Parasitological Studies Research Articles

The contribution of in silico studies in Parasitology: A multifaceted approach

The contribution of in silico studies in Parasitology: A multifaceted approach

Raccoons contraband - The metazoan parasite fauna of free-ranging raccoons in central Europe.

The invasive raccoon (Procyon lotor) is an abundant carnivore and considered as an important potential vector of infectious diseases and parasites in Europe. Raccoons show a broad, opportunistic, omnivorous food spectrum. Food supply and habitat quality in urban areas are very attractive for the generalist raccoon. This inevitably leads to increased interaction with humans, domestic animals and livestock, making the raccoon a potentially suitable zoonosis vector. In its autochthonous range, especially in the Eastern and Midwestern United States, the raccoon has been studied very intensively since the beginning of the 20th century. Whereas, basic field biology and parasitology studies in Germany and Europe are lacking and have only been conducted sporadically, regionally and on small sample sizes. In the presented study 234 raccoons from central Germany were comprehensively examined for their metazoan parasite fauna. The present study shows for the first time an extremely diverse parasite fauna in raccoons outside their native range and proves their essential role as intermediate hosts and hosts for ecto- and endoparasites. A total of 23 different parasite species were identified, five of which are human pathogens, 14 of which are new for the parasite fauna of raccoons in Europe. The human pathogenic raccoon roundworm Baylisascaris procyonis is the most common parasite species in this study, with a prevalence of up to 95%. The digenetic trematode Plagiorchis muris, another human pathogenic parasite species, was detected for the first time in raccoons. The ongoing spread of invasive carnivores and the associated spread and transmission of their parasites and other pathogens increases the potential health risk of wild and farmed animals as well as humans. An increase in parasitic diseases in humans (e.g. raccoon roundworm) is to be expected, especially in urban areas, where raccoons are becoming more and more abundant.

Parasitological and Hematological Study of Children Infected with Intestinal Parasites in Baquba City

The intestinal parasite infection is a significant health issue in developing countries, particularly in tropical and subtropical areas. About 3.7 billion individuals are thought to be affected annually, most of cases are children, including children in Iraq, and Baquba city. According to researchers, the main intestinal parasites affecting humans include Entamoeba histolytica, and Giardia lambellia. The present research was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections that causes serious problems among children aged (>1 – 15 years old) and to investigate the relationship between parasitic infestation among children and their immunity (i.e., IgE), the levels of Vit D3, and Zinc. About 300 samples were collected from hospitalized and non-hospitalized children and 100 control. A fresh stool and blood sample were taken from each child during the period from 1st of November 2021 to 31st of May 2022. The collected samples were examined microscopically for identifying the parasite and examined for immunological and hematological parameters. The result showed a significant variation among children from different age groups, the age group (1>-5) years old had the highest infection with intestinal parasites. In terms of gender, males had the highest intestinal parasitic infections than females. The levels of Vitamin D3 and Zinc decreased in infected children with intestinal parasitic comparing to the control. While IgE indicated higher levels in infected children than in the controls

Fasciola hepatica en preescolares de un centro poblado en una región altoandina del Perú

Introduction: Fasciola hepatica infection is a globally distributed, neglected and underdiagnosed zoonotic disease. Objectives: To determine the frequency of Fasciola hepatica infection among a preschool population in Tartar Chico, Baños del Inca, Cajamarca. Methods: Cross-sectional study in 48 children of an initial educational institution. Parents delivered 3 stool samples for the serial parasitological study and completed an epidemiological survey. The identification of F. hepatica and other parasites was carried out with the Lumbreras rapid sedimentation tests, direct examination, and Kato-Katz. For descriptive analysis, frequency and percentages were used, for the bivariate analysis, Chi-square or Fisher’s exact test was used. Results: The frequency of F. hepatica was 4,17%. In addition, a proportion of 8,33% of Ascaris lumbricoides, 4,17% of Diphyllobothrium pacificum and 2,08% of hookworms; as well as contaminating parasites Entamoeba coli, Blastocystis hominis. Conclusions: A frequency of 4,17% of fascioliasis was found among preschoolers from a high Andean community in Peru.

100 years flashback

100 years flashback

COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE DRUGS BASED ON IMIDACLOPRID AND MOXYDECTIN FOR ECTO- AND ENDOPARASITIC INVASIONS OF DOGS

The article presents data on the effectiveness of the new domestic complex antiparasitic drug "Megastop ultra for dogs" in comparison with the reference drug "Advokat@ for dogs" when used for the treatment and prevention of ecto- and endoparasitic infestations in dogs of different breeds, ages, sexes and body weights.
 Based on the results of an entomological examination of the dogs of the experimental and control groups, parasitism of fleas of the species Ctenocephalus canis and Pulex irritans with an intensity of infestation of 110 to 140 fleas per animal and hair eaters of the species Trichodectes canis with an intensity of infestation of 15 to 32 instances of hair eaters per 100 cm² was found on their bodies. surface of the animal's body. Clinical signs of ectoparasite infection included skin irritation, scabbing, dermatitis, and pruritus.
 After treating dogs with the drug "Megastop ultra for dogs" for 8 hours, its effectiveness against siphonapterosis in dogs was 89.9 %, and after using the reference drug "Advokat@ for dogs" – 91.9 %. Starting from the first and third day after using the drugs, no fleas were found on the dogs' bodies.
 For trichodectosis in dogs, after using the drug "Megastop ultra for dogs" on the 1st day, its effectiveness was 91.4 %, and after using the comparison drug "Advokat@ for dogs" – 93.8 %. At the same time, 2 and 7 days after treatment with drugs, no live hair-eating ectoparasite dogs were found.
 According to the results of the parasitological studies, the animals of the experimental and control groups were found to be spontaneously affected by endoparasites – causative agents of nematodes of the alimentary canal: Toxocara canis with an intensity of infestation (II) from 100 to 170 eggs in one gram of feces (ЕGF)s, Ancylostoma caninum – from 40 to 56 ЕGF and Trichuris vulpis – from 56 to 76 ЕGF. Clinically, nematodes in dogs were manifested by: deterioration of appetite, depression, paleness of mucous membranes, and in some animals, vomiting and mild diarrhea.
 After deworming, helminthocoprological studies were carried out with the establishment of indices of parasitological damage and determination of the intensive effectiveness (IE) and extensive effectiveness (EE) of the drugs. On the basis of the obtained results, it was established that for spontaneous toxocariasis in dogs on the 7th day after deworming, the intensity of the drug "Megastop ultra for dogs" was 94.8 %, and the reference drug "Advokat@ for dogs" was 97.6 %. On the 14th day after deworming the animals, the extensive and intensive effectiveness of both drugs was 100 %.
 Helminthological studies established that for spontaneous hookworm infestation in dogs 7 and 14 days after the use of the researched drug and the reference drug in the recommended doses, the intensive and extensive effectiveness of veterinary drugs was 100 %.
 In the case of spontaneous trichurosis infestation of dogs, it was established that on the 7th and 14th day after deworming, the intensity of the studied drug was 90.0 and 96.7 %, and the intensity of the reference drug was 91.9 and 98.6 %, respectively.
 Field tests have shown that the research drugs are easy to use, well tolerated by animals regardless of breed, age, sex, and body weight, and do not have a toxic effect on the animal's body when they are used once by the "spot-on" method in the manufacturer's recommended doses.

Updates on parasite infection prevalence in the Joseon period based on parasitological studies of human coprolites isolated from archaeological sites in the cities of Euijeongbu, Gumi, and Wonju.

Parasite infection rates estimated by examining ancient coprolites can provide insights into parasitism in Joseon society. Using newly discovered Joseon period cases is essential to regularly update the parasite infection rates and reinforce the reliability of our previous estimations. In the present study, we investigated parasite infections in Joseon coprolites newly isolated from the cities of Euijeongbu, Gumi, and Wonju. We then updated the overall parasite infection rates of Joseon period samples (n= 30) as follows: 86.7% (26/30) for Trichuris trichiura, 56.7% (17/30) for Ascaris lumbricoides, 30.0% (9/30) for Clonorchis sinensis, and 30.0% (9/30) for Paragonimus westermani. The parasite infection rates in the Joseon society, estimated through coprolite examination, were very similar to those determined previously despite the addition of new cases to the existing data pool.

Dynamics of the parasitofaauna of roach Rutilus rutilus (Linnaeus, 1758) since the beginning of the existence of the Boguchanskoye reservoir

This article presents the results of parasitological studies of roach Rutilus rutilus (Linnaeus, 1758) in Boguchanskoye reservoir, the stages of parasite fauna formation and the current state of the reservoir. Ichthyofauna of Boguchanskoye Reservoir was formed by local fauna of Angara River. Transformation of the original reservoir has led to significant changes in the composition and community structure of all groups of organisms of aquatic biota and affected the parasite fauna of fish. Over eight years (2012–2020), 35 species of parasites from 9 classes were recorded in roach in Boguchanskoye Reservoir. Originally, the composition of parasites was not diverse and had few specific species. Most parasites had low or single occurrence. Trematode metacercariae predominated, and their quantitative indicators (extensity of infection and index of abundance) indicate the ecological confinement of fish to shallow river sections. After impoundment, the parasite fauna composition became more diverse due to parasitic protozoa and monogeneas. Currently, the proportion of parasites with a direct development cycle is 68.2%. In 2020, two types of helminths were registered with a plankton development pathway: Ligula intestinalis Linnaeus, 1758 and Philometra rischta Skrjabin, 1917. The species Ph. rischta — first detected in fish in water bodies of Krasnoyarsk Region. There was a change in the dominant species, Dactylogyrus crucifer (Wagener, 1857) became the dominant species.

Nano-Encapsulated Antioxidant: Retinoic Acid as a Natural Mucosal Adjuvant for Intranasal Immunization against Chronic Experimental Toxoplasmosis

The tight relationship between immunity and retinoid levels provides evidence on the critical role of retinoic acid (RA) in regulating immune activity, especially the mucosal one. Mucosal immune response is the key for determination of the outcome of infection, particularly against intracellular mucosal pathogens such as Toxoplasma gondii, where it plays a crucial role as a sentinel against parasite invasion. Herein, the immunomodulatory adjuvant role of RA was evaluated for prophylactic vaccination against chronic Toxoplasma infection. A quantity of 15 µg of RA pre-encapsulated with lipid-based nanoparticles (SLNs) was intranasally used in three doses, two weeks apart, as an adjuvant to the Toxoplasma lysate antigen (TLA). Afterward, mice were infected with 20 cysts of T. gondii (ME49 strain) and were sacrificed at the 4th week post-infection. Parasitological, immunological, biochemical, and histopathological studies were applied as vaccine efficacy measures. The protective role of the tested vaccine was noted using the statistically marked reduction in brain cyst count, accompanied by remarkable levels of protective IFN-γ and antibodies, with amelioration of infection-induced oxidative stress and brain pathology. Ultimately, this experiment outlined the prospective role of a novel, natural, nano-encapsulated and mucosal vaccine adjuvant RA-SLNs as a propitious candidate against chronic toxoplasmosis.

Cholagogue Additive Effect of Ursodeoxycholic acid to Praziquantel on murine Schistosomiasis mansoni: Parasitological and Histopathological studies

Cholagogue Additive Effect of Ursodeoxycholic acid to Praziquantel on murine Schistosomiasis mansoni: Parasitological and Histopathological studies

Prevalence and Distribution of Endoparasites in Carnivorous Primates from Thrissur Zoological Garden

The animals selected for the endoparasitic observation are four species of carnivorous mammals specifically, Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica), Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), Indian leopard (Panthera pardus fusca) and Indian jackal (Canis aureus indicus) that have been captivated in Thrissur zoo. By using direct smear inspection, conventional sedimentation, and flotation procedures, the faecal samples were subjected to a thorough routine parasitological study to determine the presence of parasite eggs and oocysts. The current analysis revealed that helminth and protozoan parasites infest four species of carnivorous mammals. Ancylostoma, Toxascaris leonina, Toxocara, Strongyle type and the trematode eggs of the species of Paragonimus as well as the coccidian genera Isospora of protozoa, were all observed to be abundant in the gastro intestinal tract of chosen mammals as a result of the study. By statistical analysis, according to the most recent observations it is noticed thatToxocara makes upon 25% of wild mammals, and any of the parasites infects 60% of wild mammals.

Evaluation of the effect of guanabenz-loaded nanoparticles on chronic toxoplasmosis in mice

Chronic toxoplasmosis which is positively correlated with many neuropsychiatric problems has no curative treatment till now; due to the resistant tissue cysts especially in the brain. In search of an effective treatment, guanabenz-loaded polyethylene glycol poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PEG-PLGA) nanoparticles was evaluated against chronic experimental toxoplasmosis. For this purpose, each mouse was infected with 10 cysts of Toxoplasma gondii (ME 49 strain). Treated mice received either guanabenz alone (5 mg/kg/day) in subgroup IIa or guanabenz-loaded nanoparticles by full dose in subgroup IIb or guanabenz-loaded nanoparticles by the half dose (2.5 mg/kg/day) in subgroup IIc. Subgroup Ie was treated by pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine. The treatment started on day 25 post-infection for 19 successive days. Then Parasitological, histopathological, immunohistochemical, immunological and ultrastructural morphological studies were performed. The results showed that: subgroup IIb showed the highest statistically significant reduction in the neuroinflammation and brain tissue cysts (77%) with a significant higher efficacy in comparison with pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine and showed the highest level of IFN-γ, while the lowest level was in subgroup IIa. All group II mice showed similar changes of depression and compression of the wall of the cyst. This is marked in subgroup IIb with release of crescent shaped bradyzoite outside the cyst. PEG-PLGA nanoparticles had no toxic effect on the liver or the kidney of the mice. It could be concluded that guanabenz-loaded PEG-PLGA nanoparticles could be promising and safe for treatment of chronic toxoplasmosis.

The effects of L-citrulline adjunctive treatment of Toxoplasma gondii RH strain infection in a mouse model

Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic intracellular protozoan parasite and its therapeutic limitations are one of its major problems. L-citrulline is an organic compound that has beneficial effects on many diseases. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of L-citrulline, alone or in combination with sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (SMZ-TMP) on acute toxoplasmosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii RH virulent strain. In our study, 60 Swiss albino mice were divided into two main groups; the control group and the infected treated group, which was subdivided into group IIa: infected treated with L-citrulline, group IIb: infected treated with SMZ-TMP, and group IIc: infected treated with L-citrulline combined with SMZ-TMP. The effects of treatment were assessed by parasitological study, electron microscopic study of tachyzoites, and histopathological study of the liver. Moreover, ELISA measurement of the serum level of Interferon-gamma, Interleukin 10, Nitric oxide, and apoptotic markers was used. It was noticed that L-citrulline combined with SMZ-TMP significantly increased the survival time of infected mice with a significant decrease in the number of tachyzoites compared to the other groups. Moreover, it increased the levels of measured cytokines and serum anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and improved the extent of liver cell damage associated with a decrease in inflammatory infiltration. In conclusion, L-citrulline supplementation was found to be effective against acute toxoplasmosis, especially when combined with SMZ-TMP as it has multifactorial mechanisms; nitric oxide production, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and immune stimulator.

Veterinary and sanitary examination of salted pacific herring with Anisakidosis

Canning fish with table salt is one of the predominant processing methods that helps protect the product from decomposition by microorganisms and is used as disinfection for some invasive diseases. But the violation of manufacturing technologies and the use of stale fish as raw materials contributes to the development of defects and the preservation of the viability of parasites, which can pose a danger to human health.Anisakidosis is a helminthiasis caused by nematodes from the genus Anisakis simplex, localized in the muscle tissue and serous membranes of marine fish. This pathogen leads to intestinal invasions in many species of mammals, including humans.The purpose of our study was to conduct a parasitological study of samples of Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus) undivided salted of different brands.This article highlights the study of Atlantic herring of different brands sold in the retail chain of St. Petersburg. An external and internal examination of herring, a compressor study of muscle tissue and a study using the method of parallel muscle incisions were carried out. Among the studied samples, according to the results of the parasitological study, trademarks I and II account for 4 infected herring out of 10 (40%), and among the samples of trademark III, 7 out of 10 samples were affected by nematodes of the genus Anisakis simplex (70%).

Trichurid nematodes from South American Camelid: an approach to native assemblages through the parasitology of archaeological sites.

To gain insights into the trichurid diversity in pre-Hispanic remains of South American camelids (SACs), as well as into modern SAC populations, a bibliographic search was carried out to find parasitological studies. Results showed that a total of 17 studies were performed at archaeological and paleontological sites, in which a total of 213 samples were examined. The sample set was used as the unit of analysis, and 83% of 52 pre-Hispanic sample sets were positive for parasites. Parasitological studies confirmed the pre-Hispanic presence of diverse trichurids: two Trichuris species and capillariid eggs with morphological differences that allowed them to be assigned to three different species. Currently, the richness of the native trichurid assemblages in SACs has been extended by the inclusion of two species (Trichuris sp. 2 and Capillariinae gen. sp. 1). Modern T. tenuis Chandler, 1930, considered SAC-specific, would have invaded SAC populations during the European colonization. The estimate of regional and temporal trichurid prevalence and paleoecological information allowed us to propose a possible origin for some of them. Although the present analysis is exploratory, it should stimulate future studies about the biogeographic history of SAC helminths, provide relevant information to improve descriptions of the Holocene ecology, and identify threatened helminths.

New approaches to the study of dominant nosological units - the main element of the control of the epizootic process

In a comparative aspect and dynamics in the conditions of urbanized territories, the structure of invasive pathology and the effectiveness of anti-invasive measures were studied. It was established that the epizootic situation is controlled by parasitological, microscopic and hematological studies for 12 invasions. It was determined that from the period from 2020 to 2022, there is a negative trend in the defeat of farm animals and unproductive domestic animals with invasive diseases (from 25% in 2020 to 0.57% in 2022). At the same time, nematodes play a leading role in the invasive pathology of animals - from 60.5% of those affected in small cattle to 0.6% in dogs. In our opinion, the negative dynamics is associated with the optimization of the system of anti-epizootic measures in a metropolis, aimed at the source of the pathogen, the mechanism of its transmission and susceptible animals. It was stipulated that in order to control and determine the effectiveness of the implementation of an optimized scientifically based system of antiparasitic measures, continuous study and assessment of the epizootic situation among cattle are required; laboratory screening of animals and habitat.

Evaluation of the therapeutic effect of Olibanum extract against enteric and intramuscular phases of trichinosis in experimentally infected mice.

Trichinosis is a global food-borne zoonotic disease. Most drugs used in its treatment have low bioavailability and reduced activity against larvae. Therefore, there is an urgent need for safe and effective medications. This study aimed to investigate the in vivo anti-parasitic and anti-inflammatory efficacy of olibanum (OL) extract, alone or combined with albendazole (ABZ) during both intestinal and muscular phases of trichinosis. Male Swiss albino mice (n = 130) were allocated to seven groups, with 20 mice in each group except for the negative control group (10 mice): negative control (GI), positive control (GII), OL25- treated (GIII), OL50- treated (GIV), ABZ50- treated (GV), OL25 + ABZ25 (GVI), and OL50 + ABZ25 (GVII). For intestinal and muscular phase analysis, each group was divided into two subgroups based on euthanizing day (6 and 35 days post-infection). The drug's efficacy was evaluated through parasitological, biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical studies. OL extract at both concentrations (25 mg/kg/d, 50 mg/kg/d) significantly reduced adult (53.7% and 68.1%, respectively) and larval counts (57.3% and 78.8%, respectively). It improved the histopathological changes in intestine and muscle. The expression of CD8+ T cells and the serum level of IL-10 increased significantly during both intestinal and muscular phases (P < 0.05) in OL50 treated mice. Additionally, OL decreased abnormal levels of liver enzymes (ALT & AST). Its effects were dose-dependent in both adult and larval stages. In conclusion, OL exhibits promising in vivo activity against both stages of Trichinella spiralis infection, particularly at the intramuscular phase. It can be safe as an alternative treatment for trichinosis.

Antihelminthic and antiangiogenic effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles on intestinal and muscular phases of trichinellosis.

Trichinellosis is a worldwide zoonotic disease affecting a wide range of mammals, including humans. It has intestinal and muscular phases. The current work was done to experimentally evaluate the efficacy of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and their combination with albendazole on intestinal and muscular stages of Trichinella spiralis (T. spiralis) infection. We had five main groups of mice: Group 1, non-infected control; Group 2, infected control; Group 3, infected and treated with albendazole; Group 4, infected and treated with ZnO NPs; and Group 5, infected and treated with albendazole and ZnO NPs. Each group was divided into two subgroups (A for the intestinal phase and B for the muscular phase). Drug effects were evaluated by parasitological, histopathological, and biochemical studies, including oxidant/antioxidant analysis and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene expression in muscle tissue by quantitative real-time PCR. ZnO NPs resulted in a significant reduction of both intestinal and muscular phases of T. spiralis. Their combination with albendazole resulted in the complete eradication of adult worms and the maximum reduction of larval deposition in muscle tissue. Additionally, the treatment showed improvement in T. spiralis-induced pathological changes and oxidative stress status. Moreover, a significant decrease in VEGF gene expression was detected in the treated groups when compared with the infected control. In conclusion, ZnO NPs presented an antihelminthic effect against both adult and larval stages of T. spiralis. In addition, it enhanced antioxidant status and suppressed angiogenesis in muscle.

Morphological and molecular characterization of Trichuris muris (Nematoda: Trichuridae): studies from two commensal rodent species.

In this paper we re-describe Trichuris muris based on morphological data following isolation from two commensal rodent species, Mus musculus from Mexico and Rattus rattus from Argentina. Furthermore, we provide a molecular characterization based on mitochondrial (cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 mitochondrial gene) and nuclear (internal transcribed spacer 2 region) markers in order to support the taxonomic identification of the studied specimens of T. muris from M. musculus. We distinguished T. muris from 29 species of Trichuris found in American rodents based on morphological and biometrical features, such as the presence of a spicular tube, length of spicule, size of proximal and distal cloacal tube and non-protrusive vulva. We suggest that spicular tube patterns can be used to classify Trichuris species in three groups. Considering that the diagnosis among the species of this genus is mainly based on morphometry, this proposal represents a relevant contribution. We provide molecular studies on two markers, making this the first contribution for T. muris in the Americas. This study makes an important contribution to the integrative taxonomy of cosmopolitan nematode species, and its correct determination from the parasitological study of commensal rodents.

Wintering Rooks, Corvus frugilegus (Aves, Corvidae) and Their Helminths in Poltava and Kyiv, Ukraine

Observations of wintering rook populations were carried out from late October till early March in 2020–2021 and 2021–2022 in the cities of Poltava and Kyiv. In Poltava, rooks made up 95 % of the approximately 50,000 wintering corvids, and in Kyiv, more than 93% of the approximately 90,000 corvids. Up to 10 % of the rooks observed in Poltava were juveniles; no juvenile rooks were observed in Kyiv. Forty-six dead rooks (24 in Poltava and 22 in Kiev) collected on the ground at roosting sites were used for parasitological studies. We found 13 helminth species in the two samples of rooks, 10 species were recorded in each sample. In both samples, nematodes predominated by their infection prevalence and abundance. At the levels of helminth populations and infracommunities, the differences between the two samples were mostly influenced by the infection parameters of the nematodes Acuaria anthuris, Baruscapillaria resectum, Diplotriaena tricuspis, Eucoleus frugilegi, Microtetrameres spp., and the cestode Spiniglans affinis. In the helminth component community from Poltava, the evenness and diversity indices were comparatively higher than in the component community from Kyiv; Microtetrameres spp. was the predominat taxon. In the component community from Kyiv, E. frugilegi predominated by its infection prevalence and abundance.