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Revue Scientifique Et Technique... Dec 1990The geographical distribution of Babesia equi and Babesia caballi and their tick vectors is discussed. Control of infections with these protozoa is hampered by the lack... (Review)
Review
The geographical distribution of Babesia equi and Babesia caballi and their tick vectors is discussed. Control of infections with these protozoa is hampered by the lack of a suitable antiprotozoal drug and a reliable serological test. No vaccine is available. Ehrlichia risticii (the causal agent of Potomac horse fever) and E. equi are rickettsial parasites which are difficult to control. Little is known of their geographical distribution and vectors. Early diagnosis is required for tetracycline therapy to be effective and there is a need for a rapid test to provide an early diagnosis.
Topics: Animals; Arachnid Vectors; Babesia; Babesiosis; Ehrlichiosis; Horse Diseases; Horses; Ticks
PubMed: 2132711
DOI: No ID Found -
Respiratory Medicine Jun 2011Atypical infectious agents have been proposed as potential contributors to asthma. A novel set of morphological and staining criteria permit the identification of...
BACKGROUND
Atypical infectious agents have been proposed as potential contributors to asthma. A novel set of morphological and staining criteria permit the identification of flagellated protozoa in sputum. This case-control study was designed to use this novel method and to assess: (1) are protozoa more common in asthmatics than in non-asthmatics; (2) is the presence of protozoa associated with the use of steroid inhalers; and (3) is the presence of protozoa associated with living in damp housing?
METHODS
Induced sputum samples were collected from asthma patients and local non-atopic, non-smoking controls. Questionnaires assessed asthma severity and housing conditions. Sputum was examined for flagellated protozoa using a previously described staining technique.
RESULTS
96 participants were recruited for this study; 54 asthma patients and 42 controls, age range 21-62 years, 70% female participants. Limiting results to those who were clearly positive or negative for flagellated protozoa, 66.7% (20/30) of asthmatics and 30.8% (4/13) of controls had protozoa (p = 0.046). Among the asthma patients, prevalence of protozoa was not significantly different between those who had (10/18), and those who had not (10/12), used steroid inhaler in the preceding two weeks (p = 0.11). Similarly, the prevalence of protozoa was not significantly different between those who did (6/11) and those who did not (18/32), live in damp homes (p = 0.92).
CONCLUSIONS
This case-control study demonstrates an association between flagellated protozoa in sputum and asthma. It is now necessary to confirm and characterise the protozoa using genetic techniques based on 18S ribosomal RNA. Once tis is established it would be worthwhile to determine if asthma symptoms improve when treated by anti-protozoal agents.
Topics: Adult; Animals; Asthma; Bronchial Provocation Tests; Case-Control Studies; Female; Housing; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Protozoan Infections; Sputum; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 21138788
DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2010.11.016 -
Memorias Do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz 2013The adjustment of all species, animals and plants, to the Earth's cyclic environments is ensured by their temporal organisation. The relationships between parasites,...
The adjustment of all species, animals and plants, to the Earth's cyclic environments is ensured by their temporal organisation. The relationships between parasites, vectors and hosts rely greatly upon the synchronisation of their biological rhythms, especially circadian rhythms. In this short note, parasitic infections by Protozoa and by microfilariae have been chosen as examples of the dependence of successful transmission mechanisms on temporal components.
Topics: Adaptation, Physiological; Animals; Biological Clocks; Circadian Rhythm; Host-Parasite Interactions; Insect Vectors; Leishmania; Plasmodium; Protozoan Infections; Psychodidae; Triatominae; Trypanosoma
PubMed: 24473803
DOI: 10.1590/0074-0276130396 -
PloS One 2022Rwanda is a sub-Saharan country, where intestinal parasite infections, anemia and undernutrition coexist. The purpose of this research is to study the relationship...
BACKGROUND
Rwanda is a sub-Saharan country, where intestinal parasite infections, anemia and undernutrition coexist. The purpose of this research is to study the relationship between intestinal parasite infections and undernutrition/anemia to clarify the priorities of intervention in the rural area of Gakenke district in the Northern Province of Rwanda.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A total of 674 students from Nemba I School, participated in a cross-sectional study, in which their parasitological and nutritional status were analysed. Statistical analysis was performed by χ2 test, univariate analysis and Odds ratios (OR).
RESULTS
A total of 95.3% of children presented intestinal parasitism, most of whom (94.5%) infected by protozoa and 36.1% infected by soil-transmitted helminths (STH), with Trichuris trichiura (27.3%) being the most prevalent. Multiple infections were found to be high (83.8%), with protozoa and STH co-infections in 30.6%. STH infections were mainly of low/moderate intensity. Neither infection nor STH infection of any intensity profile, was significantly related to anemia. In addition, STH infection, regardless of the intensity profile, was not associated with stunting, underweight or thinness. There was no difference between genders nor among ages in odds of anemia and nutritional status in STH-infected schoolchildren.
CONCLUSION
Multiparasitism remains high among Rwandan schoolchildren and is likely to cause nutritional problems. This work emphasizes the importance of keeping up health programs to reduce the prevalence of infection.
Topics: Adolescent; Anemia; Animals; Child; Child, Preschool; Cross-Sectional Studies; Feces; Female; Growth Disorders; Helminthiasis; Helminths; Humans; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Male; Malnutrition; Nutritional Status; Prevalence; Rwanda; Soil; Thinness; Trichuriasis; Trichuris
PubMed: 34990483
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262361 -
Advances in Food and Nutrition Research 2018Foodborne parasites have long been a neglected group of pathogens, as they often have insidious, chronic effects, rather than being acute diseases, and they are often... (Review)
Review
Foodborne parasites have long been a neglected group of pathogens, as they often have insidious, chronic effects, rather than being acute diseases, and they are often associated with impoverished or marginalized populations. In addition, due to the long incubation period for most foodborne parasites, source attribution is often difficult, if not impossible. However, global trends have enabled foodborne parasites to emerge in different populations in new locations, transmitted through different food types, and sometimes with unexpected symptoms. This emergence of foodborne parasites has brought them into focus. In this chapter, six foodborne parasites are used as examples on emergence: Echinococcus multilocularis is spreading to new locations; Cryptosporidium spp. are beginning to be associated not only with water, but also with salads; Trypanosoma cruzi is being manifest with acute disease due to foodborne transmission, particularly transmitted with juices; Trichinella spp. have become less of a burden regarding transmission via pork in many countries, but now game animals are becoming a concern; anisakiasis is becoming a global problem as the world develops a taste for sushi, and similarly for opisthorchiasis, which is increasingly being associated with cholangiocarcinoma. However, the emergence of these foodborne parasites provides an incentive for increased efforts being made toward control. In this chapter, having described how the parasites are emerging from their neglected position, the focus turns toward control. In addition to considering control measures that may be applied to the specific parasites, an overview is provided of some of the organized collaborations, projects, and consortia, as well as some of their outputs, that have in focus the control of these emerging and important pathogens.
Topics: Animals; Communicable Diseases, Emerging; Food Parasitology; Foodborne Diseases; Humans
PubMed: 30077225
DOI: 10.1016/bs.afnr.2018.04.003 -
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 2023Rumen juice analysis (RJA) involves analysis of a 10mL sample within minutes after sampling. However, it can be challenging to collect 10 mL of rumen juice (RJ) from...
BACKGROUND
Rumen juice analysis (RJA) involves analysis of a 10mL sample within minutes after sampling. However, it can be challenging to collect 10 mL of rumen juice (RJ) from some ruminants, and clinical circumstances can delay RJA.
OBJECTIVES
Quantify the effect of sample volume (2, 5, 10, 50, and 100 mL), and time-to-analysis (0, 30, and 60 minutes) on RJA.
ANIMALS
Cannulated cow.
METHODS
Observational experimental study. Two liters of RJ were collected at 26 separate times. The samples were subdivided into 2 duplicates of each sample volume at each sampling time; and analyzed at 0, 30, and 60 minutes after collection. Rumen juice analysis included pH measurement, methylene blue reduction time (MBRT), and protozoal motility.
RESULTS
The pH of 2 and 5 mL samples was significantly (P = .01) higher than the pH of 50 and 100 mL samples at all time points. The MBRT was significantly lower (faster bacterial reduction) for 100 mL samples compared to all other samples at 0 minute and to 2, 5, and 50 mL samples at 30 min. The pH and MBRT at 60 minutes were significantly higher than at 0 minute for all volumes (P < .05 and P < .01, respectively). For large protozoa, small sample volumes (2 and 5 mL) had significantly lower protozoal motility (scores of 5 and 4.5, respectively) compared to 100 mL samples at 60 minutes (score of 4; P < .05).
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE
Interpretation of RJA could be affected by small sample volumes and delays to analysis. Sample volumes of ≥10 mL analyzed within 30 minutes after collection are recommended.
Topics: Female; Animals; Cattle; Rumen; Bacteria
PubMed: 37026411
DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16697 -
FEMS Microbiology Ecology Dec 2014Protozoa-associated methanogens (PAM) are considered one of the most active communities in the rumen methanogenesis. This experiment investigated whether methanogens are...
Protozoa-associated methanogens (PAM) are considered one of the most active communities in the rumen methanogenesis. This experiment investigated whether methanogens are sequestrated within rumen protozoa, and structural differences between rumen free-living methanogens and PAM. Rumen protozoa were harvested from totally faunated sheep, and six protozoal fractions (plus free-living microorganisms) were generated by sequential filtration. Holotrich-monofaunated sheep were also used to investigate the holotrich-associated methanogens. Protozoal size determined the number of PAM as big protozoa had 1.7-3.3 times more methanogen DNA than smaller protozoa, but also more endosymbiotic bacteria (2.2- to 3.5-fold times). Thus, similar abundance of methanogens with respect to total bacteria were observed across all protozoal fractions and free-living microorganisms, suggesting that methanogens are not accumulated within rumen protozoa in a greater proportion to that observed in the rumen as a whole. All rumen methanogen communities had similar diversity (22.2 ± 3.4 TRFs). Free-living methanogens composed a conserved community (67% similarity within treatment) in the rumen with similar diversity but different structures than PAM (P < 0.05). On the contrary, PAM constituted a more variable community (48% similarity), which differed between holotrich and total protozoa (P < 0.001). Thus, PAM constitutes a community, which requires further investigation as part of methane mitigation strategies.
Topics: Animals; Bacteria; Euryarchaeota; Methane; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length; Rumen; Sheep, Domestic; Symbiosis; Trichostomatida
PubMed: 25195951
DOI: 10.1111/1574-6941.12423 -
Journal of Dairy Science Jul 2017Because microbial crude protein (MCP) constitutes more than 50% of the protein digested in cattle, its AA composition is needed to adequately estimate AA supply. Our...
Because microbial crude protein (MCP) constitutes more than 50% of the protein digested in cattle, its AA composition is needed to adequately estimate AA supply. Our objective was to update the AA contributions of the rumen microbial AA flowing to the duodenum using only studies from cattle, differentiating between fluid-associated bacteria (FAB), particle-associated bacteria (PAB), and protozoa, based on published literature (53, 16, and 18 treatment means were used for each type of microorganism, respectively). In addition, Cys and Met reported concentrations were retained only when an adequate protection of the sulfur groups was performed before the acid hydrolysis. The total AA (or true protein) fraction represented 82.4% of CP in bacteria. For 10 AA, including 4 essential AA, the AA composition differed between protozoa and bacteria. The most noticeable differences were a 45% lower Lys concentration and 40% higher Ala concentration in bacteria than in protozoa. Differences between FAB and PAB were less pronounced than differences between bacteria and protozoa. Assuming 33% FAB, 50% PAB, and 17% of protozoa in MCP duodenal flow, the updated concentrations of AA would decrease supply estimates of Met, Thr, and Val originating from MCP and increase those of Lys and Phe by 5 to 10% compared with those calculated using the FAB composition reported previously. Therefore, inclusion of the contribution of PAB and protozoa to the duodenal MCP flow is needed to adequately estimate AA supply from microbial origin when a factorial method is used to estimate duodenal AA flow. Furthermore, acknowledging the fact that hydrolysis of 1 kg of true microbial protein yields 1.16 kg of free AA substantially increases the estimates of AA supply from MCP.
Topics: Alanine; Amino Acids; Animal Feed; Animals; Bacteria; Bacterial Proteins; Cattle; Cysteine; Digestion; Duodenum; Lysine; Methionine; Protozoan Proteins; Rumen
PubMed: 28501407
DOI: 10.3168/jds.2016-12447 -
Bioscience Reports Jan 2019Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are DNA fibers associated with histones, enzymes from neutrophil granules and anti-microbial peptides. NETs are released in a... (Review)
Review
Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are DNA fibers associated with histones, enzymes from neutrophil granules and anti-microbial peptides. NETs are released in a process denominated NETosis, which involves sequential steps that culminate with the DNA extrusion. NETosis has been described as a new mechanism of innate immunity related to defense against different pathogens. The initial studies of NETs were carried out with bacteria and fungi, but currently a large variety of microorganisms capable of inducing NETs have been described including protozoan and helminth parasites. Nevertheless, we have little knowledge about how NETosis process is carried out in response to the parasites, and about its implication in the resolution of this kind of disease. In the best case, the NETs entrap and kill parasites , but in others, immobilize the parasites without affecting their viability. Moreover, insufficient studies on the NETs in animal models of infections that would help to define their role, and the association of NETs with chronic inflammatory pathologies such as those occurring in several parasitic infections have left open the possibility of NETs contributing to pathology instead of protection. In this review, we focus on the reported mechanisms that lead to NET release by protozoan and helminth parasites and the evidence that support the role of NETosis in the resolution or pathogenesis of parasitic diseases.
Topics: Animals; Coccidia; Coccidiosis; Entamoeba histolytica; Entamoebiasis; Euglenozoa Infections; Extracellular Traps; Host-Parasite Interactions; Humans; Immunity, Innate; Kinetoplastida; Nematoda; Nematode Infections; Neutrophils
PubMed: 30498092
DOI: 10.1042/BSR20180916 -
Animal : An International Journal of... Nov 2014A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effects of protozoa concentration on methane emission from ruminants. A database was built from 59 publications reporting... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effects of protozoa concentration on methane emission from ruminants. A database was built from 59 publications reporting data from 76 in vivo experiments. The experiments included in the database recorded methane production and rumen protozoa concentration measured on the same groups of animals. Quantitative data such as diet chemical composition, rumen fermentation and microbial parameters, and qualitative information such as methane mitigation strategies were also collected. In the database, 31% of the experiments reported a concomitant reduction of both protozoa concentration and methane emission (g/kg dry matter intake). Nearly all of these experiments tested lipids as methane mitigation strategies. By contrast, 21% of the experiments reported a variation in methane emission without changes in protozoa numbers, indicating that methanogenesis is also regulated by other mechanisms not involving protozoa. Experiments that used chemical compounds as an antimethanogenic treatment belonged to this group. The relationship between methane emission and protozoa concentration was studied with a variance-covariance model, with experiment as a fixed effect. The experiments included in the analysis had a within-experiment variation of protozoa concentration higher than 5.3 log10 cells/ml corresponding to the average s.e.m. of the database for this variable. To detect potential interfering factors for the relationship, the influence of several qualitative and quantitative secondary factors was tested. This meta-analysis showed a significant linear relationship between methane emission and protozoa concentration: methane (g/kg dry matter intake)=-30.7+8.14×protozoa (log10 cells/ml) with 28 experiments (91 treatments), residual mean square error=1.94 and adjusted R 2=0.90. The proportion of butyrate in the rumen positively influenced the least square means of this relationship.
Topics: Animals; Diet; Eukaryota; Fermentation; Methane; Models, Biological; Rumen; Ruminants; Symbiosis
PubMed: 25075950
DOI: 10.1017/S1751731114001852