Species Of Parasitic Worms Research Articles

Diversity of Helminths of Insectivorous Mammals (Mammalia: Eulipothyphla) from Large Forest Protected Areas of the Middle Volga Region (European Russia)

Insectivores (Eulypotiphla) are a substantial component of Russian forest ecosystems. The parasites of these animals also form an important part of natural biocenoses and act as one of the factors in the formation of biodiversity. The Mordovia Nature Reserve and National Park “Smolny” are large, forested areas located in the center of European Russia. We studied the helminth fauna of insectivores in these protected areas in 2018–2022. In total, using the method of complete helminthological necropsy, we examined 478 individuals of shrews, moles, and hedgehogs and recorded 34 species of parasitic worms, i.e., 8 trematode, 7 cestode, 1 acanthocephalan, and 18 nematode species. The most diverse helminth fauna was found in Sorex araneus (22 species). The composition of helminths in S. isodon (12), Neomys fodiens (9), Sorex minutus, and Erinaceus roumanicus (8 species each) turned out to be less diverse. The lowest species diversity of helminths was observed in Neomys milleri (3) and Talpae europaea (2 species). Taking into account the newly obtained data, we conducted a review of the helminth diversity in shrews, hedgehogs, and moles in the Middle Volga region. According to our literature data, the helminth fauna of insectivores in this region consists of 52 species, including 14 cestodes, 13 trematodes, 22 nematodes, and 3 acanthocephalans. Most of them belong to the Palearctic faunal complex (36 species). The helminth fauna of insectivores in the studied protected areas was compared with the helminth fauna of micromammals in other areas of the Middle Volga region. Our comparative analysis showed a high and average degree of similarity in the helminth fauna within individual species and genera of Eulipotyphla.

The impact of community based interventions for the prevention and control of soil-transmitted helminths: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are among the most common human infections worldwide and a major cause of morbidity. They are caused by different species of parasitic worms and transmitted by eggs released in faeces or when hookworm larvae penetrate the skin. The main control strategy in endemic regions is periodic treatment with deworming medication. In the last 10 years, there has been a scale-up of prevention and control activities with a focus on community-based interventions (CBIs). This review aims to systematically analyse the impact of CBIs on the prevalence and infection intensity of STHs. A systematic review was published on this topic in 2014, but there have subsequently been several new studies published which are included in this review. Electronic database search of MEDLINE (Ovid), Global Health Online (Ovid), Cochrane Library, Embase (Ovid) and Web of Science was conducted. Titles, abstracts, and full texts were screened by two independent reviewers according to predefined eligibility criteria. Data were extracted and a meta-analysis of included studies was conducted. A total of 11,954 de-duplicated titles were screened, and 33 studies were included in the review. 14 focussed on community-wide treatment, 11 studies investigated school-based interventions, and 3 studies investigating both. Results suggest that CBIs are effective in reducing the prevalence of Hookworm, Trichuris trichiura and Ascaris lumbricoides. School-based treatment and community-wide treatment, as well as annual and semi-annual deworming, all reduce STH prevalence significantly. Mass drug administration was effective in reducing the infection intensity of Hookworm (Mean difference: -211.36 [95% CI: -519.12, 96.39]), Trichuris trichiura (-736.69 [-1349.97, -123.42]) and Ascaris lumbricoides (-2723.34 [-5014.85, -431.84]). The results suggest that CBIs are effective in reducing the prevalence and intensity of STH infections. While most studies delivered preventive chemotherapy (PC), few studies explored the impact of interventions such as water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) or health education, which may be essential in preventing reinfection after PC.

HELMINTH OF COMMON SNAKE (NATRIX NATRIX L.) OF MORDOVIA

In 2008 it is investigated helminthofauna of the grasssnakeNatrix natrix L. in territory of the Republic of Mordovia (Russia). 15 species of parasitic worms (from which 11 species concern to class Trematoda and 4 - to classNematoda)aremarkedatareptile.From adult stages the greatest extensiveness of an invasion Macrodera longicollis, Astiotrema monticelli, Leptophallus nigrovenosus, Telorchis assula (Trematoda) and Rhabdias fuscovenosus (Nematoda) differed

Understanding anthelmintic resistance in livestock using "omics" approaches.

Widespread and improper use of various anthelmintics, genetic, and epidemiological factors has resulted in anthelmintic-resistant (AR) helminth populations in livestock. This is currently quite common globally in different livestock animals including sheep, goats, and cattle to gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections. Therefore, the mechanisms underlying AR in parasitic worm species have been the subject of ample research to tackle this challenge. Current and emerging technologies in the disciplines of genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and proteomics in livestock species have advanced the understanding of the intricate molecular AR mechanisms in many major parasites. The technologies have improved the identification of possible biomarkers of resistant parasites, the ability to find actual causative genes, regulatory networks, and pathways of parasites governing the AR development including the dynamics of helminth infection and host-parasite infections. In this review, various "omics"-driven technologies including genome scan, candidate gene, quantitative trait loci, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic approaches have been described to understand AR of parasites of veterinary importance. Also, challenges and future prospects of these "omics" approaches are also discussed.

HUBUNGAN STATUS GIZI DENGAN KECACINGAN PADA SISWA SDN 1 PAHANDUT SEBERANG KOTA PALANGKA RAYA

Parasitic worm infections can affect the concentration of elementary school students in receiving lessons at school. This study aimed to determine the relationship between nutritional status and helminthiasis infecting elementary school children in grades 1-3 at SDN 1 Pahandut Seberang. Examining the presence of worm eggs includes measuring body weight and height, fecal sampling, feces processing using the Kato-Katz method, and identification of worm eggs. The results of this study are the highest characteristics of elementary school children, namely those with poor nutritional status. The distribution of parasitic worm species found were Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura. The highest prevalence of parasitic worms, namely Ascaris lumbricoides, was 71.7%. The intensity of worms most commonly found was Ascaris lumbricoides at 57.8%. The nutritional status of elementary school children with an undernutrition status of 36.0% is closely related to the prevalence and intensity of worms at SDN 1 Pahandut Seberang.

Chemical modulation of Schistosoma mansoni lysine specific demethylase 1 (SmLSD1) induces wide-scale biological and epigenomic changes.

Background: Schistosoma mansoni, a parasitic worm species responsible for the neglected tropical disease schistosomiasis, undergoes strict developmental regulation of gene expression that is carefully controlled by both genetic and epigenetic processes. As inhibition of S. mansoni epigenetic machinery components impairs key transitions throughout the parasite's digenetic lifecycle, a greater understanding of how epi-drugs affect molecular processes in schistosomes could lead to the development of new anthelmintics. Methods: In vitro whole organism assays were used to assess the anti-schistosomal activity of 39 Homo sapiens Lysine Specific Demethylase 1 (HsLSD1) inhibitors on different parasite life cycle stages. Moreover, tissue-specific stains and genomic analysis shed light on the effect of these small molecules on the parasite biology. Results: Amongst this collection of small molecules, compound 33 was the most potent in reducing ex vivo viabilities of schistosomula, juveniles, miracidia and adults. At its sub-lethal concentration to adults (3.13 µM), compound 33 also significantly impacted oviposition, ovarian as well as vitellarian architecture and gonadal/neoblast stem cell proliferation. ATAC-seq analysis of adults demonstrated that compound 33 significantly affected chromatin structure (intragenic regions > intergenic regions), especially in genes differentially expressed in cell populations (e.g., germinal stem cells, hes2 + stem cell progeny, S1 cells and late female germinal cells) associated with these ex vivo phenotypes. KEGG analyses further highlighted that chromatin structure of genes associated with sugar metabolism as well as TGF-beta and Wnt signalling were also significantly perturbed by compound 33 treatment. Conclusions: This work confirms the importance of histone methylation in S. mansoni lifecycle transitions, suggesting that evaluation of LSD1 - targeting epi-drugs may facilitate the search for next-generation anti-schistosomal drugs. The ability of compound 33 to modulate chromatin structure as well as inhibit parasite survival, oviposition and stem cell proliferation warrants further investigations of this compound and its epigenetic target SmLSD1.

Ecological Analysis of the Helminth Fauna in the Dice Snake <i>Natrix tessellata</i> (Reptilia, Colubridae) from the Low Volga Region (Russia)

The ecological analysis of the helminth fauna of the Dice snake Natrix tessellata from different habitats of the Astrakhan region in 2004, 2005, 2008 was carried out. The helminth community of the reptile includes 21 species of parasitic worms: 11 trematodes, 1 cestode, 8 nematodes and 1 acanthocephalan. Of these, 11 species are found in all the studied localities and form the basis of N. tessellata helminth fauna. Dominant and subdominant helminth species are found in snakes in all habitats as a result of the implementation of its main trophic relationships. Comparison of the helminth composition from different study sites showed a relatively high degree of similarity. Differences in the helminth fauna of the dice snake from different habitats are insignificant and relate to rare and accidental parasite species. Significant differences in the infection level of snakes with certain species of helminths were revealed. Most of the helminth species that parasitize the water snake have a complex life cycle. The infection of reptiles by them is determined to a large extent by biotic factors: fauna and the number of invertebrates (intermediate hosts of helminths) and vertebrates (paratenic and final hosts) in biocenosis.

Spatial parasitology and the unmapped human helminthiases.

Helminthiases are a class of neglected tropical diseases that affect at least 1 billion people worldwide, with a disproportionate impact on resource-poor areas with limited disease surveillance. Geospatial methods can offer valuable insights into the burden of these infections, particularly given that many are subject to strong ecological influences on the environmental, vector-borne or zoonotic stages of their life cycle. In this study, we screened 6829 abstracts and analysed 485 studies that use maps to document, infer or predict transmission patterns for over 200 species of parasitic worms. We found that quantitative mapping methods are increasingly used in medical parasitology, drawing on One Health surveillance data from the community scale to model geographic distributions and burdens up to the regional or global scale. However, we found that the vast majority of the human helminthiases may be entirely unmapped, with research effort focused disproportionately on a half-dozen infections that are targeted by mass drug administration programmes. Entire regions were also surprisingly under-represented in the literature, particularly southern Asia and the Neotropics. We conclude by proposing a shortlist of possible priorities for future research, including several neglected helminthiases with a burden that may be underestimated.

ФАУНА ГЕЛЬМИНТОВ ПТИЦ НАЦИОНАЛЬНОГО ПАРКА «СМОЛЬНЫЙ» И СОПРЕДЕЛЬНЫХ ТЕРРИТОРИЙ (РЕСПУБЛИКА МОРДОВИЯ)

We studied the helminth fauna in birds 35 species of birds from Passeriformes, Piciformes and Caprimulgiformes in the Smolny National Park and its surroundings in 2018–2022. In total, 23 species of helminths were identifi ed in birds: 8 trematodes, 10 cestodes and 5 nematodes. We presented taxonomic position, host range, rates of infection, and geographical distribution for each helminth species. The most diversity of helminth fauna is in Turdus phylomelos (10 species) and Turdus merula (7). In Parus major and Fringilla coelebs, six and fi ve species were recorded, respectively. The helminth faunas in Anthus trivialis and Ficedula hypoleuca are poor (4 species each). In total, three species of parasites were found in Erithacus rubecula, Poecile montanus, Sylvia atricapilla, Ficedula albicollis and Dendrocopos leucotos. One species, the trematode Morishitium polonicum, was revealed in birds of the Russian fauna for the fi rst time (in Coccothraustes coccothraustes and T. merula). Four cestode species, Capiuterilepis naja, Birovilepis sobolevi, B. spasskayae and Monopylidium passerinum were recorded for the fi rst time in the Middle Volga region. New hosts were identifi ed for nine species of parasitic worms. One species, the nematode Physocephalus sexalatus, found in the birds of the Smolny National Park and its surroundings have veterinary and medical signifi cance as potential pathogen of dangerous helminthiasis.

Helminth Fauna in Carnivoran Mammals from Uzbekistan

Helminths, or parasitic worms, are a group of organisms that can infect various animal species, including humans. In Uzbekistan, previous studies on the helminth fauna of mammals have mainly focused on domestic animals and some wildlife species, with little attention given to carnivoran mammals. This survey aims to conduct a comprehensive study for the first time in Uzbekistan on the helminth fauna of Carnivora. In this study, helminths were collected from 1002 carnivorans (Canidae, n = 710; Mustelidae, n = 167; and Felidae, n = 125) from five locations in Uzbekistan (Northeastern, Eastern, Central, Southern and Northwestern). A total of 71 species of helminths were identified in domestic and wild carnivores by necropsy and faecal examination, of which 36, 23, 9, and 3 species belonged to the higher taxon Nematoda, Cestoda, Trematoda and Acanthocephala respectively. The highest number of helminth species was recorded in studied Canidae (51 species), followed by Felidae (40 species) and Mustelidae (35 species). The overall infection rate of carnivorans was 79.8 %. Infection intensity ranged from a single to dozens of specimens. The statistical analysis indicated that the diversity of helminth species is significant among members of Canidae, with foxes having 42 species and dogs having 41 species (P < 0.05). Our study proves that the parasitic worm species that inhabit predatory mammals in Uzbekistan are a diverse and complex group that can cause helminthiases, which may be dangerous to livestock and humans.

Investigation of the parasite Ooecoeloides furcatus that infects Mullus surmuletus fish in the marine waters of Sirte-Libya

The Libyan city of Sirte is characterized by an important geographical location overlooking the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. This coast is full of many fish species, which are important families to complete the life cycle of many parasites, which negatively affect the quality and size of fisheries in the country. It is an indicator of pollution in the region and among the important fish species in this region, which was characterized by the abundance of parasites in it, based on this study are the Mullus surmuletus fish, which is a benthic fish In this study, 70 Mullus surmuletus fish were collected from the marine waters of the city of Sirte-Libya in the period from January to March 2021. Fresh fish samples were transferred to the laboratory of the Faculty of Science –University of Sirte – Libya. Various measurements were taken for each sample, and then external examinations were conducted for each sample to observe its phenotypic changes. After that, each sample was dissected by the known scientific method. Various internal examinations were conducted for each sample, and many species of parasitic worms were extracted and their laboratory operations were performed on them, and they were examined under a light microscope. Among the helminthes that were extracted was the Opecoeloides furcatus parasite of the trematode, which was extracted from the intestines of the Mullus surmuletus fish This study aims to identify the parasites that infect fish, especially Mullus surmuletus fish, which may cause losses in fish wealth in the study area, as well as to know the extent of environmental pollution in the area under study, as these research studies on this subject in the study area are completely non-existent

Determinants and Knowledge on Geo-Helminthiasis in Prison Inmates: Case of Kassapa Central Prison, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo

Introduction: Geohelminths are infections due to various species of parasitic worms transmitted by eggs present in human excreta which contaminate the soil where sanitation is poor. The objective of this study was to analyse the determinants and knowledge on geo-helminthiasis among inmates and care providers in the Kassapa prison environment in Lubumbashi in the Demographic Republic of Congo. Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study which was conducted from September 21 to October 15, 2020 in Kassapa prison in Demographic Republic of Congo. Estimates of the prevalence and general characteristics of geo-helminthiasis in prisoners were calculated by descriptive analyses. The analysis of determinants was performed based on a binary logistic regression. Results: With regard to the quantitative section, the study used a sample size of 1083 while a sample size of six was considered for the qualitative section. The annual prevalence of geo-helminthiasis was 10.2%, 4.8% and 2.9% respectively for 2017, 2018 and 2019. It was found that the general prevalence of geo-helminthiases was 17.9%. The age group above 39 years constitutes the modal class with 29.4%, the least affected age group being that of minors with 6.3%. The association is statistically significant between sex, treatment, prison residence and year. Thus, taking gender into account, women are by 2.3 (OR = 2.3, 95% CI [1.3%; 4.8%], p value < 0.05) more likely to be at risk of suffering from geo-helminthiasis than men, and mebendazole is by 2.1 a better treatment of geo-helminthiasis than albendazole (OR = 2.1, 95% CI [1.1%; 4.6%], p-value < 0.05). Transmission routes of geo-helminthiasis are relatively well known among these actors who have often reported eating dirty food, walking barefoot, and drinking dirty water. Conclusion: This descriptive cross-sectional study rounds off by pointing to poor hygiene, insufficient health education and a low socio-economic level exposing inmates to the risk of contracting geo-helminthiasis, particularly as prisoners in Kassapa live in a difficult situation and are therefore very vulnerable.

Helminth fauna of Microtus cf. arvalis (Rodentia, Cricetidae) in Russia and adjacent countries

Abstract. Kirillova NYu, Kirillov AA, Ruchin AB, Trukhachev MV. 2020. Helminth fauna of Microtus cf. arvalis (Rodentia, Cricetidae) in Russia and adjacent countries. Biodiversitas 21: 1961-1979. The helminth fauna of voles of the Microtus cf. arvalis group is reviewed focusing on the Russian fauna and that of adjacent territories. In total, 61 helminth species have been recorded in these rodents: Trematoda-14, Cestoda-21, Nematoda-25, Acanthocephala-1. The diversity of the helminth community of the common vole is due to the wide species range and abundance of this rodent. M. arvalis is the final host for most of the parasites recorded from this host species. Only 10 cestodes and trematodes species use common voles as intermediate and paratenic hosts. The core of this voles’ helminth fauna is formed by common species that parasitize many different rodent species. The helminth fauna of the common vole has been most intensively studied in Russia, where 45 species of parasitic worms have been recorded in rodents. The similarity of the helminth fauna of the common vole from different study regions is determined by both the geographical proximity of the research areas and the broad distribution of most of the M. cf. arvalis helminth species.

Parasitic helminth infections of dogs, wolves, foxes, and golden jackals in Mazandaran Province, North of Iran.

Background and Aim:There is a large amount of information on intestinal parasites in stray dogs and golden jackals (Canis aureus) in Mazandaran Province, Iran. However, there is little information about foxes and wolves, which have a potential role in the spread of dangerous parasitic diseases, such as echinococcosis and toxocariasis. The aim of the present study was to identify the genus or species of parasitic worms in stool samples obtained from carnivores in Mazandaran Province, Iran, from August 2017 to April 2018.Materials and Methods:A total of 274 fecal samples were collected from carnivores, including dog, fox, wolf, and C. aureus in three areas of Mazandaran Province, Iran. All specimens were examined by centrifugal fecal flotation using a solution of Sheather’s sugar to detect helminths eggs. Then, all samples were assessed using a light microscope. Data analysis was performed by SPSS version 18 (Chicago, IL, USA).Results:In this study, seven genera of helminths were observed, including Ancylostoma, Uncinaria, Toxocara, Dipylidium, Toxascaris, Taenia, and Spirocerca. The prevalence of helminth infections was 97.7% (127 out of 130), 56.7% (51 out of 90), 51.4% (18 out of 35), and 52.6% (10 out of 19), among dogs, C. aureus, foxes, and wolves, respectively. The highest prevalence of Ancylostoma and Toxocara infections occurred in the eastern and central areas of the province (42.1% and 35.7%, respectively).Conclusion:Based on the results of this study, the infection with intestinal zoonotic helminths in carnivores was an important public health factor in Mazandaran. Therefore, these infections can be potentially harmful to humans and other animals.

HELMINTH FAUNA OF MUSTELIDS (NEOVISON VISON, LUTRA LUTRA, MARTES MARTES, MUSTELA PUTORIUS, MELES MELES) AT CENTER OF EUROPEAN PART OF RUSSIA (Preliminary results)

Helminthological autopsies of Mustelids from various districts of Pskov, Тver and Smolensk region were carried out. To determine the prevalence rates of the infestation, an extensive invasion index was used. According to the results of helminthological autopsies, a list of detected helminthes is given. For the first time on the study area, 14 species of helminthes were recorded in studied Mustelids. Two of the found species of helminthes parasitize in Mustelids in larval form. The maximum variety of species is observed among the Nematoda class. The data on the number of detected helminth species in Mustelids in certain districts of the Tver, Pskov and Smolensk regions, as well as indicators of the frequency of helminthes were given. The maximum number of helminth species is recorded in Mustelids in the Novosokolnichesky district of the Pskov region. Extensiveness of invasion of all studied species of Mustelids, excluding otter, is 100%. According to the indicators of extensiveness of invasion in the studied Mustelids, Isthmiophora melis, Capillaria mucronata, Capillaria putorii, Filaroides martis are prevalent. The maximum number of species of parasitic worms is recorded in pine marten. The research results indicate the dominant influence of the trophic factor in the formation of the helminth fauna of martens that inhabit the study areas.

HELMINTHS OF THE COMMON SHREW SOREX ARANEUS IN THE KIVACH NATURE RESERVE

This study is a continuation of the research for the inventory of the parasite fauna of small mammals in nature reserves and parks of the North-West European Russia. Data are presented on the species composition and relative abundance of helminths in the common shrew Sorex araneus in the Kivach Strict Nature Reserve (Republic of Karelia, Russia). Findings from the surveys include 21 species of helminths belonging to three systematic groups: trematodes - Brachylaima fulvum, Rubenstrema exasperatum, cestodes Ditestolepis diaphana, Gulyaevolepis tripartita, Neoskrjabinolepis schaldybini, N. singularis, Staphylocystis furcata, Vigisolepis spinulosa, Dilepis undula, Hepatocestus hepaticus, Monocercus arionis, and nematodes - Aonchotheca kutori, Liniscus incrassatus, Eucoleus oesophagicola, Soboliphyme soricis, Parastrongyloides winchesi, Longistriata codrus, L. didas, L. depressa and Porrocaecum depressum, Porrocaecum sp. Representatives of the Palaearctic faunal complex prevail among the helminths parasitic in the common shrew (85 %). Eight species of parasitic worms were recorded in the common shrew from the territory of the Kivach nature reserve for the first time: R. exasperatum, B. fulvum, N. singularis, S. furcata, V. spinulosa, L. incrassatus, E. ophagicola, P. winchesi. These species are typical representatives of the helminth fauna of the common shrew in the middle taiga subzone of Karelia.

Interactive online application for the prediction, ranking and prioritisation of drug targets in Schistosoma haematobium

BackgroundHuman schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by parasitic worms of the genus Schistosoma that still affects some 200 million people. The mainstay of schistosomiasis control is a single drug, praziquantel. The reliance on this drug carries a risk of resistance emerging to this anthelmintic, such that research towards alternative anti-schistosomal drugs is warranted. In this context, a number of studies have employed computational approaches to prioritise proteins for investigation as drug targets, based on extensive genomic, transcriptomic and small-molecule data now available.MethodsHere, we established a customisable, online application for the prioritisation of drug targets and applied it, for the first time, to the entire inferred proteome of S. haematobium. This application enables selection of weighted and ranked proteins representing potential drug targets, and integrates transcriptional data, orthology and gene essentiality information as well as drug-drug target associations and chemical properties of predicted ligands.ResultsUsing this application, we defined 25 potential drug targets in S. haematobium that associated with approved drugs, and 3402 targets that (although they could not be linked to any compounds) are conserved among a range of socioeconomically important flatworm species and might represent targets for new trematocides.ConclusionsThe online application developed here represents an interactive, customisable, expandable and reproducible drug target ranking and prioritisation approach that should be useful for the prediction of drug targets in schistosomes and other species of parasitic worms in the future. We have demonstrated the utility of this online application by predicting potential drug targets in S. haematobium that can now be evaluated using functional genomics tools and/or small molecules, to establish whether they are indeed essential for parasite survival, and to assist in the discovery of novel anti-schistosomal compounds.

Hematological and Biochemical Parameters of the Helminth-Infested Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla

The hematological and biochemical parameters of the kittiwake Rissa tridactyla infested by helminths Alcataenia larina, Tetrabothrius erostris, and Paracuaria adunca were analyzed and compared to those of infestation-free birds. Both monoinvasions and invasions by multiple parasites were observed. Changes indicative of tissue damage and inflammatory processes in the host organism were observed in the birds with P. adunca and A. larina monoinvasions. Biochemical parameter changes in P. adunca- or T. erostris-infested birds were apparently related to competition for nutrients between the parasites and the host and to digestive function impairment in the birds. The hematological index values showed that the stress related to parasite invasion was the strongest in kittiwake individuals infected by three parasitic worm species (P. adunca, T. erostris, and A. larina) at the same time.

Comprehensive and Comparative Analysis of the Helminth Fauna of the Dominant Colonial Seabird Species on the Murman Coast

This work reports the results of the long-term study of the helminth fauna of the dominant colonial seabird species (common guillemots, Brunnich’s guillemots, kittiwakes, great black-backed gulls, and herring gulls) in the western, central, and eastern parts of the Murman coast. The presence of 52 parasitic worm species (18 trematode species, 21 cestode species, 11 nematode species, and 2 acanthocephalan species) was demonstrated. In the western, central, and eastern regions, the respective numbers of 32, 43, and 34 helminth species were registered. Twenty species of seabird parasites were found to be ubiquitous along the Murman coastal zone. Local foci of the trematode Maritrema arenaria and cestode Laricanthus lateralis infestation along the western part of the Murmansk coast were revealed. The highest helminth species diversity (38 species) was demonstrated for the herring gull; the lowest (7 species), for the common guillemot. Four parasite species were common for the helminth fauna of all bird species. A significant number of helminth infections were mixed ones (complexes of two or three bird species with the common helminth species in different combinations). The highest similarity of the helminth fauna was revealed in the pairs of the common guillemot and the Brunnich’s guillemot and of the great black-backed gull and the herring gull. A few parasitic worm species detected only in a single bird species were registered. The particularities and the possible causes of the geographical distribution and specificity of helminthes were analyzed, and a comprehensive assessment of the parasitological situation in the Murman coastal zone was performed.

Enterobius vermicularis as a Novel Surrogate for the Presence of Helminth Ova in Tertiary Wastewater Treatment Plants.

Significant effort has gone into assessing the fate and removal of viruses, bacteria, and protozoan parasites during wastewater treatment to provide data addressing potential health risks associated with reuse options. Comparatively less is known about the fate of parasitic worm species ova in these complex systems. It is largely assumed that these helminths settle, are removed with the sludge, and consequently represent a relatively low risk for wastewater reuse applications. However, helminths are a highly diverse group of organisms that display a wide range of physical properties that complicate the application of a single treatment for helminth reduction during wastewater treatment. Moreover, their diverse biological and physical properties make some ova highly resistant to both disinfection (i.e., with chlorine or UV treatment) and physical removal (settling) through the wastewater treatment train, indicating that there may be reason to broaden the scope of our investigations into whether parasitic worm eggs can be identified in treated wastewater. The ubiquitous human parasitic nematode Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm) produces small, buoyant ova. Utilizing a novel diagnostic quantitative PCR (qPCR), this study monitored E. vermicularis presence at two full-scale wastewater treatment plants over the course of 8 months and demonstrated incomplete physical removal of E. vermicularis ova through tertiary treatment, with removal efficiencies approximating only 0.5 and 1.6 log10 at the two wastewater treatment plants based on qPCR. These findings demonstrate the need for more-diverse surrogates of helminthic ova to fully assess treatment performance with respect to reclaimed wastewaters.IMPORTANCE Helminths, despite being a diverse and environmentally resistant class of pathogens, are often underestimated and ignored when treatment performance at modern wastewater treatment plants is considered. A one-size-fits-all surrogate for removal of helminth ova may be inappropriate to adequately assess risk and ensure public safety when treated and partially treated wastewaters are encountered. This study argues for the use of human pinworm as a conservative indicator of the presence of helminth ova due to its small size, buoyancy, prevalence in humans, and environmental resistance.