Diagnosis Of Parasitic Diseases Research Articles

Molecular diagnosis of parasitic diseases in Korea

Molecular diagnosis of parasitic diseases in Korea

The pre-analytical phase in parasitology

Parasites are among the main agents of the diseases from which mankind suffers. The parasitology laboratory plays an important role in the diagnosis of parasitic disease. One of its main challenges is to achieve, maintain and improve the accuracy, reliability and speed of its analyses. However, only good quality management in the laboratory will enable these objectives to be achieved and reliable results to be delivered. The pre-analytical phase covers all stages from the medical prescription, through sampling, routing, reception, non-conformity analysis, recording, pre-treatment and storage, right up to the analysis of the sample in the laboratory [3]. A number of requirements need to be taken into account in order to master all the stages of this process, over which the biologist has little control, as a significant proportion takes place outside the laboratory. In the present work, we have highlighted the importance and complexity of the pre-analytical phase in parasitology. We have identified and described the various sub-processes involved in this phase, namely: prescription, timing of sampling, its stages, routing, reception and storage. We have also described the main investigations that can be carried out on each type of sample in the various parasitology laboratories in general, and in our laboratory in particular.

Extracellular vesicles in parasitic diseases – from pathogenesis to future diagnostic tools

Parasitic diseases are still a major public health problem especially among individuals of low socioeconomic status in underdeveloped countries. In recent years it has been demonstrated that parasites can release extracellular vesicles that participate in the host-parasite communication, immune evasion, and in governing processes associated with host infection. Extracellular vesicles are membrane-bound structures released into the extracellular space that can carry several types of biomolecules, including proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and metabolites, which directly impact the target cells. Extracellular vesicles have attracted wide attention due to their relevance in host-parasite communication and for their potential value in applications such as in the diagnostic biomarker discovery. This review of the literature aimed to join the current knowledge on the role of extracellular vesicles in host-parasite interaction and summarize its molecular content, providing information for the acquisition of new tools that can be used in the diagnosis of parasitic diseases. These findings shed light to the potential of extracellular vesicle cargo derived from protozoan parasites as novel diagnostic tools.

Methods of coprological diagnostics of animal parasitoses

The purpose of the research is to review the classical methods of coprological diagnostics, taking into account modern recommendations and proposals. Materials and methods. Literature sources on the issues of coprological methods of diagnosing parasitosis have been studied. Results and discussion. Diagnosis during life is an important element of practical veterinary activity, the success of which largely depends on the correct choice and competent use of suitable laboratory methods. For the diagnosis of parasitic diseases, the study of feces is most often used. Coprological methods are highly informative due to the fact that they can detect not only parasites of the digestive tract, liver, pancreas, but also a number of helminths of the respiratory system and even some tissue parasites that excrete eggs or larvae with feces. Unlike existing indirect immunological and molecular genetic methods, classical research methods are based on the detection and identification of the pathogens themselves at different stages of development. At the same time, the researcher has the opportunity to study morphological features and conduct morphometric analysis. The widespread use of classical coprological methods is also associated with their availability, they are quite simple to perform and relatively inexpensive. A limitation of coprological methods is the inability to diagnose pathogens that are at a non-propagative stage. The effectiveness of diagnostics is influenced by the method of collecting samples, the terms and conditions of transportation, and the choice of an adequate method for examining samples. The article presents the rules for sampling and options for the use of fixatives, a classification of coprological methods is given, and the procedure for performing research is described. Special attention is paid to the choice of flotation solutions, the method of cultivation of strongylid larvae and the method of sporulation of coccidia oocysts. Attention is drawn to the importance of micrometric measurements of detected objects. To ensure the quality of the conducted coprological studies, it is necessary to control the stages of the studies, the technical condition of the equipment and train the personnel. The material presented in the article is intended for both students and practitioners.

Diagnosis of Parasitic Diseases in Animals Cat Using Bayes Theorem Method

Cats are one of the most popular pets in the world, including Indonesian people who like to keep cats as pets, and even become a hobby for cat lovers. Diseases that often attack cats are caused by parasites, namely worms and fleas. Parasites that attack cats are grouped into two, namely ectoparasites and endoparasites. expert system which is a computer program , which is able to store knowledge and rules like an expert . With the help of an expert system, someone who is lay or not an expert in a particular field will be able to answer questions, solve problems, and make decisions that are usually made by an expert . The Bayes Theorem method can be applied to diagnose parasitic diseases in cats based on input symptoms chosen by the users, the system can perform analysis based on predetermined rules or knowledge base. Based on the probability value of each symptom and disease that has been made, the system can diagnose parasitic diseases in cats with different accuracy results, the highest value or percentage which is the result of the diagnosis of the parasitic disease. From the results of trials conducted by the expert system for diagnosing parasitic diseases in cats using the Bayes Theorem method, the highest value was obtained, namely the type of parasitic disease Flea Disease (P03) with a percentage of 38.66%.

A Survey of Knowledge, Approaches, and Practices Surrounding Parasitic Infections and Antiparasitic Drug Usage by Veterinarians in Türkiye.

Despite a global background of increasing anthelmintic resistance in parasites, little is known about the current parasite control strategies adopted within the livestock industry in Türkiye. The aim of this survey is to identify the parasitic diseases encountered by veterinarians, the methods and drugs used for the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases, parasite control practices, and other related factors. This survey was conducted online between October 2018 and March 2019 with the participation of 607 veterinarians working in different areas from seven different geographical regions of Türkiye. A total of 29 questions were posed to the veterinarians in the online survey. As a result of this survey, it was determined that veterinarians should utilize laboratory methods more frequently for the detection and diagnosis of parasitic diseases and anthelmintic resistance. It was concluded that to effectively implement diagnosis, prevention, and control measures for parasitic diseases, field veterinarians need to establish closer relationships within academia and increase their participation in national and international conferences, symposia, and workshops where knowledge sharing and exchange take place. In conclusion, antiparasitic drug resistance has become increasingly important recently, and therefore measures taken to prevent the development of resistance should be increased.

PREVALENCE OF PARASITIC PATHOLOGY AMONG HUMANS IN BULGARIA

The aim of this report is to review and assess the dynamics of parasitic diseases in Bulgaria during 2020-2021. Materials and methods. The analysis is based on the annual reports of the Regional Health Inspectorates (RHIs) about the cases of registered parasitic diseases among humans in the country and on data from the National Reference Laboratory “Diagnosis of Parasitic Diseases” at the National Centre for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases (NCIPD), Sofia, for all examined cases. Results. For the study period a total of 1,225,485 individuals were examined in the country’s parasitological laboratories at the Regional Health Inspectorates, stand-alone medical diagnostic laboratories and at the National Center for Infectious and Parasitic diseases (NCIPD), of whom 19,509 (1.59%) were diagnosed with a positive result for parasitic pathogens. Among the zoonotic helminth infections with local transmission, a special attention deserve cystic echinococcosis and trichinellosis as the incidence of these parasitoses in Bulgaria is the highest among the European member states. The prevalence of ascariasis and trichuriasis in the country have been reduced to such an extent that they do not represent a public health danger any more. Data regarding community acquired giardiasis and hymenolepiasis can be interpreted in a similar way, while for enterobiasis, an increasing prevalence among both children and adults has been observed in recent years. Although imported parasitic pathology is relatively limited in volume, Bulgarian climate and fauna are quite favorable for local transmission of a number of imported parasitic diseases. Control measures regarding this pathology consist in the timely detection and removal of infection sources. Conclusion. In Bulgaria, there is a well-established system for surveillance and control of human parasitic diseases, which allows the acquisition of comprehensive information including patients demographic data and characteristics of the causative agents. This enables the monitoring of parasitic pathology among the population and an accurate assessment of the the endemic-related risks.

G-Quadruplex DNAzyme-Substrated CRISPR/Cas12 Assay for Label-Free Detection of Single-Celled Parasitic Infection.

Early diagnosis of parasitic diseases can dramatically alleviate medical, economic, and social burdens. Herein, we report a sensitive and label-free assay for diagnosing single-celled parasitic infections using G-quadruplex (G4) DNAzyme as a reporter for CRISPR/Cas12. The substitution of a fluorescent DNA reporter with G4 DNAzyme increased the sensitivity for detecting Leishmania donovani (L. donovani) by 5 times and obviated the need for using chemically labeled DNA probes. The G4 DNAzyme-substrated CRISPR/Cas12 (GsubCas12) assay yielded a limit of detection of 3.1 parasites in the detection of cultured L. donovani and was further applied to analyze L. donovani in infected mice. The results showed that the GsubCas12 assay could positively detect L. donovani in spleen samples from infected mice about 2 weeks after low-dose inoculation, nearly 2 weeks earlier than that of parasitological analysis. GsubCas12 assay is promising as a diagnostic tool for parasitic infection in resource-limited regions.

IMPROVING SKILLS IN MICRODIAGNOSTICS DURING THE COURSES OF MEDICAL AND BIOLOGICAL DISCIPLINES

Microscopic and submicroscopic studies of cyto- and histopreparations are used for high-quality assimilation of theoretical knowledge and practical skills over the courses "Histology, Cytology, Embryology" and "Medical Biology". They are an inseparable part of sessions when medical students learn the structure of cells, tissues, organs and make diagnoses parasitic diseases identifying pathogens and vectors of pathogens, helminth species, etc. Mastering medical and biological disciplines involves the ability to perform accurate study of micropreparations and their structural elements for further use in clinical practice, e.g. when investigating the biopsy samples, diagnosing pathological processes, establishing the causes of infection, or making laboratory diagnosis of parasitic diseases, etc. The main part of practical classes implies the students’ operating with microscopes. The classrooms of the departments are equipped with computers and microscopes with digital video cameras; the images of micropreparations of various magnifications can be visualized onto the screens of monitors, plasma TVs or the large screen by multimedia projectors. Ability to change the spot size setting facilitates better vision and thus better understanding of various histological structures. In practical classes on histology, cytology, and embryology, the theoretical material is consolidated by studying the microscopic structure of cells, tissues, and organs, diagnosing their histological structures, and processing electron microscopy data. Micropreparations of cells, stages of embryo development, extra-embryonic organs, helminths and their eggs are extensively used as material for investigation and analysis. The theoretical knowledge and practical skills acquired by students over the disciplines of a medical and biological profile pave the foundations for a holistic perception of the human body, contribute to improving skills in detecting microscopic structures, develop the ability to diagnose pathogens and vectors of parasitic diseases and are used in solving clinical case-studies.

Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii among different groups of patients in Bulgaria and algorithm for diagnosis of toxoplasmosis, applied in the National Reference Laboratory for Diagnosis of Parasitic Diseases, Bulgaria

Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii among different groups of patients in Bulgaria and algorithm for diagnosis of toxoplasmosis, applied in the National Reference Laboratory for Diagnosis of Parasitic Diseases, Bulgaria

Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii among different groups of patients in Bulgaria and algorithm for diagnosis of toxoplasmosis, applied in the National Reference Laboratory for Diagnosis of Parasitic Diseases, Bulgaria

Background: Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common parasitic infections in Bulgaria. The diagnostic algorithm includes serological and molecular tests. Objectives: Aim of this study was to establish the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in examined persons and to discuss the algorithm for diagnosis of toxoplasmosis, applied in the National Reference Laboratory for Diagnosis of Parasitic Diseases, Bulgaria. Material and Methods: Data from the annual reports of the National Reference Laboratory for Diagnosis of Parasitic Diseases were used. The classes of specific IgG, IgM and IgA antibodies, and IgG avidity were identified by ELISA. Results: For the period from 2011 to 2020 a total of 2969 individuals from different regions of the country were tested for toxoplasmosis in NRL, and it was found an average seropositivity of 27%. With evidence of recent infection were 18.74% of the pregnant women, 4.5% of the patients with fever of unknown origin, 3.3% of the patients with ocular involvement and 13.9% of the tested for prophylaxis. In the group of HIV infected persons we detected only latent form of toxoplasmosis in 29.9% of the examined patients. Conclusion: For the ten-year period of the study with data on acute toxoplasmosis were 11.2% of those studied for clinical indications, and with latent infection were 27% of examined persons. We believe that the algorithm we have adopted for diagnosis is suitable for the management of the infection and helps for timely treatment in clinically manifested cases and pregnant women with data for recent infection.

Schistoscope: An Automated Microscope with Artificial Intelligence for Detection of Schistosoma haematobium Eggs in Resource-Limited Settings.

For many parasitic diseases, the microscopic examination of clinical samples such as urine and stool still serves as the diagnostic reference standard, primarily because microscopes are accessible and cost-effective. However, conventional microscopy is laborious, requires highly skilled personnel, and is highly subjective. Requirements for skilled operators, coupled with the cost and maintenance needs of the microscopes, which is hardly done in endemic countries, presents grossly limited access to the diagnosis of parasitic diseases in resource-limited settings. The urgent requirement for the management of tropical diseases such as schistosomiasis, which is now focused on elimination, has underscored the critical need for the creation of access to easy-to-use diagnosis for case detection, community mapping, and surveillance. In this paper, we present a low-cost automated digital microscope—the Schistoscope—which is capable of automatic focusing and scanning regions of interest in prepared microscope slides, and automatic detection of Schistosoma haematobium eggs in captured images. The device was developed using widely accessible distributed manufacturing methods and off-the-shelf components to enable local manufacturability and ease of maintenance. For proof of principle, we created a Schistosoma haematobium egg dataset of over 5000 images captured from spiked and clinical urine samples from field settings and demonstrated the automatic detection of Schistosoma haematobium eggs using a trained deep neural network model. The experiments and results presented in this paper collectively illustrate the robustness, stability, and optical performance of the device, making it suitable for use in the monitoring and evaluation of schistosomiasis control programs in endemic settings.

Epidemiological Aspects of Parasitic Diseases of the Respiratory System Mimicking the Clinical Picture of Respiratory Infections: A Review

Introduction: Acute respiratory infections are one of the most common human diseases and are caused by many pathogens, while helminths receive undeservedly little attention in the structure of respiratory disorders. Meanwhile, the course of helminthiases of the respiratory system is disguised as a disease of nonparasitic etiology, with such manifestations as low-grade fever, dyspnea, cough, pleurisy, bronchitis, being therefore misdiagnosed and inadequate treated with serious consequences. In this review, we point out similar symptoms of bronchopulmonary pathologies associated with respiratory infections and parasitic diseases. Objective: To give a comparative characteristic of the clinical picture of pulmonary helminthiases and acute respiratory infections. Materials and methods: We analyzed literary sources on medical parasitology and helminth biology published in 1900–2021, found in the Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Elsevier, Springer and Google Scholar databases. In addition, were reviewed fifteen published case reports of pulmonary parasitoses. Results: We considered the life cycles of flatworms and roundworms belonging to 10 genera including Paragonimus, Taenia, Echinococcus, Ascaris, Toxocara, Ancylostoma, Necator, Strongyloides, Metastrongylus, and Dirofilaria, and summarized data on the respiratory symptoms of parasitic diseases, pathogenesis in the organism of the definitive host, and routes of entry. Conclusion: This review presents a comparative description of helminthiasis with mixed pathogenesis, mimicking the clinical picture of respiratory infections. To avoid inadequate treatment, we recommend supplementing a carefully collected medical history with a differential diagnosis of parasitic diseases for diseases of nonparasitic etiology (allergic and chronic systemic diseases, viral, bacterial infections). It is the early diagnosis of helminthiasis that prevents a life-threatening health condition, severe operations, and further long-term rehabilitation of patients.

Community-based learning and professional training in health in the face of the social demands of South Bahia, Brazil / Aprendizagem de base comunitária e formação profissional em saúde face às exigências sociais do Sul da Bahia, Brasil

The authors report the achievements of a workgroup at south of Bahia, Brazil, which was focused on community-based learning on primary health care considering the social demands of the communities. Parasitology was chosen as a link to approach health students to the reality of neglected diseases and make feasible health promotion and education. While on the one hand, it has improved the quality of information on health in self-care and also the diagnosis of parasitic diseases in children and adults, on the other hand, it has helped health students develop skills and acquire competencies aligned to the principles of government policies. In past consecutive years, the health education strategies reached eight communities (reaching almost 2000 people), revealing higher parasite infestation when compared to similar surveys conducted in Brazil. New approaches on parasitology span the notions of individual and family hygiene and practices in health, with emphasis on prevention, education, and prophylaxis, which are the objectives of programs against neglected diseases. This has strengthened the development of new teaching resources that favored the learning of the biology of parasites frequently found in these communities. The authors suggest that continuing health education activities are the best strategies underlying the mechanisms of collective knowledge and the relations between learning and health promotion.

Differential Diagnosis of Parasitic Diseases of the Gastrointestinal Tract Using Artificial Neural Networks

Disorders of the functional state of the gastrointestinal tract associated with the influence of various parasites are considered. The symptoms of diseases caused by parasites and their location in the gastrointestinal tract are given. The possibility of using neural network technology in diagnosing illnesses as a result of the influence of various parasites is estimated. The structure of the neural network is given, indicating the set of inputs and outputs, as well as the result of its training. For the created neural network, test results for the respective symptoms and disease prediction results for these symptoms were obtained.

STRUCTURE AND DYNAMICS OF IMPORTED PARASITIC DISEASES IN BULGARIA (2014-2020)

The aim of this study is to analyze data on the structure and dynamics of imported parasitic diseases and the potential risk of local spread of already eradicated diseases, and of those that do not have local spread so far, but there are environmental conditions for their occurrence. Material and Methods. This is a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of imported parasitic diseases in the country for a seven-year period. We used data from the annual analyzes of parasitic morbidity developed by the NCIPD, data from the diagnostic and reference activity of the National Reference Laboratory for Diagnosis of Parasitic Diseases, and data from the annual reports of the Regional Health Inspectorates. Results. During the period 2014-2020, 22 862 persons were studied, of whom 896 (3.9%) were Bulgarian citizens and 21 966 (96.1%) were foreigners. Imported parasite diseases were found in 794 people (prevalence 3.47%). Different types of parasites causing pathology of the gastrointestinal tract accounted for 87.53% (n = 695) of the identified pathogens, while the relative share of vector-borne parasitic diseases was 12.47% (malaria 11.09%, visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis 1.38%). Conclusion. There are favorable climate and fauna conditions in the country for the local spread of a number of parasitic diseases. Control measures with respect to this pathology are associated with timely detection and remediation of the source of infection. In the country, there is an algorithm for diagnosis, hospitalization, treatment, prevention and control of imported parasitic diseases, but it is difficult to be applied to migrants entering in the country illegally. The deficiencies in the surveillance and control of imported parasitic diseases pose a real danger for a local spread of already eradicated parasitic diseases, such as malaria, and from outbreaks of diseases that do not have local spread till the present moment.

CLASSES & Diagnosis of Parasitic Diseases

A parasite is a daily routine structure that experiences on or inside a host life form and gets its food from the cost of its host. There are three rule classes of parasites that can cause infections in people: Protozoa, Helminths, and Ectoparasites. Protozoa are minuscule, single-celled living beings that can be free-living or parasitic in nature. They can duplicate in people, which adds to their endurance and moreover allows genuine illnesses to create from a solitary life form. Transmission of protozoa that live in a human's stomach related framework to another human that normally happens through a fecal-oral course (for instance, tainted food or water or individual to-singular contact). Protozoa that live in the blood or tissue of people are communicated to different people by an arthropod vector (for instance, through the nibble of a mosquito or sand fly).

Soil and Sand Contamination with Canine Intestinal Parasite Eggs as a Risk Factor for Human Health in Public Parks in Niš (Serbia).

SummaryRegarding geographical distribution and clinical relevance, the most common canine geohelminths are Toxocara canis, ancylostomatids, and Trichuris vulpis. Canine intestinal parasites from the soil and sand present an important potential serious human health hazard, especially for the children preschool and school – age. This paper aimed to establish the degree of contamination of soil and sand with zoonotic parasites from the canine feces and the degree of risk they could pose for human health in public places and playgrounds in the city of Niš. Our parasitological study involved 200 soil samples and 50 sand samples from the public parks in the city of Niš in southeastern Serbia (43°19′15″N, 21°53′45″ E). From several locations, about 100 g of soil and sand was collected based on the bioclimatic indices. Parasitological diagnosis was performed using conventional qualitative and quantitative coprological methods, abiding by the recommendations about the diagnosis of parasitic diseases. In 38 – 46 % of soil samples and 40 % of sand samples seven species of endoparasites were diagnosed. In the samples of soil, a medium and high degree of contamination with the ascarid T. canis (14 – 22 %) was detected, as well as a low and medium degree of contamination with ancylostomatids (4 – 12 %), and in the samples of sand, a variable degree of contamination with the helminths T. canis (26 %) and A. alata (16 %) was found. A statistically significant difference was found in the contamination with A. alata eggs between the samples of sand and samples of soil. The studied public surfaces represent the reservoir of zoonotic parasites, which is a public health problem requiring a synergistic action of several factors to be successfully resolved, i.e. the implementation of prevention, surveillance, and control measures.

STANDARDIZATION AND EVALUATION OF ANTIBODY RESPONSE BY PLATE-ELISA FOR THE DETECTION OF PARAMPHISTOMOSIS IN RUMINANTS

Disease transmission, diagnosis and preventive measures have become a major concern for the scientists working in national and international institution throughout the world. Paramphistomosis is a parasitic disease occurring in domestic ruminants causing economic loss to livestock industry. Early diagnosis of the disease is very important so that the loss due to disease can be curtailed by the appropriate treatment. Immunodiagnostic assays are helpful in the diagnosis of parasitic diseases. Hence immunological tests especially microtitre plate enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) are the mainstay of diagnosis. Enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA), one of the immunodiagnostic assays is helpful in the diagnosis of paramphistomosis. More than 500 clinical/field sera samples of buffaloes, goats, sheep and cattle were collected from Bareilly, Delhi, Dehradun and Ludhiana under DST (GOI) sponsored project. Microtitre plate (Greiner) containing 96 well for Indirect Plate-ELISA was standardized for the detection of anti-Paramphistomunepiclitum antibodies in immunized rabbit using somatic antigen of P.epiclitum ranging from 1µg/ml to 10µg/ml, HRPO conjugate dilutions 1:1000 to 1:8000 and the range of sera dilution from 1:50 to 1:1,60,000. The optimum concentration of adult somatic P. epiclitum antigen was observed to be 2µg/ml, conjugate dilution 1:1000 and sera dilution at 1:200 and 1:400. A total of 222 clinical/field sera samples of ruminants were tested. Out of the total 106 ruminant samples were found to be positive with the incidence rate of 47.75 %. The highest percent positivity (84.0%) was found in naturally infected buffaloes followed by 26.25% in goats and 12.5% in sheep by indirect plate-ELISA. The observations on sensitivity and specificity of plate-ELISA test and immune response of antiP.epiclitum antibodies in experimental animal were also evaluated. The observation of high titre during the study is very effective for the detection of anti-P.epiclitum antibodies in field survey or in clinical cases. It is also helpful in the characterization of immunodominant antigens for the immunological control of the disease. Hence, indirect plateELISAis very important for the detection of paramphistomosis in domestic ruminants in early stages.

Deep Learning Based Target Tracking and Classification Directly in Compressive Measurement for Low Quality Videos

This paper proposes a method based on Multitexton Histogram (MTH) descriptor to identify patterns inimages of human parasite eggs of the following species: Ascaris, Uncinarias, Trichuris, Hymenolepis Nana, Dyphillobothrium-Pacificum, Taenia-Solium, Fasciola Hepatica and Enterobius-Vermicularis. These patterns are represented by textons of irregular shapes in their microscopic images. This proposed method could be used for diagnosis of Parasitic disease and it can be helpful especially in remote places. This paper includes two stages. In the first a feature extraction mechanism integrates the advantages of cooccurrence matrix and histograms to identify irregular morphological structures in the biological images through textons of irregular shape. In the second stage the Support Vector Machine (SVM) is used to classificate the different human parasite eggs. The results were obtaining using a dataset with 2053 human parasite eggs images achieving a success rate of 96,82% in the classification. In addition, this research shows that the proposed method also works with natural images.