Parasite Counts Research Articles

A preliminary survey on parasitic occurrence in indigenous climbing perch, Anabas testudineus (Bloch, 1972) from West Bengal state of India

Objective: To describe the parasitic infestations of Anabas testudineus (A. testudineus) collected from three different fish producing districts of West Bengal state in India. Methods: A total number of 75 specimens of A. testudineus were collected from different floodplain areas of West Bengal, India. These specimens were examined for parasites using established techniques after measuring basic morphometric parameters. Results: A total 165 individual of 20 parasites (13 ectoparasites and 7 endoparasites) belonging to 7 phyla were recorded from 64 infected A. testudineus. Among the observed parasites, 8 were protozoan including 3 ciliates; 2 monogenic trematodes, 2 strigeidid trematodes, 1 nematode, 3 crustaceans, 3 myxozoans and 1 echinorhynchus acanthocephalan parasites. The quantitative abundance of parasites were highest in gill (37%) followed by body outer layer (35%) and intestine (28%). District wise quantitative count of parasites in different investigated organ from A. testudineus revealed that North 24 Parganas is highly infected followed by West Midnapore and East Midnapore. The highest prevalence (%) and mean abundance of parasitic occurrence was observed in North 24 Parganas followed by West Midnapore and East Midnapore. The highest mean intensity was found at West Midnapore followed by North 24 Parganas and East Midnapore. Conclusions: Especially West Bengal state of India, inland culture and capture fishery mainly rural based and operated by poor farmers. Developing right kind of interventions and management practice can prevent adverse impact of diseases and assist poor farmers for sustainable production.

IN VITRO ANTI-PROTOZOAL ACTIVITY OF PROPOLIS EXTRACT AND CYSTEINE PROTEASES INHIBITOR (PHENYL VINYL SULFONE) ON BLASTOCYSTIS SPECIES

Blastocystis is one of the commonest enteric protozoan parasites worldwide. Despite its controversial clinical significance, frequent association with symptoms has necessitated treatment of cases with persistent symptoms. For long time, metronidzole (MTZ) was considered as a basic drug for blastocystosis treatment, however reports of treatment failure as well as its well-known side effects has promoted the search for more safe and effective alternatives. In vitro antiprotozoal activity of ethanolic extract of Egyptian propolis and a cysteine protease inhibitor, phenyl vinyl sulfone (PVS) on Blastocystis spp. was assessed through challenging with graded concentrations of propolis extract (125, 250, 500 & 1000pg/ml) and PVS (100, 200 and 300 ptg/ml) compared to MTZ (10, 50 and 100 pg/ml) and viable parasites were counted after 24, 48 and 72 hr. of incubation. Molecular subtyling of Blastocystis spp. was done using subtype specific sequence-tagged site (STS) primers. Propolis extract inhibited the growth of Blastocystis spp. in both of the detected subtypes (STI and ST3), which was especially observed in cultures exposed to 500 & 1000 μg/ml through all incuba- tion periods with the later concentration producing comparable results to MTZ. While PVS showed significant parasite count reduction on ST3 isolates, especially with the highest concentration, however the effect on STl isolate was nonsignificant. These findings highlight the potential antiprotozoal activity of propolis extract as a potent natural alternative for MTZ in treatment of blastocystosis.

In Vitro Anti-Protozoal Activity of Propolis Extract and Cysteine Proteases Inhibitor ( Phenyl Vinyl Sulfone ) on Blastocystis Species

Blastocystis is one of the commonest enteric protozoan parasites worldwide. Despite its controversial clinical significance, frequent association with symptoms has necessitated treatment of cases with persistent symptoms. For long time, metronidzole (MTZ) was considered as a basic drug for blastocystosis treatment, however reports of treatment failure as well as its well-known side effects has promoted the search for more safe and effective alternatives. In vitro antiprotozoal activity of ethanolic extract of Egyptian propolis and a cysteine protease inhibitor, phenyl vinyl sulfone (PVS) on Blastocystis spp. was assessed through challenging with graded concentrations of propolis extract (125, 250, 500 & 1000pg/ml) and PVS (100, 200 and 300 ptg/ml) compared to MTZ (10, 50 and 100 pg/ml) and viable parasites were counted after 24, 48 and 72 hr. of incubation. Molecular subtyling of Blastocystis spp. was done using subtype specific sequence-tagged site (STS) primers. Propolis extract inhibited the growth of Blastocystis spp. in both of the detected subtypes (STI and ST3), which was especially observed in cultures exposed to 500 & 1000 μg/ml through all incuba- tion periods with the later concentration producing comparable results to MTZ. While PVS showed significant parasite count reduction on ST3 isolates, especially with the highest concentration, however the effect on STl isolate was nonsignificant. These findings highlight the potential antiprotozoal activity of propolis extract as a potent natural alternative for MTZ in treatment of blastocystosis.

COMPARISON OF RAPID DIAGNOSTIC TEST (RDT), POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION (PCR) AND MICROSCOPY METHODS IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF MALARIA AMONG AIRPORT WORKERS IN LAGOS

Malaria is one of the leading causes of death in Africa, and it is highly endemic in Nigeria. It is responsible for about 70% of out-patient attendance at secondary health care facilities in Lagos State. This study assessed the diagnostic performance of three malaria detection methods among Nigerian airport workers. 268 blood samples were collected from febrile and non-febrile Airport workers in Lagos, and processed using three diagnostic methods: thick and thin Giemsa blood stained microscopy method for parasite species identification and count; SD-Bioline PfLDH/panLDH rapid diagnostic test (RDT) device; and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification as a two step procedure using dried blood spot (DBS). A total prevalence of 2.6% was detected by microscopy, 4.1% by RDT and 4.9% by PCR. Microscopy parasite density is 22 to 5.837/µl at prevalence rate of 4.9%. The species identified were 69% Plasmodium falciparum and 31% Plasmodium malariae, while P. falciparum and P. malariae co-infections were observed. The performance evaluation shows PCR having 100% sensitivity while microscopy and RDT had 53.8 and 84.6%, respectively. The negative predictive values are 97.8, 99.3 and 100% for microscopy, RDT and PCR respectively. The result of the PCR and RDT methods indicated that the gold standard method (microscopy) is less sensitive because additional 2.3% positive cases were detected by the PCR method

Assessment of the microbiological safety of some spices and raw vegetables in Tehran caterings

Nowadays, foodborne illnesses in public places like fast foods and caterings are one of the majority issues in development and retarded countries. Presence of some microorganism in this food segment is undesirable and upset for human health and increasing some pathogenic risks like sallmonelosis, hemorrahagic colitis and things like that. The aim of this study was to evaluate the Assessment of the microbiological safety of some spices and raw vegetables in Tehran caterings. In this cross-sectional survey, some microbial experiments of and 5 types of spices and 6 kinds of raw vegetables randomly collected from different caterings in Tehran, Iran. After that, all of the samples were analyzed for determination of total microbial, mold and fungi, salmonella, E. coli and parasite eggs count for spices and Shigella, E.coli, Salmonella, S.aureus and Enterococcus for raw vegetable, respectively. Parasitic pollution was detected in all of the spice samples. Result obtained pointed that salmonella and E.coli contamination were negative in all spice samples. The presence of S.auerus, Shigella, Salmonella, Enterococcus and E.coli is observed on samples of vegetables. The present paper indicated that high potential hazard of microbial contamination in caterings industry, therefore this segment needy to more attention about implementation of some food standard to avoided foodborne illnesses.

Nasitrema attenuata (Digenia: Nasitrematidae) Infection of Long-beaked Common Dolphin (Delphius capensis) in the East Sea, Korea

The trematodes of Genus Nasitrema are the most common infection in the heads of small odontocetes. Five species of Nasitrema have been described in Asia. But those parasites has been not surveyed in the East Sea of Korean peninsula. There are no evidence of pathology associated with Nasitrema attenuate. To determine the infection ratio of N. attenuata in the dolphin, it was surveyed 9 long-beaked common dolphin, Delphinus capensis, caught incidentally from Samcheok to Pohang, East Sea, Korea. Five males and four females, estimated to be between 1 to 10 years old, were examined. The quantity of N. attenuata harvested by aspiration from pterygoid sinuses ranged from 10 to 100 with a 100% (9/9) infection with older dolphins exhibiting higher parasite counts. The body of trematoda was elongated with tegumental patches resembling the leaves of lilies and oral sucker located ventrally at the anterior terminal. Esophagus was absent and intestinal bifurcation arose immediately from the posterior of pharynx. The undulated intestinal caeca transversed the entire body and terminated at the posterior extremity of the worm. The genital pore opened anterior to the ventral sucker. This report confirms the prevalence and morphology of N. attenuata in the dolphins from the East Sea, Korea.

Hematological Differences among Malaria Patients in Rural and Urban Ghana

Scarce studies have addressed hematological differences of malaria in urban and rural regions. Full or complete blood cell counts from 46 and 75 individuals (age range from < 1 to 92 years) with uncomplicated malaria infection living in urban (Accra) and rural (Dodowa) Ghana, respectively, were assessed. Sickle cell trait and patients were excluded from the study. Between overall groups, patients from Accra had significantly lower parasite count (p < 0.0001) and granulocyte number (p = 0.026). Children in Accra had a significantly lower parasitemia (p = 0.0013), hemoglobin (p = 0.0254), platelet count (p = 0.0148) and red blood cell levels (p = 0.0080) when compared with the children of Dodowa. In adults, mean cell hemoglobin (p = 0.0086) and parasite count (p < 0.0001) were significantly higher in Dodowa. These results indicate that children living in urban setting may experience a greater anemic effect to malaria as compared with those living in a rural setting.

Rehydration methods to recover cysticercoids of the rat tapeworm Hymenolepis diminuta from dry flour beetle carcasses.

Terrestrial arthropods host a variety of helminth parasites, yet quantifying the intensity of infection in these hosts post-mortem is challenging because carcasses may desiccate quickly. We recovered cysticercoids of Hymenolepis diminuta from desiccated flour beetle (Tribolium confusum) carcasses by modifying a published insect rehydration procedure. Without rehydration, carcasses dissected more than 1 day post-mortem had noticeable degradation of cysticercoids. Mild rehydration (soaking in water only for 2 days, or 0.5-10% KOH for 1 h followed by 1 day in water, or 0.5% KOH for 1 day) left carcasses tough and time-consuming to dissect, but all parasites could be recovered and were similar in body size to fresh cysticercoids. Moderate rehydration (5-10% KOH for 1 day) allowed all parasites to be recovered and facilitated dissection by partially dissolving internal organs of the beetle while causing little degradation of the cysticercoids. Harsh rehydration (5-10% KOH for 1 day followed by 5 days in water) not only dissolved internal beetle tissues but also severely damaged cysticercoids, such that parasite counts were unreliable. The degree of initial carcass desiccation had little effect on results following rehydration. However, regardless of treatment used, intact cercomers were rarely retained on rehydrated cysticercoids. Rehydration was less successful on early developmental stages of the parasite, which were recovered reliably only as they neared the cysticercoid stage. This method has utility for studies of parasite-induced mortality by permitting accurate and reliable parasite counts from dead, desiccated hosts.

Efficacy of oral afoxolaner plus milbemycin oxime chewables against induced gastrointestinal nematode infections in dogs

The efficacy of oral afoxolaner plus milbemycin oxime combination chewables against induced gastrointestinal nematode infections in dogs was evaluated in six separate studies. Two studies were performed to evaluate the efficacy of the product against Toxocara canis, two studies evaluated the efficacy against Toxascaris leonina, one study evaluated the efficacy against Ancylostoma braziliense, and one study evaluated the efficacy against Ancylostoma caninum. In the A. caninum study, the efficacy of milbemycin oxime alone and afoxolaner alone was also evaluated. Dogs in all studies were inoculated with infective eggs or larvae and confirmed to have patent infections based on a fecal examination prior to allocation to study group and treatment.Each study utilized a randomized block design with blocks based on pre-treatment body weight. All dogs were assigned to blocks based on body weight, and then each dog within a block was randomly assigned to treatment group. There were two groups of 10 dogs each in the T. canis, T. leonina, and A. braziliense studies: 1) an untreated (control) group and 2) a group treated with afoxolaner plus milbemycin oxime chewables (NexGard Spectra®, Merial). This group was treated at a dose as close as possible to the minimum effective dose of afoxolaner and milbemycin oxime (2.5mg+0.5mg per kg body weight, respectively) once on Day 0 using whole chews. There were four groups of 10 dogs each in the A. caninum study: 1) untreated (control), 2) NexGard Spectra® as described above, 3) milbemycin oxime alone (dose of at least 0.5mg per kg of body weight) and 4) afoxalaner alone (dose of at least 2.5mg per kg body weight). For parasite recovery and counts, dogs were euthanized humanely and necropsied seven days after treatment.The efficacy of the afoxolaner plus milbemycin oxime combination was ≥98% against T. canis, ≥95.8% against T. leonina, and 90.2% against A. braziliense. Efficacy of the combination against A. caninum was 99.7%, while the efficacy of milbemycin oxime alone was 99.6% and the efficacy of afoxolaner alone was 2.1%. Dogs treated with afoxolaner plus milbemycin oxime chewables had significantly (p≤0.0002) fewer nematodes than the untreated controls in all studies. There were no adverse events or other health problems that were related to treatment with Nexgard Spectra® in these studies.The results of these controlled studies demonstrate the high efficacy of the afoxolaner plus milbemycin oxime chewables against a broad range of canine intestinal nematode infections.

Plasmodium vivax malaria among pregnant women in Eastern Sudan

ObjectiveTo determine the epidemiology of malaria [especially Plasmodium vivax (P. vivax)] among pregnant women in Eastern Sudan. MethodsA cross sectional study was conducted in the antenatal care of New Halfa hospital, Eastern Sudan to investigate the prevalence, manifestations and determinants of malaria (especially P. vivax) among pregnant women. ResultsOut of 2 378 pregnant women, there were 48 (2.0%) and 36 (1.5%) Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) and P. vivax infection, respectively. There was no significant difference in the age, parity, gestational age between women with malaria and healthy controls. The mean ± SD of the temperature was significantly higher in patients with P. vivax than in patient with P. falciparum malaria [(38.6 ± 0.7) °C vs. (38.1 ± 0.6) °C, P = 0.001]. Patients with P. vivax malaria had slightly (not reach statistical significance) lower hemoglobin level compared with P. falciparum malaria and healthy controls. The geometric parasite count showed no significant difference between patients with P. vivax and P. falciparum malaria infections (12 189.9 vs. 9 755.1 trophozoite/μL, P = 0.356). ConclusionsP. vivax malaria is an existing health problem in Eastern Sudan. Further research is also needed.

Malaria case clinical profiles and Plasmodium falciparum parasite genetic diversity: a cross sectional survey at two sites of different malaria transmission intensities in Rwanda.

BackgroundMalaria remains a public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa with Plasmodiumfalciparum being the principal cause of malaria disease morbidity and mortality. Plasmodium falciparum virulence is attributed, in part, to its population-level genetic diversity—a characteristic that has yet to be studied in Rwanda. Characterizing P. falciparum molecular epidemiology in an area is needed for a better understand of malaria transmission and to inform choice of malaria control strategies.MethodsIn this health-facility based survey, malaria case clinical profiles and parasite densities as well as parasite genetic diversity were compared among P.falciparum-infected patients identified at two sites of different malaria transmission intensities in Rwanda. Data on demographics and clinical features and finger-prick blood samples for microscopy and parasite genotyping were collected. Nested PCR was used to genotype msp-2 alleles of FC27 and 3D7.ResultsPatients’ variables of age group, sex, fever (both by patient report and by measured tympanic temperatures), parasite density, and bed net use were found differentially distributed between the higher endemic (Ruhuha) and lower endemic (Mubuga) sites. Overall multiplicity of P.falciparum infection (MOI) was 1.73 but with mean MOI found to vary significantly between 2.13 at Ruhuha and 1.29 at Mubuga (p < 0.0001). At Ruhuha, expected heterozygosity (EH) for FC27 and 3D7 alleles were 0.62 and 0.49, respectively, whilst at Mubuga, EH for FC27 and 3D7 were 0.26 and 0.28, respectively.ConclusionsIn this study, a higher geometrical mean parasite counts, more polyclonal infections, higher MOI, and higher allelic frequency were observed at the higher malaria-endemic (Ruhuha) compared to the lower malaria-endemic (Mubuga) area. These differences in malaria risk and MOI should be considered when choosing setting-specific malaria control strategies, assessing p. falciparum associated parameters such as drug resistance, immunity and impact of used interventions, and in proper interpretation of malaria vaccine studies.

Parasite assemblages of Double-crested Cormorants as indicators of host populations and migration behavior

The Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) is culled in many states because of the real and presumed damages it inflicts on farmed and recreational fisheries and other ecosystem services. Resident cormorant colonies breeding in the southeastern United States are protected in some areas, so it is important to distinguish these from co-occurring but unprotected migratory cormorants. Migratory P. auritus are likely to contain helminthic parasite communities that differ from those of non-migratory, resident birds, because they will encounter a wider variety of habitats and intermediate host communities during migrations. Here, we document five distinct assemblages of helminth parasites collected from 218 P. auritus culled from 11 sites in Alabama, Minnesota, Mississippi, and Vermont. The assemblages of P. auritus parasites are distinct among many sampling locations and can be used to correctly predict where a host cormorant has been feeding. We provide evidence for mixing of cormorants at a regional scale using discriminant analysis, which suggests there is a single population of migratory cormorants. Furthermore, our models strongly differentiate between migratory and resident P. auritus in the southeastern United States. In conjunction with species-by species latitudinal and longitudinal trends, our models could serve as effective tools for managers interested in both the population control of migratory cormorants and the conservation of non-migratory, resident birds. Finally, parasite counts per host are notoriously variable with many zeros and a few large numbers, leading many researchers to use simple prevalence in their analyses. We show that an intermediate level of data resolution, using species occurrence ranks within individual hosts, behaves well statistically and provides the greatest discrimination among distinct host groupings.

Efficacy of a topical combination of fipronil, (S)-methoprene, eprinomectin and praziquantel (Broadline(®)) against naturally acquired infections with cestodes of the genus Joyeuxiella in cats.

Cats are host to dipylidiid cestodes of the genera Diplopylidium, Dipylidium and Joyeuxiella. Broadline(®), a topical broad-spectrum combination parasiticide containing fipronil (8.3% w/v), (S)-methoprene (10% w/v), eprinomectin (0.4% w/v) and the cestocide praziquantel (8.3% w/v), has previously been shown to be efficacious against Dipylidium caninum and Diplopylidium spp. in cats. To evaluate its efficacy against Joyeuxiella species, a blinded clinical efficacy study was conducted according to GCP. All cats had evidence for naturally acquired dipylidiid cestode infection as confirmed by pre-treatment examination. Cats were allocated randomly to two groups of 13 cats each based on bodyweight: Control (untreated) and Broadline(®) at 0.12mL/kg bodyweight administered once topically. Based on the comparison of helminth counts in the treated and untreated cats seven days post treatment, Broadline(®) demonstrated >99% efficacy (p < 0.01) against mature J. fuhrmanni and J. pasqualei, with 11 and 13 of the untreated cats harbouring 1 to 102 or 2 to 95 cestodes, respectively. In addition, parasite counts indicated 95.9% efficacy (p = 0.006) against the rictularoid nematode Pterygodermatites cahirensis.

Efficacy and safety of a novel oral isoxazoline, sarolaner (Simparica™) in the treatment of naturally occurring flea and tick infestations in dogs presented as veterinary patients in Europe

Two randomised, blinded, multi-centered field studies were conducted in Europe to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of three monthly oral doses of sarolaner (Simparica™, Zoetis) administered at a minimum dosage of 2.0mg/kg (range 2–4mg/kg) against natural flea or tick infestation of dogs presented as veterinary patients. In the flea study, the improvement in clinical signs associated with flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) was also investigated. The palatability of the sarolaner chewable tablet formulation was evaluated in both studies. Spinosad (Comfortis® Chewable Tablets, Elanco) and fipronil (Frontline® Spot on, Merial) were used as positive controls in the flea and tick study, respectively. Treatments were administered on Days 0, 30 and 60. Efficacy was calculated based on the mean percent reduction of live parasite counts on post-treatment days 14, 30, 60 and 90 versus the pre-treatment count on Day 0. Non-inferiority of sarolaner to the control products was assessed at each time-point using a margin of 15% at the one-sided 0.025 significance level.Dogs were enrolled in a 2:1 ratio (sarolaner:comparator); 285 flea- and 181 tick-infested dogs were assessed for efficacy and safety, and 137 and 48 dogs were assessed for safety only, in the flea and tick study, respectively. There were no treatment-related adverse events.Efficacy against fleas was 98.8%, 99.4%, >99.9% and >99.9% in the sarolaner-treated group and 98.9%, 93.7%, 96.8% and 95.1% in the spinosad-treated group on Days 14, 30, 60 and 90, respectively. Sarolaner was non-inferior to spinosad at all time-points and was superior on Day 30. For the 42 dogs identified as having FAD at enrolment, the clinical signs of FAD improved in all dogs and the incidence was markedly reduced by the end of the study.Efficacy against ticks was 97.4%, 97.6%, 99.8% and 100% in the sarolaner-treated group and 94.1%, 88.5%, 89.9% and 98.1% in the fipronil-treated group on Days 14, 30, 60 and 90, respectively. Sarolaner was non-inferior to fipronil at all time-points, and was superior on Days 30 and 60. Sarolaner tablets were voluntarily and fully consumed within one minute in 93% of the 1280 occasions offered.Sarolaner administered orally at monthly intervals at a minimum dosage of 2 mg/kg was safe and highly effective against natural infestations of fleas and ticks on dogs. In addition, clinical signs FAD improved in dogs treated with sarolaner, and the flavored, chewable tablets were highly palatable.

Evaluation of the speed of kill, effects on reproduction, and effectiveness in a simulated infested-home environment of sarolaner (Simparica™) against fleas on dogs

Four studies were conducted to evaluate the speed of kill, effect on egg production, and efficacy in a simulated infested-home environment of a novel isoxazoline, sarolaner (Simparica™, Zoetis), against fleas on dogs. Individually identified and housed, purpose-bred Beagles were used in each study and were allocated randomly to groups based on pretreatment parasite counts. In two speed of kill studies, groups of dogs infested with 100 fleas prior to treatment were treated orally with placebo or sarolaner tablets providing the minimum dose of 2mg/kg and then re-infested with fleas weekly for five weeks post-treatment. Comb counts were conducted to determine the numbers of viable fleas at one to three, four, eight and 12h after treatment and each subsequent infestation. In the egg production study, sarolaner- and placebo-treated dogs were similarly challenged with fleas and at 48h after each infestation the dogs were housed for 20h in cages allowing the collection and counting of all flea eggs produced during this period. Collected eggs were incubated to evaluate hatch and development to adults. The last study used dogs housed in a flea-infested simulated-home environment. Dogs were allocated to treatment with either placebo or sarolaner tablets providing a dose of 2mg/kg once a month for three treatments. Flea infestations were assessed by comb counts (fleas were replaced on the dogs) on Days 14, 30, 44, 60, 74 and 90.The speed of kill studies demonstrated that a single 2mg/kg oral dose of sarolaner started killing fleas within three to four hours after treatment or subsequent re-infestations for up to a month, and achieved ≥98% control of fleas by eight hours after treatment or re-infestation for 28 days. In the study to assess effects on flea reproduction, a single oral treatment of sarolaner resulted in the complete cessation of egg-laying for 35 days. This rapid kill of fleas and inhibition of reproduction were confirmed in a simulated-home environment where the existing infestations were reduced by >95% within two weeks of the first treatment and eliminated from the dogs after two monthly doses.

The correlation between platelet count and parasite density in children with malaria infection

ObjectiveTo assess the correlation between platelet count and parasite density. MethodsA cross-sectional study of febrile children was conducted in Batubara Regency, North Sumatra, Indonesia. We used rapid diagnostic tests and blood smears to identify children with malaria infection. Platelet counts and measurement of parasite density were performed manually using a microscope. ResultsA total of 72 children with positive malaria infection were enrolled in the study. Sixty one children had Plasmodium vivax, two children had Plasmodium falciparum, and nine children had mixed infection. The mean platelet count from all patients was (230 940.00 ± 96 611.53)/µL and the mean parasite density was (2 254.83 ± 1 432.55)/µL. There was a weak negative correlation between the platelet count and the parasitemia count (r = –0.145). The platelet count in the mixed infection group was significantly lower [(175 444.44 ± 48 093.95)/µL] than that in the vivax malaria group [(231 927.87 ± 99 475.28)/µL] (P = 0.024). Children with splenomegaly had a significantly lower platelet count [(189 655.56 ± 80 115.76)/µL versus (245 230.77 ± 98 380.74)/µL, P = 0.04] and a higher parasite density [(3 635.78 ± 1 623.70)/µL versus (1 789.88 ± 927.29)/µL, P < 0.000 1] than those without splenomegaly. ConclusionsThere was a weak negative correlation between the platelet count and parasite count.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of a novel oral formulation of sarolaner (Simparica™) for the treatment and control of fleas on dogs

The efficacy of a single oral dose of a novel isoxazoline, sarolaner (Simparica™, Zoetis), for the treatment and control of flea infestations on dogs was confirmed in five laboratory studies. The studies were conducted using adult purpose-bred Beagles and/or mixed breed dogs. All animals were individually identified and housed, and were allocated randomly to treatment with either placebo or sarolaner (eight to 10 per group) based on pretreatment parasite counts. Three studies used cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis felis) strains recently isolated from the field from the US, EU, or Australia; in the fourth study a laboratory strain (KS1) with documented tolerance to a number of insecticides such as fipronil, imidacloprid, and permethrin was used. In the fifth study, dogs were infested with dog fleas, Ctenocephalides canis. Dogs were treated orally on Day 0 with a placebo or a sarolaner tablet providing a minimum dose of 2mg/kg. Dogs were infested with approximately 100 unfed, adult fleas prior to treatment and at weekly intervals post-treatment. Comb counts were conducted to determine the numbers of viable fleas at 24h after treatment and after each subsequent infestation. Efficacy against C. felis and C. canis was 99.8–100% from treatment through Day 35. In all five studies, elimination of existing infestations was achieved within 24h after dosing, with only a single live C. felis found on one dog on Day 1. Similarly, control of flea challenges was achieved within 24h after infestation throughout the 35day study periods, with only single live C. felis found on two dogs on Day 28 in one study, and on a single dog on Day 35 in another study. There were no adverse reactions to treatment with sarolaner. These studies confirmed that a single oral dose of sarolaner at 2mg/kg provided highly effective treatment of existing C. felis infestations and persistent control of C. felis on dogs for 35days after treatment. Efficacy equivalent to that seen with C. felis was confirmed against C. canis and a known insecticide-tolerant strain of C. felis.

A New Antileishmanial Preparation of Combined Solamargine and Solasonine Heals Cutaneous Leishmaniasis through Different Immunochemical Pathways.

Little has been done during the past 100 years to develop new antileishmanial drugs. Most infected individuals live in poor countries and have a low cash income to be attractive targets to pharmaceutical corporations. Two heterosidic steroids, solamargine and solasonine, initially identified as major components of the Brazilian plant Solanum lycocarpum, were tested for leishmanicidal activity. Both alkaloids killed intracellular and extracellular Leishmania mexicana parasites more efficiently than the reference drug sodium stibogluconate. A total of 10 μM each individual alkaloid significantly reduced parasite counts in infected macrophages and dendritic cells. In vivo treatment of C57BL/6 mice with a standardized topical preparation containing solamargine (45.1%) and solasonine (44.4%) gave significant reductions in lesion sizes and parasite counts recovered from lesions. Alkaloids present different immunochemical pathways in macrophages and dendritic cells. We conclude that this topical preparation is effective and a potential new and inexpensive treatment for cutaneous leishmaniasis.

UK malaria treatment guidelines 2016.

UK malaria treatment guidelines 2016.

The febrile child: how frequent should we investigate for urinary tract infection

Background: Febrile illness in children remains the most common cause of emergency room visit. In many tropical countries where malaria is endemic, children presenting with fever are treated for malaria presumptuously. Current evidence suggests however that malarial parasitaemia in febrile children is declining and the prevalence of other causes of fever apparently on the increase. Therefore, highlighting such causes of fever as urinary tract infection (UTI) is indispensable. This is much so as UTI not only is common in younger children and often neglected but also associated with long term complications. Methods: Children aged 6- 59months with fever of less than 2weeks were consecutively recruited. Each child had both clinical evaluation and preliminary laboratory assessment such as dipstick urinalysis. Further microbiological and radiological evaluations were performed where necessary: blood film for malarial parasite identification and count, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis and chest X-ray. Results: Of the 303 children 180 (59.4%) were males and 123 were females (40.6%). The mean age was 21.7±14.0months, 54.5% were less than 24months. ARI accounted for 44.6% (mainly tonsillitis, 61%, pneumonia, 27% and otitis media, 12%), while malaria and UTI were observed in 38.3% and 4.6% respectively. Five (35.7%) patients with UTI were males while 9 (64.3%) were females. Their combined mean age was 25.4±18.6months, 57% of these children were less than 24 months old. In 3(21.4%), UTI coexisted with malaria. Conclusions: Acute respiratory infection, malaria and UTI are the three leading causes of fever in children under 5 years. Keywords: Fever, Children, Acute respiratory infection, Malaria, UTI