Intestinal Parasitic Diseases Research Articles

A questionnaire-based survey in Spain provides relevant information to improve the control of ovine coccidiosis.

Ovine coccidiosis is a widespread intestinal parasitic disease caused by Eimeria spp. Lambs are infected by the ingestion of sporulated oocysts, experiencing diarrhea and low growth rates. Control should be based on measures to reduce infection pressure and stress on the animals as well as on appropriate diagnosis and strategic treatment. To obtain information on how control measures are implemented in the ovine sector in Spain, a questionnaire-based survey was completed in 2022 by 154 veterinarians and 173 farmers working in this sector. Coccidiosis was highlighted as a relevant disease by 34% of the respondents. The period of greatest risk seemed to differ between production systems, being mainly early after weaning (7-15 days after weaning) in meat flocks and feedlots and later (1-2 months after weaning) in dairy flocks. The absence of cleaning and disinfection measures was identified as a risk factor by 51% of the veterinarians, with 22% mentioning overcrowding of animals and 22% indicating that coccidiosis has more incidence in flocks with large number of animals. The use of laboratory diagnosis methods (fecal oocyst count) was unusual in 70 and 84% of the veterinarians and farmers, respectively. Regarding control, dairy flocks usually housed a larger number of animals under intensive conditions, and they implemented more frequently control measures for coccidiosis than meat flocks. Anticoccidial drugs were used in 79% of the flocks, and in 74-82% of them, they were applied based on clinical criteria. Comparing protocols for anticoccidial treatment among different production systems, in meat flocks, anticoccidial drugs were applied more frequently when clinical signs were observed, and coccidiostats were used for less than 28 days compared to dairy flocks. These results highlight the need for improvement in the use of anticoccidial treatments adjusted to the new regulatory framework in the EU, which in turn will rationalize the use of antimicrobial compounds and may help to mitigate the impact of coccidiosis in flocks.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Diseases in HIV Patients in Tabriz(Original article)

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Diseases in HIV Patients in Tabriz(Original article)

Molecular characterization of methionine aminopeptidase1 from Eimeria tenella

Coccidiosis, a serious intestinal parasitic disease caused by Eimeria spp., can result in huge annual economic losses to the poultry industry worldwide. At present, coccidiosis is mainly controlled by anticoccidial drugs. However, drug resistance has developed in Eimeria because of the long-term and unreasonable use of the drugs currently available. In our previous study, RNA-seq showed that the expression of methionine aminopeptidase1 (EtMetAP1) was up-regulated in diclazuril-resistant (DZR) and maduramicin-resistant (MRR) strains compared to drug-sensitive (DS) strain of Eimeria tenella. In this study, EtMetAP1 was cloned and expressed, and the function and characteristics of the EtMetAP1 protein were analyzed. The transcription and translation levels of EtMetAP1 in DS strain of E. tenella at different developmental stages were analyzed by qPCR and western blotting. We found that the transcription and translation levels of EtMetAP1 in second-generation merozoites (SM) were higher than those of the other three stages (unsporulated oocyst, sporulated oocyst, and sporozoites). Simultaneously, qPCR was used to analyze the mRNA transcription levels of EtMetAP1 in DS, DZR, MRR, and salinomycin-resistant (SMR) strain. The results showed that compared to the sensitive strain, the transcription levels of EtMetAP1 in DZR and MRR were up-regulated. There was no significant difference in transcription level in SMR. Indirect immunofluorescence localization showed that the protein was mainly localised in the cell membrane and cytoplasm of sporozoites and SM. An invasion inhibition test showed that anti-rEtMetAP1 polyclonal antibody could effectively inhibit the sporozoite invasion of host cells. These results suggest that the protein may be involved in the growth and development of parasites in host cells, the generation of drug resistance, and host cell invasion.

Comprehensive analysis of gut microbiome and host transcriptome in chickens after Eimeria tenella infection.

Coccidiosis is an intestinal parasitic disease caused by Eimeria protozoa, which endangers the health and growth of animals, and causes huge economic losses to the poultry industry worldwide every year. Studies have shown that poultry gut microbiota plays an important role in preventing the colonization of pathogens and maintaining the health of the host. Coccidia infection also affects host gene expression. However, the underlying potential relationship between gut microbiome and host transcriptome during E. tenella infection in chickens remain unclear. In this study, metagenomic and transcriptome sequencing were applied to identify microbiota and genes in cecal contents and cecal tissues of infected (JS) and control (JC) chickens on day 4.5 postinfection (pi), respectively. First, microbial sequencing results of cecal contents showed that the abundance of Lactobacillus, Roseburia sp. and Faecalibacterium sp decreased significantly after E. tenella infection (P < 0.05), while the abundance of Alistipes and Prevotella pectinovora increased significantly (P < 0.05). Second, transcriptome sequencing results showed that a total of 434 differentially expressed mRNAs were identified, including 196 up-regulated and 238 down-regulated genes. These differentially expressed genes related to inflammation and immunity, such as GAMA, FABP1, F2RL1 and RSAD2, may play an important role in the process of host resistance to coccidia infection. Functional studies showed that the enriched pathways of differentially expressed genes included the TGF-beta signaling pathway and the ErbB signaling pathways. Finally, the integrated analysis of gut microbiome and host transcriptome suggested that Prevotella pectinovora associated with FABP1, Butyricicoccus porcorum and Colidextribacter sp. associated with RSAD2 were involved in the immune response upon E. tenella infection. In conclusion, this study provides valuable information on the microbiota and key immune genes after chicken E. tenella infection, with the aim of providing reference for the impact of coccidia infection on cecal microbiome and host.

Prevalence of parasitic infections in human stool samples from a hospital in Chenzhou City of Hunan Province

To investigate the prevalence of parasitic infections in human stool samples from a hospital in Chenzhou City, Hunan Province, so as to provide insights into the management of intestinal parasitic diseases. Stool samples were collected from patients admitted to a hospital in Chenzhou City from September 2020 to March 2021, subjected to physiological saline smearing and microscopy for detection of intestinal parasites. The prevalence of parasitic infections and the species of parasites were descriptively analyzed. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was 1.61% in the 10 728 stool samples, and there were 3 samples with mixed infections of two parasite species. A total of seven parasite species were identified, including Blastocystis hominis (162 cases, 1.55%), Giardia lamblia (5 cases, 0.05%), Dientamoeba fragilis (5 cases, 0.05%), Endolimax nana (one case, 0.01%), Iodamoeba bütschlii (one case, 0.01%), Strongyloides stercoralis (one case, 0.01%) and Trichomonas hominis (one case, 0.01%). The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was significantly higher among women than in men (2.14% vs. 1.25%; χ2 = 13.01, P < 0.01), and a high prevalence rate was seen among patients at ages of 20 to 30 years (2.99%) and 80 years and older (2.86%); however, no age-specific prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was detected (χ2 = 12.45, P > 0.05). The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was low among patients admitted to a hospital in Chenzhou City, and gender-specific prevalence was found. Food-borne and opportunistic parasites were predominant intestinal parasites, including B. hominis, G. lamblia and D. fragilis.

Nanotransducer-Enabled Wireless Spatiotemporal Tuning of Engineered Bacteria in Bumblebee.

Bumblebees are essential pollinators of wild-flowering plants and crops. It is noticed that regulating the gut microorganisms of bumblebees is of great significance for the maintenance of bumblebee health and disease treatment. Additionally, social bees are used as models to study regulatory control methods of gut bacteria in vivo. However, these methods lack precision and are not studied in bumblebees. In this study, nanotransducers are used for wireless spatiotemporal tuning of engineered bacteria in bumblebees. These nanotransducers are designed as 1D chains with smooth surfaces for easy transport in vivo, and temperature-controlled engineered bacteria colonize the guts of microbial-free bumblebees. Thermal production in the bumblebee gut is achieved using magnetothermal and photothermal methods in response to nanotransducers, resulting in significant target protein upregulation in engineered bacteria in the bumblebee gut. This advanced technology enables the precise control of engineered bacteria in the bumblebee gut. It also lays the foundation for the treatment of bumblebee intestinal parasitic diseases and the elimination of pesticide residues.

Prevalence of Diarrhea, Intestinal Parasites, and Associated Factors Among Under-Five Children in Dabat District, Northwest Ethiopia: Multicenter Cross-sectional Study.

Despite global interventions to prevent and control diarrhea, it remains a public health problem leading to childhood morbidity and mortality majorly in developing countries. According to the World Health Organization, data from 2021 indicated that diarrheal disease is responsible for 8% of deaths in children under the age of 5. In the world, more than 1 billion under-five children live in poverty, social exclusion, and discrimination affected by intestinal parasitic infections and diarrhea disease. In sub-Saharan African countries like Ethiopia, diarrheal diseases and parasite infections continue to cause significant and persistent morbidity and mortality in under-five children. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasites and diarrheal diseases in children under the age of 5 years in Dabat District, Northwest Ethiopia in 2022. A community-based, cross-sectional study was carried out from September 16 to August 18th 2022. Four hundred households with at least one child under the age of 5 years were recruited by simple random sampling technique. Sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioral factors were also collected using pretested interviewer-administered questionnaires. Data was entered into Epi-data version 3.1 and exported to Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25 for analysis. Binary logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with diarrhea and intestinal parasitic infections. The level of significance was computed at a P-value ⩽ .05. Descriptive statistics such as frequency and other summary statistics were used for describing sociodemographic variables and determining the prevalence of diarrhea and intestinal parasites. Tables, figures, and texts were used to present the findings. The variables having a P-value of less than .2 in the bivariable analysis were entered into the multivariable analysis at a P-value of ⩽.5. According to this study, the prevalence of diarrhea and intestinal parasites among under-five children was 20.8% (95% CI: [16.8-37.8] and 32.5% (95% CI: [28.6, 37.8], respectively. In multivariable logistic analysis at a P-value of ⩽.5, the educational level of mothers (Adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 3.7, 95% CI: [1.52, 8.95], residence (AOR: 4.7, 95% CI: [1.52, 8.09]), undernutrition (AOR: 3.6, 95% CI: [1.09, 11.3]), latrine availability (AOR:3.9, 95% CI: [1.23, 9.56]), types of the latrine (AOR: 5.9, 95% CI: [3.42, 11.66]), water treatment (AOR = 7.6; 95% CI: [6.4, 12.7]), eating uncooked vegetable or fruits (AOR = 4.6; 95% CI: [1.025, 15.2]), and source of water (AOR = 4.5; 95% CI: [2.32,8.92]) were significantly associated with diarrheal disease. Intestinal parasitic infection was also significantly associated with undernutrition (AOR = 3.9; 95% CI: [1.09, 9.67]), latrine availability (AOR = 2.1; 95% CI:[1.32, 9.32]), types of the latrine (AOR = 2.8; 95% CI: [1.92, 8.12]) residence (AOR = 4.7; 95% CI: [1.52, 8.09]), water treatment, source of water for drinking (AOR = 4.5; 95% CI: [2.32, 8.92]), eating uncooked vegetables or fruits (AOR = 6.7:95% CI: [3.9, 9.8]), and deworming children with anti-parasitic medication (AOR = 2.4; 95% CI: [1.34, 5.62]), washing hands after latrine used (AOR = 2.2: 95% CI: [1.06, 3.86]). The prevalence of diarrhea and intestinal parasite among under-five children was 20.8% and 32.5%, respectively. Undernutrition, latrine availability, types of latrines, residence, eating uncooked vegetables or fruits, and source of water for drinking and water treatment were associated with intestinal parasitic infection and diarrheal disease. Deworming children with antiparasitic medications and washing hands after latrine use was also significantly associated with parasitic infection. Hence, awareness creation activities on latrine utilization and building, keeping personal hygiene, safe water supply, feeding cooked vegetables or fruits, taking anti-parasitic medications, practice hand washing habit after toilet use are strongly recommended.

Mathematical model for calculating the level of contamination of the territory with intestinal parasitic diseases

Mathematical model for calculating the level of contamination of the territory with intestinal parasitic diseases

Combined oral immunization with probiotics Entercoccus faecalis delivering surface-anchored Eimeria tenella proteins provide protective efficacies against homologous infection in chickens.

Background and ObjectivesAvian coccidiosis is an intestinal parasitic disease exerting a highly negative impact on the global poultry industry. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the immune protective efficacies against Eimeria tenella infection in chickens orally immunized with combined recombinant probiotics Entercoccus faecalis (E. faecalis) delivering surface-anchored E. tenella proteins.MethodsFour kinds of novel probiotics vaccines that surface-expressing four Eimeria tenella (E. tenella) proteins EtAMA1, EtIMP1, EtMIC2 and Et3-1E were produced, respectively. The expression of four target proteins on the surface of recombinant bacteria was detected by Western blot and indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Then the four kinds of recombinant E. faecalis were combined to immunize chickens via oral route in different combinations. The immunizations were performed three times at two-week intervals, and each for three consecutive days. After immunizations, chickens in each immunized group were orally challenged with E. tenella sporulated oocysts. The immune responses and protective efficacies against homologous infection were evaluated.ResultsThe results showed that three or four live recombinant E. faecalis induced effective antigen-specific humoral, intestinal mucosal immune responses, stimulated peripheral T lymphocytes proliferation, and displayed partial protections against homologous challenge as measured by cecal lesions, oocyst shedding, and body weight gain (BWG). Notably, higher levels of protective efficacies were observed when the four recombinant E. faecalis delivering target proteins were combined.ConclusionChickens orally administrated with three or four, especially the four combined recombinant E. faecalis stimulated specific immune responses, which provided anti-coccidial effects. This study offers an idea for future development of novel vaccines based on multi-antigens delivered by probiotic bacteria.

INTESTINAL PARASITE INFECTIONS AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS IN INHABITANTS OF THE CITY OF YAOUNDÉ, CAMEROON

Intestinal parasite infections are still prevalent in developing countries and in Cameroon where over 90% of the population is at high risk. To assess the distribution of intestinal parasitic infections and risk factors of the city of Yaoundé, both household and parasitological surveys were conducted from October to December 2019 among inhabitants of lowlands aged from 15 years and over. Stools samples were collected and screened for intestinal parasites presence using Kato Katz and Formol-Ether methods. Sociodemographic status, prevention measures against intestinal parasitic diseases and practices with increase exposition to risky environments were then recorded.&#x0D; A total of 229 participants (142 females: 62.0%; 87 males: 38.0%) were enrolled for the study, and 24.02% (55/229) were found infected by helminthes (ten species) and/or protozoans (one species). Participant infection rates and risk varied by parasite species and socio-demographic factors. Global risk analysis showed that age (OR ranges: 3.78-15.96), anti-parasitic drug consumption (OR: 2.53), eating behavior,,hygiene (OR: 22.4), occupation (OR ranges: 1.92-3.53) and type of toilets (OR: 3.4) were strongly associated with risk of infection by intestinal parasites. The risk increased in 15-30 years age group for A. lumbricoïdes, T. trichiura and Schistosoma mansoni, unpredictably in those washing their hands before meals for A. lumbricoïdes and H. nana, in respondents using antiparasitic drugs as auto-medication for H. nana and in those using traditional toilets for A. lumbricoïdes. However, other variables with high OR values (&gt; 5.0) might be potential risk factor for the occurrence of specific parasite infections. The study suggests the need for household sensitization and community actions including integrated environmental management as complement strategy to reduce intestinal parasite transmission in the city of Yaoundé.

A new Eimeria coccidian species (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Père David’s deer (Elaphurus davidianus Milne-Edwards, 1866) in Dafeng Milu National Nature Reserve in Jiangsu Province, eastern China

BackgroundEimeria coccidiosis is a significant intestinal parasitic disease, which can lead to weight loss, disease and even death of many animals. At present, there is no information about the prevalence of Eimeria among the world’s endangered species of Père David’s deer (Elaphurus davidianus). Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify an unknown Eimeria genus in the Père David’s deer in Dafeng Milu National Nature Reserve, China.ResultsA new Eimeria species is described from Père David’s deer. Sporulated oocysts (n = 54) are pyriform, with a rough, yellowish brown, 2-layered oocyst wall (2.5 μm thick). A numerous small granules are dispersed randomly on the wall. Oocysts measured 41.2 (39.2–42.8) μm × 29.5 (27.9–30.5) μm, oocyst length/width (L/W) ratio, 1.4. Oocyst residuum, a polar granule and a polar cap are absent. The micropyle (3.5 μm wide) is present. Sporocysts are spindle shaped, 18.2 (16.5–20.0) μm × 10.5 (9.8–11.9) μm, sporocyst L/W ratio, 1.7 (1.5–1.9). A thin convex Stieda body is present and the sporocyst residuum is composed of numerous small granules less than 2.0 μm in diameter dispersed randomly. Each sporocyst contained 2 comma-shaped sporozoites in head-to-tail arrangement. A nucleus is located immediately anterior to the posterior, strong refractive and subspherical refractile body (~ 8 μm). Molecular analysis was conducted at the 18S, ITS-1 and COI loci.ConclusionBased on the morphological and molecular data, this isolate is a new species of coccidian parasite, which is named Eimeria davidianusi after its host, the Père David’s deer (Elaphurus davidianus).

The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Access to Healthcare: The Experience of the Diagnostic Parasitology Laboratory of Ege University

Beyond the Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) itself, the pandemic influenced healthcare settings in all aspects. It is aimed to demonstrate the effect of the pandemic on access to the healthcare setting in the parasitology direct diagnosis laboratory. Stool parasitological examination results were obtained retrospectively from the laboratory information system. Data belonging to the one-year of pandemic, lock-down and gradual normalization periods and their time equivalents were compared retrospectively. During pandemic, parasites were detected in 529 of 2.233 samples. Parasites were detected in 58 of the 178 samples during the lock-down period and 471 of the 2.055 samples in the gradual normalization period. Incidence of Cryptosporidium spp. increased during the pandemic and lock-down periods. Incidence of Blastocystis spp. decreased during the pandemic and gradual normalization periods. Incidence of Giardia intestinalis decreased during the pandemic and gradual normalization periods. Incidence of Entamoeba histolytica/dispar increased during the pandemic and gradual normalization periods Incidence of Cyclospora spp. increased during the pandemic and gradual normalization periods. Incidence of Enterobius vermicularis decreased during the pandemic and gradual normalization periods and no case was seen during the lock-down period. Although the incidence of parasites gives the impression that COVID-19 does not cause weakness in the fight against intestinal parasitic diseases, there may be parasitic infections with a similar frequency in the society that cannot access the laboratory. It is predicted that the effects of this vulnerability may lead to an increase in the incidence of parasites in postpandemic period.

Investigation of Intestinal and Blood Parasites in People Returning to Turkey with a History of Traveling Abroad During the Pandemic

To investigate intestinal and blood parasites in people who have a history of traveling abroad during the Coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic and returning to Turkey. In this study, 104 patients with gastrointestinal system and/or fever complaints who had traveled abroad during the pandemic period and returned to Turkey were included. Parasitic agents were investigated by taking blood and stool samples from the patients. Additionally, urine samples were obtained from patients with hematuria or dysuria with the suspicion of schistosomiasis. A direct microscopic examination, the Crypto-Giardia immunochromatographic test, and ELISA methods were used in the examination of the stool samples. In order to detect Plasmodium species, blood samples were examined by preparing both the rapid diagnostic test and thick drop and thin smear preparations. One or more parasite species were detected in 38 (38.5%) of 104 patients included in the study. While intestinal parasites were detected in 16 (32%) of 50 patients who traveled to Iran and 16 (33.3%) of 48 patients who traveled to Northern Iraq, blood parasites were not found. Schistosoma mansoni was detected in all 5 of the patients with a history of traveling to Sudan. Plasmodium falciparum was detected in 1 patient who traveled to the African continent. It is vital to take precautions to prevent parasitic diseases, such as malaria and schistosomiasis, during travels to African countries. During travels to neighboring countries of Turkey, such as Northern Iraq and Iran, hygiene should be paid attention to, so as to prevent contracting intestinal parasitic diseases. In addition, it was concluded that people who plan to travel abroad should have information about the endemic parasitic diseases of the country that they are going to.

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic diseases in school children of rural areas of district Lower Dir, Pakistan.

Present study was conducted among school children to recognize the prevalence of IPIs in rural communities of district Dir Lower, Pakistan. A sum of 324 samples of stool were collected (210 boys and 114 girls). Used direct smear method and formol ether sedimentation concentration technique for processing the samples. The result shows that 82% (n=266) were found infected comprised 64.8% male and 35.1% females. Children of the age group 10 to 12 years were found extremely infected 94.2% while 4-6 year age group were having minimum ratio of infection 72%. Current study shows mono parasitism in 50.6% of the students while 22.2% were infected with 2 species and 7.40% were infected with three species of parasites. Seven species of intestinal parasites were reported include Ascaris lumbricoid in male (n=122) 58.0% and in female (n=65) 57.0% followed by Hook worm (n=88) 41.9% and (n=44) 38.5%; Tania saginata (n=44) 20.9% and (n=24) 21.0%; Entrobius vermicularis (n=32) 15.2% and (n=16) 14.0%; Trichuris trichura (n=25) 11.9% and (n=22) 19.2%; Hymenolepis nana (n=24) 11.4% and (n=18) 15.7% and Entameoba histolytica (n=16) 7.61% and (n=14) 12.2% in male and females respectively. The study indicates that most occurring intestinal parasite in the current study were Ascaris lumbricoides 58.0% (n=122) followed by hookworms 41.9% (n=88). Male students were more infected than females in the present study.

Prevalence of intestinal nematodes infection in school children of urban areas of district Lower Dir, Pakistan.

Intestinal parasitism is the main cause of disease all over the world and described as a significant community health problem. The current study intended to find out the occurrence and identification of hazard factors linked with IPIs among 4-12 years aged shool-age children residing in Lower Dir district, Pakistan during 2019 - 2020. A cross-sectional school-based study was conducted using a pre-arranged pre-tested survey. Anthropometric data and stool collection were done to obtain the findings. The direct wet mount preparation in saline/iodine/methods was used for stool examination. Data were investigated using the GraphPad Prism 5. A total of 400 children studied (mean age of 8.6±3.6 years) the total incidence rate for the intestinal parasitic disease was established to be 71.75%. Of the 400 children studied, the overall prevalence rate for intestinal parasitic infections was found to 71.75% Ascaris lumbricoides (33.1%), Trichuris trichiura (1.04%), E. vermicularis (1.39%), Hookworm (19.86%) were identified in children living in the study area. We concluded that there is a mass scale campaigns were required to generate alertness about health and sanitation in children and the need for the development of effective poverty control programs because deworming (killing of worm with drugs) alone is not adequate to control parasitic infections.

Comparison of the effects of herbal compounds and chemical drugs for control of coccidiosis in broiler chickens

Coccidiosis is the most important intestinal parasitic disease of broiler chickens in poultry industry. Because of the increasing resistance to anticoccidial agents and presence of their residues in meat and eggs, it is necessary to find safe and new anticoccidial compounds. This study was conducted to compare the effects of two herbal compounds, including Artemisia sieberi and Curcuma longa, and their mix with a chemical anticoccidial drug on broilers’ performance during a mixed coccidian challenge. A total of 216, one-day-old Ross 308 broilers were randomly divided into six groups. Different herbal extracts and one chemical anticoccidial agent were used in each group. Five groups were infected with a mixture of Eimeria sporulated oocysts at the age of 21 days with crop gavage. Body weight and feed intake were measured then feed conversion ratio was calculated on a weekly basis. Mortality was recorded when occurred throughout the experimental period. Oocysts excretions and lesion scores were investigated weekly up to three weeks after infection. Eimeria-challenged birds had a reduction in growth parameters compared to the uninfected birds (P&lt;0.001); the best performance values were recorded for the groups treated with a mix of two herbal extracts and amprolium ethopabate (P&lt;0.05). The groups treated with herbal extracts had a significantly reduced oocyst excretion per gram of faeces compared to the positive control group. Lesion score of the amprolium ethopabate group was better than those of the other groups. As a conclusion, herbal extracts, especially a mix of them, could be effective in controlling coccidiosis and its complications.

Evaluation of immunoprotective effects of recombinant proteins and DNA vaccines derived from Eimeria tenella surface antigen 6 and 15 in vivo.

Coccidiosis is an intestinal parasitic disease that causes huge economic losses to the poultry industry globally. Eimeria tenella belonging to protozoon is the causative agent of cecal coccidiosis in chicken, and it causes enormous damage to poultry industry. The surface antigens (SAGs) of apicomplexan parasites have functions of attachment and invasion in host-parasite interaction. As a result of parasitic invasion, host immune response is triggered. However, the immunogenicity and potency of E. tenella surface antigen 6 and 15 (EtSAG 6 and 15), as vaccinal candidate antigen, remain largely unknown. Therefore, gene fragments of E. tenella EtSAG 6 and 15 were amplified and transformed to pET28a prokaryotic vector for recombinant protein expression. The pEGFP-N1 eukaryotic vectors with EtSAG 6 and 15 amplification fragments (pEGFP-N1-EtSAG 5 and 16) were transformed into 293T cell line. The results of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot analysis revealed successful expressions of EtSAG 6 and 15 in Escherichia coli and 293T cells. Subsequently, animal experiments of 49 cobb broilers were performed to evaluate immunoprotection of recombinant proteins and DNA vaccines derived from E. tenella EtSAG 5 and 16 with an immunizing dose of 100μg, respectively. Chickens vaccinated with rEtSAG 6 protein, rEtSAG 15 protein, pEGFP-N1-EtSAG 6 plasmid, or pEGFP-N1-EtSAG 15 plasmid showed no significant increase in IFN-γor interleukin-4 (IL-4) level compared with control groups. Chickens vaccinated with protein rEtSAG 6, protein rEtSAG 15, pEGFP-N1-EtSAG 6 plasmid, or pEGFP-N1-EtSAG 15 exhibited higher weight gains, lower oocyst output, and lower mean lesion scores, compared with infection control group. Among the four immunized groups, plasmid EGFP-N1-EtSAG 6 (100μg) group exhibited the highest anticoccidial index (ACI) value (150.20). Overall, plasmids EGFP-N1-EtSAG 6 and 15, as DNA vaccines, provided a more effective immunoprotection for chickens against E. tenella than protein rEtSAG 6 and protein rEtSAG 15 as subunit vaccines. EtSAG 6 and 15 are promising candidate antigen genes for developing coccidiosis vaccine.

Expression of Chicken NK-Lysin and Its Role in Chicken Coccidiosis Induced by Eimeria necatrix.

Coccidiosis in chickens is an intestinal parasitic disease caused by protozoan parasites named Eimeria spp. In some Eimeria infections, intestinal lymphocytes are known to highly express chicken NK-lysin (cNK-lysin), an antimicrobial peptide with anticoccidial activity. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the expression of cNK-lysin in E. necatrix-infected chickens and its role in E. necatrix infection. The expression of cNK-lysin transcript was significantly increased in E. necatrix sporozoites-treated lymphocytes. In E. necatrix infection, cNK-lysin transcript was induced in intestinal lymphocytes but not in the spleen. The recombinant cNK-lysin exhibited anticoccidial activity against E. necatrix sporozoites as well as immunomodulatory activity on macrophages by inducing proinflammatory cytokines. These results indicated that E. necatrix infection induces high local expression of cNK-lysin and the secreted cNK-lysin helps protect coccidiosis.

Aspectos socioambientais e doenças relacionadas à água contaminada em comunidades vulneráveis no Nordeste do Brasil

The aim of this investigation was to analyse the perception of waterborne diseases and socioeconomic and environmental aspects of Quilombolas in vulnerable communities in Northeast Brazil, as the research was conducted in three vulnerable communities located in this area. The study was sectional regarding quantitative approach and was carried out from September 2018–August 2019 through interviews with 164 individuals and the analysis of drinking water quality. The highest prevalence was intestinal parasitic diseases (57%), primarily Schistosoma mansoni (20%). The interviews revealed that 27% of individuals used drinking water from the general distribution network and 26% from a well/spring outside the residence. Of these, 39% did not undergo any treatment before ingestion. Of the 10 water samples collected for microbiological analysis, there was growth of heterotrophic bacteria (53%), faecal coliforms (50%) and thermotolerant bacteria (7%). Study participants were subject to environmental characteristics that made them vulnerable to health issues. The promotion of health actions and the implementation of measures related to the treatment and storage of drinking water are tools that can combat the occurrence of diseases.

Interrogating the Impact of Intestinal Parasite-Microbiome on Pathogenesis of COVID-19 in Sub-Saharan Africa.

OPINION article Front. Microbiol., 16 April 2021Sec. Microbial Immunology Volume 12 - 2021 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2021.614522