Identification Of Parasites Research Articles

Towards an adversarially robust convolutional neural network for automated diagnosis of malaria infection from microscopy images

Malaria is a life-threatening mosquito-borne disease of global importance, and it is most prevalent in the low-income countries of the developing world. The diagnosis of malaria infection is conventionally performed by laboratorians through visual examination of blood smear images under a microscope. However, the results of such diagnostic testing depend on the laboratory technicians' experience with staining and image interpretation, which can be severely lacking in low-resource settings. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have great potential for automated malaria diagnosis from images without the need of human expert interaction. However, studies have shown that current CNNs are not robust to adversarial noises which are small input perturbations that cause CNNs to incorrectly classify medical images. In this study, we developed a CNN for malaria parasite identification and evaluated it on a dataset of 27,558 cell images through patient-level cross validation. To improve robustness against adversarial noises for this application, the structure of the CNN was specially designed to limit the receptive field of the output, and adversarial training was applied with gradually increasing level of noises. Compared to three baseline networks (ResNet-18, MobileNet, and MnasNet) and two variants of the CNN, our custom-designed CNN achieved a substantially lower computation cost and better adversarial robustness against PGD-generated adversarial noises on the malaria image dataset. Our study holds the promise of developing a robust and affordable solution for automated diagnosis of malarial infection.

Molecular Identification of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Vectors in Alborz Province, North of Iran.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a vector-borne disease widely distributed in tropical and subtropical areas of North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Considering the increasing number of CL cases in recent years and the fact that no study has been conducted to identify CL fauna and vectors in Alborz province, this study was carried out to identify sand flies and CL vectors in this region. Sand flies were collected from August to October 2021 from plain and mountainous indoor and outdoor areas of the region using sticky paper traps and were detected morphologically. DNA was extracted from the midguts of female sand flies. In this study, 1157 sand flies were collected and identified. The number of sand flies caught from indoor and outdoor places was 367 (31.72%) and 790 (68.28%), respectively. Overall, six species of flies were of the genus Phlebotomus (Raynal, 1937), including Phlebotomus papatasi (P. papatasi, 695 [60.07%]; Scopoli, 1786), P. kandelakii (13 [1.12%]; Shchurenkova, 1926), P. sergenti (232 [20.05%]; Parrot, 1917), P. major (14 [1.21%]; Annandale, 1910), P. caucasicus (4 [0.35%]; Marzinowsky, 1917), P. alexandri (18 [1.56%]; Alexandri Sinton, 1920), and four were of the genus Sergentomyia (Artemiev, 1978), including Sergentomyia tiberiadis (109 [9.42%]; Adler, Theodor & Lourie, 1930), Sergentomyia baghdadis (53 [4.58%]), Sergentomyia sintoni (14 [1.21%]; Sintoni Pringle, 1933), Sergentomyia clydei (5 [0.43%]). P. papatasi spp. were dominant in indoor and outdoor places, with a prevalence of 695 (60.07%). The Leishmania major (L. major) gene was identified in five samples of P. papatasi spp. This suggests that P. papatasi is the potential vector spp. in the study area. Moreover, L. major was confirmed as the aetiological agent of CL cases in Alborz province. The identification of vectors and parasite spp. is very important for the treatment and operational planning of disease vectors.

Diagnostic strategies for Sparicotyle chrysophrii detection based on size-variability and site-location

Routine monitoring of monogenean loads is a crucial step for infection management in aquaculture facilities. This analysis is usually performed from partial gill analyses and thus, knowledge of parasite distribution and size can be helpful to optimise diagnosis, estimate infection levels and improve management procedures. Gill location preferences and intraspecific size variations relative to parasite age, host factors and parasite abundance are herein determined for the monogenean Sparicotyle chrysophrii, one of the most challenging pathogens in gilthead sea bream aquaculture. Present findings on parasite location show that the life-history stages of S. chrysophrii have distinct location preferences. Analysis of intraspecific size variations of adult stages of S. chrysophrii revealed that the size of most morphological features of S. chrysophrii increased significantly with parasite age and host size. Positive and significant relationships between the size of the posteriormost clamp and host size pointed out the adaptation of the parasite to the gilthead sea bream size from the initial settlement. Host size also seems to restrict the development of parasites after maturity as the oldest specimens were exclusively found in mid-large fish (>18 cm). By contrast, no clear patterns were observed for the relationship between parasite size and location or abundance. Post-maturity size variations of S. chrysophrii should be considered for parasite identification and the clamp pair number should be fixed for accurate taxonomic diagnosis. Based on the site location of S. chrysophrii, the dorsal sections or the outermost holobranches would be suitable for adult detection while the analysis of the central and dorsal sections of the outermost holobranches may be a better option for finding most of the adult, juvenile or post-larval stages.

Morphological and molecular analysis of Isoparorchis trisimilibutis from catfish in Northeast India on the basis of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA.

Isoparorchis is an endoparasite of fish that is found in the swim bladder of Wallago attu. Isoparorchis is predominant in Asian countries, Russia and also Australia. Four species of Isoparorchis have been found to be taxonomically valid. In India, I. hypselobagri and I. trisimilibutis have been morphologically described. The sample collected from Northeast India is subjected to both morphological and molecular analysis. Molecular markers like mitochondrial Cytochrome Oxidase I gene and the ribosomal Internal Transcribed Spacer 2 gene markers have aided the identification and characterization of parasites particularly flatworms. The morphological and the molecular assessment indicate the presence of I. trisimilibutis in Northeast India. This report is the first locality and regional report from India.

Parasites Prevalence of Dairy Cattle in Argopuro Area, Krucil District, Probolinggo Regency, Indonesia

This study aimed to identify endoparasitic species and their prevalence in dairy cows in the Probolinggo, Indonesia. This survey was conducted in the Cooperation of Argopuro, in the hill side of Krucil district, Probolinggo regency, during rainy season from March until July 2020. Faecal samples were collected (n=100), and three fecal examinations were performed for parasite identification: native, sedimentation, and flotation techniques. Results showed that the prevalence of endoparasitosis was 56%; 29% was due to helminthiases and the other 37% was of Balantidium coli. Fasciola sp., Oesophagostomum sp., Gaigeria pachyscelis, Toxocara vitulorum, Mecistocirrus digitatus, Chabertia sp. were among the helminths detected. The Lucient Brump test indicated that among samples infected with helminths (n=29), 89.7% were mild, 6.9% were moderate and 3.4% were severely infected. Further, the study estimated that the level of burden with Balantidium coli was identified to be mild in 62.2%, moderate in 32.4%, and severe in 5.4% of the positive samples, respectively (n=37). This study indicates that during the commencement of the rainy season, the campaign of effective endoparasitic control could be advisable in the study area

Parasitic Eye Diseases: Nuances in Rapid Identification and Advanced Microscopy

ABSTRACT Aim To study parasitic eye diseases in a tertiary institute of North-east India by live examination of parasites, rapid staining, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Methods A 12-year retrospective analysis was performed and all patients diagnosed with ocular parasitic diseases were identified. Examination under a compound microscope, fluorescein staining, and scanning electron microscopy were done. Results A total of 160 ocular parasitosis cases were identified. The cases for which rapid staining and SEM studies were done included Cysticercosis (n = 18, 11.25%), Hydatidosis (n = 5, 3.13%), Dirofilariasis (n = 5, 3.13%), Thelaziasis (n = 3, 1.87%), and Gnathostomiasis (n = 2, 1.25%). Live examination was performed in 11 cases (6.63%) and 8 cases (4.82%) underwent scanning electron microscopy. Conclusion Fluorescein staining for identification of parasites and SEM study helped in detailing microscopic and ultrastructural findings.

Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Slum Children of Dhaka City: Comparison of Two Coprological Methods

The present study aimed to measure the prevalence of intestinal parasites among children with gastrointestinal tract infections from different slum areas of Dhaka. Furthermore, a comparison was made of the accuracy of direct smear (DS) and formol-ether concentration (FEC) techniques in the detection of infection. The overall prevalence of parasitic infection was 72.46% with a combined method. By direct smear, 2 species of protozoa (11.59%), 2 species of cestode (5.07%) and 4 species of nematode (18.12%) parasites were detected whereas by formol – ether concentration method, 5 species of protozoa (28.26%), 1 species of Trematode (1.44%), 2 species of cestode (17.39%) and 5 species of nematode (79.71%) parasites were detected. By direct smear (DS) and formol-ether concentration (FEC) the prevalence of intestinal parasites was 42% and 58% respectively. Ascaris lumbricoides was the most common parasite detected by both formol-ether concentration (37.68%) and direct smear method (7.97%). A statistically significant association (P < 0.001) was found between the test methods, age groups and months with parasitic infection. Direct smear showed less sensitivity than formol-ether concentration technique (100%). The diagnostic performance of formol-ether technique for the diagnosis of intestinal parasites in slum children was remarkably higher as related to direct smear in the present study. Therefore, the DS and FEC combined techniques should be used as routine investigative techniques for the identification of intestinal parasites. Henceforth, it is advantageous to use the formol-ether method to complement the direct smear method. Bangladesh J. Zool. 50(3): 353-361, 2022

Identification of Spore-Forming Intestinal Parasites with Pentaplex Real-Time PCR

Objective: Spore-forming intestinal parasites; Cryptosporidium spp., Cyclospora spp., Cytoisospora spp., Encephalitozoon spp., and Sarcoystis spp. are very common in immunocompromised patients, but these parasites are overlooked by healthcare proffesionals. It was aimed to develop a new pentaplex real-time PCR panel for the identification of spore-forming intestinal parasites in this study.
 Methods: Primer-probes for pentaplex real-time PCR were designed using the “PrimerQuest Tool (Integrated DNA technologies, Coralville, USA) software program” and “Multiple sequence alignment use a computer software Primer Express™Software v3.0.1 Lience (ThermoFisher Scientific, Waltham, USA)”. The primer-probes designed in the study were spore-forming Cryptosporidium spp. (ATCC®87715™), Cyclospora spp. (ATCC®PRA-3000SD™), Cystoispora spp. (KF648871), Encephalitozoon spp. (FJ026010) and Sarcocystis spp. (ATCC®CCL-70) parasites were amplified with DNA isolates from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) and then these primer-probes were validated with 232 DNA samples obtained from the stools of the patient samples.
 Results: It was found that Cycle Threshold (Ct) ±25.7, Standard curve (R2 ): ±0,993, and Efficiency (E): %96,1 according to the results of multiplex real-time PCR analysis. Similar results were found in pentaplex real-time PCR analysis of DNA isolates of stool samples. When the pentaplex real-time PCR results of DNA samples isolates from stool samples were compared with the positivie predictive value results of traditional methods, it was found that the pentaplex results were higher.
 Conclusion: The new designed pentaplex real-time PCR panel can be used in the diagnosis of spore-forming intestinal parasites, which are very common in immunocompromised patients. Thus, the diagnosis of five different parasites can be made faster, more economically and faster with a single reaction.

A cross-sectional study of malaria transmission in suggests the existence of a potential bridge vector susceptible of ensuring the transfer of simian malaria parasites to humans

IntroductionDespite all the efforts made to control or even eliminate malaria, the disease continues to claim the highest number of victims of vector-borne pathogens in the world and Sub-Saharan countries bear the heaviest burden. The lack of knowledge of the role of various protagonists involved in the transmission of this parasitic disease, such as mosquito vectors and the plasmodial species they transmit as well as the host species they infect in a locality, constitutes one of the main causes of the persistence of malaria. In Gabon, in several areas, entomological data on malaria transmission remain poorly known. Thus, this study aimed to determine the diversity of Anopheles involved in malaria transmission in different environments of the province of Nyanga in southwest Gabon.MethodsFor this, an entomological study was carried out in the four main localities of the province of Nyanga to provide answers to these shortcomings. Mosquitoes were collected over several nights using the human landing catch method. The identification of Anopheles and malaria parasites circulating in the different sites was achieved by combining morphological and molecular analysis tools.ResultsA total of five hundred and ninety-one (591) mosquitoes belonging to the Culicidae family were collected. From this collection of adult mosquitoes, nine species of Anopheles mosquitoes notably species of the Anopheles nili complex (53.46%) followed by those of Anopheles gambiae complex (22.01%), Anopheles funestus group (18.24%), Anopheles moucheti complex (5.66%) and Anopheles hancocki (0.63%). Approximately 18 percent of these Anopheles species were infected with Plasmodium spp. Anopheles funestus, known to be involved in malaria transmission to humans, and An. moucheti-like, recently discovered in Gabon, and whose status in Plasmodium transmission is not yet elucidated, were found to be infected with great ape Plasmodium.DiscussionOur results raise the question of the potential switch of simian malaria parasites to humans. If these observations are confirmed in the future, and the infective capacity of the bridge vectors is demonstrated, this new situation could ultimately constitute an obstacle to progress in the fight against malaria.

Identification of intestinal parasites in wild American mink (Neovison vison) from Biebrza and Narew national parks (Poland)

American mink (Neovison vison) is an invasive species in the sylvatic environment of Poland. Mink are exposed to different parasite infections as their preys serve as intermediate and/or paratenic hosts. The study aimed to discriminate the pattern of intestinal parasite infections in mink inhabiting Biebrza (BNP) and Narew (NNP) national parks. Gastrointestinal tract examinations revealed Coccidia, Echinostomatidae, Taenidae, and Capillariidae parasites. There was no significant difference in the parasite burden of mink, but patterns of infections varied between both localizations. Coccidia were found in 3.8% of BNP vs. 6.7% of NNP mink. Fluke prevalence was significantly higher in NNP 27.5% compared to 7.7% in BNP mink. Tapeworms were only found in 3.4% of NNP mink. Significantly more Aonchotheca eggs were found in BNP 34.6% vs. 11.4% in NNP mink. The intensity of coccidiosis and aonchothecosis was low in both parks. Fluke intensity varied between low to moderate (ranging from 1 to 16) in BNP and low to massive (ranging from 1 to 117) in NNP mink. Coinfections of various parasite species were noted in both areas. Morphological and DNA analysis revealed that flukes belonged to Isthiomorpha melis and tapeworms to Versteria mustelae. It was the first isolation of V. mustelae in mink of those localizations. In conclusion, our study showed that mink indwelling Biebrza and Narew national parks are moderately infested with parasites. Results suggest that mink play an important role as a reservoir for parasites endangering endemic mustelids, becoming also a potential risk factor in case of accidental transmissions to farm mink. That is why, more strict biosecurity measures are required to protect farm mink.

Identification of Parasites on Garing Fish (Tambroides) in Lubuk Larangan, Padang Pariaman Regency, West Sumatra

Identification of Parasites on Garing Fish (Tambroides) in Lubuk Larangan, Padang Pariaman Regency, West Sumatra

Study of Laboratory Diagnosis of Colibasilosis Infection In Local Hen In Surabaya

Background: On November 18, 2022, euthanasia and hen necropsy were conducted (protocol number A-164) in the veterinary pathology laboratory, Faculty Of Veterinary Medicine, Wijaya Kusuma University Surabaya. The hen belongs to a local farmer located at Sawahan, Surabaya. Based on the anamnesis, it is known that the hen was four months old and weighed 1.4 kg. The population consists of eight birds, and one of them was sick, never treated or vaccinated, in a cage made of bamboo, corn fodder, rice bran, and drinking water from tap water. Clinical symptoms show a decreased appetite for the last day, watery eyes, runny nose, lethargy, and diarrhea with feces green mixed with white colors. The initial diagnosis of the chicken was infected with Salmonella sp. with a differential diagnosis of Escherichia coli. Purpose: To diagnose bacterial disease in local chickens with a pathological examination, parasitological examination, microbiological isolation, and clinical pathology for hematology. Result: The results of the anatomic pathology examination showed that the chickens had hemorrhagic tracheitis, hemorrhagic necrotic pneumonia, hemorrhagic necrotic enteritis, hemorrhagic necrotic hepatitis, and hemorrhage in the proventriculus. Parasite identification was found in Raillietina sp. and Ornithonyssus sylviarum. Isolation of bacteria was found in Escherichia coli from the duodenum organ. The chickens had hypoproteinemia, poikilocytosis teardrop and rouleaux, leukocytosis with heterophilia, and monocytosis. Conclusion: Based on the examination associated with the results of anamnesis and examination of clinical symptoms, the chickens were diagnosed with Escherichia coli infection together with Raillietina sp. and Ornithonyssus sylviarum infestations.

Comparative Survey of Parasites of African Catfish Clarias gariepinus in Ajiwa and Zobe Reservoirs in North-Western Nigeria

Aims: The aims of this survey were to isolate, identify, classify and compare parasitic infestation of Clarias gariepinus obtained from Ajiwa and Zobe reservoirs, Katsina state. Also to investigated the prevalence and infestation of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) from Ajiwa and Zobe reservoirs, Katsina.
 Study Design: The research was conducted in Ajiwa and Zobe Reservoirs, Katsina State, Nigeria. The study was to compare the parasitic prevalence in Clarias gariepinus obtained from Ajiwa and Zobe reservoir. Three landing sites were selected from Ajiwa and Zobe reservoirs namely A, B, and C. landing site A water entrance, B middle of the water and C end of the reservoir. Five experimental fish samples were purchased from artisanal fisherman from three sample sites of Ajiwa and Zobe reservoirs for the duration of 6 months. Length and weight of fish samples were measured before parasite examination. Isolated parasite was identified using standard keys. Prevalence and incidence were analysed using descriptive statistic.
 Place and Period of the Study: Fish samples were obtained from Ajiwa and Zobe reservoirs Katsina State. Live experimental fish samples were transported to the Biological Laboratory, Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State in a plastic container filled with water for identification, before parasitic examination. Experimental samples of various sizes were sampled between June, 2020 and September, 2021.
 Methodology: A total of 180 live fish samples of males and females Clarias gariepinus; were randomly obtained from Ajiwa and Zobe Reservoirs. Experimental samples were range between 10.0-15.0cm fry, 15.1-20.0cm fingerlings, 20.0-25.0cm juveniles and 21.0-30.0cm adults. The skin, the gastrointestinal tract of the fish was examined for the presence of parasite, using standard procedures. Examination of the gastrointestinal parasites was done using light microscope for exposure of parasitic worm’s presences. The different experimental fish samples were cut separately to expose the gastrointestinal area. The stomach and intestine region tract were cut off and divided into two portions comprising of the intestine and stomach. The stomach and intestine region was used for worms examination subsequently this is where sustenance is record abundant for the parasitic fauna. Investigation of the skin, fins and gills was done using hand lens for exposure of parasitic appearances. Gills were successively cut out and inserted into isolated petri dishes and detected with a hand lens for parasites identification.
 Results: The prevalence in female specimens of C. gariepinus 29 (58.00%) was higher than that of the males 20 (50.00%) in Ajiwa reservoir while in Zobe the prevalence in male specimens of C. gariepinus 22 (46.80%) was higher than that of the females 20 (46.52%). Occurrence and mean intensity of parasitic infection were higher in samples in the Zobe reservoir than those in the Ajiwa reservoir.
 Conclusion: The study displayed that the parasitic burdens were higher in C. gariepinus in Zobe environment compared to those obtained from Ajiwa environment. For that reason it was suggested that the stomach and intestinal tract collected from C. gariepinus from the survey region, have to be properly discarded instead of consumption to prevent the spread of infections from fish to human being. It is significant to regulate discharge of waste a round water bodies that will reduce possible actions that may backing a growth in parasitic worms in the environs.

Blended Learning Effectiveness: Improving Japanese Medical Laboratory Science Students’ Identification of Parasite Eggs

Parasitic infections are declining in Japan, resulting in fewer hours of parasitology instruction in medical laboratory science and medical schools. However, there are growing concerns that the parasite identification skills of medical laboratory technologists and the diagnostic skills of physicians may be compromised as a result. Effective teaching methods are required to improve the identification of parasites in pre-graduate education. We therefore adopted a new teaching method: the blended learning method, in 2018. This method combined the e-learning and jigsaw methods, which had already been implemented separately in 2017. This study aimed to evaluate the pedagogical effectiveness of this blended learning approach compared to that of 2017 in teaching parasitology practice to students enrolled in the Department of Medical Laboratory Science. The results show that the median score for the practical test was 83.3 points for the blended learning lessons, which was not significantly different from the scores for jigsaw or e-learning lessons. However, blended learning had the lowest percentage of failures on the practical test, at 10.7%. Additionally, the microscopic image test results indicate a significant memory retention effect. From the questionnaire results, 94.7% of the students were satisfied with their practice. In conclusion, the blended learning did not significantly improve parasite identification skills, but it may reduce the number of failures, suggesting a knowledge retention effect and a high level of satisfaction with this practice.

Reduced Cholesterol Levels during Acute Human Babesiosis.

Babesiosis, an intra-erythrocytic protozoan disease, is an emerging zoonotic parasitic disease worldwide. Cholesterol levels are correlated with severe infections, such as sepsis and COVID-19, and anecdotal reports suggest that high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol declines during acute babesiosis. Our aim was to describe the cholesterol levels in patients with acute babesiosis diagnosed in an endemic area in New York, hypothesizing that HDL levels correlate with the severity of infection. We reviewed the medical records of adult patients with babesiosis diagnosed by identification of Babesia parasites on a thin blood smear and confirmed by polymerase chain reaction from 2013 to 2018, who also had available a lipid profile drawn at the time of clinical presentation. Additional lipid profile levels were considered as "baseline" if they were drawn within 2 months before or after the infection as part of routine care. A total of 39 patients with babesiosis had a lipid profile drawn on presentation. The patients were divided into two groups for comparison based on the treating physician's clinical decision: 33 patients who were admitted to the hospital and 8 patients who were evaluated as outpatients. A history of hypertension was more common in admitted patients (37% vs. 17%, p = 0.02). The median levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and HDL were significantly reduced in admitted patients compared to non-admitted patients (46 vs. 76 mg/dL, p = 0.04; and 9 vs. 28.5 mg/dL, p = 0.03, respectively). In addition, LDL and HDL levels returned to baseline values following resolution of acute babesiosis. LDL and HDL levels are significantly reduced during acute babesiosis, suggesting that cholesterol depletion may predict disease severity. Pathogen and host factors may contribute to a reduction in serum cholesterol levels during acute babesiosis.

Zoonotic parasite infection from a funerary context: A Late Antique child case from Cantabrian Spain

ObjectiveTo evaluate the presence of Dicrocoelium sp. in a child from a Late Antique funerary context from Cantabrian Spain and discuss whether the infection is true infection or pseudoparasitosis. MaterialsFour skeletons, including one from a 5–7 year old child, have been analysed from the archaeological site of El Conventón, dated between the sixth and seventh centuries AD. MethodsThe paleoparasitological study was conducted through the analysis of soil samples from different parts of the skeleton and funerary context using the rehydration, homogenization, and micro-sieving method, and visualized through brightfield microscopy. ResultsA soil sample from the pelvic region tested positive for Dicrocoelium sp. (possibly D. dendriticum). ConclusionsThe child was infected with Dicrocoelium dendriticum, which based on archaeological and historical contexts may be related to hygiene or dietary behaviour. SignificanceWe present one of the few cases of the identification of a Dicrocoelidae parasite directly associated with a human skeleton that provides historical knowledge of a zoonotic disease. LimitationsThe diagnosis of a zoonosis through the identification of ancient parasites is complex. In addition, Dicrocoelium sp. in association with skeletal human remains is rare due to the potential low prevalence of this parasite. Suggestions for Further ResearchHighlight the importance of paleoparasitological analysis to link parasitic infection diseases with socioeconomic issues by using funerary contexts with skeletal remains.

Identification of Gastrointestinal Parasite in Hospitalized Cats at Several Animal Clinics in Surabaya Using Faecal Examination Method

The aim of this study is to identify the parasite species and prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites that infect cats hospitalized at several veterinary clinics in Surabaya using the faecal examination method. The type of this research is an observational with research design used in this study is a cross sectional study. The samples used in this study were 100 cat feces that were hospitalized at several veterinary clinics in Surabaya and each took 25 fecal samples. This sample was examined using native, sedimentation, and floating methods. The results showed 35% of samples were positively infected by gastrointestinal parasites with 28% parasites as single infection and 7% as mixed infection. The gastrointestinal parasites that identified in this study were Toxocara cati, Ancylostoma sp., Cryptosporidium sp., Isospora felis, and Isospora rivolta. The results of statistical analysis with chi square test showed that sex and age were not related to the prevalence of the gastrointestinal parasites in hospitalized cats at several animal clinics in Surabaya.

Parasites observed in urine sediments: A learning from incidental rare species

Parasitic infection becomes an unsolved problem in using of automated instruments for urinalysis. Most common parasitic infections described in literature are Trichomonas vaginalis, Schistosoma hematobium and Microfilaria. Other rare organisms are Balantidium coli and Paramecium. The main purpose of this article is to raise the awareness in pathologists and clinicians on the importance of cytological evaluation of urine. This study was done to find the associations between the age and point prevalence of organisms in our zone in the last 6 years. Identification of parasites in centrifuged deposits of urine sediment is a relatively rare occurrence in clinical practice. A fairly wide morphological spectrum of parasites may be diagnosed through microscopic examination of centrifuged urine sediment. They may present with symptoms like pyuria, hematuria, diarrhoea, burning micturition, itching and morphological awareness helps in prompt and effective management in most cases.

Gastrointestinal parasites in ancient South American camelid feces from the Atacama Desert (Pampa del Tamarugal, Tarapacá, northern Chile)

AbstractFaunal remains from archeological sites worldwide, especially feces and regurgitated pellets, are usually subjected to paleoparasitological examination, allowing the identification of past animal parasites. In this study, we analyzed 10 samples of South American camelid dung, which played an important role for the ancient human groups in the South‐Central Andes, dated between 341 and 1635 calCE, from the Iluga Túmulos site (Pampa del Tamarugal, Tarapacá region, Atacama Desert, Chile). Microscopy examination revealed parasite remains in seven samples, in which oocysts of Eimeria macusaniensis and eggs of Lamanema chavezi/Nematodirus lamae, Trichuris sp., Moniezia sp., capillariids, strongylids, and unidentified nematodes were found. Although some of these species pose a potential health risk to camelids, most are not considered to be of major zoonotic importance, which could explain the absence of these parasites on human coprolites from this site analyzed previously. This first paleoparasitological study on camelid fecal remains from northern Chile sheds light on the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites and its relationship with Andean ancient human populations and the environment.

Isolation and identification of intestinal parasites from Goats in some areas of Wasit Province, Iraq

The current study was conducted on goats in various parts of Wasit Province, Iraq, from November 2021 to April 2022. The study aims to find and identify intestinal parasites (IPs) in goats in Wasit province. The goat's fresh fecal specimens (n=180) include cysts, eggs, oocysts, trophozoites and larval stages. One hundred eighty sheep feces samples were collected, and more than one parasite was isolated from one sample (mixed infection). According to the data acquired, the overall prevalence of intestinal parasites in goats was 52.77 (95 samples). In the current investigation, eleven distinct (IPs) species with infection rates were identified, including Toxocara vitulorum (Goeze, 1782) (16.66 %), Cryptosporidium sp.( Tyzzer, 1907) (11.11%), Amoeba sp. (8.8%), Giardia sp.( Künstler, 1882) (8.8%), Trichostrongylus sp.( Looss, 1905) (8.33%), Cyclospora sp. (Schneider, 1881) (5.55%), Dicrocoelium dendriticum synonym (Distoma dendriticum) (Rudolphi, 1819) (5%), Paramphistomum cervi (Zeder, 1790) (4.44%), cercaria larva (2.22%), Balantidium coli (Malmsten, 1857) (1.66%), filariae form larvae (1.66%), respectively. This may be the result of infection with various parasites due to the use of Conventional and unsanitary management systems Keywords: Intestinal Parasites, Goats, Toxocara vitulorum, Cryptosporidium spp.