Prevalence Of Parasitic Diseases Research Articles

Andrographolide induced cytotoxicity and cell cycle arrest in Giardia trophozoites

Giardiasis is a prevalent parasitic diarrheal disease caused by Giardia lamblia, affecting people worldwide. Recently, the availability of several drugs for its treatment has highlighted issues such as multidrug resistance, limited effectiveness and undesirable side effects. Therefore, it is necessary to develop alternative new drugs and treatment strategies that can enhance therapeutic outcomes and effectively treat giardiasis. Natural compounds show promise in the search for more potent anti-giardial agents. Our investigation focused on the effect of Andrographolide (ADG), an active compound of the Andrographis paniculata plant, on Giardia lamblia, assessing trophozoite growth, morphological changes, cell cycle arrest, DNA damage and inhibition of gene expression associated with pathogenic factors. ADG demonstrated anti-Giardia activity almost equivalent to the reference drug metronidazole, with an IC50 value of 4.99 μM after 24 h of incubation. In cytotoxicity assessments and morphological examinations, it showed significant alterations in trophozoite shape and size and effectively hindered the adhesion of trophozoites. It also caused excessive ROS generation, DNA damage, cell cycle arrest and inhibited the gene expression related to pathogenesis. Our findings have revealed the anti-giardial efficacy of ADG, suggesting its potential as an agent against Giardia infections. This could offer a natural and low-risk treatment option for giardiasis, reducing the risk of side effects and drug resistance.

Study of the most prevalent parasitic diseases especially pinworm among children aged (5-12years) in various areas of Dhi Qar Governorate

Objective: This study included investigating the quality and prevalence of external and internal (intestinal) parasites among children in various regions at Dhi Qar government. The current study also aimed to focus on and find out the relationship between pinworm infection and appendicitis.
 Methods: The study was conducted during the period between February and July in the year 2023. The study included 100 patients infected with one or more types of ecto or intestinal parasites of both sexes, their ages ranged from 5 to 12 years. A clinical examination was performed for them by a pediatrician and they were sent to the laboratory to conduct the necessary laboratory tests.
 Results: The current study revealed that a number of parasitic infections, whether external or internal, are associated with anemia and malnutrition in children, in addition to poor psychological condition. Some cases of parasitic worms, especially pinworms, were associated with acute appendicitis. A number of histopathological changes were found after examining the excised organ histologically These changes included necrosis of the sub mucosal layer, erosion of the mucosal lining, and an abundance of fibroblasts in the muscle and serum layers.
 Conclusion: Acute appendicitis due to E. vermicularis is a very rare occurrence. The histopathological analysis of resected specimens should pay special attention to search for this parasite for adequate post-operative treatment of patients.

Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii in sheep and goats of North West Province, South Africa

BackgroundThe protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii causes toxoplasmosis, one of the most prevalent parasitic zoonotic diseases with significant economic and public health implications worldwide. Infection with the parasite has a significant adverse effect on sheep and goat production and can frequently go undetected in the herd, resulting in abortions and weak or dead offspring. Although there are few studies on seroprevalence and risk factors associated with T. gondii infections in livestock in other provinces of South Africa, there is no data in the North West province. Therefore, a cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the seroprevalence of T. gondii and risk factors associated with exposure in sheep and goats of the North West province of South Africa. Sera from 439 livestock (164 sheep and 285 goats) were collected and analysed for the presence of T. gondii IgG antibodies using indirect ELISA (Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). An assessment of potential risk factors in farms associated with seropositivity was also conducted using a structured questionnaire.ResultsOut of the 439 tested sheep and goats, 13.9% (61/439) were positive for IgG antibodies against T. gondii. Sheep and goats had seroprevalences of 19.5% (32/164) and 10.5% (29/275) respectively. In the multivariable logistic regression model, the risk of acquiring T. gondii was significantly higher in the mixed breed [Odds ratio (OR) = 71.07; 95% confidence interval (CI): 266.8-1893.1; p < 0.011)] animals than white dorper sheep and in farms that burn or bury aborted material (OR = 42.04; CI: 179.9-982.5; p = 0.020) compared to those that only burn aborted material. The risk was lower for the farms in Kagisano-Molopo (OR = 0.00; CI: 0.0-25.4; p = 0.015) and Mahikeng (OR = 0.00; CI: 0.0-4.9; p < 0.001) local municipalities than Greater Taung local municipality, and for the animals that drink water from dams (OR = 0.03; CI: 0.2–58.8; p = 0.021) than those that drink from boreholes.ConclusionThe seroprevalence and risk factors associated with transmission observed show that T. gondii infection is widespread in sheep and goats of the North West province.

Integrating high-throughput analysis to create an atlas of replication origins in Trypanosoma cruzi in the context of genome structure and variability.

Trypanosoma cruzi is the etiologic agent of the most prevalent human parasitic disease in Latin America, Chagas disease. Its genome is rich in multigenic families that code for virulent antigens and are present in the rapidly evolving genomic compartment named Disruptive. DNA replication is a meticulous biological process in which flaws can generate mutations and changes in chromosomal and gene copy numbers. Here, integrating high-throughput and single-molecule analyses, we were able to identify Predominant, Flexible, and Dormant Orc1Cdc6-dependent origins as well as Orc1Cdc6-independent origins. Orc1Cdc6-dependent origins were found in multigenic family loci, while independent origins were found in the Core compartment that contains conserved and hypothetical protein-coding genes, in addition to multigenic families. In addition, we found that Orc1Cdc6 density is related to the firing of origins and that Orc1Cdc6-binding sites within fired origins are depleted of a specific class of nucleosomes that we previously categorized as dynamic. Together, these data suggest that Orc1Cdc6-dependent origins may contribute to the rapid evolution of the Disruptive compartment and, therefore, to the success of T. cruzi infection and that the local epigenome landscape is also involved in this process.IMPORTANCETrypanosoma cruzi, responsible for Chagas disease, affects millions globally, particularly in Latin America. Lack of vaccine or treatment underscores the need for research. Parasite's genome, with virulent antigen-coding multigenic families, resides in the rapidly evolving Disruptive compartment. Study sheds light on the parasite's dynamic DNA replication, discussing the evolution of the Disruptive compartment. Therefore, the findings represent a significant stride in comprehending T. cruzi's biology and the molecular bases that contribute to the success of infection caused by this parasite.

Antifungal and Antiparasitic Activities of Metallocene-Containing Fluconazole Derivatives.

The search for new anti-infectives based on metal complexes is gaining momentum. Among the different options taken by researchers, the one involving the use of organometallic complexes is probably the most successful one with a compound, namely, ferroquine, already in clinical trials against malaria. In this study, we describe the preparation and in-depth characterization of 10 new (organometallic) derivatives of the approved antifungal drug fluconazole. Our rationale is that the sterol 14α-demethylase is an enzyme part of the ergosterol biosynthesis route in Trypanosoma and is similar to the one in pathogenic fungi. To demonstrate our postulate, docking experiments to assess the binding of our compounds with the enzyme were also performed. Our compounds were then tested on a range of fungal strains and parasitic organisms, including the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi) responsible for Chagas disease, an endemic disease in Latin America that ranks among some of the most prevalent parasitic diseases worldwide. Of high interest, the two most potent compounds of the study on T. cruzi that contain a ferrocene or cobaltocenium were found to be harmless for an invertebrate animal model, namely, Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), without affecting motility, viability, or development.

Prevalence and Intensity of Schistosomiasis in Endemic Parts of Siaya County after Mass Deworming With Praziquantel; Understanding Community Perception on the Associated Factors

Schistosomiasis is a disease caused by schistosomes or blood flukes of the genus schistosoma. According to World Health Organization (WHO). Also known as bilharzia or ‘snail fever’ the disease is one of the most prevalent parasitic diseases in the world. The highest intensity of the infection is usually observed in children but chronic consequences of infection may last into adulthood. The study was conducted in hot-spot and non-hot spot areas of Siaya County. A cross sectional study design adopting both quantitative and qualitative techniques was employed. The target population consisted of both Primary School-aged children and adults in ten (10) selected villages from hot spot areas of Bondo, Siaya County. Cluster sampling technique was used to select the ten (10) villages after which 200 participants were randomly selected from the clustered villages. Kato Katz technique was then used to obtain quantitative data microscopically and for further quantitative data, structured self-administered questionnaire was also used. Key Informant Interviews were conducted to obtain qualitative information from the selected parents and teachers as well as community health workers. Statistical tests were performed using R version 4.2.0 setting a 2-tailed α to reject the null hypothesis at 0.05. Data tables presenting categorical data as percentages with observed proportions was analyzed by prop test, while continuous data was presented using model means with 95% Confidence Intervals (95% CI). From the participants that consisted of 100 children aged between 9 to 17 years and 100 adults aged between 18 to 70 years, 81 of them (40.5%) tested positive for Schistosomiasis. Intensity levels were found to be higher in females compared to males 0.95 (95% CI = 0.48, 1.4, P = 0.03) and in adults compared to children 1.1 (95% CI = 0.64, 1.6, P &lt;0.01).

Ameliorative Effect of Pomegranate Peel Powder on the Growth Indices, Oocysts Shedding, and Intestinal Health of Broilers under an Experimentally Induced Coccidiosis Condition.

Coccidiosis stands as one of the most prevalent enteric parasitic diseases in broilers. While antibiotics have traditionally been used for the control of coccidiosis, concerns related to drug residues and the emergence of resistance in chickens have prompted consumer apprehensions. In this study, 600 Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly divided into five groups: a control group without specific treatments (NC), broilers deliberately exposed to Eimeria tenella (positive control), broilers challenged with E. tenella but dosed with antibiotics (AT), and two groups experimentally exposed to E. tenella while simultaneously receiving pomegranate peel powder (PPE) at dosages of 3 g/kg (3PPP) and 6 g/kg (6PPP). The results revealed that all Eimeria-treated birds exhibited significantly worse growth performance compared to the NC. Notably, a marked improvement was observed in birds infected with E. tenella when supplemented with 6PPP. Both 3PPP and 6PPP supplementation significantly reduced lesion scores, mortality, and oocysts per gram (OPG). Furthermore, histological examination of the cecum indicated that the villus dimensions were restored by PPP supplementation in infected birds. In conclusion, Eimeria-infected birds supplemented with 6PPP experienced an enhanced growth rate, lowered lesion scores, alleviated oocyst shedding, and improved intestinal histological dimensions.

1389. Parasitic Diseases Surveillance in Kazakhstan: Incidence Trends and Future Projections

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on healthcare systems worldwide, leading to a weakening of surveillance for parasitic diseases during quarantine measures in many countries. In 2022, this effect was observed in the Republic of Kazakhstan, where a significant increase in parasitic diseases was reported. Methods The prediction of parasitic incidence was carried out based on official statistical data on the incidence of the population of Kazakhstan from 2011 to 2022. Exponential smoothing was used for incidence forecasting with 95% CI. Forecasts were carried out for echinococcosis, opisthorchiasis, ascariasis, enterobiasis, and giardiasis. Results In 2022 there was a significant increase in parasitic diseases among the population of the Republic of Kazakhstan, with a total of 9,026 cases registered. Most cases were helminthiasis, accounting for 85% of all cases, while intestinal protozoal invasions accounted for 15%. The most prevalent parasitic diseases were enterobiasis, with an incidence rate of 24.9 per 100,000, followed by giardiasis with a rate of 6.8 per 100,000. Echinococcosis had an incidence rate of 3.9 per 100,000, while ascariasis and opisthorchiasis had rates of 6.4 and 2.5 per 100,000, respectively (Figure 1). However, the expected incidence rates for parasitic diseases in 2023-2025 are projected to be lower than the long-term average incidence. There will be a significant decrease in the incidence rate of opisthorchiasis and enterobiasis. In 2023, the incidence rate of opisthorchiasis is expected to be 1.45 per 100,000, while the incidence rate of enterobiasis will be 12.1 per 100,000. This trend is projected to continue in 2024-2025 (Table 1). Conclusion As negative trends in parasitic diseases are observed, it is crucial to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to prevent the spread of these diseases. Following the results, additional measures were taken in the Republic of Kazakhstan to prevent echinococcosis and opisthorchiasis, such as strengthening the interdepartmental commission and enhancing epidemiological surveillance. It is essential to continue monitoring the situation and take proactive measures to prevent the spread of parasitic diseases. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Schistosoma haematobium infection and morbidity risk factors for pre-school age children in western Angola: A knowledge, attitudes and practices survey.

Urogenital schistosomiasis is one of the most prevalent parasitic diseases in sub-Saharan Africa. It is a poverty-related disease conditioned by behavioural practices. Our objective is to evaluate the awareness, mindset and habits about urogenital schistosomiasis in the community of Cubal (Angola), as well as its association with infection and urinary tract morbidity in pre-school age children. A cross-sectional study of knowledge, attitudes and practices at home was conducted between February and May 2022 with 250 participants. Overall, 93.6% of those surveyed had some prior knowledge about schistosomiasis and, among all the symptoms associated with this disease, blood in the urine was the best known (54.4%). Nevertheless, 57.6% obtained a medium knowledge score. Regarding attitude, the majority of respondents had a high attitude score (79.2%) with 96.0% willing to participate in mass drug administration campaigns. Laundry in the river was the most common risk practice (61.2%) and 55.2% out of the total were classified with a low practice score. Low knowledge about symptoms and transmission by caregivers was the outstanding risk factor for infection in pre-school age children (OR = 16.93, 95%CI: 3.93-72.82), and lack of knowledge that avoiding entering the river prevents schistosomiasis was the main risk factor for morbidity in PSAC (OR = 8.14, 95%CI: 1.14-58.25).

Eimeria granulosa causes spots visible through the serous membrane of small intestine in sheep

Coccidiosis, also known as Eimeriosis, is a highly prevalent parasitic disease affecting sheep in nearly all sheep-rearing nations across the globe. Currently, there is a scarcity of literature documenting the specific lesions in sheep resulting from coccidia infection. This study aimed to investigate these characteristic lesions through necropsy, microscopic observation, and molecular biological techniques. As a result, Eimeria granulosa was identified as the causative agent, which induced distinct pathological alterations in the small intestine of lambs as observed during necropsy. Notably, E. granulosa manifested as small scattered petechiae and white spots, visible through the serous membrane of the small intestine, akin to the pathology observed in E. necatrix. Therefore, this study provides valuable insights for the accurate diagnosis of coccidiosis in sheep.

Investigating the Dynamics of Single and Dual Infection of Schistosoma Species: A Mathematical Modeling Perspective

Schistosomiasis is a prevalent parasitic disease that poses significant challenges to effective control measures, particularly in the presence of dual infections. This paper presents a study that aims to investigate the underlying mechanisms of schistosomiasis transmission through mathematical modeling, focusing on the dynamics of both single and dual infections, as well as the interaction between different species or strains of Schistosoma parasites. Sensitivity analysis of the basic reproduction number, , reveals the substantial influence of parameters such as and on disease transmission. The findings highlight the crucial need for comprehensive management strategies that address the complexities of dual infections and target influential parameters to effectively reduce disease transmission and mitigate the impact of schistosomiasis in endemic areas.

Cysticercus pisiformis-derived novel-miR1 targets TLR2 to inhibit the immune response in rabbits.

Cysticercosis pisiformis, a highly prevalent parasitic disease worldwide, causes significant economic losses in the rabbit breeding industry. Previous investigations have identified a novel microRNA, designated as novel-miR1, within the serum of rabbit infected with Cysticercus pisiformis. In the present study, we found that C. pisiformis-derived novel-miR1 was released into the rabbit serum via exosomes. Through computational analysis using TargetScan, miRanda, and PITA, a total of 634 target genes of novel-miR1 were predicted. To elucidate the functional role of novel-miR1, a dual-luciferase reporter assay was utilized and demonstrated that novel-miR1 targets rabbit Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2). Rabbit peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLCs) were transfected with novel-miR1 mimic and mimic NC, and the in vitro experiments confirmed that novel-miR1 suppressed the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 through the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway. In vivo experiments demonstrated that novel-miR1 was significantly upregulated during the 1-3 months following infection with C. pisiformis in rabbits. Notably, this upregulation coincided with a downregulation of TLR2, P65, pP65, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in PBLCs. Collectively, these results indicate that the novel-miR1 derived from C. pisiformis inhibited the rabbits' immune response by suppressing the NF-κB-mediated immune response. This immune modulation facilitates parasite invasion, survival, and establishment of a persistent infection.

Epidemiology and Risk Factors of Coccidiosis in Broilers: Investigating the Prevalence, Distribution, and Risk Factors Associated with Coccidiosis Outbreaks in Broiler Production

Background: Coccidiosis is highly prevalent parasitic disease posing significant challenges to broiler production worldwide.&#x0D; Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, distribution, and risk factors associated with coccidiosis outbreaks in broiler production systems.&#x0D; Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed, and a total of 15 flocks, comprising 16,300 birds, were examined.&#x0D; Results: The overall prevalence rate of coccidiosis was found to be 66.7%. Among individual farms, Farm 1 reported a prevalence rate of 60.0%, Farm 2 had a rate of 50.0%, and Farm 3 exhibited the highest incidence at 83.3%. The specific species distribution within the positive flocks varied across farms. Farm 1 showed a mixed infection involving Eimeria tenella and Eimeria maxima, while Eimeria necatrix and Eimeria acervulina were found in Farm 2. Farm 3 exhibited a more diverse species distribution, including Eimeria necatrix, Eimeria tenella, Eimeria acervulina, and Eimeria maxima. Furthermore, this study identified several risk factors associated with coccidiosis outbreaks in broiler production. The analysis revealed that larger farm size, inadequate biosecurity measures, and poor feed quality were significantly associated with an increased risk of coccidiosis outbreaks.&#x0D; Conclusion: These findings provide valuable insights into the epidemiology of coccidiosis in broiler production and the factors influencing its occurrence. By targeting the prevalent Eimeria species and addressing the identified risk factors, poultry producers can minimize the impact of coccidiosis on broiler health, welfare, and economic performance.

Nanotechnology-based Approaches for the Treatment of Toxocariasis: A Prospective Review

Toxocariasis, caused by Toxocara parasites, is a prevalent parasitic disease affecting millions of people worldwide. Conventional anthelmintic drugs for toxocariasis face challenges such as limited efficacy and potential adverse effects, necessitating exploring alternative therapeutic strategies. Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising approach for the treatment of toxocariasis. This prospective review provides an overview of the potential of nanotechnology in toxocariasis treatment and highlights critical advancements in the field. The current review aimed to provide an overview of toxocariasis and the current challenges in its treatment, such as limited efficacy and potential adverse effects. It emphasized the need for novel therapeutic approaches to overcome these limitations. The subsequent section focused on nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems, discussing the nanoparticles used in toxocariasis treatment, their advantages, and strategies for enhancing drug delivery efficiency. Nanotechnology in targeted therapy is a great strategy to treat toxocariasis. It explored targeting Toxocara parasites using nanoparticles, surface modifications for enhanced targeting, and controlled release and sustained drug delivery techniques. Nanodiagnostics and imaging techniques in diagnosing and monitoring provide promising futures for controlling toxocariasis. It explored the use of nanosensors for the sensitive detection of Toxocara parasites and various imaging modalities for parasite visualization. These advancements enabled timely intervention and personalized treatment strategies. Furthermore, the application of nanotechnology in vaccine development is fruitful for preventing toxocariasis. It highlights the use of nano vaccines for enhanced immune responses, controlled antigen delivery, and targeted immune cell activation. In conclusion, nanotechnology holds immense potential in the treatment of toxocariasis. Its unique features, such as targeted drug delivery, enhanced diagnostics, and improved vaccine efficacy, offer promising avenues for more effective and personalized approaches. Addressing evaluation, regulatory approval, cost-effectiveness, and scalability challenges is crucial for successful translation into clinical practice. The advancements in nanotechnology can potentially revolutionize toxocariasis treatment and improve patient outcomes.

The interaction of Schistosoma mansoni infection with diabetes mellitus and obesity in mice

Human schistosomiasis is one of the most prevalent parasitic diseases worldwide. Various host factors can affect the host–parasite interactions. Therefore, the aim of the present work was to determine the parasitological, histopathological, biochemical, and immunological status of Schistosoma mansoni-infected hosts with metabolic disorders to identify the underlying possible mechanisms of these comorbidities. The study animals were divided into four groups. Group I represented the control groups, namely, the normal control group, the S. mansoni-infected control group, and the noninfected type 1 diabetes (T1DM), type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and obesity groups. The mice of the other three groups underwent induction of T1DM (Group II), T2DM (Group III) and obesity (Group IV) before being infected with S. mansoni. All mice were subjected to body weight measurement, blood glucose and insulin assessment, parasitological evaluation of adult worm count, tissue egg count and intestinal oogram. Histopathological and immunohistochemical study using anti-glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and image analysis of Masson’s trichrome-stained liver sections using ImageJ (Fiji) software were carried out. Additionally, immunological analysis of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) beta, interleukin-5 (IL-5), IL-10, Forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) and pentraxin 3 (PTX3) levels besides biochemical study of total lipid profile were evaluated. The present study revealed a significant increase in the adult worm count and tissue egg output in the obesity group compared to the infected control group. The oogram of counted eggs showed prevalence of immature eggs in T1DM group, while T2DM and obese groups showed prevalence of mature eggs. The fibrosis area percentage showed significant increase in T2DM and obese groups while it was decreased in T1DM group in comparison to infected control group. Our data also showed significant increase in the levels of TNF-β, IL-5, PTX3 in T1DM, T2DM and obesity groups in comparison to infected control group, whilst the levels of FOXP3 and IL-10 were increased in the infected groups in comparison to their noninfected controls. Moreover, infected T1DM, T2DM and obesity groups showed higher blood glucose and lipid profile in comparison to the infected control group. However, these parameters were improved in comparison to their noninfected controls. In sum, induction of T2DM and obesity increased tissue egg counts, mature egg percentage, and fibrosis density, while schistosome infection induced changes in the lipid profile and blood glucose levels in infected diabetic and obese groups and impacted favorably insulin levels in obese mice. By better understanding the complexities of host–parasite interactions, efforts to reduce the burden of these debilitating diseases can be improved.

Biogenic silver nanoparticle exhibits schistosomicidal activity in vitro and reduces the parasitic burden in experimental schistosomiasis mansoni

Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical parasitic disease that affects millions of people, being the second most prevalent parasitic disease worldwide. The current treatment has limited effectiveness, drug-resistant strains, and is not effective in different stages of the disease. This study investigated the antischistosomal activity of biogenic silver nanoparticles (Bio-AgNp) against Schistosoma mansoni. Bio-AgNp presented direct schistosomicidal activity on newly transformed schistosomula causing plasma membrane permeabilization. In S. mansoni adult worms, reduced the viability and affected the motility, increasing oxidative stress parameters, and inducing plasma membrane permeabilization, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, lipid bodies accumulation, and autophagic vacuoles formation. During the experimental schistosomiasis mansoni model, Bio AgNp restored body weight, reduced hepatosplenomegaly, and decrease the number of eggs and worms in feces and liver tissue. The treatment also ameliorates liver damage and reduces macrophage and neutrophil infiltrates. A reduction in count and size was evaluated in the granulomas, as well as a change to an exudative-proliferative phase, with a local increase of IFN-γ. Together our results showed that Bio-AgNp is a promising therapeutic candidate for studies of new therapeutic strategies against schistosomiasis.

Implications of Prevalence and Intensity of Soil-Transmitted Helminthes (STHs) on Rural Farmers’ Productivity in Selected Districts of Sierra Leone

Soil-transmitted Helminths (STH) are among the most prevalent parasitic diseases that impair childhood physical and mental growth, hence hindering economic development. The study was a cross-sectional-designed survey, conducted in three districts in Sierra Leone between December and March 2022 on 625 individual farmers to determine: 1) the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths; 2) the intensity of soil-transmitted helminths; 3) the effect of the prevalence and intensity on farm productivity, and 4) the implication of these effects on agricultural extension service delivery and the rural livelihood of the selected districts. Stool samples were collected from male and female farmers in fifteen chiefdoms in the selected districts and analyzed using the Kato-Katz technique. A total of 625 individuals were included, among whom 172 (27.0%) were vegetable farmers, 224 (35.8%) were tree-crop farmers and 226 (36.2%) were rice farmers. The result indicates a prevalence of parasitic infection among farmers shown by 58.4% eggs/ova in stool from the three districts. STH prevalence is higher in Bo (64.0%), Koinadugu (56.9%), and Kailahun (51,7%). STH infections, in various ways, affected extension services, delivery and the livelihoods of individual farmers. The recommendation is that farmers and children be periodically dewormed for STH infection in rural areas.

АНАЛИЗ РАСПРОСТРАНЕННОСТИ ПАРАЗИТАРНЫХ ЗАБОЛЕВАНИЙ И МИКСТИНВАЗИЙ У ДЕТЕЙ В КЫРГЫЗСКОЙ РЕСПУБЛИКЕ

This article presents the results of a study of sanitary epidemiological surveillance (SES) among preschool and school-age children conducted in the pilot districts of Osh, Naryn, Jalal-Abad and Batken regions of the Kyrgyz Republic (KR) in the period from 2015 to 2021 and describes the relevance of combined parasitic diseases, in particular helminthiasis, the problematic issues of epidemiological features of the combination of helminthiasis with a large range of parasitic diseases to assess the true picture of the prevalence of parasitic diseases in children. SES for parasitic diseases is a system for collecting biomaterials (stool) of children using preservatives and taking scrapings from the anus, laboratory analysis to determine the types of parasites and the dissemination of epidemiological information on the prevalence of parasitic diseases and children with mixed infestations, necessary for planning, implementing and monitoring preventive programs. 39398 children of school and preschool age up to 14 years were examined. Preschool children accounted for 36.3 % and schoolchildren below 14 years years old 63.6 % of the total number of surveyed. During the analyzed period, the total infection rate of children below 14 in the republic amounted to 10.9 % of the total number of examined, of which 5.7 % are girls and 5.2 % are boys. Key words: parasites, mixed invasion, intestinal parasitocenosis, mixed invasion, invasion, SES.

Efficacy, safety, and palatability of arpraziquantel (L-praziquantel) orodispersible tablets in children aged 3 months to 6 years infected with Schistosoma in Côte d'Ivoire and Kenya: an open-label, partly randomised, phase 3 trial

WHO has underlined the need for a child-friendly treatment for schistosomiasis, a prevalent parasitic disease in low-income and middle-income countries. After successful phase 1 and 2 trials, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, palatability, and pharmacokinetics of arpraziquantel (L-praziquantel) orodispersible tablets for preschool-aged children. This open-label, partly randomised, phase 3 study was conducted at two hospitals in Côte d'Ivoire and Kenya. Children with a minimum bodyweight of 5 kg in those aged 3 months to 2 years and 8 kg in those aged 2-6 years were eligible. In cohort 1, participants aged 4-6 years infected with Schistosoma mansoni were randomly assigned (2:1) to receive a single dose of oral arpraziquantel 50 mg/kg (cohort 1a) or oral praziquantel 40 mg/kg (cohort 1b) using a computer-generated randomisation list. Cohorts 2 (aged 2-3 years) and 3 (aged 3 months to 2 years) infected with S mansoni, and the first 30 participants in cohort 4a (aged 3 months to 6 years) infected with Schistosoma haematobium, received a single dose of oral arpraziquantel 50 mg/kg. After follow-up assessments, arpraziquantel was increased to 60 mg/kg (cohort 4b). Laboratory personnel were masked to the treatment group, screening, and baseline values. S mansoni was detected using a point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen urine cassette test and confirmed using the Kato-Katz method. The primary efficacy endpoint was clinical cure rate at 17-21 days after treatment in cohorts 1a and 1b, measured in the modified intention-to-treat population and calculated using the Clopper-Pearson method. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03845140. Between Sept 2, 2019, and Aug 7, 2021, 2663 participants were prescreened and 326 were diagnosed with S mansoni or S haematobium. 288 were enrolled (n=100 in cohort 1a, n=50 in cohort 1b, n=30 in cohort 2, n=18 in cohort 3, n=30 in cohort 4a, and n=60 in cohort 4b), but eight participants received antimalarial drugs and were excluded from the efficacy analyses. The median age was 5·1 years (IQR 4·1-6·0) and 132 (47%) of 280 participants were female and 148 (53%) were male. Cure rates with arpraziquantel were similar to those with praziquantel (87·8% [95% CI 79·6-93·5] in cohort 1a vs 81·3% [67·4-91·1] in cohort 1b). No safety concerns were identified during the study. The most common drug-related treatment-emergent adverse events were abdominal pain (41 [14%] of 288 participants), diarrhoea (27 [9%]), vomiting (16 [6%]), and somnolence (21 [7%]). Arpraziquantel, a first-line orodispersible tablet, showed high efficacy and favourable safety in preschool-aged children with schistosomiasis. The Global Health Innovative Technology Fund, the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership, and the healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany (CrossRef Funder ID: 10.13039/100009945).

Status Quo and Future Perspectives of Molecular and Genomic Studies on the Genus Biomphalaria-The Intermediate Snail Host of Schistosoma mansoni.

Schistosomiasis, or also generally known as bilharzia or snail fever, is a parasitic disease that is caused by trematode flatworms of the genus Schistosoma. It is considered by the World Health Organisation as the second most prevalent parasitic disease after malaria and affects more than 230 million people in over 70 countries. People are infected via a variety of activities ranging from agricultural, domestic, occupational to recreational activities, where the freshwater snails Biomphalaria release Schistosoma cercariae larvae that penetrate the skin of humans when exposed in water. Understanding the biology of the intermediate host snail Biomphalaria is thus important to reveal the potential spread of schistosomiasis. In this article, we present an overview of the latest molecular studies focused on the snail Biomphalaria, including its ecology, evolution, and immune response; and propose using genomics as a foundation to further understand and control this disease vector and thus the transmission of schistosomiasis.