Parasitological Examination Research Articles

P-131. Study of Enteric Parasitic Infections to Delineate Low Grade Inflammation in Patients with Functional Dyspepsia

Abstract Background Growing evidence of chronic low-grade intestinal inflammation in post-infectious functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID), including functional dyspepsia (FD), have been observed. Present study aimed to investigate the role of enteric parasitic infestations along with Helicobacter pylori and associated inflammatory cellular components among FD patients. Methods Prospective observational study included 183 adult patients with symptoms of FD consistent with the ROME IV criteria. All these patients were subjected to clinical evaluation, routine blood tests, and stool sample analyses for parasitological examination. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopic biopsy samples were examined for the presence of H. pylori and to extrapolate cellular components of low-grade inflammation. Results Among the 183 individuals, (85/183) 46.4% and (98/183) 53.6% belonged to the subtype post-prandial distress syndrome (PPDS) and epigastric pain syndrome (EPS) respectively. 46/183 (25.14%) of the stool samples tested positive for parasites, most common being Blastocystis species. The distribution of Blastocytis cells were 14/85 (16.47%) for PPDS and 16 (16.32%) for EPS patients. Histopathological analysis revealed significantly elevated duodenal mast cells and their degranulation among 85.24% and 76.5% FD patients respectively whereas, duodenal eosinophilia, duodenal eosinophil degranulation, and duodenal intra-epithelial lymphocytosis were observed in 3.28%, 15.3%, 1.7% respectively. Patients of the EPS subtype with intestinal parasitosis had elevated duodenal mast cell count, albeit statistically non-significant (p value = 0.078). There was no significant correlation between intestinal parasitosis or H. pylori with any of the clinical parameters examined, other than intestinal parasitosis with anemia (PPDS, p-value < 0.02). Conclusion Presence of duodenal mast cells along with the presence of Blastocystis cells in some of the FD patients suggests their potential involvement in symptom generation, albeit lack of experimental studies. Our findings also give impetus to further understand the complex interplay between elevated duodenal mast cell count and mast cell degranulation with FD symptoms. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Infection by the Marine Cestode Hepatoxylon trichiuri in Returning Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) Spawners in Patagonia: Implications for a Novel Fishery

ABSTRACTParasitological information may be useful for managing economically important fisheries by providing insights into population dynamics and health effects. The Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), an invasive species with high socio‐ecological importance in South America, supports recreational and incipient artisanal fisheries. In Southern Chile, the recent approval of coastal fisheries for returning Chinook salmon in some regions highlights the importance of understanding salmon foraging, habitat use, and commercial value. However, such information is lacking. Parasites have been extensively used as cost‐effective biological tags to identify fish stocks. We conducted the first parasitological examination of the marine tapeworm Hepatoxylon trichiuri larvae in returning adult Chinook salmon from the Cisnes River to assess its potential as a biological tag for returning Chinook salmon in Patagonia. Of 61 Chinook salmon from the Cisnes River, 52.46% were infected by H. trichiuri, with 1.65 ± 1.26 parasites per infected salmon (mean ± SD). Infection prevalence and intensity did not differ significantly between males and females. Infection intensity was higher in larger salmon but decreased with increasing salmon condition. Infection intensity was not significantly related to length, mass, or body condition. Infection prevalence and intensity of H. trichiuri varied spatially among Patagonian river‐basin populations of Chinook salmon, thereby supporting the use of H. trichiuri as a biological tag. Our findings provide important parasitological metrics that may enhance future management practices by informing geographic variability in foraging locations of adult salmon and their commercial value for human consumption.

Contracaecum rudolphii Hartwich, 1964 (Nematoda: Anisakidae) in a white pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus) in Türkiye

Two injured and exhausted white pelicans were brought to Afyon Kocatepe University Animal Hospital Surgery Clinic by Nature Conservation and National Parks officials. An open wound and a fracture of the right-wing radius-ulna bones were detected due to gunshot wound in one of the pelicans. The fracture was operated with intramedullary pin fixation. In the post-mortem examination of the pelican that died one day after the operation, 249 nematodes were found in the proventriculus. On parasitological examination, the nematodes were identified as Contracaecum rudolphii and in pelicans for the first time in Türkiye. In the coprological examination of the second pelican, Contracaecum sp. eggs were detected. Complete recovery was achieved with anthelmintic and supportive treatment

Presumptive Hemolytic Anemia After Consumption of Wild Garlic (Allium ursinum) and Blood Transfusion Therapy in Two Bearded Dragons (Pogona vitticeps)

Abstract A three-year-old female spayed bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) was presented to the clinic three days after being fed wild garlic (Allium ursinum) with lethargy, inappetence and pale mucous membranes. Diagnostic testing, including hematology, blood chemistry, whole body radiographs and a parasitological examination (flotation, native preparation) revealed lowgrade leukocytosis (20,000 [1/μL]), anemia (hematocrit 8%) and a parasite infestation with oxyurids and flagellates. The animal was hospitalized and treated with: enrofloxacin IM, SteroG5 SC, activated charcoal and lactulose PO, Vit B complex SC, iron IM, Zylexis SC, fenbendazole PO, metronidazole PO, and HerbiCare PO and supplemental oxygen via an oxygen cage. During the animal's hospitalization, the partner animal, a three-year-old male bearded dragon was presented to the hospital for examination and also was found to be anemic with a significantly decreased hematocrit of 11%. Due to the life-threatening anemia, both animals underwent whole blood transfusion via intraosseous catheter from two donor animals of the same species on day 2 of hospitalization. Two days post transfusion, both animals showed an increase in hematocrit, and improvement of their general condition. 14 days post transfusion, hematocrit levels had increased to 16% in the female and 20% in the male, and both animals showed completely normal species-specific behavior and general condition.

Dermoscopic Changes of a Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Treated with Intralesional Pentavalent Antimonials: A Case Report

Leishmaniasis is a group of parasitic diseases caused by flagellated protozoa of the genus Leishmania with tropism for cells of the reticuloendothelial system, transmitted to many mammals by the bite of the sandfly. They can be visceral, cutaneous or mucocutaneous and represent a public health problem in countries where they are endemic. The diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis is based on epidemiologic, clinical and dermoscopic evidence, with diagnostic certainty established by parasitologic examination, histology or PCR. Dermoscopic findings include erythema, starburst appearance, hyperkeratosis, central ulceration, yellow tears, salmon-colored ovoid structures, glomerular, linear, irregular, hairpin or arborizing vessels, and hypochromic perilesional halo. Pentavalent antimonials are used therapeutically in leishmaniasis, inhibiting ATP synthesis, fatty acids and glycolic oxidation, with immunostimulating and immunoregulatory properties. Our case is a cutaneous leishmaniasis treated with pentavalent antimonials, in which we monitored the dermoscopic appearance of the lesions as the sessions progressed. The salmon-colored ovoid structures were the first to disappear, followed by hyperkeratosis and erosion, then the initially polymorphic vascularization became monomorphic. Yellow tears and erythema were the last structures to disappear. Our article shows that the disappearance of certain structures and the appearance of others can be a good indicator of how close to healing the lesion is.

Hematological evaluation and parasitological feces examination in shelter dogs

Hematological evaluation and parasitological feces examination in shelter dogs

CHARACTERIZATION OF INTESTINAL ENDOPARASITES FAUNA WITH ZOONOTIC POTENTIAL OF ROAD KILLED WILD MAMMALS IN NORTHERN PARANÁ

Roads and highways are of paramount importance for national trade and transportation. Linked to this, we observe various environmental impacts, including the invasion of wildlife habitat, the roadkill of wild animals, and consequent harm to the fauna in the vicinity of the highways. The aim of the study was to characterize the intestinal parasitic fauna of wild animals killed by roadkill in Northern Paraná. Wild animals killed by roadkill were collected in situ on the main highways in the northern region of Paraná and were sent to the State University of Londrina for autopsy and biological material collection. The parasitological fecal examinations performed included Willis, Faust, and Hoffmann methods. Our results revealed a large quantity of parasites, and even though the research was conducted with a small number of animals, the results may have broader implications. Many of the parasites found have zoonotic potential, such as parasites from the classes Trematoda and Cestoda, subclass Coccidia, family Trichostrongylidae, and genera Ancylostoma spp. and Capillaria spp. It can be concluded that the identification of the intestinal parasitic fauna of wild animals killed by roadkill is a valuable tool for investigating parasites with zoonotic potential. Further studies focusing on this characterization are necessary due to the increasing interaction between humans and wild animals. This is the first report of Octosporella-like oocysts in Nasua nasua in Brazil. Molecular studies are required for confirmation.

Accuracy evaluation of diagnostic methods for visceral leishmaniasis in adult patients with and without HIV infection: clinical management implications.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) poses a serious health threat, particularly when untreated, necessitating accurate diagnosis. While the gold-standard method involves identifying amastigotes in bone marrow aspirate (BMA), this procedure is invasive and occasionally contraindicated. Additionally, when VL is associated with HIV infection the serologies accuracies could be affected. This study aims to evaluate and compare diagnostic methods for VL in patients with and without HIV coinfection. We enrolled prospectively 127 consecutive adult VL patients, 48 (37.8%) of whom had HIV coinfection, in Brazil's Midwestern region, where VL is endemic. Parasitological examination served as the reference standard for accuracy analysis, with index tests including immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT), immunochromatographic test with rK39 protein (rK39-ICT), and blood polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Specificity assessment involved 430 healthy blood donors from the same endemic area. Ninety-two patients had parasitologically confirmed VL. Among HIV-uninfected patients, rK39-ICT exhibited sensitivity comparable to PCR (93.6%; 95% CI: 83.6-100 vs. 97.8%; 95% CI: 93.6-99.2, respectively) and superior to IFAT (71.1%; 95% CI: 57.9-84.3). However, in HIV-infected patients, rK39-ICT sensitivity was notably lower than PCR (40.0%; 95% CI: 22.5-57.5 vs. 97.4%; 95% CI: 92.5-98.9) and similar to IFAT (67.5%; 95% CI: 52.9-82.0). Combining two serological tests in parallel identified 82.1% of parasitologically confirmed VL cases, with a negative likelihood ratio significantly lower than either test alone. No test achieved a specificity of 90%, and there were no significant differences in specificity observed among the index tests. The positivity rate of parasitological examination in the 127 VL patients was higher in HIV-infected compared to HIV-uninfected patients, 91.3% (95% CI: 83.2-99.4) versus 67.6% (95% CI: 56.9-78.3), respectively. These findings underscore the necessity of accounting for HIV infection when choosing VL diagnostic methods. Although rK39-ICT provides reliable results in HIV-uninfected patients, BMA examination remains crucial for accurate diagnosis in individuals with HIV/AIDS. In cases where bone marrow aspiration is contraindicated, employing IFAT and rK39-ICT in parallel could be considered, as the occurrence of both positive results is uncommon in healthy individuals from endemic areas.

Morphological and genetic characterization of Contracaecum and Porrocaecum species from the wild birds in Turkey.

The superfamily Ascaridoidea are parasitic nematodes in vertebrates, including birds and humans. In order to investigate the presence and distribution of these parasitic nematodes in birds acting as the definitive host, 157 birds of 64 bird species belonging to 16 orders were collected and necropsied in the Kızılırmak Delta area in the Bafra district of Samsun province. The parasites collected were fixed in 70% ethyl alcohol and identified under a light microscope, and morphologically important regions were photographed for identification. The parasitological examination determined morphologically that Ardea purpurea was infected with Contracaecum rudolphii; Accipiter nisus, Buteo buteo, and B. rufinus with Porrocaecum angusticolle; Aythya ferina with P. crassum; Egretta garzetta with P. depressum; and Turdus merula with P. ensicaudatum. ITS-1 gene region was preferred for molecular analyses of all identified species, and morphological findings were confirmed. C. rudolphii, P. depressum, and P. ensicaudatum were described molecularly for the first time in Turkey, while P. angusticolle and P. crassum were described both molecularly and morphologically.

Helminths Parasite Communities in Heterotis niloticus (Cuvier, 1829) in the Sô River (Benin, West Africa) : A Prelimanary Study

Heterotis niloticus, the african bonytongue, is a fish species living in shallow waters. Its feeding ecology makes it an omnivorous species capable of reaching large sizes. It is a rare species in the catches except from well-known areas and seasons. A total of 39 H. niloticus individuals from Sô river were subjected to parasitological examination in order to identify the diversity of parasites. Physicochemical water parameters such as pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen (O2), Nitrite (NO2), Electrical Conductivity (EC), turbidity and total dissolved solids (TDS) were recorded. The sex and the size of any fish were reported. Indices characterizing the parasitic infracommunity and the component community were determined. Total prevalence was 97.43%, with five parasite species identified, comprising 3 heterogenous parasites and 2 monoxenous parasites and a community of 529 individuals. Male fish were more infested than females (P < .05) while the mean abundance and intensity were largely in favor of acanthocephalans (P < .05). There was no significant correlation (P > .05) between the physicochemical parameters and the parasite prevalence. The physico-chemical profile revealed therefore an acceptable living ecosystem for fish. However, the high presence of heterogenous parasites suggests that further investigations over a longer sampling period could highlight the biotic or abiotic factors favorable to this multiplication of each recorded parasite group.

Primeiro caso de Entamoeba em equino no Distrito Federal

This study reports the first confirmed case of infection by Entamoeba sp. in an equine in the Federal District. An English Thoroughbred equine showed non-specific clinical signs, such as weight loss and behavioral changes. The parasitological examination of the feces revealed the presence of Entamoeba sp., in addition to other helminths. After diagnosis, the animal was treated with moxidectin and praziquantel, resulting in the elimination of Entamoeba sp. This case demonstrates the importance of parasitological diagnosis in horses, even in those with nonspecific clinical signs. Entamoeba sp. in horses it is a rare finding and highlights the need for additional studies to better understand the epidemiology and impact of this parasitic disease on equine health. Furthermore, the case highlights the importance of an accurate diagnosis and adequate treatment to guarantee the health and well-being of animals.

Association Between Anthropometric and Hematological Parameters and the Diagnosis of Intestinal Parasitosis in Low-Income Children.

This study aims to determine the association between anthropometric values and laboratory tests with parasitosis diagnosis and identify diagnostic models for parasitosis without relying on copro-parasitological examinations. Data were collected from 1894 children aged 0-14 who attended a medical center for low-income children in Lima, Peru, between 2021 and 2022. Anthropometric data (BMI, weight, height), laboratory data (red blood cells, hemoglobin, platelets, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, eosinophils), and parasitological examination results were analyzed. Prevalence ratios for the association between parasitosis and each anthropometric and laboratory variable were estimated using multivariable Poisson regression. Regression models were developed for each type of parasite found, and the diagnostic value was assessed using ROC curves. A high prevalence of parasitosis was identified (41.9%), including Blastocystis hominis (29.1%), Endolimax nana (7.76%), Entamoeba coli (5.97%), Giardia duodenalis (6.44%), and Enterobius vermicularis (1.85%). It was found that the male sex (PRa 1.18), the age group of 2-5 years (PRa 4.83) and >5 years (PRa 4.59), the percentage of eosinophils (PRa 1.02 for every 1% increase), and height/age with -5 SD (PRa 1.34) were associated with a greater risk of parasitosis. Satisfactory values were only shown for diagnostic models associating Enterobius vermicularis and BMI, with a diagnostic value of 70.9% and 70.2% for a BMI < 12 and hematocrit > 29.8%, and BMI < 12 and hemoglobin < 10.6 g/L, respectively. Satisfactory diagnostic value models were only found for parasitosis by Enterobius vermicularis, suggesting the potential for reducing reliance on copro-parasitological exams in resource-limited settings.

Infectious keratoconjunctivitis in European bison (Bison bonasus) in Poland: risk factors, epidemiology and anatomopathological changes with analysis of potential role of Thelazia nematodes in the disease development

BackgroundInfectious keratoconjunctivitis (IKC) is a common ocular disease of ruminants worldwide. Recently, an outbreak of infectious keratoconjunctivitis was observed in the European bison in Poland. Hundreds of animals show conjunctival congestion, corneal opacity, and ulceration, leading to total blindness. The present study aimed to examine the ocular changes of European bison and patterns of the disease occurrence with special emphasis on the role of Thelazia nematodes in the development of IKC.ResultsThe eyes of 131 European bison, showing ocular signs and clinically healthy, were collected in Poland in 2021 – 2022 and subjected to parasitological and histopathological examination. Histopathology showed varying lesions, including corneal erosions or ulcers, diffuse purulent infiltrates to lymphocytic infiltration in the cornea, and lymphocytic or mixed conjunctivitis with CALT stimulation. The severity of ocular changes was higher in European bison from mountain areas and during the winter season. Two species of Thelazia nematodes – T. skrjabini and T. gulosa have been isolated from eyes. Prevalence of infection reached over 66.4%, and the infection intensity ranged from 1 to 16 nematodes per individual. Although nematodes of the genus Thelazia were prevalent in European bison, their occurrence did not correspond with the severity of ocular changes.ConclusionsThe results of our studies allowed to identify patterns related to the first outbreak of infectious keratoconjunctivitis in European bison. Living in mountain areas and winter season were the most predisposing factors for the development of ocular changes. Despite the high prevalence of Thelazia nematodes in the present study, their role in forming ocular lesions was not confirmed.

Epidemiology and diagnostics of intestinal parasitic infections in Italy: a multicentric survey

Background and Aims: parasitic infections are becoming more common in non-endemic countries because of intensified immigration and international travels; however, the parasitic disease burden is often underestimated because of underdiagnosis and lack of surveillance in industrialized countries. Also, in Italy, epidemiological data on intestinal parasites affecting humans are scarce and scattered in different areas of the country. The aim of this retrospective, observational study was to evaluate the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections employing Parasitological Stool Examination (PSE) and to verify the quality of the diagnostic methodologies adopted to identify intestinal parasites in Italian laboratories. Materials and Methods: the study involved 28 Italian diagnostic laboratories and 36389 patients, from June 2015 to May 2016. Results: our data showed that 3173 out of 36389 subjects (8.7%) were carriers of one or more pathogenic or non-pathogenic protozoa or helminths. When only organisms known to cause intestinal disease were considered, an overall positive rate of 3.8% was found (1400/36389). Among the 1400 patients carrying one or more pathogenic species, protozoan infections predominated and were identified in 1138 subjects (3.1%); Dientamoeba fragilis and Giardia duodenalis represent the main intestinal pathogens. Concerning parasitic worms, only 262 individuals (0.7%) exhibited helminth infection; the most frequent finding was represented by Enterobius vermicularis, followed by Taenia spp. Conclusions: this survey also indicated that not all diagnostic laboratories can guarantee proper performance for parasitological diagnosis. In this context, close collaboration between physicians and clinical microbiologists is warranted to improve the diagnostics of intestinal parasitic infections, thus ensuring good quality service.

Community-based prevalence, intensity and risk factors associated with soil-transmitted helminthiases and intestinal schistosomiasis in Apojola, Ogun state, southwest Nigeria

BackgroundSoil-transmitted helminthiases (STH) and schistosomiasis are parasitic neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) of significant public health importance globally, including Nigeria. Urogenital schistosomiasis is highly endemic in Apojola, a rural community in Ogun State, southwest Nigeria, but data on STH and intestinal schistosomiasis in the neglected community are lacking.ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence and intensity of STH and intestinal schistosomiasis and the risk factors associated with the infections in Apojola.MethodsThe study was community-based and cross-sectional. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on socio-demographic, personal, and household WASH characteristics of the study population. Stool samples were collected and processed for parasitological examination using the triplicate Kato-Katz (K-K) smears.ResultsA total of 283 individuals (males, 50.2%; females, 49.8%) aged 3 to 65 years (mean age ± S.D.: 19.6 ± 14.8 years) participated in the study. No case of intestinal schistosomiasis was recorded in the study, while the overall prevalence of any STH was 38.2%: A. lumbricoides (24.0%) and hookworms (25.8%). Prevalence of infection was not significantly different between males and females for any STH (40.1% vs. 36.2%, χ2 = 0.473, p = 0.492); A. lumbricoides (23.2% vs. 22.7%, χ2 = 0.012, p = 0.913); or hookworms (28.2% vs. 23.4%; p = 0.360; χ2 = 0.839), but significantly varied with age for any STH (χ2 = 22.225, p = 0.002); A. lumbricoides (χ2 = 16.354, p = 0.022); or hookworms (χ2 = 20.001, p = 0.006). The intensity of infection was neither associated with gender nor age and was mostly light. Walking barefoot, toilet type (absent/bush), and irregular washing of fruits and/or vegetables before consumption were significantly associated with STH.ConclusionOur data indicate that intestinal schistosomiasis is not prevalent in Apojola and that the community is a moderate-risk area for STH. Hence, the current annual preventive chemotherapy for STH (PC STH) with albendazole or mebendazole in school-aged children (SAC) through the school-based delivery programme should be extended to non-enrolled SAC and pre-SAC using other delivery platforms. This should be complemented with regular and effective health education campaigns as well as water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH)-related interventions.

The possible link between venison poisoning and Sarcocystis spp. infection in Lithuania: a case report.

There have been report of possible food poisoning in Lithuania following the consumption of raw steaks from a roe deer (Capreolus capreolus). Two people experienced symptoms of abdominal pain, watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, and nausea. The parasitological examination of the roe deer revealed macrocysts of Sarcocystis sp. to the naked eye. Microscopic sarcocysts of Sarcocystis spp. were detected in different muscles, and a high sarcocyst load was observed in the roe deer muscles by a light microscope. Based on molecular results, S. capreolicanis, S. gracilis, S. linearis, S. oviformis, and S. silva were identified in meat samples of the roe deer. This is the first report of a possible link between venison poisoning and Sarcocystis spp. infection in Lithuania.

The molecular and histopathological investigations of TLR2 rs5743708 and TLR4 (rs4986790 and rs4986791) polymorphisms effects on cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), a zoonotic and neglected disease, is prevalent in numerous regions, particularly in tropical and sub-tropical countries. In Iran, endemic foci of leishmaniasis exist in specific regions, with zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) caused by Leishmania major being common in most rural areas. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a crucial role in both innate and adaptive immunities, and the investigation of TLR2 rs5743708 and TLR4 (rs4986790 and rs4986791) polymorphisms in parasitic diseases can have significant implications for patient treatment. In the present study, a total of 88 leishmaniasis patients using the patients' lesions from Khuzestan province health-treatment centers, Iran, including 50 cases (56.8%; Central region) and 38 cases (43.2%; Western region) underwent examination between the years 2022 and 2023. Two direct smears from the lesions of each patient were prepared and one of the smears was stained with Giemsa for parasitological examination. Among the 88 patients, the highest frequency was observed in the 21–30 years' age group (35.2%), while the lowest was in the 11–20 years’ age group (10.2%). No statistically significant relationship was found between gender and age (P > 0.05). Following disease confirmation via microscopic examination, TLR2 rs5743708 and TLR4 (rs4986790 and rs4986791) polymorphisms in the patients were assessed using PCR-RFLP. Fragments of 264, 249, and 406 base pairs were successfully amplified, targeting the TLR2 and TLR4 genes, respectively. Out of the 88 leishmaniasis patients, 14 cases (15.9%) exhibited polymorphisms. Notably, all individuals in the polymorphism group carried both the TLR2 rs5743708 homozygous and the TLR4 rs4986791 heterozygous genotype combinations. There were no observations of TLR2 rs5743708 heterozygous, TLR4 rs4986790 heterozygous and homozygous and TLR4 rs4986791 homozygous genotypes within the polymorphism group. Biopsies from lesions for all contributors were prepared for histopathological examination. All patients with polymorphism showed larger lesions than patients without polymorphism (P < 0.05). Histophatological study showed abnormal cases in patients with polymorphism including mild hyperkeratosis, mild acanthosis, focal parakeratosis in the epithelium surface and mild hyperpigmentation of melanocytes in the basal layer. Furthermore, a strong infiltration of immune cells such as PMNs and a small number of lymphocytes was observed in the epidermal region of patients with polymorphisms. There was no statistically significant relationship between age and the quantity of lesions (P > 0.05). Additionally, some regions of the epidermal surface layer displayed pustule formation in patients with polymorphisms. No significant difference was discerned in the dermal layers of patients with polymorphisms compared to other patients. Considering that all patients with polymorphisms concurrently had TLR2 rs5743708 homozygous and TLR4 rs4986791 heterozygous genotype combinations, the anomalies observed in conjunction with histological changes in the skin lesions of patients with CL may plausibly be linked to the polymorphisms. Nonetheless, a more expansive dataset involving a larger population is imperative to comprehensively elucidate the pathogenesis of the Leishmania parasite and the potential impact of TLR2 rs5743708 and TLR4 (rs4986790 and rs4986791) gene polymorphisms in individuals afflicted with CL across diverse geographical locales.

Strong association between high burden of soil-transmitted helminthiasis and household transmission among Malaysian Negritos, urging anthelmintic treatment beyond children

The Orang Asli (OA), Malaysia’s indigenous minority, continue to experience ongoing soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections despite efforts including the Resettlement Programme (RPS). This study explores STH epidemiology and associated risks of moderate-to-heavy infections among 259 indigenous Negritos across four states in Peninsular Malaysia. Stool samples, anthropometrics, haemoglobin levels (finger-prick) and sociodemographic and environmental-sanitation factors via pretested questionnaires were collected. Parasitological examinations (direct faecal smear, formol-ether concentration, and Kato-Katz techniques) were thoroughly performed. The study revealed a 63.3% overall STH prevalence, with Trichuris trichiura (57.9%) being the most common, followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (35.5%) and hookworm (8.9%). Moderate-to-heavy infections were observed in 39.3% for T. trichiura and 48.9% for A. lumbricoides, with mixed infections of these two species being the most prevalent (50.6%). The risk for moderate-to-heavy infection increased significantly if other household members were infected (P < 0.001). Adults and adolescents also showed high infection rates, with no significant differences with children’s groups. These findings emphasize the need for anthelmintic treatment across all age groups and strategize local policies targeting older groups of the OA community to control ongoing transmission and reduce the STH burden and protect the future well-being of OA children, who deserve a healthier future.

Endoparasites of Red Deer (Cervus elaphus L.) and Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus L.) in Serbian Hunting Grounds.

In this study, parasitological examinations were conducted from 2019 to 2023. Fecal samples were collected from 289 wild ruminants (158 red deer and 131 roe deer) from hunting grounds in Vojvodina, which belong to the public company Vojvodinašume. Using qualitative and quantitative coprological diagnostic methods, the presence of protozoa (coccidia and Buxtonella sulcata), nematodes (gastrointestinal strongyles, Trichuris spp., Capillaria spp., Dictyocaulus spp., and Muellerius spp.), cestodes (Moniezia spp.), and trematodes (Fasciola hepatica, Fascioloides magna, Paramphistomum spp., and Dicrocoelium dendriticum) in the form of single and mixed infections were confirmed. Coproculture was used to identify the infective larvae of gastrointestinal strongyles. The total prevalence of endoparasitic infections in hunting ground 1 was 89.77% in red deer and 92.85% in roe deer, while in hunting ground 2, it was 72.97% in red deer and 85.96% in roe deer. Knowledge of the prevalence and assessment of the intensity of parasitic infections in wild ruminants is necessary for designing health protection programs in hunting grounds and planning control strategies, which are significant for this branch of hunting and public health.

Prevalence and Parasitological Examination of Fish Parasites in Clarias gariefinus from Selected Fish Farms in Sokoto Metropolis, Nigeria

Study’s Excerpt The prevalence of fish parasites in fish farms within the Sokoto metropolis is assessed. The results revealed high prevalence of Camallanus spp. and Capillaria spp. among fish populations. Water quality analysis revealed that there is interaction between physicochemical parameters and parasite prevalence. A comprehensive approach to fish farm management and disease control is provided. Full Abstract Fish are known to be affected by parasites both internally and externally with detrimental effects on fish growth and development. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of fish parasites in selected fish farms in the Sokoto metropolis. A total of one hundred and twenty fish samples were collected from ten selected fish farms and subjected to microscopic examination. Water samples were collected from ten fish farms and analysed using the standard procedures recommended by the American Public Health Association. The results indicate that 35.0% of the fish were infected with the parasite (P&lt;0.0300). Significant high prevalence of 50.0% and 48.1% was recorded in the gender and age groups of the fishes (P&lt;0.0308) and (P=0.0003), respectively. However, a significantly high prevalence of 47.6%, 49.1% and 31.7% was also observed in the length, weight, and body part of the fishes (P&lt;0.0.0000). This study identified two nematode species (Camallanus spp. and Capellaria spp.) with Camallanus spp. showing a higher prevalence of 60.3% was obtained in Camellanus spp. among the parasite species identified. The parameters such as pH, dissolved oxygen (DO) and nitrate (NO3) were assessed, and results were analysed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with the aid of SPSS version 27.0. The values of the physicochemical parameters were between the range of 6.68+0.11 to 7.83±0.05 for pH, 5.23+0.03 to 8.17±0.88 mg/L for DO, and 13.70+1.37 to 100.33+0.33 for NO3 respectively. All parameters examined were within acceptable limits recommended by the World Health Organization. Maintaining an optimum feeding strategy, regular monitoring of the water quality parameters and vaccinations will help to further decrease the rate of the parasite.