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MedRxiv : the Preprint Server For... Dec 2023Wastewater-based epidemiology has emerged as a critical tool for public health surveillance, building on decades of environmental surveillance work for pathogens such as...
Wastewater-based epidemiology has emerged as a critical tool for public health surveillance, building on decades of environmental surveillance work for pathogens such as poliovirus. Work to date has been limited to monitoring a single pathogen or small numbers of pathogens in targeted studies; however, few studies consider simultaneous quantitative analysis of a wide variety of pathogens, which could greatly increase the utility of wastewater surveillance. We developed a novel quantitative multi-pathogen surveillance approach (35 pathogen targets including bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and helminths) using TaqMan Array Cards (TAC) and applied the method on concentrated wastewater samples collected at four wastewater treatment plants in Atlanta, GA from February to October of 2020. From sewersheds serving approximately 2 million people, we detected a wide range of targets including many we expected to find in wastewater (e.g., enterotoxigenic and in 97% of 29 samples at stable concentrations) as well as unexpected targets including (a human threadworm rarely observed in the USA). Other notable detections included SARS-CoV-2, but also several pathogen targets that are not commonly included in wastewater surveillance like spp., , astrovirus, norovirus, and sapovirus. Our data suggest broad utility in expanding the scope of enteric pathogen surveillance in wastewaters, with potential for application in a variety of settings where pathogen quantification in fecal waste streams can inform public health surveillance and selection of control measures to limit infections.
PubMed: 37425908
DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.23.23291792 -
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 -
Veterinary Medicine and Science Jan 2024Factors influencing parasitosis in cattle in Bangladesh remain inadequately explored, necessitating a comprehensive investigation for interventions and sustainable...
BACKGROUND
Factors influencing parasitosis in cattle in Bangladesh remain inadequately explored, necessitating a comprehensive investigation for interventions and sustainable livestock farming.
OBJECTIVES
We conducted this study to estimate the prevalence and distribution of gastrointestinal parasites, exploring their intricate relationship with farm management practices across a spectrum of small-, medium-, and large-scale commercial farms.
METHODS
We conducted this study in the Chattogram district of Bangladesh. We collected a total of 189 freshly voided faecal samples from different farms. We recorded the age, breed, milking status, sex, body condition score, and anthelmintic use history of the sampled animals. We processed the samples using the direct smear method, with the identification of one egg per sample being considered positive.
RESULTS
We estimated the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasite infection in large-scale (52.1%), medium-scale (54.5%), and small-scale farms (70.0%), with statistically significant differences (p ≤ 0.05). Both pregnant and lactating cows, as well as indigenous cattle, were more likely to have gastrointestinal parasites (p ≤ 0.05). The predominant parasites across farms of all sizes were trematodes (Paramphistomum spp. and Schistosomas spp.) and protozoa (Balantidium coli and Coccidia spp.).
CONCLUSION
Poor farm management practices, such as no pasture management and inadequate deworming regimens, may contribute to the elevated prevalence and infection load observed on small-scale farms. The increased parasitosis in previously dewormed animals can be attributed to the development of anthelmintic resistance against gastrointestinal parasites. Implementing proper and effective deworming strategies is crucial to preventing gastrointestinal parasitosis and mitigating the risk of anthelmintic resistance.
Topics: Female; Animals; Cattle; Lactation; Bangladesh; Anthelmintics; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Cattle Diseases
PubMed: 38009452
DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1325 -
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 -
Veterinary World Feb 2024Gastrointestinal (GI) parasite infections are the foremost and prevalent diseases that affect pigs in Thailand. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of GI...
BACKGROUND AND AIM
Gastrointestinal (GI) parasite infections are the foremost and prevalent diseases that affect pigs in Thailand. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of GI parasites among pigs in Kalasin Province. This study is the first attempt to understand the occurrence of GI parasites in pigs within Kalasin province using fecal samples as the methodology.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We collected 324 fecal samples directly from the rectums of pigs from May to July 2023. The formalin-ethyl acetate concentration and floatation methods were used to examine these samples. The eggs or oocysts were identified by observing their morphology and size under a light microscope.
RESULTS
Of the 324 fecal samples examined, 276 tested positive for gastrointestinal parasitic infections, resulting in a prevalence rate of 85.19%. Nematodes were the most prevalent, with Strongyle-type infections being the highest in 267 cases (82.41%), followed by in 222 cases (68.52%), and spp. in 152 cases (46.91%). spp. infections were also observed in 92 cases (28.40%). However, trematode infection was relatively rare, with only spp. found in 15 cases (4.63%). We identified spp. in 87 cases (26.85%), spp. in 70 cases (21.60%), in 67 cases (20.68%), and spp. in 52 cases (16.05%). Notably, most of the positive fecal samples showed double infections with a prevalence rate of approximately 38.27%. Single infections were the next most common, accounting for 25.31% of the cases, followed by 3 parasites (14.81%) and 4-5 parasites (6.79%).
CONCLUSION
This study underscores the high endemicity of GI parasites among pigs in Kalasin province. To improve prevention and control measures, it is recommended to establish a health monitoring program that includes deworming and emphasizes good hygiene practices. The insights gained from this study will contribute to the enhancement of pig farming practices in Kalasin province, ultimately leading to improved production and profitability. In addition, future research should focus on detecting these parasites in Kalasin and exploring their relationship with human transmission cycle.
PubMed: 38595646
DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2024.273-281 -
Parasitology Aug 2023Bovines are important reservoir hosts of schistosomiasis, placing humans and animals in rice fields areas at risk of infection. This study reported the prevailing...
Bovines are important reservoir hosts of schistosomiasis, placing humans and animals in rice fields areas at risk of infection. This study reported the prevailing infection of zoonotic parasites from bovine feces in the rice fields adjacent to Lake Mainit, Philippines. Formalin Ethyl Acetate Sedimentation was performed on 124 bovine fecal samples from rice fields and documented eggs and cysts from seven parasites: sp., sp., coccidian oocyst and a hookworm species. Among these parasites, harboured the highest infection with a 100% prevalence rate, followed by hookworms (51.61%), (30.64%) and (12.09%), respectively. The intensity of infection of eggs per gram (MPEG = 4.19) among bovines is categorized as ‘light.’ Bovine contamination index (BCI) calculations revealed that, on average, infected bovines in rice fields excrete 104 750 eggs daily. However, across all ricefield stations, bovines were heavily infected with fascioliasis with BCI at 162 700 eggs per day. The study reports that apart from the persistent cases of schistosomiasis in the area, bovines in these rice fields are also heavily infected with fascioliasis. The study confirms the critical role of bovines as a reservoir host for continued infection of schistosomiasis, fascioliasis and other diseases in the rice fields of Lake Mainit. Immediate intervention to manage the spread of these diseases in bovines is recommended.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Cattle; Schistosoma japonicum; Schistosomiasis japonica; Parasites; Fascioliasis; Ecosystem; Lakes; Philippines; Schistosomiasis; China
PubMed: 37496395
DOI: 10.1017/S0031182023000537 -
BMC Veterinary Research Apr 2024Ethno-veterinary practices could be used as a sustainable developmental tool by integrating traditional phytotherapy and husbandry. Phytotherapeutics are available and...
BACKGROUND
Ethno-veterinary practices could be used as a sustainable developmental tool by integrating traditional phytotherapy and husbandry. Phytotherapeutics are available and used worldwide. However, evidence of their antiparasitic efficacy is currently very limited. Parasitic diseases have a considerable effect on pig production, causing economic losses due to high morbidity and mortality. In this respect, especially smallholders and organic producers face severe challenges. Parasites, as disease causing agents, often outcompete other pathogens in such extensive production systems. A total of 720 faecal samples were collected in two farms from three age categories, i.e. weaners, fatteners, and sows. Flotation (Willis and McMaster method), modified Ziehl-Neelsen stained faecal smear, centrifugal sedimentation, modified Blagg technique, and faecal cultures were used to identify parasites and quantify the parasitic load.
RESULTS
The examination confirmed the presence of infections with Eimeria spp., Cryptosporidium spp., Balantioides coli (syn. Balantidium coli), Ascaris suum, Oesophagostomum spp., Strongyloides ransomi, and Trichuris suis, distributed based on age category. A dose of 180 mg/kg bw/day of Allium sativum L. and 90 mg/kg bw/day of Artemisia absinthium L. powders, administered for 10 consecutive days, revealed a strong, taxonomy-based antiprotozoal and anthelmintic activity.
CONCLUSIONS
The results highlighted the therapeutic potential of both A. sativum and A. absinthium against gastrointestinal parasites in pigs. Their therapeutic effectiveness may be attributed to the content in polyphenols, tocopherols, flavonoids, sterols, sesquiterpene lactones, and sulfoxide. Further research is required to establish the minimal effective dose of both plants against digestive parasites in pigs.
Topics: Animals; Swine; Female; Parasites; Garlic; Artemisia absinthium; Cryptosporidiosis; Antiparasitic Agents; Farms; Cryptosporidium; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Anti-Infective Agents; Swine Diseases; Feces; Prevalence
PubMed: 38561770
DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-03983-3