Frequent Parasitic Disease Research Articles

Endoparasitic Diseases in Breeding Kennels: A Frequent and Complex Problem Requiring a Holistic Approach.

Parasitic infestations in dogs are frequent, particularly in breeding kennels, being a cause of suffering in animals and economic loss for breeders. In breeding bitches, some parasites may cause abortion, and in puppies they may be responsible for neonatal mortality, weaning diarrhea, or neurological clinical signs. This review aims to investigate the factors of predisposition, diagnostics, and control in relation to the most frequent parasitic diseases in breeding kennels. It highlights that the control of parasitic diseases in dogs at the population level is complex. A holistic multidisciplinary and pluritechnical approach is thus needed to deal with endoparasitoses.

Characterization of Plasmodium Falciparum Resistance Genes to Common Antimalarial Drugs in Semi-urban Areas of Burkina Faso.

Malaria still remains the most frequent parasitic disease on the world with, in 2022, 249 million cases and 608,000 deaths worldwide. Malaria control is compromised by the spread of the parasite's resistance to available antimalarials. The objective of our study is to characterize the Plasmodium falciparum resistance genes to common antimalarial drugs in semi-urban areas of Burkina Faso. This is a prospective cross-sectional study whose collection took place from June to October 2021 and from June to October 2022 in five health facilities in Burkina Faso. The molecular analysis based on PCR-RFLP took place from January to June 2023 at Centre National de Recherche et de Formation (CNRFP) to determine resistance genes such as Pfcrt, Pfmdr1, Pfdhps, and Pfdhfr. A total of 150 samples were analyzed giving a prevalence of 46.67, 1.33, 0.67, 20, 82, and 4.67%, for Pfcrt 76T, Pfmdr1 86Y, Pfdhps 437G, Pfdhfr 51I, Pfdhfr 59R, and Pfdhfr 108N mutations, respectively. There are no mutations observed Pfdhps 540E and Pfdhfr 164L positions. However, mutation on Pfdhfr 59R position was the most common. In addition, triple mutation (Pfdhps 437G + Pfdhfr 59R + Pfdhfr 108N) was found with a low frequency which is 0.67%. Surveillance of Plasmodium falciparum resistance markers to antimalarial drugs, remains one of the priorities in the context of the control or malaria elimination.

Prophylactic Effects of Ivermectin and Closantel Treatment in the Control of Oestrus ovis Infestation in Sheep.

The sheep nasal bots Oestrus ovis is parasite of the nasal cavities and sinuses of small ruminants causing oestrosis, one of the most frequent parasitic diseases in sheep and goats. The widely use of ivermectin and closantel by the sheep breeders in the treatment and prophylaxis of gastrointestinal nematodes resulted in widespread cases of anthelmintic resistance. However, there is no report about cases of O. ovis with drug-resistance. In this study, we evaluated the prophylactics and therapeutic effects of both antiparasitics in sheep with O. ovis natural infestation. The trial was carried out from early December 2019 to March 2020, with 30 crossbred males lambs allocated into three groups of 10 animals each: control (without treatment), treated with ivermectin (0.2 mg/kg subcutaneously) and treated with closantel (10 mg/kg orally). The animals were kept together grazing the same pasture area. The treatment groups were drenched in two occasions 70 days apart: on 5th December 2019 and on 13th February 2020. On 19th March 2020, all lambs were slaughtered. The lamb heads were removed and sectioned along their longitudinal and sagittal axis to search for larvae. Recovered O. ovis larvae were counted and identified according to their developmental stage (L1, L2, and L3). Seven of the control lambs were infested with O. ovis larvae ranging from six to 17 larvae (11.6 mean infestation intensity). All recovered larvae from control group were intact and active. Three animals treated with ivermectin had O. ovis larvae (1–3 larvae), however they were dead and in degeneration. The animals treated with closantel did not have any larvae. The clinical suggestive signs of oestrosis were scarce over the experimental period. The averages of daily weight gain were similar (p > 0.05) among groups. Closantel and ivermectin had high efficacy against oestrosis and O. ovis parasitism did not hinder the performance of lambs.

Correlation between clinical and tomographic variables in patients with neurocysticercosis. A study in a cohort of patients in Sierra Norte, Ecuador, between 2019 and 2020

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is the most frequent parasitic disease in the central nervous system of humans. to establish the correlation between clinical and tomographic variables in patients with neurocysticercosis in the neurology consultation of Hospital San Vicente de Paul and Hospital IESS Ibarra, during the year 2020. descriptive, correlational and cross-sectional research. 93 patients. The information was collected in the neurology consultation. Clinical and imaging criteria were used for diagnosis. Odds Ratio (OR; 95% CI) was calculated. For multivariate analysis, binary logistic regression models were used. Statistical significance was considered when the value of p <0.05. headache (77.4%), epilepsy (41.9%). Tomographic findings: size < 1 cm (67.7%), single lesion (54.8%), supratentorial (93.5%). There were several clinical / tomographic correlations in the bivariate analysis, the presence of epilepsy was associated with lesions of size >1 cm (OR: 9.65; 95% CI: 3.48-26.7), the vesicular + ventricular colloidal stage + nodular (OR: 3.90; 95% CI: 1.64-9.28) and parenchymal topography (OR: 5.03; 95% CI: 2.03-12.4) (p < 0.05). In the multivariate analysis, epilepsy was not associated with tomographic aspects such as the size, stage and topography of the cysticerci (p < 0.05). Headache and reduced muscle strength were associated with parenchymal topography and stage of lesions respectively (p < 0.05). Despite having a wide clinical spectrum, the presence of epilepsy, headache, and reduced muscle strength seem to be the most representative manifestations, so their inclusion in the development of prognostic scores should be evaluated, which allow evaluating the approach diagnostic and evolutionary in subsequent research.

PARASITES AND PARASITIC DISEASES IN DOMESTIC REINDEER OF YAKUTIA

Reindeer husbandry is the basis of the economy and way of life, the traditional occupation of the indigenous inhabitants of the North, Siberia and the Far East, and the most important branch of animal husbandry in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). Reindeer husbandry is associated with the cultural traditions, lifestyle and economy of the small national communities of the north. Yakutia is the traditional centre and the region of breeding domestic reindeer. Further development of reindeer husbandry, and increasing of the productivity and profitability of reindeer husbandry in Yakutia are impossible without proper organization and effective protection of domestic reindeer from various diseases, including parasitic ones, which cause significant damage to reindeer farms in the Republic. Reindeer are infected with 37 species of helminths. The results of the research of the authors of the article showed that all the studied deer had different types of helminths, and 100% were infected with gadfly larvae. The most frequent parasitic diseases in deer are monieziasis, larval echinococcosis, parenchymal, muscular and serosal cysticercosis, dictyocaulosis, nematodirellosis and elaphostrongylosis; moreover other parasitoses – edemagenosis and cephenomyosis – are recorded in 100% of deer. The authors of the article consider the infection of deer with larvae of subcutaneous and nasopharyngeal gadflies to be the number one problem.

Dinâmica espaço-temporal da Esquistossomose Mansônica em Alagoas (2007-2017)

A esquistossomose é uma doença parasitária frequente nos países tropicais e subtropicais. Objetivo da pesquisa foi analisar a dinâmica espaço-temporal da esquistossomose mansônica no estado de Alagoas, entre os anos de 2007 a 2017. Trata-se de um estudo ecológico misto, com o tratamento estatístico realizado em três etapas: modelagem temporal; análise descritiva simples (frequências absolutas e relativas); modelagem espacial. Foram notificados 827 casos novos de esquistossomose mansônica em Alagoas, com taxa de incidência de 2,37/100 mil habitantes. Ao longo da série temporal, o modelo de regressão mostrou dois comportamentos distintos, sendo o primeiro de declínio entre 2007 e 2012, cuja taxa de incidência decresceu de 5,75/100 mil para 0,88/100 mil (APC-29,78%; p&lt;0,001), e o segundo estacionário a partir de 2012. O perfil epidemiológico foi caracterizado pelo acometimento da população adulta em idade produtiva, uma vez que 60,58% (n=501) possuíam idade entre 20 e 59 anos, seguida da população com menos de 15 anos (15,24; n=126). Adicionalmente, 63,12%(n=522) eram da raça parda e 49,58% (n=410) autóctones. A taxa de cura observada foi de apenas (35,43%; n=293) e a letalidade 8,34% (n=69). Desta forma, esquistossomose no estado de Alagoas apresenta um elevado registro de municípios com alta taxa de incidência para a doença; quantidade considerável de municípios em que a população não foi trabalhada no período, permitindo que ocorra ausência e/ou subnotificação de dados importantes sobre a doença; e o estado exibe uma alta endemicidade, tendo em vista que doze municípios excederem o percentual estadual.

Human Trichinellosis in Italy: an epidemiological review since 1989.

SummaryObjectivesTrichinellosis is a worldwide zooantroponosis caused by a nematode of the genus Trichinella that can pose a risk to human health. Among the species of Trichinella, T. Spiralis is the most common represented. The main source of human infection is the consumption of raw or undercooked meat (especially from pigs, wild boars and horses). Infection with Trichinella was one of the most frequent parasitic diseases in Italy until 1959 when obligatory screening for these parasites in slaughtered swines was introduced. As the last review on this topic was performed in 1989, the aim of our study was to describe the epidemiology of Trichinellosis in Italy from 1989 to 2017.Study designWe performed a systematic research in Pubmed (MEDLINE).MethodsWe included in our review studies that were published in the peer reviewed literature using the MESH terms “Trichinellosis” and “Italy”. The only restrictions were the language (articles should be in English, Italian, Spanish or French) and the date of publication: from 1989 to March 2017. We excluded all the articles which referred to trichinellosis in the animals or which focused only on molecular biology of trichinella or on diagnostic techniques.ResultsWe found 56 studies, but only 8 were considered eligible. During the study period, 764 cases of Trichinellosis occurred in Italy: 13.7% caused by T. Britovi and 84.4% by T. spiralis; in 14 cases the identification of the parasite was not performed. The outbreaks occurred in Umbria, Piedmont, Apulia (500 cases in 1990, by T. spiralis), Basilicata, Tuscany, Abruzzo, Emilia Romagna, Sardinia. In 2001 and in 2008 two outbreaks occurred in Lazio and Veneto respectively, but imported from abroad. The most important sources of infections were: horse meat (82.2%); wild boar meat (11.9%); pig meat (5.9%).ConclusionsTrichinellosis is still present in Italy, but often forgotten by general practitioners and infectious diseases specialists. It’s pivotal to improve awareness about this parasitic disease in Physicians and veterinarians. A strict surveillance, especially on meat products from endemic countries or from wild animals is necessary to considerably reduce the risk of acquiring the infection.

A Retrospective Study Of Morbidity In Captive Columbiformes Housed In Bristol Zoo Gardens And Wild Place Project, United Kingdom From 2000 – 2017

Medical records from 860 pigeons and doves of 24 species housed in Bristol Zoo Gardens and Wild Place Project, United Kingdom, from 2000 to 2017 were reviewed to determine the causes of morbidity in captive columbiformes. Accounted 205 cases (51.25%), infectious disease was found as the primary cause of morbidity, followed by 133 cases of trauma (33.25%), 51 (8.9%) cases of non-infectious disease, and 8 (2%) cases of husbandry-related problem. The main cause of infectious disease was parasite infection with 35% over 31% of bacterial, 26% of undetermined etiology and 9% of fungal infection. More specific, nematodiasis was the most frequent parasitic disease found, presented in 49 (69%) cases and followed by 10 (14%) trichomoniasis of all parasite infection. Meanwhile, chlamydiosis was a leading cause of bacterial infection with 22 (35%) cases recorded of over 63 bacterial infections. These results highlight the importance of preventative medicine implementation in captivity which aims to detect the disease earlier hence reducing the worsening physical condition and minimising the risk of both zoonotic and non-zoonotic disease transmissions. In addition, these findings contribute to the limited information available regarding the captive columbiformes morbidity

Epidemiology and morbidity of hookworm-related cutaneous larva migrans (HrCLM): Results of a cohort study over a period of six months in a resource-poor community in Manaus, Brazil.

BackgroundHookworm-related cutaneous larva migrans (HrCLM) is a neglected parasitic skin disease, widespread in resource-poor communities in tropical and subtropical countries. Incidence and risk factors have never been investigated in a cohort study.Methodology/Principal findingsTo understand the seasonal epidemiology of HrCLM, an open cohort of 476 children in a resource-poor community in Manaus, Brazil was examined for HrCLM monthly over a period of 6 months. Monthly prevalence and intensity of infection were correlated with the amount of monthly precipitation. Multivariable Cox regression analysis indicated male sex (hazard ratio [HR] 3.29; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.95–5.56), walking barefoot on sandy ground (HR 2.30; 95% CI 1.03–5.16), poverty (HR 2.13; 95% CI 1.09–4.17) and age between 10 and 14 years (HR 1.87; 95% CI 1.01–3.46) as predictors of HrCLM. Monthly incidence rates ranged between 0.21 and 1.05 cases per person-year with an overall incidence of 0.52 per person-year.Conclusions/SignificanceHrCLM is a frequent parasitic skin disease in this resource-poor community. Every second child theoretically becomes infected during one year. Boys, 10 to 14 years old, belonging to the poorest households of the community, are the most vulnerable population group. Even in the tropical monsoonal climate of Amazonia there is a considerable seasonal variation with monthly incidence and number of lesions peaking in the rainy season.

Τreatment and prevention of canine heartworm disease (dirofilariosis): what is new?

Canine heartworm disease (dirofilariosis) is a frequent parasitic disease in Greece and other para-Mediterranean countries. Immediate adulticide therapy, followed by administration of microfilaricidals, has been the mainstay of heartworm treatment. However, a more recent approach has included the requirement to killing microfilariae and Wolbachia pipientis prior to adulticide treatment. Administration of prophylactic doses of milbemycin, moxidectin, ivermectin or selamectin for 2 to 3 months, as well as of doxycycline (10 mg kg-1 bw, per os, twice daily) for a month, seems to negate the ‘susceptibility gap’ and to decrease the possibility of pulmonary thromboembolism. Moreover, an alternative protocol of adulticide therapy (2.5 mg kg-1 bw of melarsomine, intramuscularly, followed by two further injections, 24-hours apart, a month later) is considered superior to the classical one, regardless of the clinical stage of the disease.Treatment of potential complications (right heart failure or vena cava syndrome) includes administration of heart failure medication and surgical removal of adult worms. Strict exercise restriction seems to play the most important role in reducing the possibility of pulmonary thromboembolism. Alternative protocol melarsomine administration, after treatment with macrocyclic lactones and doxycycline, increases the therapeutic effect and improves prognosis in earlier stages of the disease. Continuous (or at least during the warm period of the year) preventive administration of microfilaricidals coupled with annual serological testing of animals is important for effective disease control.

Clinical Findings and Management of Imported Cutaneous Leishmaniasis- Presentation of 8 Cases from Poland with a Review of Current Knowledge about Leishmaniasis

Background: Leishmaniasis is a frequent parasitic disease in the world, caused by protists of Leishmani genus and transmitted by Phlebotomusspp. and Lutzomyia spp. sandflies. It is a relatively unknown and uncommon disease on our continent therefore it remains a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for European physicians. There are two clinical forms of the disease that can be distinguished: cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis. Aim of the study was to expand the knowledge about cutaneous leishmaniasis among physicians and to show that patients with leishmaniasis can be found in any country due to globalization. Case presentation: Laboratory results of patients infected with cutaneous leishmaniasis and a clinical course of this disease have been presented. 8 patients infected with cutaneous leishmaniasis were treated in the Department of Tropical and Parasitic Diseases in Gdynia, Medical University of Gdansk in the years 2005-2013. All of them were admitted with symptoms lasting at least several months prior to the admittance. Satisfactory results were obtained with the applied treatment. Conclusions: Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a rare finding in Poland, and diagnosis and treatment of the disease are hampered by poor knowledge about the disease among physicians and laboratory staff, as well as lack of registered antimony-based drugs in Poland. The problem of misdiagnosis and, as a consequence, inappropriate treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis persists also in other European countries as well as Canada and the United States. According to the literature, almost every case of leishmaniasis in these countries was initially treated inappropriately and time to definite diagnosis usually took several weeks.

Parasite control practices and public perception of parasitic diseases: A survey of dog and cat owners

Drugs used in the control of internal and external parasites in companion animals play a crucial role in Animal and Public Health. To ensure continuing protection, these drugs should be administered regularly and in intervals, as suggested by the manufacturers. To assess parasite control practices and other related factors, including the degree of public awareness on the topic, 312 dog and cat owners were surveyed while attending the Small Animal Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lisbon University.Results showed that 89.7% of the dogs were currently being treated with endoparasitic drugs. Of these, 74.3% were dewormed every four months or longer and merely 11.8% with the recommended treatment regimen (minimum quarterly). In cats, 63.6% were being treated with endoparasitic drugs and 85.7% of these were irregularly dewormed every four months or longer and merely 5.5% with the recommended treatment regimen (minimum quarterly). Combinations of praziquantel, pyrantel embonate and febantel were the most commonly used drugs in dogs, whereas macrocyclic lactones were more frequently used in cats. Regarding external parasitic control, 92.2% of the dogs were being treated, 50.5% of these at monthly intervals (all-year round or seasonally). The most common ectoparasitic drug formulation used on dogs was the spot-on imidacloprid+permethrin (89%). Only 28.4% of the dogs were uninterruptedly protected throughout the year from the main canine vector borne diseases transmitted by fleas, ticks, sandflies and mosquitoes. Merely 63.6% of the cats were being controlled with ectoparasitic drugs, most at infrequent drug intervals and imidacloprid was the most frequently used drug on cats (44.4%).Additionally, 85% of the respondents had never heard of the word “zoonosis” and 37% of them did not collect their dog’s faeces in all public places. Scabies, toxoplasmosis and leishmaniasis were the most frequent parasitic diseases identified by the public in this survey.Although the majority of pet owners give antiparasitic drugs, our results show that most of them do not follow the manufacturers recommendations, deworming at irregular and consequently ineffective intervals. Therefore, it is of utmost importance for the veterinarians to educate pet owners regarding parasite cycles, methods of prevention and transmission mechanisms, as well as to follow the drug recommendations, in order, respectively, to increase their awareness and thereby improve the effectiveness of the available control measures.

Neurocisticercosis racemosa subaracnoidea gigante y ventricular: a propósito de un caso

Neurocysticercosis is the most frequent parasitic disease of the central nervous system. It is caused by the larvae of Taenia solium, which can affect different anatomical sites. In Spain there is an increasing prevalence mainly due to immigration from endemic areas. The extraparenchymal forms are less common, but more serious because they usually develop complications. Neuroimaging plays a major role in the diagnosis and follow-up of this disease, supported by serology and a compatible clinical and epidemiological context. First-line treatments are cysticidal drugs such as albendazole and praziquantel, usually coadministered with corticosteroids, and in some cases surgery is indicated. We here report a case of neurocysticercosis with simultaneous intraventricular and giant racemose subarachnoid involvement.

Study of Hydatidosis-Attributed Mortality in Endemic Area

BackgroundCystic hydatid disease is still an important health problem in European Mediterranean areas. In spite of being traditionally considered as a “benign” pathology, cystic echinococcosis is an important cause of morbidity in these areas. Nevertheless, there are few analyses of mortality attributed to human hydatidosis.ObjectiveTo describe the epidemiology, the mortality rate and the causes of mortality due to E. granulosus infection in an endemic area.MethodologyA retrospective study followed up over a period of 14 years (1998–2011).Principal FindingsOf the 567 patients diagnosed with hydatid disease over the period 1998–2011, eleven deaths directly related to hydatid disease complications were recorded. Ten patients (90.9%) died due to infectious complications and the remaining one (9.1%) died due to mechanical complications after a massive hemoptysis. We registered a case fatality rate of 1.94% and a mortality rate of 3.1 per 100.000 inhabitants.ConclusionsHydatidosis is still a frequent parasitic disease that causes a considerable mortality. The main causes of mortality in patients with hydatidosis are complications related to the rupture of CE cysts with supurative collangitis. Therefore, an expectant management can be dangerous and it must be only employed in well-selected patients.

English

The study was conducted in Veterinary Hospitals in Khartoum state in order to determine the clinical cases in different animal species. Many Bovine diseases were diagnosed in different Veterinary Hospitals in Khartoum State from 2010 to 2012. A total of (204) cases were recorded all over the state and the highest overall prevalence rate was observed for surgical interferences 35.78% (n = 73), parasitic diseases 33.33% (n = 68) and bacterial and viral diseases 20.09% (n = 41), while the lowest overall prevalence rate was obtained for disorder of digestive system 5.39% (n = 11) and metabolic diseases 5.39% (n = 11). The most important bacterial and viral diseases that were diagnosed in all Veterinary Hospitals were contagious bovine pleuro pneumonia (CBPP), mastitis and foot and mouth disease (FMD) given an overall prevalence rate of 48.78, 19.51 and 12.20% (n = 20, 8 and 5, respectively). Internal parasites were recorded as the most frequent parasitic diseases 45.59% (n = 31). The clinical cases which required surgical interference were uterine prolapsed 9.59%, retained placenta 23.29%, foreign bodies 5.48%, dystocias 21.92%, (out of 73), (n = 7, 17, 4 and 16, respectively). High morbidity rate of bacterial, viral and parasitic diseases as well as disorder of digestive system were observed for ovine in Omdurman Veterinary Hospital with prevalence rate of 35.02, 35.83 and 17.21% (out of 494), (n = 173, 177 and 85, respectively). Surgical interferences and metabolic diseases were also prevalent in the same species in all veterinary clinics 12.13 and 4.20% (out of 643) (n = 78 and 27, respectively). The major caprine diseases diagnosed in Khartoum Veterinary Hospital were bacterial, viral and parasitic diseases as well as disorder of digestive system 30.12, 22.93 and 16.54% (out of 2171) (n = 654, 498 and 359, respectively). High morbidity rate of surgical interferences and metabolic disease 22.80 and 7.60% (out of 2171) (n = 495 and 165, respectively) were also observed. Among the bacterial, viral and parasitic diseases of caprine, contagious caprine pleuro pneumonia (CCPP), mastitis, internal parasites and tick infestation were recorded as a common clinical cases with prevalence rate of 57.19, 27.68, 97.52 and 18.67% (out of 654 and 498) (n = 374, 181, 396 and 93, respectively). There were 1442 clinical cases observed for equine. Surgical interferences and parasitic diseases were dominant with an overall prevalence rate of 43.41% (n = 626) and 21.08% (n = 304), respectively. The most frequent bacterial, viral and parasitic diseases (out of 182 and 304) that diagnosed in Khartoum Veterinary Hospital were pneumonia, tetanus, coccidiosis, babesiosis, external parasites and internal parasites with prevalence rate 91.2% (n = 160), 3.85% (n = 7), 0.66% (n = 2), 19.41% (n = 59), 13.82% (n = 42) and 59.54% (n = 181), respectively. Surgical interferences in equine (626 cases) most probably due to wound, fracture and trauma 59.11% (n = 370), sharp teeth 14.70% (n = 92), tendonitis 10.06% (n = 63), arthritis 5.9% (n = 37), tumors 4.95% (n = 31) and lameness 2.56% (n = 16). Key words: Clinical cases, veterinary hospitals, Khartoum state, Sudan.

Hydatid Cyst of the Liver Revealed at the Stage of Superinfection: Contribution of Imaging: A Case Report

Hydatid cyst of the liver remains a frequent parasitic disease caused by the development of the larval form of Echinococcus granulosis; it is often discovered incidentally during routine symptoms, rarely at the stage of complications. However, the diagnostic difficulties and pitfalls are numerous due to the differential diagnosis of the liver’s cystic lesions, despite the current improvement of cross-sectional imaging (ultrasound, CT and MRI). We report a case of a hydatid cyst of the liver discovered during a secondary infection, emphasizing the contribution of imaging and serology that can confirm the diagnosis before starting any therapeutic procedure.

Clinical Manifestations, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Neurocysticercosis

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is the most frequent parasitic disease of the human brain. Modern imaging studies, CT and MRI, have defined the diagnosis and characterization of the disease. Through these studies the therapeutic approach for each case may be individualized with the aid of antihelmintics, steroids, symptomatic medicines, or surgery. The use of one or various therapeutic measures largely depends on the peculiar combination of number, location, and biological stage of lesions as well as the degree of inflammatory response to the parasites. Although there is not a typical clinical picture of NCC, epilepsy is the most frequent manifestation of parenchymal NCC, whereas hydrocephalus is the most frequent manifestation of meningeal NCC. Eradication of cysticercosis is an attainable goal by public education and sanitary improvement in endemic areas.

Assessing Sub-saharian Erythrina for Efficacy: Traditional uses, Biological Activities and Phytochemistry

The genus Erythrina comprises more than 100 species, widely distributed in tropical and subtropical areas. In Africa, 31 wild species and 14 cultivated species have been described. In sub-Saharan Africa, Erythrina species are used to treat frequent parasitic and microbial diseases, inflammation, cancer, wounds. The rationale of these traditional uses in African traditional medicine was established by screening several species for biological activities. Promising activities were found against bacteria, parasites (Plasmodium), human and phytopathogenic fungi, some of which were multidrug resistant (MDR) micro organisms. Some species also exhibited antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activities and enzymes inhibitory properties. Most of the species chemically investigated were reported to contain flavanones, prenylated isoflavones, isoflavanones and pterocarpans. Some phytochemicals (vogelin B, vogelin C, isowightcone, abyssinin II, derrone) were the active principles as antibacterials, antifungals, antiplasmodials and inhibitors of enzyme borne diseases (PTP1B, HIV protease, DGAT). This review highlights the important role of Erythrina species as sources of lead compounds or new class of phytotherapeutic agents for fighting against major public health (MDR infections, cancer, diabetes, obesity) in sub-Saharan Africa.

Survey of CanineDirofilaria immitisInfection in New Caledonia

Canine dirofilariosis is a frequent parasitic disease in New-Caledonia. A survey of canine heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) infection among dogs from the cities of Tontouta, Nandaï and Nouméa, was performed in March 2009 using two antigen test kits; the microwell ELISA test: DiroCHE (Synbiotics Europe) and the Rapid Immuno Migration (RIM) test: WITNESS DIROFILARIA (Synbiotics Europe). Blood samples were collected from 64 dogs: 49 strays and 15 military working dogs. The military dogs received a permanent chemoprophylaxis (moxidectin). In 11 stray dogs, both tests were positive (22.4%). All the military dogs were negative, showing efficiency of chemoprophaxis. Results were discrepant in 6 dogs, negative with one test and doubtful with the other. Antigen heartworm test kits are available and reliable diagnostic tools. They are useful to evaluate the efficiency of chemoprophylaxis and to detect infected animals in order to treat them and to prevent the spreading of the disease.

Cognitive impairment and dementia in neurocysticercosis

Neurocysticercosis (NCYST) is the most frequent CNS parasitic disease worldwide, affecting more than 50 million people. However, some of its clinical findings, such as cognitive impairment and dementia, remain poorly characterized, with no controlled studies conducted so far. We investigated the frequency and the clinical profile of cognitive impairment and dementia in a sample of patients with NCYST in comparison with cognitively healthy controls (HC) and patients with cryptogenic epilepsy (CE). Forty treatment-naive patients with NCYST, aged 39.25 +/- 10.50 years and fulfilling absolute criteria for definitive active NCYST on MRI, were submitted to a comprehensive cognitive and functional evaluation and were compared with 49 HC and 28 patients with CE of similar age, educational level, and seizure frequency. Patients with NCYST displayed significant impairment in executive functions, verbal and nonverbal memory, constructive praxis, and verbal fluency when compared with HC (p < 0.05). Dementia was diagnosed in 12.5% patients with NCYST according to DSM-IV criteria. When compared with patients with CE, patients with NCYST presented altered working and episodic verbal memory, executive functions, naming, verbal fluency, constructive praxis, and visual-spatial orientation. No correlation emerged between cognitive scores and number, localization, or type of NCYST lesions on MRI. Cognitive impairment was ubiquitous in this sample of patients with active neurocysticercosis (NCYST). Antiepileptic drug use and seizure frequency could not account for these features. Dementia was present in a significant proportion of patients. These data broaden our knowledge on the clinical presentations of NCYST and its impact in world public health.