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Gut Pathogens 2020Intestinal parasitic diseases occur worldwide, and their diagnosis poses considerable challenges. spp., (and, arguably, and spp.) are among the most important and...
BACKGROUND
Intestinal parasitic diseases occur worldwide, and their diagnosis poses considerable challenges. spp., (and, arguably, and spp.) are among the most important and common parasitic protozoans causing diarrhea. Several multiplex real-time PCR assays have been developed for the synchronous detection of these parasites. However, most assays include the use of hydrolysis probes, increasing the cost of stool examination. In this study, we designed and evaluated a real-time PCR protocol, based on high-resolution melting (HRM) curve analysis, to simultaneously detect and differentiate five gastrointestinal parasites.
RESULTS
Using a blinded panel of 143 clinical samples with laboratory diagnostic data to evaluate the method, we obtained a 95.8% concordance with conventional methods. Moreover, 4.2% of the samples were positive for and 2.8% additional infections were found with our multiplex assay. Our method is sensitive and specific for the selected parasites with the additional possibility of being run in single-plex as a backup control for mixed infections.
CONCLUSIONS
The assay is a convenient and cost-effective method that could contribute to a quicker and accurate diagnosis as well as to more targeted therapies of parasite-derived diarrhea. Finally, this new multiplex PCR assay could also be instrumental in epidemiology studies on these parasites.
PubMed: 32514315
DOI: 10.1186/s13099-020-00365-6 -
The American Journal of Tropical... Nov 2018is an intestinal protozoan, usually considered nonpathogenic. However, in the last years, there has been an attempt to clarify its possible pathogenic role. We aim to... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
is an intestinal protozoan, usually considered nonpathogenic. However, in the last years, there has been an attempt to clarify its possible pathogenic role. We aim to evaluate the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of -infected patients. Adults with detection in feces who attended the Vall d'Hebron University Hospital (Barcelona, Spain) were evaluated retrospectively from April 2009 to March 2014. We classified the patients in asymptomatic, symptomatic without other causes except infection of , and symptomatic with another cause. Among symptomatic patients, treatment response was evaluated. One hundred eight patients were included. Sixty-three percent of the patients were immigrants, 29.6% were autochthonous, and 7.4% were travelers. Forty-nine (45.3%) patients presented symptoms, and eosinophilia was observed in 26 (24.1%) patients. Overall, 59 (54.7%) patients were asymptomatic, 15 (13.8%) presented symptoms which were attributable to other causes, and 34 (31.5%) patients presented symptoms with no other causes. In this last group, 29 patients received specific treatment and 65.5% of them presented a complete resolution of the symptoms. The group of symptomatic patients with no other cause had more proportion of women, more proportion of autochthonous people, and were older compared with the group of asymptomatic patients. infection should be considered as pathogenic when other causes are ruled out.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Asymptomatic Infections; Dientamoeba; Dientamoebiasis; Eosinophilia; Feces; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Spain; Tertiary Care Centers; Young Adult
PubMed: 30328410
DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.18-0433 -
Parasite Epidemiology and Control May 2022Comprehensive detection and differentiation of intestinal protists mostly rely on DNA-based methods. Here, we evaluated next-generation sequencing of eukaryotic nuclear...
Comprehensive detection and differentiation of intestinal protists mostly rely on DNA-based methods. Here, we evaluated next-generation sequencing of eukaryotic nuclear ribosomal genes (metabarcoding) for the detection and differentiation of intestinal eukaryotic protists in the stool of healthy Tunisian individuals. Thirty-six faecal DNA samples previously evaluated by microscopy and ameboid species-specific PCRs were tested. The hypervariable regions V3-V4 and V3-V5 of the 18S rRNA gene were amplified using three universal eukaryotic primer sets and sequenced using Illumina®MiSeq sequencing. In addition, real-time PCR assays were used to detect , , and spp. The metabarcoding assay detected (subtypes 1, 2, and 3) and archamoebid species and subtypes (, , RL1 and RL2, , RL1) in 27 (75%) and 22 (61%) of the 36 stool samples, respectively. Meanwhile, the assay had limited sensitivity for flagellates as evidenced by the fact that no -specific reads were found in any of the five -positive samples included, and -specific reads were observed only in 3/13 -positive samples. None of the samples were positive for by any of the methods. In conclusion, a large variety of intestinal eukaryotic protists were detected and differentiated at species and subtype level; however, limited sensitivity for common flagellates was observed.
PubMed: 35146142
DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2022.e00242 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Apr 2024The guidelines for chronic urticaria in children contain recommendations that are often based on adult studies. The diagnostic pathway has not been standardized and the... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
The guidelines for chronic urticaria in children contain recommendations that are often based on adult studies. The diagnostic pathway has not been standardized and the effectiveness of anti-H1, omalizumab, montelukast, and systemic glucocorticoids is rarely reported in the pediatric population. There is a wide variation in the rate of remission of chronic urticaria between studies. The aim of this study is to enhance our understanding of pediatric chronic urticaria. This study enrolled 37 children with chronic urticaria aged from 0 to 18 years. Demographic parameters, medical history, clinical features, laboratory data and treatment information were collected. Children were treated with the recommended dosage of second-generation H1-antihistamines, which was increased by up to twofold. Omalizumab was added for refractory anti-H1 patients. A three-day course with systemic glucocorticoids was administered for severe exacerbations. Montelukast was administered to some children. : Wheals without angioedema were common. Chronic urticaria was spontaneous in 32 children (86.48%), inducible in 2 (5.41%), induced by a parasite in 1 and vasculitic in 2. Treatment of the potential causes of chronic urticaria was of no benefit, except for eradication of Dientamoeba fragilis. Chronic urticaria was resolved within three years in 45.9% of cases. Allergic diseases were present in nine children (24.32%) and autoimmune diseases were present in three (8.11%). All children were treated with anti-H1 at the licensed dose or at a higher dose. A partial or complete response to anti-H1 was observed in 29 (78.38%) patients. Montelukast showed no benefit. All children treated with omalizumab responded. Systemic glucocorticoids were successfully used to treat exacerbations. Our findings indicate that laboratory tests should not be routinely performed in children with chronic urticaria without clinical suspicion. However, comorbidities such as thyroid autoimmune disease and coeliac disease are suggested to be monitored over the chronic urticaria course. These clinical conditions could be diagnosed from the diagnostic framework of chronic urticaria. Increasing the dosage of anti-H1 and omalizumab was effective in children resistant to standard treatment but we still need further studies to generate a standard patient-centered treatment.
Topics: Humans; Child; Female; Male; Child, Preschool; Adolescent; Chronic Urticaria; Infant; Sulfides; Cyclopropanes; Quinolines; Acetates; Omalizumab; Histamine H1 Antagonists; Glucocorticoids; Anti-Allergic Agents; Infant, Newborn; Chronic Disease; Urticaria
PubMed: 38792886
DOI: 10.3390/medicina60050704 -
Turkiye Parazitolojii Dergisi May 2022Parasitic infections emerge as a significant health problem, especially in underdeveloped and developing countries. Epidemiological data play an important role in taking...
OBJECTIVE
Parasitic infections emerge as a significant health problem, especially in underdeveloped and developing countries. Epidemiological data play an important role in taking effective measures against parasitic diseases.
METHODS
Clinical samples (stool, blood, bone marrow and tissue samples, etc.) that were sent to Hacettepe University Hospitals Parasitology Laboratory between 2014 and 2019 were analyzed retrospectively.
RESULTS
The positivity rates of the parasites detected in this study are as follows; sp. (71.6%), (13.3%), (4.7%), spp. (1.9%), (1.8%) and spp. (0.3%). In this study, four of the patients were found to be positive for spp. and two patients for and four patients for spp. cysts and/or trophozoites examined by Trichrome staining in our study were not detected within six years.
CONCLUSION
According to this data and in the light of the results obtained from different regions of our country, it will be possible to properly direct the necessary strategies for the diagnosis, treatment of parasitic infections and the implementation of preventive measures.
Topics: Animals; Dientamoeba; Faculty; Feces; Giardia lamblia; Humans; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Prevalence; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 35604188
DOI: 10.4274/tpd.galenos.2022.84429 -
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 -
Case Reports in Gastroenterology 2021Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is an uncommon illness that is characterized by obstruction of hepatic venous outflow. Patients typically present with nausea, vomiting, and...
Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is an uncommon illness that is characterized by obstruction of hepatic venous outflow. Patients typically present with nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, which can further progress into signs associated with liver failure, including jaundice, encephalopathy, and coagulopathy. The most common causes of BCS include pathologies that induce portal vein thrombosis, such as myeloproliferative disorders, malignancy, and acquired hypercoagulable states. In this case report, a patient who presented with abdominal pain and distention is diagnosed with BCS caused by an unusual etiology. He was found to have significant eosinophilia, prompting additional evaluation for parasitic infections. Using stool diagnostics/studies, he was found to have trophozoites. The patient was treated with enoxaparin, warfarin, and metronidazole with a resolution of his symptoms. This case outlines a novel cause of BCS as well as the proposed mechanism of induction of BCS.
PubMed: 34616241
DOI: 10.1159/000516210 -
PloS One 2018Intestinal parasitic infections are a major public health problem in inter-tropical areas. The aim of our study was to describe the situation in Mahajanga, Madagascar...
INTRODUCTION
Intestinal parasitic infections are a major public health problem in inter-tropical areas. The aim of our study was to describe the situation in Mahajanga, Madagascar with a particular focus on two protozoa, Dientamoeba fragilis and Blastocystis sp.
METHODS
This was a prospective study from February to June 2015. Stool samples from symptomatic hospitalized patients and asymptomatic volunteers were submitted to microscopy and molecular assays in order to detect parasites.
RESULTS
A wide panel of intestinal parasites were identified among the 265 included subjects, protozoa being the most prevalent with 72.8% whereas the prevalence of helminths and microsporidia was of 7.9% and 4.5%, respectively. Blastocystis sp. was the most prevalent protozoa (64.5% of the entire cohort) followed by various amoebas (35.5%) and flagellates (27,5%). We only detected subtypes 1, 2 and 3 of Blastocystis sp. Among the patients positive for D. fragilis (9.4%), 23 carried genotype 1 and 1 genotype 2. For the first time, we detected in 4 human stools the DNA of a recently described protozoon, Simplicimonas similis. Interestingly, subjects living in urban areas harbored significantly more different parasitic species than subjects living in rural areas with a correlation between sanitary level of neighborhood and protozoan infection. However, there was no difference in prevalence of digestive symptoms between parasite-free and parasite-infected subjects, except for Giardia intestinalis which had more symptomatic carriers.
DISCUSSION
Our study reveals a high overall parasite prevalence, similar to what had been found in 2003 in the same city and to other prevalence studies conducted in Africa. The poor access of the population to sanitary infrastructures may explain this result. Data from our study provide valuable key for sanitation programs and prevention of fecal-related infectious diseases.
Topics: Adult; Blastocystis; Cities; Dientamoeba; Female; Geography, Medical; Humans; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Madagascar; Male; Phylogeny; Prevalence; Prospective Studies; Protozoan Infections; Rural Population; Sanitation; Urban Population
PubMed: 30304028
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0204576 -
World Journal of Gastroenterology Jul 2020() and () are two protozoan parasites of human bowel that are found throughout the world. There is still debate about the pathogenicity of these protozoans, despite...
BACKGROUND
() and () are two protozoan parasites of human bowel that are found throughout the world. There is still debate about the pathogenicity of these protozoans, despite them being commonly associated with gastrointestinal symptoms and can cause health issue in both children and adults. These parasites are usually transmitted through faecal-oral contact particularly under poor hygiene conditions or food/water contamination. Once a person is infected, the parasites live in the large intestine and are passed in the faeces.
AIM
To investigate the effect of triple antibiotic therapy using enema infusion in the treatment of and infections.
METHODS
This retrospective longitudinal study was conducted in a single medical centre, which included fifty-four patients (≥ 18 years) who were positive for , or both between 2017 and 2018. The treatment consisted of triple antibiotics that were infused over two consecutive days through rectal enema. Faecal samples were collected from participants pre- and post-treatment and were tested for parasites using microscopy and polymerase chain reaction. Patients' symptoms were recorded prior and after the treatment as well as patient demographic data.
RESULTS
Patients ( = 54), were either positive for (37%), (35%) or both (28%). All patients completed the two-day treatment and no serious adverse effect was reported. The most common side effect experienced by the patients during the treatment was urine discolouration which was cleared by six weeks of follow-up. Common symptoms reported prior to treatment were diarrhoea, abdominal pain, constipation and fatigue. Other symptoms included abdominal discomfort, dizziness and blood in the stool. Eighty-nine percent of patients completed a final stool test post-treatment. At six weeks post-treatment, 79% of patients cleared the parasites from their faeces. Symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, dizziness and blood in the stool decreased significantly at both seven days and six weeks post-treatment ( < 0.040). The enema retention time, bowel preparation, previous antibiotic treatment or previous gastrointestinal problems had no significant effect on parasite eradication.
CONCLUSION
Overall, eradication of parasites and improvement of clinical outcomes were observed in treated patients, showing the efficacy of this combination to eradicate the parasites and provide positive clinical outcome.
Topics: Adult; Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Child; Enema; Feces; Female; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Parasites; Parasitic Diseases; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 32774058
DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i26.3792 -
International Maritime Health 2023Poland has experienced increased economic migration since 2021. Large waves of migrants, mostly from Asian and African countries, are trying to get into the European...
BACKGROUND
Poland has experienced increased economic migration since 2021. Large waves of migrants, mostly from Asian and African countries, are trying to get into the European Union by crossing Poland's eastern border illegally. The influx of illegal migrants into Poland is the result of a policy adopted by the Belarusian and Russian regimes that are trying to provoke another migrant crisis in Europe. In the opinion of some Polish politicians illegal migration contributes to the spread of parasitic diseases in our country as many migrants arriving into Poland carry intestinal parasites. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of infections with intestinal parasites in the Polish Border Guard officers safeguarding Poland's eastern borders.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Parasitological diagnostics was carried out between April and May 2023. The study involved 218 Polish Border Guard officers from the Podlaski Border Guard Unit (PBGU) and 209 officers from the Bug Border Guard Unit (BBGU), whose task is to patrol and safeguard Poland's border with Ukraine and Belarus. Faecal examinations were performed using three different light microscopy testing methods (direct smear, decantation, flotation) at the Department of Epidemiology and Tropical Medicine at the Military Institute of Medicine - National Research Institute, Warsaw, Poland.
RESULTS
Considered to be potentially pathogenic intestinal parasites were diagnosed in 20 out of 218 officers serving in the PBGU (8.7% infected with Blastocystis spp., 0.5% with Dientamoeba fragilis) and in 9 out of 209 officers serving in the BBGU (3.8% infected with Blastocystis spp., 0.5% with Dientamoeba fragilis). There were no infections with nematodes, cestodes or trematodes in the study participants. No correlation was found between a parasitic infection and the presence of diarrhoea or other gastrointestinal symptoms within 6 months prior to the study in both groups.
CONCLUSIONS
Although Polish Border Guard officers deployed to the eastern border are exposed to difficult environmental conditions and have frequent contacts (either directly or indirectly) with migrants arriving from countries which report high incidence of parasitic infections, the rates of infections with potentially pathogenic protozoa in officers from the PBGU and BBGU are low and mainly attributable to pathogens which are widespread in the general Polish population. Low rates of parasitic infections in officers serving in the border zone suggest that the epidemiological situation of parasitic diseases in East Poland is satisfactory and that the disease prevention strategies (including the use of personal protection gear) implemented by the Polish medical services are effective.
Topics: Humans; Poland; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; European Union; Military Personnel; Europe
PubMed: 37781943
DOI: 10.5603/imh.97185