Amebiasis Research Articles

Correlation between notifiable infectious diseases and transportation passenger traffic from 2013 to 2019 in mainland China

PurposePopulation mobility significantly contributes to the spread and prevalence of infectious diseases, posing a serious threat to public health safety and sustainable development across the globe. Understanding the impact of population mobility on the prevention and control of infectious diseases holds profound significance.MethodsIn this study, we collected the data on the incidence of notifiable infectious diseases in mainland China from 2013 to 2019, and analyzed the characteristics of notifiable infectious diseases, as well as their correlation with transportation passenger traffic.ResultsAmong 29 common notifiable infectious diseases, the incidence rate of intestinal diseases per 100,000 people was the highest (256.35 cases), while the mortality rate was the lowest (0.017 cases). The mortality rate per 100,000 people due to sexually transmitted and bloodborne diseases was the highest (1.154 cases). A significant linear correlation was noted between commercial passenger traffic and the number of cases of tuberculosis (r = 0.83, P = 0.022), hepatitis A (r = 0.87, P = 0.012), bacillary and amebic dysentery (r = 0.90, P = 0.006), typhoid/paratyphoid (r = 0.94, P = 0.002), leptospirosis (r = 0.90, P = 0.005), AIDS(r=-0.90, P = 0.006), gonorrhea (r=-0.79, P = 0.035) and scarlet fever (r=-0.85, P = 0.016). A significant linear correlation was noted between public transportation passenger traffic and the number of cases of measles (r = 0.94, P = 0.002), hepatitis A (r = 0.96, P = 0.001), parasitic and vector-borne diseases (r = 0.96, P = 0.001), brucellosis (r = 0.95, P = 0.001), leptospirosis (r = 0.88, P = 0.008), other infectious diarrhea (r = 0.86, P = 0.013) and gonorrhea (r = 0.84, P = 0.018).ConclusionThe results of this study indicated that transportation passenger traffic significantly affected the incidence of infectious diseases, and reasonable management of passenger traffic was a potentially important means of prevention and control of infectious diseases.

Evaluation of Some Hematological Parameters for Patients Infected with Entamoeba Histolytica in Najaf Governorate

General background: Amoebic dysentery caused by Entamoeba histolytica is a significant public health concern, particularly in regions with poor sanitation. It can lead to various complications, including changes in blood parameters. Specific background: Identifying changes in blood indicators during amoebic infections can aid early diagnosis and improve patient outcomes. Knowledge gap: There is limited research exploring gender-based differences in blood parameters of patients with amoebiasis. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of E. histolytica infection on specific blood parameters in male and female patients and to assess gender-based variations in these parameters. Results: A total of 45 patients (20 males, 25 females) diagnosed with amoebiasis were included, with samples collected between May 2023 and January 2024. Significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) were observed between male and female patients in RBC, HB, HCT, and MCH, while no significant differences were noted for MCV, MCHC, RDW, PLT, WBC, or LYM. Male patients showed higher mean values of RBC (5.01 ± 0.65) and HB (14.6 ± 1.61) compared to females (RBC: 4.5 ± 0.54; HB: 12.28 ± 1.24). Novelty: This study highlights gender-specific alterations in blood parameters during amoebiasis, providing new insights into how gender affects physiological responses to E. histolytica infection. Implications: Regular monitoring of blood parameters, particularly RBC and HB, in patients with amoebiasis is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. The findings also underscore the importance of gender considerations in clinical management and suggest the need for larger studies to confirm these results and explore their diagnostic and therapeutic implications. Highlights: Gender impacts blood parameters in amoebiasis patients. Males show higher RBC and HB than females. Regular monitoring aids early E. histolytica diagnosis. Keywords: Amoebic dysentery, Entamoeba histolytica, blood parameters, gender differences, early diagnosis

Probiotics as a therapeutic alternative in amoebiasis. Where are we?

Entamoeba histolytica is the cause of amoebiasis, a neglected tropical disease and a leading cause of mortality worldwide. The objective of this review is to show the potential of probiotics as a treatment strategy for amoebiasis. A systematic search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar with keywords "Entamoeba histolytica", "amoebiasis", and "probiotics." The studies on probiotics for amoebiasis treatment are limited, but some shown promising results. Lactobacillus acidophilus reduced E. histolytica cyst excretion by 79.67% in mice, with a 68.31% efficacy comparable to metronidazole. Bifidobacterium sp. showed 75.63% efficacy in reducing infection severity, higher than metronidazole (67.56%). Lactobacillus salivarius inhibited E. histolytica growth in vitro and provided protection in vivo. Lactobacillus fermentum and L. delbrueckii inhibited E. histolytica proliferation with efficacy ranging from 46.42% to 97.68%, depending on the concentration. Saccharomyces boulardii reduced amoebic dysentery duration by 25% and eliminated parasitic cysts in human stool samples. Lactobacillus casei showed a 100% recovery rate in rats infected with E. histolytica. These findings suggest probiotics have potential as therapeutic agents for amoebiasis, but further research is needed to confirm their effectiveness in animal models and humans.

Staurosporine as a Potential Treatment for Acanthamoeba Keratitis Using Mouse Cornea as an Ex Vivo Model.

Acanthamoeba is a ubiquitous genus of amoebae that can trigger a severe and progressive ocular disease known as Acanthamoeba Keratitis (AK). Furthermore, current treatment protocols are based on the combination of different compounds that are not fully effective. Therefore, an urgent need to find new compounds to treat Acanthamoeba infections is clear. In the present study, we evaluated staurosporine as a potential treatment for Acanthamoeba keratitis using mouse cornea as an ex vivo model, and a comparative proteomic analysis was conducted to elucidate a mechanism of action. The obtained results indicate that staurosporine altered the conformation of actin and tubulin in treated trophozoites of A. castellanii. In addition, proteomic analysis of treated trophozoites revealed that this molecule induced overexpression and a downregulation of proteins related to key functions for Acanthamoeba infection pathways. Additionally, the ex vivo assay used validated this model for the study of the pathogenesis and therapies of AK. Finally, staurosporine eliminated the entire amoebic population and prevented the adhesion and infection of amoebae to the epithelium of treated mouse corneas.

The potential of nanocomposites (patuletin-conjugated with gallic acid-coated zinc oxide) against free-living amoebae pathogens.

Free-living amoebae infections are on the rise while the prognosis remains poor. Current therapies are ineffective, and there is a need for novel effective drugs which can target Naegleria, Balamuthia, and Acanthamoeba species. In this study, we determined the effects of a nano-formulation based on flavonoid patuletin-loaded gallic acid functionalized zinc oxide nanoparticles (PA-GA-ZnO) against Acanthamoeba, Balamuthia, and Naegleria trophozoites. Characterization of the nano-formulation was accomplished utilizing analytical tools, namely Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, drug entrapment efficiency, polydispersity index, dimensions, and surface morphologies. Anti-amoebic effects were investigated using amoebicidal assay, cytopathogenicity assay, and cytotoxicity of the nano-formulation on human cells. The findings revealed that nano-formulation (PA-GA-ZnO) displayed significant anti-amoebic properties and augmented effects of patuletin alone against all three brain-eating amoebae. When tested alone, patuletin nano-formulations showed minimal toxicity effects against human cells. In summary, the nano-formulations evaluated herein depicts efficacyversusAcanthamoeba, Balamuthia, and Naegleria. Nonetheless, future studies are needed to comprehend the molecular mechanisms of patuletin nano-formulations versus free-living amoebae pathogens, in addition to animal studies to determine their potential value for clinical applications.

Eco-friendly method by Eco-Scale Assessment for quantification of tinidazole in tablets

Tinidazole (TIN), an antimicrobial, is commonly prescribed for the treatment of giardiasis, trichomoniasis and amoeba infections. It presents a monograph in official compendiums by titration and the literature presents some analytical methods, which mostly use methanol and acetonitrile, options opposed to the principles of Green Analytical Chemistry (GAC) and the current trend in chemical-pharmaceutical analyses. Among the principles of GAC, the generation of less waste, the choice of less toxic reagents and solvents, the use of fewer materials, the assessment of costs involved, faster steps and processes are included. In this context, the objective was to develop and validate an eco-friendly method by spectrophotometry in ultraviolet region (UV) for quantitative evaluation of TIN in tablets. Additionally, the proposed method was evaluated for greenness by the Eco-Scale Assessment (ESA). Purified water and ethanol (90:10, v/v) as a diluent, quartz cubette at 318 nm were used. The method was linear in the range of 7–22 µg/mL (0.9999), precise (RSD < 5 %), selective through sample adjuvants and by the forced degradation, exact (100.47 %) and robust against changes in reading wavelength. As for the greenness of the method, it proved to be a green alternative to quantify TIN in tablets according to the ESA.

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Intestinal Amoebiasis among Asymptomatic School Children in the Ho Municipality, South-eastern Ghana

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Intestinal Amoebiasis among Asymptomatic School Children in the Ho Municipality, South-eastern Ghana

Acanthamoeba Infection and Nasal Rinsing, United States, 1994-2022.

We describe 10 patients with nonkeratitis Acanthamoeba infection who reported performing nasal rinsing before becoming ill. All were immunocompromised, 7 had chronic sinusitis, and many used tap water for nasal rinsing. Immunocompromised persons should be educated about safe nasal rinsing to prevent free-living ameba infections.

Evaluation of Different Techniques in Laboratory Diagnosis of Intestinal Amoebiasis

Entamoeba histolytica is an intestinal protozoan disease that causes amoebiasis, which is a health problem in several developing countries that can lead to 100000 deaths annually. This parasite is the third cause of death in tropical regions with poor sanitary conditions. An essential part of the treatment of patients is the detection of the pathogenic E. histolytica and its differentiation from non-pathogenic Entamoeba spp. Because microscopy and antigen detection techniques are inexpensive and readily available, these techniques are commonly used to diagnose amoebiasis. Rapid tests and different ELISAs for antigen detection are some of the more modern and sensitive methods, and some diagnostic methods are not able to distinguish different species of Entamoeba. Techniques for molecular detection are highly specific and sensitive. However, utilizing molecular methods as the usual diagnostic method becomes difficult due to their high cost in most endemic areas. For the diagnosis of intestinal amoebiasis, there is still a need for highly sensitive and specific tests that are quick and affordable to use, especially in developing countries where this disease is common.

The Spread of Amoebic Dysentery in Balad District/Salah Al-Din Governorate/Iraq

Fecal samples were collected from the laboratory of Balad General Hospital in Salah al-Din Governorate, for age groups that ranged between (1-60) years and for both sexes for the period from December 2022 until May 2023, and the Entamoeba histolytica parasite was diagnosed through microscopic examination. For fecal samples in 60 samples out of 225 samples, with a percentage of 26.66%. The highest rate of infection with the parasite was recorded in March, at 37.5%, and the lowest rate of infection was in May, at 13.33%. The highest infection rate was recorded in females, reaching 30.43%, while it reached 22.72% in males. The highest percentage was in the age group 11-20 years, where the percentage reached 38.71%, while the lowest infection percentage was recorded in the group 1-10 years, which was 17.75%. The highest rate of infection with the parasite was recorded in Yathrib, at 28.76%, and the lowest rate of infection was in the Hadera area, at 23.18%. The highest rate of infection with the parasite was among uneducated people, at 31.25%, and the lowest rate of infection was among university students, at 21.42%. The study aimed to know the prevalence of amoebic dysentery in Balad district and the impact of some prevalence standards on the spread of the disease.

Pattern of E. histolytica infection and its correlates among patients in a general practice clinic: A four-year retrospective evaluation

Background: Overcrowding, poor hygiene and scarcity of portable water are common features of population growth in a resource poor nation especially with rising cost of living from inflation. This is the often the state of many underdeveloped nations such as Nigeria. Such environments encourage the spread of communicable diseases. This study assess the pattern, trend, and at-risk population of Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica), implicated in intestinal Amoebiasis in South-South Nigeria. Method: This retrospective study was conducted using hospital data obtained from the laboratory department of a general hospital clinic in Warri and covered a period of four years from January 2015 - December 2018. The record of 4,169 laboratory results of stool samples examined by direct smear and concentration technique, were recovered from a designed computer database. Trend of infection over the period as well as variations in distribution patterns between sex, age and seasons were determined using appropriate statistical tools. Results: Out of the 4,169 stool samples 365 (8.8%) had E. histolytica with decreasing trend of infection from 2015 – 2018 as 135 of 1210 (11%); 118 of 1114 (10.6%); 57 of 792 (7.2%); 55 of 1053 (5.2%) respectively. Prevalence of infections was higher in females, 57.5% (95CI%, 51.7-59.7, n= 210) than males (n=155, 42.5%, 95%CI, 40.3-48.6). The prevalence of infections was highest among Age brackets 1-5years, 6-15 years and 35+ years; but lowest in the 26-35 years with peak season of infections at first and last quarters of each year. Conclusions: Children are more vulnerable to E. histolytica infestation and the dry seasons of the year place them at risk. This information underscores the need for local surveillance to evaluate the effectiveness of control and preventive health measures with a view of reducing the prevalence and morbidity of parasitic infections in our locality.

In Vitro Evaluation of the Activity of Punica granatum L. Aqueous and Methanol Extracts on the Trophozoites of Entamoeba histolytica

Background: Entamoeba histolytica is the causative agent of amoebic dysentery and hepatic abscesses. Despite the efficacy of metronidazole in alleviating infectious diseases, the global dissemination of drug-resistant parasites raises the possibility that Punica granatum could serve as an effective natural alternative treatment. Objective: To evaluate the effect of P. granatum methanolic and aqueous extracts of various parts against E. histolytica trophozoites in an in vitro setting. Methods: Various concentrations (0.14, 0.7, 1.4, and 2.8 mg/ml) of P. granatum extracts of the flowers, leafs, peels, and seeds were chosen for this purpose. A culture medium containing 0.05x106/ml E. histolytica trophozoites was treated with different concentrations of these extracts. The incubation period was 48 hours at 37°C. For every set, an untreated control was also performed. The standard medication metronidazole (17 μg/ml) was employed as a comparative control. Results: All parts of P. granatum showed high efficacy against E. histolytica trophozoites, but utilization of the methanolic extract proved to be quite effective compared to aqueous extract. Under a light microscope, several morphological changes were also seen. These include changes to the plasma membrane, reorganization of vacuoles that hold cell waste, and major changes to the cytoplasmic granules. Conclusions: The leaf, seed, flower, and peel extracts of P. granatum effectively inhibit the growth of E. histolytica trophozoites in vitro. The use of methanolic extract was more effective compared to the aqueous extract, and can be used as a natural alternative treatment for amoebic dysentery.

Revisiting the isolation and characterisation of Entamoeba histolytica lipopeptidophosphoglycan

The parasite Entamoeba histolytica is the cause of amoebic dysentery and liver abscess in humans. On the protozoan cell surface, a variety of glycosylated molecules are involved in the interaction with the environment, such as attachment to the colonic mucus. One of these molecules is the lipopeptidophosphoglycan (LPPG), a complex surface component with antigenic properties. Its structure is only partly known, it is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-linked glycoprotein with a large amount of O-glycosylation. To date, the sequence of a core protein has not been identified. In this study, we further investigated this complex surface molecule aided by the availability of the monoclonal antibody EH5, which had been raised in our laboratory. We studied the extraction of LPPG in various solvent mixtures and discovered that 2-butanol saturated water was simple and superior to other solvents used in the past. The isolated LPPG was subjected to treatment with several proteases and the Ser/Thr specific cleavage agent scandium (III) trifluoromethanesulfonate (scandium triflate). The products were probed with antibody EH5 and the blots showed that the LPPG preparation was largely resistant to standard proteases, but could be cleaved by the scandium compound. These observations could point to the existence of a Ser- or Thr-rich core protein structure.

Entamoeba histolytica Infection in the Philippines: A Review

Entamoeba histolytica, an intestinal protozoan parasite, is the primary causative agent of both intestinal and extraintestinal amoebiasis. While six species of Entamoeba have been identified in the human gut, only E. histolytica is well recognized as a pathogenic amoeba associated with intestinal and extraintestinal infections. In many cases of E. histolytica infection, symptoms are either absent or mild, whereas the most frequent clinical manifestations are colitis and liver abscess due to amoebic infection. Diagnosis typically relies on microscopic and serological methods. Metronidazole is the standard therapy for treating children and adults with invasive amoebiasis. However, the absence of an effective vaccine poses a significant challenge to controlling the transmission and progression of the parasite into an active, invasive disease. Notably, in developing tropical countries like the Philippines, significant cases of E. histolytica infections have been documented in communities with inadequate sanitation and hygiene practices. The development of pragmatic and cost-effective diagnostic methods is therefore crucial for the clinical care of amoebiasis patients. Drawing from a limited pool of published articles (2010 to date) on cases of E. histolytica infections and parasitological surveys in the Philippines, the current review underscores the critical knowledge gap on the prevalence of amoebiasis as well as the disease pathology and treatment of this zoonotic parasitic disease.

Amoebic dysentery from the perspective of Unani literature: A review

Amoebic dysentery from the perspective of Unani literature: A review

A Review on Radix Scutellariae: A Traditional Chinese Medicine with Great Medicinal Significant

Abstract Radix Scutellariae (RS) refers to the root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (SBG) plant. This plant belongs to family Lamiaceae. There are many common names of RS such as huang chin, huang lien, huang qin, huangqin, and wogon. SBG plant is spreading throughout many Asian countries such as China, Japan, North and South Korea, Mongolia and Russia. The aim of this review is to focus on the ingredients, medicinal uses, pharmacological activity, toxicology, adverse effects, precautions, and dosage of RS. RS contains baicalein, baicalin, wogonin, wogonoside, and oroxylin A ingredients. RS is used in the treatment of fever, nausea and vomiting, acute dysentery, jaundice, coughs, carbuncles and sores, and threatened abortion. RS is applied in the treatment of allergies, arteriosclerosis, diarrhea, dermatitis, and hypertension. Pharmacology activity of RS includes experimental pharmacology and clinical pharmacology. Experimental pharmacology contains hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-tumor, antiviral, central nervous system, enzyme inhibition, immunological, platelet aggregation inhibition, and smooth muscle activities. Injection of water extract of RS (12–15 g/kg, intragastrically) to dogs without any toxic effects and the oral intake of 4–5 g/kg of this extract to dogs three times/day for 8 weeks did not induce any toxic effects. There are no carcinogenesis, mutagenesis, and impairment of fertility, pregnancy, teratogenic effects or any other effects of RS. RS possesses many pharmacological activities and it is used to treat many diseases and without any toxic effect to any organs.

The Effect of Amoebic Dysentery on Some Physiological Parameters

The Effect of Amoebic Dysentery on Some Physiological Parameters

The Impact of Amoebic Dysentery on Immune Parameters in Age Groups 1-20 Years in Fallujah, Iraq: A Comparative Study Between Genders

The Impact of Amoebic Dysentery on Immune Parameters in Age Groups 1-20 Years in Fallujah, Iraq: A Comparative Study Between Genders

Barefoot Ski Ranch: Navigating Crisis Waters—A Case Study in Brand Management Amidst Tragedy

The Barefoot Ski Ranch Surf Resort case study offers a valuable lesson in brand management during a crisis situation within the inland surf industry. Aimed at undergraduate or graduate students in sports management, sports law, or sports business programs, this case combines a hypothetical depiction of an authentic situation that underscores the repercussions following the tragic death of surfer Fabrizio Stabile from an amoeba infection acquired at the resort. It delves into the subsequent lawsuit by the Stabile family, which accused the resort of inadequate filtration systems, evidence cover-up, and obstructing the discovery process. These allegations compounded the resort’s existing challenges, including damage to its brand reputation and the looming threat of heightened industry regulation. This case underscores the critical need for effective brand management during a crisis, and the imperative for surf facilities to prioritize public safety, and uphold high care standards in water facility operations. It also emphasizes the far-reaching impact of crises on the industry and the necessity for facilities to be prepared to address unforeseen challenges in a responsible and transparent manner. Ultimately, it raises important questions about the responsibility of such parks to ensure guest safety and the potential consequences for those that fail to do so.

Trends in Gastrointestinal Infections during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Concerns of Post-Pandemic Resurgence in Japan.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was very broad and substantial, affecting a variety of fields worldwide. In Japan, the infection began spreading in March 2020. At that time, the government alerted people to cancel overseas travel, and encouraged wearing of masks, handwashing, sanitizing and keeping social distance. We sought to determine how COVID-19 infections affected other infectious diseases by investigating the trends in seven gastrointestinal infections that are listed among the 77 important infectious diseases designated by the National Institute of Infectious Diseases. We compared seven gastrointestinal infectious diseases, namely cholera, bacterial dysentery, enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli, typhoid fever, paratyphoid fever, amoebic dysentery, and giardiasis, in terms of numbers of new cases before the COVID-19 pandemic (2012-2019) and during the pandemic (2020-2022). During the COVID-19 pandemic period (2020-2022), the incidence of the seven infections decreased significantly (p < 0.05) compared with before the pandemic (2012-2019). The sharp and significant decline in incidence of these seven infections in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic period (2020-2022) appears to be due to restrictions on overseas travel and strict anti-infection measures, such as self-quarantine and encouragement of handwashing and sanitizing. The number of new cases of gastrointestinal infections in Japan is expected to increase in 2024 as these measures lapse. It is important for physicians to continue to monitor trends in gastrointestinal infections and educate people about proper infection prevention.