Multiple Parasitic Infections Research Articles

The Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Helminth Parasites from Beef Cattle on Sumedang Regency, Indonesia

Abstract Gastrointestinal parasites are common parasitic agents of cattle across the world, causing both clinical and subclinical parasitism that causes massive financial losses. The aim of this research was to assess the prevalence and risk factors for Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) parasites in cattle in Sumedang Regency, West Java, Indonesia. Between October and November 2022, 105 cattle had been chosen at random. The sex, breed, age, frequent deworming, cleaning frequency, and management system of each beef cattle were recorded. Fecal samples were obtained through rectum from the selected animals and submitted to flotation and sedimentation procedures. Overall, the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites was 47.62% (95% CI = 0.3791−0.5733). Strongyle-type eggs (STE), Strongyloides spp., Trichuris sp., Moniezia spp., Fasciola sp., and Paramphistomum sp. ova were found. 38.09% of the total samples were positive for Strongyle eggs infection and commonly seen in single infections, followed by Eimeria spp. infection. Mixed infections were found in 25 cattle, with double to multiple parasite infections. As a result, it was determined that beef cattle in Sumedang Regency in Indonesia were infected with a variety of gastrointestinal helminth parasites. Thus, frequent anthelmintic treatment, excellent management techniques, and public education about helminth parasites are critical.

Fresh Leafy Vegetables and Parasitic Contamination: Practical Solutions.

This study aimed at investigating the parasitic contamination of fresh leafy vegetables in Tehran, Iran, during 2020-2021. A cross-sectional study was conducted and 180 fresh leafy vegetables (including leek, watercress, mint, spring onion, radish, basil, parsley, lettuce, and spinach) were collected randomly in the five regions of Tehran, Iran. Each 200-g sample was soaked with tap water containing detergent, and the obtained sediment was centrifuged and examined for parasitic stages using a light microscope. The overall rate of parasitic contamination was 19.4%, with Trichostrongylus and Toxocara eggs being the most prevalent parasites (3.9%) and the highest rate of parasitic contamination was observed in spinach (40%), whereas no contamination was found in spring onions. Except for radish, other vegetable samples had multiple parasitic infections. Due to the contamination of vegetables, it is necessary to have a suitable method to reduce the parasites. Consequently, policymakers should safeguard public health by consistently monitoring contaminants in food and prioritizing education and research on methods to mitigate their presence in the food chain.

Multi-infection parasitic nematodes in deer at Waru Farm Land, Ciampea, Bogor Regency

Deer is a protected wild animal in Indonesia, and currently, deer are often kept and used as part of amusement rides in recreational areas. This study aimed to identify the incidence of worm infections in deer kept in the Waru Farm Land recreation area in Tegalwaru, Ciampea Bogor. Nine deer were kept by Waru Farm Land, consisting of spotted deer and Timor deer. Samples were collected immediately after the deer had defaecated. Stool sample examinations included the flotation test, McMaster’s test, and multilevel filtration. The examination results showed that one deer had multiple parasitic nematode infections. Examination revealed strong and trichurid-type eggs. The degree of infection showed a very mild value, namely less than 50 EPG, so it can be concluded that worm infection in deer at Waru Farm Land is very low. Treatment by administering anthelmintics to deer that were positively infected with worms should be given, as well as preventing infection in other deer.

Climate heterogeneity, season variation, and sexual dimorphism modulate the association between MHC II diversity and parasite variation in striped hamster

AbstractParasite‐mediated selection is widely believed to play a crucial role in maintaining the diversity of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes, which is thought to be maintained through heterozygote advantage, rare‐allele advantage, and fluctuating selection. However, the relationship between parasite pressure and MHC diversity has yielded inconsistent findings. These inconsistencies may arise from the influence of environmental factors and individual variations in traits on host–parasite interactions. To address these issues, our study extensively investigated populations of striped hamsters inhabiting regions characterized by environmental heterogeneity. The primary objective was to examine the universality of parasite‐mediated selection mechanisms. Our observations revealed the presence of multiple parasite infections, accompanied by spatial and temporal variations in parasite communities and infection patterns among individual hamsters. Specifically, the temperature was found to influence all four parasite indices, while the presence of gamasid mites and parasite richness decreased with increasing precipitation. We also noted significant seasonal variation in parasite dynamics. Moreover, a significant sexual dimorphism was observed with males exhibiting a considerably higher parasite burden compared to their female counterparts. Lastly, we identified the maintenance of MHC polymorphism in striped hamsters as being driven by the heterozygote advantage and fluctuating selection mechanisms. This study underscores the significance of ecological processes in comprehending host–parasite systems and highlights the necessity of considering environmental factors and individual traits when elucidating the mechanisms underlying MHC diversity mediated by parasites.

Prevention, testing, and treatment interventions for hepatitis B and C in refugee populations: results of a scoping review

Background and aimsRefugees are at higher risk for hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV), but often face unique healthcare barriers to vaccination, testing, and treatment. This scoping review aimed to identify and characterize HBV and HCV prevention and care services serving refugee populations globally.MethodsA literature search was conducted on Embase, Cochrane, and PubMed databases. Research studies published in English between January 2010 to July 2022 describing an HBV or HCV prevention, testing, or treatment intervention for refugees were included.ResultsThere were a total of 69 articles reporting viral hepatitis prevalence, implementation of services, or economic modelling. Of the 38 implementation studies, 14 were stand-alone HBV and/or HCV interventions, while 24 studies included HBV and/or HCV in an intervention targeting multiple infectious diseases and/or parasitic infections. Interventions commonly included a testing (n = 30) or referral (n = 24) component. Frequently reported features to promote program accessibility included bilingual services (n = 25), community partnerships (n = 21), and multidisciplinary staff members (n = 18), such as cultural and/or linguistic mediators, community health workers, community health leaders, lay health workers, local health staff, members of the refugee community, and social workers. The most commonly reported challenge was the transience of refugees (n = 5). Twenty studies noted funding sources, of which twelve reported governmental funding (not including national health insurance) and eight reported that refugees received national health insurance.ConclusionsThis is the first scoping review to characterize the types of hepatitis prevention, screening, and treatment interventions serving refugee populations globally. Published experiences of HBV and HCV services for refugee populations remain limited. Additional efforts are needed to disseminate models of hepatitis interventions for refugees to ensure access to care for this key population. To achieve hepatitis elimination globally, best practices must be identified and shared to expand access to hepatitis services for refugee populations.

PREVALENCE OF INTESTINAL PROTOZOA, HELMINTHES, AND COCCIDIAN INFECTIONS AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN IN THALA’A DISTRICT AT AMRAN GOVERNORATE, YEMEN

Background and objectives: The prevalence of intestinal parasite infection, which can range between 18% and 90%, is one of the most frequently reported diseases in Yemen and poses a serious health issue for schoolchildren. In Thala’a District, Amran Governorate, Yemen, the study's main goal was to ascertain the prevalence of intestinal parasite infection among primary school students. Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to April 2022 among 400 schoolchildren, in the age groups 7-12 years. All the children were residents of the city of Thala’a. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Stool samples were examined for intestinal parasites according to standard laboratory methods. Results: The children's ages ranged from 7 to 12 years, with a mean±SD of 9.52 ± 2.9 years. The results showed that 136/400 (34%) of the tested children were positive for intestinal parasite infection with a higher prevalence of specific intestinal worms (50.4%) than protozoa (33.3%) and coccidian infection (16.3%). The rate of infection alone was also higher than that of multiple parasitic infections (19.3% vs. 14.8%). The highest number of intestinal parasites was 50/400 (12.5%) for Ascaris lumbricoides, and 49/400 (12.25%) for Entameba histolytica followed by 9.8% for Giardia lamblia, 11.5% for Entrobius vermicularis, 6.5% for Cryptosporidium species, 6.5% for Hymenolepis nana, 2% for Schistosoma mansoni, and 0.8% for Trichuris trichiura. Considering the associated factors, boys had a higher infection rate than girls (50% vs. 24.2%) with an OR of 2.6, CI =1.7–3.9 (p < 0.001). A higher rate was also recorded in older children (41%) with an odds ratio of 1.6 (p=0.03). Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of intestinal parasites among school children in Thala’a city, and various control measures are required to control and prevent intestinal parasites among school children. Peer Review History: Received: 3 March 2023; Revised: 22 April; Accepted: 27 June 2023, Available online: 15 July 2023 Academic Editor: Dr. Asia Selman Abdullah, Pharmacy institute, University of Basrah, Iraq, asia_abdullah65@yahoo.com Received file: Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 5.5/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.0/10 Reviewers: Rola Jadallah, Arab American University, Palestine, rola@aauj.edu Dr. Tamer Elhabibi, Suez Canal University, Egypt, tamer_hassan@pharm.suez.edu.eg Dr. Sheikh Abdul Khaliq, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hamdard University, Karachi, Pakistan, drwadhsheikh1974@gmail.com

Mapping gut parasitism patterns in a cohort of Egyptians

In developing countries, the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection is still significant, particularly due to geographical and socioeconomic variables. The objective of this study was to map the distribution pattern of intestinal parasitic infection in a cohort of the Egyptian population, as well as to assess associated risk factors. A cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted on 386 patients. A single fecal specimen was collected from the study individual and examined microscopically for the detection of parasitic infection. DNA was extracted from all samples and utilized to amplify Entamoeba histolytica complex species, Cryptosporidium species, Giardia intestinalis assemblages, and Blastocystis species using PCRs. Typing of Cryptosporidium species and Giardia intestinalis assemblages was performed using restriction enzymes RasI and HaeIII respectively. While Blastocystis spp. subtypes (ST) were identified through sequencing of PCR products and phylogenetic analysis. 59.6% (230/386) of the study patients were infected with one or more intestinal parasites, 87.4%; 201/230 of patients had mono-parasitic infections, and 12.6%; 29/230 had multiple-parasitic infections (P < 0.0001). The predominant protozoa were Blastocystis, followed by Entamoeba histolytica complex, and Giardia intestinalis both as mono-parasites and as part of multiple parasites. Molecular assays showed that Blastocystis ST3, Entamoeba dispar, Giardia intestinalis assemblage B, and Cryptosporidium hominis were the most prevalent species. Intestinal parasitic infection was significantly associated with age, gender, residence, and water source. Multi-parasitism showed that residency in a rural area was a risk factor (OR 4.49; 95% CI 1.51–13.37; P = 0.007). Egyptians residing in rural areas have a high prevalence of intestinal multi-parasitism. Therefore, to lessen the prevalence and effects of these infections in this group, effective and sustainable control methods, providing health education focusing on good personal hygiene habits, and providing a safe drinking water supply should be implemented.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Soil Transmitted Helminths (Sths) and Schistosomes Mansoni Among School-Age Children in West Ethiopia

Background: Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STHs) and schistosomes have been major public health problems in tropical and sub-tropical developing countries. School-age and preschool children are predominantly affected by soil-transmitted helminths and schistosomes. Parasite infections may cause micronutrient deficiency that results in anemia, growth retardation, and impaired cognitive development among children. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of soil-transmitted helminths and schistosomes among school-aged children. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 307 school-age children in West Ethiopia. Data regarding associated factors was collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. The stool specimen was examined for the existence of parasitic agents according to standard operating procedures. The data was entered into Epi-Data version3.1 and then exported to SPSS version 22 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions were computed. Variables with a p ≤ 0.25 on the bivariate analysis were candidates for the multivariable analysis. The significance of the association was declared by a 95% confidence interval of AOR and a p &lt; 0.05 in the multivariate model. Result: A total of 307 stool samples were collected from school-age children who were included in the study. This study's results showed that the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was 40.4%. The most predominant intestinal parasitic infections were Ascaris lumbricoid (38.7%), followed by Hookworm (27.4%), and Trichuris trichiura (26.6%). Not handwashing after toilet (AOR = 2.19,95% (1.27-4.63) p = 0.025), eating unwashed fruits (AOR = 2.28,95% CI(1.209-4.29) p = 0.011), unclean fingernails (AOR = 2.38,95% CI(1.20-4.54), p = 0.013), eating street food (AOR = 2.98,95%CI (1.809-6.37, p = 0.001), unprotected water source (AOR = 2.87,95% CI(1.47) p = 5.56) (p = 0.002) and poor knowledge about the ways of transmission of IPIs (AOR = 2.28, 95% CI(1.01-5.12), p = 0.046) were found to be significantly associated with intestinal parasitic infections. Conclusion: This study findings revealed a high prevalence of multiple parasitic infections that need annual mass deworming. This study called for mass drug administration, the provision of clean water supplies, scaling sanitation and hygiene, and health education.

Hematological analysis of naturally infecting blood parasites in dogs.

Blood parasite infections such as anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and ehrlichiosis are commonly found in domestic dogs, which adversely influence their health. Many dogs are infected with multiple blood parasites that cause more severe diseases than a single infection. This study aimed to investigate the effect of multiple blood parasite infections on the hematological profiles of dogs at a shelter in Southern Thailand. The blood samples from 122 dogs were collected to assess the hematology profiles of uninfected, single-infected, and multiple blood parasite-infected dogs. The results were compared using Kruskal-Wallis test and Dwass-Steel-Critchlow-Fligner pairwise comparisons. The infections were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that all the infected dogs had significantly lower red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin (HB), hematocrit (HCT), and platelet count (PLT) than the uninfected dogs. Although the dogs with triple infection had lower RBC, HB, HCT, and PLT than those with double and single infections, the difference was not statistically significant. We proposed that triple blood parasite infection with Anaplasma platys, Babesia vogeli, and Ehrlichia canis caused more severe disease than double and single infections. Evaluating the hematological profiles of dogs naturally infected with single, double, and multiple blood parasite infections without clinical signs can enhance their health and welfare.

Ontogenetic and spatial variability in parasite communities of white shrimp Penaeus setiferus (Decapoda: Penaeidae).

Understanding the combined effects of multi-parasite infections on their hosts is necessary for documenting parasite impacts and is particularly important for developing effective management strategies for economically important organisms. The white shrimp Penaeus setiferus supports important recreational and commercial fisheries along the southeastern and Gulf coasts of the United States and occupies an important ecological niche in estuarine and offshore habitats throughout these regions. The goal of this study was to identify and assess ontogenetic and spatial variation in white shrimp parasite communities and their relation to shrimp health. We used a series of trawl surveys in tidal creek and open water habitats of an estuary in the southeastern USA to collect and identify parasites of white shrimp using morphological and DNA sequencing techniques. Parasite communities in white shrimp were composed of organisms belonging to 6 classes: Conoidasida (gregarines), Oligohymenophorea (apostome and sessilid ciliates), Microsporea (meiodihaplophasids), Chromadorea (rhabditids), Cestoda (cyclophyllideans, lecanocephalideans and trypanorhynchs) and Trematoda (plagiorchiids). Parasite communities differed significantly among white shrimp life stages and localities. Furthermore, the health condition known as black gill occurred in some shrimp and was significantly related to parasite community structure. Infection metrics for the apostome ciliate Hyalophysa lynni, the trypanorhynch larvae Prochristianella sp. and the rhabditid larvae Hysterothylacium sp. were significantly different between shrimp exhibiting and not exhibiting black gill. These results highlight the importance of understanding parasite communities and the potential interactive effects of multiple parasite infections on shrimp health.

Prevalence of intestinal parasites and associated risk factors in HIV positive and negative patients in Northwest Region, Cameroon

Epidemiological understanding of intestinal parasitic infections is essential for the effective management of HIV infection. Therefore, this study was designed to assess the burden of intestinal parasites and associated risk factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to December 2020 during which 200 HIV positive and 200 HIV negative participants were recruited. A total of 400 stool and venous blood samples were collected and used to identify the different intestinal parasites and for HIV diagnosis and viral load determination respectively. Results obtained revealed that the overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 11% (44/400). Intestinal parasitosis was significantly (p = 0.025) higher in HIV-positive individuals 14.5% (29/200). Similarly, the prevalence of multiple parasitic infection 4.5% (18/400) and opportunistic helminths 3% (6/400) were insignificantly (p > 0.05) higher among HIV-positive individuals. Furthermore, prevalence of intestinal parasites was significantly (p = 0.004) greater in patients with viral load of > 1000 copies/mL 24.3% (13/46). Age group > 65 years, self-employment, living in Sub-urban areas, being HIV positive, primary level of education, use of potable tap water, and the use of water system toilets for faeces disposal were identified as associated risk factors to intestinal parasites. Intestinal parasites remain public health concern among patients with HIV. Prompt and effective antiretroviral treatment is required to reduce the intensity of the parasite.

Nutritional status, intestinal parasitic infections, and socio-environmental conditions in Mbyá-guaraní children: The current situation in communities in central Misiones, Argentina.

Our previous research in Mbyá-guaraní communities of central Misiones showed high levels of growth stunting and intestinal parasites in children, as well as associations between these variables and deficient sanitary conditions. New studies were necessary to update the present health status of the previously studied Mbyá populations after around two decades. Therefore, we evaluated the current nutritional status, intestinal parasites, and socio-environmental conditions among Mbyá-guaraní children from these communities. Body weight and height of 102 individuals (aged 2-14) were measured and nutritional status was estimated according to the World Health Organization criteria. Serial fecal samples and anal swabs were analyzed from 75 children (aged 1-14). Socio-environmental data were obtained from questionnaires. The prevalence of undernutrition was 31.4% and excess of weight was 10.8%. The prevalence of stunting and of overweight reached 30.4% and 8.8%, respectively. About 85% of the children were infected with at least one of the 14 species identified, and around 44% had multiple parasite infections. The most prevalent species were Enterobius vermicularis and hookworms. Among undernourished children, 88.2% were parasitized by at least one of the potentially pathogenic species detected. Most of the families lived in overcrowded conditions in precarious houses, defecated in latrines, and consumed well water. A higher risk of parasitosis was associated with the source of drinking water. Although the prevalence of undernutrition and intestinal parasites decreased compared with our previous studies, we still observed the coexistence of stunting, excess weight, and parasitic infections, in a context of socio-environmental vulnerability.

Altered Offspring Immunity in Maternal Parasitic Infections.

Maternal infection during pregnancy is known to alter the development and function of offspring's immune system, leading to inappropriate immune responses to common childhood infections and immunizations. Although this is an expanding field, maternal parasitic infections remain understudied. Millions of women of reproductive age are currently at risk for parasitic infection, whereas many pregnant, chronically infected women are excluded from mass drug administration due partially to a lack of resources, as well as fear of unknown adverse fetal developmental outcomes. In areas endemic for multiple parasitic infections, such as sub-Saharan Africa, there are increased rates of morbidity and mortality for various infections during early childhood in comparison with nonendemic areas. Despite evidence supporting similar immunomodulatory effects between various parasite species, there is no clear mechanistic understanding of how maternal infection reprograms offspring immunity. This brief review will compare the effects of selected maternal parasitic infections on offspring immunity.

Prevalence of cestodes infection among school children of urban parts of Lower Dir district, Pakistan.

Tapeworms of zoonotic importance have been described as a leading public health problem. Current research was aim to assess the prevalence of tapeworms among 5-12years school children residing in district Lower Dir, Pakistan from January 2019-December 2019. The wet mount preparation in saline/iodine/methods were used for stool examination. Data was analyzed using appropriate descriptive, static methods. Of the 400 children studied 71.7% were infected with one or more species of intestinal parasites. Single infection of cestode species was found in 69 individuals with 17.2% prevalence and multiple parasitic infections were identified in 19.7% (n=79/400) individuals. The multiple infection were comprised as 10% (n=40) double, 6.75% (n=27) triple and 3% (n=12) quadruple. A total of 9 species of helminths and one species of protozoan infection. Among the helminths Ascaris lumbricoides was the most prevalent 33.1% (n=95), Taenia saginata 22.6% (n=65), hookworm 19.8% (n=57), Hymenolepis nana 18.8% (n=54), Enterobius vermicularis and Hymenolepis diminuta 1.39% (n=4each), Trichuris trichura 1.04% (n=3), Toxocara spp 0.69% (n=2) and Schistosoma japonicum 0.34% (n=1) were reported. One protozoan species was Cryptosporidium spp 0.69% (n=2) in current study. In case of A.lumbricoides, hookworm, E.vermicularis, T.trichura, T.saginata, H.nana and H.diminuta the male children of below 8 years of age were highly infected. Other infections are reported in the same prevalence with slight difference if any. We conclude that there is a need for mass scale campaigns to create awareness regarding health and hygiene in children and the need for development of effective poverty control programs because deworming alone is not adequate to control parasitic infections.

Parasites, Bacteria, and Associated Pathological Changes in the Digestive System of Diurnal and Nocturnal Raptors in Central Italy.

The knowledge of raptor pathogens and associated lesions may be extremely important to enhancing raptor conservation efforts and reducing pathogen spillover to humans and domesticated animals and vice versa. Parasite infections of the digestive system and associated bacteria and pathological changes were evaluated in deceased diurnal and nocturnal raptors in central Italy. Overall, the prevalence of parasites (nematodes, cestodes, trematodes, acanthocephalans, and protozoa) identified in the examined birds was 72.41%, and most of the positive raptors (71.42%) showed multiple parasite infections. Among bacteria, Salmonella typhimurium, Salmonella enterica subspecies diarizonae, Escherichia coli, Clostridium perfringens, Yersinia enterocolitica, and Pasteurella multocida were identified. The results obtained showed that both parasites and bacteria may cause severe lesions in the digestive system of diurnal and nocturnal raptors; parasites and bacteria may concur in causing these lesions; most severe lesions are caused by the interaction of multiple pathogens, both parasites and bacteria; and the same pathogen taxa are frequently associated with the same pathological changes. This study is the first report of S. typhimurium and S. enterica subspecies diarizonae in Buteo buteo, while Andracantha mergi, Spirocerca spp., Sarcocystis dispersa, Sarcocystis columbae, and Eumonospora spp. were recorded for the first time in Italy.

Exposure to Parasitic Protists and Helminths Changes the Intestinal Community Structure of Bacterial Communities in a Cohort of Mother-Child Binomials from a Semirural Setting in Mexico

ABSTRACTAn estimated 3.5 billion people are colonized by intestinal parasites worldwide. Intestinal parasitic eukaryotes interact not only with the host but also with the intestinal microbiota. In this work, we studied the relationship between the presence of multiple enteric parasites and the community structures of gut bacteria and eukaryotes in an asymptomatic mother-child cohort from a semirural community in Mexico. Fecal samples were collected from 46 mothers and their respective children, with ages ranging from 2 to 20 months. Mothers and infants were found to be multiparasitized by Blastocystis hominis, Entamoeba dispar, Endolimax nana, Chilomastix mesnili, Iodamoeba butshlii, Entamoeba coli, Hymenolepis nana, and Ascaris lumbricoides. Sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA and eukaryotic 18S rRNA genes showed a significant effect of parasite exposure on bacterial beta-diversity, which explained between 5.2% and 15.0% of the variation of the bacterial community structure in the cohort. Additionally, exposure to parasites was associated with significant changes in the relative abundances of multiple bacterial taxa, characterized by an increase in Clostridiales and decreases in Actinobacteria and Bacteroidales. Parasite exposure was not associated with changes in intestinal eukaryote relative abundances. However, we found several significant positive correlations between intestinal bacteria and eukaryotes, including Oscillospira with Entamoeba coli and Prevotella stercorea with Entamoeba hartmanni, as well as the co-occurrence of the fungus Candida with Bacteroides and Actinomyces, Bifidobacterium, and Prevotella copri and the fungus Pichia with Oscillospira. The parasitic exposure-associated changes in the bacterial community structure suggest effects on microbial metabolic routes, host nutrient uptake abilities, and intestinal immunity regulation in host-parasite interactions.IMPORTANCE The impact of intestinal eukaryotes on the prokaryotic microbiome composition of asymptomatic carriers has not been extensively explored, especially in infants and mothers with multiple parasitic infections. In this work, we studied the relationship between protist and helminth parasite colonization and the intestinal microbiota structure in an asymptomatic population of mother-child binomials from a semirural community in Mexico. We found that the presence of parasitic eukaryotes correlated with changes in the bacterial gut community structure in the intestinal microbiota in an age-dependent way. Parasitic infection was associated with an increase in the relative abundance of the class Clostridia and decreases of Actinobacteria and Bacteroidia. Parasitic infection was not associated with changes in the eukaryote community structure. However, we observed strong positive correlations between bacterial and other eukaryote taxa, identifying novel relationships between prokaryotes and fungi reflecting interkingdom interactions within the human intestine.

Dissecting Histone Deacetylase 3 in Multiple Disease Conditions: Selective Inhibition as a Promising Therapeutic Strategy.

The acetylation of histone and non-histone proteins has been implicated in several disease states. Modulation of such epigenetic modifications has therefore made histone deacetylases (HDACs) important drug targets. HDAC3, among various class I HDACs, has been signified as a potentially validated target in multiple diseases, namely, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disorders, autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, parasitic infections, and HIV. However, only a handful of HDAC3-selective inhibitors have been reported in spite of continuous efforts in design and development of HDAC3-selective inhibitors. In this Perspective, the roles of HDAC3 in various diseases as well as numerous potent and HDAC3-selective inhibitors have been discussed in detail. It will surely open up a new vista in the discovery of newer, more effective, and more selective HDAC3 inhibitors.

Association of low birth weight and polyparasitic infection during pregnancy in Lambaréné, Gabon.

To report the prevalence of polyparasitism during pregnancy in the Lambaréné region of Gabon and its association with newborn birth weight. Pregnant women in their third trimester were recruited in a prospective study between November 2011 and March 2015. Parasite infection status was assessed microscopically in stool, urine and blood samples. Maternal demographic and obstetrical characteristics and newborns anthropometric data were collected. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association between low birth weight and polyparasitism. 678 of 927 pregnant women were included for analysis with mean age (SD) of 25 (6.8) years. The analysis showed that 69% (468/678) were infected with at least one parasite (Plasmodium spp., Schistosoma spp., soil-transmitted helminths, filarial infections). This comprised of 38% with monoparasitism and 31% polyparasitism. The proportion of newborn babies with a weight below 2500g (LBW) in our study was 21% (142/678). Compared to pregnant women without infection, women with monoparasitic infection had adjusted Odds Ratio confidence interval 95% CI (aOR [95%CI]) of 1.6 [0.95-2.73], those with two parasites had aOR 95%CI of 2.63 [1.51-4.62], and those with more than two parasites had aOR of 5.08 [2.5-10.38] for delivering a newborn with low birth weight. In Lambaréné, an endemic area for multiple parasite infections, there is a high prevalence of polyparasitism in pregnant women. Polyparasitism is associated with low birth weight. Therefore, there is an urgent need for active screening and treatment of parasite infections in pregnant women to assess the potential public health benefit of such interventions.

Comparative study of protozoan parasite communities between Anabas testudineus and Channa punctatus

The study was conducted to determine the comparative occurrence of protozoan parasites of two host species- Anabas testudineus and Channa punctatus. The host fishes were collected from April, 2018 to March, 2019 from freshwater bodies of Mymensingh, Kishoreganj, Faridpur and Jashore districts of Bangladesh. Three species of myxozoa (Henneguya mystusia, Henneguya qadrii and Henneguya acerinae) and four genera/species of ciliophora (Trichodina acuta, Trichodina sp., Epistylis lwoffi and Amphileptus disciformis) in A. testudineus; three genera/species of myxozoa (Henneguya chaudhuryi, Henneguya bengalensis and Myxobolus sp.), three species of ciliophora (Trichodina pediculus, Epistylis lwoffi and Apisoma piscicolum) and a few actinosporean stage of myxoza in C. punctatus were identified. The prevalence of protozoan infections were found higher in A. testudineus (76.19%) compare to C. punctatus (51.72%). However, mean intensity was relatively higher in C. punctatus (95.93 ± 41.53) than that of A. testudineus (71.38 ± 32.26). Myxozoans were clearly dominant group in both hosts. Multiple parasitic infections were higher in A. testudineus. The highest parasitic infection was observed in Mymensingh (100%) and lowest in Jashore (40%) in A. testudineus, whereas it was highest in fish of Faridpur (100%) and lowest in Mymensingh (33.33%) in C. punctatus. Shannon Diversity Indices indicated that the parasite community was poorly diverged in both hosts of all study areas. However, Simpson’s Diversity revealed that, parasites community was moderately diverged in both hosts in Mymensingh and in other study areas they were poorly diverged.&#x0D; Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 30(1): 23-34, 2021 (January)

Different underlying mechanisms drive associations between multiple parasites and the same sexual signal

Associations between parasite loads and sexual signal expression have long been the focus of research. However, our understanding of how sexual selection operates in the context of multiple parasite infections within the same host is still quite limited. We examined the expression of plumage coloration, which is sexually selected in North American barn swallows, Hirundo rustica erythrogaster , and tail streamer length, which is sexually selected in other barn swallow subspecies, in the context of eight different parasite infections. We found that two parasites, nest mites and Plasmodium , were associated with colour expression, but in opposite directions. Attractive males were less likely to have mites in their nests, but more likely to be infected with Plasmodium . We found that different underlying mechanisms were generating the links between these different parasites and the same colour signal. Males that invested more in colour expression were less likely to survive when infected with Plasmodium , suggesting a physiological mechanism linking colour to Plasmodium infections. However, we found no clear cost to males when examining nest mites, which primarily infect offspring. Instead, using experimental mite manipulations, we provide evidence for a behavioural mechanism, where territorial behaviour and male–male competition likely drive the association between colour expression and nest mite infections. We did not find associations between parasites and streamer length in this subspecies, suggesting that the links between divergent sexual signals and parasites may be quite flexible. These results suggest that the evolution of a single sexual signal can be shaped by several, even opposing, links with different parasite infections. • We examined associations between plumage colour and parasite loads in barn swallows. • Darker males had fewer nest mites but greater likelihood of Plasmodium infection. • Colour investment decreased survival when males were infected with Plasmodium. • Territorial behaviour likely drives colour expression–nest mite association. • Sexual signal evolution can be shaped by different links with multiple parasites.