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Veterinary Medicine and Science Mar 2023Fish is a great nutritious food and provides quality protein and a variety of vitamins and minerals. This contributes significantly to the economy and food security in... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Fish is a great nutritious food and provides quality protein and a variety of vitamins and minerals. This contributes significantly to the economy and food security in Iran. However, there are safety concerns related to the presence of zoonotic parasites.
OBJECTIVES
The objective of this study is, therefore, to review fish-borne zoonotic parasites in Iran.
METHODS
Keywords such as fish-borne, parasites, zoonotic, Iran, and some names of fish-borne zoonotic parasites were searched in databases including PubMed, Science Direct, Elsevier, SID, Magiran, Irandoc, Google Scholar and the World Health Organization.
RESULTS
The most common fish-borne parasites with zoonotic potential identified in reports in the literature were the protozoa Balantidium spp., Myxobolus spp. and Sarcosystis sp.; the trematodes Heterophyes heterophyes and Clinostomum complanatum; the cestodes Ligula intestinalis and Diphyllobothrium latum; the nematodes Pseudoterranova sp., Anisakis spp., Contracaecum spp., Raphidascaris spp., Eustrongylides spp. and Capillaria sp.; and the acanthocephal Corynosoma spp.
CONCLUSIONS
The potential risk factors for the transmission of fish-borne zoonotic parasites to humans are consumption of raw or undercooked infected fish, contact with contaminated water and contact with infected fish. There is a need for epidemiological surveillance of fish for parasites with zoonotic potential and of occurrence of infections in humans to better understand the public health significance and design prevention programs.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Parasites; Iran; Fishes; Public Health; Trematoda
PubMed: 36271486
DOI: 10.1002/vms3.981 -
Parasites & Vectors Dec 2019With a global population of about 35 million in 47 countries, dromedary camels play a crucial role in the economy of many marginal, desert areas of the world where they... (Review)
Review
With a global population of about 35 million in 47 countries, dromedary camels play a crucial role in the economy of many marginal, desert areas of the world where they survive under harsh conditions. Nonetheless, there is scarce knowledge regarding camels' parasite fauna which can reduce their milk and meat productions. In addition, only scattered information is available about zoonotic parasites transmitted to humans via contamination (e.g. Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, Balantidium coli, Blastocystis spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi), as foodborne infections (e.g. Toxoplasma gondii, Trichinella spp. and Linguatula serrata) or by arthropod vectors (Trypanosoma spp.). Herein, we draw attention of the scientific community and health policy-making organizations to the role camels play in the epidemiology of parasitic zoonotic diseases also in the view of an increase in their farming in desert areas worldwide.
Topics: Animals; Camelus; Humans; Parasites; Parasitic Diseases; Parasitic Diseases, Animal; Zoonoses
PubMed: 31881926
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3863-3 -
The Korean Journal of Parasitology Feb 2020Balantidium coli human infection predominantly occurs in tropical and subtropical regions in the world. Human case is extremely rare in China. This report details a case... (Review)
Review
Balantidium coli human infection predominantly occurs in tropical and subtropical regions in the world. Human case is extremely rare in China. This report details a case of B. coli infection in a 68-year-old man in China, who presented with history of abdominal pain, tenesmus, diarrhea with blood and was diagnosed as B. coli-caused dysentery. Our case indicates possible occurrence of Balantidium coli-related disease in cooler climates. This case is presented not only because of its rarity but also for future references.
Topics: Aged; Balantidiasis; Balantidium; China; Climate; Dysentery; Humans; Male
PubMed: 32145726
DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2020.58.1.47 -
BMC Infectious Diseases Oct 2021In Ghana, Balantidium coli (B. coli) has been identified in vegetables and in pigs, although there is a paucity of data regarding human balantidiosis. This study sought...
BACKGROUND
In Ghana, Balantidium coli (B. coli) has been identified in vegetables and in pigs, although there is a paucity of data regarding human balantidiosis. This study sought to assess human B. coli infection in Ghana, factors associated with the infection as well as its association with haematological and biochemical parameters.
METHODS
Two pig rearing communities in the Ga West Municipality, Ghana, were involved in this study. Stool and blood samples were collected from pig farmers and their exposed household members as well as relevant information on potential associated factors. Eosin-saline wet preparation was done on the same day of stool samples were collected while formol ether concentration technique was performed later. Haematological, biochemical parameters and serum electrolytes were determined using Celltac MEK-6500 K, PKL-125 biochemical analyser, and FT-320 electrolyte analyser, respectively.
RESULTS
The overall prevalence of balantidiosis was 10.4 %, significantly higher among farmers (21.7 %) than in exposed household members (5.8 %) (x = 17.8, p = 0.000025). Of the 43 infected individuals, 20.9 % were co-infected with either Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, or Schistosoma mansoni. In B. coli infection, mild to moderate anaemia together with a reduction in levels of platelet, albumin and, sodium, chloride, and bicarbonate ions were observed. However, white blood cells were significantly elevated in infected states. Poor farming practices such as free-range systems, improper disposal of pig faeces, lack of use of protective farming clothing, and unavailability of dedicated farming clothing were found to be associated with B. coli infection status. Finally, frequent diarrhea (OR = 12.30, p = 0.006) with occult blood (OR = 25.94, p < 0.0001) were found to be predictors of B. coli infection.
CONCLUSIONS
Human balantidiosis is endemic in Ga West Municipality, Ghana. Individuals living closed to pig rearing communities presenting with frequent diarrhea with occult blood in stool should be screened and treated for balantidiosis to mitigate the clinical consequences of the infection.
Topics: Animals; Balantidiasis; Entamoeba histolytica; Ghana; Humans; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Swine
PubMed: 34627168
DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06731-2 -
Veterinary Sciences Mar 2023Wild animals harbor pathogens that can be infectious agents for humans, including parasites. This study aimed to identify gastrointestinal parasites and assess their...
Wild animals harbor pathogens that can be infectious agents for humans, including parasites. This study aimed to identify gastrointestinal parasites and assess their prevalence and the potential risk for humans associated with consuming these animals. The research was conducted from August to December 2019. Parasitological analyses were carried out on the feces and intestines of 113 wild animals, including antelopes (24), duikers (58), porcupines (18), small monkeys () (8), nandinia (2), pangolin (1), genet (1), and a crocodile (1), from the Zadié Department in the province of Ogooué-Ivindo in the northeast of Gabon. The results revealed 15 taxa of gastrointestinal parasites, including nine nematodes: (61/113), spp. (21/113), spp. (21/113), spp. (39/113), spp. (9/113), spp. (5/113), spp. (8/113), spp. (7/113) and spp. (5/113); three species of protozoa, namely spp. (12/113), spp. (17/113), and spp. (9/113); two species of trematodes, namely spp. (18/113) and spp. (21/113); and cestode species, spp. (1/113). The prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitism in these animals was 85.84% (97/113). In addition, among these parasitic taxa, some are potential pathogens for humans, such as spp., spp., spp., and spp. The consumption of games, particularly offal, infested by these parasites, could threaten human health.
PubMed: 36977268
DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10030229 -
European Journal of Case Reports in... 2021Ciliocytophthoria is a phenomenon where degenerated cells in infections or malignancy can present as ciliated cells on microscopy and so may be confused with ciliated...
UNLABELLED
Ciliocytophthoria is a phenomenon where degenerated cells in infections or malignancy can present as ciliated cells on microscopy and so may be confused with ciliated parasitic infection. We present an interesting case of recurrent shortness of breath, misdiagnosed as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations leading to unnecessary exposure to antimicrobials and steroids. The case was diagnosed as hyper-infection syndrome. Another finding worth mentioning was that ciliated cells noted on broncho-alveolar lavage were thought to be a co-infection with but were later confirmed as ciliocytophthoria.
LEARNING POINTS
Strongyloides hyper-infection syndrome should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a patient from an endemic area presenting with non-resolving respiratory symptoms.Ciliocytophthoria is a type of degenerative process where degenerated cells can appear ciliated on microscopy. appears to be similar but is much larger and has cilia circumferentially compared with ciliocytophthoria which has a polar distribution of cilia.
PubMed: 34377700
DOI: 10.12890/2021_002707 -
Veterinary Medicine and Science Sep 2021Intestinal parasites have a significant impact on productivity of pigs. Additionally, presence of zoonotic parasites in pig faeces used as fertilizer and ingestion of...
BACKGROUND
Intestinal parasites have a significant impact on productivity of pigs. Additionally, presence of zoonotic parasites in pig faeces used as fertilizer and ingestion of raw or undercooked pork products originated from parasite-infested pigs pose a risk to human health.
OBJECTIVES
The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence and diversity of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in indigenous pigs (Sus domesticus) maintained under traditional rearing system in Nepal.
METHODS
Fresh faecal samples (n = 100) were collected from the pigs of varying age and sex maintained in 18 small-scale farms in south-central Nepal. Samples were processed using various standard methods and examined for parasite eggs, cysts or oocysts.
RESULTS
Prevalence of GI parasites in indigenous pigs was 91%, comprising of 14 different genera of protozoans and helminths. Male pigs generally had a higher (97.5%) prevalence of GI parasites than females (87%). While 90% of the suckling and weaner piglets were positive for the GI parasites, all growers and 85% the adult pigs were infected with the parasites. Entamoeba spp. were the primary protozoans in all age groups. Strongyloides sp. was more prevalent helminths in suckling and weaner piglets, whereas Ascarid spp. were higher in both growers and adults. Triplet infection was higher (33.3%) in suckling and weaner piglets, while quadruplet and pentuplet infections were higher (p < .05) among growers (46.7%) and adults (30%), respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
The indigenous pigs harbour a higher prevalence and greater diversity of GI parasites. GI parasitism varies by sex and age of the pigs.
Topics: Animals; Feces; Female; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Male; Nepal; Parasites; Swine; Swine Diseases
PubMed: 34021721
DOI: 10.1002/vms3.536 -
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) Aug 2022Parasitic diseases cause significant economic losses in swine, including free-range swine farms, the number of which in Romania has increased in the last decades. The...
Parasitic diseases cause significant economic losses in swine, including free-range swine farms, the number of which in Romania has increased in the last decades. The current study aimed to identify the parasitic profile of swine raised on two free-range (low-input) farms from Transylvania. Nine hundred sixty samples collected from weaners, fatteners, and sows were investigated by flotation, centrifugal sedimentation, modified Ziehl-Neelsen stained fecal smear, modified Blagg technique, and oocyst/egg cultures. The number of oocysts (OPG), cysts (CPG), and eggs (EPG) were counted per gram of fecal matter. The examination revealed parasitic infections with Balantidium coli, Eimeria spp., Ascaris suum, Trichuris suis, Oesophagostomum spp., Strongyloides ransomi and Cryptosporidium spp. Prevalence (P) and the mean intensity (MI) of the infections varied according to age, swine category, farm, and season. The overall prevalence in both free-range farms according to the age category was 63.2%—Eimeria spp., 70.31%—B. coli, 9.38%—Oesophagostomum spp., 3.75% S. ransomi, and 18.12% Cryptosporidium spp. in weaners. In fatteners Eimeria spp. revealed a prevalence of 50.93%, B. coli—72.5 %, A. suum—63.13%, T. suis—39.06%, and in sows Eimeria spp.—39.06%, B. coli—62.19%, A. suum—34.06%, Oesophagostomum spp.—27.19%, S. ransomi—1.56% and Cryptosporidium spp.—9.38%. The study revealed statistically significant (p < 0.05) differences between age groups, seasons, and farms for all diagnosed parasites. Further research is required to better understand the epidemiology of these infections in swine from Transylvania.
PubMed: 36145387
DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11090954 -
International Medical Case Reports... 2022is a ciliated protozoan parasite, which causes intestinal and extraintestinal infections in humans. It is transmitted feco-orally by ingesting infective cysts with food...
BACKGROUND
is a ciliated protozoan parasite, which causes intestinal and extraintestinal infections in humans. It is transmitted feco-orally by ingesting infective cysts with food and water. Urinary balantidiasis may occur through contamination (direct spread from the anal area), secondarily to rectovaginal fistula and following immune suppression. Data about cases of urinary balantidiasis are rare in the world. Currently, there are no documented reports of urinary balantidiasis in Ethiopia. As our understanding, there are only eleven documented reports of urinary balantidiasis globally. However, cases of urinary balantidiasis among pregnant women have not been documented yet. The aim of this report is to alarm health professionals for considering the occurrence of such rare cases and conduct diagnosis.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 24-year old pregnant woman was admitted due to severe preeclampsia and preterm delivery at Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, gynecology ward. Her urine was presented to inpatient laboratory for routine urinalysis. We detected unusual and ciliated parasite from her urine sediment characterized by its active and rotary motility through its cilia and possessing macro- and micro-nuclei, several food vacuoles and ingested red blood cells inside the cytoplasm. Hematuria, many white blood cells and epithelial cells were also detected from the urine sediment, which suggests genito-urinary tract infection due to this parasite. This rare parasite finding was confirmed to be .
CONCLUSION
The route of transmission and extraintestinal existence from this woman's urine was unclear. It might be due to feco-oral transmission and spread to the genitourinary tract through direct anal contact. Moreover, it might be associated with immune suppression as she is pregnant woman.
PubMed: 35345500
DOI: 10.2147/IMCRJ.S355536 -
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