Parasites Of Public Health Importance Research Articles

Transcriptomic Insights into the Developmental Dynamics of Eimeria acervulina: A Comparative Study of a Precocious Line and the Wild Type.

Coccidiosis, a parasitic disease caused by single or multiple Eimeria species, leads to significant economic losses in the poultry industry. The Eimeria life cycle includes schizogony, gametogony, and sporogony. To investigate the dynamics of gene expression and regulatory networks during the development of Eimeria acervulina, we employed time-course transcriptomics to rigorously compare the gene expression patterns between a precocious line (PL) and the wild type (WT) of E. acervulina. The results revealed that the PL enters into gametogony 12 h earlier than the WT, and both the PL and WT exhibited distinct clustering patterns during the development phase. A weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) identified genes specifically expressed at four distinct developmental stages, schizogony, gametogony, sporulated oocysts, and unsporulated oocysts, clarifying the key biological processes at each stage. This study used global transcriptome profiling to elucidate molecular variations throughout the E. acervulina life cycle, providing critical insights into molecular characterization and valuable resources for investigating other apicomplexan parasites of public health importance.

Influence of physicochemical parameters on the biodiversity indices of fresh water snails in selected rivers of Osun State, Nigeria

Studies have investigated the influence of environmental factors on distribution of vectors of parasites of public health importance but little is known on the role of these factors on the biodiversity indices of the vectors. This study is therefore set to assess the role of physicochemical parameters on biodiversity indices of fresh water snails. The study was carried out in three randomly selected communities across the three senatorial regions of Osun state namely Ere Ijesha, Ede and Erin-Osun. Through reports from community members, a mostly visited river from each community was selected. Three contact points with evident human water contact were identified for snail and water sampling. Morphological identification of snails was done. Physicochemical parameters of water were measured while snail biodiversity indices were determined using Shannon index, snail richness and abundance. Relationship between continuous variables was determined using Spearman’s correlation. There is a significant difference between pH values of Ere Ijesa and Erin Osun while Ede and Erin Osun also show a significant difference in their chloride concentration. A significant positive correlation was observed between pH and diversity (correlation coefficient (rho)= 0.64, P<0.05), pH and Bulinus abundance (rho= 0.68, P< 0.05), chloride and snail richness (rho= -0.65, P< 0.05), chloride and diversity (rho= -0.88, P< 0.01), BOD and snail richness (rho= -0.78, P < 0.05), BOD and diversity (rho= -0.64, P<0.05) COD and snail richness (rho= -0.61, P< 0.05). Ede had highest diversity index while Ere Ijesa had highest Bulinus abundance. Erin Osun was the least in terms of snail richness, diversity and Bulinus abundance. Snail diversity, snail richness and Bulinus abundance significantly differ across the sampling locations (P< 0.01). Physicochemical parameters such as pH, chloride content, BOD and COD have significant role to play in fresh water snail richness, snail diversity and Bulinus abundance.

Iraqi household cockroaches collected from Diyala Province are potential vectors of medically-important parasites

Household cockroaches constitute a significant public health threat due to their capacity of transmitting medically-important parasites and other pathogens. The role of Iraqi household cockroaches as potential vectors of medically-important parasites was evaluated in the present study. Fifty cockroaches (Periplaneta americana) were collected from different dwelling places of Baquba City, Diyala Province during the period from October to December 2022. The contents of their guts and external body surfaces were examined for the presence of medically-important parasites. The overall prevalence rate of parasitic infestation on the external body surfaces was 60.0%, while the overall prevalence rate of parasitic infection in the guts was 56.0%. Based on capture sites, cockroaches trapped in the toilets had more parasites than those caught from kitchens and rooms. Four species of medically important parasites were isolated from the external body surfaces of the cockroaches; three species were identified as protozoa and only one species was helminth. The protozoan parasites were identified as Blastocystis spp. (36.0%), Giardia spp. (14.0%) and Cryptosporidium spp. (4.0%). In addition, five species of medically important parasites were isolated from the gut contents; four species were identified as protozoa and only one species was helminth. The protozoan parasites were identified as Blastocystis spp. (24.0%), Giardia spp. (10.0%), Cryptosporidium spp. (8.0%), and Entamoeba histolytica/ E. dispar (2.0%). Enterobius vermicularis was the only helminth parasite isolated from both gut contents (2.0%) and external body surfaces (2.0%). In conclusion, the results showed that cockroaches were found to harbor intestinal parasites of public health importance and awareness on the potential role of these insects in the transmission of human intestinal parasites needs to be established

Gray wolves as sentinels for the presence of Echinococcus spp. and other gastrointestinal parasites in France

Over the past 30 years, the gray wolf population has recovered in France, initially to wolves from Italy passing through the Alps. The population is carefully monitored, but little information is available on their helminth fauna, which includes parasites of public health importance: Echinococcus multilocularis and Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato. Capitalizing on the availability of 911 fecal samples collected for the noninvasive genetic monitoring of French wolf populations, along with the intestines from 15 dead wolves, the presence of Echinococcus species among others helminth species was evaluated in French wolves. A copro-PCR approach amplifying a large spectrum of parasites was used for fecal samples while intestines were analyzed using SCT. The fecal occurrences of E. granulosus sensu stricto (2.4%) and E. multilocularis (0.3%), and indeedother parasitic species, are similar to those of other European wolf populations including Taenia hydatigena (7.2%), Taenia krabbei (2.4%), Uncinaria stenocephala (2.4%), Mesocestoides litteratus (1.9%), Taenia ovis (0.3%), Taenia multiceps (0.1%), and Toxascaris leonina (0.1%). The three most abundant species were also found in the intestines. Infections by E. granulosus sensu stricto are in accordance with the overlap of wolf pack areas and sheep breeding pastoral units. However, the wolf does not appear to play a significant role in the lifecycle of E. granulosus sensu stricto. The availability of this opportunistic fecal sampling of wolves in southeastern France means that they can be used as sentinels for the surveillance of E. multilocularis in the context of its southward expansion observed in recent years.

Absence of Giardia spp. in fecal samples from capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) inhabiting urban areas in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.

Giardiasis is a major cause of diarrhea in humans and animals worldwide. Currently, there are nine species of Giardia, including Giardia duodenalis, which infects most vertebrates. The capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) is the largest herbivorous rodent in the world. Although capybaras are hosts of several parasites of public health importance, including helminths and protozoa, there is a paucity of research on their zoonotic potential. We investigated the prevalence of Giardia spp. in populations of capybaras living in urban areas. Fecal samples from 247 capybaras were collected in Lagoa Maior, located in the municipality of Três Lagoas, and in Lago do Amor and Parque das Nações Indígenas, both located in the municipality of Campo Grande, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Fecal samples from capybaras originated from 133 adults (54%), 61 cubs (25%), and 53 juveniles (21%); 183 samples were collected in the rainy season and 64 in the dry season. Giardia spp. DNA was screened by the small-subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) targeted PCR. Samples with DNA band sizes suggestive of Giardia spp. amplicons were examined by PCR targeting the glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) and triosephosphate isomerase (TPI) genes. PCR amplicons were subjected to genetic sequencing. Nested PCR screening of the SSU rRNA gene revealed 16 samples showing faint DNA bands in gel electrophoresis with sizes similar to Giardia spp. amplicons. PCR amplicons of the SSU rRNA gene were analyzed by Sanger sequencing. Most of the sequencing reactions failed, and the chromatogram reads of some samples were ambiguous, suggesting nonspecific amplification. Therefore, all the capybara fecal samples were considered negative for Giardia spp. Two published studies on Giardia spp. in capybaras reported findings similar to ours, i.e., the absence or a low positivity rate for Giardia spp. However, further studies are needed to determine the possible role of capybaras in the epidemiology of giardiasis.

Anthropophilic Small Mammals: Potential Source of Zoonotic Enteric Parasites in the Commune of Abobo, District of Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire)

Objectives: This study aims to identify and assess intestinal parasites with zoonotic potential in terrestrial small mammals to better understand the associated risks. Methods: Live captures were performed using Sherman traps placed in human dwellings within the Abobo commune of Abidjan. Captured animals were euthanized and their legs were thoroughly washed with a Sodium Acetate Acetic Acid Formol solution. Subsequently, the digestive tract contents and leg washing fluids were examined using the Ritchie concentration method. Results: Mus musculus (75.3%) and Rattus rattus (13.5%) emerged as the most prevalent of small mammal species. Overall, 33.3% of these animals were infected with intestinal parasites. The predominant helminth species were Hymenolepis diminuta (8.9%) and Ancylostoma sp. (6.9%), while the primary pathogenic protozoa detected was Giardia intestinalis (2.3%). Conclusion: The presence of parasites of public health importance proves that cohabitation of small mammals with humans poses a significant risk to both public and veterinary health. These data therefore provide valuable information to local and provincial administrations, which should consider population control measures for small mammals to mitigate the transmission of zoonotic diseases to humans. They also provide information to medical practitioners for the diagnosis of possible zoonoses, and a reference for further studies in urban environments in Cote d'Ivoire.

Bedbug infestation in Lahore hospitals.

Bedbug infestation has been reported globally, but there are few reports about this parasite of public health importance in Pakistan. This is the first study on bedbug infestation in a healthcare setting in Lahore, Pakistan. To study bedbug infestation in public sector hospitals in Lahore, Pakistan. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 86 wards of 2 tertiary care hospitals in Lahore during October and November 2019, using nonprobability sampling technique. Ward supervisors were interviewed using a self-developed structured questionnaire and wards were examined for bedbugs or their markers. Evidence of bedbug infestation was found in 72.1% of the wards. There was no significant difference in infestation rate between the 2 hospitals but there was a significantly lower incidence of infestation in wards that implemented control measures (25.8% vs 74.2%). No control measures were implemented in 53.4% of the wards sampled. Bedbug infestation was rife in the 2 hospitals studied and knowledge about identification and eradication of the pest among ward supervisors was inadequate. Control measures, where applied, were substandard and not evidence-based.

Prevalence and molecular characterization of Toxoplasma gondii in different types of poultry in Greece, associated risk factors and co-existence with Eimeria spp.

Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite of public health importance, infecting all warm-blooded animals, including chickens. Undercooked chicken meat or relevant products such as sausages could lead to human infections. In free-range, organic and slow-growth farming systems where the susceptibility period for chickens is extended, more knowledge about potential risk factors is essential. This study is the first seroepidemiological survey in different regions and types of chicken farms in Greece, using a major tachyzoite surface antigen-based ELISA (TgSAG1), combined with magnetic-capture PCR (mc-PCR) and bioassay for the isolation of strains from the chickens’ tissues. Potential risk factors for T. gondii infection in these hosts were also investigated. Additionally, the co-existence of T. gondii and Eimeria spp. infections was assessed to elucidate epidemiological links between these two protozoan infections. Overall T. gondii seroprevalence was 9.5%. Of the backyard chickens sampled, 41.2% were seropositive and 70% of the organic and free-range layer farms had at least one T. gondii seropositive hen. No serologically positive broilers were found, although mc-PCR revealed a positive sample, highlighting the importance of accurate early-infection direct detection of T. gondii infections to ensure public health. T. gondii isolates obtained by mouse bioassay were genotyped. All belonged to type II (ToxoDB#3) as confirmed also by microsatellite typing. Production system, type of nutrition, and feeding system automation were identified as the most significant risk factors, while no association was found between the presence of cats and T. gondii seropositivity as calculated on both a farm level and per individual bird sampled.

Parasitic Contamination of Fresh Bitter Leaf Vegetables - Onugbu (Vernonia amygdalina): A Case Study of Farms in Nimo, Njikoka Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria

Aim: Vegetables form a major component of the human diet; however, some agricultural practices may put consumers at risk of parasitic infections. There is high consumption of bitter leaf (Onugbu) in the rural part of Nigeria. They are eaten raw as medicinal herbs by some people. The culture of inadequate or poor washing of vegetables could pose significant and major health threats to the consumers. The aim of the study was to identify some of the parasites that may be attached to the locally consumed edible vegetable Vernonia amygdalina called Onugbu amongst Igbo speaking dialect in south eastern Nigeria.
 Study Design: This study is a survey that evaluated the parasitic contamination of bitter leaf grown in selected farms in Nimo in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. 
 Duration: The study lasted for six months. 
 Methodology: V. amygdalina leaf samples were bought directly from the farmers at 300 Naira per rap. The examination of sample was carried out using sedimentation method. Samples weighing 50g were gently washed in normal saline water. The water used in washing was filtered and centrifuged at 300g to concentrate the parasitic stages and also to avoid damages. The sediments obtained were transferred unto labelled clean slides and examined under the light microscope at x 40 objective lens.
 Results: Parasites were detected in all samples collected from the farm. The commonest parasite was Entamoeba histolytica (cyst 45.5%); other parasites seen are Entamoeba coli (cyst 13.6%), B. coli (trophozoite 27.3%), Ascaris lumbricoides (ova 9.1%) and Strongyloides stercolaris (larva 4. 6%).
 Conclusion and Recommendations: The results provide evidence of contamination of bitter leaves from farms in Nimo in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria with parasites of public health importance. To avoid infection, humans should wash the leaves of this vegetable with running water or salt and water before it is eating raw.

Food handlers: an important reservoir of protozoans and helminth parasites of public health importance.

Food handlers plays a primary role in the transmission of pathogenically important protozoans and helminth parasites. This study was aimed to evaluate the prevalence of intestinal pathogenic protozoans and helminth parasites among food handlers in and around University of Malakand, Lower Dir, Pakistan. Stool samples were collected from 642 food handlers (all of male) in a cross-sectional study from January to November, 2017. Wet Mount Techniques and concentration methods by using salt and formol-ether solutions. Three hundred and eighty four cases (59.8%) were found infected with one more parasites. Most of the individuals were found infected with helminth (47.6%) as compared to intestinal protozoans (0.93%). Seventy two cases (11.2%) of the cases presented mixed infection with both intestinal protozoan and helminth parasites. The order of prevalence for intestinal helminth was Ancylostoma duodenale (n = 258, 40.1%), followed by Taeniasa ginata (n=96, 14.9%) Ascaris lumbricoides (n = 54, 8.40%) and Trichuris trichura (n=30, 4.60%). For intestinal protozoa, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (n = 36, 5.64%) was the only protozoan detected. Mono-parasitism was higher than poly-parasitism. Family size income and education level were the factors significantly (P<0.05) associated in the parasites prevalence. Current research showed that IPIs are primarily the foodborne pathogens still an important public health problem in Pakistan. Effective control programs on parasitic diseases transfer and their associated factors are recommended.

Identification of Snails and Schistosoma of Medical Importance via Convolutional Neural Networks: A Proof-of-Concept Application for Human Schistosomiasis.

In recent decades, computer vision has proven remarkably effective in addressing diverse issues in public health, from determining the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of diseases in humans to predicting infectious disease outbreaks. Here, we investigate whether convolutional neural networks (CNNs) can also demonstrate effectiveness in classifying the environmental stages of parasites of public health importance and their invertebrate hosts. We used schistosomiasis as a reference model. Schistosomiasis is a debilitating parasitic disease transmitted to humans via snail intermediate hosts. The parasite affects more than 200 million people in tropical and subtropical regions. We trained our CNN, a feed-forward neural network, on a limited dataset of 5,500 images of snails and 5,100 images of cercariae obtained from schistosomiasis transmission sites in the Senegal River Basin, a region in western Africa that is hyper-endemic for the disease. The image set included both images of two snail genera that are relevant to schistosomiasis transmission – that is, Bulinus spp. and Biomphalaria pfeifferi – as well as snail images that are non-component hosts for human schistosomiasis. Cercariae shed from Bi. pfeifferi and Bulinus spp. snails were classified into 11 categories, of which only two, S. haematobium and S. mansoni, are major etiological agents of human schistosomiasis. The algorithms, trained on 80% of the snail and parasite dataset, achieved 99% and 91% accuracy for snail and parasite classification, respectively, when used on the hold-out validation dataset – a performance comparable to that of experienced parasitologists. The promising results of this proof-of-concept study suggests that this CNN model, and potentially similar replicable models, have the potential to support the classification of snails and parasite of medical importance. In remote field settings where machine learning algorithms can be deployed on cost-effective and widely used mobile devices, such as smartphones, these models can be a valuable complement to laboratory identification by trained technicians. Future efforts must be dedicated to increasing dataset sizes for model training and validation, as well as testing these algorithms in diverse transmission settings and geographies.

Molecular characterization and histo-physiological alterations induced by concurrent helminthosis in the liver of urban commensal rodents in Punjab, India.

Rodents harbour a number of parasites of public health importance, thus, they threaten human health and livestock. The present study aimed to characterize two helminthic species found in commensal rodents and record histo-physiological alterations induced by them. A total of 300 synanthropic rodents of three species: Rattus rattus (n=201), Bandicota bengalensis (n=90), and Mus musculus ( n=09 ) were live trapped and necropsied in different seasons during November 2017 to October 2019 at Ludhiana, Punjab, India. Liver of two species B. bengalensis (72.22%) and R. rattus (65.67%) were found infected with two helminthic parasites Taenia taeniaeformis, and Calodium hepaticum. These endoparasites were present either alone (4.33-6.33%) or as mixed infection (65.55%). The level of total proteins and liver marker enzymes including aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were found significantly higher in the liver of rodent species infected with single and mixed infection compared to those with no infection. In histopathological assay, granulomatous liver lesions and necrosis of hepatocytes were seen which were associated with eggs and adults of C. hepaticum and inflammatory reaction in hepatic parenchyma adjoining to cysts of T. taeniaeformis. Based upon scanning electron microscopy (SEM) identification and molecular characterization using mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) region, the metacestodes in whitish cysts were confirmed to be of T. taeniaeformis for the first time in Punjab, India. The study highlights an alarmingly high infection of rodents with zoonotic parasites and suggests immediate pest (rodent) control to check the dissemination of zoonotic diseases by helminth species under study.

Incidence of gastro intestinal parasites in cattle of fringe villages of chakrashila wild life sanctuary in B.T.A.D. (Assam) in post monsoon period

Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary falling under the two districts of Lower Assam under BTAD (Bodoland Territorial Area Districts) of Dhubri and Kokrajhar and covers approximately 45.568 kms2. The humid climatic condition of Assam is very conducive for the growth and multiplication of parasites and cause clinical and subclinical parasitism. Subclinical infections are responsible for high morbidity and mortality in young animals and enormous production losses in adults. Different species of gastrointestinal parasites including zoonotic parasites of public health importance have been reported from cattle of this region. The monsoon season is the ideal time for the mass propagation of parasitic load in environment. The average overall prevalence rate occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in cattle was found to be 64.45% in these villages wherein the main parasitic load was of Fasciola gigantica, Toxocara vitulorum, Eimeria sp., Amphistome sp., and Buxtonella sp. in both Choraikhola and Harinaguri villages wherein there was a gradual decrease in parasitic load from the month of October towards December-2018. Coccidiosis due to Eimeria sp. from Choraikhola and Harinaguri were found to be the predominating disease with an overall prevalence of (44.45%) and (62.23%) respectively, which is in accordance with the earlier findings of coccidiosis in buffalo calves in winter months in India.

Parasitic burden of African squirrels captured in a Nigerian University community

Most emerging diseases in humans have zoonotic reservoirs which are often wildlife species. In Nigeria, very few studieshave reported parasites of small mammals with observed variations in parasitic burden. The parasitic burden of Africansquirrels captured in a University community was studied between November 2018 and February 2019. A total of 33 squirrelsbelonging to two species (Funisciurus anerythrus (60.6%) and Heliosciurus gambianus (39.4%)) were trapped withtomahawk live trap and examined for parasitic infections. The squirrels were examined for ectoparasites from skin scrapings.Blood and gastrointestinal content were collected to assess haemoparasites and gastrointestinal parasites, respectively.Haematological parameters were assessed. Six (18.2%) squirrels of 33 examined were positive for ectoparasite (mite)identified as Ornithonyssus bacoti. Haemoparasites identified include Trypanosoma spp. (9.1%), Plasmodium spp. (3.0%)and Microfilaria worm (3.0%), with overall prevalence of 15.2%. All the 33 squirrels captured were infected with helminthparasites. The small intestine and stomach had the highest and lowest parasitic ova counts, respectively. The parasite with thehighest prevalence was Hymenolepis spp. (75.8%) and the lowest were Heligmosomoides spp. (3.0%), Oxyuroid ova (3.0%),Aspicularis spp. (3.0%), Strongyloides spp. (3.0%) and Schistosoma spp. (3.0%). Blood parameters according to specieswere not significant. However, animals with co-infection showed lower packed cell volume (PCV) and haemoglobin (Hb)values compared to single infections. Helminth-only infected squirrel showed marked eosinopenia. Parasites of public healthimportance were prevalent in squirrels trapped in the University community. Therefore, humans should avoid unprotectedcontact with squirrels and their excreta.&#x0D; Keywords: Squirrels, parasites, helminths, haemoparasites, ectoparasites

Parasitic contamination and public health risk of commonly consumed vegetables in Ibadan-Nigeria.

Introductionvegetables form a major component of the human diet. However, poor agronomic practices may put consumers at risk of parasitic infections. This study evaluated the parasitic contamination of vegetables grown in selected farms in Ibadan, Nigeria.MethodsTwo hundred and eighty vegetable species: African eggplant (Solanum macrocarpon), lettuce (Lactuca sativa), cucumber (Brassica oleracea), spinach (Amaranthus cruentus), white jute (Corchorus olitorius), pumpkin (Telfaria occidentalis), green pepper (Capsicum sp.), okro (Abelmoschus esculentus), quill grass (Celosia argenta L), tomato (Lycopersicum sativus) were collected from farms within Ibadan. Samples were washed in water, and the resulting washing solution was filtered and centrifuged to concentrate the parasitic stages. Sediments were examined by iodine and modified Ziehl-Neelsen stained smears technique.Resultsparasites were detected in 14 (5.0%, 95% CI 32.6%-67.3%) of samples. The highest contaminated vegetable was white jute 32.1 (95% CI 17.9%-50.6%), followed by pumpkin 7.1(95% CI 1.9-22.6), quill grass 7.1% (95% CI 1.9-22.6) and lettuce 3.5 (95% CI 0.6-17.7). The commonest parasites were Strongyloides stercoralis larvae 42.9 (95% CI 21.3-67.4), Entamoeba histolytica/E.dipaar 21.4 (95% CI 7.5-47.5), Trichostrongylus spp 21.4 (95% CI 21.3-67.4), and Ascaris sp. 14.3 (95% CI 4.0-39.9).Conclusionthese findings provide evidence of contamination of vegetables from farms in Ibadan with parasites of public health importance. Information on best practices should be designed, packaged and disseminated through appropriate channels to enhance positive behavior change among farmers.

Helminth parasites occurrence in wild proboscis monkeys (Nasalis larvatus), endemic primates to Borneo Island.

Nasalis larvatus are well-known attraction for tourists in the mangrove forest of Bako National Park (BNP). Little is known regarding the infestation of helminth parasites in proboscis monkeys. Therefore, the objectives of this study are to determine the prevalence species of major helminth parasites of public health importance in proboscis monkeys in BNP. A total of 65 faecal samples screened for helminth parasites via sodium nitrate floatation and faecal sedimentation techniques. A total of 14 helminth parasite species comprising of eight genera of nematodes, two species of cestodes and two trematodes were identified. Eggs of Trichuris trichiura were the most frequently encountered in proboscis monkeys. This is the first survey on the fauna of helminth parasites of proboscis monkeys living in mangrove forests, and therefore, it implies the important baseline information that increases our current knowledge for future research regarding parasite-host ecology in primates.

Not just a walk in the park: Occurrence of intestinal parasites in dogs roaming recreational parks in Chandigarh, Northern India.

Chandigarh, a city in North-west India, has numerous parks and recreational areas where stray dogs roam freely and pet dogs are exercised. This allows for extensive human-dog interaction, which may pose a public health threat. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites of public health importance, and their seasonal variation, in canine faecal samples obtained from recreational parks in Chandigarh. A total of 212 samples were collected from 10 parks during the winter (January 2015; N = 107) and monsoon season (September 2015; N = 105), to assess the prevalence of intestinal zoonotic parasites and any seasonal variations. The samples were analysed for helminth eggs using McMaster counting chambers. Immunofluorescent antibody testing was used to analyse samples for Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts. The Giardia-positive samples were genotyped by conventional multi-locus PCR to determine their assemblage and zoonotic potential. Among the 212 samples, strongyle-type eggs were found in 34 (16.0%), Toxocara spp. eggs were found in 6 (2.8%), taeniid eggs in 1 (0.5%), Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts in 4 (1.9%) and Giardia duodenalis cysts in 49 (23.1%). Trichuris eggs were not detected. The majority of the successfully amplified Giardia isolates belonged to canid-specific assemblages. The prevalence of Giardia cysts in faecal samples was significantly higher during winter than in the monsoon season, whereas helminth-egg prevalence unaffected by season. The prevalence of strongyle-type eggs and Giardia cysts in dog faeces was lower in more affluent areas of the city than those of less affluence. There was no significant difference in the intensity of infection between the seasons. The results indicate that faeces from dogs contaminating parks in Chandigarh do not usually contain parasite transmission stages that pose a significant risk to human health. However, the importance of minimising contamination of public parks with dog faeces is highlighted.

Pre harvest and post-harvest assessment of geohelminth and protozoan parasites contamination of vegetables in Ibadan, Southwest, Nigeria.

Consumption of fresh vegetables is one of the major routes of transmission of intestinal parasites of public health importance which have been incriminated as one of the main causes of foodborne outbreaks. In an attempt to bridge the knowledge gap associated with the pre-harvest and post-harvest parasitic contamination of vegetables in Nigeria, this study was conducted to assess geohelminths and protozoa contamination of vegetables in farms and markets in Ibadan, southwest, Nigeria. Vegetable samples were screened using simple floatation and sedimentation methods for identification of geohelminths ova, larva and protozoan oocysts. Of the total 200 vegetable samples collected, 70 (35%) were positive for geohelminth and protozoan parasites. The results show that the highest level of contamination was detected in African spinach 20 (35.1%), followed by White jute 15 (45.5%), Waterleaf 14 (51.9%), Quill grass 12 (24.5%), Garden eggplant leaf 4 (57.1%), while the least number of contaminated samples was detected in Pepper 1 (%). However, Fluted pumpkin leaves and English Spinach had no parasitic contamination. Waterleaf 3 (11.11%), African spinach 2 (3.5%), Quill grass 2 (4.1%) and White jute 2 (6.1%) had mixed helminths and protozoa infections. Of the total intestinal parasites observed, Strongyloides stercoralis had the highest prevalence 67 (33.5%), followed by Entamoeba coli 27 (13.5%), Ascaris spp. 24 (12%), Trichuris spp. 10 (5%), Filiariform 9 (4.5%), Dicrocoelium spp. 9 (4.5%), Oesophagostomum dentatum 7 (3.5%), Fasciola spp 7 (3.5%), Entamoeba histolytica 6 (3%) while Eimeria spp 6 (3%) had the lowest prevalence. Most farmers 44 (80%) used stream and waste water as their source of irrigation while 11 (20%) of the farmers used well and stream. The relatively high rate of parasitic contamination observed in this study might be due to poor hygienic and sanitary handling of vegetables, poor transportation, packaging of vegetables and contaminated water used for irrigation and washing of vegetables in farms and markets. There is therefore a need for education of farmers and market women on proper handling and hygienic management of vegetables to safe guard the health of the populace.

Endo-parasites of public-health importance recovered from rodents in the Durban metropolitan area, South Africa

Background: Parasite infections of public health importance carried by Rattus spp. on the African continent (excluding toxoplasmosis) have not been adequately researched. The aim of this study was to investigate endoparasites of public health importance, particularly those associated with R. norvegicus, at different locations and seasons within the port-city, Durban.Methods: Four hundred rodents (379 R. norvegicus, 10 R. rattus and 11 Mastomys natalensis) were live-trapped at 60 sites in four locations, during wet and dry seasons in 2009. Rats were humanely euthanased, cardiac blood drawn (for blood smears and serology), ectoparasites removed and dissected. Each organ was separately processed to collect parasites. Binary logistic regression and four-way ANOVAs were used to test for the effects of location, season, rodent age and gender on parasite prevalence, richness and abundance.Results: Eight parasites of public health importance were detected: Gongylonema sp. (25.3%), Trypanosoma lewisi (22.8%), Hymenolepis diminuta (17.2%), Angiostrongylus cantonensis (15.3%), Toxoplasma gondii (11.2%), Moniliformis moniliformis (9.5%), Calodium hepaticum (2.6%) and H. nana (0.8%). Ascaris spp. (probably A. lumbricoides) ova, assumed to have been acquired from consuming infected human faeces were found in rat faeces (4.8%). Parasite species richness was positively associated with location, season and rodent age. Location, season, rat age and gender differentially affected prevalence and worm abundance of parasite species.Conclusions: These occurrence data of parasites of public health importance provide valuable information to local and provincial organisations and medical practitioners for diagnoses of possible zoonoses, and a reference point for further studies in metropolitan areas of Africa.

Detección de Parásitos en Peces Marinos Destinados al Consumo Humano en Lima Metropolitana

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la presencia de parásitos en cinco especies de peces marinos (Sarda chiliensis chiliensis – bonito, Scomber japonicus peruanus – caballa, Trachurus picturatus murphyi – jurel, Mugil cephalus – lisa, y Coryphaena hippurus – perico) destinados al consumo humano. Se utilizaron 150 peces (30 por especie) procedentes de los terminales pesqueros de Chorrillos y Villa María del Triunfo en la provincia de Lima, Perú, entre enero a marzo de 2014. Se encontraron 13 especies de parásitos: monogeneos (Monocotile sp), digeneos (Dinurus sp), protozoos (Henneguya sp), acantocéfalo (Rhadinorhynchus sp), cestodos (Diphyllobothrium pacificum, Hepatoxylon trichiuri, Tentacularia coryphaenae, Nybelinia sp), nematodos (Anisakis simplex, Anisakis physeteris, Contracaecum sp, Proleptus sp) y artrópodos (Caligus sp). El 61.3% de los especímenes presentaron al menos un parásito, habiendo una mayor prevalencia en lisa (86.7%), seguida de perico (76.7%). Asimismo, la mayor carga parasitaria se observó en lisa (424) y bonito (376). Los parásitos más frecuentes fueron Hepatoxylon trichiuri, Nybelinia sp y Proleptus sp. Asimismo, se encontraron parásitos de importancia en salud pública, como el Anisakis sp en todas las especies, a excepción de la lisa, y del Diphyllobothrium pacificum en bonito y perico.