Countermeasures of Goat Parasitic Diseases in Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture

Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture is located in western Hunan province with abundant pastures,suitable for husbandry.However,parasitic diseases become an obstacle for goat industry development.In the research,based on parasite damages,epidemic variety and characters,some prevention measures were proposed,as follows：improving goat raising and management,rotation grazing,reinforcement of disinfection and quarantine,and regular parasite expelling,providing references for goat farming in Xiangxi.

Compounds from African Medicinal Plants with Activities Against Selected Parasitic Diseases:Schistosomiasis,Trypanosomiasis and Leishmaniasis

Parasitic diseases continue to represent a threat on a global scale,particularly among the poorest countries in the world.This is particularly because of the absence of vaccines,and in some cases,resistance against available drugs,currently being used for their treatment.In this review emphasis is laid on natural products and scaffolds from African medicinal plants(AMPs)for lead drug discovery and possible further development of drugs for the treatment of parasitic diseases.In the discussion,emphasis has been laid on alkaloids,terpenoids,quinones,flavonoids and narrower compound classes of compounds with micromolar range activities against Schistosoma,Trypanosoma and Leishmania species.In each subparagraph,emphasis is laid on the compound subclasses with most promising in vitro and/or in vivo activities of plant extracts and isolated compounds.Suggestions for future drug development from African medicinal plants have also been provided.This review covering 167 references,including 82 compounds,provides information published within two decades(1997-2017).

Foodborne parasitic diseases in China:A scoping review on current situation,epidemiological trends,prevention and control

Objective:Foodborne parasitic diseases,although with a declining overall incidence rate,are still endangering local public safety.This review aims to describe the current situation and epidemiological trends of foodborne parasitic diseases in China in order to explore possible reasons contributors to its high prevalence in some areas,and propose strategies for prevention and control accordingly.Methods:A scoping review was conducted by searching Pub Med,CNKI,Wanfang,CQVIP,Embase,and the Cochrane Library using search formula"foodborne parasitic diseases(or foodborne parasites)"AND"China".Studies on foodborne parasitic diseases in China were considered,but only articles in English or Chinese published between January 1980 and June 2020 were retrieved.Included studies were screened according to the eligibility criteria:1)diseases consistent with the WHO definition of foodborne parasitic diseases;2)the food carriers were included in the WHO food classification;3)data related to epidemiology,pathogenicity,and prevention and control;4)Foodborne parasitic diseases cases or outbreaks in China.Results:A total of 111 out of 665 records were included and summarized.The prevalence of clonorchiasis,angiostrongyliasis,echinococcosis,trichinellosis and cysticercosis was still increasing although the infection rate of soil-transmitted nematodes has substantially decreased in recent years.Diverse eating habits,close contact with animals,and urbanization were contributing factors to the increase.Conclusions:Foodborne parasitic diseases remain an important public health issue in China with the progress of economic globalization and food diversification.We should manage to raise public awareness about the prevention and control of foodborne parasitic diseases,improve health and safety inspections,as well as public health practice.

Effects of Parasitic Diseases on the Cardiovascular System

The parasitic disease can significantly affect the cardiovascular system through various mechanisms;even though it is traditionally regarded as a disease characterized by parasitic sites’ mechanical damage and some immune responses. Recent studies have shown that the role of parasitic factors in the cause of death due to cardiovascular events cannot be ignored. Considering the worldwide prevalence of parasitic diseases, exploring the effects of parasitic diseases on the cardiovascular system becomes increasingly essential. Here we summarize the latest understanding of common parasitic infections, explore the possible mechanisms of cardiovascular responses to parasitic infections, and propose feasible strategies for preventing and treating parasite-induced cardiac reactions.

INSTITUTE OF PARASITIC DISEASES CHINESE ACADEMY OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE

The Institute of Parasitic Diseases was set up in 1950 in Nanjing and moved to the current location of Shanghai in 1957. Its precursor was the Huadong Branch of the National Institute of Health. It has around 350 staff and 8 departments, namely, Department of Epidemiology; Department of Parasite Biology; Department of Vector Biology and Control; Department of Diagnosis and Immunology; Department of Biochemistry; Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry; Department of

MY CONTRIBUTION TO THE CONTROL OF PARASITIC DISEASES

The parasitic pest is omnipresent in the world providing there are biological communities existing. Almost everywhere on the earth,human health is constantly threatened by some parasites to a greater or lesser degree.In the same way,domestic animals and economic plants have always fallen prey to the scourge.leading to yield reductions.As parasitic diseases are chronic in progress,people often neglect them until they become fatal.China is a country with vast territory and diversity in the

INSTITUTE OF PARASITIC DISEASES CHINESE ACADEMY OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE

The Institute of Parasitic Diseases was set up in 1950 in Nanjing and moved to the current location of Shanghai in 1957. Its precursor was the Huadong Branch of the National Institute of Health. It has around 350 staff and 8 departments, namely, Department of Epidemiology; Department of Parasite Biology; Department of Vector Biology and Control; Department of Diagnosis and Immunology; Department of Biochemistry; Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry; Department of Pharmacology; Department of Scientific Information; and a Central Laboratory of Instrumentation. This Institute has been designated as a WHO Collaborating Center for Malaria, Schistosomiasis, and Filariasis.

Impact of Social Determinants on Vector-Borne Parasitic Diseases in Chad: A Case Study of Grand-Sido and Kouh-Est

Background: Social determinants of health (SDOH) significantly influence diseases with environmental components, like vector-borne parasitic diseases. This study aims to examine how these factors influence vector-borne parasitic diseases (VBPDs) transmission in Chad and provide recommendations for policy improvements. Methods: The study adopts the WHO Conceptual Framework of SDOH to compare two regions in Southern Chad: Kouh-Est, which has an ongoing vector control program, and Grand-Sido, which lacks such a program. The study includes both nomadic and sedentary populations to provide a comprehensive understanding of the SDOH influencing VBPDs. Households were randomly selected. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, literacy, knowledge of VBPDs and protective measures, and access to education and health facilities were collected. Results: A total of 202 households from 17 villages, including 820 participants, were surveyed. Agriculture, livestock, and fishing were the main occupations, involving 84.1% of participants. Literacy was low, with 36.7% non-educated, 47.7% completing primary school, 14.5% secondary school, and only 0.3% reaching tertiary education. Most villages lacked schools beyond the primary level, and nomadic populations were significantly less educated than sedentary ones (p Conclusion: Educational deficiencies, lack of protective measures against vectors, inadequate healthcare resources, and lifestyle conditions aggravated by poor road infrastructure, limited transportation, and economic constraints contribute to worsened VBPDs outcomes in these rural populations. Addressing these systemic issues in the surveyed communities is essential for improving health equity and VBPDs outcomes in these regions specifically and in similar populations settings more broadly.

Snail-borne parasitic diseases:an update on global epidemiological distribution,transmission interruption and control methods

Background:Snail-borne parasitic diseases,such as angiostrongyliasis,clonorchiasis,fascioliasis,fasciolopsiasis,opisthorchiasis,paragonimiasis and schistosomiasis,pose risks to human health and cause major socioeconomic problems in many tropical and sub-tropical countries.In this review we summarize the core roles of snails in the life cycles of the parasites they host,their clinical manifestations and disease distributions,as well as snail control methods.Main body:Snails have four roles in the life cycles of the parasites they host:as an intermediate host infected by the first-stage larvae,as the only intermediate host infected by miracidia,as the first intermediate host that ingests the parasite eggs are ingested,and as the first intermediate host penetrated by miracidia with or without the second intermediate host being an aquatic animal.Snail-borne parasitic diseases target many organs,such as the lungs,liver,biliary tract,intestines,brain and kidneys,leading to overactive immune responses,cancers,organ failure,infertility and even death.Developing countries in Africa,Asia and Latin America have the highest incidences of these diseases,while some endemic parasites have developed into worldwide epidemics through the global spread of snails.Physical,chemical and biological methods have been introduced to control the host snail populations to prevent disease.Conclusions:In this review,we summarize the roles of snails in the life cycles of the parasites they host,the worldwide distribution of parasite-transmitting snails,the epidemiology and pathogenesis of snail-transmitted parasitic diseases,and the existing snail control measures,which will contribute to further understanding the snail-parasite relationship and new strategies for controlling snail-borne parasitic diseases.

Imported parasitic diseases in China's Mainland:current status and perspectives for better control and prevention

Background:The high prevalence of parasitic diseases leads to millions of deaths and disabilities each year in developing countries.China has also been greatly affected by parasitic infections,including filariasis,leishmaniasis,malaria,schistosomiasis,and soil-transmitted nematodosis.However,the situation in China improved dramatically after comprehensive parasitic disease control efforts were strengthened,leading to the elimination of filariasis in 2006 and to significant control over other diseases.However,imported parasitic disease cases are inevitable,and such cases have increasingly been reported as a result of enhanced globalization and international or regional cooperation.These imported diseases represent a major obstacle to the elimination of several parasitoses,such as malaria.Main text:This paper reviews imported cases of parasitic diseases in China's Mainland,particularly malaria and schistosomiasis,based on data reported separately by the Chinese annual reports and from other published papers.We summarize the new challenges that face parasitic disease control efforts in China's Mainland and perspectives regarding better control.We argue that both the provision of professional education and updated training for medical care personnel and the management and surveillance of people entering China are essential.We recommend that Chinese migrant workers should be considered a priority group for health education and that public awareness of imported diseases should be emphasized.Furthermore,we underscore the importance of investigating the distribution of introduced/potential vectors,parasite susceptibility,and improvements in diagnostic techniques and drug stocks.Conclusions:Imported cases have become the main challenge to the elimination of several parasitoses,such as malaria and schistosomiasis,in China's Mainland.China should act to meet these challenges,which are closely associated with national biological safety.

Major parasitic diseases of poverty in China's Mainland: perspectives for better contro

Significant progress has been made in the prevention,control,and elimination of human parasitic diseases in China in the past 60 years.However,parasitic diseases of poverty remain major causes of morbidity and mortality,and inflict enormous economic costs on societies.In this article,we review the prevalence rates,geographical distributions,epidemic characteristics,risk factors,and clinical manifestations of parasitic diseases of poverty listed in the first issue of the journal Infectious Diseases of Poverty on 25 October 2012.We also address the challenges facing control of parasitic diseases of poverty and provide suggestions for better control.

Seventy years’ achievements of international cooperation by the National Institute of Parasitic Diseases at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention

Background: With the promotion of national control programs on parasitic and tropical diseases in China,the National Institute of Parasitic Diseases(NIPD),Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention has gained significant experience in the global health arena through international cooperation over the last seven decades allowing a multilateral impact in the elimination of major endemic diseases.Methods:: The achievements of NIPD since 1950 has been analyzed with emphasis on the various stages that started with research and control of the endemic parasitic and other tropical diseases at the national level and progressed via international cooperation into a global presence.Results: The major achievements contributed by NIPD consist of(i)improving technical capability;(ii)promoting control and elimination of parasitic and tropical diseases;(iii)participating in global health governance and cooperation;and(iv)developing a cooperation model for technical assistance and global public health development.It is expected that NIPD’s experience of international cooperation will be essential for the dissemination of China's successful experience in global health governance,emergency response and development,with focus on malaria and neglected tropical diseases such as schistosomiasis,soil-borne and food-borne helminthiases and echinococcosis.Conclusions: NIPD’s new tasks will not only continue to promote national control of endemic parasitic infections and disease elimination programs in China,but also play a leading role in global health and disease elimination programs in the future.

Antiparasitic Activity and Potential Active Compounds from Azadirachta Indica Revealed by Affinity Ultrafiltration Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry with Acetylcholinesterase and Lactate Dehydrogenases

Azadirachta indica(A.indica)has traditionally been used to treat parasitic diseases,while its antiparasitic compounds and their mechanism remain ambiguous.Acetylcholinesterase(AChE)and lactate dehydrogenases(LDH)are the key target enzymes in the survival of parasites.At present,an integrated method combining affinity ultrafiltration-liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry(UF-LC–MS)with molecular docking was established to screen antiparasitic compounds targeting AChE and LDH from A.indica.The alamarBlue^(®)and Ellman method,which revealed that ethyl acetate(EA)fraction exhibited powerful antitrypanosomic and AChE inhibitory activity,was submitted to UF-LC–MS and molecular docking.Afterward,D-(+)-catechin and(-)-epicatechin were considered potential AChE inhibitors with binding degree(BD)values of 38.04–38.43%and binding energy(BE)values from-8.29 to-7.76 kcal/mol.Carnosol was identified as a potential AChE and LDH dual inhibitor with BD values of 42.01%and 26.02%,and BE values of-9.62 and-9.06 kcal/mol,respectively.Finally,carnosol,D-(+)-catechin,and(-)-epicatechin displayed significant AChE inhibitory activity with the IC_(50)values of 40.66±3.10,54.98±9.65,and 72.93±1.32μmol/L,respectively.Collectively,the integrated strategy is effective to screen and identify AChE and LDH inhibitors from A.indica,and D-(+)-catechin,(-)-epicatechin,and carnosol are expected to be natural lead compounds for the treatment of parasitic diseases.Besides using UF-LC–MS to screen for antiparasitic compounds from A.indica,this study offers a strategy for screening active components of medicinal plants.

Water Quality of Aroeira River for Use in Irrigation of Vegetable Crops in the Northern Region of the State of Espirito Santo, Brazil

The aim of this study was to evaluate the physical, chemical and microbiological quality of the water of the Aroeira River in the city of Silo Mateus, northern region of Espirito Santo State, Brazil, from April 2012 to March 2013, for use in irrigation of vegetable crops. Five points were selected along the river for analysis of pH, chloride （mg/L C1-）, total hardness （mg/L CaCO3）, dissolved oxygen （mg/L O2）, ammoniacal nitrogen （mg/L N-NH3）, total iron （mg/L Fe）, phosphate/orthophosphate （mg/L PO43-）, turbidity （NTU）, acidity （mg/L CO2）, temperature （℃）, electrical conductivity （dS/m）, as well as microbiological and parasitological analyses. Only point l, located upstream of the points of domestic sewage discharges, is the closest to be considered suitable for use in irrigation of vegetable crop, demonstrating the possible risks to the health of populations who use water with sewage discharges in urban communities for irrigation of vegetable crops.

Microbe/Bug-Busters Visit the Interactive House: An Itinerant Scenographic Device for Health Education

The term Ecology is derived from οἶκος (Greek “house” or environment), but our habitations usually overlooked in ecology or environmental studies. The expression “at home” usually means safety and comfort, but at home we are under risk of innumerous parasitic/microbial infections and contaminations/ envenomation. During the COVID-19 pandemic we were forced to stay at home, but the virus and other pathogens were also home-delivered. Education for health is highly effective in health promotion, particularly in poor areas. Thus, prophylactic interventions approaching household environment are required. The present activity aims community empowerment and engagement in controlling parasitic diseases and other infections such as Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, malaria, arboviruses etc. Inspired on the use of a house maket by Dr. Virgínia Schall to demonstrate Aedes mosquitoes breeding sites. We also employ house makets displaying pathogen vectors breeding/hiding sites. Although some makets can be opened, revealing intradomiciliary milieu, we intended to offer the public a literally “insider” view of this largely overlooked scenery. The “Interactive House”, also known as “House with no viruses and other bugs” is an educative, interactive, ludic device elaborated on an inflatable igloo, with furniture and utensils crafted using reused/recycled or low-cost materials. Live mosquito larvae were placed at peridomicile in water-accumulating plant pot saucer, leaves-clogged gutter, used tire, dog water bowl as well as within the domicile, in the shower drain trap. Evidengue®, crafted in cloth to block mosquito oviposition developed is presented. Participants enjoy taking part in the activity, seem amused, play, laugh and smile while enthusiastically take pictures. This educative activity permits health communication in a ludic interactive way, which may contribute to health promotion in areas with public health problems.

Radical resection of hepatic polycystic echinococcosis complicated with hepatocellular carcinoma: A case report

BACKGROUND Hepatic cystic echinococcosis(CE)is an infectious zoonotic parasitic disease,and the insidious onset and slow progression of hepatic CE usually contributes to delayed diagnosis and treatment.Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is the fourth most common malignant tumor.Co-existence of CE and HCC is fairly rare in clinical settings and the association between the two is still not well recognized.We report a case of hepatic CE complicated with HCC which are radically resected and raise some questions worth thinking about.CASE SUMMARY A 70-year-old man presented with upper abdominal pain.On admission,laboratory data showed that,except for hepatitis B surface antigen positivity,other indicators were normal,including alpha-fetoprotein.Computed tomography of the abdomen revealed a huge polycystic lesion in left liver lobe,without reinforcement after enhanced scanning and sized about 16.9 cm×12.2 cm,which was considered a type II hydatid cyst.Multiple small solid lesions were also found adjacent to it,and thus it was highly suspected as a malignant tumor.After a multidisciplinary team discussion,the diagnosis of co-occurrence of hepatic CE and HCC was made.According to Romic classification,the case belongs to type IIb,and radical left hemi-hepatectomy was performed.Postoperative pathological examination revealed CE co-existence with welldifferentiated HCC,consistent with the preoperative diagnosis.CONCLUSION With the combination of hepatitis B and obvious extrusion by large hydatid,the HCC risk of a patient might be higher.

Toxocariasis in Ghanaian neighbourhoods:a need for action

BackgroundAnimal reservoirs of Toxocara spp., a neglected parasitic infection, are frequently found in many Ghanaian neighbourhoods. Despite various interactions occurring between these animals and humans which sustain zoonosis, not much focus has been directed at disease surveillance in Ghana, necessitating this study.MethodsThe study was cross-sectional. It combined the collection of biological samples with the survey approach. The study used purposive and convenience sampling techniques to collect data from eligible participants in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. Besides the collection of biological samples from animals which were processed using molecular techniques, semi-structured questionnaires were administered to the pet owners.ResultsIn sum, 32.2% (95% CI, 27.6%–37.0%) of the targeted animals were positive for Toxocara canis, with most of the cases being found in dogs and rodents. Among the 204 rodents, more Praomys tulbergi were positive for this parasite compared to the others. From the survey, some risk factors culminating in high disease exposure were identified: more than one-third of pet owners did not deworm their pets although about a fourth shared bed with them. In addition, many respondents’ kids played with these pets but not all supervised them to practice hand hygiene. Also, a good number of pet owners confirmed the frequent exposure of their pets to rodents.ConclusionsThe relatively high prevalence of T. canis recorded in animals and the increasing exposure of humans to this parasite point to a higher risk for human toxocariasis. Furthermore, T. canis found in cats cannot be ignored and merits further investigations. For Ghana to achieve SDG 3 by 2030, priority must also be placed on neglected diseases which calls for an integrated approach to disease surveillance and a redirection of research focus using the one health concept.

Global output of research on epidermal parasitic skin diseases from 1967 to 2017

Background:Epidermal parasitic skin diseases(EPSD)occur in most countries and cause a considerable health and economic burden,particularly in the tropics and subtropics.The aim of this study was to assess and analyse peerreviewed literature on EPSD in humans.The results of this study serve as an indicator of the extent the scientific community,health authorities,and international health agencies interact with EPSD as a health problem that is commonly associated with poverty and poor hygiene.Methods:A bibliometric analysis methodology was used.The Scopus database was used to retrieve documents about EPSD for the study period(1967-2017).The study focused on scabies,tungiasis,pediculosis,hookwormrelated cutaneous larva migrans(HrCLM),myiasis,and cutaneous strongyloidiasis.Documents that specifically and explicitly discuss EPSD in animals,aquatic organisms,and birds were excluded.Results:In total,4186 documents were retrieved.A fluctuated growth of publications on EPSD in the past five decades was found.The retrieved documents received 43301 citations,an average of 10.3 citations per article and an h-index of 74.The keywords“scabies”and was the most commonly encountered keyword followed by the keywords“head lice”and“pediculosis”.The most active journal involved in publishing articles on EPSD was the International Journal of Dermatology(164;3.9%).Researchers from 93 different countries published the retrieved articles.The USA led with 735(17.6%)documents,followed by the UK(274;6.5%),and Germany(259;6.2%).In terms of institutions,the Charite-Universitätsmedizin Berlin in Germany was the most active in this field with 78(1.9%)publications,followed by the Universidade Federal do Cearáin Brazil with 52(1.2%)publications.Conclusions:Research on scabies and pediculosis dominated the field of EPSD research to the expense of tungiasis,HrCLM,myiasis,and cutaneous strongyloidiasis.There was an underrepresentation of literature from the tropics and subtropics despite EPSD being common in these areas.This could possibly be explained by the presence of limited number of non-English journals in the Scopus database.International research collaborations and research networking should be strengthened to help advance and prioritize research on EPSD.

Noninvasive diagnosis of periportal fibrosis in schistosomiasis mansoni:A comprehensive review

Schistosomiasis mansoni is a neglected disease and key public health problem,mainly due to its high prevalence,the scarcity of public policies,and the severity of some clinical forms.Periportal fibrosis(PPF)is the commonest complication of chronic schistosomiasis mansoni and its diagnosis requires different techniques.Even though wedge biopsy of the liver is considered the gold standard,it is not justified in non-surgical patients,and percutaneous liver biopsy may be informative but does not have sufficient sensitivity.Noninvasive PPF tests mostly include biological(serum biomarkers or combined scores)or physical assessments(imaging assessment of fibrosis pattern or tissue stiffness).Moreover,imaging techniques,such as ultrasound,computed tomography,magnetic resonance imaging,and elastography are applied not only to support the diagnosis of schistosomiasis,but also to assess and detect signs of portal hypertension and organ damage due to chronic schistosomiasis.A combination between a comprehensive history and physical examination with biomarkers for liver fibrosis and imaging methods seems to offer the best approach for evaluating these patients.In addition,understanding their strengths and limitations will allow a more accurate interpretation in the clinical context and can lead to greater accuracy in estimating the degree of fibrosis in patients with Schistosomiasis mansoni(S.mansoni)infection.This review will discuss the different noninvasive methods that are currently available for the evaluation of PPF in S.mansoni infection,and their application,advantages,and limitations in clinical practice.

Current considerations for the management of liver echinococcosis

Echinococcosis or hydatid disease is induced mainly by Echinococcus granulosus and occasionally by Echinococcus multilocularis(alveolaris)and affects the liver predominantly.Hepatic alveolar echinococcosis is similar to carcinoma in appearance,and without treatment,it can lead to death.Diagnosis is based on current imaging modalities.Surgical management is the cornerstone of treatment.Complete removal of the cyst(total pericystectomy or hepatectomy)ensures a permanent cure and should be the first-choice treatment for cystic disease.Cyst evacuation,partial cystectomy,and drainage or omentoplasty,may be alternative choices in difficult cases.Albendazole,mebendazole and praziquantel are options for treating small cysts and preventing recurrence after surgery.Despite the efforts,alveolar echinococcus is not usually amenable to surgical management,except in the early stage,which is less common,and management by albendazole is indicated.However,there are few recent reports of major operations(ex-vivo hepatectomy,autotransplantation and vascular reconstruction)in advanced stages.