Evaluation of Immunological Markers in Children Infected with Intestinal Parasites in Three Communities, Nigeria

Helminthiases are neglected parasites that induce changes in the host’s immune response. The study assayed some immunological markers in helminth infections in children and adolescents. Stool and blood samples were collected from 276 subjects resident in three rural communities of Rivers and Imo States. Of these, 98 (35.5%) were infected with one or more of 3 parasitic species, of which Ascaris lumbricoides 39 (39.8%), Ancylostoma duodenale 30 (30.6%) and Trichuris trichiura 29 (29.6%) were recovered. Intestinal helminth parasites were identified using formol-ether concentration. Of the infected subjects, 66 had single species infections and 32 had multiple infections with two or three helminth species and children of the 6 - 10 years age group had the highest incidence. Sera of 60 infected subjects and 30 controls were evaluated to define immunological serum levels of IgE, IL-5, IFN-γ and C3 using the ELISA technique, while white blood cell differential counts and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were evaluated using haematology auto-analyser. Elevation of IL-5, IgE, WBC and eosinophil levels were demonstrated in the infected groups (p < 0.01), higher in the multiple infected groups, compared to the control. Their concentrations across the different age groups were also significantly different (p = 0.0001), the highest in 6 - 5 years and the lowest in 0 - 5 years. Differences in IFN-γ and C3 levels among non-parasitized, single-parasitized and poly-parasitized groups were not statistically significant. Neutrophil, lymphocyte and NLR levels between control and helminth infected subjects were not significantly different. The result suggested that IgE, IL-5, total WBC and eosinophil increased in helminth infections, more in poly-parasitized and 6 - 10 years children.

Opportunistic and other intestinal parasites among HIV/AIDS patients attending Gambi higher clinic in Bahir Dar city,North West Ethiopia

Objective:To determine the magnitude of opportunistic and non-opportunistic intestinal parasitic infections among HTV/AIDS patients in Bahir Dar.Methods:Cross-sectional study was conducted among HIV/ AIDS patients attending Gambi higher clinic from Aprill- May 30,2009. Convenient sampling technique was employed to identify the study subjects and hence a total of 248 subjects were included.A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic data of patients.Stool samples were examined by direct saline,iodine wet mount, formol-ether sedimentation concentration and modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique. Results:Out of 248 enrolled in the study,171(69.0%)(90 males and 81 females) were infected with one or more intestinal parasites.The highest rate of intestinal parasites were observed among HIV/AIDS patients(80.3%,151/188),and the infection rate of HIV negative individuals was 33.3%(20/60).Cryptosporidum parvum(43.6%),Isospora belli(15.5%) and Blastocystis hominis (10.5%) were opportunistic parasites that were found only in HIV/AIDS patients.Conclusions: Opportunistic parasite infections are common health problem among HIV/ AIDS patients in the study area.Therefore,early detection and treatment of these parasites are important to improve the quality of life of HIV/AIDS patients.

Molecular basis for identification of species/isolates of gastrointestinal nematode parasites

Gastrointestinal（GI） parasitism is the most serious constraint throughout the world in small ruminants which causes significant production loss in animals.GI parasites are major contributor to reduce productivity in terms of meat,milk and wool in animals.Control of GI parasite is done primarily by anthelmintic treatment where choice and schedule of treatment is done after identification and quantitation of individual parasite.Identification of GI parasites is done through microscopic method by identifying specific morphological characteristics of egg and larva（L3）.Since most of parasite eggs are having similar morphological characteristics, identification up to species level through microscopy is not possible in most of cases.To address this issue,molecular techniques are the viable alternative for identification of species as well as molecular level differences within a species（isolates） of parasites.Different DNA based molecular techniques viz.PCR,AFLP,RAPD,RFLP,PCR-SSCP,real time PCR,DNA microarray etc.have been used for identification and to assess the genetic diversity among parasite population.For identification of species,the characteristic sequence of genomic DNA of different species should differ to allow the delineation of species,but at the same time,no/minor variation within the species should exist.In contrast,for purpose of identifying population variants（strains/isolates）, a considerable degree of variation in the sequence should exist within a species.Various target regions,including nuclear ribosomal DNA（rDNA）,mitochondrial DNA（mtDNA） or repetitive DNA elements（microsatellite loci）,which show considerable variation in the number of repeats within individuals have been employed to achieve the identification of parasites species or strain.

Survey on gastrointestinal parasites and detection of Cryptosporidium spp. on cattle in West Java,Indonesia

Objective:To evaluate the presence of gastrointestinal parasites on cattle in Indonesia because the prevalence of parasites varies between counlries depending on the terrain surrounding livestock farms and investigations in Indonesia have never been performed.Methods:Fecal samples from cattle at 35 farms in 7 districts in West Java,Indonesia,has been examined using the floatation or sedimentation methods,and a immunofluorescence assay and experimentally inoculation to mice for Cryptosporidium or Giardia spp.Results:153 of 394 examined cattle(38.8%)were infected with gastrointestinal parasites.The prevalence of Eimeria spp.,Nematoda spp.(including Oesophagustomum and Bunostomum-like),Fasciola gigantica and Paramphistomum spp.was 22.4%,11.2%,12.5%and 3.8%,respectively.Cryptosporidium andersoni(C.andersoni)was also found in two samples.One isolate of this parasite was confirmed to be transmitted to mice,in contrast to the isolates from other countries.Conclusions:although this survey is preliminary,the results shows that the infection of gastrointestinal parasites in Indonesia was not high,but these infected cattle could be as a potential source leading to economic losses in livestock production.

Oomycetes and fungi:important parasites on marine algae

Considering that the field is largely unexplored and its importance to aquaculture,outline of oomycetes and fungi parasiting on marine algae was provided in this paper,including 15 species of oomycetes,six species of chytrids,31 Ascomycota species and one species of mitosporic fungi.In natrue,both the oomycetes and chytrids frequently occurred and induced prevalences of disease which could destroy the populations of host plants greatly.However,the parasites in Ascomycota on algae have never occurred as epidemics so far.Some issues relating to the field were discussed such as performing tests to satisfy Koch＇s postulates,investigations of host specificity,interactions between host and parasite and the potential effects of environmental factors on occurrence of a disease,which are urgent in need of further investigations.

Temporal-spatial patterns of intestinal parasites of the Hooded Crane(Grus monacha) wintering in lakes of the middle and lower Yangtze River floodplain

Background: Parasites have adverse effects on the life and survival of many migratory waterbirds, especially birds on the endangered species list. Hooded Cranes are large migratory colonial waterbirds wintering in wetlands,which are prone to parasite infection, thus monitoring the diversity of parasites is important for sound wetland management and protection of this species.Methods: From November 2012 to April 2013, we collected 821 fresh faecal samples from the three lakes(Poyang,Caizi and Shengjin Lake) in the lower and middle Yangtze River floodplain, and detected with saturated brine floating and centrifugal sedimentation methods. Parasite eggs were quantified with a modified Mc Master's counting method.Results: In this study, 11 species of parasites were discovered, i.e., two coccidium(Eimeria gruis, E. reichenowi), five nematodes(Capillaria sp., Strongyloides sp., Ascaridia sp., Trichostrongylus sp., Ancylostomatidae), three trematodes(Echinostoma sp., Echinochasmus sp., Fasciolopsis sp.) and one cestode(Hymenolepis sp.). About 57.7% of the faecal samples showed parasitic infection. All species of parasites were found at the three sites except Hymenolepis which was not found at Poyang Lake. While most samples were affected by only one or two species of parasites, infection by Eimeria spp. was the most common(53.1%). From One-Way ANOVA analysis of the three lakes, parasite species richness index(p = 0.656), diversity index(p = 0.598) and evenness index(p = 0.612) showed no significant difference. According to the statistical analysis of our data, there were no significant difference in parasite species richness index(p = 0.678) and evenness index(p = 0.238) between wintering periods, but a strong difference in diversity index(p < 0.05).Conclusions: Our study suggests that in the wintering Hooded Crane populations, parasite diversity is more sensitive to changes in the overwintering periods than to locations. This also indicates that with the limitations of migration distance, the parasites may not form the differentiation in Hooded Crane populations of the three lakes.

Parasites may exit immunocompromised northern pig-tailed macaques (Macaca leonina)infected with SIVmac239

Parasites can increase infection rates and pathogenicity in immunocompromised human immunodeficiency virus （HIV） patients. However, in vitro studies and epidemiological investigations also suggest that parasites might escape immunocompromised hosts during HIV infection Due to the lack of direct evidence from animal experiments, the effects of immunocompromised hosts parasitic infections on remain unclear. Here we detected 14 different parasites in six northern pig-tailed macaques （NPMs） before or at the 50th week of simian immunodeficiency virus （SIV） infection by ELISA. The NPMs all carried parasites before viral injection. At the 50th week after viral injection, the individuals with negative results in parasitic detection （i.e., 08247 and 08287） were characterized as the Parasites Exit （PE） group, with the other individuals （i.e., 09203, 09211, 10205, and 10225） characterized as the Parasites Remain （PR） group. Compared with the PR group, the NPMs in the PE group showed higher viral loads, lower CD4＋ T cells counts, and lower CD4/CD8 rates. Additionally, the PE group had higher immune activation and immune exhaustion of both CD4~ and CD8~ T cells. Pathological observation showed greater injury to the liver, cecum, colon, spleen, and mesenteric lymph nodes in the PE group This study showed more seriously compromised immunity in the PE group, strongly indicating that parasites might exit an immunocompromised host.

Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites of Horses and Donkeys in and around Gondar Town, Ethiopia

A cross sectional study was conducted from October 2010 to June 2011 in and around Gondar town to identify the species and determine prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in donkeys and horses. Gross examination, direct fecal smear, sedimentation and floatation techniques were utilized to identify the eggs and larvae of parasites in feces. A total of 384 horses and donkeys were examined for gastrointestinal parasites. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was 92.71% (356 from 384) with 80.95% (85 from 105) and 97.13% (271 from 279) in horses and donkeys, respectively. Prevalence of Strongyle, Parascaris equorum, Oxyuris equi, Gastrodiscus aegyptiacus and Gastrophilus intestinalis was 66.67%, 43.8%, 0.95%, 2.86%, and 0.95%, respectively in horses. Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was 87.81%, 42.29%, 4.30%, 5.73%, 1.43%, 3.58% and 0.72% for Strongyles, Parascaris equorum, Oxyuris equi, Fasciola, Tricuris, Gastrodiscus aegyptiacus and Gastrophilus intestinalis in donkeys, respectively. There was a statisticcally significant difference between species, housing and among feed types in prevalence of equine gastrointestinal parasites

Use of buffy coat thick films in detecting malaria parasites in patients with negative conventional thick films

Objective:To determine the frequency of malaria parasite detection from the buffy coal blood films by using capillary tube in falciparum malaria patients with negative conventional thick films.Methods:Thirty six uncomplicated falciparum malaria patients confirmed by conventional thick and thin films were included in the study.The patients were treated with artemisinin combination therapy at Hospital for Tropical Diseases,Bangkok,Thailand for 28 day.Fingerpricks for conventional blood films were conducted every 6 hours until negative parasitemia,then daily fingerpricks for parasite checks were conducted until the patients were discharged from hospital. Blood samples were also concurrently collected in 3 heparinized capillary tubes at the same time of fingerpricks for conventional blood films when the prior parasitemia was negative on thin films and parasitemia was lower than 50 parasites/200 white blood cells by thick film.The first negative conventional thick films were compared with buffy coat thick films for parasite identification. Results:Out of 36 patients with thick films showing negative for asexual forms of parasites, buffy coat films could detect remaining 10 patients(27.8%) with asexual forms of Plasmodium falciparum.Conclusions:The study shows that buffy coat thick films are useful and can detect malarial parasites in 27.8%of patients whose conventional thick films show negative parasitemia.

Effects of Plant Tannin Extracts Supplementation on Animal Performance and Gastrointestinal Parasites Infestation in Steers Grazing Winter Wheat

Twenty-six stocker cattle (286.1 ± 25.7 kg) were used to quantify the effect of commercial plant tannin extracts (control vs. mimosa and chestnut tannins) on animal performance, gastrointestinal parasites control and plasma metabolite changes in heifers grazing winter wheat forage (Triticum aestivum L. var. “cutter”). The forage biomass and crude protein content were generally similar among treatments. Initial live-weight (LW) was similar among treatments, although final LW (P = 0.1) and average daily gain (ADG;P P Ostertagia was lower (P P P < 0.02) for chestnut tannins group than for control, and intermediate for mimosa tannins. However, cholesterol level was similar among treatment after 20 days cessation of tannins treatments. Our data suggest that heifers grazing winter wheat forage supplemented with plant tannins rather than control (non-tannins group) increased ADG (8% to 19%) for mimosa and chestnut tannins groups, respectively with no detectable detrimental effects on animal health. The increase in ADG may be due to decrease fecal parasites infections.

Nanobiotechnology for the Detection and Control of Waterborne Parasites

Nowadays, the fast development of nanobiotechnology, has led to rapid diagnosis of important infectious diseases such as arboviruses-borne diseases, vector-borne infections and waterborne parasites diseases and others in order to reduce and avoid further dissemination of the infections within the general population. Furthermore, new nanomedicines based on the application of silver and gold nanoparticles which are less toxic, more effective, and that does not generate resistance could help to solve the problems of parasitic disease like leishmaniasis and chagas disease. It turns out that the combination of nanoparticles with antibiotics not only reduces the toxicity of both agents towards human cells but also enhances their ability to destroy bacteria by facilitating the binding of antibiotics to the microbes. Moreover, combining nanoparticles with antimicrobial peptides and essential oils with nanoparticles generates genuine synergy against microbial resistance.

Protozoan parasites in irritable bowel syndrome:A case-control study

AIM To investigate the putative role of protozoan parasites in the development of irritable bowel syndrome(IBS).METHODS The study included 109 IBS consecutive adult patients fulfilling the Rome Ⅲ criteria and 100 healthy control subjects. All study subjects filled a structured questionnaire, which covered demographic information and clinical data. Fresh stool samples were collected from patients and control subjects and processed within less than 2 h of collection. Iodine wet mounts and Trichrome stained smears prepared from fresh stool and sediment concentrate were microscopically examined for parasites. Blastocystis DNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction, and Cryptosporidium antigens were detected by ELISA.RESULTS A total of 109 IBS patients(31 males, 78 females) with a mean age ± SD of 27.25 ± 11.58 years(range: 16-60 years) were enrolled in the study. The main IBS subtype based on the symptoms of these patients was constipation-predominant(88.7% of patients). A hundred healthy subjects(30 males, 70 females) with a mean ± SD age of 25.0 ± 9.13 years(range 18-66 years) were recruited as controls. In the IBS patients, Blastocystis DNA was detected in 25.7%, Cryptosporidium oocysts were observed in 9.2%, and Giardia cysts were observed in 11%. In the control subjects, Blastocystis, Cryptosporidium and Giardia were detected in 9%, 0%, and 1%, respectively. The difference in the presence of Blastocystis(P = 0.0034), Cryptosporidium(P = 0.0003), and Giardia(P = 0.0029) between IBS patients and controls was statistically significant by all methods used in this study.CONCLUSION Prevalence of Blastocystis, Cryptosporidium and Giardia is higher in IBS patients than in controls. These parasites are likely to have a role in the pathogenesis of IBS.

MICROHABITAT DISTRIBUTION OF METAZOAN PARASITES ON GILLS OF SILURUS ASOTUS IN JIANGKOU RESERVOIR, JIANGXI PROVINCE, CHINA

This paper deals with the proportional distribution, niche breadth and niche overlap of two metazoan parasites(copepods species, Ergasilus anchoratus Markewitsch, 1946 and Pseudergasilus parasiluri Yamaguti, 1936) and monogeneans (in the genus Silurodiscoides Gussev, 1976) found on gills of the fish, Silurus asotus L. from Jiangkou Reservoir in Jiangxi Province,China. E.anchoratus was the common and dominant metazoan parasite on gills of the fish in this locality as indicated by the higher infection levels, and distributed almost evenly on gill arches without any observed gill arch preference, as shown by the wide proportional distribution and broad niche breadth. P. parasiluri and monogeneans in Silurodiscoides were found also without any significant gill arch preference although they had a rather narrow niche breadth. The observed significant overlap between P. parasiluri and Silurodiscoides spp. may be simply due to the lower infection levels of the parasites. The observed pattern of unrestricted distributions of the parasitic copepods on gills of the fish may be accounted for, at least in part, by the moving ability of the copepods, and may also indicate that the parasite does not exhibit any feature of gill arch preference. However, further experimental research is needed to verify the microhabitat distribution of the parasites.

Prevalence of intestinal parasites in selected vegetables at major public markets in Metro Manila,Philippines

Objective:This study aims to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites infesting the vegetable foodstuffs and determine the parasitological profile of the vegetable foodstuffs examined.Methods:About 200 randomly sampled vegetable foodstuffs obtained from the vendors of the Balintawak and Divisoria public markets were examined for the occurrence of intestinal parasites.Results:A total of 119(59.5%) vegetable foodstuffs examined were tested positive.The most common parasite found was the Ascaris lumbricoides.No significant differences between the prevalence of intestinal parasites at the two public markets were found(P 】 0.05).Conclusion: The vegetables can be a potential source of parasitic infection.

Prevalence of filarial parasites in domestic and stray cats in Selangor State, Malaysia

Objective: To determine the prevalence of the filarial parasites, ie., Brugia malayi, Brugia pahangi(B. pahangi), Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens(D. repens)in domestic and stray cats. Methods: A total of 170 blood sample were collected from domestic and stray cats and examined for i larial worm parasites in two localities, Pulau Carey and Bukit Gasing, Selangor State, Malaysia. Results: The overall prevalence of infection was 23.5%(40/170; 95% CI=17.4–30.6). Of this, 35%(14/40; 95% CI=22.1–50.5) and 50%(20/40; 95% CI=35.2–64.8) were positive for single B. pahangi and D. repens, respectively. The remaining of 15%(6/40; 95% CI=7.1–29.1) were positive for mixed B. pahangi and D. repens. In addition, 75% of the infected cats were domestic, and 25% were strays. No Brugia malayi and Dirofilaria immitis was detected. Eighty-four cats were captured at Pulau Carey, of which 35.7%(30/84) were infected. Among the cats determined to be infected, 93%(28/30; 95% CI=78.7–98.2) were domestic, and only 6.7%(2/30; 95% CI=19.0–21.3) were strays. Conversely, the number of infected cats was three times lower in Bukit Gasing than in Pulau Carey, and most of the cats were stray. Conclusions: B. pahangi and D. repens could be the major parasites underlying i lariasis in the study area. Adequate prophylactic plans should be administrated in the cat population in study area.

The frequency of intestinal parasites in puppies from Mexican kennels

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the intestinal parasite prevalence in puppies from six different kennels;four kennels were in Guadalajara and Zapopan cities (Jalisco State) and two kennels were in Mexico City. From October 2006 to November 2007, we collected 441 fecal samples from 147 puppies, both male and female, ranging from 1 to 36 months of age. Three samples from every puppy were analyzed by using the Faust technique. The prevalence found were as follows: Giardia intestinalis (genotype A and B) 6.8%;Cystoisospora 21.08%;Uncinaria 7.48%;Toxocara canis 12.29% and multiparasitism (Giardia, Toxocara and Uncinaria) 4.76%. The highest prevalence for both Giardia and Cystoisospora were found in 2-3- month-old puppies;the highest prevalence for Toxocara canis was found in 3-4-month-old puppies. In the kennels of Mexico City we found mainly Giardia intestinalis, Cystoisospora to be most prevalent in Zapopan and Toxocara canis in Guadalajara. The high prevalence of intestinal parasites found in this study demonstrates an increased risk for infection in humans, as these animals are usually a common pet in many homes. This zoonotic phenomenon represents an important health problem for any community.

Investigation and Preventive Measures of Fish Parasites in Huaihua City

The losses caused by outbreaks of various diseases in aquaculture intensive farming are becoming more and more serious. Fish diseases have become one of the problems that constrain the healthy development of aquaculture. Among them,fish parasitic diseases have also caused some losses to the aquaculture industry. In this paper,17 species of fish parasites in Huaihua area,belonging to 15 genera in 13 families of 13 orders,are reviewed. In particular,the 10 kinds of fish parasitic diseases that are more harmful to farmed fishes are described in detail in order to provide a basis for the prevention of fish diseases in the future.

Expansion of Small Terrestrial Mammals and Their Parasites into the Barun Valley (Makalu Mt. Region, Nepal Himalaya) Linked with Changes in Glaciation and Human Activities

The article is based on collection of small terrestrial mammals(Soriculus nigrescens,Episoriculus caudatus, Neodon sikimensis,Alticola stoliczkanus, Niviventer eha and Ochotona roylei) collected in the Barun Valley, east Nepal in the pre-monsoon period of 1973.Zoogeographic and ecological characteristics and altitudinal stratification of these species are analysed, depending both on abiotic(geomorphological and climatic) and biotic(vegetation, and human presence and activities)factors. All the captured mammals were examined for ecto- and endoparasities. Infestations of Trombiculid mites and Ixodid ticks were tightly linked to the local habitat where these ectoparasites must survive during their nonparasitic phase. Analysis of their occurrence completes the reconstruction of migration routes during the expansion of small mammals into the Barun Valley and the exacerbating influence of human activities(summer pasturing,mountaineering expeditions and trekking parties).An indicator of anthropogenic influence was the occurrence of synantropic flies. The potential medical importance of these findings is discussed.It is assumed a possible occurrence of arboviruses transmitted by ticks and also rickettsioses(transmitted by ticks and chigger mites). As far bacteriological infections, plague cannot be excluded.

The Community of Parasites Infecting <i>Clarias gariepinus</i>in the Tanzanian Waters: A Case of Lake Victoria

Quantitative variations in parasites were investigated with respect to sex and size of Clarias gariepinus, season and localities sampled. Parasitic infection in male and female fish was not significantly different;prevalence (Man-Whitney paired sample test, U = 135.5, p = 0.7697), mean intensity (U = 136, p = 0.7829). Based on Kruskal-Wallis test analysis, the prevalence and mean intensity of five parasite species varied significantly among the three localities sampled. Adult parasites in Clarias gariepinus showed high abundance during the dry season while the larval forms showed high abundance in the wet season. In most of the parasite species analyzed the abundance varied significantly with host size. The abundance of Dolops ranarum, Paracamallanus cyatopharynx and Eumasenia bangweulensis for instance, increased with fish size, while that of Diplostomum mashonense, Tylodelphys species, Astiotrema reniferum, piscicolid leeches and Monobothrioides woodlandi increased initially but decreased as fish length reached 31 - 40 cm. Total parasite burden increased in fish of 20 - 40 cm standard length. Generally, most parasites were highly overdispersed and the negative binomial model described their distribution.

Intestinal parasites infection and associated factors among school children in Dagi primary school, Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia

Introduction: Intestinal parasitic infections are among the most common communicable diseases worldwide, particularly in developing countries. Worldwide, about 3.5 billion people are affected, and 450 million are ill as a result of these infections, among whom, the majority are children. The objective of this study was to assess prevalence of intestinal parasites infection and associated risk factors among school children in Dagi primary school, ANRS, Ethiopia. Methods: Institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted by involving 399 school children from 24 September to 19 October, 2012. Structured questionnaires were used to identify environmental, socio-demographic and behavioral factors and stool specimens were collected and examined for parasites using direct smear and formal-ether concentration technique. Data analysis was done by using SPSS version 15 statistical soft ware. Results: Eight species of intestinal parasites were identified with an overall prevalence of 77.9%. Students were infected with one or more intestinal parasites and the predominant parasite was hook worm, 94 (23.6%) followed by G. lamblia 91 (22.8%), E. histoltica 86 (21.6%) and Strongyloides 6 (1.5%). The presence of mixed parasitic infection was 106 (34.1%), double and triple infections were 97 (91.5%) and 9 (8.5%) respectively. Intestinal parasitic infection was higher in children whose fathers’ occupational status were farmers, who had unclean finger nails and who did not have the habit of wearing shoes (p parasites infection was an important public health problem among Dagi primary school children. Therefore, the local health office and other governmental and non-governmental organizations need to give attention to this serious problem of intestinal parasitic infection of school children.