Opportunistic Parasites Research Articles

Anticryptosporidium Efficacy of Olea europaea and Ficus carica Leaves Extract in Immunocompromised Mice Associated with Biochemical Characters and Antioxidative System.

Cryptosporidiosis is caused by an opportunistic protozoan parasite (Cryptosporidium parvum and C. hominis) known as a parasite of humans, especially children and immunocompromised patients. The current study was designed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of a mixture of fig and olive leaf extracts as an alternative medicinal plant. Parasitological examination for oocysts in the stool and histopathological alterations in the small intestines were examined. Additionally, biochemical analyses of liver and kidney functions in addition to antioxidant parameters such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH) and catalase (CAT) in the plasma were evaluated. Our results showed that marked reduction in oocysts shedding and amelioration in intestinal histopathological changes and hepatic or renal functions were detected in all treated groups compared to the control infected group. Additionally, the treated groups with tested extracts at ratios 1:3 and 1:5 showed a significant decrease in the number of oocysts compared to the other treated groups. Results exhibited a significant increase in the plasma SOD, CAT and GSH levels in treated groups compared to the infected control one. This study suggested that a mixture of fig and olive leaf extracts is a convenient promising therapeutic agent for Cryptosporidiosis.

Revisiting the Pneumocystis host specificity paradigm and transmission ecology in wild Southeast Asian rodents.

Pneumocystis fungi are opportunistic parasites of mammalian lungs whose evolution, ecology and host specificity in natural host populations remain poorly understood and controversial. Using an extensive collection of 731 lung samples from 27 rodent species sampled in five Southeast Asian countries, and nested PCR amplification of mitochondrial and nuclear genes, we investigated the host specificity and genetic structure of Pneumocystis lineages infecting wild rodents. We also identified the rodent species playing a central role in the transmission of these parasites using network analysis and centrality measurement and we characterized the environmental conditions allowing Pneumocystis infection in Southeast Asia using generalized linear mixed models. Building upon an unprecedented Pneumocystis sampling from numerous rodent species belonging to closely related genera, our findings provide compelling evidence that the host specificity of Pneumocystis lineages infecting rodents is not restricted to a single host species or genus as often presented in the literature but it encompasses much higher taxonomic levels and more distantly related rodent host species. The phylogenetic species status at both mitochondrial and nuclear genetic markers of at least three new Pneumocystis lineages, highly divergent from Pneumocystis species currently described, is also suggested by our data. Our models show that the probability of Pneumocystis infection in rodent hosts is positively correlated to environmental variables reflecting habitat fragmentation and landscape patchiness. Synanthropic and habitat-generalist rodents belonging to the Rattus, Sundamys and Bandicota genera played a role of bridge host species for Pneumocystis spreading in these heterogeneous habitats, where they can reach high population densities. These are critical findings improving our understanding of the ecology of these enigmatic parasites and the role played by cospeciation and host switches in their evolution. Our results also confirmed the role of land-use change and habitat fragmentation in parasite amplification and spillover in rodents.

Annual presence and distribution of human-pathogenic {Acanthamoeba} spp. in River Soar, Leicester, UK

BACKGROUND AND AIM: {Acanthamoeba} spp. can act as opportunistic parasites and are becoming a serious threat to human health due to the resistance of their cysts to harsh environmental conditions and water treatment practices. Owing to the lack of knowledge about {Acanthamoeba}'s epidemiology in England, the aim of the present work was to study, over one year, the presence and circulation of this opportunistic parasite in the River Soar, which crosses Leicester city (England) and attracts large numbers of users. METHODS: Water samples were collected from nine different locations following the course of the river through the city per season (n=45) from Summer 2017-Summer 2018, following protocol 1623 described by US EPA. Samples were concentrated using IDEXX® Filta Max system following manufacturer's instructions. DNA extraction from concentrated water was performed with FastDNA® Spin Kit. A triplex real-time TaqMan PCR assay was performed to detect {Acanthamoeba} spp., using established methodologies. RESULTS:{Acanthamoeba} spp. was detected in 17 water samples: 4 in each season from Summer to Winter 2017, two in Spring 2018 and three in Summer 2018. These free-living amoebas were discovered in each sampled location, which highlights a moderate to high circulation of {Acanthamoeba} in the River Soar throughout a year, without seasonality, despite significant changes in the water flow rate and temperatures recorded in the river and in Leicestershire. This river is rich in wildlife, which might play a role in the presence/circulation of {Acanthamoeba} spp. CONCLUSIONS:To our knowledge, this is the first report reporting the presence and circulation of {Acanthamoeba} spp. in an English river throughout a complete year. The presence of {Acanthamoeba} spp. in this river could represent a risk for human health, for example rowers, which is present throughout the whole year. Therefore, this risk should be tackled as the incidence of {Acanthamoeba} keratitis has increased in recent years in England. KEYWORDS: {Acanthamoeba} spp., River Soar, environmental presence, human risk.

Biological contamination due to microsporidia in urban soils: an emerging risk?

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Topsoils can be a source of emerging opportunistic and zoonotic parasites. Children and immunodeficient individuals can be accidentally exposed to microsporidia spores when spending time in urban parks and recreational areas. The aim of this study was to determine the presence and distribution of human-related microsporidian species in urban/industrial areas in Alcalá de Henares (Madrid Region, Spain). METHODS: 227 topsoil samples were collected July 2017 across different urban (n=155) and industrial (n=60) areas in Alcalá, and in a public garden in the city centre (n=12). DNA was extracted from concentrated pellet by disrupting the spores using Fast-Prep for Soil, followed by SYBR Green real-time PCR for simultaneous detection of {Enterocytozoon bieneusi} and {Encephalitozoon} spp. ({E. intestinalis}, {E. hellem} and {E. cuniculi}). RESULTS:Real-time amplification with MsRTf1/MsRTr1 primer set and differential melting curve analysis confirmed presence of {E. bieneusi} (n=9; 5 urban, 4 industrial), and {Encephalitozoon} spp. in 22 of the soil samples: three {E. cuniculi} (2 urban, 1 industrial); ten {E. intestinalis} (8 urban, 2 industrial); nine {E. intestinalis}/{E. hellem} (6 urban, 3 industrial). Microsporidia spores were not found in any of the samples monitored in public gardens. Urban animals have been suggested to play a role in the distribution of these emerging parasites through their droppings. Thus, similar studies carried out in Madrid city have detected microsporidia in animal faeces collected from public parks but not in their soils, which highlights the significance of our study. CONCLUSIONS:Our results indicate a moderate prevalence and distribution of human-related microsporidia in soils in Alcalá, which could represent a public health concern. Interventions to protect the public might be necessary as the presence/distribution of these biothreats could be higher, as potential false-negative results due to low DNA parasite concentration and/or the presence of environmental PCR inhibitors should be considered. KEYWORDS: Microsporidia, urban topsoils, human risks, biological contamination

SILVER NANOPARTICLES AS APROMISING TREATMENT FOR BLASTOCYSTIS HOMINIS IN EXPERIMENTALLY INFECTED MICE

Blastocystis is an opportunistic parasite causes gastro-intestinal symptoms including irritablebowel syndrome (IBS). This study evaluated the effect of probiotics and silver nanoparticleson Blastocystis hominis in mice and compared between both probiotics (Lactobacillus)and silver nanoparticles as compared to metronidazole. A cross-sectional study was done inwhich stool samples were collected from patients suffering from IBS.The stool sampleswere examined microscopically to detect B. hominis and any co-parasitism. All positivestool samples were cultured on Modified Jones' media. BALB/C mice were infected by isolatedBlastocystis. The effect of probiotics and silver nanoparticles on blastocystosis wastested in experimentally infected mice. Cysts' mean count in stool of infected mice markedlydecreased; with a decrease in serum levels of nitric oxide and glutathione antioxidants comparedto drug control one. There was intestinal villi improvement of infected groups treatedwith probiotics and silver nanoparticles,with mild inflammation and decrease of Blastocystisat the intestinal surface as compared to the infected group metronidazole treated.

Systematic review of opportunistic parasites among Egyptian immunocompromised individuals from 2010 to 2020

Opportunistic parasites are commonly linked with immunocompromised individuals due to weakness intheir immune system. Alteration in their cellular and humoral responses leads to hindrance of T and Blymphocytes from efficiently acting against opportunistic pathogens. Accordingly, immunocompromisedpatients present increased susceptibility to different microorganisms including viral, bacterial, fungal, andparasitic infections. Several conditions are commonly associated with host immune system impairment.Among them enrolled in the present review were malignancy, chronic liver diseases, diabetes mellitus,renal failure, organ transplantation, and inflammatory bowel disease. The most common reportedopportunistic parasites include species of Cryptosporidium, Blastocystis, and Microsporidium, as well as T.gondii, C. cayetanensis, I. belli, and S. stercoralis. The objective of the present systematic review is to increaseawareness concerning opportunistic parasitosis among Egyptian immunocompromised individuals from2010 to 2020 with particular reference to their relative detection rates and risk factors of infection.

The efficacy of platelet rich plasma as adjuvant therapy in the treatment of cryptosporidiosis in experimentally infected immunosuppressed rats

Background: Cryptosporidium species are zoonotic opportunistic coccidian parasites that could causedisseminated life-threatening infection in the immunocompromised host. Unfortunately, few availabledrugs effectively eradicate the infectious oocyst with limited availability in developing countries. AlthoughNitazoxanide (NTZ) is the drug of choice for the treatment of cryptosporidiosis, it has limited efficacyin malnourished and immunocompromised patients. Moreover, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) successfullyameliorated the hepatic granuloma size in patients with parasitic schistosomiasis mansoni.Objective: This study aims to test the potential therapeutic effect of PRP versus the currently used NTZ,and/or using PRP as adjuvant therapy.Material and Methods: Sixty-five immunosuppressed rats were divided into 5 groups: non-infected asnegative control (GI), infected non-treated as the positive control (GII), infected with Cryptosporidiumspp. and treated with either intraperitoneal PRP (GIII), or NTZ (GIV), or a combination of intraperitonealPRP and NTZ (GV). Parameters used for evaluation of the therapeutic efficacy included parasitologicalexamination, histopathological examination of ileocaecal and liver specimens, and quantitative analysisof reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) for evaluation of oxidative stress markers,glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) for evaluation ofliver functions.Results: Parasitological and histopathological examinations revealed minimal improvement in GIII,marked improvement in GIV, and the best results were recorded in GV. The administration of PRP in GIIIproduced no significant changes in GSH, MDA, SGOT compared to positive control GII. Treatment withNTZ in GIV, and in addition to PRP in GV showed significant difference (P<0.05) compared to GII regardingserum results of GSH, MDA, and SGOT with the best results recorded in GV. GIV and GV showed reductionof serum levels of SGPT although there was statistically insignificant difference between the study groups.Conclusion: PRP could be used as a potential adjuvant therapy with NTZ to ameliorate the pathologic andinflammatory effects of cryptosporidiosis on the ileocaecal region. It also improves liver function in theimmunocompromised hosts.

Prevalence of Opportunistic Intestinal Parasitic Infections Among HIV/AIDS Patients Before and After Commencement of Antiretroviral Treatment at Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital: A Follow-up Study.

BackgroundCoccidian parasites are opportunistic intestinal parasites that cause diarrhea in immunocompromised individuals. Although the impacts of coccidian infection are significant among HIV/AIDS infected cases, proper diagnosis and management of coccidian infection is limited in sub-Saharan Africa including Ethiopia.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of coccidian parasitic infections among HIV/AIDS cases before and after commencement of antiretroviral treatment.MethodsAn institution-based longitudinal study was conducted among 304 randomly selected HIV/AIDS cases from February to July 2018 before and after commencement of antiretroviral therapy. A structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic and associated factors data. Stool and blood samples were collected before and three months after treatment. Coccidian detection and CD4+ count were conducted via modified acid fast stain technique and fluorescence-activated cell scanning, respectively. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Descriptive statistics were used to compute coccidian prevalence. Logistic regression was used to compute possible association between associated factors and coccidian parasitic infection. Variables with P<0.05 were considered to be statistically significant.ResultsAmong 304 HIV/AIDS cases, prevalence of coccidian parasitic infection before and after antiretroviral treatment was 23.4% and 8.9%, respectively. Prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. (19.7%) and Isospora belli (4.3%) before antiretroviral treatment were higher than Cryptosporidium spp. (7.9%) and Isospora belli (1.0%) after treatment. Drinking unprotected water (AOR: 7.41; 95%CI: 1.64–33.45), poor knowledge of HIV/AIDS and coccidian parasite (AOR: 4.19; 95%CI: 1.69–10.40), and CD4+ count below 200 cells/mm3 (AOR: 62.49; 95%CI: 25.32–154.21) were significantly associated with coccidian infection.ConclusionPrevalence of coccidian parasites among HIV/AIDS cases decreases after antiretroviral treatment. Drinking unsafe water, limited knowledge of HIV/AIDS and coccidian parasite and low CD4+ cell count are factors associated with coccidian infection. Therefore, proper detection and treatment of coccidian parasites among HIV/AIDS cases should be prioritized.

Establishing a Metabolite Extraction Method to Study the Metabolome of Blastocystis Using NMR.

Blastocystis is an opportunistic parasite commonly found in the intestines of humans and other animals. Despite its high prevalence, knowledge regarding Blastocystis biology within and outside the host is limited. Analysis of the metabolites produced by this anaerobe could provide insights that can help map its metabolism and determine its role in both health and disease. Due to its controversial pathogenicity, these metabolites could define its deterministic role in microbiome’s “health” and/or subsequently resolve Blastocystis’ potential impact in gastrointestinal health. A common method for elucidating the presence of these metabolites is through 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). However, there are currently no described benchmarked methods available to extract metabolites from Blastocystis for 1H NMR analysis. Herein, several extraction solvents, lysis methods and incubation temperatures were compared for their usefulness as an extraction protocol for this protozoan. Following extraction, the samples were freeze-dried, re-solubilized and analysed with 1H NMR. The results demonstrate that carrying out the procedure at room temperature using methanol as an extraction solvent and bead bashing as a lysis technique provides a consistent, reproducible and efficient method to extract metabolites from Blastocystis for NMR.

Vaccine development for cryptosporidiosis: Systematic review

Cryptosporidium spp. are opportunistic parasites with zoonotic potential transmitted by ingestion of contaminated water and food, the infection consists of severe diarrhea leading to the death of babies and immunocompromised individuals. In the veterinary, it can generate economic losses due to the death of calves, these animals being a possible source of transmission of the parasite. Nitazoxanide and halofuginone are the only drugs approved for treatment in humans and calves respectively, however there are restrictions on their use. There is still no vaccine against cryptosporidiosis in humans or animals and its development is a great challenge. Our objective with the present work was to write a systematic review of the literature addressing the progress of studies on vaccines against cryptosporidiosis. The recommended guidelines for RSL were used, with the aid of the StArt software (State of the Art through Systematic Rewiews). The research took place in the databases: Lilacs, PubMed, Scielo, Science Direct, Scopus, Embase and Medline. In 30% of the selected articles, the calves were the study animal and in 50% the mice; 40% of the studies were with vaccines derived from recombinant proteins and 30% of the research was aimed at inhibiting the parasite from entering cells and activating the host's protective immunity. So far, a vaccine with no proven efficacy or an ideal cost-benefit has been developed. Many candidate antigenic targets for a vaccine have been characterized, in addition to elucidating the immunogenicity mechanism of Cryptosporidium spp. in the infected individual. However, another antigenic targets for a vaccine can be searched in future studies.

Serological Evaluation of Toxoplasmosis and Related Risk Factors Among HIV+/AIDS Patients in Northern Iran.

Toxoplasma gondii is an important opportunistic intracellular protozoan parasite that can cause severe sequelae and even death in immunodeficient patients. This study aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence and risk factors of toxoplasmosis among HIV+/AIDS patients of the study area. A cross-sectional study was carried out on 121 registered HIV+/AIDS patients of behavioral diseases consultation center (BDCC) in Guilan province, north of Iran. Anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies were measured by ELISA technique in the serum samples. IgG avidity was measured for IgG- plus IgM-positive cases. Also, the relationship between T. gondii infection and related demographic and clinical characteristics were investigated. Anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies were detected in 60.3 and 4.9% of patients, respectively. One case of acute toxoplasmosis (0.83%) was detected using an IgG avidity test. A significant correlation was observed between toxoplasmosis with age and marital status in these patients. The mean CD4+count of HIV+/AIDS patients was 549 ± 27cells/µl. Viral load in 69.7% of the HIV patients was less than1000copies/ml. None of the T. gondii IgM-positive HIV patients received anti-Toxoplasma prophylaxis. This finding highlights the importance of T. gondii infection surveillance in HIV patients. Regarding the high prevalence of toxoplasmosis in the study population, educational efforts are recommended to prevent reactivation or acquiring primary infection and developing severe cases of toxoplasmosis in immunocompromised HIV+/AIDS patients.

ROLE OF APOPTOSIS IN EXPERIMENTAL CRYPTOSPORIDIUM PARVUM INFECTED ALBINO MICE

Cryptosporidium is one of the commonest opportunistic parasites. But, its chemotherapeuticoptions are limited, with controversy about the role of apoptosis in cryptosporidiosis. Caspasesare key molecules of apoptosis. The study assessed the role of apoptosis in cryptosporidiosisby studying the relationship between the effects of phenyl vinyl sulfone (PVS), nitazoxanide(NTZ) and combined therapy on Cryptosporidium parvum infection and caspase 3immunostaining. Ninety female laboratory bred Swiss Albino mice were divided into twomajor groups; immunocompetent and immunosuppressed. Both groups were divided into thefollowing subgroups, for each one respectively: negative control (1 & 6), infected control (2& 7), infected treated with PVS (3 & 8), infected treated with NTZ (4 & 9) and infected treatedcombined (5 & 10). Sacrification were done on 18th day post infection.Histopathological study of ileum was done and endogenous developmental stages werecounted. Also, caspase 3 immunohistochemical staining was carried out on ileal sections.Combined therapy in groups 5 &10 showed the highest reduction in mean number of endogenousdevelopmental stages as in G10 (P <0.05). Caspase expression in PVS treated groups (3& 8) showed significant decrease when compared to their control groups (P < 0.05). Whilethere were significant increase in caspase expression in groups treated with NTZ (4 & 9)when compared to their contorls (P < 0.05). Caspase 3 epithelial overexpression was evidentin infected immunocompetent G2 than immunosuppressed G7 (P<0.05).

Preventive role of probiotic bacteria against gastrointestinal diseases in mice caused by Giardia lamblia.

Giardiasis is one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal diseases in the world. It is caused by Giardia, Giardia lamblia, a common and opportunistic zoonotic parasite. The aim of our work is to find a natural and safe alternative treatment for giardiasis, specifically, to determine if probiotic bacteria (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Lactobacillus helveticus) can contribute to treatment, and act as preventives. Sixty weanling albino mice, Mus musculus, were divided into control and experimental, probiotic-fed groups. We determined infection intensity, and cure and prevention rates of giardiasis through ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) of stool samples and histopathological comparison of intestinal tissue. In experimental groups, there was a significant reduction in infection intensity (P<0.001) on days 10, 15, and 20, while cure rate reached 87.5%. The control group showed no signs of reduced infection or cure and only the group treated with probiotics prior to infection showed significant prevention rates. In the experimental groups, intestinal changes due to giardiasis appeared 7 days post-infection. However, almost all of these changes disappeared by the 25th day. Our results suggest a beneficial and significant effect of probiotics in the prevention and treatment of giardiasis in mice.

Microscopic and Molecular Description of the Microsporidian Parasite,Heterosporis sp., Infecting Lizardfish, Saurida undosquamis in the Persian Gulf

Background: The lizardfish is an economically important fish in the Persian Gulf with high rates of parasitic infections. Microsporidia species, as opportunistic parasites, cause several disorders, which in turn result in economic problems. Objectives: The main objective was to evaluate Heterosporis sp. infection in Persian Gulf lizardfish using the small subunit ribosomal RNA phylogenetics to describe and classification of the unknown microsporidia species as well as morphological characteristics. Methods: The abdominal cavities of fifty specimens of lizardfish, Saurida undosquamis, were examined using morphological and molecular techniques. Some irregular whitish cyst-like were fixed for histopathological and transmission electron observations. The small subunit ribosomal genomic DNA was studied and a 1,279 bp genomic sequence was amplified and investigated for molecular analysis. Results: Twenty-two (out of fifty) specimens were infected with irregular whitish microsporidian cysts. Light and electron microscopic findings revealed round cysts containing large numbers of monomorphic and ovoid spores with a posterior vacuole. Polar tube coiled between six and eight-times, in one row. The large xenoma (hypertrophied parasitizing host cells) was encapsulated by a host-derived thick connective tissue in pathological samples. The phylogenetic analysis showed that despite some morphological similarity of the Persian Gulf microsporidia sp. to Glugea spp., the most closely related species with minimum genetic distance to Heterosporis anguillarum isolated is Japanese eels (Anguillajaponica). Conclusions: This is the first phylogenetic report of microsporidian infections in mesenteric tissues of lizardfish S. undosquamis in Iran including morphological and molecular markers, to introduce novel species

Molecular prevalence of Cryptosporidium isolates among Egyptian children with cancer.

Immunocompromised individuals especially children with cancer are at risk for acquiring cryptosporidiosis, which can result in severe morbidity and mortality. This work was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium parasite and its genotypes in children with cancer. Stool specimens were collected from 145 children in the Oncology unit of Pediatric Department, Zagazig University Hospital, Sharqiyah province, Egypt. Cryptosporidium infection was evaluated using modified Ziehl-Neelsen (MZN) staining and nested polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in oncological children was 29.7% using microscopy and 25.5% using nested PCR. Genotypic characterization showed that 23 (62.2%) had C. hominis, 11 (29.7%) C. parvum, and 3 specimens (8.1%) were mixed infection of both genotypes. Cryptosporidiosis was significantly associated with diarrhea. However, no statistically significant difference was detected between the age, gender, residency, animal contact and malignancy type concerning to Cryptosporidium infection. This study concluded that Cryptosporidium is a prevailing opportunistic parasite among children with cancer. It should be considered in oncological patients especially those suffering from diarrhea which requires proper management to reduce its complications.

Prevalence of Opportunistic and other Intestinal Parasites Infections and its Associated Factors among HIV/AIDS Patients attending at Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northeast Ethiopia

Introduction: Human Immuno Deficiency Virus (HIV) deplete CD4+ T cell in human and weaken the immune system, this makes HIV positive patients more susceptible to parasitic and other opportunistic infection. Intestinal parasitic infection plays vital role in the prognosis of people living with HIV/AIDS. This study was aimed to determine the magnitude of intestinal parasitic infection and its determinant among people living HIV/AIDS. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2020 to April 2020. A total of 223 study participants were recruited using simple random sampling. A Pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic and other risk factor data. A stool sample was collected to detect parasitic infection using wet mount, formol-ether concentration and Modified ziehl-neelsen technique. The whole blood sample was collected to determine CD4+ T cell count using BD FACSCount™ System. Data was entered into Epi Data version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results: Out of 223 participants 166 (74.4%) were males. The mean age of the study participants was 37.9 years old with the majority being found in the age group 26-49 years (64.1%). The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was found to be 38.1%. The prevalence was significantly higher in males (23.7%) than in females (p≤0.002). The most predominant parasite detected was G. lamblia (40%) followed by E. histolytica (32.9%). The prevalence of opportunistic infection was 2.24%. The detected opportunistic parasites were S. stercoloaris, Cryptosporidium spps and I. beli. Sex, residence and low CD4+ T cell counts were significantly associated with the prevalence intestinal parasitic infection among HIV/ AIDS patients. Conclusion: The finding showed intestinal parasitic infections being a major health problem in HIV patients. Low-level CD4 T cell is a risk factor for the high prevalence of parasitic infection. The high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection indicates the need of routine investigation of the infection that will aid for rapid therapeutic management.

Immunomodulation caused by opportunistic parasites in COVID-19 cases: a brief report

Immunomodulation caused by opportunistic parasites in COVID-19 cases: a brief report

Opportunistic Intestinal Protozoan Infection Among HIV/AIDS Patients and the Associated Risk Factors in Jalingo Local Government, Taraba State

Opportunistic intestinal protozoan parasites are the major contributors affecting HIV/AIDS patients. This study determined the association between intestinal protozoan infection and some predisposing factors among HIV/AIDS patients. Samples were collected from both male and female HIV/AIDS patients and stool samples were also collected from non-HIV/AIDS patients to serve as control. The procedure of wet mount technique and faecal concentration methods processed the faecal materials collected. The CD⁴⁺ count of patients were determined using the Partee Cyflow Counter, which determines the percentage of CD⁴⁺ cells of individuals. A total of eight hundred and fifty (850) faecal samples were collected from sero-positive and sero-negative HIV/AIDS persons in Jalingo metropolis. Out of the 850 subjects, 650 (76.47%) were sero-positive while 200 (23.53%) were sero-negative (Control). The sero-positive subjects showed higher prevalence of 118 (18.15%) of opportunistic parasitic infection according to the follow-up of hospital locations: Government House, 12 (25.71%); Ummah Clinic, 8 (21.82%); Taraba State Specialist Hospital, 50 (18.18%) and Federal Medical Centre, 38 (15.20%). The prevalence was higher among female positives, 68 (l9.60%) than the male, 50 (16.50%) with no significant difference (p>0.05). The infection based on age groups revealed that the age group 10-15 years had the highest prevalence of 27 (48.21%) while the age group 41-45 years had the least prevalence of 2 (2.63%). There was no significant relationship between age, gender and occurrence of opportunistic intestinal protozoan infection among HIV sero-positive and HIV sero-negative subjects (p>0.05). Analysis on risk factors associated with intestinal protozoan infection revealed that patients whose source of water was from stream are likely to get infected with intestinal protozoans (OR=2.95) than those who used tap water (OR=0.78). Based on method of waste disposal, those who practiced open defaecation are at higher risk of infection with intestinal protozoa (OR=1.02) than those who used water closet system (OR=0.30). Similarly, those who did not wash hands after toilets are prone to infection (OR=2.46) than those who frequently was their hands after toilets (OR=0.14). The public health division in Jalingo metropolis should continue to emphasize the importance of environmental and personal hygiene and collaborate with other Government agencies to provide quality drinking water, good waste management systems, good/faecal disposal systems amongst others to help alleviate the burden of intestinal parasite infections.

Diagnosis of Acanthamoeba keratitis in Mashhad, Northeastern Iran: A Gene-Based PCR Assay.

Background:The genus Acanthamoeba is a free-living opportunistic protozoan parasite, which widely distributed in soil and fresh water. Acanthamoeba keratitis, which causes a sight-threating infection of the cornea, is going to rise in Iran and worldwide. The aim of this study was to compare direct microscopy, culture and PCR for detection of Acanthamoeba spp. in clinical samples and to determine the genotypes of Acanthamoeba spp. by sequencing 18SrRNA gene.Methods:Among patients clinically suspected to AK referred to a tertiary ophthalmology center at Mashhad, northeastern Iran. During 2017-18, twenty corneal scrapes specimens obtained. The samples were divided into three parts, subjected to direct microscopic examination, culture onto non-nutrient agar and PCR technique. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and likelihood ratio were evaluated.Results:Among 20 persons clinically suspected to amoebic keratitis, 13(69.2%) patients definitely diagnosed as Acanthamoeba keratitis. Wearing contact lens, eye trauma due to foreign particle and swimming in fresh water were the main predisposing factors. Most of patients suffered from pain and photophobia. Corneal ring infiltration and epithelial defect were common clinical sings. Direct examination had the lowest sensitivity and sensitivity of both Nelson-PCR and JDP-PCR methods were equal and highest. In addition, the results of sequencing identified that all strains belonged to T4 genotype.Conclusion:Amoebic keratitis is a sporadic parasitic keratitis, which is mainly seen in contact lens user in Mashhad. PCR based on 18S ribosomal DNA with JDP primers is a reliable and highly sensitive method for diagnosis of Acanthamoeba keratitis in clinically suspected cases.

Intestinal parasitic infections and associated factors among people living with HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundIntestinal parasitic infections are major public health problems throughout the world, particularly in people living with HIV/AIDS. People living with HIV/AIDS are vulnerable groups for a variety of diseases, hence they are easily affected by opportunistic and non-opportunistic intestinal parasites due to the weakening of their immunity. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence and factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections among people living with HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia.MethodsArticles were identified through search engines in the online electronic databases PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, HINARI, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and reference lists of previous studies following the PRISMA Protocol. Studies conducted between 2003 and 2020 with English language were included in this study. This review included papers with having high-quality NOS scores. Meta-analysis was computed using STATA version 11 software. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochrane Q-test and I2 test statistics. Subgroup and sensitivity analysis was employed with evidence of heterogeneity. Publication bias was determined using the funnel plot and Egger’s regression test statistic.ResultsThis study included a total of twenty-two cross-sectional studies with 5,833 study participants. The mean age of the study participants was 35 years old. The pooled prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection among people living with HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia was 39.15% (95%CI: 32.34, 45.95). The pooled prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among people living with HIV/AIDS who had taking ART and who had not to start ART was found to be 28.27% (95%CI 22.47, 34.06) and 41.63% (95%CI: 28.75, 54.52) respectively. Unavailability of latrine (AOR: 4.87, (95% CI: 2.39, 9.92)), CD4+ T cell count <200cells/μl ((AOR: 3.53, (95%CI: 1.98, 6.27)), and having a history of diarrhea (AOR: 4.79 (95%CI: 1.53, 14.99) were factors significantly associated with intestinal parasitic infections.ConclusionIn this study, the overall pooled prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among HIV/AIDS patients in Ethiopia was relatively high. CD4+ T-cell count <200cells/μl, unavailability of a latrine, and history of diarrhea were significantly associated with intestinal parasitic infections. Therefore, the policymakers and health care professionals could give special attention to the presence of latrines, early detection and treatment of intestinal parasitic infections, and early initiation of ART drugs.