Hymenolepis Diminuta Research Articles

HELMINTHS OF BIRDS AND MAMMALS FROM ISRAEL IV. HELMINTHS FROM NESOKIA INDICA GRAY AND HARDWICKE, 1832 (RODENTIA: MURIDAE)

ABSTRACT In a study of the helminth fauna of the rodent Nesokia indica in Israel, four species were recovered: Nippostrongylus witenbergi n. sp., Syphacia (Syphacia) sp., Hymenolepis diminuta (new host record) and Taenia taeniaeformis. N. witenbergi, the most prevalent, is discussed.

Hymenolepiosis in a group of albino rats (Rattus albus): a study.

A study was carried out on adult albino Wistar laboratory rats to know the incidence of hymenolepiosis, a zoonotic disease which were brought for experiment purpose. Faecal samples of 95 rats examined for parasitic infection by simple floatation technique in which 32 were positive (33.68%) for hymenolepiosis. Identification of species of Hymenolepis was done based on morphology of egg. The highest prevalence of Hymenolepis diminuta (23.15%) was recorded followed by Hymenolepis nana (10.52%). Heavy infection with Hymenolepis in rats draws attention in view of public health importance in contact persons.

Murine autoimmune arthritis is exaggerated by infection with the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta

Infection with helminth parasites triggers strong and stereotypic immune responses in humans and mice, which can protect against specific experimentally-induced autoimmune diseases. We have shown that infection with the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta, confers a protective effect on FCA-induced joint inflammation. Here, we investigated the effect of a prophylactic infection with H. diminuta on the K/BxN-serum model of polyarthritis in BALB/c mice. Mice were infected with 10 cysticercoids of H. diminuta by oral gavage and 8days later arthritis was induced by i.p. injection of K/BxN arthritogenic serum. Joint swelling and pain measurements were recorded throughout a 13day time course. At necropsy, joints and blood serum were collected. K/BxN-treated mice developed joint inflammation in the front paws, hind paws and knees as shown by increased swelling, mechanical allodynia and myeloperoxidase activity. Mice infected with H. diminuta had more severe disease, with increased eosinophil peroxidase activity in their paws and greater inflammatory infiltrate and synovitis in the knee joints. Hymenolepis diminuta-infected mice displayed significant increases in serum levels of C5a and mast cell protease-1 compared with K/BxN-serum only treatment, the latter being indicative of mast cell activation. In contrast to the protective effect of infection with H. diminuta in FCA-induced monoarthritis, infection with this helminth exacerbated K/BxN serum-induced polyarthritis in BALB/c mice. This correlated with increases in C5a and mast cell activation: factors critical in the development of K/BxN-induced arthritis. Thus, while data accumulate from animal models showing that infection with helminth parasites may be beneficial for a variety of auto-inflammatory diseases, our findings demonstrate the potential for helminths to exacerbate disease. Hence care is needed when helminth therapy is translated into a clinical setting.

K/BxN‐induced poly‐arthritis is exacerbated by infection with the intestinal helminth parasite Hymenolepis diminuta; possible involvement of complement and mast cells

We examined the effect of Hymenolepis diminuta (H.D.) infection on a model of polyarthritis, to determine if helminth therapy modulates joint inflammation. BALB/c mice were untreated or infected with 10 H.D. cysticercoids. After 8 days, polyarthritis was induced and joint swelling was measured for 13 days. At necropsy, joints and serum were collected for analysis. K/BxN treatment induced swelling of all joints compared to vehicle treatment. Front paws and knees of H.D. infected mice were significantly more swollen than those of non‐infected K/BxN‐treated mice. This was accompanied by significant increases in serum complement C5a and mast cell protease‐1 in H.D. + K/BxN‐treated mice on day 2 compared to control and K/BxN‐only treated mice. Thus, exacerbated inflammation is paralleled by evidence of increased mast cell activation in H.D. + K/BxN treated mice. Mast cell activation is crucial in the K/BxN model and increased activation may underlie the exacerbation of disease by H.D.. Our data indicate that autoimmune pathways may be differentially sensitive to helminth therapy. Research was conducted with the support of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada and a CIHR operating grant.

Gastrointestinal Parasites and Ectoparasites Biodiversity of Rattus Rattus Trapped from Khan Younis and Jabalia in Gaza Strip , Palestine

This study identified the zoonotic endo-parasites and ecto-parasites of Rattus rattus. A total of 41 rats of house (black) rat and Norway (brown) rat were trapped from two regions of Gaza strip. After dissection, isolated protozoa, nematodes and cestodes were identified respectively according standard keys. The results showed that prevalence of intestinal parasites among rats was 24/41 (58.5%) and males were infected more than females. A high prevalence of protozoa was in autumn compared to other seasons. The intestinal parasites were encountered: G. lamblia 6 (14.6%); E. histolytica/dispar 7 (17.1%); Isospora 4 (9.8%); Acanthocephala 1 (2.4%); Syphacia obvelata 6 (20%); Heligmonoides josephi 3(10%); Strongyloides egg 1 (2.4%); Hymenolepis diminuta 15 (36.6%). The insects were Xenopsylla cheopis 7 (17.1%); Polyplax spinulosa 3 (7.3%).

PARÁSITOS HELMINTOS EN Boa constrictor, Epicrates cenchria y Corallus caninus (Ophidia: Boidae) CRIADAS EN CAUTIVERIO

Fecal samples for the identification of helminthes were collected from three species of snakes (Boa contrictor “boa” or “mantona”, Epicrates cenchria “mantona roja” or “arco iris”, Corallus caninus “boa verde” or “boa esmeralda”) reared in captivity. The identified parasites, either through eggs or larva were: Kalicephalus sp., Ophiotaenia sp., Rhabdias sp., Ophidascaris sp., and Hymenolepis diminuta. The results indicated that 79% of adult female Boa constrictor and 46% of their offspring, 71% of E. cenchria and 70% of C. caninus were positive, either to single or multiple infections. These data showed that boas reared in captivity were highly parasitized with intestinal and pulmonary helminthes.

The antioxidant defence mechanisms of parasite and host after chronic Hymenolepis diminuta infestation of the rat

The aim of the present study was to determine antioxidant defence mechanisms in the rat and Hymenolepis diminuta after long-term infestation. We determined levels of oxidative stress markers, and activity of antioxidant enzymes in the rat small intestine and in particular parts of H. diminuta. Observed changes in antioxidant enzymes activity in H. diminuta and the rat intestine indicate the defence against parasitic infestation and probably allowed parasite to adapt and live in oxidative stress.

Transcription profiling of immune genes during parasite infection in susceptible and resistant strains of the flour beetles (Tribolium castaneum).

The flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, is an intermediate host for the tapeworm Hymenolepis diminuta and has become an important genetic model to explore immune responses to parasite infection in insect hosts. The present study examined the immune responses to tapeworm infection in resistant (TIW1) and susceptible (cSM) strains of the red flour beetle, T. castaneum, using real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR on 29 immunity-related genes that exhibit antimicrobial properties. Thirteen of the 29 genes showed constitutive differences in expression between the two strains. Fourteen to fifteen of the 29 genes exhibited significant differences in transcription levels when beetles were challenged with tapeworm parasite in the resistant and susceptible strains. Nine genes (GNBP3, cSPH2, lysozyme4, defensin1, PGRP-SA, defensin2, coleoptericin1, attacin2 and serpin29) in cSM and 13 genes (lysozyme2, proPO1, GNBP3, cSPH2, lysozyme4, defensin1, PGRP-SA, defensin2, coleoptericin1, attacin2, proPO2/3, PGRP-LE and PGRP-SB) in TIW1 were up-regulated by infections or showed parasite infection-induced expression. Seven genes (attacin2, coleoptericin1, defensin1, defensin2, lysozyme2, PGRP-SA and PGRP-SB) were more than 10 folds higher in the resistant TIW1 strain than in the susceptible cSM strain after exposure to tapeworm parasites. This study demonstrated the effects of genetic background, the transcription profile to parasite infection, and identified the immunity-related genes that were significantly regulated by the infection of tapeworms in Tribolium beetles.

A case of Hymenolepis diminuta in a young male from Odisha

Hymenolepis diminuta also known as rat tapeworm rarely causes hymenolepiasis in humans. We report a case of H. diminuta infection in an 18-year-old male farmer who presented with intermittent pruritic maculopaular rashes and dull aching left iliac fossa pain for 6 months. Patient was cured with 2 doses of praziquantel 20 mg/kg on day 0 and 7.

Infecciones parasitarias del coyote, <i>Canis latrans</i> (Carnivora: Canidae) en un Parque Nacional y una zona agrícola en Costa Rica

As human populations expand into wild habitats with their pets and livestock, the potential spread of disease to wildlife or vice versa increases. Because, wild and domestic canids may pose as reservoirs or disseminators of infectious diseases (including parasites), coyotes (Canis latrans) may also serve as indicators of ecological health. In Costa Rica, little information exists on coyote parasites, making research necessary to identify potential zoonotic interactions. For this reason, a survey of the coyote parasites was performed in a mixed area of protected woodland and agricultural land, surrounding Irazú Volcano National Park (IVNP) in Cartago, Costa Rica. Over a one-year period, 209 fecal samples were collected directly from the ground. Collection took place on a monthly basis in a trail sectioned into three sub-areas named Irazú (closest to the volcano), potato fields (where potatoes were cultivated), and Prusia (a protected sector of IVNP). Sectioning the trail allowed separate collection and analysis of the samples, where 99 were obtained from Irazú, 11 from potato fields and 99 from Prusia. Using direct examination and mechanical concentration 36.84% positive samples containing at least one helminth were found. The presence of parasites was similar for both woodland areas (33.3% in Prusia and 37.4% in Irazú), but differed from the 63.6% observed in the potato fields. Hookworm parasites (probably Ancylostoma caninum), threadworms (possibly Strongyloides sp.), Toxocara canis, Trichuris sp. and Taenia pisiformis were identified, as well as Hymenolepis diminuta, possible spurious parasite resulting from the ingestion of rodents by coyotes. Seasonal details are discussed, concluding that wet and dry seasons affect presence of parasites. Some remarks are made on the importance of these first findings for Costa Rica, especially considering the systematic way in which the collection of samples was carried out.

Assessment of Helminths Health Risk Associated with reuse of Raw and Treated Wastewater of the Settat City (Morocco)

Settat is an examp le of Moroccan arid area with severe water scarcity. Wastewater's agricultural reuse represents a vast potential to remove pressures on freshwater resources of the region. The present study aimed to identify helminth eggs in wastewaters to which both human and animal populations are exposed when they are reused in agriculture and to evaluate removing of those pathogens by Wastewater Treat ment Plant lagoons. The technique of concentration adopted for the Helminth eggs research in the wastewaters is that of Arther Fitzgerald and al. The analysis of the results showed that 87.5% of raw wastewater samples and 31.2% of treated wastewater samp les are contaminated by the Helminth eggs with a mean concentration of 9 eggs/L and less than 1eggs/L respectively. Helminth eggs found are: Nematodes, Cestodes and several digestive strongyles. Nematodes are main ly represented by Ascaris sp., Toxocara sp and Capillaria sp., for Cestodes, species identified were Hymenolepis nana, Hymenolepis diminuta and Spirometra sp. This study also highlighted the qualitative and quantitative seasonal variations of helminth eggs in wastewater.

Changes of enzymatic antioxidant system in the small intestine of rats after the chronic invasion by Hymenolepis diminuta (Cestoda, Hymenolepididae)

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in the enzymatic antioxidant system in rat small intestine caused by invasion of tapeworms Hymenolepis diminuta. The study material consisted of samples of the rats small intestine after short- (1.5-months) and long-term (1.5-years) larvae invasion of tapeworm H. diminuta. In tissue extracts the concentration of oxidative stress markers (GSH and TBARS) and activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, total GSHPx, SeGSHPx, GST and GSHR) were determined. Changes demonstrated for GSH and TBARS level and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the small intestine in rats indicate the induction of oxidative stress and weakening of antioxidant defense mechanisms, after both short- and long-term invasion of H. diminuta tapeworms. Observed profile of antioxidant enzymes activity in the small intestine of rats after prolonged exposure to direct or indirect contact with H. diminuta tapeworms points to the adaptation of the definitive host to oxidative stress and defense against parasitic invasions.

Enzymatic antioxidant system in the cestode Hymenolepis diminuta after chronic infection of the rat

Abstract

Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections in rodents of Tarai region of Uttarakhand

The present work was aimed to investigate helminth biodiversity among rodents in order to evaluate the threat for helminth transmission to humans since they act as a potential source of parasitic zoonoses. In this study, faeces of 43 black rats (Rattus rattus) and 35 house mice (Mus musculus) were collected from various habitats viz. domestic places and agricultural fields of different parts of tarai region of Uttarakhand. These faecal samples were examined for the presence of parasitic eggs, adult and segments of the worms. The study revealed that the rodents were infected with 5 genera of helminth parasites, i.e. Hymenolepis nana, Hymenolepis diminuta, Syphacia muris, Capillaria hepatica, Trichuris muris and other strongyle eggs (2 species of cestodes and 4 species of nematodes). Adult Syphacia muris and segments of Hymenolepis nana were also recovered from faecal droppings. Of the 43 samples of black rat, all (100%) and of the 35 samples of mice 9 (25.71%) were found positive for one or more than one species of parasitic infections. Greater infection of H. diminuta 19 (44.18%) followed by H. nana 17 (39.53%) was seen in rat whereas mice were mostly infected with H. nana. The diversity and prevalence of various parasites reported here within domestic habitats may suggest that these can pose a high risk of helminth transmission to human population and are thus of considerable public health importance.

Intestinal parasitic infection in Bhil tribe of Rajasthan, India

A total of 224 Bhil tribal individuals (115 males and 109 females) of different age groups inhabiting tribal rural areas of Udaipur district of Rajasthan, India were investigated for the prevalence of intestinal parasitic (protozoan and helminths) infections. Fresh stool samples of these tribal subjects were examined microscopically by direct wet smear with saline and 1% Lugol's iodine and formaline ether concentration. Of these 116 (51.78%) were found to be infected with diverse species of intestinal parasites. Male individuals showed relatively higher (56.52%) prevalence of infection as compared to their counterparts (46.78%). Out of 116 infected tribal subjects, 53 (23.66%), 33 (14.73%) and 30 (13.39%) were infected with protozoan, helminths and mixed (protozoan+helminths) parasitic infections, respectively. Maximum number of parasitic infections occurred in the age group of 6-10years (69.23%) in both sexes. Among the intestinal parasites, Entamoeba histolytica was the commonest (14.73%) followed by Entamoeba coli (8.92%), Taenia solium (5.35%), Ascaris lumbricoides (4.46%), Hymenolepis nana (2.23%), Ancylostoma duodenale (0.89%), Strongyloides stercoralis (0.89%), Trichuris trichiura (0.44%) and Hymenolepis diminuta (0.44%). Data pertaining to distribution of parasite species in different age groups, and variation in prevalence of their infection in relation to age and sex were also analysed statistically and found to be significant. Possible causes for variation in prevalence of protozoan and helminthic infection are discussed.

Urban rodents as potential reservoirs of zoonoses: a parasitic survey in two selected areas in Kandy district

Urban rodents play an important role in public health being reservoirs of many zoonotic diseases. Screening of rodents for ecto and endoparasites from two selected urban areas, Peradeniya and Pilimathalawe in Kandy district was carried out to assess their potential as reservoirs of zoonoses. Rodents were caught live using single-catch rat traps from July 2006 to February 2007. Six traps were set twice a week and three rodent species, the common house rat, Rattus rattus (n = 17), the Indian house mouse, Mus musculus (n = 2), and bandicoot, Bandicota indica (n = 2) were examined. Of the eleven species of parasites found, five were zoonotic namely, Hymenolepis diminuta, Moniliformis moniliformis, Cysticercus fasciolaris, Raillietina sp. and Xenopsylla cheopis. Tapeworms were the predominant parasitic group (52.4%) of which C. fasciolaris (42.7%) was the most common type followed by strongyle type eggs (19.0%). Among the infected rodents, 23.8% had mixed infections of H. diminuta, X. cheopis and M. moniliformis as well as that of H. diminuta, Raillietina sp. and C. fasciolaris. Although Raillietina madagascariensis was recorded in R. rattus in 1954, none of the rats examined in subsequent studies or in the present study were infected with Raillietina. However, one bandicoot was infected with Raillietina sp. in the present study which presents a new host record. Urban rodents carry many zoonotic infections and urbanization is in favour of the spread of these infections to humans specifically in developing countries where the communities are socio-economically challenged. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/cjsbs.v41i1.4539 Ceylon Journal of Science (Bio. Sci.) 41 (1): 71-77, 2012

Histopathological Changes in Small and Large Intestines during Hymenolepidosis in Rats

The tapeworm Hymenolepis diminuta is a chronic parasite living in the small intestine of rats, mice and humans. The aim of this study was to determine histopathological changes in the rat intestine during experimental hymenolepidosis. Our results showed that in rats infected with H. diminuta slight changes occurred in the length of the villus and crypts in different parts of the digestive tract. The changes were most distinct in the duodenum and jejunum on the 16 days post H. diminuta infection.

Ectoparasites and Gastrointestinal Helminths of House Mice (Mus musculus) from Poultry Houses in Northwest Iran

Studies of rodent parasites are very important in relation to human and veterinary medicine and biology. Previous studies have demonstrated that the rate of infestation with ectoparasites and infection with nematodes, cestodes, and trematodes differs among locations. We surveyed the ectoparasites and endoparasites of 77 Mus musculus (house mice) collected from 41 poultry houses between April and December 2010 in northwest Iran. The rates of infection with ectoparasites and gastrointestinal helminths were 23.4 and 55.8%, respectively. We collected the ectoparasites Dermanyssus gallinae (prevalence 78%), Ornithonyssus bacoti (prevalence 11%), Polyplax serrate (prevalence 6%), and Myocoptes musculinus (prevalence 5%). We collected the gastrointestinal helminths Syphacia obvelata (prevalence 42%), Aspiculuris tetraptera (prevalence 19%), Syphacia muris (prevalence 18%), Cysticercus fasciolaris (prevalence 15%), and Hymenolepis diminuta (prevalence 5%). The chicken mite, Dermanyssus gallinae, and the tropical rat mite, Ornithonyssus bacoti are potential vectors of zoonotic pathogens. Hymenolepis diminuta can infect humans, and highlights the importance of house mice in certain zoonoses and suggests a more robust need for mouse control in the poultry houses.

Characterization of hydrophobic-ligand-binding proteins of Taenia solium that are expressed specifically in the adult stage

Taenia solium, a causative agent of taeniasis and cysticercosis, has evolved a repertoire of lipid uptake mechanisms. Proteome analysis of T. solium excretory-secretory products (TsESP) identified 10 kDa proteins displaying significant sequence identity with cestode hydrophobic-ligand-binding-proteins (HLBPs). Two distinct 362- and 352-bp-long cDNAs encoding 264- and 258-bp-long open reading frames (87 and 85 amino acid polypeptides) were isolated by mining the T. solium expressed sequence tags and a cDNA library screening (TsHLBP1 and TsHLBP2; 94% sequence identity). They clustered into the same clade with those found in Moniezia expansa and Hymenolepis diminuta. Genomic structure analysis revealed that these genes might have originated from a common ancestor. Both the crude TsESP and bacterially expressed recombinant proteins exhibited binding activity toward 1-anilinonaphthalene-8-sulfonic acid (1,8-ANS), which was competitively inhibited by oleic acid. The proteins also bound to cis-parinaric acid (cPnA) and 16-(9-anthroyloxy) palmitic acid (16-AP), but showed no binding activity against 11-[(5-dimethylaminonaphthalene-1-sulfonyl) amino] undecanoic acid (DAUDA) and dansyl-DL-α-aminocaprylic acid (DACA). Unsaturated fatty acids (FAs) showed greater affinity than saturated FAs. The proteins were specifically expressed in adult worms throughout the strobila. The TsHLBPs might be involved in uptake and/or sequestration of hydrophobic molecules provided by their hosts, thus contributing to host-parasite interface interrelationships.

Evaluation of the role of rats as reservoir hosts for fishborne zoonotic trematodes in two endemic northern Vietnam fish farms

Fishborne zoonotic trematodes (FZTs) pose a food safety risk for the aquaculture industry in Vietnam. The risk of being infected from eating raw fish applies not only to humans but also to domestic animals which can serve as reservoir hosts in fish farms. The role of rodents, commonly found in fish farms, as reservoir hosts has not been adequately evaluated. To study this question, commensal and rice field rats were collected from fish farms in Nghia Lac and Nghia Phu communes, Nam Dinh province, Vietnam and examined for FZT infection. A total of 250 rats (Rattus norvegicus, Rattus argentiventer, and Bandicota indica) were collected and examined; the rats were trapped in the farm households (commensal) and in rice fields adjoining the fish ponds (field). The total prevalence of all parasites was 52.8 %: nematodes, 42.4 %; trematodes 18.0 %; and cestodes, (3.6 %), including two zoonotic cestode species, Raillietina celebenisis and Hymenolepis diminuta. Although overall prevalence and intensity of parasite infection did not differ significantly among rat species or between the two communes, the intensity of nematode infection was significantly higher in commensal rats (p < 0.05). The only FZTs recovered were the intestinal flukes Echinostoma cinetorchis and Centrocestus formosanus, both at low prevalence. Because the most common FZTs found in fish from these communes are Haplorchis pumilio and Haplorchis taichui, neither of which were found in the rats, we conclude that rats are not significant reservoir hosts for FZT in these Vietnamese fish farms.