Journal of parasitology Policies and Instructions to Authors

Epidemiological studies carried out in endemic and non-endemic areas for malaria around the world are considered imperative from a public health point of view. Investigation for transmission of malaria to humans remains the ultimate goal, through the action of the five currently described different species of Plasmodium. The present study attempted to further investigate and characterize the genotypic profile of malaria P. vivax cases. A total of 22 positive samples were used and the contribution of genotypic analysis was evaluated. These samples were sent to the Malaria Reference Center of the Department of Parasitology, Entomology and Tropical Diseases of the former National School of Public Health (currently Department of Public Health Policies, School of Public Health, University of Western Attica), taken from people descending from endemic countries who reside in the Peloponnese region. The samples examinated were related to 14 cases for the year 2016 and eight cases for the year 2015, respectively. Genotypic analysis of positive P. vivax samples was carried out in the laboratory using a targeted polymerase chain reaction molecular protocol. More specifically, a nested PCR approach was implemented, according to which a defined area of the Msp3a gene of P. vivax was amplified. The latter constitutes a highly polymorphic antigen-encoding gene of the surface protein 3a of plasmodium merozoites, often used in studies of genetic diversity of plasmodium isolates. The proposed methodology consists of two successive PCR reactions, using different pairs of primers for each reaction (P1-P2 & N1-N2) and aims to increase the sensitivity of the final reaction product. The extracted results showed the identification of three distinct genotypes of P. vivax in all tested samples (A, B, C). The majority of samples were categorized as having genotype A. Furthermore, implementation of genotypic analysis in the investigation of malaria cases from P. vivax was highlighted, a notion which should be extended towards studying additional genetic regions and contributing substantially in terms of epidemiological correlation of clinical cases.

Aim To investigate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium sp. and B. hominis among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive patients in two different outpatient clinics, Haji Adam Malik General Hospital and Primary Care Centre of Padang Bulan, Medan, Indonesia, between two interval periods. Method Cryptosporidium spp. microscopic examination, as well as Jones' medium for B. hominis, were conducted in the Parasitology Laboratory, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was done in the Multidisciplinary Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara. This was a cross-sectional study, involving 54 diarrheic HIV positive patients (44 males, 10 females). The data were analysed by Spearmen rank correlation, interrater agreement, and 2 tests. Results Infection rate for Cryptosporidium spp. and B. hominis was 24% (13 patients) and 9% (five patients), respectively. The prevalence of CD4 cell count below 200 cell/mm3 was relatively high, 29.6% (16 patients). There was a significant relationship between cryptosporidiosis and CD4 cell count (p=0.01; OR 1.57; 95% CI 1.25-1.99). Microscopic examination was superior over ELISA, whose diagnostic value for sensitivity and specificity was 46.15% and 100.0%, respectively, and Kappa (K) coefficient of 0.56. Conclusion The prevalence of cryptosporidiosis among HIV patients was still relatively high. CD4 count showed a significant relationship with Cryptosporidium spp. infection, but not with Blastocystic hominis. Microscopic examination is still the most reliable technique to diagnose the parasites in faecal samples.

Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) due to Trypanosoma brucei gambiense remains a major public health problem in South Sudan. It causes substantial socio-economic impacts on the livelihoods of poor rural inhabitants. This article throws lights on a review of historic and current trends for evolution of HAT in South Sudan. Data of HAT cases were obtained from several relevant sources including World Health Organization (WHO) disease reports as of 1956-2018. Hence, HAT episodes were divided into four historical periods: The First Civil War (1955-1972); the post-Addis Ababa Accord (1973-1982); the Second Civil War (1983-2004); and the post-Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) as of 2005-2018. The highest HAT cases of 16,539 (52.3%) occurred during the Second Civil War, followed by 7,708(24.37%) in post Addis Ababa Accord; 5,164(16.33%) in post-CPA, and 2,215(7.0%) during the First Civil War totaling 31,626 cases. The lowest prevalence of HAT as of the 1950s through 1960s might be due to application of effective intervention and control measures. The highest prevalence rate during the Second Civil War could be ascribed to political upheavals, instability and civil unrest. Currently, no HAT cases were reported from Akobo and Pachalla foci in Jonglei State. All the historic foci of HAT in South Sudan are still active with exception of Raga in Western Bahr El-Ghazal State. Further studies on molecular parasitology and epidemiology are needed to re-establish the endemic status of Raga, Akobo and Pachalla HAT foci. Key words: Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT), past history, new foci, current trends, South Sudan.

Onychomycosis merupakan infeksi pada lempeng kuku yang dapat disebabkan oleh jamur dermatofita (Tinea unguium), non dermatofita atau yeast. Infeksi onychomycosis menyebabkan kerusakan pada kuku yang menyebabkan lempeng kuku menebal, rapuh dan mudah hancur. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk gambaran onychomycosis pada lansia di Panti Sosial Tresna Werdha (PSTW) Wana Seraya. Jenis penelitian yang digunakan adalah penelitian deskriptif. Pengambilan sampel penelitian dilakukan di Panti Sosial Tresna Werdha (PSTW) Wana Seraya di Jl. Gemitir No.66, Kesiman Kertalangu, Denpasar Timur, Kota Denpasar, Bali. Sampel dianalisa di Lab. Parasitologi Teknologi Laboratorium Medis STIKes Wira Medika Bali. Pemeriksaan menggunakan teknik pengamatan langsung menggunakan pewarna kalium hidroksida (KOH) 10% pada kerokan kuku 15 orang responden yang memenuhi kriteria inklusi dan eksklusi. Hasil pemeriksaan menunjukkan terdapat 1 responden (6,67%) yang positif onychomycosis dengan ditemukannya hifa pada pengamatan mikroskopis preparat kerokan kuku. Sementara itu 14 sampel lainnya (93,33%) dinyatakan negatif. Hasil screening pada penelitian ini menunjukkan lansia di PSTW Wana Seraya telah memiliki hygiene diri yang baik khususnya dalam memelihara kebersihan kuku kaki dan tangan sehingga mengurangi faktor resiko terjadinya infeksi jamur kuku.

Tuberculosis (TB) and soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are infectious diseases with a high prevalence in Indonesia. STH co-infection in TB patients can worsen the prognosis of TB disease due to the dysregulation of the immune response. The high prevalence of STH infections in Indonesia is caused by environmental factors such as poor personal hygiene habits. Jenggawah Subdistrict is an area with a high number of TB cases in Jember Regency and most of the area is in the form of agricultural fields and plantations that have a suitable humidity and temperature for the development of STH. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of personal hygiene risk factors with the risk of STH co-infection in TB patients in the work area of the Jenggawah Health Center in Jember Regency. This study used an observational analytic design with a cross sectional method and was conducted from September to December 2019. The research was conducted at the TB Polyclinic in Jenggawah Health Center in Jember Regency with a total sample of 26 respondents who were given a personal hygiene questionnaire. Stool examination was conducted at the Laboratory of Parasitology FK UNEJ using sedimentation and flotation methods. The results showed the incidence of STH co-infections was 15.3%, good personal hygiene was 57.7%, and bad personal hygiene was 42.3%. Fisher exact test results showed that there was no significant relationship between personal hygiene risk factors and the risk of the occurrence of STH co-infection in TB patients in the working area of the Jenggawah Health Center in Jember Regency (p = 1,000).

Raw ITS2 sequences, R script to process sequences into Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs) and assign taxonomy, the ITS2 database required to conduct taxonomic assignment, and resulting nemabiome results, as reported in Poissant et al. A repeatable and quantitative DNA metabarcoding assay to characterize mixed strongyle infections in horses. Int J Parasitology. Please cite the original article if using any of this code or data.

Three annual community-based cross-sectional surveys were conducted at baseline and following 12 and 24 months as part of a cluster-randomised, controlled trial - the TUMIKIA Trial - comparing annual or biannual community-wide treatment targeting all ages with annual school-based treatment targeting 2–14 year olds. Household demographics, socioeconomic status, and water and sanitation conditions were collected through structured questionnaires. Structured observations were made of household sanitation facilities. Individuals aged two years and above were randomly selected during households surveys and requested to provide stool samples, which were assessed for presence and intensity of STH infection using the Kato-Katz thick smear method. Information on recent deworming, sanitation and hygiene behaviours, and shoe-wearing was also collected from individuals who provided stool samples. Data are provided as a comma separated value file with accompanying data dictionary.

Structured observations of school sanitation facilities were conducted in 2015 and 2016 as part of a cross-sectional survey of schools for the TUMIKIA trial. Household and community information was linked to school data for school-children who included in the TUMIKIA baseline household and parasitology survey and reported attending school. Data are provided as a comma separated value file with accompanying data dictionary.

A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted as the baseline for a cluster-randomised, controlled trial - the TUMIKIA Trial - comparing annual or biannual community-wide treatment targeting all ages with annual school-based treatment targeting 2–14 year olds. Household demographics, socioeconomic status, and water and sanitation conditions were collected through a structured questionnaire. Structured observations were made of household sanitation facilities. Individuals aged two years and above were randomly selected during households surveys and requested to provide stool samples, which were assessed for presence and intensity of STH infection using the Kato-Katz thick smear method. Information on recent deworming, sanitation and hygiene behaviours, and shoe-wearing was also collected from individuals who provided stool samples. Data are provided as a comma-separated value file with accompanying data dictionary.

Nontuberculous mycobacterium(NTM)infection is the main cause of the increased hospitalization and mortality of HIV/AIDS patients. The diagnosis and treatment of HIV infection combined with NTM is different from that of tuberculosis: the drugs are selected according to the responsible microorganisms and treatment courses depend on the involved organs and tissues in NTM infection. Besides, the combined administration of anti-HIV and anti-NTM agents would cause drug interaction, increase adverse reactions, affect patients’ compliance and treatment outcomes. Based on the disease prevalence and current diagnosis and treatment status, referring relevant Chinese and international guidelines, the AIDS Professional Group, Society of Tropical Disease and Parasitology of Chinese Medical Association has developed this expert consensus, this article makes an interpretation of this consensus. Key words: HIV; Acquired immune deficiency syndrome; Nontuberculous mycobacteria; Expert consensus; Interpretation

In order to adapt to the needs of innovative medical personnel training, Zunyi Medical University conducted teaching reform and curriculum construction for human parasitology. Key teachers were trained by strengthening the construction of the teaching staff. Through the preparation of lessons, lectures, supervision and other measures, the teaching quality has been improved. Teaching reform was carried out by the introduction of humanities knowledge, scientific research training, and formative evaluation. Through the development of quality curriculum resources, standardized teaching archives, improved scientific research, and quality service for the society, the curriculum construction of human parasitology has been greatly improved. Key words: Human parasitology; Teaching reform; Course construction

Diagnosis of strongyloidosis is sometimes problematic and requires novel techniques. Here, critical diagnosis of a complicated case of strongyloidosis using molecular methods is reported. A young woman referred to the Diagnostic Laboratory of Strongyloidiasis in School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences. She had taken albendazole before referring to the laboratory. She had cerebral edema, behavior disorders, hypereosinophilia and titer of IgE >2000 IU/mL. The patient had history of intestinal and skin disorders and steroid therapy. For detection of Strongyloides stercoralis infection, parasitological techniques and novel methods of nested-PCR and HRM analysis were applied on stool samples upon admission and during the following up. On the samples provided upon first admission, parasitology showed negative results, while both molecular methods revealed infection with S. stercoralis. After specific treatment, during the following up, the patient general health was much improved and the results of all parasitological and molecular tests were negative for strongyloidosis. Application of novel sensitive diagnostic methods for detection of S. stercoralis is necessary, especially once parasitological techniques have lack of sensitivity.

Clinical microbiology is a vast subject that covers a wide range of sub categories that include clinical bacteriology, clinical virology, clinical mycology, and clinical parasitology. The present book is a compilation of both research and review pieces related to the field of clinical virology and HIV medicine.

Plant-borne compounds and nanoparticles: challenges for medicine, parasitology and entomology

The aim of this study was to assess the microbiological contamination levels of indoor pollution in General hospital in Doboj-Department of Microbiology and Patoanatomy and Department of Microbiology with Parasitology of the Republic of Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina). Concentration of bacteria and fungi was determined in order to evaluate the microbiological quality of the air in the subject Hospital. Furthermore, correlation of airborne bacteria and fungi with environmental parameters (temperature, relative humidity) was investigated. Air samples were collected during the winter season (February, 2017) at nine different locations. Variation of microorganism in air samples was discussed, through experimental measuring. The paper presents the average values of bacteria and fungi (in CFU/m 3 ). Maximum, minimum and other statistical values are in correlation with microclimatic parameters. Variations are directly connected to relative humidity. The results of this study show the high level of microbiological contamination of the air. Increased ventilation, alongside with HVAC system and other hygiene measures in the subject hospital would significantly contribute to the improvement microbiological quality of the indoor air.

Diagnostic tests are of vital importance in a number of veterinary fields and are essential for decision-making by veterinary practioners, researchers and the veterinary authorities. The development and evaluation of laboratory diagnostic tests as well as the interpretation of test results engage a number of different veterinary disciplines including virologists, parasitologists, bacteriologists, laboratory experts, clinicians as well as epidemiologists and biostatisticians. This thesis was devised shortly after the section of epidemiology came into existence at the Vetsuisse Faculty end of 2009. The aim is to interrelate veterinary epidemiology - being closely linked to virology, parasitology, bacteriology and clinical medicine - with biostatistics. Thus allowing innovative concepts and recent software developments to provide solutions and answers in our veterinary field. After a brief introduction into diagnostic tests, the thesis is structured into three main parts. First, from a laboratory perspective, aspects of analytical sensitivity and specificity are illustrated by three peer-reviewed papers presenting practical applications of veterinary diagnostic tests for feline calicivirus and porcine parvovirus. Second, in the context of assessing agreement and method comparison studies, categorical test results are compared by Cohen’s k and continuous measurements by linear mixed effects models extending the classical use of Bland-Altman plots with limits of agreement. The former is illustrated in a publication on the diagnostic test Interferon-Gamma to classify bovines being infected with Mycobacterium bovis when analysing samples from the same animals in five different laboratories and from different anatomical locations. Two peer-reviewed papers aim to assess the agreement of serumspecific lipase, as a diagnostic test for feline pancreatitis with a commercial test kit and ultrasonographic findings. In the context of comparing continuous measurements, i.e. cardiac output and blood pressure measured directly and indirectly, two peer-reviewed paper illustrate the application of linear mixed effects models to simultaneously assess bias, precision and covariate information. Typical pitfalls arising in method comparison studies are summarised in a review paper. Building upon the previous parts, the third part adds to the existing knowledge by presenting novel and innovative approaches when assessing the performance of diagnostic tests in the absence of a perfect gold standard. So-called no gold standard models (NGS) are applied to assess the diagnostic test accuracies in the context of zoonotic diseases such as bovine tuberculosis, porcine toxoplasmosis as well as canine and vulpine echinococcosis. Additionally, these models are applied to assess diagnostic test accuracies to diagnose Brachyspira hyodysenteriae, an economically important disease in pigs. Furthermore, they are also utilised to assess diagnostic accuracies of diagnostic tools for subclinical mastitis in dairy cattle. In this part, Bayesian approaches are presented, together with technical aspects including conditional dependencies, Markov Chain Monte Carlo simulations and aspects of model selection. The innovative aspects and main novelty of the work presented in this thesis pertain to the incorporation of covariate information and random effects. Whereas covariate information in the form of risk factors has been included in statistical analyses since decades, considering random effects to account for clustering of animals at herd level just became possible with increased computational power. Nowadays dealing appropriately with the hierarchical structure of animal data is considered as good statistical practice and warranted in epidemiological studies to avoid biased results. However, diagnostic test studies including covariate information and random effects are scarce. The aim of this thesis is to fill this gap by showcasing a number of Bayesian latent class analyses for various infectious diseases in animals.

Toxoplasma gondii infection during pregnancy can lead to many complications such as abortion, cerebral calcifications, chorioretinitis, and hydrocephalus. In Senegal, toxoplasmosis primary prevention during pregnancy usually refers to prenatal screening of pregnant women, but epidemiological data are needed to help shape human toxoplasmosis prevention policy. This study assessed T. gondii seroprevalence among pregnant women attending the Fann Teaching Hospital in Dakar Senegal. An observational, descriptive study was conducted at the laboratory of parasitology at Fann Teaching Hospital in Dakar. Pregnant woman attending the Fann Teaching Hospital for antenatal visit provided 10 ml of blood collected into a dry container. T. gondii immunoglobin G (IgG) carriage was assessed using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. One thousand two hundred and thirty six (1236) venous blood samples were collected. Overall, 437 samples were positive; T. gondii seroprevalence was thus evaluated at 35.4% (95% CI: 32.7 - 38.1). T. gondii seroprevalence was more frequent in the age group above 30 years (38.3%) compared to the pregnant women with an age below 30 years (31.9%). In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, after adjustment on the study period, pregnant women above the age of 30 years were more likely to carry T. gondii IgG: adjusted odds ratio 1.37 (95% CI: 1.10 - 1.74; p=0.01). Seroprevalence of T. gondii was significantly higher among pregnant women above the age of 30 years, leaving younger women more susceptible to primary infection with T. gondii and their babies to congenital toxoplasmosis. Improving awareness of toxoplasmosis risk factors and its different modes of transmission in these high-risk groups will be needed; but it should be supported by epidemiological studies on toxoplasmosis risk factors distribution among pregnant women and women of reproductive age. Key words: Toxoplasmosis, pregnancy, Senegal, seroprevalence.

Стає актуальним застосування інноваційних методів і технологій навчання, спрямованих на виховання творчої активності та ініціативи студентів. Багато вчених займалися питаннями навчання та організації освітнього процесу у вищих медичних навчальних закладах, проте питання інтерактивного навчання в процесі вивчення курсу «Медична паразитологія» потребує подальшої розробки. Мета статті — практичне обґрунтування інтерактивних форм навчання під час вивчення дисципліни «Медична паразитологія». Паразитарні захворювання продовжують посідати важливе місце серед хвороб людини як у Європи, так і в Україні. Це вказує на необхідність вивчення паразитології у структурі захворюваності сучасного людства. Особливістю проведення практичних занять є використання великої кількості ілюстративного матеріалу. Важливим для підвищення ефективності засвоєння навчального матеріалу курсу «Медична паразитологія» при проведенні практичних занять є рішення ситуаційних завдань і проведення рольових ігор. Ділові ігри моделюють життєву ситуацію, розглядають питання епідеміології паразитарних захворювань. Інтерактивні методи забезпечують ефективність процесу навчання студентів із дисципліни «Медична паразитологія». Це формує професійне мислення студентів, сприяє їх професійно-особистісному розвитку, стимулюванню навчально-пізнавальної активності, оволодінню навичками всебічного аналізу ситуацій, оперативному прийняттю рішення, вмінню аналізувати додаткову інформацію для уточнення вихідної ситуації, самостійності у прийнятті рішень, оволодінню практичним досвідом здобуття користі зі своїх і чужих помилок.

According to teaching program of medical microbiology, parasitology and epidemiology that opened for five-year medical student, the repeated teaching contents in disciplines that related to infectious disease prevention and control were analyzed. After the curriculum reorganization, the integrative course teaching plan and teaching method were formulated. Teaching contents of preventive medicine and medical humanities for infectious diseases were permeated. The course was offered in the second semester of the second year of the university, reaching the goal of the early practice and early clinical exposure, improving the students’ voluntary learning ability and interest. The course provided a thorough grounding for the following bridge course and clinical course, gradually cultivates students’ clinical competency. Key words: Infectious diseases; Integrated course; Teaching design; Five-year program medical major