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Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Sep 2021is a zoonotic protozoan parasite whose main reservoir is pigs. Recent studies have shown that variant A but not B has zoonotic potential. While infection has been...
is a zoonotic protozoan parasite whose main reservoir is pigs. Recent studies have shown that variant A but not B has zoonotic potential. While infection has been reported in different animals and countries, the prevalence of the zoonotic variant is limited due to a lack of molecular information. Therefore, this study investigated the prevalence of in domestic pigs in Korea and assessed its zoonotic potential. A total of 188 pig fecal samples were collected from slaughterhouses in Korea. was identified by microscopy and molecular methods. was identified in 79 (42.9%) and 174 (94.6%) samples by microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), respectively. This study also developed a PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method to differentiate variant A from B without sequence analysis. Using this method, 62 (33.7%) and 160 (87.0%) samples were positive for variants A and B, respectively, and 48 (26.1%) samples were co-infected with both variants. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses showed a high genetic diversity of in pigs in Korea. To our knowledge, this is the first study to develop a method to differentiate variants A and B without sequence analysis and to assess the molecular epidemiology of in pigs. Continuous monitoring of zoonotic in pigs should be performed as pigs are the main source of human balantidiasis.
PubMed: 34573625
DOI: 10.3390/ani11092659 -
Annals of Parasitology 2021Gastrointestinal (GI) parasites are major contributors to decrease productivity in livestock over the world. A cross-sectional study was conducted in different areas of...
Gastrointestinal (GI) parasites are major contributors to decrease productivity in livestock over the world. A cross-sectional study was conducted in different areas of Bangladesh to determine the prevalence of GI parasitic infections and their association with the biotic and abiotic factors in sheep. A total of 572 faecal samples were collected from the selected areas of Bangladesh and microscopic examination was performed for the identification of parasites using flotation and sedimentation technique. Out of 572, 441 animals were found infected with one or more species of GI parasites with an overall prevalence of 77.1%. Nine types of parasites from four different classes were detected namely Strongyles (42.1%), Strongyloides sp. (27.1%) and Trichuris sp. (1.0%), Moniezia sp. (2.4%), Paramphistomum cervi (32.5%), Fasciola gigantica (6.1%) and Schistosoma sp. (3.5%), coccidia (16.6%) and Balantidium coli (7.9%). Nematodes infections (56.8%) were significantly highest among trematodes (37.9%), protozoa (24.4%) and cestode (2.4%). In the present study, all the biotic factors including sex, age, physiological condition of female and body condition score (BCS) of animals were insignificantly (p>0.05) associated with the prevalence of GI parasitic infection in sheep but among the abiotic factors, muddy housing of animals, rainy season, having no knowledge about GI parasites and illiteracy of farmers were significantly (p<0.05) associated with the GI parasitic infections. This epidemiological investigation will assist to build a suitable control program against GI parasites in sheep and thus, help to prevent production loss and increase livelihood of small holder farmers.
Topics: Animals; Bangladesh; Cross-Sectional Studies; Feces; Female; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Nematode Infections; Parasites; Prevalence; Sheep; Sheep Diseases
PubMed: 34332192
DOI: 10.17420/ap6702.328 -
Clinical Microbiology Reviews Jul 2002Cultivation of luminal protistan parasites has a long history. In this review we discuss the methods and media that are most widely used for the establishment and... (Review)
Review
Cultivation of luminal protistan parasites has a long history. In this review we discuss the methods and media that are most widely used for the establishment and maintenance of the following organisms in culture: Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia intestinalis, Trichomonas vaginalis, Dientamoeba fragilis, Blastocystis hominis, and Balantidium coli. While cultivation is of limited importance in the diagnostic laboratory, it is essential to most research laboratories, and it is toward the latter that this review is primarily aimed.
Topics: Animals; Culture Media; Eukaryota; History, 20th Century; Humans; Parasitology; Protozoan Infections
PubMed: 12097242
DOI: 10.1128/CMR.15.3.329-341.2002 -
Veterinary World Dec 2021Gastrointestinal parasites identified in the wild can negatively affect host fitness, lower performance, and growth. On the other side, sympatric mammals that share...
BACKGROUND AND AIM
Gastrointestinal parasites identified in the wild can negatively affect host fitness, lower performance, and growth. On the other side, sympatric mammals that share habitat and resources may also cross-transmit parasites, which are often zoonotic and can contribute to morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to characterize the diversity of gastrointestinal parasites circulating in mammalian hosts in Moukalaba-Doudou National Park.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We screened a total of 25 fecal samples collected from nine wild mammalian species, namely, western gorilla (), chimpanzee (), putty-nosed monkey (), African forest elephant (), African buffalo (), blue duiker (), bay duiker (), and red river hog () as well as people working as trackers (s) using direct microscopic observations following a sedimentation technique to concentrate the fecal material.
RESULTS
Of the total 25 fecal samples screened, 15 (60%) were positive for parasitic gastrointestinal infection. Based on the morphology of parasite eggs and cysts, we identified a rich diversity of nematodes, protozoans, trematodes, and cestodes, including unidentified strongyles (73%), spp. (53%), spp. (27%), spp. (13%), spp. (13%), spp. (13%), spp. (47%), (20%), (20%), (6%), (6%), spp. (13%), and spp. (6%).
CONCLUSION
All parasites were found at least once in one of the hosts, and most were potentially zoonotic and responsible for several diseases of public health concern. Because of the small sample size, our findings should not be considered conclusive. Nevertheless, they highlight the diversity of gastrointestinal parasites in this area.
PubMed: 35153406
DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2021.3149-3155 -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2023Non-human primates (NHPs) living in captive conditions are susceptible to intestinal parasites that can contribute to mortality and morbidity, and cause zoonotic...
Non-human primates (NHPs) living in captive conditions are susceptible to intestinal parasites that can contribute to mortality and morbidity, and cause zoonotic infections. Thus, parasite surveys on NHP populations under human care are relevant as part of the evaluation of NHPs welfare and in the zoonotic disease risk assessment, as well as in the exploration of parasite transmission pathways, according to the One-Health concept. This study aimed to identify intestinal parasites infecting NHPs living in two wildlife recovery centers and in a zoological garden, in Italy. Ninety-three fecal samples from and were collected at Piano dell'Abatino Park (Lazio), and fecal smears and flotation were performed in order to identify parasites according to morphological keys. Additionally, one carcass of from the Bioparco Zoological Garden of Rome (Lazio) and one of from the Center for the Recovery of Exotic and Maremma Wild Animals (Tuscany) were necropsied and intestinal adult nematodes were collected and characterized at morphological and molecular level, using the mitochondrial cox1 and rrnL markers. Protozoans (-like, sp.), chromists ( sp.) and nematodes ( sp., sp., strongyliform larvae and sp.) were found through fecal smears and flotation. The collected adult nematodes from dead NHPs were morphologically identified as whipworms (genus ). Phylogenetic analyses grouped specimens into the complex of species, with specimens from clustering into a host-specific branch, and whipworms from clustering within a clade formed by infecting several primate species, including humans. The results here collected revealed the presence of potentially zoonotic parasites circulating in captive primates in Italy, providing useful information for the formulation of management and care plans for captive NHPs, and for the elaboration of safety measures for visitors and animal keepers.
PubMed: 38264469
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1270202 -
Parasitology International Dec 2016In order to estimate the diversity, clinical involvement and zoonotic potential of parasites in pigs submitted for diagnosis to the PathoPig project of the Swiss Federal...
In order to estimate the diversity, clinical involvement and zoonotic potential of parasites in pigs submitted for diagnosis to the PathoPig project of the Swiss Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office, faeces (n=125) from suckling piglets (n=39), weaners (n=60) and piglets beginning fattening (n=26) from 74 Swiss farms were examined by 3 coproscopical methods (i.e. sedimentation/zinc chloride-flotation; SAFC and Ziehl-Neelsen staining). Samples microscopically positive for Cryptosporidium were further tested by PCR/sequencing for species assessment. The most frequently detected parasite was Balantidium coli, a facultative pathogenic ciliate with zoonotic potential, in 5.1, 36.7 and 50.0% of suckling, weaners and fatteners and 43.2% of farms; however, no association with disease was observed. Isospora (syn. Cystoisospora) suis infections were detected in 13.3 and 11.1% of suckling piglets with and without diarrhoea, and in 10.0 and 13.3% of weaners and fatteners with diarrhoea, respectively, and were significant associated with emaciation. Cryptosporidium infections were detected in 10.3, 15.0 and 19.2% of sucklings, weaners and fatteners, respectively, and in 18.9% of the farms. Interestingly, two age-related species were identified: C. suis in younger piglets (2 to 6weeks) and C. scrofarum in older ones (6 to 17weeks). None of the pigs infected with C. scrofarum (n=8), but 3 of 4 piglets infected with C. suis (co-infection with I. suis in 2 cases) had diarrhoea. The zoonotic species C. parvum was not detected, nevertheless, sporadic cases of human infection with the porcine-adapted species have been reported. Ascaris suum, Trichuris suis and Strongylida were rarely detected (<4%) in all age categories.
Topics: Animals; Balantidiasis; Balantidium; Cryptosporidiosis; Cryptosporidium; Food Parasitology; Humans; Isospora; Isosporiasis; Swine; Swine Diseases; Zoonoses
PubMed: 27639842
DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2016.09.005 -
Clinical Case Reports Jul 2023In contrast to intestinal balantidiasis, which is widespread throughout the world, urinary balantidiasis is uncommon. It often affects people with underlying diseases,...
KEY CLINICAL MESSAGE
In contrast to intestinal balantidiasis, which is widespread throughout the world, urinary balantidiasis is uncommon. It often affects people with underlying diseases, and acute infections may be fatal. Even though urine is not typical for this parasite, specific morphologic characteristics can aid in accurate diagnosis.
ABSTRACT
is a ciliated protozoan which can infect intestinal system. Urinary balantidiasis is an extremely rare infection that may cause serious issues in patients with underlying diseases. Herein, we present a case of urinary balantidiasis in a patient with bladder cancer.
PubMed: 37465246
DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.7494 -
Journal of Parasitic Diseases :... Oct 2013Balantidium coli (B. coli) is the only trophic ciliate of low virulence causing dysentery in human. However, may be due to their active motility and invasive nature,...
Balantidium coli (B. coli) is the only trophic ciliate of low virulence causing dysentery in human. However, may be due to their active motility and invasive nature, they have been rarely described to cause infection in extraintestinal sites also. We herein describe a case where trophozoites of B. coli were detected in urinary sediment examination of an elderly female presenting with mild fever, dysuria and hematuria for last 1 week. The parasites were identified by their characteristic morphology and rapid spiraling motility. This is only the third case described in literature to detect B. coli in urine sediment.
PubMed: 24431585
DOI: 10.1007/s12639-012-0163-7 -
Case Reports in Infectious Diseases 2022Balantidiasis, due to its rare human incidence and nonspecific clinical presentations often neglected from the diagnosis considerations; however, a potent pathogen....
BACKGROUND
Balantidiasis, due to its rare human incidence and nonspecific clinical presentations often neglected from the diagnosis considerations; however, a potent pathogen. Herein, we report a case of neglected balantidiasis presumed as antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. . A 27-year-old policeman presented in Sindhuli Hospital, with a chief complaint of epigastric pain, nausea, decreased appetite for several days, and loose stools (3-4 episodes per day). Previously, he was under antibiotic therapy (amoxycillin) for tonsillitis. The health post clinician made a presumptive diagnosis as the side effects of the antibiotics; however, the symptoms were not resolved. Complete blood cell count (CBC) was normal; renal function test (RFT) and liver function (LFT) were within the normal ranges. Ultrasonography of the abdomen and ECG (electrocardiogram) showed normal findings. However, on routine stool actively motile trophozoites of () were seen. He was treated successfully with metronidazole 750 mg tabs orally three times daily for 5 days.
CONCLUSION
Protozoal infections, like balantidiasis, might be excluded from the diagnostic consideration in antibiotic-associated diarrhoea cases. Therefore, meticulous review of nonspecific clinical presentation and validation of an etiology with support of diagnostic tests are mandatory.
PubMed: 35734242
DOI: 10.1155/2022/6013151 -
Revista Brasileira de Parasitologia... Aug 2019Diseases related to the alimentary system are the main cause of death in horses. This retrospective study aimed to describe the pathological findings of fatal...
Diseases related to the alimentary system are the main cause of death in horses. This retrospective study aimed to describe the pathological findings of fatal parasite-induced enteritis and typhlocolitis caused by cyathostominae, Eimeria leuckarti, Balantidium coli, and Strongyloides westeri in horses. The records of parasite-induced intestinal lesions in horses necropsied in Southern Brazil between 2005 and 2017 were reviewed. Ten horses had fatal parasitic enteritis and/or typhlocolitis, and the main causes were: cyathostominae typhlocolitis (6/10), E. leuckarti enteritis (1/10), S. westeri enteritis (1/10), B. coli colitis related to cyathostominae (1/10), and infection by multiple agents (1/10). Cyathostominae typhlocolitis showed marked mucosal thickening, with multifocal elevated nodules containing tangled filiform parasites. Microscopic examination revealed that the mucosa and submucosa had encysted parasitic structures surrounded by eosinophilic and granulomatous inflammation. E. leuckarti enteritis was microscopically characterized by macrogamonts, microgamonts, and oocysts inside the host cells. S. westeri enteritis showed microscopic atrophy of the villi with numerous mucosal encysted parasitic structures. B. coli typhlocolitis showed severe diffuse mucosal reddening, with microscopic superficial mucosal necrosis associated with multiple protozoan trophozoites. Fatal parasite-induced enteritis and typhlocolitis are important causes of death in horses in Southern Brazil.
Topics: Animals; Balantidium; Colitis; Eimeria; Enteritis; Feces; Female; Horse Diseases; Horses; Male; Retrospective Studies; Seasons; Strongyloides; Typhlitis
PubMed: 31390438
DOI: 10.1590/S1984-29612019056