Studies on Feeding Habits and Parasitological Status of Red Fox, Golden Jackal, Wild Cat and Stone Marten in Sredna Gora, Bulgaria

In order to define the role of wild carnivores in the epidemiology of parasitoses with veterinary and medical importance their parasitological status and feeding habits were studied. In the period 2001-2006 the feeding habits of 167 foxes, 78 jackals, 40 wild cats and 23 stone martens from the area of Sredna Gora, Bulgaria were investigated. 113 of the foxes, 56 of the jackals, 22 of the wild cats and 21 of the martens were subjected to helminthological study. 147 wild boars and 26 badgers from the same area were subjected to trichinelloscopy. Rodents were the main food of the wild cats （82.7%）, martens （52%） and foxes （50%）. The main food of the jackals was carrion from domestic and wild animals （79.5%）. 95.5% of the foxes, 100% of the jackals, 95.5% of the wild cats and 89% of the stone martens were infected with one or more helminth species. The prevalence of the most important helminths： Trichinella spp., Taenia spp. and Ancylostoma spp. was high in all carnivores examined. In the infected with Trichinella spp. animals only T. britovi was demonstrated. The wild boars and badgers were not infected with Trichinella spp. The correlation between the feeding habits and parasitological status is discussed.

Cross-strait parasitological research priorities arrived at by historical tracking and advanced dialogue

To further enhance dialogue and promote cross-strait cooperation in the prevention and control of parasitic diseases,this paper reviewed the progress and current challenges in the cross-strait control and research of parasitic infections,based on three cross-strait meetings on parasitological research in the last decade.The major outcome of the 3rd Meeting of Cross-Strait Parasitological Research held in April 2013 was identifying the research priorities for parasitological research.

Parasitology should not be abandoned:data from outpatient parasitological testing in Guangdong,China

Over the past six decades,the Chinese government made parasitoses with a high disease burden,including soiltransmitted nematode infections,malaria,leishmaniasis,filariasis,and schistosomiasis,a public health priority because they were seen to be crucial impediments to the development of rural areas.As a result,these debilitating parasitic diseases that used to be widely prevalent have been well controlled or eliminated.Consequently,less attention has been paid to parasitic infection during the rapid development of the economy,especially in developed areas.However,our investigations conducted in the parasitological laboratory of Sun Yat-sen University(Guangzhou,Guangdong,China)show that emerging parasitic diseases still threaten many people’s health,with 340 of 880 outpatients(38.6%)receiving a diagnosis of parasitic disease,among whom 201(59.1%)had clonorchiasis and 120(35.3%)had taeniasis/cysticercosis.Furthermore,our doctors are not equipped with sufficient parasitology knowledge because this discipline is not able to maintain attraction.Many parasitic infections that result in severe consequences are treatable and preventable,but the phenomena of misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis are common and merit attention.

Hepatic pseudotumor associated with Strongyloides infection:A case report

BACKGROUND Strongyloides sterocoralis is a parasitic infection caused by a roundworm that is transmitted through soil contaminated with larvae.It can infrequently cause hepatic abscesses in immunocompromised patients and is rarely reported to form hepatic lesions in immunocompetent hosts.CASE SUMMARY We present a case study of a 45-year-old female who presented with right upper quadrant abdominal pain and constitutional symptoms for several weeks.Crosssectional imaging identified several malignant-appearing liver masses.Further investigation,including serological testing and histopathologic examination,revealed the presence of serum Strongyloides antibodies and hepatic granulomas with extensive necrosis.Following treatment with ivermectin for 2 wk,there was complete resolution of the liver lesions and associated symptoms.CONCLUSION This case highlights the importance of considering parasitic infections,such as Strongyloides,in the differential diagnosis of hepatic masses.Early recognition and appropriate treatment can lead to a favorable outcome and prevent unnecessary invasive procedures.Increased awareness among clinicians is crucial to ensure the timely diagnosis and management of such cases.

Adult female of strongyloides stercoralis in respiratory secretions

Objective:To communicate the presence of adult females,rabditoid larvae and eggs of Strongyloides stercoralis(S.stercoralis)in the respiratory secretions obtained by tracheal aspirate from a HIV-negative patient who was suffering from polymyositis,and treated with corticoids and amethopterin and assisted by pneumonia.Methods:The respiratory secretions submitted to the Parasitology Laboratory of the Mu(?)iz Hospital were made more concentrated by centrifugation(1 500 r/min for 15 seconds).Wet mount microscopy was performed with the pellet.Results:It revealed adult females,rabditoid larvae and eggs of S.stercoralis.Further parasitological studies performed after the start of the treatment with ivermectin on fresh fecal samples,gastric lavages and tracheal aspirates showed scanty mobile filariform and rabditoid larvae of the same parasite.Conclusions:The presence of adult female S.stercoralis which has never been observed before in the clinical samples submitted to our Laboratory for investigation can be considered as an indirect marker of the severe immunosupression of the patient.

Mapping and Prevalence of Malaria Falciparum Patients with ACT Failed Therapy, in Hanura Public Health Center, Pesawaran, Lampung, Indonesia

Malaria is a public health issue that can cause death. According to the Indonesian Health Profile, in the year 2010, an estimated 45% of Indonesia’s population live in malaria-endemic areas. Pesawaran District is one of the malaria-endemic areas in Lampung province, whose Annual Parasite Incidence in 2010 and 2011 were 2.77 and 4.76 respectively. One of the factors that may inhibit the malaria control is Plasmodium resistance to antimalarial drugs. This study aims to conduct a mapping study and see the prevalence of ACT treatment failure, in Pesawaran District, Lampung Province, Indonesia. Data collection was performed at the Primary Health Centers (PHC) Hanura. A total of 69 samples according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the microscopic examination serially for 28 days was done. Microscopic examination performed on D0, D1, D2, D3, D7, D14, D28, and a complaint is found outside the schedule. Coordinates of patient house, determined using GPS. Based on observations, microscopic examination and spatial analysis, the prevalence of ACT treatment failure in patients with falcipaum malaria was 11.59%. The malaria falcifarum patient spread around the coast, that were near vector breeding places. There were five clusters of malaria falciparum patients and one cluster of malaria falciparum patient with treatment failure that were formed. Only one significant cluster of malaria falciparum patient (P = 0.0027, radius 0 km) is found, while the other cluster is not statistically significant. The cluster of malaria falciparum patient with treatment failure was not statistically significant (P = 1.000, radius 0.15 km), but this cluster is located in the area of the suspected vector breeding place. The cluster formation means that people living within a radius of these clusters have a greater risk to get malaria infection.

Clinical Efficacy of Artemether-Lumefantrine Artesunate-Amodiaquine of Children from Three Chadian Provinces with Acute of Uncomplicated Falciparum malariae from 6 Months to 5 Years

Introduction: Artemisinin-based combination therapies are the first-line antimalarial drugs used to treat uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in many endemic countries worldwide. In Chad, since the adoption of artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACTs) in its first-line treatment policy for uncomplicated malaria in 2005, Artemether-Lumefantrine and Artesunate-Amodiaquine have been used in many hospitals and health centers. The main objective of this study was to provide the baseline data of Artemether-Lumefantrine and Artesunate-Amodiaquine efficacy in three regions where many people suffered from malaria disease. Material and Methods: The baseline efficacy of two combination therapies was evaluated between January and April 2020 in Mosoro, Mondou and Dourbali Provinces in Chad. A two-arm single cohort study was conducted to assess the clinical efficacy of artesunate-amodiaquine and artemether-lumefantrine for the treatment of 1113 children aged from 6 to 59 months with uncomplicated Falciparum malariae diagnosed by thick blood smear examination, using the World Health Organization validated protocol. Results: On day 3, all patients in both groups had cleared parasitemia, after treatment, the patients presented a higher hemoglobin level in both groups artemether-lumefantrine (10.97 ± 1.39) and artesunate-amodiaquine (11.87 ± 1.81), respectively. On day 28, all patients had adequate clinical and parasitological responses with 99.82% of artesunate-amodiaquine and 99.10% of artemether-lumefantrine. Overall, both drugs were well tolerated at the clinical and biological level, no late parasitological failures have been recorded in artemether-lumefantrine and artesunate-amodiaquine groups, also both forms of Artemisinin-based combination therapy were still effective and safe in the treatment of uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria in Chad.

Crypto-Giardia antigen rapid test versus conventional modified Ziehl-Neelsen acid fast staining method for diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis

Objectove:To evaluate the validity of Crypto-Giardia antigen rapid test(CA-RT) in comparison with the conventional mollified Ziehl-Neelsen acid fast(MZN-AF) staining method for the diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis.Methods:Fifteen preserved stool samples from previously confirmed infections were used as positive controls and 40 stool samples from healthy people were used as negative control.A total of 85 stool samples were collected from suspected patients with cryptosporidiosis over 6 months during the period from January till June.2011.The stud) was conducted in the department of parasitology,central laboratory.Alnoor Specialist Hospital, Makkah.Saudi Arabia.All samples were subjected to CA-RT and conventional MZN-AF staining method.Validation parameters including sensitivity(SN).specificity(SP),accuracy index (AI).positive predictive value(PPV).and negative predictive value(NPV) were evaluated for both tests.Results:Out of 15[lositive controls,CA-RT detected 13(86.7%) while MZN-AF detected 11(73.3%) positive cases.However.CA-RT detected no positive case in 40 normal controls but MZN-AF detected 2(5%) as positive cases.Based on the results,the SN.SP.AI.PPV and NPV were high in CA-RT than MZN-AF staining method,ie..86.7%vs.73.3%.100%vs.95%.96.4%vs.89.1%. 100%vs.84.6%and 95.2%vs.90.5%.respectively.Out of a total of 85 suspected specimens.CART detected 7(8.2%) but MZN-AF detected 6(7.1%) cases as positive.Conclusions:CA-RT immunoassay is more valid and reliable than MZN-AF staining method.

Recent advances in the diagnosis of human schistosomiasis

Schistosomiasis,caused by parasitic bloodflukes of the genus Schistosoma,is a major source of human disease in developing tropical nations.This paper reviews the diagnostic various assays for schistosomiasis,with particular reference to recent advances in assays incorporating direct parasitological examination,serology,antigen detection,and polymerase chain reaction detection of parasite genetic material.

An extremely rare case of delusional parasitosis in a chronic hepatitis C patient during pegylated interferon alpha-2b and ribavirin treatment

During treatment of chronic hepatitis C patients with interferon and ribavirin, a lot of side effects are described. Twenty-three percent to 44% of patients develop depression. A minority of patients evolve to psychosis. To the best of our knowledge, no cases of psychogenic parasitosis occurring during interferon therapy have been described in the literature. We present a 49-year-old woman who developed a delusional parasitosis during treatment with pegylated interferon alpha-2b weekly and ribavirin. She complained of seeing parasites and the larvae of fleas in her stools. This could not be confirmed by any technical examination. All the complaints disappeared after stopping pegylated interferon alpha-2b and reappeared after restarting it. She had a complete sustained viral response.

Cardiac cystic echinococcosis:Report of three cases

We present a retrospective analysis of three cases of cardiac hydatidosis,who underwent surgery between 2010 and 2012.Two patients had a lesion in the interventricular septum,whereas one patient had the lesion in apicoinferior wall of LV.The diagnosis was made by echocardiography,but magnetic resonance imaging was utilized to assess cyst activity and extend of disease.All patients were placed on cardiopulmonary bypass.No postoperative complication or death occurred.The patients discharged uneventfully and all of them were free from hydatid disease at two years follow-up.We concluded that cardiac hydatid cysts should be removed surgically regardless of their location or extent,even in asymptomatic patients.

Effectiveness of <i>Moringa oleifera</i>Defatted Cake versus Seed in the Treatment of Unsafe Drinking Water: Case Study of Surface and Well Waters in Burkina Faso

Safe drinking water access for rural populations in developing countries remains a challenge for a sustainable development, particularly in rural and periurban areas of Burkina Faso. The study aims to investigate the purifying capacity of Moringa oleifera defatted cake as compared to Moringa oleifera seed in the treatment of surface and well waters used for populations alimentation. A total of 90 water samples were collected in sterile glass bottles from 3 dams’ water reservoirs, a river, and a large diameter well, respectively. The water samples were treated in triplicate with Moringa oleifera seed and defatted cake coagulants. At different settling time and coagulant concentration, turbidity and pH were measured to determine the optimal conditions and factors influencing treatment with regard to sampling source. Nine physicochemical parameters (turbidity, pH, nitrates, nitrites, calcium, magnesium, total hardness, organic matter and sulfates), three bacterial fecal pollution indicators (Escherichia coli, fecal Coliforms and fecal Streptococcus) and parasite cysts were monitored based on laboratory standard methods. Data were analyzed using the Student’s t test and XLSTAT 7.5.2 statistical software. From the results obtained, for the same concentration of coagulant, settling time providing the lowest turbidity was significantly shorter (p Moringa oleifera cake than seed. Optimum settling time with Moringa oleifera cake was between 15 - 60 min versus 60 - 120 min, with Moringa oleifera seed. Both treatments significantly reduced minerals concentration in water excepted sulfates for which the concentration reversely increased. However, only Moringa oleifera cake treatment reduced organic matter content in all the water samples, while it increased with Moringa oleifera seed one (p < 0.0001). The reduction of microbial pollution indicators was 92% - 100% with M. oleifera cake treatment and 84% - 100% with M. oleifera seed one. Overall, for all water samples, Moringa oleifera cake treatment appeared more efficient in improving drinking water quality than the M. oleifera seed treatment.

Comments on eurytrematosis in Brazil and the possibility of human infection

The manuscript "Eurytrematosis: An emerging and neglected disease in South Brazil" discusses some aspects of Eurytrema sp. fluke as an animal pathogen and based in some aspects of the parasitism in cattle and the life cycle of Eurytrema sp. Authors suggest the possibility of human infection, once there is no research on this subject in Brazil. In human cases reported, the mechanism of infection was not disclosed, so it keeps the discussion opened. Although we focused on animal eurytrematosis, we speculated the possibility of human infection by Eurytrema sp. in Brazil, but after all, the only way to determine it, would be a study searching for people infected through coprological or serological tests.

Comparison of Secnidazole and Fenbendazole for the Treatment of Asymptomatic Giardia Infection in Dogs

The objetive of this study was to compare a single dose of secnidazole versus multiple doses of fenbendazole for the treatment of dogs with asymptomatic Giardia infection.Materials and methods:Twenty-four asymptomatic dogs with a positive test result for Giardia spp were randomized in two equal groups to receive a single dose of secnidazole at 30 mg/kg PO,or fenbendazole at 50 mg/kg PO q24h for 3 days.Hematological parameters were evaluated before and 8 days after treatment,and feces were re-examined at days 8,15,and 30 post-treatment by fecal flotation and antigen test.Results:The number of positive dogs in the fenbendazole group was:1(day 8)and 3(days 15 and 30).In the secnidazole group,the number of positive cases were:4(day 8),3(day 15),and 1(day 30).Conclusion:Treatment with secnidazole or fenbendazole,were effective between 75%and 92%to eliminate the excretion of Giardia cysts in canines together with hygienic measures to control,like disinfection with quaternary ammonium of patients and their environment.Further studies that include more animals and multiple fecal exams on consecutive days would be necessary to confirm its efficacy in dogs.

The Design and Implementation of a Medical Parasitology Teaching Case Database Based on the Online and Offline Hybrid Teaching Model

The purpose of this paper is to comprehensively develop high-quality medical talents with strong clinical skills and innovativeness.By constructing and applying the medical parasitology teaching case database,students can gain access to various educational tools.The goal is to assist them in their progress from passive to active learning,as well as to develop their autonomous learning ability,critical thinking skills,communication skills,teamwork,and innovation skills.Besides,the goal is also to improve the overall hygiene perspective as well as digest and integrate their knowledge and skills.

Simultaneous analysis of the intestinal parasites and diet through eDNA metabarcoding

Agricultural expansion and intensification are having a huge impact on plant and arthropod diversity and abun-dance,affecting food availability for farmland birds.Difficult food access,in turn,can lead to immunosuppression and a higher incidence of parasites.In the studies designed to examine changes in the diet of birds and their par-asites,metabarcoding is proving particularly useful.This technique requires mini-barcodes capable of amplifying the DNA of target organisms from fecal environmental DNA.To help to understand the impact of agricultural expansion on biodiversity,this study sought to design and identify mini-barcodes that might simultaneously as-sess diet and intestinal parasites from the feces of farmland birds.The capacity to identify diet and parasites of 2 existing and 3 newly developed mini-barcodes was tested“in silico”in relation to the behavior of a reference eukaryotic barcode.Among the newly designed mini-barcodes,MiniB18S_81 showed the higher taxonomic cover-age of eukaryotic taxa and a greater amplification and identification capacity for diet and parasite taxa.Moreover,when it was tested on fecal samples from 5 different steppe bird species,MiniB18S_81 showed high taxonomic resolution of the most relevant diet and parasite phyla,Arthropoda,Nematoda,Platyhelminthes,and Apicomplexa at the order level.Thus,the mini-barcode developed emerges as an excellent tool to simultaneously provide detailed information regarding the diet and parasites of birds,essential for conservation and management.

Decline in transmission of schistosomiasis mansoni in Oman

Background:Intestinal schistosomiasis due to Schistosoma mansoni was first reported in Oman in 1979.We describe the trend in parasitological and serological prevalence of human infection with S.mansoni in the endemic area over the period 1982–2014,and the compliance of data generated by the national monitoring and evaluation system with schistosomiasis elimination criteria set by the Ministry of Health of Oman.Methods:Parasitological and serological assessments were carried out on population(mainly children)living in the area at risk for schistosomiasis in Dhofar,the country’s only endemic Governorate,for a period of over 30 years.Kato-Katz thick smear and Indirect Haemagglutination Assay were the techniques employed.Results:Data indicate a progressive decline in prevalence of S.mansoni throughout the 1980s and the 1990s,a recrudescence in the early 2000s,and a more marked decrease following the implementation of six rounds of mass treatment with praziquantel from 2007 to 2013.Latest parasitological prevalence(2011)was 0%,while latest serological prevalence(2014)was 0.11%.Conclusion:Transmission of schistosomiasis has reached very low levels in Oman.Elimination criteria established by the Ministry of Health of Oman(parasitological prevalence≤1%and serological prevalence≤5%)have been met since 2008.Further investigations are required to assess whether interruption of transmission has been achieved in some or all foci,in view of the establishment of a formal verification process under the auspices of WHO.

Development and optimization of integrated course of medical microbiology and parasitology

The course of medical microbiology and parasitology is integrated with medical microbiology and human parasitology. It is an important basic medical course. Efficient utilization of existing teaching resources and promotion of further integration are actual requirements of the teaching reform. Integration experience of this course in recent years are summarized in this paper,from the aspects of teaching modes,teaching resources,evaluation system,and management measures,we concluded how to construct and optimize this course. We also focus on the encountered problems and countermeasures in the construction of the curriculum in this paper,so as to provide strategic guidance for the further development of medical microbiology and parasitology.

Effects of Radix Ginseng on microbial infections: a narrative review

OBJECTIVE: To summarized the antimicrobial-like effects of Radix Ginseng, which provide important information to the relevant researchers and clinicians, and will benefit the clinical treatment of infectious diseases.METHODS: PubMed and Google were used to search for and collect scientific publications related to Radix Ginseng and microbial infections. The authors read, classified, and discussed the associated scientific results or evidences, and summarized the corresponding results.RESULTS: In this review, recent studies on the bene-ficial effects of Radix Ginseng extracts on microbial and biofilm infections were reviewed. The importance and significance of Radix Ginseng's beneficial effects are discussed. Evidence for the favorable effects of Radix Ginseng extracts on viral, bacterial,fungal, and parasitic infections and the possible underlying mechanisms are summarized.CONCLUSION: Radix Ginseng might be a promising supplemental remedy for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases.