Identification Of Parasites Research Articles

Organellar genome dynamics of exogenous stages of Eimeria tenella

BackgroundCoccidia are a group of intracellular protozoal parasites within the phylum Apicomplexa. Eimeria tenella, one of the species that cause intestinal coccidiosis in poultry, can cause significant mortality and morbidity. Diploid oocysts of Eimeria species are shed in the feces of an infected host and must sporulate to achieve infectivity. This process results in eight haploid infectious units, called sporozoites, held within a single oocyst. Each Eimeria spp. parasite possesses a single apicoplast and a single mitochondrion, both of which carry multiple copies of their respective organellar genomes. Reports of copy numbers of organellar genomes have varied widely.MethodsWe report the application of quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), supported by next-generation sequencing, for the quantification of the extranuclear genomes relative to the nuclear genome over the course of sporulation and following its completion.ResultsAt 64 elapsed hours, 93.0% of oocysts were fully sporulated; no increase in percent sporulation was observed after this time. Apicoplast relative genome copy number showed several significant shifts up to 72 elapsed hours, after which no significant shifts were observed. Oocysts were shed with approximately 60% the amount of apicoplast DNA present at 72 h, after which point no significant shifts in apicoplast genome relative abundance occurred. Mitogenome relative copy number showed only two significant shifts, from 16 to 24 elapsed hours and from 24 to 32 elapsed hours. Oocysts were shed with approximately 28% the amount of mitochondrial DNA that was present at the time sporulation was deemed morphologically complete, at 64 elapsed hours.ConclusionsThe characterization of the dynamics of genome abundance in exogenous stages sheds new light on the basic biology of Eimeria spp. and supports the use of extranuclear targets for molecular modes of parasite quantification and identification with improved sensitivity and accuracy.Graphical

Urban malaria and its determinants in Eastern Ethiopia: the role of Anopheles stephensi and urbanization

BackgroundMalaria prevention and control strategies have been hampered by urbanization and the spread of Anopheles stephensi. The spread of this vector into Africa further complicates the already complex malaria situation, that could put about 126 million Africans at risk of infection. Hence, this study aimed to assess the determinants of urban malaria, focusing on the role of urbanization and the distribution of An. stephensi in Eastern Ethiopia.MethodsA matched case control study was conducted among febrile urban residents of Dire Dawa (malaria positive as cases and negative as a control). A capillary blood sample was collected for parasite identification using microscopic examination and an interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect additional data. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention miniature light traps (CDC-LT) and Prokopack aspirator were used to collect adult mosquito vectors from the selected cases and control houses to identify the mosquito vector species. Then, the data were exported to STATA for analysis. Conditional logistic regression was done to identify determinants, and principal component Analysis (PCA) was done for some independent variables.ResultsThis study enrolled 132 cases and 264 controls from urban setting only. Of the 132 cases, 90 cases were positive for Plasmodium falciparum, 34 were positive for Plasmodium vivax and 8 had mixed infections. All cases and controls were similar with regard to their respective age and sex. Travel history (AOR: 13.1, 95% CI 2.8–61.4), presence of eves and holes on walls (AOR: 2.84, 95% CI 1.5–5.5), history of malaria diagnosis (AOR: 2.4, 95% CI 1.1–5.3), owning any livestock (AOR: 7.5, 95% CI 2.4–22.8), presence of stagnant water in the area (AOR: 3.2, 95% CI 1.7–6.1), sleeping under bed net the previous night (AOR: 0.21, 95% CI 0.1–0.6) and knowledge on malaria and its prevention (AOR: 2.2, 95% CI 1.2–4.1) were determinants of urban malaria infection. About 34 adult Anopheles mosquitoes were collected and identified from those selected cases and control houses and 27 of them were identified as An. stephensi.ConclusionAmong the cases, the dominant species were P. falciparum. This study identified travel history, house condition, past infection, livestock ownership, stagnant water, bed net use, and malaria knowledge as determinants of infection. This study also found the dominance of the presence of An. stephensi among the collected mosquito vectors. This suggests that the spread of An. stephensi may be impacting malaria infection in the study area. Hence, strengthening urban-targeted malaria interventions should be enhanced to prevent and control further urban malaria infection and spread.

B-107 Advancing Parasitology Laboratory Quality and Processes Through Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation

Abstract Background This research emphasizes the profound impact of intestinal parasitic infections on developing countries, particularly in regions such as sub-Saharan Africa, South and Central America, China, and East Asia. With over 1.5 billion people globally affected and 450 million facing serious illness and a mortality rate of 155,000 cases per year, the socio-economic hindrances posed by these infections necessitate innovative approaches for control and eradication. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into parasitology, exemplified by the “Automated Diagnosis of Intestinal Parasites” (ADIP), from brazilian Portuguese “Diagnóstico Automatizado de Parasitas Intestinais” (DAPI) system, showcases a paradigm shift. This advanced system, combining simple and complex decision-making mechanisms, demonstrates promising results, achieving high agreement compared to TF-Test (three fecal test). Methods Data were extracted through reports from the laboratory information system (LIS) from January-December 2023. TF-test was replaced by ADIP system in October 2023. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel software, with a bibliographic survey in national and international repositories. Results The parasitology laboratory of AFIP implemented artificial intelligence (AI) with ADIP equipment associated with system LIS automation, automating the analysis of approximately 38,000 monthly stool samples. The ADIP classification, image analysis and subsequent algorithm allowed a reduced examination time, since approximately 90% of samples could be released automatically, optimizing the whole process. In addition, after a three-month period using only ADIP, positivity results increased from 7,63% (TF-test) to 9,53%. Our database is periodically reviewed by specialized professionals who validate positive results, ensuring the security of information obtained by artificial intelligence, bringing efficiency, safety, and quality to the laboratory processes. Conclusions Artificial intelligence (AI) in parasite identification and the automated results system promises a bright future. Collaboration between the scientific community and data scientists is crucial to enhance laboratory processes. Through these tools, it is possible to focus on continuous improvements, increased efficiency, and, most importantly, without sacrificing accuracy and result quality. With new technologies associated with the parasitology field, detailed records can be ensured, previously challenging to obtain, showcasing each step from result acquisition to issued report. Process improvement in parasitology brings optimizations, suggesting the potential for team reduction without compromising quality and improving the takt time.

Identification of Haemoproteus infection in an imported grey crowned crane (Balearica regulorum) in China

Blood parasites from the order Haemosporida infect many vertebrates and cause malaria-like diseases. In this study, a haemosporidian infection was detected in a sick grey crowned crane imported into China using a combination of morphological and molecular approaches. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein and processed for morphological identification of infective parasites using stained blood smears and microscopy. No merogony occurs in the blood cells, and sporadic pigment granules were observed. Nested-PCR assays were employed for a molecular examination, which indicated that the cytb gene of this parasite had 94.1–94.9% identity to Haemoproteus antigonis. Subsequently, its mitochondrial genome structure was determined by high-throughput sequencing using the DNBSEQ-T7 platform. The determined structure was confirmed by the Sanger sequencing using amplicons. The mitochondrial genome obtained for this parasite exhibited a low CG content (32.0%) and possessed three protein-coding genes, encoding 1068 amino acids, which constituted 53.7% of the genome. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that this parasite clustered with Haemoproteus sp. is detected in grey crowned cranes from Africa. This parasite was likely acquired during importation of this animal; thus, strict quarantine of imported ornamental animals is required to prevent the entry of new pathogens.

Effective Laboratory Diagnosis of Parasitic Infections of the Gastrointestinal Tract: Where, When, How, and What Should We Look For?

(1) Introduction: Gastrointestinal parasites (GIPs) are one of the most common causes of disease in the world. Clinical diagnosis of most parasitic diseases is difficult because they do not produce characteristic symptoms. (2) Methods: The PubMed, Science Direct, and Wiley Online Library medical databases were reviewed using the following phrases: "parasitic infections and diagnostics", "intestinal parasites", "gastrointestinal parasites", "parasitic infections and diagnostics", and their combinations. (3) Results and Conclusions: Correct diagnosis of GIP involves determining the presence of a parasite and establishing a relationship between parasite invasion and disease symptoms. The diagnostic process should consider the possibility of the coexistence of infection with several parasites at the same time. In such a situation, diagnostics should be planned with consideration of their frequency in each population and the local epidemiological situation. The importance of the proper interpretation of laboratory test results, based on good knowledge of the biology of the parasite, should be emphasized. The presence of the parasite may not be causally related to the disease symptoms. Due to wide access to laboratories, patients often decide to perform tests themselves without clinical justification. Research is carried out using various methods which are often unreliable. This review briefly covers current laboratory methods for diagnosing the most common gastrointestinal parasitic diseases in Europe. In particular, we provide useful information on the following aspects: (i) what to look for and where to look for it (suitability of feces, blood, duodenal contents, material taken from endoscopy or biopsy, tissue samples, and locations for searching for eggs, cysts, parasites, parasite genetic material, and characteristics of immune responses indicating parasitic infections); (ii) when material should be collected for diagnosis and/or to check the effectiveness of treatment; (iii) how-that is, by what methods-laboratory diagnostics should be carried out. Here, the advantages and disadvantages of direct and indirect methods of detecting parasites will be discussed. False-positive or false-negative results are a problem facing many tests. Available tests have different sensitivities and specificities. Therefore, especially in doubtful situations, tests for the presence of the pathogen should be performed using various available methods. It is important that the methods used make it possible to distinguish an active infection from a past infection. Finally, we present laboratory "case reports", in which we will discuss the diagnostic procedure that allows for the successful identification of parasites. Additionally, we briefly present the possibilities of using artificial intelligence to improve the effectiveness of diagnosing parasitic diseases.

Protozoan intestinal invasions in military personnel of the Northern region of Ukraine

Objective — to study the prevalence and spectrum of intestinal parasitic infestations (IPI) agents in groups of military personnel of the Northern region of Ukraine, which differed according to the criteria of having symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders and passing the serving in a combat zone. Materials and methods. From February to November 2023, the study covered 302 servicemen during inpatient medical care at the Military Medical Clinical Center of the Northern Region of Ukraine. Detection and identification of intestinal parasites in samples of feces (SF) was carried out by classical methods of microscopy using the enrichment procedure (formalin‑ethyl acetate sedimentation) and the preparation (from each enriched sediment) of four smears: two thick wet with 50% aqueous solution of glycerol and D’ Anthony iodine solution; two thin, fixed, permanently stained with Whitley’s modified trichrome (mWT) or Heidenhain’s iron hematoxylin (HIH) and the modified Ziehl‑Neelsen acid method (mZN). Smear microscopy results were evaluated according to the criteria of the US Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Results. It was established that the level of prevalence of IPI among the examined servicemen reached 10.6% with variation in the value of this indicator in different groups of soldiers from 2.2% to 12.6%. A specific share of protozoan monoinvasions in soldiers reached 65.6%, and mixed invasions (with two parasites at the same time) — 34.4%. Soldiers with symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases had significantly higher rates of IPI than did asymptomatic. In addition, the infestation rates among soldiers were higher in the cold season (October‑February) with a seasonality index of 1.9. All cases of IPI in servicemen (n=32) were caused by protozoan parasites (n=39), in the etiological spectrum of which the vast majority (84.6%) were pathogenic species (Blastocystis sp., Dientamoeba fragilis, Giardia lamblia), and a smaller proportion (15.4%) were commensal species (Chilomastix mesnili, Iodamoeba butschliі). Among pathogenic protozoa (n=33), Blastocystis sp. (51.5%) and D. fragilis had the highest proportion (42.4%), G. lamblia (6.1%) had significantly less one. Conclusions. Optimizing the management tactics of military medicine to reduce the negative impact of IPI on the health and combat capacity of servicemen requires knowledge about the prevalence and spectrum of pathogens of invasions among specific groups of soldiers. A necessary condition for increasing the efficiency of microscopic detection/identification of protozoan parasites (primarily D. fragilis) in the SF is the production of permanently stained (mWT or HIH) smears. Microscopic examination of such smears at high resolution (100ґ objective, oil immersion) provides an increased incidence of detection/identification of Blastocystis sp. by 47.1% and D. fragilis by 100%.

OCCURRENCE OF LAMPROGLENA PULCHELLA (NORDMANN, 1832) (COPEPODA: LERNAEIDAE) IN SOME CYPRINID FISH FROM OHRID LAKE (MACEDONIA)

The representatives of the class Copepoda are of great importance in fish pathology. Lamproglena pulchella (Nordmann, 1832) (Copepoda: Lernaeidae) is an ectoparasite of many cyprinid fish, widespread in Europe up to the Aral Sea. During the long-term investigations of 12 species of cyprinid fish from the Lake Ohrid, a total of 7 specimens of Lamproglena pulchella was found in 5 fish from 4 fish species: Rutilus ohridanus, Squalius squalus, Scardinius knezevici and Chondrostoma ohridanus. Only fresh fish were subjected to routine parasitological examinations, dissection, and observation methods. Parasite identification was performed morphologically, based on the character of their maxilla, maxilliped, antennae, legs and uropods, using a referent key for determination. The 3 parasite specimens were found in two samples of Rutilus ohridanus, followed by 2 parasite specimens in Squalius squalus and one specimen in Scardinius knezevici and Chondrostoma ohridanus, each. These parasites attach to gills and general body surfaces by their maxilla and maxilliped, causing wounds that become the spots of secondary infection by microbes. The damage caused by this parasite is more pronounced in aquaculture systems. We did not find many parasites, but considering the potential danger that Lamproglena pulchella poses to the fish health, we point out the need to monitor infestations with this parasite and take preventive measures so that the parasite does not spread massively among fish in Lake Ohrid and to prevent its introduction into other waters in Macedonia. The record of Lamproglena pulchella in all four cyprinid fish in the present study is considered as the first from the Ohrid Lake. At the same time, Rutilus ohridanus, Scardinius knezevici and Chondrostoma ohridanus represent new hosts for this parasite, worldwide.

Real-time PCR for malaria diagnosis and identification of Plasmodium species in febrile patients in Cubal, Angola

BackgroundMalaria is the parasitic disease with the highest morbimortality worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that there were approximately 249 million cases in 2022, of which 3.4% were in Angola. Diagnosis is based on parasite identification by microscopy examination, antigen detection, and/or molecular tests, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of real-time PCR as a diagnostic method for malaria in an endemic area (Cubal, Angola).MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out at the Hospital Nossa Senhora da Paz in Cubal, Angola, including 200 patients who consulted for febrile syndrome between May and July 2022. From each patient, a capillary blood sample was obtained by finger prick for malaria field diagnosis [microscopy and rapid diagnostic test (RDT)] and venous blood sample for real-time PCR performed at the Hospital Universitario Vall d’Hebron in Barcelona, Spain. Any participant with a positive result from at least one of these three methods was diagnosed with malaria.ResultsOf the 200 participants included, 54% were female and the median age was 7 years. Malaria was diagnosed by at least one of the three techniques (microscopy, RDT, and/or real-time PCR) in 58% of the participants, with RDT having the highest percentage of positivity (49%), followed by real-time PCR (39.5%) and microscopy (33.5%). Of the 61 discordant samples, 4 were only positive by microscopy, 13 by real-time PCR, and 26 by RDT. Plasmodium falciparum was the most frequent species detected (90.63%), followed by P. malariae (17.19%) and P. ovale (9.38%). Coinfections were detected in ten participants (15.63%): six (60%) were caused by P. falciparum and P. malariae, three (30%) by P. falciparum and P. ovale, and one (10%) triple infection with these three species. In addition, it was observed that P. falciparum and P. malariae coinfection significantly increased the parasite density of the latter.ConclusionsRDT was the technique with the highest positivity rate, followed by real-time PCR and microscopy. The results of the real-time PCR may have been underestimated due to suboptimal storage conditions during the transportation of the DNA eluates. However, real-time PCR techniques have an important role in the surveillance of circulating Plasmodium species, given the epidemiological importance of the increase in non-falciparum species in the country, and can provide an estimate of the intensity of infection.Graphical abstract

Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites of Poultry Chicken Slaughtered and Sold in Uyo Metropolis, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Gastrointestinal parasites (GIP) are important biological enemies causing poor health in poultry, thereby causing significant reduction in harvest. This study was aimed to assess the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of poultry chickens slaughtered in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. One hundred and fifty (150) intestinal contents of poultry chickens slaughtered were collected from poultry dressing units in market within Uyo metropolis and kept in polythene bags, and then transported to the Animal and Environmental Biology laboratory of the University of Uyo for analysis. The gizzard, small and large intestine and caeca were assessed for GIP. The method employed in this assessment was Direct Wet Mount following other standard methods. The parasites were analyses by microscopic examination of the fecal smears, thereafter identification of parasite. Five species were encountered in this study: Ascaris galli (32.76%) had the highest, followed by of Eimeria tenella (25.86%), Raillietina tetragona (16.39%) and Histomonas meleagridisis (16.39%). The least was recorded in Heterakis gallinarum (10.34%). Among the 67 (male) and 83 (female) samples, 34.38% and 65.62% respectively recorded positive. Ascaris galli, being the most prevalent was seen in 38 samples and Histomonas meleagridisis (the lowest) was seen in only 12 samples. > 12 weeks age group recorded lowest prevalence (9.3%) while 8-12 weeks had highest (19.30%). This study reveals that 39.12% had single parasitic infection, while mixed had 60.94%. Based on these results, poultry in Uyo farms are affected with gastrointestinal parasitic infection. Therefore, it is recommended that farmer should improve upon their management skills and issues concerning hygiene.

Molecular identification and genetic variability of equine and bovine ocular setariasis in india: molecular profiling by mitochondrial genes.

Ocular setariasis is an ectopic infection caused by a parasite under the genus Setaria. Adult worms belong to the Setariidae family and typically reside in the peritoneal cavity of ungulates. However, immature forms of these species may aberrantly migrate to the eyes of cattle, buffalo, goats, horses and several other hosts, leading to corneal opacity and blindness. Here, we have distinguished the Setaria digitata collected from both equine and buffalo hosts based on the morphology, molecular profiling of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (Cox1), cytochrome c oxidase subunit 3 (Cox3) and, Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide dehydrogenase subunit 1 (NAD1) genes. A single filarial worm was collected from the eye of one equine and one bovine host. These worms were then processed for morphological examination and DNA isolation. Cox1, Cox3 and NAD1 genes were amplified using specific primers and subjected to custom sequencing. The sequences were then used for multiple sequence alignment, assessment of entropy, similarity and haplotype diversity analysis. Key morphological features confirmed the worms collected were male and female Setaria digitata from equine and buffalo hosts, respectively. Cox1, Cox3 and NAD1 gene sequence analysis showed a close association of S.digitata Indian isolates with its counterparts from Sri Lanka and China isolates. The phylogram of bovine S. digitata sequences shows a close relationship to other equine S. digitata sequences, indicating the need for further in-depth studies on the prevalence of infection across various host species and intermediate hosts. Although the sequence results suggest that S. digitata is likely the causative agent of ocular setariasis in India, additional samples are needed to confirm this conclusion. Comprehensive analysis of the transcriptome and proteome of S. digitata from both bovine and equine hosts is necessary to explore variations in host-parasite interactions. These findings will aid in future parasite identification, investigations into vector prevalence in India, and the development of control measures against ocular setariasis.

Temporal dynamics in gastrointestinal helminth infections of sympatric mouse lemur species (Microcebus murinus and Microcebus ravelobensis) in Northwestern Madagascar

Madagascar's lemur populations are declining in dwindling habitats due to anthropogenic expansion and changing climatic conditions. Gastrointestinal parasites can be important indicators to assess the health status of threatened species. However, parasites, hosts and the environment are connected in complex interactions. The present study aimed to disentangle the impact of seasonal and several host-specific factors (sex, species, age, reproductive status, and body mass) on endoparasitism in two small-bodied, co-occurring lemur species (Microcebus murinus and Microcebus ravelobensis) in the Ankarafantsika National Park. Helminth prevalence and egg shedding intensity was investigated via copromicroscopic examination of 810 fecal samples that were obtained from 178 individuals across an 11-month period with a longitudinal approach via repeated captures in a 30.6 ha forest area. Both mouse lemur hosts shed seven morphologically distinct egg types (assigned to Subulura baeri, unidentified Enterobiinae, Spirura sp., Lemuricola sp., two Hymenolepididae spp., one unidentified ascarid). Postmortem examination of two deceased individuals enabled assignment of adult worms to egg morphotypes of S. baeri, Spirura sp. and one Hymenolepididae sp., supported by molecular analysis. A significant seasonal variation was observed in the occurrence of the three most common helminth species S. baeri (total prevalence 71%), unidentified Enterobiinae (46%) and Spirura sp. (38%), with a higher likelihood of infection with advancing dry season. Neither host species, sex nor reproductive status had a significant effect on gastrointestinal helminth infections. Host body mass showed pronounced seasonal changes but did not differ significantly between infected and non-infected individuals. The pathogenic effects of gastrointestinal helminths therefore likely remained within compensable limits in the studied mouse lemur populations. Our findings highlight the prominent influence of seasonal changes on helminth communities. The results of combined morphologic and genetic approaches can furthermore help to overcome limitations of parasite identification via copromicroscopy by linking egg morphology to DNA sequences.

Morbidity burden of imported chronic schistosomiasis among West African migrants

Past exposure to schistosomiasis is frequent among migrants from endemic countries, and chronic untreated infection may lead to long-term morbidities. We carried out a prospective population-based cross-sectional study among migrants from endemic Sub-Saharan countries living in Barcelona, Spain. Participants had not been previously diagnosed or treated for schistosomiasis. Clinical signs and symptoms were scrutinised through a systematic revision of electronic medical records and an on-site standardised questionnaire, and blood and urine samples were screened for Schistosoma. We recruited 522 eligible participants, 74.3% males, mean age 42.7 years (SD=11.5, range 18-76), Overall, 46.4% were from Senegal and 23.6% from Gambia. They had lived in the European Union for a median of 16 years (IQR 10-21). The prevalence of a Schistosoma-positive serology was 35.8%. S. haematobium eggs were observed in urine samples in 6 (1.2%) participants. The most prevalent symptoms among Schistosoma-positive participants were chronic abdominal pain (68.8%, OR=1.79; 95%CI 1.2-2.6), eosinophilia (44.9%, OR=2.69; 95%CI 1.8-4.0) and specific symptoms associated with urinary schistosomiasis, like self-reported episodes of haematuria (37.2%; OR=2.47; 95%CI 1.6-3.8), dysuria (47.9%, OR=1.84; 95%CI=1.3-2.7) and current renal insufficiency (13.4%; OR=2.35; 95%CI=1.3-4.3). We found a significant prevalence of gender-specific genital signs and symptoms among females (mainly menstrual disorders) and males (erectile dysfunction and pelvic pain). Individuals typically presented with a multitude of interconnected symptoms, most commonly chronic abdominal pain, which are often disregarded. Despite the lack of urine parasite identification, the high incidence of clinical signs and symptoms strongly correlated with a positive schistosomiasis serology suggests the existence of a heavy clinical burden among long-term West African migrants living for years/decades in the study region. More research is urgently required to determine whether these symptoms are the result of long-term sequelae or a persistent active Schistosoma infection.

Critical and Parasitic Parameters Identification and Frequency Regulation Strategies for UWPT Systems

Critical and Parasitic Parameters Identification and Frequency Regulation Strategies for UWPT Systems

A multimodal approach to diagnosis of neuromuscular neosporosis in dogs.

Early diagnosis of neosporosis in dogs is challenging. To evaluate the feasibility of a compound multimodal testing approach for diagnosing in dogs neuromuscular and combined forms of neosporosis. A total of 16 dogs diagnosed with solely neuromuscular neosporosis or with a combination of neuromuscular and central nervous system neosporosis. Retrospective review of clinical signs, laboratory findings, treatment, and outcome with focus on the diagnostic utility of different tests. Development of a chromogenic in situ hybridization (ISH) assay for the identification of Neospora caninum in paraffin-embedded muscle samples. 13/16 dogs had only neuromuscular signs of neosporosis, 3/16 had disease signs with concomitant central nervous system (CNS) involvement. Serology was performed in 15/16, with 10/15 showing titers >1 : 160 at admission. PCR on muscle samples detected N. caninum DNA in 11/16. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) detected N. caninum in 9/16 and ISH in 9/16. Histopathology revealed inflammatory myopathy in 10/16, necrotizing myopathy in 5/16, borderline changes in 1/16 and tachyzoites in 9/16. In 4 cases, N. caninum infection was confirmed with all 5 diagnostic methods, 3 cases with 4, 2 with 3, 6 with 2, and 1 animal with 1. Diagnosis of N. caninum infection should rely on a multimodal diagnostic approach and negativity of 1 single test should not allow for exclusion. Serology in combination with direct parasite identification via histopathology, DNA via PCR, or both modalities, appears a reliable diagnostic approach.

IDENTIFICATION OF PARASITES INFECTING TILAPIA (Oreochromis niloticus) IN CULTURE PONDS IN KUANHEUM VILLAGE

Parasites are one of the main problems faced by fish farmers in Kupang district. The study aimed to identify parasites infecting tilapia (O. niloticus) in culture ponds in Kuanheum Village, Kupang Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. Tilapia (O. niloticus) were taken randomly and parasite identification observations were made at the Kupang Fish Quarantine, Quality Control and Fishery Product Safety Station Laboratory. The results were analyzed descriptively. The results of parasite identification showed that two types of parasites were found in tilapia (O. niloticus) in Kuanheum Village, namely Trichodina sp. and Cichlidogyrus sp.

Assessment of Conservation Status of Petroleuciscus Borysthenicus Celensis From Gurban River, Romania by Identification of Parasites and Bacteria

The present research was conducted within the framework of a broader investigation with the objective of identifying freshwater parasites and bacteria on national territory, with the aim of gaining a deeper understanding of the relationships between parasites, hosts, and the environment, and to assess the potential detrimental effects of parasitic infestation on the conservation status of fish populations. Within this study, it was documented the first recordings of parasites Vorticella globularia and Epistylis sp. in the Romanian Petro-leuciscus borysthenicus celensis fish species. A total of 42 specimens were collected from the Gurban River to study their infestation status, focusing on the skin, gills, and fins. From the samples analyzed, 16 specimens presented signs of infestation with five distinct parasite species (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, Dactylogyrus vastator, Trichodina acuta, Vorticella globularia and Epistylis sp) and four bacterial strains (Aeromonas veronii, Shewanella putrefaciens, Aeromona hydrophila, and Citrobacter freundii). The results indicate that the skin is the organ most severely impacted by parasites and bacteria, followed by the gills. The fins, on the other hand, are the least susceptible to infection. Furthermore, the significant amount of parasitic infestation coupled with the high bacterial load of Aeromonas veronii indicates a plausible link between the two.

Efficient deep learning-based approach for malaria detection using red blood cell smears

Malaria is an extremely malignant disease and is caused by the bites of infected female mosquitoes. This disease is not only infectious among humans, but among animals as well. Malaria causes mild symptoms like fever, headache, sweating and vomiting, and muscle discomfort; severe symptoms include coma, seizures, and kidney failure. The timely identification of malaria parasites is a challenging and chaotic endeavor for health staff. An expert technician examines the schematic blood smears of infected red blood cells through a microscope. The conventional methods for identifying malaria are not efficient. Machine learning approaches are effective for simple classification challenges but not for complex tasks. Furthermore, machine learning involves rigorous feature engineering to train the model and detect patterns in the features. On the other hand, deep learning works well with complex tasks and automatically extracts low and high-level features from the images to detect disease. In this paper, EfficientNet, a deep learning-based approach for detecting Malaria, is proposed that uses red blood cell images. Experiments are carried out and performance comparison is made with pre-trained deep learning models. In addition, k-fold cross-validation is also used to substantiate the results of the proposed approach. Experiments show that the proposed approach is 97.57% accurate in detecting Malaria from red blood cell images and can be beneficial practically for medical healthcare staff.

Identification of Intestinal Parasites in Spinach at Padamara Market, Padamara District

Identification of Intestinal Parasites in Spinach at Padamara Market, Padamara District

Vaginal or Fecal Contamination Which Contributes to Parasite Existence in Urine Sediment

Aims: intended to deepen our knowledge to date regarding parasites that might found in urine sediment as consequences of vaginal or fecal contamination during voiding Discussion: Urine in the bladder is a sterile waste product composed of water soluble nitrogen products. But during voiding, the passage of the urine through lower/outer portion of the urinary tract might come across normal microbiota which function in maintaining the urothelial integrity and preventing urinary tract infection (UTI), as well as promoting local immune function. Parasites and parasitic ova may be seen in urinary sediments as a result of fecal or vaginal contamination. Identification of parasites in centrifuged deposits of urine sediment is a relatively rare occurrence in clinical practice but still must be considered carefully, whether as a consequence of contamination or definite causes of infection. Two of the common parasite found in urine sediment are Trichomonas vaginalis and Enterobius vermicularis. Urine collection procedure must be explained briefly to the patient along with appropriate informed consent prior obtaining the sample. Conclusion: The possibility of parasites being found in urine sediment remain to happen. An in-depth analysis needs to be carried out to determine whether this occurs due to vaginal or rectal contamination or whether it is due to a definitive infection occurring in the urinary tract.

Identification of Babesia Parasite in Ruminants in District Dera Ismail Khan

Background: Babesiosis, a significant tick-borne disease, poses a growing threat to small ruminants and public health due to the pathogenic Babesia parasite. This study focuses on the prevalence of Babesia in cows within the district of Dera Ismail Khan and its impact on red blood cells. Objective: The primary objective of this research was to detect the presence of the Babesia parasite in cows and assess its effects on red blood cells. Methods: Fifty blood samples were randomly collected from cows in Dera Ismail Khan. These samples underwent Giemsa staining and were subsequently examined under a light microscope to identify the presence of the Babesia parasite. Results: Of the 50 blood samples analyzed, only 5 (10%) tested positive for Babesia. This suggests a lower prevalence of babesiosis in the region. The parasite was observed to cause significant destruction of red blood cells. Conclusion: Although babesiosis is not widely prevalent in Dera Ismail Khan, its impact on infected cows is severe, leading to the destruction of red blood cells. Effective monitoring and control measures are essential to mitigate its spread and impact.