Parasite Status Research Articles

Is the propensity to emit alarm calls associated with health status?

The production and structure of animal signals may depend on an individual’s health status and may provide more than one type of information to receivers. While alarm calls are not typically viewed as health condition dependent, recent studies have suggested that their structure, and possibly their propensity to be emitted, depends on an individual’s health condition and state. We asked whether the propensity of yellow-bellied marmots (Marmota flaviventer) to emit calls is influenced by their immunological or parasite status, by quantifying both trap-elicited and natural calling rates as a function of their neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (NL) ratio, the presence of a blood borne trypanosome, and the presence of several intestinal parasites (Eimeria sp., Entamoeba sp., and Ascaris sp.). We fitted mixed effects models to determine if the health measures we collected were associated with the probability of calling in a trap and with annual rates of natural alarm calling. Marmots infected with a blood-borne trypanosome were marginally more likely to call naturally and when trapped, while those infected with the intestinal parasite Ascaris were less likely to call when trapped. NL ratio was not directly associated with in-trap calling probability, but males were more likely to call when they had higher NL ratios. Thus, health conditions, such as parasite infection and immune system activation, can modulate the production of alarm signals and potentially provide information to both predators and prey about the caller’s condition. Playback experiments are required to confirm if receivers use such information.

Intestinal parasites in rural communities in Nan Province, Thailand: changes in bacterial gut microbiota associated with minute intestinal fluke infection.

Gastrointestinal helminth infection likely affects the gut microbiome, in turn affecting host health. To investigate the effect of intestinal parasite status on the gut microbiome, parasitic infection surveys were conducted in communities in Nan Province, Thailand. In total, 1047 participants submitted stool samples for intestinal parasite examination, and 391 parasite-positive cases were identified, equating to an infection prevalence of 37.3%. Intestinal protozoan species were less prevalent (4.6%) than helminth species. The most prevalent parasite was the minute intestinal fluke Haplorchis taichui (35.9%). Amplicon sequencing of 16S rRNA was conducted to investigate the gut microbiome profiles of H. taichui-infected participants compared with those of parasite-free participants. Prevotella copri was the dominant bacterial operational taxonomic unit (OTU) in the study population. The relative abundance of three bacterial taxa, Ruminococcus, Roseburia faecis and Veillonella parvula, was significantly increased in the H. taichui-infected group. Parasite-negative group had higher bacterial diversity (α diversity) than the H. taichui-positive group. In addition, a significant difference in bacterial community composition (β diversity) was found between the two groups. The results suggest that H. taichui infection impacts the gut microbiome profile by reducing bacterial diversity and altering bacterial community structure in the gastrointestinal tract.

Parasitic infection status of different native species of Columbidae family in southwest of Iran

In current investigation, for the first time, prevalence of parasites in different native members of columbidae family were studied carefully in Shahrekord, located in southwest of Iran. Totally 220 birds from 4 different species were examined for presence of every ectoparasites and endoparasites by use of identification keys for parasites. After preparation of blood smears, oral cavity and crop wet smears, feces samples and their direct smears, flotation of feces and evisceration of examined birds, isolation and identification of parasites were done via laboratory methods and identification keys. Results of current study show the occurrence and prevalence of different parasites in examined groups. The common blood parasite with highest prevalence is Haemoproteous columbae in Rock pigeons (27.27%). The highest prevalence of Leukocytozoon marchouxi is for Rock Pigeons (5.54%). Columbicola columbae is the common ectoparsite with highest prevalence in Rock pigeons (56.36%), the highest prevalence of Menopon gallinae is for Rock Pigeons (21.81%), also the highest prevalence of Pseudolynchia canariensis and Lipeurus caponis are for Rock pigeons (36.36% and 16.36% respectively). The highest prevalence of Trichomonas gallinae is for Rock pigeons (67.27%). The highest prevalence of Eimeria labbeana is for Laughing Doves (30.90%). Highest prevalence of Cryptosporidium meleagridis is for Rock pigeons (3.63%) and the highest prevalence Echinostoma revolutum is for Rock Pigeons (20%). Ascaridia columbae has the highest prevalence in Domestic Pigeons (25.45%). The highest prevalence of Ascaridia galli, Raillietina echinobothrida and Raillietina tetragona are for Rock Pigeons (7.27%, 18.18% and 12.72% respectively). Results of current study for the first time show the considerable level of parasitic infections in the examined groups in this area.

Parasitic infection status of different native species of Columbidae family in southwest of Iran

In current investigation, for the first time, prevalence of parasites in different native members of columbidae family were studied carefully in Shahrekord, located in southwest of Iran. Totally 220 birds from 4 different species were examined for presence of every ectoparasites and endoparasites by use of identification keys for parasites. After preparation of blood smears, oral cavity and crop wet smears, feces samples and their direct smears, flotation of feces and evisceration of examined birds, isolation and identification of parasites were done via laboratory methods and identification keys. Results of current study show the occurrence and prevalence of different parasites in examined groups. The common blood parasite with highest prevalence is Haemoproteous columbae in Rock pigeons (27.27%). The highest prevalence of Leukocytozoon marchouxi is for Rock Pigeons (5.54%). Columbicola columbae is the common ectoparsite with highest prevalence in Rock pigeons (56.36%), the highest prevalence of Menopon gallinae is for Rock Pigeons (21.81%), also the highest prevalence of Pseudolynchia canariensis and Lipeurus caponis are for Rock pigeons (36.36% and 16.36% respectively). The highest prevalence of Trichomonas gallinae is for Rock pigeons (67.27%). The highest prevalence of Eimeria labbeana is for Laughing Doves (30.90%). Highest prevalence of Cryptosporidium meleagridis is for Rock pigeons (3.63%) and the highest prevalence Echinostoma revolutum is for Rock Pigeons (20%). Ascaridia columbae has the highest prevalence in Domestic Pigeons (25.45%). The highest prevalence of Ascaridia galli, Raillietina echinobothrida and Raillietina tetragona are for Rock Pigeons (7.27%, 18.18% and 12.72% respectively). Results of current study for the first time show the considerable level of parasitic infections in the examined groups in this area.

Unconditional care from close maternal kin in the face of parasites.

Several species mitigate relationships according to their conspecifics' parasite status. Yet, this defence strategy comes with the costs of depriving individuals from valuable social bonds. Animals therefore face a trade-off between the costs of pathogen exposure and the benefits of social relationships. According to the models of social evolution, social bonds are highly kin-biased. However, whether kinship mitigates social avoidance of contagious individuals has never been tested so far. Here, we build on previous research to demonstrate that mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx) modulate social avoidance of contagious individuals according to kinship: individuals do not avoid grooming their close maternal kin when contagious (parasitized with oro-faecally transmitted protozoa), although they do for more distant or non-kin. While individuals' parasite status has seldom been considered as a trait impacting social relationships in animals, this study goes a step beyond by showing that kinship balances the effect of health status on social behaviour in a non-human primate.

A simple, robust, and affordable bioluminescent assay for drug discovery against infective African trypanosomes.

African trypanosomiasis is a major problem for human and animal health in endemic countries, where it threatens millions of people and affects economic development. New drugs are needed to overcome the toxicity, administration, low efficacy, and resistance issues of the current chemotherapy. Robust, simple, and economical high-throughput, whole-cell-based assays are required to accelerate the identification of novel chemical entities. With this aim, we generated a bioluminescent cell line of the bloodstream stage of Trypanosoma brucei brucei and established a screening assay. Trypanosomes were stably transfected to constitutively express a thermostable red-shifted luciferase. The growth phenotype and drug sensitivity of the reporter cell line were essentially identical to that of the parental cell line. The endogenous luciferase activity, measured by a simple bioluminescence assay, proved to be proportional to parasite number and metabolic status. The assay, optimized to detect highly potent compounds in a 96-well-plate format, was validated by screening a small compound library (inter-assay values for Z' factor and coefficient variation were 0.77 and 5.8%, respectively). With a hit-confirmation ratio of ~97%, the assay was potent enough to identify several hits with EC50 ≤ 10μM. Preliminary tests indicated that the assay can be scaled up to a 384-well-plate format without compromising its robustness. In summary, we have generated reporter trypanosomes and a simple, robust, and affordable bioluminescence screening assay with great potential to speed up the early-phase drug discovery against African trypanosomes.

PARASITES OF THE BLUE IGUANA (CYCLURA LEWISI) FROM GRAND CAYMAN ISLAND.

Feces (n = 226; 2004-2015) from healthy captive and wild blue iguanas (Cyclura lewisi) from Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, were examined for endoparasites. Parasites identified included Nyctotherus sp. and Entamoeba sp. cysts and trophozoites, trichomonad trophozoites, and oxyurid and trichostrongylid eggs. Endoparasites from postmortem examinations (n = 13) included adult and larval nematodes: Ozolaimus megatyphlon, Ozolaimus monhystera, Alaeuris travassosi, Atractis mega, and an unidentified species of Oswaldocruzia. Entamoeba spp. were more likely in captive juveniles of both sexes than captive or wild adults of either sex; Entamoeba spp. were more likely in captive adult females than captive adult males; trichomonad trophozoites were more likely in adult captive and wild iguanas of both sexes than in captive juveniles of either sex; and Nyctotherus spp. were more likely in juvenile captive males than captive adult males or females and more likely in adult wild males than captive juvenile males. Trichostrongylid eggs were more likely in adult wild females than adult captive females and more likely in captive and wild adults of both sexes than in captive juveniles of both sexes. Oxyurid eggs were more likely in adult captive and wild iguanas of both sexes than captive juveniles of either sex. Blue iguanas have a variety of endoparasites regardless of age, sex, or captive vs wild status, with no type found exclusively in either captive or wild populations. Ectoparasites from wild adults included adult ticks (Amblyomma torrei) and a single adult mite (Hirstiella trombidiformis). All are new host records for this species and Grand Cayman. Knowledge of parasite status of captive and wild populations is important to evaluate the relative risk of introduction of captive animals into wild populations.

Malaria in North Africa: A Review of the Status of Vectors and Parasites

This article presents the status of Anopheles mosquito species and malaria parasite occurrences in North Africa. Because information is dispersed among numerous sources, we assimilated the information into a synthesis of the current status and potential of the disease in the region. Malaria transmission has been interrupted in North Africa, but the risk of re-emergence remains high. Indeed, competent vectors are present across the region, and the number of imported cases is increasing. The dominant parasite among imported cases is Plasmodium falciparum Welch in Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco and Plasmodium vivax Grassi & Feletti in Libya and Egypt. In northwestern Africa (Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco), vectors formerly responsible for malaria transmission are Anopheles labranchiae Falleroni and Anopheles sergenti Theobald, whereas Anopheles pharoensis Theobald and Anopheles sergenti are the main malaria vectors in Egypt. Anopheles multicolor Cambouliu and An. sergenti are the major potential vectors of malaria transmission in Libya. In 2014, malaria caused by P. falciparum (1 case) and P. vivax (23 cases) were documented in Aswan Governorate, Egypt, indicating probable re-emergence of transmission, although these cases are considered as imported. In Algeria, local cases caused by P. falciparum in 2013 suggested probable re-emergence of malaria transmission. Four cases of airport malaria were noted for the first time in Tunisia during summer 2013 and were caused by P. falciparum. The presence of competent malaria vector species, together with high numbers of imported malaria cases each year, underscores the risk of re-emergence of autochthonous transmission in all countries of North Africa.

Past and present status of poultry parasites in Iceland

Past and present status of poultry parasites in Iceland

Great spotted cuckoos show dynamic patterns of host selection during the breeding season. The importance of laying stage and parasitism status of magpie nests

AbstractAvian brood parasites depend entirely on their hosts to raise their nestlings until independence. Thus, parasite females should select suitable host nests for egg laying according to traits that enhance offspring survival. The availability of nests of certain characteristics influencing the survival of parasitic offspring is, however, temporally dynamic and, thus, patterns of host selection should be evaluated considering characteristics of available host nests the day of parasitism. This allows detecting possible seasonal changes and, therefore, a more realistic picture of host selection by brood parasites. In this paper, we adopt such a new approach and consider daily availability of magpie (Pica pica) host nests at different breeding stage that were or were not parasitized by the great spotted cuckoo (Clamator glandarius). Theory predicts that cuckoos should select host nests at the laying stage. Accordingly, we detected that cuckoos preferred to parasitize magpie nests at the laying stage but, mainly, those that already harbored one or two cuckoo eggs, which may seem counterintuitive. We also showed that patterns of host selection by cuckoos varied during the breeding season, which implies that brood parasite–host interaction is dynamic depending on phenology. These patterns are hidden when not considering the temporally dynamic nature of the availability of host nests of characteristics of interest. We discuss the importance of such patterns and considering diary hosts nests availability for detecting them.

Why Are Queens Broodless? Failed Nest Initiation Not Linked to Parasites, Mating Status, or Ovary Development in Two Bumble Bee Species of Pyrobombus (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Bombus).

Bumble bees (Bombus [Hymenoptera: Apidae]) are important pollinators for agricultural crops, which has led to their commercial domestication. Despite their importance, little is known about the reproductive biology of bumble bees native to North America. The Hunt bumble bee (Bombus huntii Greene [Hymenoptera: Apidae]) and the Vosnesensky bumble bee (Bombus vosnesenskii Radoszkowski [Hymenoptera: Apidae] are native candidates for commercial production in western North America due to their efficacy in providing commercial pollination services. Availability of pollinators native to the region in which services would be provided would minimize the likelihood of introducing exotic species and spreading novel disease. Some parasites are known to affect bumble bee reproduction, but little is known about their prevalence in North America or how they affect queen success. Only 38% of wild-caught B. huntii and 51% wild-caught B. vosnesenskii queens collected between 2015 and 2017 initiated nests in the laboratory. Our objective was to identify causal factors leading to a queen's inability to oviposit. To address this, we dissected each broodless queen and diagnosed diseases, assessed mating status, and characterized ovary development. Nematodes, arthropods, and microorganisms were detected in both species. Overall, 20% of queens were infected by parasites, with higher rates in B. vosnesenskii. Over 95% of both species were mated, and over 88% had developed ovaries. This suggests that parasitism and mating status were not primary causes of broodlessness. Although some failure to nest can be attributed to assessed factors, additional research is needed to fully understand the challenges presented by captive rearing.

Hematological, parasitological and biochemical parameters in sheep during the peripartum period

Background: Pregnancy in all animal species requires special care and attention. During this period there is great variation in hematological and biochemical parameters. Many times these parameters are misinterpreted as being obtained from nonpregnant animals with unknown parasite status. Objective: To characterize the hematological, biochemical, and parasitological values within the peripartum period of Santa Ines sheep naturally infected. Methods: For this purpose, 45 ewes were used, with an average body weight of 50 kg. Data were collected during pregnancy, birth and, lactation. Measurements included body weight, body condition score (BCS), evaluation of conjunctive staining, and collection of blood and feces. Results: All variables changed throughout physiological stages. Weight and BCS were different between periods (p<0.05). Fecal egg counts (FEC) were higher in the peripartum period, with a predominance of Haemonchus ssp, 92.85%. Mean hematological and biochemical values varied throughout the study, (p>0.05). Conclusion: The influence of peripartum on the parameters studied should be considered and its use as a reference value. Regarding the physiological variations observed during peripartum, proper animal management could help minimizing the negative effects of parasitic infections on productivity.

Parasite prevalence and bioaccumulation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as stressors in the silver catfish, chrysichthys nigrodigitatus (Siluriformes: Claroteidae)

The experiment explored the impacts of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and the prevalence of Aspidogastrea africanus (endoparasite) in Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus (host) in Lekki lagoon, Lagos State, Nigeria. Host-parasite allotment of PAHs, histopathological analysis, and the oxidative status of parasite and host were investigated. Oxidative status of fish and endoparasites were determined by assessing the levels of reduced glutathion (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA). PAH concentrations were determined in the tissues of the host and parasite using gas chromatograph coupled to flame ionization detector (GC-FID). Physico-chemical parameters of water and sediment were assessed using a handheld multi-parameter probe (Horiba Water Checker Model U-10). The parasitic prevalence in the examined fish was proportional to length and weight of fish individuals. The parasites were more predominant among the length and weight cohorts of the female fishes than the males. Higher induction of oxidative stress enzymes in the intestine of the male C. nigrodigitatus than in the female, and the parasite can be attributed to the higher levels PAH and partly absence of parasites to depurate the toxicant in the fish. A. africanus shared the toxic burdens of chrysene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, dibenz(a,h)anthracene, benzo(g,h,i)perylene, dibenzo(a,l)pyrene, dibenzo(a,i)pyrene and particularly indo(1.2,3-cd)pyrene from the intestine of both sexes. In return, the endoparasite contributed to the oxidative stress in the intestine of the fish. Synergistic and antagonistic interactions between PAH congeners and A. africanus on silver catfish, C.nigrodigitatus is evident in the current study. We suggest mitigation of PAH-releasing anthropogenic activities around Lekki lagoon for the protection of C. nigrodigitatus.

‘A Winter's Tale’: parasite control in cattle at housing

Although some cattle farms operate year-round with stock outside, cattle are housed at the onset of winter on the majority of farms. Housing typically coincides with the onset of cold, wet weather, a decline in the quantity and quality of grazing and wet underfoot conditions leading to poaching of fields. While the transition from a fresh grass-based diet under extensive conditions outside to a controlled forage-based ration in close confinement inside requires some adaptations by both cattle and farmers, it also provides an opportunity for an assessment of parasite status and the implementation of appropriate control measures. Exposure to new helminth infections while grazing is essentially eliminated during housing; thus effective treatments can provide long-term control until turnout the following year. Obligate ectoparasites such as lice and mange mites, with short survival times off the host, can also be eliminated over winter through effective ectoparasiticide treatment of at-risk groups. To comply with the ethos of ‘responsible use’ of parasiticides, group treatments of cattle at housing must be justified through risk assessments, though potential negative impacts on selection for anthelmintic resistance and environmental impact can also be mitigated through manure and slurry management and disposal.

Effects of Acacia mearnsii supplementation on nutrition, parasitological, blood parameters and methane emissions in Santa Inês sheep infected with Trichostrongylus colubriformis and Haemonchus contortus

Gastrointestinal nematodes are a main problem for ruminant production, reducing animal performance and increasing environmental impact per unit of animal product generated. Tannin supplementation may lead to positive results regarding aspects such as parasitic infections and methane (CH4) emissions. Therefore, the objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of the condensed tannins (CT) extract made of powdered Acacia mearnsii bark (PAB) on nutrition, parasitic status and CH4 emissions in sheep artificially infected with Trichostrongylus colubriformis and Haemonchus contortus. Twenty 10-month old Santa Inês lambs (24.7 ± 3.14 kg of initial body weight) were used in a 50-day trial. Animals were divided in four treatment groups according to parasitic infection and PAB supplementation: two control groups without infections, one without PAB (C-) (n = 4) and one with PAB (C+) (n = 4); two infected groups, one without PAB (I-) (n = 6) and another receiving PAB (I+) (n = 6). Initially, animals were kept in individual pens where they were fed ad libitum chopped tifton 85 hay (Cynodon spp.) and 210 g/animal/day of concentrate. On the first day of experiment, animals of I- and I+ groups were artificially infected with infective larvae (L3) of T. colubriformis and H. contortus. Lambs were weighed fortnightly to calculate average daily body weight gain (ADG). Blood and faeces samples were also collected in the same moment of weighing for the evaluation of blood parameters and faecal egg count (FEC) respectively. After 40 days of experiment, measurements of CH4 emissions in small chamber system started and following that, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) assay was carried out in metabolic cages. In the end of experimental period (50 days), lambs were slaughtered and samples of abomasum and small intestine content were collected for worm count, identification, and eggs/female count. No significant (p > 0.05) treatment effects were verified for ADG, ATTD and worm count. Blood parameters were affected in both infected groups (p < 0.05) from the 28th experimental day onwards, when these animals started to show reduced red blood cells, haemoglobin and packed cell volume when compared to C- and C+. Decreased FEC was verified in I+ when compared to I- and also, H. contortus eggs/female worm for I+ was lower than for I- (p < 0.05). Both infected groups showed higher CH4 emissions than the control groups (p < 0.05). Results highlighted the anthelmintic potential of PAB and indicated methanogenic effect of parasitic nematode infections.

Taxonomic status of fish parasites in Kenyan inland water systems and their significance on the freshwater fisheries and aquaculture productivity within the region

AbstractFish are a resource with great economic, nutritional and recreational benefits to humans on a global scale. In Kenya, fish represent an important source of food and income through trade and employment to many communities. In fact, fish are an important alternative source of animal protein, especially in famine‐tolerant arid and semi‐arid regions such as Turkana, Marsabit, Pokot and Baringo Counties, where annual drought periodically hampers traditional livestock keeping destitute. Kenya freshwater fishes have remained vulnerable to a variety of parasites and related diseases. Approximately 119 fish parasites have been reported in the country, with about 83 being identified to species level and 35 to genus level. Out of the reported parasites, 77% were detected in wild fish, 8% in farm fish and 15% in both wild and farmed fish. The parasites identified by various studies include protozoa (7), myxozoa (7), nematode (20), monogenean (33), digenean (16), cestoda (15), acanthocephalan (6) and crustacean (15). The highly commercialized fishes, such as Oreochromis niloticus and Clarias gariepinus, harbour the highest number of parasites, which greatly hinder fisheries and aquaculture productivity through retarded growth, mechanical damages, reduced reproduction rates and increased mortality of the fish hosts. Thus, there is need for adequate information on the taxonomy and ecology of these parasites as a basis for developing appropriate management and policies to control them. This review article is meant to provide an overview of the distribution, occurrence of fish parasites and their impacts on inland water fisheries and aquaculture in Kenya, while also highlighting the available gaps warranting further studies, with the goal of developing appropriate and accurate control measures to improve the region's fisheries and aquaculture productivity and food security.

Lactose intolerance among under five children with malaria in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

This study assessed the occurrence of lactose intolerance among children under five years of age with malaria in Port Harcourt, south-southern Nigeria. One hundred and twenty-four (124) under five children attending paediatric clinics in Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital, Port Harcourt, were selected for the study through purposive and systematic random sampling. Blood samples were collected from heel or thumb prick of the children to determine malaria parasite status while stool samples were collected for stool acidity test to determine lactose intolerance in the children. Data was analyzed on SPSS version 20.0. Results show that among the study children, there were more females (56.5%) and mostly those 2 years of age (26.6%) of which 54.8% were nourished. All the children tested positive for malaria with 53.3% having parasite density of 9000-50000 A–. About 69.4% of these children had acidic stool pH (< 5.5) indicative of lactose intolerance. The study found a significant relationship between malaria parasite density and lactose intolerance (p<0.05). A significant relationship (p<0.05) was also found between nutritional status and lactose intolerance among children with malaria. Malaria infection could predispose to lactose intolerance in children as observed in this study. It is therefore very important that prevention or early diagnosis and treatment of malaria among under-five children should be greatly encouraged to prevent lactose intolerance and its deleterious outcome in children.Keywords: Lactose Intolerance; malaria; under five children, Nigeria.

Current Status of Parasite Infections in Indonesia: A Literature Review.

Indonesia and South Korea have become inseparable in various respects since the 2 countries established diplomatic relation in 1973. Indonesia is a tropical region that stretches across the equator, comprised of 5 main islands (Java, Kalimantan, Sumatra, Sulawesi, and Papua) and 4 archipelagoes (Riau, Bangka Belitung, Nusa Tenggara, and Maluku). As most population of Eastern Indonesia (Sulawesi, Papua and Nusa Tenggara & Maluku) live in poor areas, it is expected that there will be many parasites. Nevertheless, little is known about the status of parasites in Indonesia. This study examines the prevalences of malaria and lymphatic filaria, which are prevalent in Indonesia, as well as those of soil-transmitted-helminths (STH). As a result, the Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax case loads are almost equal. The current prevalence of P. vivax is uniformly low (<5%) in all age groups and annual parasite incidence (API) showed decreasing tendency as 0.84 per 1,000 population in 2016. However, more than 65 million people still live in malaria epidemic regions. Lymphatic filariasis remains an important public health problem and 236 cities were classified as endemic areas in 514 cities/districts in 2017. It is difficult to ascertain the current prevalence rate of STH in Indonesia, although West Sumba and Southwest Sumba in East Nusa Tenggara reported prevalence rate of more than 20%. The study also considers the (sero) prevalences of other parasites identified in Indonesia. This report should be useful not only to parasitologists but also to travelers and people with business in Indonesia.

Plasmodium Genomics and Genetics: New Insights into Malaria Pathogenesis, Drug Resistance, Epidemiology, and Evolution.

Protozoan Plasmodium parasites are the causative agents of malaria, a deadly disease that continues to afflict hundreds of millions of people every year. Infections with malaria parasites can be asymptomatic, with mild or severe symptoms, or fatal, depending on many factors such as parasite virulence and host immune status. Malaria can be treated with various drugs, with artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) being the first-line choice. Recent advances in genetics and genomics of malaria parasites have contributed greatly to our understanding of parasite population dynamics, transmission, drug responses, and pathogenesis. However, knowledge gaps in parasite biology and host-parasite interactions still remain. Parasites resistant to multiple antimalarial drugs have emerged, while advanced clinical trials have shown partial efficacy for one available vaccine. Here we discuss genetic and genomic studies of Plasmodium biology, host-parasite interactions, population structures, mosquito infectivity, antigenic variation, and targets for treatment and immunization. Knowledge from these studies will advance our understanding of malaria pathogenesis, epidemiology, and evolution and will support work to discover and develop new medicines and vaccines.

Gastrointestinal Parasitic Infections and Immunological Status of HIV/AIDS Coinfected Individuals in Nigeria.

Background:Parasitic infections of the gastrointestinal tract is one of the highest causes of morbidity and mortality among HIV infected individuals. This is due to the colonization of the intestinal tract by parasites influenced by induced enteropathy caused by HIV infection. CD+4 t-lymphocytes count is a marker of the immune status of HIV infected individuals.Objective:This study investigated the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic infections among HIV coinfected individuals in relation to their immunological status.Methods:CD+4 t-lymphocytes count was determined using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) count system. Parasitological examination of faecal samples was conducted using direct wet mount, modified Z-N and Giemsa stain techniques. All prepared slides were examined under x10 and x40 objectives.Findings:Out of the 891 HIV seropositive participants on antiretroviral therapy that were studied, 641 (71.9%) had CD+4 counts equals to or greater than 500 cells/mm3. All other seropositive participants had CD+4 counts below 500 cells/mm3. Gastrointestinal parasitic infections were recorded in 187 (20.9%) seropositive participants, with females (n = 108, 12.1%) having more infections than males. Multiple gastrointestinal parasitic infections were recorded in 28 (3.1%) seropositive participants. Out of the 150 seronegative participants, 79 (52.7%) of them had at least one gastrointestinal parasitic infection. Female seronegative participants also accounted for higher infection rate (n = 42, 28.0%) than males (n = 37, 24.7%). Multiple infections were also recorded in 18 (12.0%) seronegative individuals. The overall prevalence rate of infection between both positive and negative individuals was 25.5%. There was statistical significant difference in the infections of Cryptosporidium parvum (p < 0.003), Cyclospora cayetanensis (p < 0.011) and Cystoisospora belli (p < 0.011) between HIV seropositive and HIV seronegative individuals. Also, there was statistical significant difference in the infections of hook worm (p < 0.002) and Trichuris trichiura (p < 0.020) between seronegative and seropositive individuals. Gastrointestinal parasitic infection rate was significantly higher among seropositive participants with CD+4 counts between 200 and 350 cells/mm3 (n = 109, 58.3%).Conclusion:The study shows that HIV infected individuals continue to experience gastrointestinal infections even with antiretroviral treatment, especially those with CD+4 counts below 350 cells/mm3. Health care providers should prioritise routine screening of HIV patients for gastrointestinal parasites and provide prompt treatment. Antiparasitic drugs should also be provided as prophylaxis.