Zoonotic Helminth Infections Research Articles

Knowledge, Perception and Awareness of Dog Related Zoonosis in Uyo Metropolis, Nigeria

Introduction: The interaction of humans and animals especially dogs, has made zoonotic diseases remain a genuine threat to the health and survival of humans. Aim: The study was aimed at assessing the level of knowledge and risk perception of dog owners regarding canine and their zoonotic potential in Uyo, Akwa, Ibom. Methodology: Structured questionnaires were employed for the cross sectional study. Result: A total of 200 respondents were employed for the study and all (100%) were aware that some animal diseases (zoonoses) are transmissible to humans, including those of dogs. A high level of awareness of 100% (200) was recorded for rabies and its route of transmission (bite) and 75% (157) for dermatophytosis while 96.5% (193) were ignorant on dog helminthic zoonosis. Some of the encountered factors that predisposed infectivity included: compromised sanitary conditions of the kennel (50%), inappropriate disposal of dog feces (51.5%), poor veterinary attention (58%), and feeding of dogs with both raw animal products and household leftovers (53%). Conclusion: This revealed a high potential of zoonotic infectivity among the human population in the area, mostly on zoonotic helminth infections, as they were misperceived. Therefore, there is a need for increased awareness, strategy formulation, and implementation toward the control and eradication of zoonotic diseases.

Gastrointestinal helminths infection of free-roaming cats (Felis catus) in Southeast Iran.

Cats in Iran are definitive hosts for several zoonotic intestinal helminths, such as Toxocara cati, Dipylidium caninum, Toxascaris leonina, Physaloptera praeputialis and Diplopylidium nolleri. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal helminth infection in free-roaming cats in southeast Iran, a region with a high free-roaming cat population. From January 2018 to December 2021, 153 cadavers of free-roaming cats from Southeast Iran were necropsied for intestinal helminth infections. The carcasses were dissected, and the digestive systems were removed. The esophagus, stomach, small intestine, caecum and colon were tightly ligated. All adult helminths were collected, preserved and identified. The prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections was 80.39% (123/153). Of the cats from Kerman, 73% (73/100) were infected with at least one helminth, including D. caninum 70% (70/100), T. leonina 8% (8/100) and P. praeputialis 17% (17/100). Concurrent infection with two helminth species was found in 16% (16/100) and of three species infections was found in 3% (3/100) of the cats. Of the cats from Zabol, 94.33% (50/53) were infected with at least one of the helminths, including D. caninum 69.81% (37/53), T. leonina 11.32% (6/53), P. praeputialis 37.73% (20/53) and T. cati 5.66% (3/53). Concurrent infection with two helminth species was found in 28.3% (15/53), and three species were found in 1.88% (1/53) of the cats. Helminth infections were more prevalent in older cats. There was no association between sex and infection rate. Based on the very high prevalence of zoonotic intestinal helminth infections in free-roaming cats in southeast Iran, the potential public health risk emphasizes the need for intersectoral collaboration, particularly the provision of health and hygiene education to high-risk populations, such as pre-school and school-age children.

Seroprevalence and Risk Factors Associated With Human Cystic Echinococcosis in Baneh, West of Iran

Background: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic helminth infection that has great health and economic importance worldwide. Iran is considered one of the endemic areas of this parasitic infection. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors of human CE in Baneh, west of Iran. Methods: From March to May 2022, 460 individuals who attended health centers in Baneh were tested for the anti-Echinococcus immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The data were analyzed by Chi-square and binary logistic regression tests. Results: Fourteen (3.04%) participants (95% CI: 1.49–4.59%) had the anti-Echinococcus IgG antibody. The average (±standard deviation) age of participants was 40.9 (16.8) years, and most of them belonged to the age group of 35–49 years (33.9%) with the highest rate of infection (4.5%). In terms of other demographic variables, seropositivity to CE was higher in women (3.8%) and people who lived in rural areas (5.1%), were housewives (3.6%), and were illiterate (4%) (P>0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that only keeping dogs at home was a risk factor for CE (adjusted odds ratio: 31.407; 95% CI: 5.343–184.590%; P<0.001). Conclusion: Direct contact with dogs is the main method of CE transmission. Therefore, public health education and the deworming of dogs can be effective in preventing and controlling CE.

Prevalence of Zoonotic Intestinal Parasites in Meat Goats in Southern Thailand.

Background: Intestinal parasites not only lead to poor goat health and productivity but can also affect human health. We investigated the distribution of zoonotic intestinal parasites among goats in southern Thailand to assess the human health risks. Materials and Methods: Overall, 561 fecal samples were collected randomly from goats in farms (55) in Songkhla, Satun, Pattalung, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat provinces between January 2020 to January 2022. Parasite eggs were detected via the standard protocol formalin ether concentration technique (FECT). Results: Samples containing one or more intestinal parasites accounted for 97.33% (543/561) of the total samples, and the percentage of zoonotic parasite was 80.04% (449/561). Among the positive samples, two types of zoonotic helminths were identified, Strongylid egg type (79.32%) and Fasciola spp. (2.14%). Strongylid egg type was highly abundant in samples from Satun (84.62%), Songkhla (82.74%), Pattalung (79.31%), and Yala (77.27%). Fasciola spp. was mostly found in samples form Pattalung (13.79%) and Songkhla (1.12%). Eimeria spp. was the mostly identified protozoa 25.67%. It was mostly identified in samples from Narathiwat (75%), Pattani (41.9%), and Songkhla (31.41%). Mixed infections accounted for 40.82% of the total with 33 patterns. It was found that Strongylid egg types occurred in 28 patterns (84.85%). Strongylid egg types-Eimeria spp.-pattern was the most commonly found. Conclusion: Based on the results, zoonotic helminth infection was found together with widespread and high diversity of intestinal parasites infection in meat goats, which affect animal health and may pose a risk to human health. Mass deworming programs with a proper anthelmintic drugs and good agricultural practices need to be encouraged by the government so that people who contact with goats should practice good hygiene behavior. Farm management should be applied by intensive goat raising with pasture circulating to reduce parasite egg contamination. Moreover, fresh fertilizers from goat faces should be avoided.

A Report of Neglected Zoonotic Helminth Infections among House Rats in Selected Areas of Metro Manila and Region IV-A CALABARZON, Philippines

Soil-transmitted helminthiasis remains to be a major global health issue predominantly in tropical and sub-tropical regions including the Philippines. People living in poor areas without adequate sanitation are at high risk of contracting these diseases. Rodents and other mammalian species living near humans can serve as potential reservoir hosts and accelerate the spread of these parasitic infections. However, there are only few data and studies on environmental contamination, animal reservoirs, and the zoonotic potential of these parasites. The aim of this study was to determine the faunal diversity of helminths among house rats in selected areas of Metro Manila and CALABARZON, Philippines. This information will serve as baseline data for the development of long-term and effective approaches to prevent and control the zoonotic transmission in the country. A total of 60 house rats were caught and grossly examined. The overall prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections was 96.67% (58/60). Of the cases, 51.67% (31/60) were reported in Metro Manila while 45.00% (27/60) were reported in CALABARZON. Capillaria hepatica was the most dominant endoparasite with the highest prevalence and intensity of infection. The four identified helminths namely Capillaria hepatica, Taenia taeniaeformis, Hymenolepis diminuta, and Raillietina spp. transmitted by these Rattus species namely Rattus norvegicus and Rattus tanezumi pose a health risk to the public as they are important reservoirs of zoonotic parasites that are capable of transmitting infection to humans. Therefore, it is necessary to regularly monitor and control rodent populations to reduce the spread of parasites in urban and rural areas.

Review of Toxocariasis at a Children's Hospital Prompting Need for Public Health Interventions.

Toxocariasis, caused the by dog and cat roundworm, is one of the most common zoonotic helminth infections in the United States and can lead to severe lifelong morbidity in children. Although historical seroprevalence studies have identified a high frequency of toxocariasis regionally in the United States, there are few studies linking epidemiology and clinical disease in children. The study objective was to examine the contemporary epidemiology of pediatric toxocariasis within an endemic US region. We conducted an epidemiologic study analyzing children diagnosed with toxocariasis presenting to a tertiary pediatric hospital in Texas from 2010 to 2021. We examined risk factors and performed a geospatial analysis, including a comparative analysis of human cases and locations of surrendered infected stray animals in the same region. Children diagnosed with toxocariasis were most commonly of Hispanic/Latino ethnicity (30/46; 65%), white race (41/45; 91%) and receiving Medicaid (34/44, 77%). Many infected children had contact with dogs or cats. Ocular toxocariasis was associated with a lack of peripheral eosinophilia ( P < 0.001). No other Toxocara syndromes were associated with defined absolute eosinophil count levels. Post-treatment resolution of eosinophilia was variable, ranging from 1 to 172 weeks. A Toxocara hotspot was identified in northeast Houston, comprising one of the lowest median household incomes in the region. Toxocariasis is a devastating zoonotic infection in children living in the US. As it is not a reportable disease, the true burden remains unknown. It is critical to increase awareness of toxocariasis to direct public health interventions and ultimately reduce Toxocara -induced morbidity in US children.

Isolated hepatomegaly revealing visceral toxocariasis: A unique case report

Toxocariasis is a zoonotic helminth infection secondary to the infestation of humans by larvae of Toxocara sp. These are nematodes

PREVALENCE OF PARASITIC PATHOLOGY AMONG HUMANS IN BULGARIA

The aim of this report is to review and assess the dynamics of parasitic diseases in Bulgaria during 2020-2021. Materials and methods. The analysis is based on the annual reports of the Regional Health Inspectorates (RHIs) about the cases of registered parasitic diseases among humans in the country and on data from the National Reference Laboratory “Diagnosis of Parasitic Diseases” at the National Centre for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases (NCIPD), Sofia, for all examined cases. Results. For the study period a total of 1,225,485 individuals were examined in the country’s parasitological laboratories at the Regional Health Inspectorates, stand-alone medical diagnostic laboratories and at the National Center for Infectious and Parasitic diseases (NCIPD), of whom 19,509 (1.59%) were diagnosed with a positive result for parasitic pathogens. Among the zoonotic helminth infections with local transmission, a special attention deserve cystic echinococcosis and trichinellosis as the incidence of these parasitoses in Bulgaria is the highest among the European member states. The prevalence of ascariasis and trichuriasis in the country have been reduced to such an extent that they do not represent a public health danger any more. Data regarding community acquired giardiasis and hymenolepiasis can be interpreted in a similar way, while for enterobiasis, an increasing prevalence among both children and adults has been observed in recent years. Although imported parasitic pathology is relatively limited in volume, Bulgarian climate and fauna are quite favorable for local transmission of a number of imported parasitic diseases. Control measures regarding this pathology consist in the timely detection and removal of infection sources. Conclusion. In Bulgaria, there is a well-established system for surveillance and control of human parasitic diseases, which allows the acquisition of comprehensive information including patients demographic data and characteristics of the causative agents. This enables the monitoring of parasitic pathology among the population and an accurate assessment of the the endemic-related risks.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of human and zoonotic dog soil-transmitted helminth infections in Australian Indigenous communities.

Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) infect 1.5 billion people and countless animals worldwide. In Australian Indigenous communities, STH infections have largely remained endemic despite control efforts, suggesting reservoirs of infection may exist. Dogs fulfil various important cultural, social and occupational roles in Australian Indigenous communities and are populous in these settings. Dogs may also harbour zoonotic STHs capable of producing morbidity and mortality in dogs and humans. This review provides an overview of human and zoonotic STH infections, identifies the Australian Indigenous locations affected and the parasite species and hosts involved. The meta-analysis provides estimates of individual study and pooled true prevalence of STH infections in Australian Indigenous communities and identifies knowledge gaps for further research on zoonotic or anthroponotic potential. A systematic literature search identified 45 eligible studies documenting the presence of Strongyloides stercoralis, Trichuris trichiura, Ancylostoma caninum, Ancylostoma duodenale, Ancylostoma ceylanicum, undifferentiated hookworm, and Ascaris lumbricoides. Of these studies, 26 were also eligible for inclusion in meta-analysis to establish true prevalence in the light of imperfect diagnostic test sensitivity and specificity by Rogan-Gladen and Bayesian methods. These studies revealed pooled true prevalence estimates of 18.9% (95% CI 15.8-22.1) for human and canine S. stercoralis infections and 77.3% (95% CI 63.7-91.0) for canine A. caninum infections indicating continued endemicity, but considerably more heterogenous pooled estimates for canine A. ceylanicum infections, and A. duodenale, undifferentiated hookworm and T. trichiura in humans. This review suggests that the prevalence of STHs in Australian Indigenous communities has likely been underestimated, principally based on imperfect diagnostic tests. Potential misclassification of hookworm species in humans and dogs due to outdated methodology, also obscures this picture. High-quality contemporary studies are required to establish current true prevalence of parasite species in all relevant hosts to guide future policy development and control decisions under a culturally sound One Health framework.

Research Note: Genetic analysis, pathology, and vectors of echinostomiasis, a zoonotic helminth infection in chickens in Bangladesh

Echinostomes (Trematoda: Echinostomatidae) are food-borne zoonotic flatworms that affect birds, animals and humans, and has been classified as neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) by the World Health Organization (WHO), which cause severe enteritis in poultry and hamper production. Here, we confirmed the species of echinostomes affecting chickens in Bangladesh along with their genetic analyses, pathology and vectors. We isolated and identified adult worms from chickens, cercariae from fresh water snails and metacerariae (MC) from some wild fishes. We recovered Echinostoma revolutum (10.3%) and Hypoderaeum conoideum (6.0%) from chickens. Zoonotic E. revolutum was confirmed by amplifying nad1 gene and subsequent sequencing. Several mutations were detected in nad1 gene and our isolates belonged to the Euro-Asian clade. We observed thickening of mucosal layer, hyperplasia of goblet cells, infiltration of eosinophils, lymphocytes and must cells in the infected intestine. About 5.3% snails were infected and the highest percentage of infection was found in Lymnaea luteola (12.1%). Echinostome infection in snails was the highest in November (9.6%) and lowest in February (3.1%) in Bangladesh. MC of echinostomes were identified from blue panchax (Aplocheilus panchax) and tank goby (Glossogobius giuris). In conclusion, echinostomiasis is a notable big problem in indigenous chickens in Bangladesh and people, especially, villagers are at risk.

Measurement of the IgG Avidity Index in the Diagnosis of Clinical Toxocariasis Patients

Toxocara spp. are parasitic nematodes responsible for human toxocariasis, a common zoonotic helminth infection. The five main features of human toxocariasis are the classical ocular toxocariasis and visceral larva migrans syndrome, followed by covert toxocariasis, common toxocariasis and neurotoxocariasis. The diagnosis of toxocariasis is feasible by considering clinical symptoms, anamnestic history and serology laboratory results; however, serological criteria cannot be used to distinguish active Toxocara infection from past exposure, which is an area of much discussion in clinical practice. In this context, we developed avidity tests (ELISA and immunoblotting) and evaluated their clinical usefulness in distinguishing past from active toxocariasis. Our study involved 46 patients divided into two groups: “active toxocariasis” (n = 14) and “chronic toxocariasis” (n = 32). According to the avidity indices obtained for both the chronic and active toxocariasis groups, we proposed two thresholds: first, an AI lower than 32% supports an active infection; secondly, a threshold above 42% can exclude an active infection. In order to use this assay in routine clinical practice, however, is still requires standardisation with regards to the method and threshold values, which can be established through studies involving larger populations.

Prevalence of Toxocara Species Eggs in the Soil of Public Parks in Hamedan City, Western Iran

Background: Toxocariasis is one of the most commonly reported zoonotic helminth infections in the world which is caused by the parasitic roundworms of dogs or cats. This survey aimed to provide data on the contamination of the soil of public parks by Toxocara spp. eggs in Hamedan city, capital of Hamedan Province in the west of Iran. Methods: During April and May 2019, a total of 120 soil samples were collected from 20 public parks (4 to 10 soil samples from each park) from all geographical areas of the city. For detection of eggs, soil samples were dried overnight at room temperature and passed through a 150 μm mesh sieve. After performing Sheather’s flotation technique using 2 g of powdery soil, light microscopic examinations were carried out. Results: Microscopic evaluation of specimens revealed that 14 samples out of 120 (11.67%) collected from 10 public parks out of 20 in Hamedan (50.0%) were contaminated with Toxocara spp. eggs. Various developmental stages of Toxocara spp. eggs including (1) non-developed, (2) 2-cell to tadpole stage, and (3) larvated eggs were observed. Furthermore, in two public parks, Trichuris spp. eggs were found in the soils. Conclusions: This study provides the first information about the contamination of public areas in Hamedan 0rovince and suggests that public awareness about this fact is needed. Education of citizens especially parents with children, who have commonly mouthing behavior, is recommended. Further molecular-based studies for the identification of parasite species in the province are suggested. All of the published literature about contamination of the soils of public areas in Iran with Toxocara eggs until July 2020 were also reviewed.

First report on the phylogenetic relationship, genetic variation of Echinococcus shiquicus isolates in Tibet Autonomous Region, China

BackgroundCystic or alveolar echinococcosis caused by the larval stages of Echinococcus spp. is a very severe zoonotic helminth infection. Echinococcus shiquicus is a newly discovered species that has only been reported in the Qinghai and Sichuan provinces of the Qinghai-Tibet plateau, China where, to date, it has only been confirmed in Tibetan foxes and wild small mammal populations of the Tibetan plateau. Information on its genetic and evolutionary diversity is scanty. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of E. shiquicus in plateau pikas (Ochotona curzoniae), a known intermediate host, and to determine the genetic variation and phylogenetic relationship of the E. shiquicus population in the Tibet region of China based on mitochondrial DNA.MethodsEchinococcus shiquicus samples were collected from Damxung and Nyêmo counties (located in Tibet Autonomous Region, China). The mitochondrial cox1 and nad1 gene sequences were analyzed, and the genetic diversity and epidemiology of E. shiquicus in the region were discussed based on the results.ResultsThe prevalence of E. shiquicus in pikas in Damxung and Nyêmo counties was 3.95% (6/152) and 6.98% (9/129), respectively. In combination with previous public sequence data, the haplotype analysis revealed 12 haplotypes (H) characterized by two distinct clusters (I and II), and a sequence distance of 99.1–99.9% from the reference haplotype (H1). The diversity and neutrality indices for the entire E. shiquicus populations were: haplotype diversity (Hd) ± standard deviation (SD) 0.862 ± 0.035; nucleotide diversity (Hd ± SD) 0.0056 ± 0.0003; Tajima's D 0.876 (P > 0.05); and Fu’s F 6.000 (P > 0.05).ConclusionsThis was the first analysis of the newly discovered E. shiquicus in plateau pikas in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. The neutrality indices suggest a deficiency of alleles, indicative of a recent population bottleneck.Graphical

Study of eosinophil cationic protein serum levels in patients with toxocariasis

Introduction: Toxocariasis is a zoonotic helminth infection with difficult diagnosis. Determination of specific IgG antibodies alone does not allow to establish the disease stage and to evaluate the treatment efficacy. Therefore it is necessary to identify additional markers that will assist the diagnosis. The purpose of our study was to identify and monitor eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) levels in patients with toxocariasis confirmed by serology and to compare our data with the literature to determine the relevance of this protein as an indicator for recent infection and the effectiveness of the therapy. Material and methods: ELISA (CUSABIO) commercial kit was used for determination of ECP concentration. Sixty serum samples were studied from individuals previously tested and confirmed for toxocariasis by the presence of specific anti-Toxocara IgG antibodies in ELISA (Toxocara IgG Rbiopharm) and the presence of specific bands in Western blot as confirmatory test (LD BIO). Twenty serum samples from clinically healthy blood donors were used as a control group. Results: The mean concentration of serum ECP in the patients with toxocariasis was significantly higher than in clinically healthy subjects. Seventy-two percent of patients affected by toxicariasis showed increased serum concentration of ECP. However, no statistically significant differences were observed in terms of age (p = 0.451) and sex (p = 0.682) of the patients or clinical form of the disease. ECP levels among patients with visceral toxocariasis were relatively higher (mean 22.99 ng / ml ± 13.16 SD) in comparison to those with ocular involvement (15.60 ng/ml ± 9.92 SD). Correlation between the presence of peripheral eosinophilia and the concentration of serum ECP was not also established. Conclusion: Data from our study give us reason to believe that serum levels of ECP could serve as an additional marker indicating recent infection, especially in patients without marked increase in the blood eosinophils.

Canine Toxocariosis: Its prevalence, incidence and occurrence in the Indian subcontinent.

Toxocariosis is an important neglected tropical helminth disease of zoonotic significance for which canids are the definitive hosts. Dogs are also considered the sentinel host for the occurrence of T. canis infections in humans. Therefore, understanding its prevalence in canine population is imperative for any effective disease control in humans. A comprehensive review of literature on the prevalence of T. canis in canids was lacking from the Indian subcontinent which necessitated our efforts to compile available data published on this topic. Data on prevalence, incidence and occurrence of this helminths in canids were presented in this review as tabular format for easy comprehension. Moreover, the data were categorized based on the region where the studies were conducted with an aim to understand the spatial distribution of this parasite in the subcontinent. Factors influencing the regional prevalence/occurrence of T. canis such as type of canids (stray or pet), age, sex, breed, season and the choice of analytical methods were also discussed. In addition, data on the prevalence of T. canis in environmental samples and in zoo canids were also compiled and presented. We anticipate such an exhaustive review of literature available mostly in the journals published from the subcontinent would become a point source of information necessary for prioritizing future surveillance efforts in this region and for making informed policy decision to control this zoonotic helminth infection.

Seroprevalence of human toxocarosis in Europe: A review and meta-analysis.

Toxocarosis is distributed worldwide and represents the most prevalent zoonotic helminth infection in industrialized countries, thereby posing a substantial risk for public health. Thus, toxocarosis is one of CDC's Neglected Parasitic Infections that has been targeted for public health action. This systematic review and meta-analysis summarizes Toxocara seroprevalence in general populations from Europe, populations suspected of Toxocara infection and defined risk groups. Random-effects meta-analysis of proportions based on 41 publications resulted in an overall seroprevalence of 6.2% (95% CI: 4.7-8.3%) in the general population of Europe. Subgroup analysis according to decades (1970-2010s) revealed a significant increase in seroprevalence, with the highest value (12.4%; 95% CI: 6.5-22.3%) in the 2010s (χ2=17.87, df=4, P=0.001). There were no significant differences between pooled prevalence rates of European sub-regions (χ2=3.01, df=3, P=0.389). Furthermore, meta-analysis of seroprevalence according to age groups, based on data from 22 publications, indicated a significantly higher pooled seroprevalence of 14.9% (95% CI: 8.5-24.8%) in people more than 50 years of age than in younger age cohorts (χ2=8.33, df=2, P=0.016). Occupational groups exposed to contaminated soil and infected animals bear substantial risk for acquiring Toxocara infection. Due to the close link between animal infection and human Toxocara exposure, a "One Health" approach for the prevention of Toxocara infection in both humans and animals is required.

Epidemiological and molecular studies on Echinococcus granulosus from free-roaming dogs in Southeast Iran.

Background and Aim:Cystic echinococcosis (CE), as a major zoonotic helminth infection, imposes remarkable socioeconomic burden on many endemic countries across the world, including Iran. Due to the high importance of free-roaming dogs in the transmission of CE, epidemiological and molecular studies in this type of hosts are required in the endemic regions. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiology and genotyping of Echinococcus granulosus isolated from stray dogs in Kerman, Southeast Iran.Materials and Methods:Eighty-four samples were isolated from stray dogs in the city and suburbs of Kerman in coordination with the health authorities and the municipality office for rabies control and dog population management. Dog demographic data, including age and sex were collected. The worm was isolated by necropsy and genomic DNA was extracted and partial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene was amplified using specific primers. Phylogenetic and Templeton-Crandall-Sing (TCS) network analyses were carried out on the sequence data.Results:The overall prevalence of CE in the surveyed dogs was 10.7% (9/84 cases). Out of 84 stray dogs, 33 (39.3%) and 51 (60.7%) cases were male and female, respectively. There was not a statistically significant difference between the infection and gender of dogs. However, infection is shown more in dogs under one year of age with a statistically significant difference (p<0.05). The results of molecular studies indicated E. granulosus G1 genotype for all isolates. The high presence of free-roaming dogs in urban and peri-urban areas and high frequency of parasite in this animal is a risk factor for humans in the region. Haplotype sequence analysis on the dog isolates revealed a close relationship with other E. granulosus isolates in Kerman.Conclusion:The findings of this study provide evidence-based data about the epidemiological and molecular characteristics of CE in dog definitive hosts of Southeast Iran. Further studies are required to understand the prevalence and parasite genotypes in dogs in Iran.

Prevalence of Intestinal Helminth Infections in Dogs and Two Species of Wild Animals from Samarkand Region of Uzbekistan.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal helminth parasitic infections and associated risk factors for the human infection among the people of Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Infection status of helminths including Echinococcus granulosus was surveyed in domestic and wild animals from 4 sites in the Samarkand region, Uzbekistan during 2015–2018. Fecal samples of each animal were examined with the formalin-ether sedimentation technique and the recovery of intestinal helminths was performed with naked eyes and a stereomicroscope in total 1,761 animals (1,755 dogs, 1 golden jackal, and 5 Corsac foxes). Total 658 adult worms of E. granulosus were detected in 28 (1.6%) dogs and 1 (100%) golden jackal. More than 6 species of helminths, i.e., Taenia hydatigena, Dipylidium caninum, Diplopylidium nolleri, Mesocestoides lineatus, Toxocara canis, and Trichuris vulpis, were found from 18 (1.0%) dogs. Six (T. hydatigena, Toxascaris leonina, Alaria alata, Uncinaria stenocephala, D. caninum, and M. lineatus) and 2 (D. nolleri and M. lineatus) species of helminths were also detected from 5 Corsac foxes and 1 golden jackal, respectively. Taeniid eggs were found in 2 (20%) out of 10 soil samples. In the present study, it was confirmed that the prevalences of helminths including E. granulosus are not so high in domestic and wild animals. Nevertheless, the awareness on the zoonotic helminth infections should be continuously maintained in Uzbekistan for the prevention of human infection.

Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto in Livestock and Hu-man in Hamadan, Western Iran

Cystic echinococcosis, a major public health and economic concern, is a zoonotic helminth infection with worldwide distribution. This study was conducted to investigate the genetic characteristics of hydatid cysts isolated from human and livestock in Hamadan region, western Iran during 2016-2017. Ten human hydatid cysts and 40 animal hydatid cysts including 32 sheep, 5 cattle and 3 goats were genotyped by PCR amplification of two mitochondrial genes, cox1 and nad1. Genetic identification of the isolates was performed by using bioinformatics software and mtDNA nucleotide sequences of the parasite, available in GenBank database. The PCR amplification was successfully carried out on 50 hydatid cyst isolates and then the nucleotide sequencing was conducted. The sequence analysis of the samples found that the isolates belonged to E. granulosus sensu stricto including G1 (42/50, 84%), G2 (4/50, 8%) and G3 (4/50, 8%) genotype. The G1 genotype was detected in human (8/10, 80%), sheep (26/32, 81%), cattle (5/5, 100%) and goat (3/3, 100%) hydatid cysts. The G2 and G3 genotypes were found only in sheep and human isolates. Alignment analysis of the cox1 and nad1 gene sequences revealed thirteen and ten sequence types, respectively. G1 was the prevailing genotype of E. granulosus in the area and dog-sheep transmission cycle should be considered when implementing hydatidosis control programs. In addition, high genetic diversity was detected among the hydatid cyst isolates.

Raccoon roundworm infection: What a child health care practitioner in Canada needs to know about a rare but important zoonotic helminth infection

Raccoon roundworm infection: What a child health care practitioner in Canada needs to know about a rare but important zoonotic helminth infection