Parasite Co-infection Research Articles

Magnitude and associated factors of Intestinal Parasitosis and Tuberculosis among Tuberculosis suspected patients attending Kuyu General Hospital, North Shewa, Oromia, Ethiopia.

BackgroundIntestinal parasites and Tuberculosis (TB) co-infection is a major public health problem. The parasitic infection suppresses the cell mediated immunity that protects tuberculosis. Helminthes-induced immune modulation promotes progression to active tuberculosis. However, there is paucity of evidences on the intestinal parasites-tuberculosis co-infection in Ethiopia. This study explores the magnitude and associated factors of intestinal parasitic infection and TB among suspected pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB) patients.MethodologyA cross-sectional study design was conducted in Kuyu General Hospital from December 2019—March 2020. The socio-demographic data and associated factors were collected by structured questionnaire and then spot-spot sputum and fresh stool samples were collected following standard guidelines and were processed. Descriptive analysis was conducted and reported in frequency and percentage. Bivariate analysis was computed and a multivariable analysis was conducted to provide an adjusted odds ratio (AOR). P-value <0.05 at 95% confidence interval was considered as statistically significant.ResultsThe burden of intestinal parasites was 20.2% (49/ 242) and 6.1% (20/ 242) of them were helminths infections and 14.1% (29/ 242) were protozoa infections. Of 242 patients, 14.9% (36/242) were sputum smear-positive for acid fast-bacilli. Of 36 smear positive patients, 9(25%) had TB–intestinal parasites co-infection. Dwelling in rural areas and having untrimmed fingernails were statistically significantly associated with intestinal parasites. Having a contact history of Tb patients was significantly associated with pulmonary tuberculosis.ConclusionsThe magnitude of intestinal parasites and TB among PTB suspected patients were high. Hookworm infection was the predominant helmenthic infection. It is important to consider screening TB patients for intestinal parasites and treat co-infection properly.

Parasitic infections among patients hospitalized in the Tropical and Parasitic Clinic of Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poland between 2015 and 2018. Is there a relationship between protozoa infection and gastrointestinal symptoms?

Diarrhoea is a common reason for hospitalization among travellers returning from the tropics. The aetiology is predominantly bacterial, but it can also be caused by parasites such as Giardia intestinalis, Cryptosporidium spp., and Blastocystis spp. We analysed patients from the Poznan Tropical and Parasitic Clinic to evaluate the presence of parasitic infections and to find correlations between infections, journeys, and gastrointestinal symptoms. In our study we examined 2561 stool samples obtained from patients hospitalized in the Tropical and Parasitic Department of Poznan Medical University, Poland. Microscopic examinations of samples were performed based on a direct thin smear in 0.9% NaCl, which allowed the assessment of the presence of protozoa life stages. In 106 (4.14%) of the 2561 examined samples we detected parasites, mainly from people coming back from tropical areas (61.32%). Mostly we detected Blastocystis sp. and Giardia intestinalis. Fifty percent of patients suffered from gastrointestinal symptoms, so careful microscopic stool examination should be performed in every case in which intestinal pathology occurs, and certainly in travelling individuals. Traveling is a real risk factor for protozoa infection. The most common parasites detected in the stool are Blastocystis sp. and Giardia intestinalis. Parasitic coinfection should be taken into consideration as a pathologic agent in patients suffering from abdominal signs and persistent diarrhoea. Prolonged protozoa infection and its role in microbiota alterations requires further investigation.

Repositioning drug strategy against Trypanosoma cruzi: lessons learned from HIV aspartyl peptidase inhibitors.

Chagas disease (CD) is an old neglected problem that affects more than 6 million people through 21 endemic countries in Latin America. Despite being responsible for more than 12 thousand deaths per year, the disease disposes basically of two drugs for its treatment, the nitroimidazole benznidazole and the nitrofuran nifurtimox. However, these drugs have innumerous limitations that greatly reduce the chances of cure. In Brazil, for example, only benznidazole is available to treat CD patients. Therefore, some proof-of-concept phase II clinical trials focused on improving the current treatment with benznidazole, also comparing it with repositioned drugs or combining them. Indeed, repositioning already marketed drugs in view of combating neglected tropical diseases is a very interesting approach in the context of decreased time for approval, better treatment options and low cost for development and implementation. After the introduction of human immunodeficiency virus aspartyl peptidase inhibitors (HIV-PIs) in the treatment of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), the prevalence and incidence of parasitic, fungal and bacterial co-infections suffered a marked reduction, making these HIV-PIs attractive for drug repositioning. In this line, the present perspective presents the promising and beneficial data concerning the effects of HIV-PIs on the clinically relevant forms of Trypanosoma cruzi (i.e., trypomastigotes and amastigotes) and also highlights the ultrastructural and physiological targets for the HIV-PIs on this parasite. Therefore, we raise the possibility that HIV-PIs could be considered as alternative treatment options in the struggle against CD.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites Co-infection and Associated Factors Among Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients in Adama Town, East Shoa, Oromia, Ethiopia

Tuberculosis and parasitic infections are co-endemic in many parts of the world. The treatments of many patients with tuberculosis are under the influence of Intestinal parasite infection that worsens the progression of this disease. Hence, adequate information on co-infection rate is needed to undertake the integrated prevention and control program. Therefore this study aimed to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasite co-infection and associated factors among pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Adama Town, East shoa, Oromia, Ethiopia. A facility based cross sectional study was conducted from November 2018 up to January 2019 using multi stage random sampling technique. Data on socio-demographic characteristics and potential risk factors for intestinal parasite co-infection was collected by standardized semi structured interviewer administered questionnaire. One gram stool samples for direct saline microscopy, formol-ether concentration technique and modified acid fast staining was collected and processed in accordance to the standard parasitological techniques and procedures at Adama Science and Technology University Higher Health Center Laboratory. Data entry was done by EPI info version 7, and analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. Pearson chi-square and multiple logistic regression models were used to identify associated factors. Overall co-infection rate of intestinal parasites was 75 (21.4%) (95% CI: 17.1-25.4). Protozoans’ account 40 (11.4%) and Helminthes were 35 (10.0%). The predominate isolates were Entamoeba histolytica 30 (40%) and Ascaris lumbricoides12 (16.0%) from protozoans and helminthes, respectively. Eating raw vegetables/ fruits without washing or peeling [AOR]: 5.311 (2.089-13.506), habit of not using soup [AOR]: 11.238 (3.134-40.296) and Body mass index<18.5 kg/m² [AOR]: 15.337 (5.860-40.142) were significant determinants of intestinal parasite among pulmonary tuberculosis patient. In general overall co-infection rate of intestinal parasites in this study was high (21.4%). Therefore, integrating screening and mass deworming of parasite into existing tuberculosis program should be considered.

Evaluation of the hematological and serum protein profiles of blood parasite coinfection in naturally infected dogs

Evaluation of the hematological and serum protein profiles of blood parasite coinfection in naturally infected dogs

Infection of Plasmodium falciparum and helminths among school children in communities in Southern and Northern Ghana

BackgroundInfections of Plasmodium species, Schistosoma species and soil-transmitted helminths (STH) inflict a significant burden on children mostly in deprived communities in Ghana. Despite the deployment of malaria vector control and the annual Mass Drug Administration by National Control Programmes, these infections still pose major public health concerns in Ghana. Some remote communities which are hard-to-reach are not covered by MDA campaigns which is a major challenge to meeting elimination targets. Adequate data is necessary for formulating policies and strengthening interventions to mitigate transmission. This study assessed the infection burden of Plasmodium, Schistosoma species and STH infections among school children in communities in Southern and Northern Ghana.MethodSchool children living in communities in Southern (Ada Foah, Pediatorkope, Tuanikope) and Northern (Kpalsogu) Ghana were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. A total of 493 (241 males and 252 females) school children aged (2–15 years) were enrolled in the study. Stool samples were collected to screen for Schistosoma mansoni and STH infections using the formol-ether concentration technique and urine samples were also collected to screen for S. haematobium using the routine urine examination method. Plasmodium parasitaemia was determined from thick and thin finger-prick blood samples.ResultsOverall, the prevalence of P. falciparum, S. mansoni, S. haematobium, Trichuris trichiura and hookworm infections were 17.2% (95%CI 12.8–19.7), 22.6% (95%CI 25.2–32.7), 1.6% (95%CI 0.89–5.2), 1.2% (95%CI 0.78–4.8) and 1.2% (95%CI 0.78–4.8) respectively. Plasmodium falciparum infection was generally widespread in all the study sites with Ada Foah recording the highest prevalence (35.3%) and Kpalsogu recording the lowest (5.8%). Schistosoma mansoni was present in only two Southern communities with Tuanikope recording the highest prevalence of 70.3% as against 51.5% recorded in Pediatorkope. A total of 4.5% (95% CI 2.82–10.8) of the children were co-infected with P. falciparum, Schistosoma species and STHs. This occurred only in the Southern communities; of which combination of P. falciparum and S. mansoni were predominant (1.4%).ConclusionA relatively low burden of parasites co-infection among children only in the Southern communities was detected. However, there were a high prevalence of single infections of P. falciparum and S. mansoni in those communities. Control measures for the helminths needs to be restarted in the island communities with a high burden of S. mansoni infections and that of Plasmodium needs to be scaled up in Ada Foah where P. falciparum infections were high.

Co-infection of pigs with Taenia solium cysticercosis and gastrointestinal parasites in Eastern and Western Uganda

A study was carried out in Kamuli and Hoima districts in Eastern and Western regions of Uganda to determine the Taenia solium porcine cysticercosis (PCC) and gastrointestinal (GI) parasites co-infection status in pigs. One hundred sixty-one households were selected randomly and visited between November and December 2019. A household questionnaire was administered, and faecal and blood samples were collected from at least one pig older than 3 months per household. A blood sample was obtained from a jugular venipuncture, and a rectal faecal sample was obtained. Taenia spp. circulating antigen levels in the sample sera were tested using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit, apDia™ cysticercosis Ag ELISA. The modified McMaster technique was used to identify and quantify the GI parasites. The apparent animal-level seroprevalence for PCC was 4.8% (95% CI 2.7–7.1) and differed across the two districts (p = 0.018). At the pig herd level, the prevalence was 9.7% (95% CI 5.5–14.4). The prevalence of the different nematode eggs and coccidian oocysts in the two districts was as follows: strongyles 79.0% (95% CI 74.3–83.6), coccidia 73.3% (95% CI 68.3–78.6), Trichuris spp. 7.4% (95% CI 4.9–10.6), Strongyloides ransomi 2.1 (95% CI 0.7–3.5) and Ascaris spp. 4.9 (95% CI 2.8–7.4). Overall, across the two districts, the arithmetic mean for the oocysts per gram (OPG) for coccidia was 2042.2 ± 5776.1, and eggs per gram (EPG) were the highest in strongyles 616.1 ± 991. Overall, 57.4% of the porcine cysticercosis seropositive pigs were also positive for at least one of the gastrointestinal helminths which included strongyles, Strongyloides ransomi, Trichuris spp. and Ascaris spp. The co-infection status of pigs with both PCC and GI parasites demonstrated by this study can provide an incentive for integrating the control and management of both parasites with oxfendazole. Further studies are required to understand the feasibility of using oxfendazole including cost–benefit analysis and the acceptability by local stakeholders for the control of T. solium cysticercosis and gastrointestinal parasites in pigs.

Evaluation for associations amongst Giardia duodenalis assemblages and diarrhea in dogs

Giardia duodenalis is a species complex comprising at least eight assemblages. Most dogs harbor the host-adapted assemblages C and D and approximately 30 % harbor the zoonotic assemblages. Humans and dogs with giardiosis can exhibit a variety of clinical manifestations ranging from the absence of clinical signs to acute or chronic diarrhea. Human studies report conflicting results concerning associations between clinical signs and assemblage type. The objective of this study was to use results of molecular and phylogenetic analyses to evaluate associations between G. duodenalis assemblages and diarrhea in client-owned dogs from the United States.Fecal samples that were positive for Giardia cysts were classified as normal or diarrheal. Samples were analyzed by PCR assays of the beta-giardin (bg), glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh), and triose phosphate isomerase (tpi) genes. Sequences of the three genes were analyzed by BLAST analysis and phylogenetic analysis was performed by Neighbor-Joining analysis.Two hundred and eighty-eight Giardia-positive fecal samples were evaluated by the three PCRs. One or more genes were amplified from 95 normal samples and 93 diarrheal samples, 27 samples were positive for one or more genes but could not be sequenced due to low quality DNA, and 73 samples tested negative. Ninety seven percent of the samples (182/188) in both the diarrheal and normal groups typed as dog-specific assemblages (D or C) by at least one gene. Phylogenetic analysis of the three genes placed the isolates from assemblages A, B, C and D separated from each other with strong bootstrap support. Diarrhea was not associated with the Giardia assemblage or other parasitic co-infection in this sample set. Other factors, such as the role of gut microbiota in giardiosis should be considered in future studies.

Biomarker responses in perch (Perca fluviatilis) under multiple stress: Parasite co-infection and multicomponent metal mixture exposure

Parasitic infections may cause damage to the host immune system (i.e. fish), thereby endangering its health and weakening its responses to other types of stressors. Therefore, exposure to different kinds of natural or anthropogenic stressors can lead to unexpected toxicity outcomes in aquatic organisms. This study examined the haematological, genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of the co-infection with the protozoan parasite (Trichodina sp.) and the pathogenic oomycete (Saprolegnia parasitica) in Perca fluviatilis alone and in combination with chemical stress (environmentally-relevant aqueous concentrations of metal mixtures). Haematological analyses such as red cell and white cell indices revealed that chemical and biological stressors, used singly and in combination, exerted adverse effects on fish health. Changes in haematological indices induced by exposure to each of the above-mentioned stressors separately and by combined exposure to all of them suggested the multiple stress-induced inflammation process in the exposed fish. The cytogenetic damage inflicted by the S. parasitica and Trichodina sp. co-infection and multiple stress was revealed in fish erythrocytes. This information is expected to contribute to the elucidation of how multiple stressors impact on responses of haematic indices, geno- and cytotoxicity endpoints in P. fluviatilis. Assessment of the risk associated with multiple stressors is expected to prove valuable for the effective aquatic environment management (Løkke et al., 2013 and references therein).

S2638 Hepatic Abscess Secondary to Entamoeba Histolytica Reactivated in a Patient After Infection With COVID-19

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is known to cause a broad spectrum of illnesses. To date there are several studies demonstrating bacterial and fungal coinfection among COVID-19 positive individuals. There is limited research regarding the relationship between COVID-19 and parasitic coinfection. This case report describes the clinical features of fulminant amebiasis infection in an individual who received corticosteroids for superimposed COVID-19 infection. Case Description/Methods: We present a 79-year-old Filipino female with no significant past medical history admitted for generalized weakness and shortness of breath. Physical exam was unremarkable. Blood work was significant for:Hemoglobin (Hbg):11.2 g/dL, Hematocrit (Hct):34%, Na:120 mmol/L. Patient was found to be COVID positive. Patient received supplemental oxygen, Remdesivir, and Dexamethasone 20mg twice daily for 10 days. On day 10, she became hypotensive and had an episode of melena. Computed tomography abdominal and pelvis (CTAP) showed a 8mm right hepatic lesion Figure 1(a). Patient was discharged in stable condition, but was readmitted 20 days later for presyncope. Temperature was 103, HR 111. Labs:WBC count: 22.46uL, Hbg:8.4g/dL, Na:127 mmol/L, K: 2.9 mmol/L. CTAP showed interval development of a large ring-enhancing collection in the right lobe of the liver measuring 7.2 x 7.4cm, Figure 1(b). Serology was positive for Entamoeba Histolytica. Patient was treated with Metronidazole and Cefepime. Abscess was drained by interventional radiology. Patient's clinical condition improved. Discussion: Amebiasis is a parasitic infection common in underdeveloped countries. Majority of patients with intestinal illness remain asymptomatic or present with nonspecific symptoms. Fulminant amebic colitis is the most devastating complication and associated with high mortality and morbidity. In this case, treatment of COVID-19 with high dose corticosteroids may have served as a predisposing factor in reactivation of amoebic infection. The main point of entry for SARS-CoV-2 is the respiratory system. During the early stages of the illness some patients experience gastrointestinal involvement. Intestinal dysfunction in COVID induces changes in intestinal microbes and an increase in inflammatory cytokines. Clinical suspicion for parasitic infection should be maintained in patients from endemic areas who develop sepsis. Prior to administering immunosuppressive therapy in COVID-19 patients from endemic areas, it may be beneficial to screen for parasites.Figure 1.: Fig. 1 (a,b) Ring enhancing hepatic lesion.

Insights into the diversity, distribution and phylogeny of three ergasilid copepods (Hexanauplia: Ergasilidae) in lentic water bodies of the Morava river basin, Czech Republic

Ergasilidae are a globally distributed group of copepods parasitising fish. Despite their common occurrence in European freshwaters, there is relatively little molecular data available. In this study, we recorded three ergasilid copepod species parasitising six fish species (families Cyprinidae, Percidae, Centrarchidae) in lentic water bodies along the River Morava in the Czech Republic: Ergasilus sieboldi infecting fish gills, Paraergasilus longidigitus infecting nasal cavities and Neoergasilus japonicus infecting fins. This represents a further occurrence of N. japonicus as a non-native European species, and the first report of P. longidigitusis from Central Europe waters. While strong niche selection potentially offers a free niche for each of these ergasilids in all hosts, parasite co-infections were relatively rare, with species distribution among hosts reflecting host preference. This study provides the first molecular data for E. sieboldi and P. longidigitus as native European ergasilid copepods. Phylogenetic analysis based on combined 18S and 28S rDNA showed a close relationship between P. longidigitus with other Paraergasilus species, supporting a monophyletic origin of this genus. The phylogenetic position of E. sieboldi was not clearly resolved, highlighting the need for more data and further intensive genetic investigations of other ergasilid species.

Effect of co-infection with intestinal parasites on COVID-19 severity: A prospective observational cohort study.

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection results in a spectrum of clinical presentations. Evidence from Africa indicates that significantly less COVID-19 patients suffer from serious symptoms than in the industrialized world. We and others previously postulated a partial explanation for this phenomenon, being a different, more activated immune system due to parasite infections. Here, we aimed to test this hypothesis by investigating a potential correlation of co-infection with parasites with COVID-19 severity in an endemic area in Africa.Methods: Ethiopian COVID-19 patients were enrolled and screened for intestinal parasites, between July 2020 and March 2021. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with severe COVID-19. Ordinal logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between parasite infection, and COVID-19 severity. Models were adjusted for sex, age, residence, education level, occupation, body mass index, and comorbidities.Findings: 751 SARS-CoV-2 infected patients were enrolled, of whom 284 (37.8%) had intestinal parasitic infection. Only 27/255 (10.6%) severe COVID-19 patients were co-infected with intestinal parasites, while 257/496 (51.8%) non-severe COVID-19 patients were parasite positive (p<0.0001). Patients co-infected with parasites had lower odds of developing severe COVID-19, with an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 0.23 (95% CI 0.17–0.30; p<0.0001) for all parasites, aOR 0.37 ([95% CI 0.26–0.51]; p<0.0001) for protozoa, and aOR 0.26 ([95% CI 0.19–0.35]; p<0.0001) for helminths. When stratified by species, co-infection with Entamoeba spp., Hymenolopis nana, Schistosoma mansoni, and Trichuris trichiura implied lower probability of developing severe COVID-19. There were 11 deaths (1.5%), and all were among patients without parasites (p = 0.009).Interpretation: Parasite co-infection is associated with a reduced risk of severe COVID-19 in African patients. Parasite-driven immunomodulatory responses may mute hyper-inflammation associated with severe COVID-19.Funding: European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) – European Union, and Joep Lange Institute (JLI), The Netherlands.Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04473365

Strongyloides stercoralis and HTLV-1 coinfection in CD34+ cord blood stem cell humanized mice: Alteration of cytokine responses and enhancement of larval growth.

Viral and parasitic coinfections are known to lead to both enhanced disease progression and altered disease states. HTLV-1 and Strongyloides stercoralis are co-endemic throughout much of their worldwide ranges resulting in a significant incidence of coinfection. Independently, HTLV-1 induces a Th1 response and S. stercoralis infection induces a Th2 response. However, coinfection with the two pathogens has been associated with the development of S. stercoralis hyperinfection and an alteration of the Th1/Th2 balance. In this study, a model of HTLV-1 and S. stercoralis coinfection in CD34+ umbilical cord blood hematopoietic stem cell engrafted humanized mice was established. An increased level of mortality was observed in the HTLV-1 and coinfected animals when compared to the S. stercoralis infected group. The mortality was not correlated with proviral loads or total viral RNA. Analysis of cytokine profiles showed a distinct shift towards Th1 responses in HTLV-1 infected animals, a shift towards Th2 cytokines in S. stercoralis infected animals and elevated TNF-α responses in coinfected animals. HTLV-1 infected and coinfection groups showed a significant, yet non-clonal expansion of the CD4+CD25+ T-cell population. Numbers of worms in the coinfection group did not differ from those of the S. stercoralis infected group and no autoinfective larvae were found. However, infective larvae recovered from the coinfection group showed an enhancement in growth, as was seen in mice with S. stercoralis hyperinfection caused by treatment with steroids. Humanized mice coinfected with S. stercoralis and HTLV-1 demonstrate features associated with human infection with these pathogens and provide a unique opportunity to study the interaction between these two infections in vivo in the context of human immune cells.

Effect of Co-Infection with Intestinal Parasites on COVID-19 Severity: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study

Background: COVID-19 symptomatology in Africa appears significantly less serious than in the industrialized world. We and others previously postulated a partial explanation for this phenomenon, being a different, more activated immune system due to parasite infections. We investigated this hypothesis in an endemic area in Africa. Methods: Ethiopian COVID-19 patients were enrolled and screened for intestinal parasites. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with severe COVID-19. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between parasite infection, and COVID-19 severity. Models were adjusted for sex, age, residence, and comorbidities. Findings: 751 SARS-CoV-2 infected patients were enrolled, of whom 284 (37·8%) had intestinal parasitic infection. Only 27/255 (10·6%) severe COVID-19 patients were co-infected with intestinal parasites, while 257/496 (51·8%) non-severe COVID-19 patients appeared parasite positive (pEntamoeba spp. , Hymenolopis nana, and Schistosoma mansoni implied lower probability of developing severe COVID-19. There were 11 deaths (1·5%), and all were among patients without parasites (p=0·009). Interpretation: Parasite co-infection is associated with a reduced risk of severe COVID-19 in African patients. Parasite-driven immunomodulatory responses may mute hyper-inflammation associated with severe COVID-19. Funding: European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) and Joep-Lange Institute.Declaration of Interests: We declare no competing interests.Ethics Approval Statement: The study protocol was reviewed and approved by the Health Research Ethics Review Committee of Mekelle University College of Health Sciences (No.: ERC 1769/2020), the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (No: EPHI 6.13/814), and Eka Kotebe General Hospital (No.: EK/150/5/32). Written informed consent was obtained by all participants, or their guardians, for participation in the study.

Murine astrovirus tropism for goblet cells and enterocytes facilitates an IFN-λ response in vivo and in enteroid cultures.

Although they globally cause viral gastroenteritis in children, astroviruses are understudied due to the lack of well-defined animal models. While murine astroviruses (muAstVs) chronically infect immunodeficient mice, a culture system and understanding of their pathogenesis is lacking. Here, we describe a platform to cultivate muAstV using air-liquid interface (ALI) cultures derived from mouse enteroids, which support apical infection and release. Chronic muAstV infection occurs predominantly in the small intestine and correlates with higher interferon-lambda (IFN-λ) expression. MuAstV stimulates IFN-λ production in ALI, recapitulating our in vivo findings. We demonstrate that goblet cells and enterocytes are targets for chronic muAstV infection in vivo, and that infection is enhanced by parasite coinfection or type 2 cytokine signaling. Depletion of goblet cells from ALI limits muAstV infection in vitro. During chronic infection, muAstV stimulates IFN-λ production in infected cells and induces ISGs throughout the intestinal epithelium in an IFN-λ-receptor dependent manner. Collectively, our study provides insights into the cellular tropism and innate immune responses to muAstV and establishes an enteroid-based culture system to propagate muAstV in vitro.

Helminth infracommunity in a maned wolf, Chrysocyon brachyurus, from the humid Chaco, Argentina

Parasitism is an important factor in conservation worldwide, especially for endangered species, as it can affect host populations by reducing growth rates, fecundity and affecting nutritional status. The maned wolf Chrysocyon brachyurus, a near-threatened species, is distributed across different habitats from the south Amazonian forest in Brazil to northern Argentina, Paraguay and eastern Bolivia. Most studies on gastrointestinal parasites in wild maned wolves are based on coprological findings, and there is little information about adult parasites and parasite species richness. Therefore, this study aims to expand the knowledge about the helminth infracommunity of a maned wolf, describe adult parasites, and explore parasitic coinfections. We performed a necropsy of an adult individual found road killed in Chaco province, Argentina. We collected adult worms from subcutaneous tissues, from the right ventricle, kidneys, and intestine. The parasites were morphologically identified as Dirofilaria immitis, Dioctophyma renale and Spirometra sp. respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first record for adults of Dirofilaria immitis in maned wolves. Filarioids were located within the heart as well as in subcutaneous tissues with mature females containing uterine microfilariae; this study also adds C. brachyurus as a new host for Spirometra sp. in Argentina. Considering that the three helminths found herein are zoonotic and that the maned wolf is an endangered canid, it is essential provide baseline information to determine the risk factors involved in the transmission and extend the studies to sympatric wild and domestic canids in the area.

In vitro susceptibility of human Blastocystis subtypes to simeprevir.

Blastocystis is a common enteric parasite, having a worldwide distribution. Many antimicrobial agents are effective against it, yet side effects and drug resistance have been reported. Thus, ongoing trials are being conducted for exploring anti-Blastocystis alternatives. Proteases are attractive anti-protozoal drug targets, having documented roles in Blastocystis. Serine proteases are present in both hepatitis C virus and Blastocystis. Since drug repositioning is quite trendy, the in vitro efficacy of simeprevir (SMV), an anti-hepatitis serine protease inhibitor, against Blastocystis was investigated in the current study. Stool samples were collected from patients, Alexandria, Egypt. Concentrated stools were screened using direct smears, trichrome, and modified Ziehl-Neelsen stains to exclude parasitic co-infections. Positive stool isolates were cultivated, molecularly subtyped for assessing the efficacy of three SMV doses (100,150, and 200μg/ml) along 72hours (h), on the most common subtype, through monitoring parasite growth, viability, re-culture, and also via ultrastructure verification. The most efficient dose and duration were later tested on other subtypes. Results revealed that Blastocystis was detected in 54.17% of examined samples. Molecularly, ST3 predominated (62%), followed by ST1 (8.6%) and ST2 (3.4%). Ascending concentrations of SMV progressively inhibited growth, viability, and re-culture of treated Blastocystis, with a non-statistically significant difference when compared to the therapeutic control metronidazole (MTZ). The most efficient dose and duration against ST3 was 150µg/ml for 72h. This dose inhibited the growth of ST3, ST1, and ST2 with percentages of 95.19%, 94.83%, and 94.74%, successively and viability with percentages of 98.30%, 98.09%, and 97.96%, successively. This dose abolished Blastocystis upon re-culturing. Ultra-structurally, SMV induced rupture of Blastocystis cell membrane leading to necrotic death, versus the reported apoptotic death caused by MTZ. In conclusion, 150µg/ml SMV for 72h proved its efficacy against ST1, ST2, and ST3 Blastocystis, thus sparing the need for pre-treatment molecular subtyping in developing countries.

Malaria and intestinal parasite co-infection and its association with anaemia among people living with HIV in Buea, Southwest Cameroon: A community-based retrospective cohort study

Both malaria and intestinal parasites are endemic in Cameroon, and their co-infection can be of great impact on anaemia among people living with HIV (PLWH). This community-based retrospective cohort study determined the prevalence and association of infections with anaemia in PLWH and HIV-negative individuals in Buea, Cameroon from March to August 2019. The study population comprised of 190 PLWH and 216 consenting HIV-negative individuals from the Buea community. Participants were examined clinically, the collected blood sample was used for malaria parasite (MP) detection, HIV diagnosis and haemoglobin (Hb) measurement while stool samples were examined for the detection of intestinal parasites (IPs). Proportions were compared using Pearson's Chi-square test and association of anaemia with independent variables was evaluated using logistic regression analysis. Out of the 406 participants, MP, IPs and MP/IP co-infection prevalences were 15.5%, 13.0% and 3.0% respectively. PLWH had a higher prevalence of MP (16.3%, P = 0.17), IPs (23.7%, P ˂ 0.001) and MP/IPs co-infection (3.7%, P = 0.04) when compared with HIV-negative participants. Similarly, PLWH had significantly lower mean haemoglobin value (11.10 ± 1.54 g/dL) than their HIV-negative counterparts (12.45 ± 2.06 g/dL). Also, PLWH co-infected with MP and IPs were observed to have a significantly lower mean haemoglobin value (10.6 ± 1.21 g/dL). PLWH had a significantly (P ˂ 0.001) higher prevalence of mild (56.8%), moderate (18.4%) and severe (1.6%) anaemia when compared with HIV-negative counterparts. The significant risk factors associated with anaemia included being febrile (P = 0.03), MP-infected only (P = 0.001), HIV-infected only (P < 0.001), having dual (P < 0.001) or triple-infections (P = 0.03). Malaria and intestinal parasites remain public health concerns among PLWH and anaemia as a serious haematological abnormality gets exacerbated even with the viral load suppression. Hence, routine medical check-ups among PLWH are recommended.

Ecological Factors Mediate Immunity and Parasitic Co-Infection in Sea Fan Octocorals.

The interplay among environment, demography, and host-parasite interactions is a challenging frontier. In the ocean, fundamental changes are occurring due to anthropogenic pressures, including increased disease outbreaks on coral reefs. These outbreaks include multiple parasites, calling into question how host immunity functions in this complex milieu. Our work investigates the interplay of factors influencing co-infection in the Caribbean sea fan octocoral, Gorgonia ventalina, using metrics of the innate immune response: cellular immunity and expression of candidate immune genes. We used existing copepod infections and live pathogen inoculation with the Aspergillus sydowii fungus, detecting increased expression of the immune recognition gene Tachylectin 5A (T5A) in response to both parasites. Cellular immunity increased by 8.16% in copepod infections compared to controls and single Aspergillus infections. We also detected activation of cellular immunity in reef populations, with a 13.6% increase during copepod infections. Cellular immunity was similar in the field and in the lab, increasing with copepod infections and not the fungus. Amoebocyte density and the expression of T5A and a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) gene were also positively correlated across all treatments and colonies, irrespective of parasitic infection. We then assessed the scaling of immune metrics to population-level disease patterns and found random co-occurrence of copepods and fungus across 15 reefs in Puerto Rico. The results suggest immune activation by parasites may not alter parasite co-occurrence if factors other than immunity prevail in structuring parasite infection. We assessed non-immune factors in the field and found that sea fan colony size predicted infection by the copepod parasite. Moreover, the effect of infection on immunity was small relative to that of site differences and live coral cover, and similar to the effect of reproductive status. While additional immune data would shed light on the extent of this pattern, ecological factors may play a larger role than immunity in controlling parasite patterns in the wild. Parsing the effects of immunity and ecological factors in octocoral co-infection shows how disease depends on more than one host and one parasite and explores the application of co-infection research to a colonial marine organism.

Prevalence of Gastrointestinal and Urinary Tract Parasites Among Students of Isaac Jasper Boro College of Education Sagbama, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

The prevalence of gastrointestinal and urinary tract parasites among students of Isaac Jasper Boro College of Education (IJBCOE), Bayelsa State was investiagted. Faecal and urine samples were collected from 273 presumably healthy students of the college. The samples were analyzed in the laboratory using sedimentation method for urine and formol-ether concentration method for the stool samples. A self-structured questionnaire was used to obtain some risk factors associated with the transmission of the parasites. Out of the 273 students investigated, 60 (22.0%), 31(11.4%) and 12(4.4%) were positive for gastrointestinal parasites, urinary tract parasites and coinfection of gastrointestinal and urinary tract parasites respectively. Entamoeba histolytica recorded the highest prevalence among the gastrointestinal parasites identified (62%), followed by Entamoeba coli (18.3%), Giardia lamblia (11.7%), Blastccytis homonis (5%), and Enterobius vermicularis (3.3%). Among the two urinary tract parasites identified, Trichomonas vaginalis was more prevalent (90.3%) while Schistosoma haematobium had 9.7%. More Female students (37.8%) were infected than males (25.7%) by gastrointestinal parasites. The age range prevalence for gastrointestinal parasites recorded 45%, 37.3%, 28.3% and 25% for 26 – 30 years, 16 – 20 years, 21 – 25 years, and 31 – 35 years respectively. Lack of awareness, consumption of faecal matter-contaminated food and water, poor sanitation, defaecation into drinking water sources were identified as risk factors for gastrointestinal parasites while engagement in unprotected sex and multiple sexual partners were recorded as risk factors for the transmission of Trichomonas vaginalis. Increased personal hygiene and sanitation, provision of toilet facilities and health education will mitigate the prevalence of the parasites in the study area.