prevalence and infection of parasites, and residential areas had the highest parasite prevalence among the habitat types. Adult hosts were found to harbor a higher prevalence and intensity, and male hosts had a higher prevalence. The results highlight the high risk of parasite transmission from anurans to other animals and emphasize the need for the community to control the population of invasive anuran species for the safety of native anurans and to prevent zoonotic transmission to other animals and humans.
PubMed: 38222484
DOI: 10.2478/helm-2023-0040 -
Revista Do Instituto de Medicina... Jan 2024[This corrects the article doi: 10.1590/S1678-9946202365001].
[This corrects the article doi: 10.1590/S1678-9946202365001].
PubMed: 38198378
DOI: 10.1590/S1678-9946202466001err