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Infection Oct 2023Parasitic infections are highly prevalent in low-income environments worldwide. While orphans and street children represent a particularly vulnerable population group,...
BACKGROUND
Parasitic infections are highly prevalent in low-income environments worldwide. While orphans and street children represent a particularly vulnerable population group, they are often exempt from preventive interventions such as Mass Drug Administration. In part, this could be due to a lack of data showing the burden of disease in this group. This study aims to address this gap.
METHODS
For this cross-sectional study, 144 orphans and 112 street children were screened for Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni), Schistosoma haematobium (S. haematobium), soil-transmitted helminths and intestinal protozoa using POC-CCA testing, urine filtration, and Kato-Katz technique. Nutritional status, water- and washing patterns were determined using a standardised questionnaire. Ultrasonography was performed to screen for organ abnormalities.
RESULTS
The prevalence of S. mansoni determined by POC-CCA-test was 65.9% for orphans and 94.5% for street children. 19.2% of the orphans tested positive for S. mansoni in Kato Katz. Of the street children, 77.1% showed positive test results in Kato-Katz. Only 1.3% of the orphans stated in the questionnaire that they use the lake to wash, whereas 91.1% of the street children named the lake as at least one of their options for washing. Microscopy showed positive results for Giardia intestinalis (G. intestinalis) in 8.2% and for Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (E. histolytica/dispar) in 23% of orphans and 8.1% for G. intestinalis, and 23.8% for E. histolytica/dispar in street children. In the ultrasonography, we did not observe patterns that indicate severe periportal fibrosis.
CONCLUSION
The results indicate a significantly higher rate of infections with S. mansoni in street children compared with orphans. This might be explained by the lack of access to adequate sanitation for street children as well as regular contact with the water of Lake Victoria. However, we did not find similar results concerning infection rates with protozoa. The study results show overall inadequate living conditions in this study population, which could be addressed by public health interventions.
Topics: Child; Animals; Humans; Schistosoma mansoni; Prevalence; Soil; Tanzania; Cross-Sectional Studies; Homeless Youth; Feces; Helminths; Water; Schistosomiasis mansoni
PubMed: 36805439
DOI: 10.1007/s15010-023-01999-9 -
Journal of Visualized Experiments : JoVE Dec 2010We are developing a novel approach to subterranean termite control that would lead to reduced reliance on the use of chemical pesticides. Subterranean termites are...
We are developing a novel approach to subterranean termite control that would lead to reduced reliance on the use of chemical pesticides. Subterranean termites are dependent on protozoa in the hindguts of workers to efficiently digest wood. Lytic peptides have been shown to kill a variety of protozoan parasites (Mutwiri et al. 2000) and also protozoa in the gut of the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus (Husseneder and Collier 2009). Lytic peptides are part of the nonspecific immune system of eukaryotes, and destroy the membranes of microorganisms (Leuschner and Hansel 2004). Most lytic peptides are not likely to harm higher eukaryotes, because they do not affect the electrically neutral cholesterol-containing cell membranes of higher eukaryotes (Javadpour et al. 1996). Lytic peptide action can be targeted to specific cell types by the addition of a ligand. For example, Hansel et al. (2007) reported that lytic peptides conjugated with cancer cell membrane receptor ligands could be used to destroy breast cancer cells, while lytic peptides alone or conjugated with non-specific peptides were not effective. Lytic peptides also have been conjugated to human hormones that bind to receptors on tumor cells for targeted destruction of prostate and testicular cancer cells (Leuschner and Hansel 2004). In this article we present techniques used to demonstrate the protozoacidal activity of a lytic peptide (Hecate) coupled to a heptapeptide ligand that binds to the surface membrane of protozoa from the gut of the Formosan subterranean termite. These techniques include extirpation of the gut from termite workers, anaerobic culture of gut protozoa (Pseudotrichonympha grassii, Holomastigotoides hartmanni,Spirotrichonympha leidyi), microscopic confirmation that the ligand marked with a fluorescent dye binds to the termite gut protozoa and other free-living protozoa but not to bacteria or gut tissue. We also demonstrate that the same ligand coupled to a lytic peptide efficiently kills termite gut protozoa in vitro (protozoa culture) and in vivo (microinjection into hindgut of workers), but is less bacteriacidal than the lytic peptide alone. The loss of protozoa leads to the death of the termites in less than two weeks. In the future, we will genetically engineer microorganisms that can survive in the termite hindgut and spread through a termite colony as "Trojan Horses" to express ligand-lytic peptides that would kill the protozoa in the termite gut and subsequently kill the termites in the colony. Ligand-lytic peptides also could be useful for drug development against protozoan parasites.
Topics: Animals; Antiprotozoal Agents; Eukaryota; Isoptera; Microinjections; Peptides; Trypanocidal Agents
PubMed: 21248688
DOI: 10.3791/2190 -
Microbial Ecology Nov 2014Freshwater microbial diversity is subject to multiple stressors in the Anthropocene epoch. However, the effects of climate changes and human activities on freshwater...
Freshwater microbial diversity is subject to multiple stressors in the Anthropocene epoch. However, the effects of climate changes and human activities on freshwater protozoa remain poorly understood. In this study, the diversity and distribution of testate amoebae from the surface sediments were investigated in 51 Chinese lakes and reservoirs along two gradients, latitude and trophic status. A total of 169 taxa belonging to 24 genera were identified, and the most diverse and dominant genera were Difflugia (78 taxa), Centropyxis (26 taxa) and Arcella (12 taxa). Our analysis revealed that biomass of testate amoebae decreased significantly along the latitudinal gradient, while Shannon-Wiener indices and species richness presented an opposite trend (P < 0.05). The relationship of diversity and latitude is, we suspect, an artifact of the altitudinal distribution of our sites. Furthermore, biomass-based Shannon-Wiener index and species richness of testate amoebae were significantly unimodally related to trophic status (P < 0.05). This is the first large-scale study showing the effects of latitude and trophic status on diversity and distribution of testate amoebae in China. Therefore, our results provide valuable baseline data on testate amoebae and contribute to lake management and our understanding of the large-scale global patterns in microorganism diversity.
Topics: Amoebida; Biodiversity; China; Fresh Water
PubMed: 24910015
DOI: 10.1007/s00248-014-0442-1 -
The International Journal of... Apr 2019
SETTING Accurate testing and treatment for latent tuberculous infection is necessary for tuberculosis elimination. Certain parasite...SETTING Accurate testing and treatment for latent tuberculous infection is necessary for tuberculosis elimination. Certain parasite infections are associated with increased tuberculin skin test positivity; species-specific effects on QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QGIT) have not been described.OBJECTIVE To determine whether infection with helminths or protozoa affects QGIT results.DESIGN We retrospectively analyzed QGIT and parasite testing results for immigrants screened in Boston, MA, USA, from 2012 to 2017. We also prospectively measured cytokines in QGIT supernatants for a subset ( = 68) with 1) helminths, 2) , 3) other protozoa, and 4) no parasites.RESULTS Of 527 immigrants screened, 141 (26.8%) were QGIT-positive and 229 (43.4%) had parasites detected: 27/527 (5.1%) had helminths and 202/527 (38.3%) protozoa. Cytokine analysis revealed increased interleukin-10 concentrations with protozoa ( = 0.04), and non-significantly higher T-helper 2 concentrations with helminths compared with no parasites. No significant differences emerged in QGIT positivity or interferon-gamma concentrations in any group.CONCLUSION Study results support the use of QGIT in parasite-endemic settings.Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Boston; Child; Child, Preschool; Cytokines; Emigrants and Immigrants; Female; Humans; Interferon-gamma Release Tests; Latent Tuberculosis; Male; Mass Screening; Middle Aged; Parasitic Diseases; Prospective Studies; Reproducibility of Results; Retrospective Studies; Tuberculin Test; Young Adult
PubMed: 31064628
DOI: 10.5588/ijtld.18.0540 -
Microbes and Infection Feb 2006The usage of water with poor microbiological quality increases the risk of human illness. This review discusses and updates current thinking on the nature of the... (Review)
Review
The usage of water with poor microbiological quality increases the risk of human illness. This review discusses and updates current thinking on the nature of the interaction between a range of human bacterial pathogens and waterborne protozoa. The importance of protozoa acting as protective environments for pathogenic bacteria from disinfection and of promoting extended survival in otherwise hostile environments is highlighted. The significance of biofilms in water systems, and new relationships between Salmonella and Campylobacter and water-borne protozoa are also discussed. The protection of pathogenic bacteria from disinfection within protozoa and/or biofilms has important implications for water safety.
Topics: Animals; Bacteria; Bacterial Infections; Disinfection; Eukaryota; Humans; Water
PubMed: 16298155
DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2005.09.001 -
Tropical Biomedicine Apr 2009Considering the role of parasites in contamination of human beings and domestic animals and lack of information in the region, the present study was performed to...
Considering the role of parasites in contamination of human beings and domestic animals and lack of information in the region, the present study was performed to investigate the infection status of helminthes and protozoa of stray cats in central Iran. A cross - sectional study was conducted on 113 stray cats trapped from different geographic regions of Kashan during four seasons and were necropsied. Different organs including: kidney, heart, liver, lungs, gastrointestinal tract and abdominal cavity were inspected for helminthes and protozoa infection. Animal's characters including: genus, weight, and season, location, microscopic and macroscopic findings were recorded in a special form. Data were classified and statistically analyzed with a confidence interval of 95%. Chi- Squire Test was used to show the relationship between different factors and parasitic infection. From a total 113 stray cats examined, 67(59.3%) were male and 46(40.7%) were female. Fifteen species of endoparasite including helminthes and protozoa were detected in intestine and fecal sample of the examined cats. There were six protozoa, five cestodes and four nematodes. All endoparasite were localized in the gastrointestinal tract. Overall 108 cats (95.6%) have been infected with at least one of the endoparasites. Prevalences of parasites found were Nematodea: Toxocara cati 13.3%, Physaloptera preputialis 39.8%, Rictularia 52.2% and Uncinaria stenocephala 1.8%; Cestodea: Mesocestoides lineatus 7.1%, Taenia taeniaformis 15%, Diplopylidium nolleri 64.6%, Dipylidium caninum 68.1% and Joyeuxiella echinorhyncoides 85%; Sporozoea: Isospora rivolta 5.3%, Isospora felis 5.3%, Sarcocystis spp 8%, Blastocystis spp 16.8% and Zoomastigophorea: Giardia felis 0.9% and Trichomonas spp 1.8%. Contamination rate for zoonotic parasites of cat was greater than expected in Kashan region. In this respect, appropriate control measures should be taken and it is recommended to determine the most appropriate preventive methods.
Topics: Animals; Animals, Wild; Cat Diseases; Cats; Cestode Infections; Feces; Female; Helminthiasis, Animal; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Iran; Male; Nematode Infections; Prevalence; Protozoan Infections, Animal; Seasons
PubMed: 19696723
DOI: No ID Found -
BioMed Research International 2015Protozoa are eukaryotic cells distributed worldwide in nature and are receiving increasing attention as reservoirs and potential vectors for the transmission of...
Protozoa are eukaryotic cells distributed worldwide in nature and are receiving increasing attention as reservoirs and potential vectors for the transmission of pathogenic bacteria. In the environment, on the other hand, many genera of the protozoa are human and animal pathogens. Only limited information is available on these organisms in developing countries and so far no information on their presence is available from Sudan. It is necessary to establish a molecular identification of species of the protozoa from drinking and environmental water. 600 water samples were collected from five states (Gadarif, Khartoum, Kordofan, Juba, and Wad Madani) in Sudan and analysed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing. 57 out of 600 water samples were PCR positive for protozoa. 38 out of the 57 positive samples were identified by sequencing to contain 66 protozoa species including 19 (28.8%) amoebae, 17 (25.7%) Apicomplexa, 25 (37.9%) ciliates, and 5 (7.6%) flagellates. This study utilized molecular methods identified species belonging to all phyla of protozoa and presented a fast and accurate molecular detection and identification of pathogenic as well as free-living protozoa in water uncovering hazards facing public health.
Topics: Amoeba; Animals; Apicomplexa; DNA, Protozoan; Environment; Humans; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Prevalence; Protozoan Infections; Sudan; Water
PubMed: 25789313
DOI: 10.1155/2015/345619 -
Parasite (Paris, France) Sep 2009The environmental route of transmission of many parasitic protozoa and their potential for producing large numbers of transmissive stages constitute persistent threats... (Review)
Review
The environmental route of transmission of many parasitic protozoa and their potential for producing large numbers of transmissive stages constitute persistent threats to public and veterinary health. Conventional and new immunological and molecular methods enable to assess the occurrence, prevalence, levels and sources of waterborne protozoa. Concentration, purification, and detection are the three key steps in all methods that have been approved for routine monitoring of waterborne cysts and oocysts. These steps have been optimized to such an extent that low levels of naturally occurring (oo)cysts of protozoan can be efficiently recovered from water. Ten years have passed since the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) introduced the 1622 and 1623 methods and used them to concentrate and detect the oocysts of Cryptosporidium and cysts of Giardia in water samples. Nevertheless, the methods still need studies and improvements. Pre-PCR processing procedures have been developed and they are still improved to remove or reduce the effects of PCR inhibitors. The progress in molecular methods allows to more precise distinction of species or simultaneous detection of several parasites, however, they are still not routinely used and need standardization. Standardized methods are required to maximize public health surveillance.
Topics: Animals; Cryptosporidium; DNA, Protozoan; Environment; Eukaryota; Giardia; Molecular Biology; Parasites; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Water
PubMed: 19839263
DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2009163183 -
Indian Journal of Ophthalmology Dec 2015Ocular lesions are frequently associated with different parasitic infections. The classes of infection include protozoa, nematodes, cestodes, and ectoparasites. Ocular... (Review)
Review
Ocular lesions are frequently associated with different parasitic infections. The classes of infection include protozoa, nematodes, cestodes, and ectoparasites. Ocular parasitic infections can manifest in any part of the eye; the disease manifestations are frequently characterized as either posterior or anterior eye disease. Parasite-induced lesions may be due to damage directly caused by the parasite, indirect pathology caused by toxic products or the immune response initiated by infectious parasitism. This review characterized the parasite-induced lesions in the posterior segment of the eye. Prompt diagnosis and early treatment of these lesions can reduce ocular morbidity. The method of the literature search was conducted on PubMed, Elsevier Scopus database, and Google Scholar with no limitation on the year of publication databases. It was limited to English articles published for ocular lesions in clinical studies and was focused on parasitic infections of the eye.
Topics: Choroid Diseases; Eye Infections, Parasitic; Humans; Posterior Eye Segment; Retinal Diseases
PubMed: 26862090
DOI: 10.4103/0301-4738.176028 -
Memorias Do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz Feb 2013Paleoparasitological research has made important contributions to the understanding of parasite evolution and ecology. Although parasitic protozoa exhibit a worldwide... (Review)
Review
Paleoparasitological research has made important contributions to the understanding of parasite evolution and ecology. Although parasitic protozoa exhibit a worldwide distribution, recovering these organisms from an archaeological context is still exceptional and relies on the availability and distribution of evidence, the ecology of infectious diseases and adequate detection techniques. Here, we present a review of the findings related to protozoa in ancient remains, with an emphasis on their geographical distribution in the past and the methodologies used for their retrieval. The development of more sensitive detection methods has increased the number of identified parasitic species, promising interesting insights from research in the future.
Topics: Animals; Feces; Fossils; History, Ancient; Humans; Paleopathology; Protozoan Infections
PubMed: 23440107
DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762013000100001