Emergence Of Parasitic Diseases Research Articles

Opisthorchis viverrini and Strongyloides stercoralis mono- and co-infections: Bayesian geostatistical analysis in an endemic area, Thailand

Parasitic infections caused by Opisthorchis viverrini and Strongyloides stercoralis remain a major public health threat in the Greater Mekong Sub-region. An understanding of climate and other environmental influences on the geographical distribution and emergence of parasitic diseases is a crucial step to guide targeted control and prevention programs. A parasitological survey was conducted from 2008 to 2013 and included 12,554 individuals (age between 20 and 60 years) from 142 villages in five districts in Khon Kaen Province, Thailand. Geographical information systems, remote sensing technologies and a Bayesian geostatistical framework were used to develop models for O. viverrini and S. stercoralis mono- and co-infections in areas where both parasites are known to co-occur. The results indicate that male sex, increased age, altitude, precipitation, and land surface temperature have influenced the infection rate and geographical distribution of mono- and co-infections of O. viverrini and S. stercoralis in this area. Males were 6.69 times (95% CrI: 5.26–8.58) more likely to have O. viverrini - S. stercoralis co-infection. We observed that O. viverrini and S. stercoralis mono-infections display distinct spatial pattern, while co-infection is predicted in the center and southeast of the study area. The observed spatial clustering of O. viverrini and S. stercoralis provides valuable information for the spatial targeting of prevention interventions in this area.

Parasitic disease in Koi fish (Cyprinus carpio) in freshwater ponds with different densities in Sukabumi, West Java

Koi fish (Cyprinus carpio) is one type of freshwater ornamental fish that is in high demand, and easy to culture. The main problem that often becomes an obstacle in fish farming is the emergence of parasitic diseases. The aimed of the study was to determine the types of parasites in Koi fish (C. carpio) rearing ponds with different fish densities in Sukabumi, West Java. The method used in this study is a survey method. Fish samples were taken every week in three different ponds, namely the cage pond (150 fish/m2), pond 10 (66 fish/m2), and pond B7 (33 fish/m2) usingthe Purposive Random Sampling method. Parasite found in Koi fish (C. carpio) is Argulus sp., Trichodina sp., Gyrodactylus sp., Dactylogyrus sp., Ichtyophtiriius multifili, and Glossatella sp. on the gills and body surfaces of the fish. The types of parasites found in all ponds were Trichodina sp., and Dactylogyrus sp. The highest prevalence of Trichodina sp., and Dactylogirussp. was found in cage ponds 80% and 60%, respectively. The highest Trichodina and Dactylogirus infestations were found in cage ponds with an average value of five individuals/fish and seven individuals/fish.

Parasitic diseases in marine cage culture – An example of experimental evolution of parasites?

Rapid development of fish culture in marine cages has been associated with an emergence of parasitic diseases. There is a general trend to an increase in infections with ectoparasites with direct life cycles and a reduced diversity of parasites in aquaculture. Some mariculture creates conditions that are similar to serial passage experiments, which are used to study adaptation during experimental evolution of pathogens. In particular, increased density of fish, repeated introduction of naive hosts, homogenous host populations, fast growth and a potential decrease in genetic diversity are attributes of both aquaculture and serial passage experiments. Some free-living organisms, for example Neoparamoeba spp. and Uronema spp. parasitise fish in culture, but have not been reported from wild populations. Farming fish in marine cages can increase the risk of outbreaks of parasitic diseases, including those caused by opportunistic parasites. However, aquaculture has the potential to control parasitic diseases through selective breeding, vaccination and general fish health management.

The impact of cultural limitations, local beliefs and practices on emerging parasitic diseases in tropical Africa

In tropical African communities, the scourge of emerging parasitic diseases such as urinary schistosomiasis, ascariasis, malaria, chagas disease, leishmaniasis, trachoma, trichiuriasis, taeniasis, dracunculiasis, sleeping sickness, filariasis among others, causes tremendous pain, suffering and eventually death. The pattern of transmission of these emerging parasitic diseases in a cultural setting is regulated by a complete interplay of human factors including those, which act as effective barriers to the spread of the disease and others that enhance its promotion. A better understanding of these factors especially clinical signs, symptoms and their manifestations is necessary in determining interventions that could upset the established culture - parasite relationship in favor of limiting the spread of the disease or bringing about a cessation in its transmission. This is needed for forward planning of effective control strategies. This study highlights some of the identified cultural limitations/human behavioral patterns mitigating against prevention and control measures of diseases, discusses the nature and impact of local beliefs and some peculiar practices on emerging parasitic diseases in tropical Africa. Health education is identified as a major key factor in erasing negative beliefs, cultural practices as well as behavioral patterns, which enhances the emergence of parasitic diseases in the tropical environment. International Journal of Natural and Applied Sciences Vol. 1(2) 2005: 153-164