Effect of Milbemycin oxime on Toxocara canis Eggs and Larvae

Toxocara canis(T.canis)is one of the most important zoonotic parasites of dogs.The aim of the present study was to perform an in vitro analysis of the effect of Milbemycin oxime on T.canis eggs following exposure to a concentration gradient of the drug and to determine the inflammatory reaction produced by the infective T.canis larvae in mice.The present study was undertaken using the model nematode,T.canis,to investigate the effect of Milbemycin oxime on T.canis eggs and larvae.T.canis eggs were exposed to a concentration gradient of Milbemycin oxime in vitro,the higher concentration of Milbemycin oxime was,the lower percentage of infective stage larvae was.Light micrographs showed that Milbemycin oxime induced eggs dissolved and eggshell broken.Histological analyses of mice that stained with hematoxylin and eosin(H&E)showed in lower dosing(10-7 and 10-8 g·mL-1)drug-treated groups,atrophy of alveolar space and interalveolar septum thickening appeared,inflammatory infiltrates accompanied with erythrocytes around blood vessels and bronchioles presented.In higher dosing(10-6,10-5 and 10-4 g·mL-1)drug-treated groups,low-grade or no pathological changes occurred,indicating that Milbemycin oxime could obviously decrease the inflammatory reaction produced by the infection of T.canis larvae in vivo.

Effects of Potassium Dichromate on Distribution of Toxocara canis Larvae within Brain of Mice

The frequency of the infective larvae of Toxocara canis, the common parasite of the dog was assessed in brain portions of male Albino mice ingested two doses： 200 mg/Kg and 400 mg/Kg of potassium dichromate-hexavalent （VI） as an indicator. Only 2,000 ova of the parasite were inoculated orally to twenty seven healthy young male mice. Frequency of the parasite was tested 13 weeks post-inoculation. Using bio-statistical analysis （one way analysis of variance） the frequency of detected larvae of both doses in the brain portions of the experimental animals showed an insignificant difference （P〉 0.05） in comparison with control. The results indicate the safety of small and mild intoxication doses of the potassium dichromate on distribution of Toxocara canis in brain portions of mice.

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.

Eosinophilic cholecystitis as a rare manifestation of visceral larva migrans

Eosinophilic cholecystitis is an infrequent form of cholecystitis. The etiology of eosinophilic cholecystitis is still obscure, and it is sometimes accompanied with several complications, but a simultaneous onset with pericarditis is very rare. We would like to make an alternative interpretation of our recent report "Kaji K, Yoshiji H, Yoshikawa M, Yamazaki M, Ikenaka Y, Noguchi R, Sawai M, Ishikawa M, Mashitani T, Kitade M, Kawaratani H, Uemura M, Yamao J, Fujimoto M, Mitoro A, Toyohara M, Yoshida M, Fukui H. Eosinophilic cholecystitis along with pericarditis caused by Ascaris lumbricoides: A case report. World J Gastroenterol 2007; 13: 3760-3762."

Toxocariasis:a silent threat with a progressive public health impact

Background:Toxocariasis is a neglected parasitic zoonosis that afflicts millions of the pediatric and adolescent populations worldwide,especially in impoverished communities.This disease is caused by infection with the larvae of Toxocara canis and T.cati,the most ubiquitous intestinal nematode parasite in dogs and cats,respectively.In this article,recent advances in the epidemiology,clinical presentation,diagnosis and pharmacotherapies that have been used in the treatment of toxocariasis are reviewed.Main text:Over the past two decades,we have come far in our understanding of the biology and epidemiology of toxocariasis.However,lack of laboratory infrastructure in some countries,lack of uniform case definitions and limited surveillance infrastructure are some of the challenges that hindered the estimation of global disease burden.Toxocariasis encompasses four clinical forms:visceral,ocular,covert and neural.Incorrect or misdiagnosis of any of these disabling conditions can result in severe health consequences and considerable medical care spending.Fortunately,multiple diagnostic modalities are available,which if effectively used together with the administration of appropriate pharmacologic therapies,can minimize any unnecessary patient morbidity.Conclusions:Although progress has been made in the management of toxocariasis patients,there remains much work to be done.Implementation of new technologies and better understanding of the pathogenesis of toxocariasis can identify new diagnostic biomarkers,which may help in increasing diagnostic accuracy.Also,further clinical research breakthroughs are needed to develop better ways to effectively control and prevent this serious disease.