Zoonotic Tapeworm Research Articles

Prevalence of epilepsy across 25 sub-counties in three districts of northern Uganda.

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological conditions worldwide, with large variation in prevalence across Sub-Saharan Africa countries. Northern Uganda is one of the poorest areas of the country and has seen high density of pigs and prevalence of Taenia solium, a zoonotic tapeworm transmitted which cause neurocysticercosis in humans. The objective of this study was to estimate the population-level prevalence of active epilepsy in 25 sub-counties of northern Uganda. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2010-2011 in 25 sub-counties of Moyo, Adjumani and Gulu districts, northern Uganda. Participants were sampled using a multistage cluster sampling strategy including sub-counties, parishes, villages, and households as sampling levels. Eligible individuals were interviewed using a previously validated screening questionnaire for epilepsy. Screen positive individuals were further examined by a team of neurologists for confirmation of active epilepsy. Sampling weights and post-stratification to account for sex distribution in each of the 25 sub-counties sampled based on projected 2010 population sizes were applied. A total of 38,303 individuals were sampled across 299 villages from 25 sub-counties. The overall weighted and post-stratified prevalence estimate of active epilepsy was 3.7% (95% Confidence Interval: 3.4%-3.9%). However, there were large variation across sex (4.6% (95%CI: 4.2%-5.0%) in men and 2.7% (95%CI: 2.4%-3.0%) in women) and across sub-counties ranging from 1.7% in Pece Division (Gulu District) and Moyo Town Council (Moyo District) to 6.6% in Awach (Gulu District). People aged between 10 and 19 were the most affected. In northern Uganda, active epilepsy was very prevalent but varied largely across sub-counties. Males were a lot more affected than women, making the use of weighted and post-stratified methods to estimate the prevalence of epilepsy essential. Implementing programs and interventions targeting the control of local risk factors of epilepsy such as neurocysticercosis and improving population health care access could help reduce the rather high prevalence of epilepsy in this area of the country.

Quercetin: An anthelmintic potential against zoonotic tapeworm Hymenolepis diminuta (Rudolphi, 1819).

Quercetin, a vital flavonoid found in many medicinal plants, has shown anti-inflammatory, anti-cancerous, anti-aging, anti-tumour, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, and anti-protozoal activity. However, very little is known of its anthelmintic activity; there is no literature against tapeworm infection so far. The present study was performed to expose its cestocidal role by using the zoonotic tapeworm Hymenolepis diminuta as a parasite model. The parasite was exposed to different concentrations of 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, and 40 mg/mL Quercetin prepared in RPMI 1640, with 1% Tween 20. Another set of parasites was treated with a standard dose of Praziquantel (0.001 mg/ml), and another set of parasites was kept as control. All experiments were maintained at 37°C ± 1°C in the incubator. Quercetin activity was assessed through viability test, and time of motility was observed through paralysis. After the experiment, worms were processed for light and electron microscopic analysis to observe the post-treatment effect on their tegument. Dose-dependent efficacy was observed in all the treatments. Time of paralysis and time of mortality for 20 mg/mL Quercetin dose was 1.40±0.03h and 2.35±0.03h, respectively, which is at par with the drug Praziquantel. Histological study showed constrictions in the tegument, while extensive damage in suckers and neck region with deformed and shrunken proglottids, sloughed-off microtriches and undistinguished nucleus with loss of envelope architecture were observed in treated parasites under electron microscopic studies, which indicates the negative activity of Quercetin on the parasite thus suggesting its cestocidal activity.

Echinococcus ortleppi infection in humans: An emerging zoonosis in Asia

Echinococcus ortleppi is the genotype G5 of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato and is a zoonotic canine tapeworm of which larvae causes cystic diseases in domestic animals and also humans. While this species is highly endemic and widely spread in domestic animals, human infection is extremely rare and only sporadic, and thus, entire picture of human cystic echinococcosis due to infection with E. ortleppi is unclear. We have made an extensive literature review on the cases of E. ortleppi infection in humans and found a total of 19 cases from various places in the world with recent emergence in Asian countries.

Comparison of diagnostic methods for laboratory diagnosis of the zoonotic tapeworm Dipylidium caninum in cats

The tapeworm Dipylidium caninum is the most widely distributed cestode infecting dogs, cats, and sometimes humans, worldwide. The diagnosis of the infection caused by D. caninum is achieved via the visualization of proglottids in feces or with traditional microscopic tests, but both lack sensitivity. The present study has evaluated and compared the diagnostic performance of a PCR protocol on different feline biological samples to detect D. caninum. A sample of feces, a Scotch tape test from the perianal area, and a rectal swab were collected from a total of 100 privately owned cats from Italy and Greece. All fecal samples were subjected to macroscopic examination and to floatation. Based on the results of the above tests the cats were divided in three groups, i.e. (i) cats positive for D. caninum (regardless of positivity for other endoparasites (Group A; n = 50 cats), (ii) cats negative for D. caninum but infected by other helminths (Group B; n = 25 cats), and (iii) cats negative for intestinal endoparasites (Group C; n = 25 cats). For each sample, the DNA was extracted from feces, floatation supernatant, Scotch tape test and rectal swabs and subjected to PCR. For 33 cats from Group A, at least one sample type scored positive at PCR. Of these, all were PCR-positive in the floatation aliquot, while nine and one cats were positive by PCR on feces and Scotch tape test, respectively. Swabs were negative by PCR for all the cats. None of the samples from cats of Groups B and C was positive by any PCR. Sequences obtained from amplicons generated from samples of cats enrolled in Italy had 99–100 % identity with the recently described D. caninum feline genotype. The data presented here suggest that PCR could be a useful tool for diagnosing D. caninum infections, under certain circumstances, e.g. when proglottids are unidentified, unseen or overlooked, even though it has limitations, e.g. false negative results due to fecal PCR inhibitors, uneven distribution of parasitic elements, or to intermittent proglottid and/or egg shedding. Thus, it may not be, currently, the best diagnostic choice for dipylidiosis.

First report on fish-borne Zoonotic cestode larvae of Dibothriocephalus lühe, 1899 in freshwater fish, Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758), from the Hemavati river, Karnataka (India)

The Broad Tapeworm, Dibothriocephalus Lühe, 1899 is a widespread cestode parasite infecting freshwater fishes worldwide and is the causative agent of zoonotic disease Diphyllobothriasis. Freshwater food fish, Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758), is of immense commercial importance and consumed all over the world due to its affordability and palatable nature. The present study records the occurrence of Dibothriocephalus larvae in the intestine of Oreochromis niloticus, collected from the Hemavati River, Hassan district, Karnataka and forms the first report of Dibothriocephalus larvae in Oreochromis niloticus and also forms the first report from Karnataka, India.

Circulating cell-free DNA as a biomarker for molecular diagnosis of Neurocysticercosis

Taenia solium is a widespread zoonotic tapeworm that predominantly affects regions of Latin America, South and South-East Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa. Neurocysticercosis (NCC), the presence of T. solium cysts in the brain is associated with diverse clinical manifestations, such as epilepsy, seizures, and neurological deficits. It is a significant cause of preventable epilepsy globally, accounting for approximately 30% of cases in endemic regions. The diagnosis of neurocysticercosis relies on neuroimaging techniques, but these resources are often limited in low-income countries, resulting in an underestimation of the disease burden. The present study enrolled 141 patients who were clinically suspected and radiologically confirmed for NCC at the Neurology OPD of PGIMER, Chandigarh. Additionally, 98 control subjects attending the PGIMER OPD for investigation were also included. Plasma and urine samples were collected from all participants for further analysis. Cell-free DNA extraction was performed using specific kits, and the quality of the extracted DNA was assessed. The RT-LAMP assay targeted the cox1 gene. Real-time RT-LAMP results were evaluated using a fluorescence graph obtained with the Genei III fluorimeter. Among a group of patients diagnosed with NCC, the gene was identified in 74.4% of plasma samples and 67.3% of urine samples. In comparison, the T. solium cox1 gene was found in 6.1% of control subjects in plasma and urine samples using the LAMP assay. In conclusion, the study emphasises the need for improved diagnostic methods for NCC and presents promising alternatives, such as RT-LAMP and urine-based cell-free DNA analysis. These approaches offer advantages in terms of cost-effectiveness, simplicity, and diagnostic accuracy.

In silico Assessment of Efficacy Against the Zoonotic Parasite Echinococcus granulosus, Pharmacokinetic and Toxicity Predictions for the Siddha Formulation Murukkanvithai Mathirai

Background: Thioredoxin glutathione reductase (TGR) is essential for survival of the zoonotic tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus. Albendazole is the only promising drug for the treatment of cystic echinococcosis. To avoid the development of resistance to albendazole in the parasite, an herbal alternative to albendazole is the need-of-the-hour to combat the development of resistance. Aim: This study aimed to identify active compounds against the parasite Echinococcus granulosus from Murukkan Vithai Mathirai, an anthelmintic formulation used in Siddha practice. Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of Murukkan Vithai Mathirai (MVM), a Siddha formulation against Echinococcus granulosus, a tapeworm of carnivores, by molecular docking, and to evaluate its ADMET properties using in silico tools. Materials and Methods: The 3D structure of Echinococcus granulosus-thioredoxin-glutathione systems (egTGR) and the phytoconstituents of Piper nigrum, Zingiber officinalis, Piper longum, Cuminum syminum, Coptis teeta, Butea monosperma, and Croton tiglium were obtained from a curated database of Indian Medicinal Plants, Phytochemistry and Therapeutics (IMPPAT). 12 promising phytocompounds were selected based on their physicochemical properties, drug-likeness, bioavailability scores, and medicinal chemistry properties. These phytochemicals were docked individually with the egTGR using Autodock vina and binding affinity (kcal/mol) was recorded for each compound and compared with albendazole, a positive control drug. The results of docking were read using the Biovia Discovery studio visualizer. The ADMET properties of the phytochemicals were analysed using pkCSM and VEGA-QSAR tools. The toxicity score for each phytochemical was calculated by assigning weightage to the toxicities predicted and the weighted average was calculated to compare with the albendazole's weighted average. The geometric mean of NOAELs predicted for MVM phytochemicals was compared with the predicted NOAEL of albendazole. Results: The binding affinity (G) scores of the selected phytocompounds were found to be higher than the albendazole and the phytocompounds with G > -8.0 are as follows, aristolodione, berberastine and pluviatilol of Piper longum, apigenin of Cuminum syminum and prunetin of Butea monosperma, whereas the G of albendazole was -6.7. The calculated toxicity score for MVM (0.56) was significantly lower than albendazole (1.08) and the predicted NOAELs was significantly higher (26.63 mg/kg) than albendazole (3.49), indicating that MVM is less toxic than albendazole. Conclusion: Murukkan Vithai Mathirai is a promising and safe anthelmintic in in silico studies, however, it needs to be validated by in vitro and in vivo studies.

The effect of cystic echinococcosis (hydatid disease) on carcase weight in cattle in eastern Australia

Cystic echinococcosis is caused by the zoonotic tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus. There has been ongoing controversy over whether it causes weight loss in cattle. Recently implemented recording of comorbidities at processors has provided opportunity to investigate this effect. Using prevalence-based observational data from 1,648,049 adult cattle processed in seven states and territories in Australia (2019–2022), we explored associations between carcase weight, hydatid cysts, comorbidities, sex, age, and region. Linear mixed-effect regression models estimated the effect of cystic echinococcosis on carcase weight, guided by directed acyclic graphs to reduce bias. The highest, previously unreported, prevalence was in the southeast Queensland region. The estimated effect of cystic echinococcosis cysts on carcase weight ranged from a gain of 0.32 kg/carcase (standard error [se] 0.58 kg; two-tooth 2022) to a loss of −5.45 kg/carcase (se 0.63 kg; six-tooth 2019) with most point estimates (11/16) between 0 and −2.5 kg across all cattle grouped by year and dentition. This effect size would be practically undetectable in live cattle which is an important finding; cattle producers are unlikely to observe increased productivity through weight gain from cystic echinococcosis prevention in cattle, and awareness to strengthen prevention in domestic dogs around cattle properties to reduce human risk remains a public health focus.

Multiscale ecological drivers of Echinococcus multilocularis spatial distribution in wild hosts: A systematic review

Understanding the ecological factors that drive the spatial patterns of parasites transmission is essential to predict their distribution under global change and to direct proactive surveillance efforts. Here, we systematically reviewed the literature to assess the main ecological drivers responsible for the spatial distribution and transmission of the zoonotic cestode Echinococcus multilocularis, the aetiological agent of alveolar echinococcosis, focusing on wild hosts. The 23 retrieved studies suggested that the dispersal of definitive hosts, climatic and biotic factors (distribution of intermediate hosts, composition of host communities) shape continental-scale distribution patterns of E. multilocularis, whereas the relative importance of climate and land cover in driving E. multilocularis distribution at a smaller (country/regional) scale varies with the geographic area considered. At a local scale, two additional factors contribute to determine the distribution of micro-foci of transmission: the trophic relationships between carnivores definitive hosts and small mammals intermediate hosts, and the defecation and marking behaviour of definitive hosts.

Urban Magpies Frequently Feed on Coyote Scats and May Spread an Emerging Zoonotic Tapeworm.

Allocoprophagy, in which animals feed on the feces of other individuals or species, has been little studied in vertebrates, despite its relevance to parasite transmission. These relationships may be especially important in cities, where animal density, disease incidence, and spatial overlap of humans and wildlife increase. Our goal was to document the incidence and predictors of coprophagy by black-billed magpies (Pica hudsonia) at coyote (Canis latrans) scats in Edmonton, Canada. We detected scats by following coyote trails and recorded whether coprophagy had occurred. We used multiple logistic regression to determine the top contextual and environmental predictors of coprophagy. Of 668 coyote scats, 37.3% had apparently been fed on. Coprophagy was more likely in winter and when scats were not fresh and did not contain vegetation or garbage. Environmental predictors of coprophagy included proximity to other coyote scats and playgrounds, distance from water and maintained trails, abundant natural land cover, and proximity to encampments of people experiencing homelessness. Our results reveal that magpies frequently access coyote scat and often do so near human-use areas. In Edmonton, where > 50% of coyotes are infected with a zoonotic tapeworm, coprophagy likely causes magpies to transport parasites with implications for zoonotic disease risk.

Bovine cysticercosis epidemiology and the economic impact of the triceps brachii incision in a South African export abattoir.

Taenia saginata is a zoonotic tapeworm of humans with bovines as its intermediate host (bovine cysticercosis). Traditional meat inspection is the main measure to identify the larval stage in carcasses and prevent human infection, but has a notoriously low sensitivity, especially in low prevalence settings. The legislation in multiple African countries mandates an incision in both triceps brachii muscles to detect the parasite as part of the normal post-mortem inspection, but this has an economic cost and is not universally mandated in other countries. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of bovine cysticercosis at an export abattoir in South Africa and determine the validity and cost of the triceps incision. Risk factors were investigated, and the effect of additional heart incisions on the current inspection. Four incisions were made into the heart in addition to the normal post-mortem inspection in 3353 carcasses. The proportion of positive animals with and without the cardiac and triceps incisions were compared using McNemar's chi-square tests, while risk factors were assessed using binary logistic regression. The economic impact of the triceps incision was estimated using a stochastic economic cost model. Thirty-three positive carcasses were identified for an apparent prevalence of 0.98 % (95 %CI, 0.69-1.36 %), while the true prevalence was estimated at 6.6 % (95 %CI, 4.3-8.8 %). All cysts were confirmed as T. saginata on histopathology with 70 % (95 %CI, 53-83 %) located in the heart. The additional cardiac incisions resulted in the detection of significantly more cases compared to the normal inspection method prevalence of 0.72 % (95 %CI, 0.47-1.05 %; P<0.001). The apparent prevalence of T. saginata when omitting the triceps incision was not significantly lower compared to the prevalence when included in the inspection(P=0.480). External feedlots (OR= 4.17, 95 %CI: 2.04-8.54, P<0.001) and older animals (OR=3.90, 95 %CI: 1.17-13.03, P=0.027) were associated with a positive detection. The current median annual financial cost to the food business operator from the triceps incision was estimated at $30387 (95 %CI: $0-$130696), with the proportion of deboned meat exported identified as the most important factor affecting cost (Spearman's rho=0.853). The identification of risk factors could aid in the development of a more effective risk-based inspection system. The current inspection should be modified to increase exposure of the heart and remove the triceps incisions. The latter should especially be considered given the minimal contribution to cysticercosis detection, the unsupported requirement for its inclusion specifically in Africa, and its economic impact, especially as beef exports increase.

Evaluation of immunochromatography method in the diagnosis of cystic echinococcosis

Aims: Echinococcus granulosus is the causative agent of hydatid cyst, or cystic echinococcosis (CE), with its current name. Echinococcus granulosus is a zoonotic cestode; commonly found in humans and farm animals. In cystic echinococcosis infection, transmission occurs by oral ingestion of parasite eggs excreted in infected dog feces. The larval form is responsible for the formation of slowly growing cysts in the organs and tissues of mammals such as humans, sheep, goats and cattle. In this study, it was aimed to compare indirect hemagglutination (IHA) and immunochromatographic (ICT) methods from the sera of patients with suspected CE and to evaluate serological tests based on imaging and clinical diagnosis.&#x0D; Methods: Between 31 October 2022 and 31 January 2023, blood samples of 95 patients with suspected CE from different units of our hospital and for whom IHA was routinely requested were included in the study prospectively. VIRAPID® Hydatidosis (Vircell, Granada, Spain) test using the immunochromatographic method and ELI.H.A. Echinococcus (ELITech Microbio, France) test was studied in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.&#x0D; Results: Based on clinical and imaging methods of 95 patients included in our study, 64 (63.1%) were diagnosed with hydatid cyst. Based on imaging and clinical diagnosis; sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive values were calculated as 81.3%, 96.8%, 98.1%, 71.4% for the IHA test, and were calculated as 75.0%, 93.5%, 96.6%, 64.4% for the ICT test, respectively. Good agreement was found between the two tests (percent agreement=68.0%; kappa value=0.682; p

Isolated Renal Hydatid Cysts in Children: A Systematic Review of Case Reports

Background:Echinococcosis is a zoonotic tapeworm infection caused byEchinococcus granulosus,occasionally affecting humans. The larval infection most commonly affects the liver and lungs and very rarely the kidneys.Objective:The present systematic review compiles data regarding clinical presentations, diagnostic modalities, management strategies and recurrences in children with isolated renal hydatid cysts.Methods:A comprehensive search was done in major databases PubMed and Google Scholar using defined search terms encompassing case reports or case series on isolated renal hydatid cysts in children. The identified reports underwent screening by three different authors for inclusion and exclusion criteria.Results:The median (range) age at presentation of isolated renal hydatid disease was 10 (6) years with female preponderance (52.7%). Most common presenting symptom and sign were abdominal pain (64.8%) and palpable abdominal mass (56.7%), respectively. Ultrasonography (94.5%) was most common diagnostic method. Patients were primarily managed with surgical interventions (95.5%) and only 2/37 were managed solely by medical management for a median duration of 3.5 weeks. Laparoscopic cystectomy was the most commonly used surgical procedure (45.9%). Recurrence was observed to be rare, seen in only 3 cases.Conclusion:Hydatid cysts need to be considered in the differential diagnosis of renal cysts. Radiological evaluation with pathological confirmation enables diagnosis. Surgery combined with adjuvant anti-parasitic chemotherapy is used to treat the condition.

Serological and molecular detection of neurocysticercosis among epileptic patients in Nagpur, Maharashtra state (India).

Neurocysticercosis (NCC), one of the most important neuroparasitic diseases in humans, is caused by Cysticercus cellulosae, the metacestode stage of digenetic zoonotic cestode Taenia solium. The present study aims at the detection of anti-cysticercus antibodies in the sera of epileptic patients (n=26) visiting a tertiary care hospital in Nagpur, Maharashtra state, India, by an in-house developed indirect IgG-ELISA and enzyme-linked immunoelectro transfer blot (EITB) assay using different antigens (namely, Whole Cyst Antigen (WCA), Cystic Fluid Antigen (CFA), Scolex Antigen (SA), Excretory-Secretory Antigen (ESA) and Membrane-Body Antigen (MBA)) prepared from T. solium metacestodes to find out the status of NCC. An attempt has also been made for molecular detection of NCC from blood samples of those patients by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assay targeted at large subunit rRNA gene of T. solium. The IgG ELISA level of anti-cysticercus antibodies against WCA, CFA, SA, ESA and MBA antigens were as follows: 19.23 %, 23.07 %, 38.46 %, 30.76 % and 15.38 %. The seroreactivity to CFA, SA and ESA was found in equal proportions in patients with ring-enhancing lesions. In the EITB assay, the lower and medium molecular weight protein bands of SA and ESA were immunodominant compared to the higher WCA and CFA peptides. PCR positivity could be observed in 34.6 % (9/26) of the patients under study. It is the first report of detecting NCC among epileptic patients of the Nagpur region of Maharashtra state in India using serological and molecular tools.

A Novel Designed Sandwich ELISA for the Detection of Echinococcus granulosus Antigen in Camels for Diagnosis of Cystic Echinococcosis.

Echinococcus spp. are important cosmopolitan zoonotic parasitic tapeworms that cause a disease called hydatidosis or cystic echinococcosis (CE), which has remarkable economic losses. The objective of our study was to develop a specific IgG polyclonal antigen-based ELISA (Sandwich ELISA; capture ELISA) method for the detection of circulating Echinococcus granulosus (E. granulosus) antigens in camels infected with hydatid cysts before slaughtering and its application in serodiagnosis of CE in animals to assess the positive rate of hydatidosis in camels slaughtered in Giza governorate abattoirs in Egypt. In this study, molecular identification of Echinococcus sp. isolate was performed based on the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (NAD1) gene, revealing the isolate (GenBank: OQ443068.1), which is identical to the G6 E. granulosus sensu lato genotype. The positive rate of hydatid cysts was determined in slaughtered camels' organs (n = 587). The results revealed that hydatid cysts were found in 46.5% (273/587) of the examined camels. Pulmonary echinococcosis was significantly more prevalent in the slaughtered camels (60%, 164/273) than hepatic echinococcosis (39.9%, 109/273), (p = 0.001, Chi Square = 11.081). Cyst fertility rates were higher in hepatic (90.8%, 99/109) than in pulmonary cysts (83.5%, 137/164) and the most viable protoscoleces were recorded from fertile the hepatic cysts (67.85 ± 12.78). In this study, hydatid cyst germinal layer antigen (GlAg) was isolated and used for the immunization of rabbits to raise IgG polyclonal antibodies (anti-Echinococcus GlAb IgG). These IgG polyclonal antibodies were purified by affinity chromatography using a protein A column, then labeled with horseradish peroxidase. Electrophoretic analysis of IgG polyclonal antibodies and crude GlAg was performed in 10% polyacrylamide gels. The SDS-PAGE revealed four bands at molecular weights of 77 kDa, 65 kDa, 55 kDa, and 25 kDa. The Sandwich ELISA was performed to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity and cross-reactivity of the prepared IgG polyclonal antibodies. The circulating hydatid antigen was found in 270 out of the 273 samples with hydatidosis, with a sensitivity of 98.9% (270/273), a specificity of 94.9% (296/312) and a diagnostic efficacy of 96.8%. Regarding the cross reactivity, anti-Echinococcus GlAb IgG showed a low cross-reactivity with Fasciola gigantica infected camel sera (3/8), and Myiasis (Cephalopina titillator larvae; 3/20). No cross-reactivity was recorded with uninfected camel sera (negative sera for E. granulosus), and no cross-reactivity was found with antigens of Eimeria spp., Toxoplasma gondii, Cryptosporidium sp., and Hyalomma dromedarii (ticks' infestation). Then, Sandwich ELISA was conducted again to detect E. granulosus antigen in all the collected camel sera, which resulted in a 48.7% (286/587) positive rate of CE compared to 46.5% (273/587) using a postmortem inspection (PM diagnosis) (p = 0.5, Chi Square = 0.302). In conclusion, the Sandwich ELISA technique introduced in this study appears to be a sufficiently sensitive diagnostic assay for the detection of camels' echinococcosis using anti-Echinococcus GlAb IgG. In addition, it might offer a significant medical and veterinary importance in helping the early detection of hydatidosis, as well as its early treatment.

NOVEL REPORT OF THE EUROPEAN VARIANT OF ECHINOCOCCUS MULTILOCULARIS IN COYOTES (CANIS LATRANS) IN NEW YORK STATE.

Echinococcus multilocularis is a zoonotic cestode that can infect wildlife, domestic animals, and humans. In humans, infection with the larval stage of the parasite causes the disease alveolar echinococcosis, which can be fatal if left untreated. Surveillance for the parasite in New York State occurred during the 2021-2022 coyote (Canis latrans) hunting season. Fecal samples and the gastrointestinal tracts (GIT) from 43 coyote carcasses were collected from hunters and trappers across 8 counties. Fecal samples were screened for E. multilocularis DNA using a multiplex PCR. Three samples tested positive for E. multilocularis DNA. Subsequently, adult cestodes were collected from GIT samples using the sedimentation, filtration, and counting technique. Phylogenetic analysis of DNA sequences from the nad2 and cob genes from individual worms indicated these New York sequences cluster with E. multilocularis sequences from Europe. This is the first report of adult E. multilocularis cestodes in New York State, as well as the first detection of the European haplotype of E. multilocularis in wildlife in the northeastern United States.

Gallic acid and Catechin induce morphological alterations on the zoonotic parasite Hymenolepis diminuta.

Tapeworm infections cause insidious and irreversible effects in the infected individuals and some of them have already shown resistance to available drugs. A search for alternative treatment is urgently required. Phenolic compounds are amongst the most researched natural substances for their medicinal use. The present study aims to determine anthelmintic efficacy of two polyphenols Gallic acid and Catechin against the zoonotic rat tapeworm Hymenolepis diminuta. Both compounds are potent anti-oxidants and play major roles in combating pathogens, while their anthelmintic property according to our knowledge is yet to be explored. The parasite model H. diminuta was procured from intestine of infected rats raised in our laboratory. Two sets of parasites were treated in vitro with 5, 10, 20 and 40mg/ml concentrations of each Gallic Acid and Catechin separately, another set of parasites were treated with standard dose of Praziquantel in RPMI 1640, while still another set of worms were kept in RPMI 1640 at 37 ± 10C with 1% Dimethyl sulfoxide as control. Motility and structural alterations were the parameters assessed for anthelmintic efficacy of the compounds. After paralysis the worms were processed for morphological, histological, and ultrastructural study and observed under light and electron microscope. Dose-dependent efficacy was observed in both compounds. Shrinkage of suckers, deformed proglottids and architectural alteration of the tegument were observed throughout the body of treated parasites compared to control. Although in terms of time taken for paralysis and mortality Gallic acid was more effective than Catechin, the degree of morphological aberrations caused were almost similar, except histological alteration was more in Catechin treated worms than in Gallic acid. Nevertheless, both Gallic acid and Catechin are suggested to possess anthelmintic efficacy besides other health benefits but extended studies are required to compare their efficacy.

Geostatistical analysis of active human cysticercosis: Results of a large-scale study in 60 villages in Burkina Faso.

Cysticercosis is a neglected tropical disease caused by the larval stage of the zoonotic tapeworm (Taenia solium). While there is a clear spatial component in the occurrence of the parasite, no geostatistical analysis of active human cysticercosis has been conducted yet, nor has such an analysis been conducted for Sub-Saharan Africa, albeit relevant for guiding prevention and control strategies. The goal of this study was to conduct a geostatistical analysis of active human cysticercosis, using data from the baseline cross-sectional component of a large-scale study in 60 villages in Burkina Faso. The outcome was the prevalence of active human cysticercosis (hCC), determined using the B158/B60 Ag-ELISA, while various environmental variables linked with the transmission and spread of the disease were explored as potential explanatory variables for the spatial distribution of T. solium. A generalized linear geostatistical model (GLGM) was run, and prediction maps were generated. Analyses were conducted using data generated at two levels: individual participant data and grouped village data. The best model was selected using a backward variable selection procedure and models were compared using likelihood ratio testing. The best individual-level GLGM included precipitation (increasing values were associated with an increased odds of positive test result), distance to the nearest river (decreased odds) and night land temperature (decreased odds) as predictors for active hCC, whereas the village-level GLGM only retained precipitation and distance to the nearest river. The range of spatial correlation was estimated at 45.0 [95%CI: 34.3; 57.8] meters and 28.2 [95%CI: 14.0; 56.2] km for the individual- and village-level datasets, respectively. Individual- and village-level GLGM unravelled large areas with active hCC predicted prevalence estimates of at least 4% in the south-east, the extreme south, and north-west of the study area, while patches of prevalence estimates below 2% were seen in the north and west. More research designed to analyse the spatial characteristics of hCC is needed with sampling strategies ensuring appropriate characterisation of spatial variability, and incorporating the uncertainty linked to the measurement of outcome and environmental variables in the geostatistical analysis. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT0309339.

Monetary burden of neurocysticercosis on a hospitalized population in Muli County, China

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by the zoonotic cestode, Taenia solium. Pigs are the typical intermediate hosts for T. solium but humans can become infected and develop NCC upon ingesting parasite eggs that are shed in the feces of an infected person. The objective of this study was to estimate the monetary burden of neurocysticercosis (NCC) on hospitalized patients from Muli County, China. Muli is an agricultural county in Liangshan Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China where pigs are raised and the zoonotic cestode, Taenia solium, is endemic. Demographic and treatment data were collected from the Muli County Health Insurance Department on hospitalized individuals with an NCC diagnosis between 2014 and 2021. These patients represent residents of Muli County that purchased health insurance and received treatment in a public hospital in Sichuan Province. Hospital costs were converted from Chinese renminbi (RMB) to United States dollars (US$) for month and year of hospitalization and adjusted for inflation. Individuals with missing hospital information were excluded from analysis. For indirect costs, annual average salary for Liangshan Prefecture working-age adults was obtained to calculate productivity losses based on number of hospitalization days and travel days to and from the hospital. Transportation costs were evaluated based on estimated bus fare to and from the hospital. Out of 70 patients identified from 2014 to 2021, 68 had complete records, of which 47.1% were male (n = 33) and the median age at first hospitalization was 34 years. Total estimated cost for these patients was US$228,341.98. Direct costs contributed 62.5% (US$142,785.25) and indirect costs were 37.5% (US$85,556.73) of the total cost. The estimated median cost per case was US$2,078.69. Individuals with a single hospitalization (n = 41) cost a median of US$1,572.03 and those with multiple hospitalizations (n = 27) cost a median of US$4,169.95. The median total cost per NCC case was 18.6% of the average wage for a Liangshan Prefecture resident in 2021. While the study was limited to those with insurance coverage, monetary burden on the local population is likely substantial. Public health policies aimed at reducing transmission should be implemented to decrease the economic burden of NCC on this region.

Echinococcus Species Infections among Wild Canids in Pennsylvania, USA.

Echinococcus species are zoonotic tapeworms that can impact the health of wildlife, domestic animals, livestock, and humans. Two species of interest in North America are Echinococcus multilocularis and Echinococcus canadensis (Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato). The primary wildlife definitive hosts for E. multilocularis and E. canadensis are similar, including red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), coyotes (Canis latrans), and wolves (Canis lupus). These two Echinococcus spp. use different intermediate hosts, including small mammals for E. multilocularis and artiodactylids for E. canadensis. Although historically absent from much of the eastern US, recent reports in new US states (e.g., Virginia, Vermont, Maine, Missouri) highlight the need for Echinococcus spp. surveillance in this region. During 2019-2020, 308 gastrointestinal tracts were collected from wild canids in Pennsylvania and microscopically screened for adult Echinococcus species. Two coyotes (2/155) were co-infected with both E. multilocularis and E. canadensis as determined by molecular confirmation. No red foxes (n=137) or gray foxes (n=16) were positive. These data indicate both Echinococcus species are present in Pennsylvanian coyotes, highlighting the need to better understand the ecological and epidemiological consequences for human and animal health.