Echinococcus Multilocularis Research Articles

Infection of Raccoon Dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) from Northern Poland with Gastrointestinal Parasites as a Potential Threat to Human Health.

The aim of the study was to determinate the prevalence and intensity of infection of raccoon dogs with internal parasites, with a particular emphasis on particular species of helminths known to be dangerous to humans. A total of 96 raccoon dogs were obtained from hunters from September 2018 to October 2021. The digestive tract was taken for examination. The parasitological examination was performed using the dissection methods. The extensity of infection with all internal parasites was 60.3%. The following parasites were found in the tested animals: Echinococcus multilocularis (in 10.42% of animals), Toxocara canis (18.75%), Alaria alata (25.0%), Taenia spp. (19.79%), Uncinaria stenocephala (27.08%), Mesocestoides spp. (54.17%) and Dipylidium caninum (6.25%). The highest mean intensity of infection was demonstrated by A. alata and E. multilocularis then by Mesocestoides spp. This study showed that the raccoon dog from northern Poland is a reservoir host of zoonotic pathogens, such as E. multilocularis, Toxocara canis and Alaria alata. Although the role of the racoon dog as a final host of the life cycle of E. multilocularis is considered of less importance than that of the red fox, this species may increase the risk of echinococcosis in humans, mainly due to its growing population in northern Poland.

Preliminary study on differentially expressed proteins in a mouse model of secondary cystic echinococcosis based on data independent acquisition proteomics

To identify the differentially expressed proteins in different liver tissues in the mouse model of cystic echinococcosis (CE), so as to provide insights into the research and development of therapeutic drugs targeting CE. Female Kunming mice at ages of 6 to 8 weeks were randomly assigned into the CE group and the control group. Mice in the CE group were intraperitoneally infected with 2 000 Echinococcus multilocularis protoscoleces, while mice in the control group were injected with the same volume of physiological saline. All mice in both groups were sacrificed after breeding for 350 d, and the lesions (the lesion group) and peri-lesion specimens (the peri-lesion group) were sampled from the liver of mice in the CE group and the normal liver specimens (the normal group) were sampled from mice in the control group for data independent acquisition (DIA) proteomics analysis, and the differentially expressed proteins were subjected to Gene Ontology (GO) term enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. A total of 26 differentially expressed proteins were identified between the lesion group and the normal group and between the peri-lesion group and the normal group, including 8 up-regulated proteins and 18 down-regulated proteins. GO term enrichment analysis showed that these differentially expressed proteins were predominantly enriched in endoplasmic reticulum membrane (biological components), oxidoreductase activity (molecular function) and oxoacid metabolic process and monocarboxylic acid metabolic process (biological processes). KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that the differentially expressed protein Acyl-CoA oxidase 1 (Acox1), which contributed to primary bile acid biosynthesis during the fatty acid oxidation, was involved in peroxisome signaling pathway, and the differentially expressed protein fatty acid binding protein 1 (Fabp1), which contributed to fatty acid transport, was involved in the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway. Differentially expressed proteins are identified in the liver specimens between mouse models of CE and normal mice, and some differentially expressed proteins may serve as potential drug targets for CE.

Preliminary study on differentially expressed proteins in a mouse model of secondary alveolar echinococcosis based on data independent acquisition proteomics

To identify the differentially expressed proteins in different liver tissues in the mouse model of alveolar echinococcosis using high-resolution mass spectrometry with data independent acquisition (DIA), and to identify the key proteins contributing to the pathogenesis of alveolar echinococcosis. Protoscoleces were isolated from Microtus fuscus with alveolar echinococcosis and the experimental model of alveolar echinococcosis was established in female Kunming mice aged 6 to 8 weeks by infection with Echinococcus multilocularis protoscoleces. Mice were divided into the experimental and control groups, and animals in the experimental group was injected with approximately 3 000 protoscoleces, while mice in the control group were injected with the same volume of physiological saline. Mouse liver specimens were sampled from both groups one year post-infection and subjected to pathological examinations. In addition, the lesions (the lesion group) and peri-lesion specimens (the peri-lesion group) were sampled from the liver of mice in the experimental group and the normal liver specimens (the normal group) were sampled from mice in the control group for DIA proteomics analysis, and the differentially expressed proteins were subjected to bioinformatics analysis. A total of 1 020 differentially expressed proteins were identified between the lesion group and the normal group, including 671 up-regulated proteins and 349 down-regulated proteins, and 495 differentially expressed proteins were identified between the peri-lesion group and the normal group, including 327 up-regulated proteins and 168 down-regulated proteins. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis revealed that these differentially expressed proteins were involved in peroxisome, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) and fatty acid degradation pathways, and the peroxisome and PPAR signaling pathways were found to correlate with liver injury. Several differentially expressed proteins that may contribute to the pathogenesis of alveolar echinococcosis were identified in these two pathways, including fatty acid binding protein 1 (Fabp1), Acyl-CoA synthetase long chain family member 1 (Acsl1), Acyl-CoA oxidase 1 (Acox1), Enoyl-CoA hydratase and 3-hydroxyacyl CoA dehydrogenase (Ehhadh) and Acetyl-Coenzyme A acyltransferase 1B (Acaa1b), which were down-regulated in mice in the experimental group. A large number of differentially expressed proteins are identified in the liver of the mouse model of alveolar echinococcosis, and Fabp1, Acsl1, Acox1, Ehhadh and Acaa1b may contribute to the pathogenesis of alveolar echinococcosis.

Development of a Triplex Real-Time PCR Assay to Detect Echinococcus Species in Canid Fecal Samples

Echinococcosis is a zoonotic disease with great significance to public health, and appropriate detection and control strategies should be adopted to mitigate its impact. Most cases of echinococcosis are believed to be transmitted by the consumption of food and/or water contaminated with canid stool containing Echinococcus spp. eggs. Studies assessing Echinococcus multilocularis, Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto, and Echinococcus shiquicus coinfection from contaminated water-derived, soil-derived, and food-borne samples are scarce, which may be due to the lack of optimized laboratory detection methods. The present study aimed to develop and evaluate a novel triplex TaqMan-minor groove binder probe for real-time polymerase chain reaction (rtPCR) to simultaneously detect the 3 Echinococcus spp. mentioned above from canid fecal samples in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau area (QTPA). The efficiency and linearity of each signal channel in the triplex rtPCR assay were within acceptable limits for the range of concentrations tested. Furthermore, the method was shown to have good repeatability (standard deviation ≤0.32 cycle threshold), and the limit of detection was estimated to be 10 copies plasmid/μl reaction. In summary, the evaluation of the present method shows that the newly developed triplex rtPCR assay is a highly specific, precise, consistent, and stable method that could be used in epidemiological investigations of echinococcosis.

Evaluation of Serological Markers in Alveolar Echinococcosis Emphasizing the Correlation of PET-CTI Tracer Uptake with RecEm18 and Echinococcus-Specific IgG.

Human alveolar echinococcosis (AE), which is caused by the cestode Echinococcus (E.) multilocularis, is an epidemiologically relevant issue in modern medicine and still poses a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Since diagnosis mainly relies on imaging procedures and serological testing, we retrospectively and comparatively analyzed the performance of an Echinococcus IgG screening ELISA, whole serum IgE, and two specific confirmatory ELISA platforms using the defined E. multilocularis antigens Em2-Em18 (Em2+) and recombinant Em18 (recEm18). With special emphasis on the clinical usefulness of recEm18, we correlated the laboratory results with clinical characteristics and imaging findings in a large and well-characterized cohort of N = 124 AE patients, who were followed over several years after either surgical plus subsequent pharmacological treatment or pharmacotherapy alone. All patients had routinely received PET-CTI every two years. Our data reveal strong correlations for both Echinococcus IgG and recEm18 with tracer uptake in PET-CTI and parasitic lesion size and number, suggesting additional clinical usefulness of recEm18 for certain constellations only, while IgG and Em2+ still appear reasonable and sensitive screening methods for initial diagnosis of AE. With this study, we aim to contribute to further optimizing medical care of AE patients. For instance, it might be reasonable to consider the replacement of some PET-CTI follow-ups by imaging procedures with less radiation exposure or serological means alone. Further studies that clarify the correlation of serological markers with ultrasound criteria might be particularly useful, and further retrospective as well as prospective investigations are justified in this context.

Echinococcus multilocularis specific antibody, systemic cytokine, and chemokine levels, as well as antigen-specific cellular responses in patients with progressive, stable, and cured alveolar echinococcosis: A 10-year follow-up.

BackgroundThe infestation with Echinococcus multilocularis larvae may persist in humans for up to decades without evident clinical symptoms. Longitudinal investigations are needed to understand the dynamic immunological processes in alveolar echinococcosis (AE) patients associated with an active and progressive, a stable or a regressive course of disease.Methodology/Principal findingsThis study evaluated the E. multilocularis specific antibody responses, systemic cytokine, and chemokine serum levels over a 10-year follow-up period, as well as cellular responsiveness in AE patients. Our results demonstrate a rapid decrease in antibodies against E. multilocularis specific antigen Em2+. Especially in cured patients, these antibodies remained negative, making them a significant predictor for cured AE. E. multilocularis specific IgG4, and indirect hemagglutination IHA decreased later in time, after around 5 years. While total IgE did not show significant dynamics over the course of disease, E. multilocularis specific IgE decreased after one to two years, and increasing levels were a significant predictor of progressive disease. There was no significant change in systemic IL-8, IL-9, CCL18 or CCL20 serum levels over time. Univariate analysis across groups indicated lower IL-8 levels in cured patients; however, this result could not be confirmed by multivariate analysis. Levels of CCL17 decreased during treatment, especially in cured patients, and thus might serve as a predictive or risk factor for progressive disease. Levels of IL-10 and CCL13 decreased during disease, especially after five and ten years of intervention. The E. multilocularis antigen (EmAg) inducible cellular productions of MCP1(CCL13), TARC(CCL17) and PARC(CCL18) were lowest in patients with cured AE and infection-free controls, while the EmAg inducible cellular production of IFN-γ increased after cure. Significant positive cytokine and chemokine correlations were observed in AE patients for IL-9, IL-10, CCL13(MCP-4), CCL17(TARC) and CCL20(LARC)(for all p<0.001). E. multilocularis specific IgG4 response correlated positively with TARC (p<0.001). Both markers enhanced over time in progressive disease and decreased after cure. The levels of IL-8, IL-10, MCP4 and LARC enhanced with AE regression.Conclusions/SignificanceRepeated biomarker surveys are advisable to evaluate progression or regression of disease during longitudinal follow-up and such analyses can support imaging techniques and improve staging of AE patients.

An Excretory Protein of Echinococcus multilocularis Inhibits Complement Classical Pathway Activation.

IntroductionAlveolar echinococcosis is a lethal zoonosis caused by Echinococcus multilocularis (E.m) larvae. The mechanism by which E.m evades host immune attacks and ensures long-term survival remains unexplained. The complement system is a cascade of sequentially activated complement proteins that results in opsonization-related phagocytosis or membrane lysis of invading organisms. Excretory/secretory proteins (ESPs) of parasites are the main antigens that induce the immune response and play important roles in the long-term survival.MethodsWe investigated the possibility that E.m inhibits complement activation through ESPs and examined the potential related mechanism. A haemolysis assay was used to determine if and how in vitro culture medium of E.m containing ESPs can inhibit complement activation. Potential ESPs were annotated using bioinformatics methods, and one ESP was subsequently expressed as a recombinant protein with a eukaryotic expression system. The ability of this protein to inhibit complement activation was also tested by haemolysis assay.ResultsThese assays showed that in vitro culture medium of E.m inhibited activation of the complement classical pathway. EmuJ_000439500 encodes a protein containing seven Sushi domains, which was the only potential E.m-derived complement inhibitor (Em-CI, UniProt: A0A068Y4F2) annotated among the 653 ESPs. Recombinant Em-CI also displayed the ability to inhibit activation of the complement classical pathway.DiscussionThe discovery of Em-CI sheds light on the mechanism by which E.m escapes killing by the complement system and provides potential targets for immunotherapy for parasitic diseases.

Transplantation of adipose-derived stem cells ameliorates Echinococcus multilocularis-induced liver fibrosis in mice.

BackgroundAlveolar echinococcosis (AE) can cause severe liver fibrosis and could be fatal if left untreated. Currently, there are no effective therapeutic options for AE-induced liver fibrosis. In view of the therapeutic potential of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), we investigated whether ADSCs transplantation has the ability to control or reverse fibrosis progression in the liver of Echinococcus multilocularis (E. multilocularis) infected mice.Methodology/Principal findingsC57BL/6 mice infected with E. multilocularis through portal vein inoculation were intravenously injected with ADSCs isolated from inguinal adipose tissues of 6–8 weeks old mice. Histopathological analysis including heamatoxylin & eosin staining as well as Masson’s trichrome staining, and Sirius red staining were performed to access the degree of liver fibrosis. Histopathological examination 30 days after ADSCs transplantation revealed that ADSCs significantly decreased the degree of liver fibrosis in E. multilocularis infected mice by inhibiting the expressions of α-SMA and type 1 collagen deposition. In addition, compared to the non-transplanted group, ADSCs transplantation reduced fibrotic areas in E. multilocularis infected mice. We also found that ADSCs transplantation significantly down-regulated TGF-β1 and TGF-βR expressions, while up-regulating Smad7 expression in the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway.ConclusionsADSCs can alleviate Echinococcus multilocularis infection-induced liver fibrosis by modulating the activity level of the TGF-β/Smad7 signaling pathway and provide a potential therapeutic approach for E. multilocularis-induced fibrosis.

Transcriptional effects of electroporation on Echinococcus multilocularis primary cell culture.

Echinococcus multilocularis is the etiological agent of alveolar echinococcosis (AE), a serious parasitic disease in the Northern Hemisphere. The E. multilocularis primary cell cultivation system, together with E. multilocularis genome data and a range of pioneering molecular-based tools have advanced the research on this and other cestodes. RNA interference (RNAi) and microRNA knock-down have recently contributed to the study of the cellular and molecular basis of tapeworm development and host-parasite interaction. These, as well as other techniques, normally involve an electroporation step for the delivery of RNA, DNA, peptides, and small molecules into cells. Using transcriptome data and bioinformatic analyses, we herein report a genome-wide comparison between primary cells of E. multilocularis and primary cells under electroporated conditions after 48h of culture. We observed that ~ 15% of genes showed a significant variation in expression level, including highly upregulated genes in electroporated cells, putatively involved in detoxification and membrane remodeling. Furthermore, we found genes related to carbohydrate metabolism, proteolysis, calcium ion binding and microtubule processing significantly altered, which could explain the cellular dispersion and the reduced formation of cellular aggregates observed during the first 48h after electroporation.

Stage-Oriented CT Classification and Intermodal Evolution Model inHepatic Alveolar Echinococcosis.

BackgroundAlveolar echinococcosis (AE) is one of the most dangerous human parasitoses. The main site of disease manifestation is the liver (about 98 %). The Echinococcus Multilocularis Ulm Classification for Computed Tomography (EMUC-CT), presented in 2016, was the first compilation of CT morphological criteria of hepatic AE. Studies based on EMUC-CT made it possible to draw conclusions about the development of the lesions in the course of disease beyond purely diagnostic typing. Among the most important findings of these precursor studies was that EMUC-CT type IV presented as an initial lesion, whereas EMUC-CT type III lesions were mostly associated with an advanced disease constellation. An intermodal view of image morphological criteria provides further multi-layered indications for lesion evolution.MethodWith the “Alveolar Echinococcosis Ulm Classification” (AEUC), a revision of the previous EMUC-CT was carried out with stage-oriented reorganization of the primary morphologies. Furthermore, an intermodal classification scheme for the evolution of hepatic AE lesions based on AEUC, MRI Kodama classification, and aspects of ultrasound could be outlined.ResultsThe first stage-oriented CT classification of hepatic AE “AEUC” is based with respect to its lesion characterization on the separate consideration of two classification pillars, the five “primary morphologies”, AEUC I–V (AEUC II–IV with subcriteria) and the five “patterns of calcification”. In addition, an intermodal classification scheme presents five stages of lesion evolution: “initial stage”, “progressive stage”, “advanced stage”, “transitional stage” and “regressive stage”.ConclusionThe imaging modalities differ with respect to their visualization of lesion criteria. This underlines the need for unimodal classification systems. Staging of an AE lesion can be done more accurately by evaluating different modalities.Key Points:The AEUC provides a stage-oriented CT classification for hepatic AE.Aspects of different modalities allow a more multi-layered view of lesion evolution.More accurate staging can be achieved by combining different modalities.Citation FormatGraeter T, Schmidberger J. Stage-Oriented CT Classification and Intermodal Evolution Model in Hepatic Alveolar Echinococcosis. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2022; 194: 532 – 544

Autocrine osteopontin is involved in maintaining the growth and metastasis of Echinococcus multilocularis

Alveolar echinococcosis is a zoonotic disease that seriously endangers human health. This study aims to investigate the effects of osteopontin on the growth and intra- or extra-hepatic metastasis of Echinococcus multilocularis. Mice were randomly divided into untreated (control group, n = 25), PBS (n = 25), Lv3-NC (n = 25), and Lv-OPN-734 (n = 25) groups. Knockdown OPN by injecting lentivirus through the intraperitoneal portal vein, the metastatic lesions infected with Echinococcus multilocularis and adjacent liver tissues were observed, and the expression of osteopontin and epidermal growth factor receptor pathway-related molecules were studied. Gross observation of specimens suggested that there was no extra- hepatic metastasis, and mild intrahepatic invasion was observed in the Lv-OPN-734 group after 4 months of infection, and lung metastasis occurred in the Lv3-NC group. Western-blot and immunohistochemical staining results showed that the protein expression of OPN, phosphorylation of epidermal growth factor receptor and downstream molecules of the pathway decreased significantly after osteopontin knockdown, whereas the levels of non-phosphorylated proteins did not change significantly. In human tissues, through western-blot and immunohistochemical staining we found that compared with the control group, the expression of OPN in the liver tissues infected with Echinococcus multilocularis were higher than that in the control group. These findings indicate that osteopontin is involved in maintaining the growth and metastasis of Echinococcus multilocularis, suggesting that osteopontin may be a potential target for the treatment of alveolar echinococcosis.

Albendazole reduces hepatic inflammation and endoplasmic reticulum-stress in a mouse model of chronic Echinococcus multilocularis infection.

BackgroundEchinococcus multilocularis causes alveolar echinococcosis (AE), a rising zoonotic disease in the northern hemisphere. Treatment of this fatal disease is limited to chemotherapy using benzimidazoles and surgical intervention, with frequent disease recurrence in cases without radical surgery. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying E. multilocularis infections and host-parasite interactions ultimately aids developing novel therapeutic options. This study explored an involvement of unfolded protein response (UPR) and endoplasmic reticulum-stress (ERS) during E. multilocularis infection in mice.MethodsE. multilocularis- and mock-infected C57BL/6 mice were subdivided into vehicle, albendazole (ABZ) and anti-programmed death ligand 1 (αPD-L1) treated groups. To mimic a chronic infection, treatments of mice started six weeks post i.p. infection and continued for another eight weeks. Liver tissue was then collected to examine inflammatory cytokines and the expression of UPR- and ERS-related genes.ResultsE. multilocularis infection led to an upregulation of UPR- and ERS-related proteins in the liver, including ATF6, CHOP, GRP78, ERp72, H6PD and calreticulin, whilst PERK and its target eIF2α were not affected, and IRE1α and ATF4 were downregulated. ABZ treatment in E. multilocularis infected mice reversed, or at least tended to reverse, these protein expression changes to levels seen in mock-infected mice. Furthermore, ABZ treatment reversed the elevated levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interferon (IFN)-γ in the liver of infected mice. Similar to ABZ, αPD-L1 immune-treatment tended to reverse the increased CHOP and decreased ATF4 and IRE1α expression levels.Conclusions and significanceAE caused chronic inflammation, UPR activation and ERS in mice. The E. multilocularis-induced inflammation and consecutive ERS was ameliorated by ABZ and αPD-L1 treatment, indicating their effectiveness to inhibit parasite proliferation and downregulate its activity status. Neither ABZ nor αPD-L1 themselves affected UPR in control mice. Further research is needed to elucidate the link between inflammation, UPR and ERS, and if these pathways offer potential for improved therapies of patients with AE.

Surveillance of berries sold on the Norwegian market for parasite contamination using molecular methods

The risk of foodborne parasite infection linked to the consumption of contaminated fresh produce has long been known. However, despite epidemiological links between the outbreaks and contaminated berries, few studies have assessed the magnitude of parasite contamination on fresh produce sold in Europe. The present study was aimed to address the knowledge gap on parasite contamination of berries sold in Norway. Samples of blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries were analysed by multiplex qPCR for detection of Echinococcus multilocularis, Toxoplasma gondii, and Cyclospora cayetanensis. In addition, a simplex qPCR method was employed for detecting contamination of the berries with Cryptosporidium spp. A total of 820 samples of berries, each of around 30 g (274 samples of blueberries, 276 samples of raspberries, and 270 samples of strawberries), were analysed. We found an overall occurrence of 2.9%, 6.6%, and 8.3% for T. gondii, C. cayetanensis, and Cryptosporidium spp., respectively, whereas E. multilocularis was not detected from any of the samples investigated. Strawberries and raspberries were most often contaminated with Cryptosporidium spp., whereas blueberries were contaminated mostly with C. cayetanensis. Detection of parasite contaminants on fresh berries indicates the need for a system to ensure the parasitological safety of fresh berries.

The expression of cytokeratin and apoptosis-related molecules in echinococcosis related liver injury

The study aimed to investigate the expression of cytokeratin and apoptosis-related molecules in the livers of two types of hepatic echinococcosis mice models and to preliminarily explore the relationship between the expression of cytokeratin and apoptosis in echinococcosis related liver injury. We established a mouse model infected by Echinococcus granulosus and Echinococcus multilocularis and observed the expression of cytokeratin and apoptosis related proteins in the two types of hepatic echinococcosis tissues during different stages by immunohistochemical staining. A co-culture model was established using normal hepatocytes and different concentrations of E. granulosus and E. multilocularis protoscoleces. Cell Counting Kit-8 was used to detect cell proliferation, flow cytometry was used to detect hepatocyte apoptosis, and western blot was used to quantify cytokeratin and apoptosis-related proteins, such as caspase3, caspase9, Bcl-2, and Bax. Surgical specimens were obtained from patients with hepatic echinococcosis to analyze the expressions of cytokeratin, caspase3, caspase9, Bcl-2, and Bax by western blot. The expressions of cytokeratin and caspase3 were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. The qRT-PCR method was used to determine the expression of CK8 and CK18 in the liver tissues. In vivo experiments showed that compared to that in the control group, the cytokeratin and caspase3 proteins in the liver tissues of the two types of hepatic echinococcosis were strongly expressed around the lesions of liver echinococcosis; there was a difference between cytokeratin expression of the two different echinococcosis parasites in the liver. Echinococcus granulosus and Echinococcus multilocularis in the co-culture model in vitro could promote the expression of CK, caspase3, caspase9, and Bax protein, decrease the expression of Bcl-2, promote hepatocyte apoptosis, and inhibit cell proliferation; in clinical samples, we found that compared with that in the normal tissues, the expression of cytokeratin, caspase3, caspase9, and Bax in echinococcus tissues was high, but that in Bcl-2 was low. Furthermore, the expression of CK8 and CK18 mRNA were higher in echinococcus tissues than that in the normal tissues and immunohistochemistry analysis also showed that cytokeratin and caspase3 levels were higher in echinococcus tissues than that in the normal tissues. The expression of cytokeratin and apoptosis-related molecules, reflecting liver damage, is high in the liver and is caused due to hepatic echinococcosis. This study provides the first evidence of cytokeratin could be useful for evaluating liver tissue damage caused by echinococcus infection.

Echinococcus multilocularis

This datasheet on Echinococcus multilocularis covers Identity, Overview, Distribution, Hosts/Species Affected.

The golden jackal (Canis aureus): A new host for Echinococcus multilocularis and Trichinella britovi in Switzerland

The golden jackal (Canis aureus) is a wild canid new to Switzerland. It is an officially monitored species and all deceased individuals are submitted for post-mortem examination to collect baseline health data. This includes parasitological examinations, with an emphasis on zoonotic, reportable infections, such as those caused by Trichinella spp. or Echinococcus spp. From 2016 to 2021, five golden jackals originating from four Swiss cantons were submitted for full post-mortem examination. In one case only organ samples were available, and therefore parasitological examination was not possible. Parasite stages recovered during necropsy, as well as by routine coproscopical techniques, were morphologically identified. Taeniid eggs and adult tapeworms were processed for molecular species identification. Additionally, tongue and diaphragm were analysed for Trichinella spp. by the artificial digestion technique followed by multiplex-PCR in positive cases. Of the four jackals investigated for parasites, hookworm eggs were detected in one animal, both adult worms and eggs of Echinococcus multilocularis were present in another case, and one animal was free of parasites. Eggs of E. multilocularis as well as eggs of Toxocara canis and sporocysts of Sarcocystis sp. were detected in the intestinal content, and Trichinella britovi larvae were found in the muscle samples of the last case. The health monitoring programme in place for protected carnivores in Switzerland allowed us to add the golden jackal to the list of hosts for the endemic zoonotic parasites E. multilocularis and T. britovi in this country. Hunters, farmers, and other persons who could come in contact with golden jackals should be aware of the associated health risk and handle faeces and carcasses with caution.

Wind-borne dispersion of Echinococcus multilocularis eggs - a flight model.

The alveolar hydatid disease, also known as alveolar echinococcosis, of humans is certainly one of the most dangerous zoonoses worldwide. The disease is caused by Echinococcus multilocularis - the fox tapeworm. Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) are currently counted as the most important carriers (reservoirs) of E. multilocularis in the Northern Hemisphere. The possible routes of infection of E. multilocularis to humans are complex and still require research. Until now, it has been unknown whether E. multilocularis eggs can be moved by wind at all. This analysis shows, based on calculations, that E. multilocularis eggs can be transported by wind. Using a mathematical model, flight distances depending on wind speed and take-off heights are calculated for dense and less dense (coniferous) forest areas. The results - differentiated for seasons and as overall average - are based on mean values of wind speeds which were measured over a ten-year period in an experimental forest stand in the Solling (Germany). Due to their rate of descent, wind-related spreading of E. multilocularis eggs is possible. The average flight distance covered by E. multilocularis eggs in forest areas, depending on their starting altitude and wind speed, is between approximately 1.3 m and approximately 17 m. From the mathematical point of view, the wind factor can definitely be seen as one of the multiple vectors associated with environmental contamination by E. multilocularis eggs. Consequently, the possible wind-borne spread of E. multilocularis eggs poses an infection risk to humans that should be considered and requires further research.

Alveolar echinococcosis located in the liver: Report of a case

Echinococcosis is a parasitic infection caused by larval and cyst stages of Echinococcus granulosus living in dogs in humans. The definitive host of the parasite is dog, intermediate hosts are sheep, cattle and humans. The causative pathogen is mostly Echinococcus granulosus. Echinococcus multilocularis (alveolaris) and other agents are less common. Only 3% of hepatic hydatid cysts are alveolar hydatid cysts. In this study, we aimed to present a case of Alveolar echinococcosis located in the right lobe of the liver due to Ecinococcus alveolaris, together with the operation images. We evaluated the preoperative, peroperative and postoperative course of a patient who was examined with abdominal pain in our clinic and in radiological and serological examinations, we found an alveolar hydatid cyst located in the liver and underwent surgery. Our patient was a 31-year-old female. She applied for abdominal pain. Ultrasonography revealed a cystic mass of approximately 17 cm in diameter in the right lobe of the liver. In laboratory examinations, the hydatid hemagglutination test was positive at a titer of 1/2560. Hematological and biochemical parameters were normal. MRI showed a 171*125 mm sized, lobulated, locally calcified cystic mass in the right lobe of the liver. After evaluating the relationship of the lesion defined in CT angiography imaging with vascular structures, the decision to operate was made with the diagnosis of Alveolar echinococcosis.. Nonanatomical segmental right hepatectomy and total cyst excision operation was performed in our patient who was thought to have Alveolar echinococcosis based on clinical, serological and radiological findings. The patient, who had an uneventful postoperative period, was discharged on the 7th postoperative day with full recovery. In cases of echinococcosis, the treatment is determined according to the type of the agent, the stage and localization of the lesion. Medical treatment, PAIR and surgery are the treatment options that can be applied. Total excision of the mass is recommended in cases of Alveolar echinococcosis.

Man’s best friend and our shared infectious diseases

Abstract This review categorizes 62 zoonoses humans share with dogs based on their clinical, public health importance, and global distribution. Three categories were identified. Category 1 comprise the most widespread and public health important zoonoses and includes 13 zoonoses where dogs play an essential role in the maintenance and transmission of the infectious organisms. This category comprises Rabies lyssavirus , Leptospirosis, Leishmania, Trypanosoma cruzi, Trypanosoma brucei spp ., Clonorchis sinsensis, Opisthorchis viverrini, Paragonimus spp ., Echinococcus granulosus, Echinococcus multilocularis, Taenia multiceps, Dracunculus medinensis, Toxocara canis, Ancylostoma spp ., and Strongyloides stercoralis. Category 2 includes 24 zoonoses of lesser public health importance in which human or dog behavior plays a major role in transmission. Category 2 includes, Microsporum spp ., Prevotella spp ., Bacteroides spp ., Porphyromonas spp ., Bergeyella zoohelcum, Neisseria spp ., Pasteurella spp ., Capnocytophaga canimorsus, Staphylococcus spp ., Streptococcus spp ., Salmonella spp ., Anaplasma spp ., Ehrlichia spp ., Borrelia spp ., Rickettsia spp ., Yersina pestis, Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp ., Toxoplasma gondii, Dibothriocephalus latum, Spirometra spp ., Schistosoma spp ., Echinococcus canadensis, and Sarcoptes scabei var canis. Category 3 includes human infection where the zoonotic infection link is rare but has occasionally implicated dogs. This category includes SARS-CoV-2, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Mycobacterium spp ., Corynebacterium spp ., Coxiella burnetti, Helicobacter spp. , Campylobacter spp ., Brucella canis, Balantioides coli, Blastocystis hominis, Bacillus anthracis, Dipylidium caninum, Taenia spp ., Trichuris vulpis, Gnathostoma spp ., Thelazia spp ., Dirofilaria spp ., Onchocera lupi, Heterophyes heterophyes, Metagonimus spp. , Fasciolopsis buski, Ctenocephalides felis, Cheyletiella spp ., Otodectes cynotis , and Cochliomya homnivorax . Changes in human behavior and control of canine infection would reduce the public health importance of these zoonoses.

A woman with worsening abdominal pain and eosinophilia: disseminated echinococcus disease.

A 29-year-old woman was presented to the hospital due to worsening pain in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen for 6 months. There was no association between pain and eating. No history of nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, hematochezia, melena, constipation or fever was noted. She had a soft abdomen with a deep tenderness in the right lower quadrant. Blood examination was normal except for an eosinophil count of 2,000/µL. A magnetic resonance imaging of the abdomen was performed. The presence of cysts inside the cysts aided towards the diagnosis of echinococcal disease. As seen in, the enlarged liver contains many cysts that contain multiple cysts. Furthermore, serology for Echinococcus was positive. Echinococcosis (hydatid disease) is a zoonotic caused by the larvae Echinococcus multilocularis. Infection follows the accidental ingestion of parasite´s eggs. Eggs released oncospheres that migrate to the internal organs, more commonly the liver and the lungs, where larval forms develop and form structures composed of small cysts that contain numerous hydatid cysts. Echinococcus disease is most commonly diagnosed in the Middle East, China, India, Siberia, and Alaska, while, in Europe, it is rare. The clinical presentation depends on the anatomical location of the cysts and their size. In order to reduce the like hood of relapse, albendazole can be used preoperative for at least one month, and can also be used in cases where a conservative method is chosen due to high-risk surgical procedure, as the perioperative mortality varies and can be as high as 4%.