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Journal of Infection in Developing... Mar 2020Endolimax nana is a commensal protozoan of the colon. We report a case of chronic urticaria associated with E. nana in a 34-year-old Italian woman. The patient suffered...
Endolimax nana is a commensal protozoan of the colon. We report a case of chronic urticaria associated with E. nana in a 34-year-old Italian woman. The patient suffered from abdominal pain, diarrhoea and weight loss. The disease appeared after a trip to Vietnam. Laboratory examinations showed mild blood eosinophilia. Three coproparasitological examinations were positive for cysts of E. nana. The patient was successfully treated with two courses of metronidazole (2 g/day for 10 days each). No antihistamines were used. Three coproparasitological examinations, carried out at the end of the therapy, were negative. Follow up (six months) was negative. E. nana can be responsible for very rare cases of abdominal pain, diarrhoea, polyarthritis and urticaria.
Topics: Abdominal Pain; Adult; Antiprotozoal Agents; Dysentery, Amebic; Endolimax; Feces; Female; Humans; Italy; Metronidazole; Travel; Urticaria
PubMed: 32235095
DOI: 10.3855/jidc.12389 -
Tropical Parasitology 2016Of the so-called nonpathogenic intestinal protozoa, Endolimax nana belongs to the ones least well described. Most data on E. nana have emerged from general surveys of... (Review)
Review
Of the so-called nonpathogenic intestinal protozoa, Endolimax nana belongs to the ones least well described. Most data on E. nana have emerged from general surveys of intestinal parasites in selected cohorts and mostly in the absence of any particular focus on Endolimax. Hence, the genus of Endolimax remains largely unexplored in terms of morphology, taxonomy, genetic diversity, host specificity, and epidemiology. In this review, we seek to provide an overview of the work that has been performed on the parasite since the genus Endolimax was described by Kuenen and Swellengrebel in 1917 and suggest activities that may pave the way for a better understanding of E. nana in a clinical and public health context.
PubMed: 26998431
DOI: 10.4103/2229-5070.175077 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Apr 2021Parasitic and amphizoic amoebae are ubiquitous and can affect a huge variety of hosts, from invertebrates to humans, and fish are not an exception. Most of the... (Review)
Review
Parasitic and amphizoic amoebae are ubiquitous and can affect a huge variety of hosts, from invertebrates to humans, and fish are not an exception. Most of the relationships between amoebae and fish are based on four different types: ectocommensals, ectoparasites, endocommensals and endoparasites, although the lines between them are not always clear. As ectocommensals, they are located specially on the gills and particularly the amphizoic is the most relevant species, being a real pathogenic parasite in farmed salmon. It causes amoebic gill disease, which causes a progressive hyperplasia of epithelial cells in the gill filaments and lamellae. Nodular gill disease is its analogue in freshwater fish but the causative agent is still not clear, although several amoebae have been identified associated to the lesions. Other species have been described in different fish species, affecting not only gills but also other organs, even internal ones. In some cases, species of the genera or , which also contain pathogenic species affecting humans, are usually described affecting freshwater fish species. As endocommensals, species have been described in the digestive tract of freshwater and marine fish species, but can reach other organs and cause systemic infections in farmed . Other systemic infections caused by amoebae are usually described in wild fish, although in most cases these are isolated cases without clinical signs or significance.
PubMed: 33916144
DOI: 10.3390/ani11040991 -
Virus Evolution 2022Metagenomic techniques have facilitated the discovery of thousands of viruses, yet because samples are often highly biodiverse, fundamental data on the specific cellular...
Metagenomic techniques have facilitated the discovery of thousands of viruses, yet because samples are often highly biodiverse, fundamental data on the specific cellular hosts are usually missing. Numerous gastrointestinal viruses linked to human or animal diseases are affected by this, preventing research into their medical or veterinary importance. Here, we developed a computational workflow for the prediction of viral hosts from complex metagenomic datasets. We applied it to seven lineages of gastrointestinal cressdnaviruses using 1,124 metagenomic datasets, predicting hosts of four lineages. The , strongly associated to human gum disease (periodontitis), were predicted to infect , an oral pathogen itself involved in periodontitis. The , originally linked to fatal equine disease, were predicted to infect a variety of parabasalid protists, including in humans. Two viral lineages observed in human diarrhoeal disease (CRESSV1 and CRESSV19, i.e. pecoviruses and hudisaviruses) were predicted to infect spp. and respectively, protists responsible for millions of annual human infections. Our prediction approach is adaptable to any virus lineage and requires neither training datasets nor host genome assemblies. Two host predictions (for the and CRESSV1 lineages) could be independently confirmed as virus-host relationships using endogenous viral elements identified inside host genomes, while a further prediction (for the ) was strongly supported as a virus-host relationship using a case-control screening experiment of human oral plaques.
PubMed: 36325032
DOI: 10.1093/ve/veac087 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2022A multi-epitope protein expressed in a prokaryotic system, including epitopes of Env, Gag, and Tax proteins of both HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 was characterized for HTLV-1/2...
A multi-epitope protein expressed in a prokaryotic system, including epitopes of Env, Gag, and Tax proteins of both HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 was characterized for HTLV-1/2 serological screening. This tool can contribute to support the implementation of public policies to reduce HTLV-1/2 transmission in Brazil, the country with the highest absolute numbers of HTLV-1/2 infected individuals. The chimeric protein was tested in EIA using serum/plasma of HTLV-infected individuals and non-infected ones from four Brazilian states, including the North and Northeast regions (that present high prevalence of HTLV-1/2) and Southeast region (that presents intermediate prevalence rates) depicting different epidemiological context of HTLV-1/2 infection in our country. We enrolled samples from Pará ( = 114), Maranhão ( = 153), Minas Gerais ( = 225) and São Paulo ( = 59) states; they are from blood donors' candidates (Pará and Minas Gerais), pregnant women (Maranhão) and HIV+/high risk for sexually transmitted infection (STI; São Paulo). Among the HTLV-1/2 positive sera, there were co-infections with viral (HTLV-1 + HTLV-2, HIV, HCV, and HBV), bacterial () and parasitic (, and ) pathogens related to HTLV-1/2 co-morbidities that can contribute to inconclusive diagnostic results. Sera positive for HIV were included among the HTLV-1/2 negative samples. Considering both HTLV-1 and HTLV-2-infected samples from all states and different groups (blood donor candidates, pregnant women, and individuals with high risk for STI), mono or co-infected and HTLV-/HIV+, the test specificity ranged from 90.09 to 95.19% and the sensitivity from 82.41 to 92.36% with high accuracy (ROC AUC = 0.9552). This multi-epitope protein showed great potential to be used in serological screening of HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 in different platforms, even taking into account the great regional variation and different profile of HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 mono or co-infected individuals.
Topics: Brazil; Epitopes; Female; HIV Infections; HTLV-I Infections; HTLV-II Infections; Human T-lymphotropic virus 1; Human T-lymphotropic virus 2; Humans; Pregnancy; Sexually Transmitted Diseases
PubMed: 35677763
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.884701 -
Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease Sep 2021While the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections (IPI) has been most commonly studied in African and Asian populations, less is known about the prevalence rates... (Review)
Review
While the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections (IPI) has been most commonly studied in African and Asian populations, less is known about the prevalence rates of IPI in European children, as well as the potential risk factors that favor the spread of parasites. We aimed to review published evidence on the prevalence rates of IPI in children residing in Europe, and to quantitatively synthesize the results of published studies. We searched Medline from 1 January 2015 to 1 April 2021 to address the most recently published prevalence patterns of IPI in European children. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed by type of IPI infection, age group and sex, depending on data availability. Of the 967 potentially relevant articles, eight eligible cross-sectional studies were included in this analysis, yielding a sample of 3376 children (0-19 years). The overall prevalence rate was 5.9% for any IPI in children residing in European countries. was the most commonly detected parasite yielding a prevalence rate of 10.7%. Other parasites included and . Studies focusing on specific types of parasites showed prevalence rates ranging from 1.3% for to 68.3% for . Despite the scarce literature, the present review showed relatively low prevalence rates of IPI in Europe. Future studies accounting for proper diagnostic methods used for the detection of parasites and including information on potential sociodemographic factors, such as travelling history and history of immigration, are needed to guide clinicians about which children to test, as well as when and how to test children for IPI.
PubMed: 34564544
DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed6030160 -
PloS One 2023Intestinal parasitic infections have been considered a relevant public health problem due to the increased incidence worldwide. In developing countries, diarrhea and...
Intestinal parasitic infections have been considered a relevant public health problem due to the increased incidence worldwide. In developing countries, diarrhea and gastrointestinal symptoms cause impaired work capacity in adults and delayed rate growth in children. Enteric infections of unknown etiology can often lead to misdiagnosis, increased transmission, and morbidity. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in a young adult population and their pets. Stool samples from 139 university students and 44 companion animals were subjected to microscopy diagnosis using wet mounts, concentration by zinc sulphate flotation and staining techniques (Kinyoun and trichrome stain). Molecular diagnosis of protozoa was also performed by conventional PCR. The mean age was 24 years, 54% individuals were female, 46% were men, and 66% had at least one pet. The overall prevalence for at least one parasite was 74.8% and the rate of polyparasitism was 37.5%. Eighty-three patients (59.7%) were positive for Blastocystis spp., followed by Cryptosporidium spp. 24.5%, Endolimax nana 13.6%, Entamoeba dispar/E. moshkovskii 7.8% and Giardia intestinalis 1.4%. Molecular diagnosis substantially improved Cryptosporidium spp. and Blastocystis spp. detection and allowed to distinguish E. histolytica from commensals in the Entamoeba complex. Student's pets were also examined for parasitism. Samples from 27 dogs, 15 cats, one rabbit and one hen were analyzed, and parasites were detected in 30 (68.2%) as follows: Cryptosporidium spp. (24) Giardia spp. (4), hookworm (3), Endolimax nana (2) and Toxoplasma gondii (1). Overall, university students showed high prevalence of parasitism and polyparasitism suggesting exposure to parasite infected animals and contaminated environments. Cryptosporidium spp. was the predominant pathogen in human and domestic animals, and it was only detected by PCR, pointing out the need for sensitive tests in diagnosis and surveillance. Control strategies to prevent the effects of parasitic infections in young population should consider pets as reservoirs and transmission source.
Topics: Child; Male; Female; Humans; Animals; Young Adult; Cats; Dogs; Rabbits; Adult; Colombia; Chickens; Cryptosporidiosis; Cryptosporidium; South America; Blastocystis; Endolimax; Entamoeba
PubMed: 37220135
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0283824 -
Revista Do Instituto de Medicina... 2022Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are neglected diseases caused by helminths and protozoa, with the relationships between parasite, host and environment having the...
Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are neglected diseases caused by helminths and protozoa, with the relationships between parasite, host and environment having the potential to produce high morbidity and incapacity to work and mortality in vulnerable areas. This study assessed the prevalence of IPIs concerning socio-environmental conditions and analyzed the knowledge, attitudes and practices related to these diseases among men living in the slums of Rio de Janeiro city, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted in an agglomeration of urban slums between 2018 and 2019, with men aged between 20 and 59 years. A socioeconomic status questionnaire and an IPIs knowledge, attitudes and practices questionnaire (KAPQ) were applied. Coproparasitological diagnoses (n=454) were performed using four methods and samples of water for household consumption (n=392) were subjected to microbiological and physicochemical analysis. A total of 624 participants were enrolled. About 40% of the households had "water unsuitable for consumption". Only one Major Area, MA 3 was not statistically significant for IPIs (AOR=0.75; 95% CI: 0.30-1.88; p=0.55). The overall prevalence of IPIs was 23.8%. Endolimax nana (n=65, 14.3%) and hookworm (n=8, 1.7%) were the most frequently identified parasites. The analysis of the frequency of responses to the KAPQ has shown that men reported to seeking medical care if they were suspicious of IPIs, and around 35% would self-medicate. The results have shown the need to adopt integrated health education practices targeting male residents in urban slums to qualify the care with water for human consumption and promote self-care about IPIs. The household can be considered strategic for Primary Health Care activities for men.
Topics: Adult; Animals; Brazil; Cross-Sectional Studies; Feces; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Male; Middle Aged; Parasites; Poverty Areas; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Water; Young Adult
PubMed: 35703610
DOI: 10.1590/S1678-9946202264041 -
Journal of Parasitology Research 2022Intellectually disabled individuals are more prone to parasitic infections due to their unusual behaviors, immune and nutrient deficiencies, and living conditions. The...
Intellectually disabled individuals are more prone to parasitic infections due to their unusual behaviors, immune and nutrient deficiencies, and living conditions. The current study is aimed at evaluating the prevalence of intestinal parasites in institutionalized intellectually disabled individuals in Bandar Abbas County in the south of Iran. Subjects of the study were 119 individuals, living in an intellectually disabled individual care center. Demographic features of the subjects including age, sex, intellectual disability type, and duration of their stay in the center were recorded. A stool sample was taken from each subject and evaluated by direct wet mount and formalin-ethyl-acetate concentration methods. Samples were also examined, using trichrome and modified acid-fast permanent staining. The mean age of the subjects was 27.6 (±2.24), ranging from 4 to 60 years old. Of the 119 participants, 55 (46.2%) were male, and 64 cases (53.8%) were female. Overall, 31 individuals (26.1%, 95% CI: 18.4-34.9) were found to be infected with at least one type of intestinal parasite. , as the most common detected parasite, was detected in 13 (10.1%), in 12 (10.1%), in 5 (4.2%), in 2 (1.7%), in 2 (1.7%), and in 1 (0.8%) of participants. Three cases had coinfection with and , one case was infected with and , and one case was coinfected with and . There were no statistically significant associations between intestinal parasitic infection and gender, age, type of intellectual disability, or duration of stay in the care center ( > 0.05). The findings of the present study indicate a relatively high prevalence of parasitic infections in people with intellectual disabilities in Bandar Abbas, southern Iran. Noteworthy is the high prevalence of and also the presence of infection in these people. Periodic treatment of these people and improvement of their maintenance conditions can be considered for the prevention and control of intestinal parasitic infection in these people.
PubMed: 35865798
DOI: 10.1155/2022/8406636 -
Parasite Epidemiology and Control May 2020Application of next-generation sequencing (NGS) to genomic DNA extracted from sewage offers a unique and cost-effective opportunity to study the genetic diversity of...
BACKGROUND
Application of next-generation sequencing (NGS) to genomic DNA extracted from sewage offers a unique and cost-effective opportunity to study the genetic diversity of intestinal parasites. In this study, we used amplicon-based NGS to reveal and differentiate several common luminal intestinal parasitic protists, specifically , , , and , in sewage samples from Swedish treatment plants.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Influent sewage samples were subject to gradient centrifugation, DNA extraction and PCR-based amplification using three primer pairs designed for amplification of eukaryotic nuclear 18S ribosomal DNA. PCR products were sequenced using ILLUMINA® technology, and resulting sequences were annotated to species and subtype level using the in-house BION software, sequence clustering, and phylogenetic analysis.
RESULTS
A total of 26 samples from eight treatment plants in central/southern Sweden were analysed. sp. and were detected in all samples, and most samples ( = 20) were positive for . Moreover, we detected , , , , and in 1, 11, 4, 10, and 7 samples, respectively. The level of genetic divergence observed within and was 20.2% and 7.7%, respectively, across the ~400-bp region studied, and two clades of were found. As expected, sp. subtypes 1-4 were present in almost all samples; however, ST8 was present in 10 samples and was the only subtype not commonly found in humans that was present in multiple samples.
CONCLUSIONS
and were identified as universal members of the "sewage microbiome". sp. ST8, which has been rarely reported in humans, was a very common finding, indicating that a hitherto unidentified but common host of ST8 contributed to the sewage influent. The study also provided substantial new insight into the intra-generic diversity of and .
PubMed: 31909230
DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2019.e00131