Lamblia Antigen Research Articles

Prevalence and risk factors associated with Giardia lamblia infection among cattle from Jere local government area of Borno state, Northeastern Nigeria

This study was designed to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of Giardia lamblia infection among cattle in Jere local government area (LGA) of Borno State, Northeastern Nigeria. A total of 279 faecal samples were randomly collected from 12 cattle herds of the six wards of Jere LGA. The samples were screened for Giardia lamblia antigens with Copro-antigen Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kit. Risk factors were analyzed using Chi-square or Fisher’s exact test where appropriate, and multivariable logistic regression. The overall prevalence of Giardia lamblia infection among cattle was 5.7% (95% CI = 3.20, 8.60). Location-specific prevalence of 5.4% (95% CI = 1.1, 9.8), 4.3% (95% CI = 0.0, 10.6), 4.3% (95% CI = 0.0, 10.6), 8.7% (95% CI = 0.0, 21.7), 6.4% (95% CI = 0.0, 14.9) and 8.7% (95% CI = 0.0, 21.7) for Old Maiduguri, Khaddamari, Bale Galtimari, Mashamari, Maimusari and Dusuman wards were respectively detected among the cattle herds. Multivariable logistic regression model revealed that Giardia lamblia positivity among cattle could be strongly predicted by age (Young cattle ≤ 1 year; OR = 32.0; 95% CI = 8.40, 120.13; p < 0.0001). The even spread of the infection among cattle throughout the wards could be described as endemic in Jere LGA suggesting high risk potential for infection of cattle handlers from calves. Therefore, further studies on genetic characterization to determine the incriminating assemblage as well as public enlightenment of cattle handlers on the public health significance of giardiasis in the study area was recommended.

Chronic gastroduodenitis associated with Helicobacter pylori in combination with giardiasis in children

Background. The results of most scientific studies in recent years have made it possible to reconsider the traditional ideas about the pathogenesis of chronic gastroduodenitis (CGD) from a new perspective. The purpose was to investigate the clinical and endoscopic features of СGD associated with Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) in combination with giardiasis. Materials and methods. The study included 105 children aged 7–16 years divided into two groups: I — patients with СGD associated with H.pylori (n = 29), II — children with СGD associated with H.pylori in combination with giardiasis (n = 76). The study was conducted on the basis of the gastroenterology department of the Chernivtsi Regional Clinical Hospital during 2020–2021 and included esophagogastroduodenofibroscopy, ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity, rapid urease test, determination of specific M, A and G immunoglobulins to H.pylori CagA antigen in the blood serum and in feces, fecal examination for Giardia lamblia (G.lamblia) antigen by polymerase chain reaction. Results. The most severe infection of G.lamblia occurred in children aged 9–13 years (17 people out of 29 positive). The number of children with G.lamblia increased between the ages of 7–9 and 10–12 years (p < 0.05, χ2 = 5.236, z = 1.899) and decreased in the age of 13–16 years (p < 0.05, χ2 = 7.144, z = 2.567). Patients with giardiasis complained of irritability (p < 0.05), headache, dizziness, restless sleep, heart pain, and they were more likely to show signs of intoxication and skin syndromes. Children of group I were most often diagnosed with corpus gastritis (p < 0.05), antral gastritis (p < 0.05) or pangastritis (p < 0.05) with focal hyperplasia (p < 0.05), and children of group II — with mainly antral gastritis, as well as severe duodenitis (p < 0.05). A characteristic endoscopic feature in children of group II was follicular duodenitis. Inflammatory process in group II significantly more often (p < 0.05) was severe (81.5 %) and active (77.6 %) and was associated with eosinophilic infiltration (51.3 %), microerosions and foci of lymphoid tissue hyperplasia (6.5 %). Conclusions. The clinical course of СGD associated with H.pylori in combination with G.lamblia is characterized by more pronounced dyspeptic symptoms with signs of intoxication and skin syndromes. According to the results of endoscopic examination, patients suffered from СGD associated with H.pylori infection had esophagitis, corpus gastritis, antral gastritis and pangastritis (p < 0.05) significantly more often. Children with G.lamblia invasion had severe follicular duodenitis (p < 0.05).

Comparative Analysis of Parasitological, Immunodiagnostic and Histopathological Methods in the Diagnosis of Human Giardiasis

Giardiasis/lambliosis is a disease caused by the presence of a protozoan Giardia lamblia (G. lamblia) in the upper portions of the human digestive tract (DT). This cosmopolitan parasite is present particularly in children, but in all other age groups and socioeconomic conditions as well. The studies undertaken in the Ni�ava District (southeastern Serbia) have demonstrated a high prevalence of infection caused by G. lamblia species using conventional microscopy of three stool samples with or without concentration technique (6.24%), i.e. using the immunoenzymatic method to confirm the presence of G. lamblia antigen in the stool (6.59%). The use of invasive methods in the diagnosis of giardiasis is warranted in individual selected cases, when the significance of the parasite should be assessed regarding its involvement in the pathogenetic mechanisms of damage to the digestive tract mucosa.

Prevalence and genetic characterization of Giardia lamblia in relation to diarrhea in Limpopo and Gauteng provinces, South Africa

BackgroundVery few studies have determined the prevalence and assemblage distribution of Giardia lamblia in South Africa. The present study aimed to ascertain the prevalence of G. lamblia infection and the spread of the various assemblages in two communities in South Africa - Giyani, Limpopo province (rural community) and Pretoria Guateng province (urban community). MethodsPrevalence was determined by immunological and molecular methods analyzing a total of 516 stool samples collected from patients visiting different health centres in Giyani and Pretoria. For immunological assays, samples were screened by ELISA to detect G. lamblia antigen. Furthermore, a semi nested PCR amplifying the triose phosphate isomerase (tpi) gene was used to differentiate between the two most common human assemblages (A and B). FindingsOf the 516 participants, 40 (7.75%) were identified as positive by ELISA. A statistically significant correlation was observed between the stool texture and Giardia infection (ᵡ2 = 10.533; p = .005). G. lamblia was significantly associated with watery stool types in females p = .008. Furthermore, a significant association was also noticed between the origin of samples (ᵡ2 = 9.725; p = .002). No significant correlation between age and gender was noted. Regarding the age groups, most people who were infected were between 3 and 20 years. A statistically significant association was seen (p = .001) with the distribution of the pathogen with the stool type. The prevalence of Giardia infection was higher in watery stool samples (71.4%) in Giyani region (rural) whereas in Pretoria, high prevalence was found in loose stool samples (6.2%). Generally, the distribution was statistically significant in the stool type collected for the study (p = .005). Genotyping revealed more G. lamblia assemblage B (17.8%) than assemblage A (1.7%). Furthermore, 21.0% of the samples exhibited single infection while 4.2% had mixed infections. Assemblage B was more common in Giyani than in urban Pretoria. ConclusionsThe study confirms Giardia as an important cause of diarrhea in the concerned communities with people in rural areas more at risk compared to those in urban areas with higher prevalence among younger patients. Therefore, health education campaigns should target young age groups.

CLINICAL-EPIDEMIOLOGICAL FEATURES OF TOXOCAROSIS IN CHILDREN

Aim. The aim of the study was to study the clinical and epidemiological features of visceral forms of toxocariasis in children. Materials and methods. The study involved 34 children (17 boys and 17 girls from 1 to 17 years old) with a diagnosis of toxocariasis. The diagnosis was confirmed by the method of immunoenzymatic analysis (ELISA) of blood, which allows to determine the level of specific antibodies of JgG to antigens of toxocar in children. In all patients, antibodies to toxocaram were found in a titer of 1: 800 and above, which was considered a diagnostic criterion. To exclude mixed infections, antibodies to lamblia antigens, ascarids, trichinelles and opistarchs were determined using the ELISA method of blood. Feces were studied for eggs of helminths threefold in all children. Results. Toxocarosis in children is characterized by a polymorphism of clinical manifestations. In 85.3% of patients the gastrobiliary system was damaged, dyspepsia, unstable stool, hepatosplenomegaly, which was confirmed by instrumental research methods (ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity organs, esophagogastroduodenoscopy). In addition to lesions of the gastrointestinal tract, 44.1% of patients showed lung damage, and 63.3% of patients had skin manifestations. Eye damage was noted in 10.2% of sick children, a kind of strabismus and reduced vision. Conclusion. Analysis of clinical and epidemiological data of children with toxocarosis showed that all observed had signs of impairment from the gastrointestinal tract, bronchopulmonary system and skin. In the epidemic process, preschool children are primarily involved. The decisive role in the prevention of toxocarias is played by public health education and early education of children with health skills.

LABORATORY TESTING RESULTS ANALYSIS OF GIARDIASIS PREVALENCE AMONG DIFFERENT POPULATION GROUPS IN THE NENETS AUTONOMOUS DISTRICT

The Nenets Autonomous District (NAD) refers to the territories of the Russia’s Far North. The country is the only region of Russia, where there are still no roads. The extreme weather conditions, as well as residential patterns in the NAD reduce the availability of specialized medical care, as indigenous people and other nationalities living in the district, which requires the use of health care management specific forms. The article presents data on giardiasis studies amongst different categories of the NAD population, obtained as a result of the population surveys in remote regions of the Russian Federation Arctic zone. Samples studied were serum and faecal emulsion. The study used the following laboratory methods: for serum — Giardia lamblia antibody screening method using ELISA kit, emulsion stool — native smear microscopy analysis, the method of enrichment using disposable concentrators «Parasep» immunological diagnostic methods based on the detection of specific lamblia antigen in faeces using ELISA kits. For statistics was used descriptive statistics analysis (mean values, the percentage error of the mean, the construction of the trend line) with program SPSS 20.00, Excel 2010, the method of analysis of official statistical reporting hospitals survey on giardiasis, data of Rospotrebnadzor (Russian Sanitary service) for NAD and data from own research from 2002 to 2013. Just in the process of research carried out research on the 10 356 giardiasis, registered diseases by 3470 cases of giardiasis, accounting for 99.14% of the total number of protozoonosises registered and 37.4% of all registered in the NAD parasitosis. The comparison was made among the population of the county towns, home to both the indigenous people, nomadic, and representatives of other ethnic groups, sedentary with urban population of the city of Naryan-Mar. The article analyzes the incidence rates for giardiasis according to district official statistical reporting compared with the incidence in the Russian Federation for the same period of time. Statistical analysis was performed using the software package Excel 2010. The study found an association of giardiasis prevalence in the population of the NAD on criteria such as location, gender, occupation and age structure examined.

Giardia lamblia: DIAGNÓSTICO COM O EMPREGO DE MÉTODOS MICROSCÓPICOS E Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)

The protozoan Giardia lamblia is one of the etiological agents of diarrhea in children in Brazil, anddiagnosis may be difficult due to low sensitivity of the methods commonly used, due the intermittentliberation of cysts, which may lead to false-negative results. Thus, an enzyme-linked immunosorbentassay (ELISA) was developed for detection of G. lamblia antigens in fecal samples, consideringthat this immunoassay has been described to be simple, sensitive and specific when applied todiagnose various parasitic diseases. Thus, this study aimed to compare the ELISA technique withsingle stool sample to examination methods using centrifugal sedimentation (Ritchie technique) andcentrifugation-flotation (Faust technique), intending to demonstrate the importance of a method withgreater sensitivity. Fecal samplesfrom a total of 158 children aged 0-12 years, were examined in apublic municipal nursery in the city of Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The comparative resultsof the investigated techniques showed that ELISA has 3.0 times more chance than centrifugationflotation,and 3.4 times more chance than centrifugal sedimentation to detect positive samples ofG. lamblia. Overall, it was concluded that the ELISA was more efficient than the routine laboratorytechniques for the diagnosis of giardiasis, and it may be used for both individual and epidemiologicalassessments, as the technique allows for processing of multiple samples simultaneously.

Detection of Giardia lamblia antigen in stool specimens using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

The aim of this study in Iraq was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of a commercial ELISA test for detection of Giardia lamblia antigen in stool. Of 84 stool samples from children in Duhok governorate, 42 were positive and 42 negative for G. lamblia or other parasites by direct and indirect microscopic examination. The sensitivity of the ELISA test for detection of G. lamblia versus microscopy was 76.4% and the specificity was 100%. We recommend using ELISA in epidemiological surveys in Iraq and to confirm the diagnosis in patients with typical clinical symptoms of giardiasis but negative results by direct microscopy.

Giardia‐lamblia infection in hospitalized children with irritable bowel syndrome and dyspepsia: a prospective study

AIMTo evaluate the prevalence of Giardia lamblia infection in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and dyspepsia.METHODSWe determined G. lamblia antigens in 102 children using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). We studied the sonographic appearance of the duodenum and colon in giardiasis compared with healthy subjects.RESULTSGiardial lesions of the duodenum and colon were associated with increased wall thickness (p<0.05) and were characterized by increased wall echogenicity, flattening or loss of duodenal folds and/or colonic haustration, hyperechoic floating foci (HFF) demonstrating chaotic motility, increased peri‐lesional tissue echogenicity, and altered colonic peristalsis. The prevalence of IBS defined according to Rome criteria was higher in girls (28 vs 17% in boys, p = 0.001). Colonic pain frequency was similar in both genders (14% in girls vs 12% in boys, p = 0.56), however disturbed defecation occurred significantly more often in girls than in boys (19% vs 8%, p = 0.006). Half of the subjects had also dyspeptic symptoms, lactose intolerance and steatorrea. In addition, skin lesions and alopecia were determined in 6% of the patients.CONCLUSIONSonographic features of giardial lesions of the duodenum and colon were distinct from healthy subjects. IBS is common syndrome with the prevalence rates similar to those described in USA. [NIH grant, Russian Federation].

P557 A multiplex microsphere–based assay for the simultaneous detection of C. parvum, E. histolytica and G. lamblia antigen in human faecal sample

P557 A multiplex microsphere–based assay for the simultaneous detection of C. parvum, E. histolytica and G. lamblia antigen in human faecal sample

Mixed diarrhoeal infection caused by Vibrio cholerae and several other enteric pathogens in a 4-year-old child returning to Germany from Pakistan

We report a mixed enteric infection in a 4-y-old child who returned from Pakistan with fever, vomiting and profuse diarrhoea leading to severe dehydration. Vibrio cholerae O1, Salmonella paratyphi A and Campylobacter coli were cultured from stool. Furthermore, Giardia lamblia antigen and hepatitis A RNA were detected. This is the first paediatric cholera case seen in Frankfurt/Main.

Real-time PCR for the detection of Giardia lamblia

Microscopy is considered to be the gold standard for diagnosis of Giardia lamblia infection. However, this method is time-consuming and not very sensitive. We developed a real-time PCR assay based on the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene of G. lamblia for the specific detection of G. lamblia DNA in stool samples and thereafter compared the results with microscopy and antigen detection. The G. lamblia real-time PCR was positive in 102 of 104 fecal samples known to contain G. lamblia cysts and was positive in 10 fecal samples in which G. lamblia antigen was detected but in which no cysts were found with microscopic examination of concentrated fecal samples. The real-time PCR is as specific and sensitive as antigen detection and is more sensitive than microscopy. Moreover, in two patients we were able to detect G. lamblia earlier in the course of infection than with any of the other methods.

Contamination of water supplies with Cryptosporidium parvum and Giardia lamblia and diarrheal illness in selected Russian cities

Cryptosporidium parvum and Giardia lamblia are important agents of waterborne diarrheal illness worldwide. While giardiasis is routinely diagnosed in Russia with a chemical staining technique, data on the prevalence of cryptosporidiosis are scarce. Monitoring of the respective parasites in water supplies in Russia is very limited. A health survey conducted in the city of Cherepovets and three other cities in the European part of Russia using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) demonstrated that 6.9% of diarrheal patients tested had C. parvum antigens in their fecal samples; 9.4% had G. lamblia antigens. A survey of occurrence of these parasites in water supplies in Cherepovets and seven other cities demonstrated that source and finished water samples from several of these cities were contaminated with either C. parvum oocysts or G. lamblia cysts. The surveys were not designed to assess associations between presence or concentrations of C. parvum and G. lamblia in water and related gastrointestinal diseases in exposed populations. Rather, the goals were to demonstrate the presence of disinfection-resistant protozoan parasites in untreated and treated waters, and the importance of these pathogens as causative agents of diarrheal illnesses in a number of Russian cities.

Prevalence of infectious diseases among internationally adopted children.

Internationally adopted children are at increased risk of infections acquired in their country of origin. Ongoing surveillance of this unique population is needed to detect changing epidemiology and provide appropriate care. We performed a retrospective cohort study of 504 children adopted from abroad and evaluated from 1997 to 1998 to determine the prevalence of and factors associated with various infectious diseases. The mean age of the study participants at medical evaluation was 1.6 years; 71% were girls, and they were adopted from 16 countries, including China (48%), Russia (31%), Southeast Asia (8%), Eastern Europe (8%), and Latin America (5%). Overall, 75 (19%) of 404 children tested had tuberculin skin tests >/=10 mm, but all had normal chest radiographs. BCG vaccination (odds ratio [OR]: 7.37; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.29, 17.16) and being Russian born (OR: 2.90; 95% CI: 1.68, 5.00) were risk factors for latent tuberculosis infection. Fourteen (2.8%) children had detectable hepatitis B surface antigen, but no child had active hepatitis C, human immunodeficiency virus, or syphilis. Giardia lamblia antigen was detected in 87 (19%) of 461 tested children, and such children were older (mean: 22 months vs 15.5 months) and more likely to have been born in Eastern Europe (OR: 2.82; 95% CI: 1.70, 4.68). We demonstrated increased rates of latent tuberculosis infection and G lamblia infection than previously reported. Thus, ongoing surveillance of internationally adopted children, international trends in infectious diseases, and appropriate screening will ensure the long-term health of adopted children as well as their families.

Evaluation of nine immunoassay kits (enzyme immunoassay and direct fluorescence) for detection of Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum in human fecal specimens.

It is well known that Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum can cause severe symptoms in humans, particularly those who are immunologically compromised. Immunoassay procedures offer both increased sensitivity and specificity compared to conventional staining methods. These reagents are also helpful when screening large numbers of patients, particularly in an outbreak situation or when screening patients with minimal symptoms. The data obtained by using 9 diagnostic kits were compared: direct fluorescent-antibody assay (DFA) kits (TechLab Giardia/Crypto IF kit, TechLab Crypto IF kit, and Meridian Merifluor Cryptosporidium/Giardia) and enzyme immunoassay (EIA) kits (Alexon ProSpecT Giardia EZ Microplate Assay, Alexon ProSpecT Cryptosporidium Microplate Assay, Cambridge Giardia lamblia Antigen Microwell ELISA, Meridian Premier Giardia lamblia, Meridian Premier Cryptosporidium, TechLab Giardia CELISA, Trend Giardia lamblia EIA). The test with the Meridian Merifluor Cryptosporidium/Giardia kit was used as the reference method. In various combinations, 60 specimens positive for Giardia, 60 specimens positive for Cryptosporidium, 40 specimens positive for a Giardia-Cryptosporidium mix, and 50 negative fecal specimens were tested. Different species (nine protozoa, three coccidia, one microsporidium, five nematodes, three cestodes, and one trematode) were included in the negative specimens. The sensitivity of EIA for Giardia ranged from 94% (Alexon) to 99% (Trend and Cambridge); the specificity was 100% with all EIA kits tested. The sensitivity of EIA for Cryptosporidium ranged from 98% (Alexon) to 99% (Meridian Premier); specificities were 100%. All DFA results were in agreement, with 100% sensitivity and specificity; however, the TechLab reagents resulted in fluorescence intensity that was generally one level below that seen with the reagents used in the reference method. In addition to sensitivity and specificity, factors such as cost, simplicity, ease of interpretation of results (color, intensity of fluorescence), equipment, available personnel, and number of tests ordered are also important considerations prior to kit selection.

Evaluation of a commercially available ELISA for detection of Giardia lamblia antigen in faeces: preliminary results in unconventional samples.

The sensitivity and specificity of a commercial ELISA for the diagnosis of G. lamblia were assessed on a series of 52 formalin-ether concentrated, unrefrigerated faecal samples after prolonged storage. Before storage the CELISA did not perfectly accord with microscopy. All the 30 microscopically positive samples scored highly positive on ELISA after storage, including 2 samples that had given a false negative result when examined soon after collection. There was no false positive ELISA. The sensitivity of the test therefore seems to be enhanced by storage at room temperature without any corresponding fall in specificity.

Evaluation of reliability of pooling stool specimens from different patients and detection of Giardia lamblia antigen by microtiter enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

We have shown that stool samples from different patients can be pooled at a 1:2 dilution and reliably assayed for Giardia lamblia antigen by a commercial microtiter enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) system (LMD Laboratories, Inc., Carlsbad, Calif.). Laboratories can reduce reagent costs by pooling specimens submitted for the detection of Giardia antigen by ELISA.

A capture ELISA detects Giardia lamblia antigens in formalin-treated faecal samples

A capture ELISA detects Giardia lamblia antigens in formalin-treated faecal samples

Human secretory and serum antibodies recognize environmentally induced antigens of Giardia lamblia

The variability in duration and severity of infection with Giardia lamblia is likely to be due to trophozoite interactions with immune and nonimmune components of the small intestinal milieu. Despite its potential importance, nothing is known of the isotype or the specificity of the secretory antibody response to G. lamblia. In the present study, we show that serum and secretory antibodies recognize many Giardia antigens whose expression is induced by exposure to selected intestinal conditions. Isotype-specific immunoblots of antigens from trophozoites grown at pH 7.0 without bile or at the intestinal pH of 7.8 with bile were reacted with milk or serum antibodies from subjects with or without histories of giardiasis. While the results were complex, several key observations emerged. Serum and secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA), IgM, and IgG antibodies reacted with many regulated antigens. Antigen recognition patterns varied with isotype and between milk and serum antibodies of the same isotype. Antigen recognition also differed among subjects. Antibodies from virtually every patient recognized some G. lamblia antigens. Furthermore, milk and/or serum samples from putative controls without histories of giardiasis were positive more frequently than would be predicted from published prevalence studies, suggesting either that these antibodies may be cross-reactive or that undiagnosed infections with G. lamblia may be more common than previously thought. Thus, recognition of neoantigens induced by host conditions may be due to conserved or cross-reactive epitopes which could constitute a form of immune evasion by G. lamblia.

Systemic-oral immunization with 56 kDa molecule of Giardia lamblia affords protection in experimental mice

Prior systemic-oral immunization of inbred mice with Giardia lamblia surface-associated antigen of molecular mass 56 kDa not only significantly blocked colonization but also resulted in elimination of G. lamblia trophozoites by 9–11 days following challenge. The colonization and multiplication of the trophozoites in unprotected animals were accompanied by a pronounced influx of suppressor T cells in intraepithelial or lamina propria of the small intestine and a significant decline in IgA-bearing plasma cells in the lamina propria. An induction of helper/inducer T cells in the intraepithelial and lamina propria and significant enhancement of IgA and IgG-bearing cells in the lamina propria of the small gut resulted in a decline, and eventual elimination, of the trophozoites from the gut. The completion of the immunization of animals with 56 kDa G. lamblia antigen resulted in: significant enhancement of helper/inducer T lymphocytes with no effect on suppressor T cells in the intraepithelial and lamina propria of the small gut; significant enhancement of IgA- and IgG-bearing plasma cells in lamina propria; and significant elevation of antibodies to 56 kDa G. lamblia antigen in the systemic circulation. The stimulation of such effector mechanisms in 56 kDa-immunized animals appears to result in failure of the trophozoites to get established, prevention of multiplication and earlier elimination from the gut. The data suggest that the 56 kDa molecule of G. lamblia immunoregulates the giardial infection.