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Duarte AM, Jenkins TP, Latrofa MS, Giannelli A, Papadopoulos E, de Carvalho LM, Nolan MJ, Otranto D, Cantacessi C. Helminth infections and gut microbiota - a feline perspective. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:625. [PMID: 27912797 PMCID: PMC5135779 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1908-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Investigations of the relationships between the gut microbiota and gastrointestinal parasitic nematodes are attracting growing interest by the scientific community, driven by the need to better understand the contribution of parasite-associated changes in the composition of the gut flora to both host malnutrition and immune modulation. These studies have however been carried out mainly in humans and experimental animals, while knowledge of the make-up of the gut commensal flora in presence or absence of infection by parasitic nematodes in domestic animals is limited. In this study, we investigate the qualitative and quantitative impact that infections by a widespread parasite of cats (i.e. Toxocara cati) exert on the gut microbiota of feline hosts. METHODS The faecal microbiota of cats with patent infection by T. cati (= Tc+), as well as that of negative controls (= Tc-) was examined via high-throughput sequencing of the V3-V4 hypervariable region of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene, followed by bioinformatics and biostatistical analyses of sequence data. RESULTS A total of 2,325,366 useable high-quality sequences were generated from the faecal samples analysed in this study and subjected to further bioinformatics analyses, which led to the identification of 128 OTUs and nine bacterial phyla, respectively. The phylum Firmicutes was predominant in all samples analysed (mean of 53.0%), followed by the phyla Proteobacteria (13.8%), Actinobacteria (13.7%) and Bacteroidetes (10.1%). Among others, bacteria of the order Lactobacillales, the family Enterococcaceae and genera Enterococcus and Dorea showed a trend towards increased abundance in Tc+ compared with Tc- samples, while no significant differences in OTU richness and diversity were recorded between Tc+ and Tc- samples (P = 0.485 and P = 0.581, respectively). However, Canonical Correlation and Redundancy Analyses were able to separate samples by infection status (P = 0.030 and P = 0.015, respectively), which suggests a correlation between the latter and the composition of the feline faecal microbiota. CONCLUSIONS In spite of the relatively small number of samples analysed, subtle differences in the composition of the gut microbiota of Tc+ vs Tc- cats could be identified, some of which in accordance with current data from humans and laboratory animal hosts. Nevertheless, the findings from this study contribute valuable knowledge to the yet little explored area of parasite-microbiota interactions in domestic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M. Duarte
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- CIISA, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Timothy P. Jenkins
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Maria S. Latrofa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Alessio Giannelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Elias Papadopoulos
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Matthew J. Nolan
- Department of Pathology and Pathogen Biology, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, UK
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Cinzia Cantacessi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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Gabrielli S, Tasić-Otašević S, Ignjatović A, Fraulo M, Trenkić-Božinović M, Momčilović S, Cancrini G. Seroprevalence and Risk Factors for Toxocara canis Infection in Serbia During 2015. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2016; 14:43-49. [PMID: 27893948 DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2016.2190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We report data on the Toxocara seroprevalence evidenced in 2015 from samples of 40 children and 298 adults of the population living in different areas of Serbia, and on possible association of certain variables with infection. Detection of specific antibodies was performed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; all ambiguous results and part of the positive and negative sera were further analyzed by confirmatory Western blot test. An overall 23.5% seroprevalence was noticed, which was confirmed in 13.0% of the examined population with no significant difference regarding the age (children = 10.0%; adults = 13.4%) or by country area (East = 18.2%; North = 15.5%, Southeastern = 9.5%; p = 0.005). In contrast, the group of adult women proved more reactive than men (p = 0.001), and subjects both who spend spare time in square/parks (p = 0.041) and with positive onychophagy (p = 0.001) habit turned out more exposed to the infection. Possible reasons of these differences were analyzed, and the medical, veterinary, and economic impact of this soil-transmitted zoonosis were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Gabrielli
- 1 Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, "Sapienza" University of Rome , Rome, Italy
| | - Suzana Tasić-Otašević
- 2 Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš , Niš, Serbia .,3 Center of Microbiology and Parasitology, Public Health Institute Niš , Niš, Serbia
| | - Aleksandra Ignjatović
- 3 Center of Microbiology and Parasitology, Public Health Institute Niš , Niš, Serbia .,4 Department of Medical Statistics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš , Niš, Serbia
| | - Maurizio Fraulo
- 1 Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, "Sapienza" University of Rome , Rome, Italy
| | | | - Stefan Momčilović
- 2 Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš , Niš, Serbia
| | - Gabriella Cancrini
- 1 Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, "Sapienza" University of Rome , Rome, Italy
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203
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Soil transmitted helminths in animals – how is it possible for human transmission? ASIAN PACIFIC JOURNAL OF TROPICAL DISEASE 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/s2222-1808(16)61146-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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204
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Mattos GT, Santos PCD, Telmo PDL, Berne MEA, Scaini CJ. Human Toxocariasis: Prevalence and Factors Associated with Biosafety in Research Laboratories. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2016; 95:1428-1431. [PMID: 27698276 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.16-0196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 08/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Human toxocariasis is a neglected parasitic disease worldwide. Researchers studying this disease use infectious strains of Toxocara for experiments. Health workers are at risk in the course of their daily routine and must adhere to biosafety standards while carrying out the activities. Researchers on biosafety concerning working with these parasites are insufficient. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of seroprevalence of Toxocara species among health-care research laboratory workers (professors, technicians, and students), and to investigate the risk factors of Toxocara infection associated with laboratory practices. This cross-sectional study involved 74 researchers at two federal universities in southern Brazil from February 2014 to February 2015; 29 researchers manipulated infective strains of Toxocara canis (test group) and 45 did not (control group). Serum samples were examined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Epidemiological data were obtained via a questionnaire containing information about laboratory routine, eating behavior, and contact with dogs. The seroprevalence of anti-T. canis IgG was 14.9% (11/74; 13.8% [4/29] in the test group and 15.6% [7/45] in the control group). Most individuals in the test group correctly understood the primary mode of infection; however, 13.8% did not use gloves while manipulating T. canis eggs. Knowledge of biosafety must be well understood by health-care professionals doing laboratory work with biological agents. To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the rate of seroprevalence of IgG against Toxocara spp. among professionals and students who handle infective forms of the nematode T. canis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Torres Mattos
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine (FAMED), Area Interdisciplinary Biomedical Sciences (AICB), Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
| | - Paula Costa Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine (FAMED), Area Interdisciplinary Biomedical Sciences (AICB), Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Paula de Lima Telmo
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine (FAMED), Area Interdisciplinary Biomedical Sciences (AICB), Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Maria Elisabeth Aires Berne
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Carlos James Scaini
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine (FAMED), Area Interdisciplinary Biomedical Sciences (AICB), Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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205
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Vargas C, Torres P, Jercic MI, Lobos M, Oyarce A, Miranda JC, Ayala S. FREQUENCY OF ANTI- Toxocara spp. ANTIBODIES IN INDIVIDUALS ATTENDED BY THE CENTRO DE SALUD FAMILIAR AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION WITH Toxocara canis EGGS IN DOG FECES, IN THE COASTAL NIEBLA TOWN, CHILE. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2016; 58:62. [PMID: 27680167 PMCID: PMC5048633 DOI: 10.1590/s1678-9946201658062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2015] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The frequency of anti-Toxocara spp. antibodies in individuals
attended by the Centro de Salud Familiar in the coastal Niebla town,
Chile, was related to the host and to environmental factors. IgG anti-
Toxocara antibodies were detected with a commercial ELISA kit
(SCIMEDX Corporation, USA). Samples with undetermined absorbance values were
subjected to an additional ELISA standardized by the Instituto de Salud
Pública, Chilean Health Ministry, a commercial ELISA (NOVATEC, Germany),
and a commercial Western blot kit (LDBio Diagnostics, France). Hematological exams
were performed using an automated blood counter and blood smears. Dog feces were
collected from the ground along the main road in Niebla, including rural and urban
locations. Ninety (25.4%) of the 355 examined individuals were positive by the ELISA
test. The frequency of anti-Toxocara antibodies and the infection
risk were significantly higher (p < 0.05) among those individuals
≥ 40 years old with respect to the 20-39 years old group, in individuals from rural
locations, those who did not have a safe drinking water supply in the house or who
presented blood eosinophilia. The proportion of positive samples of dog feces and the
mean number of Toxocara canis eggs/g of feces in urban and rural
areas were similar (p > 0.05).
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Affiliation(s)
- Catalina Vargas
- Universidad Austral de Chile, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Parasitología, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Patricio Torres
- Universidad Austral de Chile, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Parasitología, Valdivia, Chile
| | - María Isabel Jercic
- Instituto de Salud Pública de Chile, Departamento Laboratorio Biomédico Nacional y de Referencia, Sección de Parasitología, Santiago, Chile
| | - Marta Lobos
- Universidad Austral de Chile, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Medicina, Unidad de Hematología, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Alan Oyarce
- Instituto de Salud Pública de Chile, Departamento Laboratorio Biomédico Nacional y de Referencia, Sección de Parasitología, Santiago, Chile
| | - Juan Carlos Miranda
- Universidad Austral de Chile, Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y Administrativas, Instituto e Estadística, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Salvador Ayala
- Instituto de Salud Pública de Chile, Subdepartamento Vigilancia de Laboratorio, Santiago, Chile
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206
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Nguyen T, Cheong FW, Liew JWK, Lau YL. Seroprevalence of fascioliasis, toxocariasis, strongyloidiasis and cysticercosis in blood samples diagnosed in Medic Medical Center Laboratory, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam in 2012. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:486. [PMID: 27595647 PMCID: PMC5011968 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1780-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 08/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the global effort against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), developing countries with middle to low income are still burdened by them. Vietnam has been undergoing substantial economic growth and urbanization, but underprivileged people living in rural and suburban areas are still having little access to public health infrastructure and proper sanitation. Hitherto, limited information is available for seroprevalence and risk factors of several parasitic diseases in Vietnam. Methods A retrospective study was performed on diagnostic results of Fasciola spp., Toxocara spp., Strongyloides stercoralis and Taenia solium IgG ELISA tests from Medic Medical Center Laboratory, Ho Chi Minh City in 2012. The data were first stratified before statistical analyses were performed. Seroprevalence of fascioliasis, toxocariasis, strongyloidiasis and cysticercosis was determined and the age and gender risk factors were evaluated. Results Seroprevalence of fascioliasis, toxocariasis, strongyloidiasis and cysticercosis was 5.9 % (590/10,084; 95 % CI: 5.44–6.36), 45.2 % (34,995/77,356; 95 % CI: 44.85–45.55), 7.4 % (3,174/42,920; 95 % CI: 7.15–7.65) and 4.9 % (713/14,601; 95 % CI: 4.55–5.25), respectively. Co-exposure to multiple parasites was detected in 890 males (45.7 %; 95 % CI: 43.49–47.91) and 1,059 females (54.3 %; 95 % CI: 52.09–56.51). Social structure and differences in behavioural factors caused the gender factor to have a significant effect on the prevalence of all the diseases, while the seropositivity for fascioliasis and strongyloidiasis were age group-related. Conclusions The seroprevalence of fascioliasis, toxocariasis, strongyloidiasis and cysticercosis in the blood samples diagnosed in Medic Medical Center Laboratory, Ho Chi Minh City, in year 2012 were comparatively high. The Vietnamese customs and cultures, dietary habits and agricultural practices exposed them to high risk of contracting NTDs. Despite the possibility of false positive results due to antigenic cross-reactions, detection of IgG antibodies remains as a reliable method in sero-epidemiological study as it is non-invasive and demonstrates previous exposure of individuals to the parasites. Besides the implementation of strategies to control these diseases, epidemiological analysis and surveillance of diseases should also be continually strengthened to monitor the effectiveness of regimens and interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toan Nguyen
- Medic Medical Center Laboratory, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Fei Wen Cheong
- Department of Parasitology, Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Center (TIDREC), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Jonathan Wee Kent Liew
- Department of Parasitology, Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Center (TIDREC), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yee Ling Lau
- Department of Parasitology, Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Center (TIDREC), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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207
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Lötsch F, Obermüller M, Mischlinger J, Mombo-Ngoma G, Groger M, Adegnika AA, Agnandji ST, Schneider R, Auer H, Ramharter M. Seroprevalence of Toxocara spp. in a rural population in Central African Gabon. Parasitol Int 2016; 65:632-634. [PMID: 27594568 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2016.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Revised: 08/24/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Toxocara spp. are zoonotic parasites with global distribution infecting humans by incidental ingestions of eggs shed in feces of dogs or cats. High seroprevalences have been reported from several regions of Africa, however data from the Central African region remain limited. Although several clinical entities caused by larvae of Toxocara spp. have been described, the public heath impact of this infection has so far often been neglected. This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence in a rural central African population. The population based study was performed in volunteers in a rural region of Gabon. A two-step testing approach was applied using an ELISA as screening test and a Western Blot (immunoblot) as confirmatory assay. Basic demographic data and risk factors were collected and compared between seropositive and negative participants. In total, 199 out of 332 serum samples were tested positive for Toxocara spp. antibodies (59.9%). After standardization for age to the overall Gabonese population seroprevalence was 53.6% (95% CI 48.2-59.0%). There was a trend towards higher seroprevalence in participants with agricultural activity. Seroprevalence of antibodies against Toxocara spp. is high in this rural population in Gabon. These results are comparable with previous reports from other sub-regions of Africa and add to our understanding of the epidemiology of toxocariasis in Africa. Given the high prevalence of toxocariasis in tropical regions, it may be speculated that clinically relevant presentations (e.g. visceral or ocular larva migrans syndrome) may occur in considerable numbers. A formal assessment of the burden of disease and the public health impact of human toxocariasis is therefore warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Lötsch
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Austria; Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
| | - Markus Obermüller
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Johannes Mischlinger
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Austria; Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
| | | | - Mirjam Groger
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Austria; Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
| | - Akim Ayola Adegnika
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon; Institut für Tropenmedizin, Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Selidji Todagbe Agnandji
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon; Institut für Tropenmedizin, Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Renate Schneider
- Department for Medical Parasitology, Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Herbert Auer
- Department for Medical Parasitology, Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Ramharter
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Austria; Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon; Institut für Tropenmedizin, Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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208
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Figueiredo A, Oliveira L, Madeira de Carvalho L, Fonseca C, Torres RT. Parasite species of the endangered Iberian wolf (Canis lupus signatus) and a sympatric widespread carnivore. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2016; 5:164-7. [PMID: 27358768 PMCID: PMC4916035 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2016.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Revised: 04/10/2016] [Accepted: 04/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Parasites have a profound impact on wildlife population dynamics. However, until some years ago, studies on the occurrence and prevalence of wildlife parasites were neglected comparatively with the studies on humans and domestic animals. In this study, we determined the parasite prevalence of two sympatric wild canids: the endangered Iberian wolf (Canis lupus signatus) and the widespread red fox (Vulpes vulpes), in central Portugal. From November 2014 to July 2015, fresh fecal samples from both species were collected monthly in several transects distributed throughout the study area. All samples were submitted to several coprological techniques. In total, 6 helminth parasites (Crenosoma vulpis, Angiostrongylus vasorum, Toxocara canis, Trichuris vulpis, Ancylostomatidae, Toxascaris leonina), and a protozoa (Balantidium coli) were identified based on size and morphology. The red fox was infected by seven different parasites while the Iberian wolf was infected by four. All parasites present in wolf were also present in the red fox. C. vulpis had the higher prevalence in red fox, while Ancylostomatidae were the most prevalent parasites in wolf. To our knowledge, this is the first study in this isolated subpopulation of the Iberian wolf. Our results show that both carnivores carry parasites that are of concern as they are pathogenic to humans and other wild and domestic animals. We suggest that surveillance programs must also include monitoring protocols of wildlife; particularly endangered species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Figueiredo
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Lucia Oliveira
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Luís Madeira de Carvalho
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Carlos Fonseca
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Rita Tinoco Torres
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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209
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Stroehlein AJ, Young ND, Hall RS, Korhonen PK, Hofmann A, Sternberg PW, Jabbar A, Gasser RB. CAP protein superfamily members in Toxocara canis. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:360. [PMID: 27342979 PMCID: PMC4921028 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1642-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Proteins of the cysteine-rich secretory proteins, antigen 5 and pathogenesis-related 1 (CAP) superfamily are recognized or proposed to play roles in parasite development and reproduction, and in modulating host immune attack and infection processes. However, little is known about these proteins for most parasites. RESULTS In the present study, we explored CAP proteins of Toxocara canis, a socioeconomically important zoonotic roundworm. To do this, we mined and curated transcriptomic and genomic data, predicted and curated full-length protein sequences (n = 28), conducted analyses of these data and studied the transcription of respective genes in different developmental stages of T. canis. In addition, based on information available for Caenorhabditis elegans, we inferred that selected genes (including lon-1, vap-1, vap-2, scl-1, scl-8 and scl-11 orthologs) of T. canis and their interaction partners likely play central roles in this parasite's development and/or reproduction via TGF-beta and/or insulin-like signaling pathways, or via host interactions. CONCLUSION In conclusion, this study could provide a foundation to guide future studies of CAP proteins of T. canis and related parasites, and might assist in finding new interventions against diseases caused by these parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas J Stroehlein
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
| | - Neil D Young
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Ross S Hall
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Pasi K Korhonen
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Andreas Hofmann
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Structural Chemistry Program, Eskitis Institute, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Paul W Sternberg
- HHMI and Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Abdul Jabbar
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
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210
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Massei G, Fooks AR, Horton DL, Callaby R, Sharma K, Dhakal IP, Dahal U. Free-Roaming Dogs in Nepal: Demographics, Health and Public Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices. Zoonoses Public Health 2016; 64:29-40. [PMID: 27334892 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In Nepal, most dogs are free to roam and may transmit diseases to humans and animals. These dogs often suffer from malnutrition and lack basic health care. Minimal information is available about their demographics and about public attitudes concerning dogs and diseases. We carried out a study in Chitwan District (central Nepal), to collect baseline data on free-roaming owned dog demographics, assess knowledge, attitudes and practices of dog owners concerning dogs and rabies, evaluate rabies vaccination coverage and anthelmintic treatment of dogs, measure dogs' response to rabies vaccination and assess dog health through body condition scores and parasites. We conducted household interviews with owners of free-roaming female dogs (n = 60) and administered dogs with rabies vaccination and anthelmintics. Dog owners regularly fed free-roaming dogs but provided minimal health care; 42% of respondents did not claim ownership of the dog for which they provided care. We collected skin, faecal and blood samples for parasite identification and for measuring rabies virus-specific antibodies. Ninety-two per cent of dog owners were aware of the routes of rabies virus transmission, but only 35% described the correct post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) following a dog bite. Twenty-seven per cent of the dogs had measurable rabies virus-specific antibody titres and 14% had received anthelmintics in the previous year. Following rabies vaccination, 97% of dogs maintained an adequate antibody titre for ≥6 months. Most dogs appeared healthy, although haemoprotozoans, endoparasites and ectoparasites were identified in 12%, 73% and 40% of the dogs, respectively. Poor skin condition and parasite load were associated. Seventy-four per cent of the females had litters in 1 year (mean litter size = 4.5). Births occurred between September and February; we estimated 60% mortality in puppies. We concluded that vaccination coverage, PEP awareness and anthelmintic treatment should be emphasized in educational programmes focussed on animal welfare, veterinary and public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Massei
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, National Wildlife Management Centre, York, UK
| | - A R Fooks
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Wildlife Zoonoses and Vector-borne Disease Research Group, Weybridge, UK.,Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - D L Horton
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Wildlife Zoonoses and Vector-borne Disease Research Group, Weybridge, UK.,School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - R Callaby
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, National Wildlife Management Centre, York, UK
| | - K Sharma
- Himalayan Animal Rescue Trust, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - I P Dhakal
- Faculty of Animal Science, Veterinary Science and Fisheries, Agricultural and Forestry University (AFU), Rampur Chitwan, Nepal
| | - U Dahal
- Directorate of Animal Health, Department of Livestock Services, Kathmandu, Nepal
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211
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Larva migrans syndrome caused by Toxocara and Ascaris roundworm infections in Japanese patients. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2016; 35:1521-9. [PMID: 27272122 PMCID: PMC4982883 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-016-2693-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Larva migrans syndrome (LMS) caused by Toxocara and Ascaris roundworms is generally believed to be more common in children, while a report from Japan suggests that it is more common in adults. We conducted a large-scale retrospective study to confirm these findings and to clarify what caused the difference between Japan and other countries, to reveal overlooked aspects of this disease. The clinical information of 911 cases which we diagnosed as Toxocara or Ascaris LMS during 2001 and 2015 was analysed. Information used included age, sex, address (city or county), chief complaint, present history, dietary history, overseas travelling history, medical imaging findings and laboratory data (white blood cell count, peripheral blood eosinophil number and total IgE). The sex ratio of the disease was 2.37 (male/female = 641/270). The number of patients not younger than 20 years old were 97.8 and 95.1 % among males and females, respectively. Major disease types were visceral, ocular, neural and asymptomatic. The visceral type was more prevalent in older patients, while younger patients were more vulnerable to ocular symptoms. More than two-thirds of the patients whose dietary habits were recorded had a history of ingesting raw or undercooked animal meat. LMS caused by Toxocara or Ascaris is primarily a disease of adult males in Japan, who probably acquired infections by eating raw or undercooked animal meat/liver. Healthcare specialists should draw public attention to the risk of raw or undercooked animal meat in Europe as well.
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Characterization and differential expression analysis of Toxocara canis aquaporin-1 gene. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:3631-6. [PMID: 27215210 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5129-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Toxocara canis is an intestinal nematode of canids with a worldwide distribution, causing an important but neglected parasitic zoonosis in humans. Aquaporins (AQP) are a family of water channel proteins, which function as membrane channels to regulate water homeostasis. In this study, the coding sequence of aquaporin-1 gene of T. canis (Tc-aqp-1) was cloned and characterized. The obtained Tc-aqp-1 coding sequence was 933 bp in length, which predicted to encode 311 amino acids. Two conserved asparagine-proline-alanine (NPA) motifs were identified in the multiple sequence alignments. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the closest relationship between T. canis and Opisthorchis viverrini based on aquaporin-1 amino acid sequence. A structure was predicted with ligand binding sites predicted at H93, N95, N226, L94, I79, and I210 and with active sites predicted at I256 and G207. Gene Ontology (GO) annotations predicted its cellular component term of integral component of plasma membrane (GO: 0005887), molecular function term of channel activity (GO: 0015250), and biological process term of water transport (GO: 0006833). Tissue expression analysis revealed that the Tc-aqp-1 was highly expressed in the intestine of adult male. The findings of the present study provide the basis for further functional studies of T. canis aquaporin-1.
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Abandonment, Ecological Assembly and Public Health Risks in Counter-Urbanizing Cities. SUSTAINABILITY 2016. [DOI: 10.3390/su8050491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Ma G, Luo Y, Zhu H, Luo Y, Korhonen PK, Young ND, Gasser RB, Zhou R. MicroRNAs of Toxocara canis and their predicted functional roles. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:229. [PMID: 27108220 PMCID: PMC4842261 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1508-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Accepted: 04/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toxocara canis is the causative agent of toxocariasis of humans and other animals. This parasitic nematode (roundworm) has a complex life cycle, in which substantial developmental changes and switches occur. As small non-coding RNAs (sRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression in a wide range of organisms, we explored these RNAs in T. canis to provide a basis for future studies of its developmental biology as well as host interactions and disease at the molecular level. Methods We conducted high-throughput RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analyses to define sRNAs in individual male and female adults of T. canis. Results Apart from snRNA and snoRNA, 560 and 619 microRNAs (miRNAs), including 5 and 2 novel miRNAs, were identified in male and female worms, respectively, without piRNAs being detected in either sex. An analysis of transcriptional profiles showed that, of 564 miRNAs predicted as being differentially transcribed between male and female individuals of T. canis, 218 miRNAs were transcribed exclusively in male and 277 in female worms. Functional enrichment analysis predicted that both male and female miRNAs were mainly involved in regulating embryonic morphogenesis, hemidesmosome assembly and genetic information processing. The miRNAs differentially transcribed between the sexes were predicted to be associated with sex determination, embryonic morphogenesis and nematode larval development. The roles of miRNAs were predicted based on gene ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway annotations. The miRNAs Tc-miR-2305 and Tc-miR-6090 are proposed to have roles in reproduction, embryo development and larval development, and Tc-let-7-5p, Tc-miR-34 and Tc-miR-100 appear to be involved in host-parasite interactions. Together with published information from previous studies, some miRNAs (such as Tc-miR-2861, Tc-miR-2881 and Tc-miR-5126) are predicted to represent drug targets and/or associated with drug resistance. Conclusions This is the first exploration of miRNAs in T. canis, which could provide a basis for fundamental investigations of the developmental biology of the parasite, parasite-host interactions and toxocariasis as well as applied areas, such as the diagnosis of infection/disease, drug target discovery and drug resistance detection. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-016-1508-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangxu Ma
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Rongchang Campus of Southwest University, Chongqing, 402460, The People's Republic of China.,Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Yongfang Luo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Rongchang Campus of Southwest University, Chongqing, 402460, The People's Republic of China
| | - Honghong Zhu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Rongchang Campus of Southwest University, Chongqing, 402460, The People's Republic of China
| | - Yongli Luo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Rongchang Campus of Southwest University, Chongqing, 402460, The People's Republic of China
| | - Pasi K Korhonen
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Neil D Young
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia.
| | - Rongqiong Zhou
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Rongchang Campus of Southwest University, Chongqing, 402460, The People's Republic of China.
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Vanhee M, Dalemans AC, Viaene J, Depuydt L, Claerebout E. Toxocara in sandpits of public playgrounds and kindergartens in Flanders (Belgium). Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2016; 1-2:51-54. [PMID: 31018409 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2016.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Revised: 03/11/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Belgium counts more than a million dogs and at least two million cats, of which many are carrying zoonotic nematodes of the genus Toxocara. Environmental contamination with worm eggs is considered the key transmission route from animals to humans, and mainly young children are at risk. Contamination of soil with Toxocara eggs has been reported from all over the world, but data are lacking for Belgium. In this study, faecal contamination and the presence of Toxocara eggs in sand were investigated in sandpits of public playgrounds and kindergartens in Flanders (Northern Belgium). Faeces, of which 85% originated from cats, were found in about one third of the public playgrounds and one fifth of the kindergartens. Toxocara eggs were found in 12% of the faecal samples, in 14% of the public sandpits, and in 2% of the sandpits of kindergartens. These data indicate that environmental contamination with Toxocara exists in urban areas in Belgium, and that cats are most likely the main source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merijn Vanhee
- Department of Biotechnology, Vives University College, Wilgenstraat 32, 8800 Roeselare, Belgium.
| | | | - Jasmine Viaene
- Department of Biotechnology, Vives University College, Wilgenstraat 32, 8800 Roeselare, Belgium.
| | - Lies Depuydt
- Department of Biotechnology, Vives University College, Wilgenstraat 32, 8800 Roeselare, Belgium.
| | - Edwin Claerebout
- Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
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Abstract
PURPOSE Toxocariasis is a widespread zoonosis, which may result in central nervous system injury. METHODS We conducted a systematic literature review in MEDLINE, SciELO, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar up to April 2015 using a combination of the following search terms: "neurotoxocariasis" or "neurotoxocarosis", "toxocariasis" or "toxocarosis" and "cerebral" or "neurologic". RESULTS One hundred cases of neurotoxocariasis were identified in literature. The majority of patients were male (58 %), with a median age of 42 years. The predominant clinical pictures were myelitis (60 %), encephalitis (47 %) and/or meningitis (29 %). Fever was inconstant (23 %). The suspected mode of transmission, mentioned in only 49 % of cases, was mainly contact with dogs and/or cats (67 %) and ingestion of contaminated food (31 %). Diagnostic imaging examinations found hypodense lesions in cerebral scanner sequences and hyperintense lesions in cerebral MRI T2-weighted sequences in 65 and 57 % of encephalitis cases respectively, and in 92 % of myelitis cases in medullary MRI T2-weighted sequences. The detection of antibodies against Toxocara spp. was almost constant in blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), 99 and 93 %, respectively. The two most commonly used drugs were corticosteroids (72 %) and/or albendazole (68 %) for a period of at least 3 weeks, which often needed to be repeated. Despite a low mortality rate (6 %), complete remission was observed in only 40 % of cases. CONCLUSIONS Neurotoxocariasis, a completely preventable zoonosis, could lead to severe sequelae failing prompt diagnosis. A compatible clinical picture, presence of risk factors, blood eosinophilia and high titers of antibodies against Toxocara spp. in CSF should alert physicians.
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217
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Gómez-Morales MA, Selmi M, Ludovisi A, Amati M, Fiorentino E, Breviglieri L, Poglayen G, Pozio E. Hunting dogs as sentinel animals for monitoring infections with Trichinella spp. in wildlife. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:154. [PMID: 26984402 PMCID: PMC4793736 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1437-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 03/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Nematode parasites of the genus Trichinella are important foodborne pathogens transmitted by ingestion of striated muscles harbouring infective larvae. Wild carnivorous and omnivorous animals are the most important reservoirs of these parasites. Hunting activities play an important role in Trichinella spp. epidemiology. The aim of the present work was to assess if serological detection of anti-Trichinella IgG in hunting dogs can be a tool to indirectly monitor Trichinella spp. infections in wildlife. Methods An ELISA and a Western blot (Wb) were developed and validated. To validate the assays, serum samples were collected from 598 dogs considered to be Trichinella-free, 15 naturally infected dogs, and six experimentally infected foxes. Sera were tested by ELISA with Trichinella spiralis excretory/secretory antigens. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of ELISA were 100 % (95 % CI: 83.89–100 %) and 95.65 % (95 % CI: 93.69–97.14 %), respectively. Sera from Trichinella-infected dogs/foxes tested by Wb showed a three-band pattern ranging from 48 to 72 kDa. Since the prevalence of Toxocara canis is very high in dogs, the specificity of the ELISA and Wb was further assessed by testing sera for anti-T. canis IgG using T. canis excretory/secretory antigens. No cross-reactivity was observed. To evaluate the test’s reliability in the field, serum samples were collected from wild boar hunting dogs from Central Italy where Trichinella britovi was circulating among wildlife. Results Out of 384 hunting dog sera, 189 (49.2 %) tested positive by ELISA and of these, 56 (29.6 %) tested positive by Wb, showing an overall prevalence of 14.6 % (56/384) in the wild boar hunting dog population of the investigated area. The serological prevalence in hunting dogs was significantly (P < 0.001) associated with the hunting district’s altitude. This is in agreement with previous investigations, which had shown that the prevalence of T. britovi in wildlife was higher in mountainous areas than in lowland areas of Italy. Conclusion The results suggest that the circulation of Trichinella spp. among wildlife can be monitored by testing sera from hunting dogs, which could act as sentinel animals of Trichinella spp. circulation in wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marco Selmi
- U.F. Sanità Pubblica Veterinaria e Sicurezza Alimentare, ASL 2, Lucca, Italy
| | - Alessandra Ludovisi
- Department of Infectious, Parasitic and Immunomediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Amati
- Department of Infectious, Parasitic and Immunomediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Fiorentino
- Department of Infectious, Parasitic and Immunomediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Breviglieri
- School of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, University of Bologna, Ozzano Emilia, Italy
| | - Giovanni Poglayen
- School of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, University of Bologna, Ozzano Emilia, Italy
| | - Edoardo Pozio
- Department of Infectious, Parasitic and Immunomediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
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Magi M, Guardone L, Mignone W, Prati MC, Macchioni F. Intestinal helminths of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in north-west Italy. Helminthologia 2016. [DOI: 10.1515/helmin-2015-0073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Summary
A total of 180 foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from an area scarcely investigated of north-west Italy, were examined for intestinal helminths using sedimentation and counting technique (SCT). Faecal samples were submitted to centrifugation with 50 % zinc sulphate used as flotation solution.
No fox was found completely negative for intestinal helminths. The most frequently identified nematodes were Uncinaria stenocephala (70.0 %), Molineus legerae (27.2 %), Toxocara canis (26.7 %), Toxascaris leonina (25.6 %), Trichuris vulpis (21.1 %), Aonchotheca putorii (8.9 %), Pterygodermatites affinis (5.6 %). Genus Mesocestoides (81.7 %), family Dilepididae (29.4 %) and Taenia spp. (8.3 %) were the most prevalent cestodes. All foxes were negative for E. multilocularis and E. granulosus. In two foxes trematodes belonging to the family Plagiorchidae were found.
The study highlighted that foxes are hosts of intestinal helminths of veterinary and medical importance which may be transmitted to dogs and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Magi
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - L. Guardone
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - W. Mignone
- Istituto Zooprofi lattico Sperimentale of Piedmont, Liguria, Aosta Valley, via Nizza 4, 18100 Imperia, Italy
| | - M. C. Prati
- Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa, Piazza dei Cavalieri 7, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - F. Macchioni
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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Olave AM, Mesa JA, Botero JH, Patiño EB, García GM, Alzate JF. Production and evaluation of the recombinant antigen TES-30 of Toxocara canis for the immunodiagnosis of toxocariasis. BIOMEDICA : REVISTA DEL INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE SALUD 2016; 36:39-51. [PMID: 27622437 DOI: 10.7705/biomedica.v36i1.2617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2014] [Revised: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Toxocara canis is a pathogenic nematode of canines which can be accidentally transmitted to humans. Although serology is the most important diagnostic tool for this zoonosis, diagnostic kits use crude excretion/secretion antigens, most of them being glycoproteins which are not species-specific and may cross-react with antibodies generated against other parasites. OBJECTIVES To produce the rTES-30 recombinant antigen of Toxocara canis and evaluate it in the immunodiagnosis of toxocariasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS The gene that codes for TES-30 was cloned in the expression vector pET28a (+) using single-stranded oligonucleotides united by PCR. The protein rTES-30 was purified by Ni2+ affinity chromotography. Seroreactivity of rTES-30 was evaluated by immunoblot. Given that there is no gold standard test, the behaviour of the antigen was compared with the method that is routinely used to immunodiagnose toxocariasis, i.e., the conventional ELISA technique using excretion/secretion antigens. RESULTS The rTES-30 was produced from an Escherichia coli LB culture which yielded 2.25 mg/L of the antigen with a purity of 95%. The results obtained showed 73% (46/63) concordance of reactivity between the rTES-30 immunoblot and the conventional ELISA, and 100% concordance with the nonreactive sera (21). Nineteen of the 21 sera positive for other parasitoses reacted with ELISA, while only seven of these were positive with the rTES-30 immunoblot. Concordance between the ELISA and the immunoblot was moderate (kappa coefficient: 0.575; 95% CI: 0.41- 0.74). CONCLUSIONS The data presented show the potential of the rTES-30 inmunoblot for confirmation of possible ELISA positives, not only in epidemiological studies, but also as a candidate for the development of diagnostic tests for ocular toxocariasis in Colombia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Olave
- Grupo de Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.
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Viola GR, Giacomin MFA, França CM, Sallum AM, Jacob CM, Silva CA. Poliartrite crônica como manifestação isolada da toxocaríase. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE REUMATOLOGIA 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbr.2014.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Ilić T, Becskei Z, Petrović T, Polaček V, Ristić B, Milić S, Stepanović P, Radisavljević K, Dimitrijević S. Endoparasitic fauna of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and golden jackals (Canis aureus) in Serbia. Acta Parasitol 2016; 61:389-96. [PMID: 27078664 DOI: 10.1515/ap-2016-0051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2015] [Accepted: 12/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Wild canides have a high epizootiological - epidemiological significance, considering that they are hosts for some parasites which spread vector born diseases. Increased frequency of certain interactions between domestic and wild canides increases the risk of occurrence, spreading and maintaining the infection of parasitic etiology in domestic canides. The research was conducted in 232 wild canides (172 red foxes and 60 golden jackals). The examined material was sampled from foxes and jackals, which were hunted down between 2010 and 2014, from 8 epizootiological areas of Serbia (North-Bačka, West-Bačka, Southern-Banat, Moravički, Zlatiborski, Raški, Rasinski and Zaječarski district). On completing the parasitological dissection and the coprological diagnostics, in wild canides protozoa from the genus Isospora were identified, 3 species of trematoda (Alaria alata, Pseudamphistomum truncatum and Metagonimus yokogawai), cestods from the genus Taenia and 5 species of nematodes (Toxocara canis, Ancylostomatidae, Trichuris vulpis and Capillaria aerophila). The finding of M. yokogawai in golden jackals were, to the best of our knowledge, one of the first diagnosed cases of metagonimosis in golden jackals in Serbia. The continued monitoring of the parasitic fauna of wild canides is needed to establish the widespread of the zoonoses in different regions of Serbia, because they present the reservoirs and/or sources of these infections.
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Toxocariasis-associated cardiac diseases--A systematic review of the literature. Acta Trop 2016; 154:107-20. [PMID: 26571071 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2015.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2015] [Revised: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 11/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Toxocariasis, caused by Toxocara canis or Toxocara catis, is a worldwide occurring parasitic disease, reaching high prevalences especially in tropical and subtropical countries. The clinical presentation can range from asymptomatic seropositivity to life threatenting disease, depending on the organ system involved. Cardiac involvement, one of the possible manifestations of human Toxocara spp. infection, is rarely reported in case reports. As far as we know, no systematic reviews of clinical presentations have been published till now and no clear recommendations regarding the treatment of Toxocara spp. infection involving the heart exist. In a systematic review of the literature, 24 published cases of Toxocara spp. infection involving the heart were identified. The cardiac entities described included myocarditis, pericarditis, and Loeffler's endocarditis. The clinical presentation ranged from asymptomatic or mild disease to life threatening myocarditis/pericarditis with heart failure or cardiac tamponade, leading to death. In most cases, the diagnosis was based on a combination of clinical, laboratory and radiological findings. Only in three of the nine cases in which histological analysis was performed (either pre- or post-mortem), granulomas or remnants of the parasite were detected. In the other six cases, findings were non-specific; the damage of the heart was equally caused by direct invasion of the larvae and by immunological reactions, either caused by the systemic hypereosinophilia or by the presence of the larvae in the tissue. The treatment regimen described mostly consisted of anthelmintic drugs in combination with corticosteroids. Even though dosage and duration of treatment varied widely, ranging from days to months, most patients were treated successfully. Cardiac involvement in Toxocara spp. infection is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication of a very common disease. The therapeutic regimens vary widely especially with regard to the duration of therapy, however, the combination of an anthelmintic drug and a corticosteroid appears to be a valuable option. For the daily clinical work, tissue manifestation by parasites should be considered in cases of unspecific organ manifestations, (i.e. heart, lungs, liver), accompanied by fever and eosinophilia with or without allergic skin rashes.
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Gasser RB, Korhonen PK, Zhu XQ, Young ND. Harnessing the Toxocara Genome to Underpin Toxocariasis Research and New Interventions. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2016; 91:87-110. [PMID: 27015948 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2015.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Parasitic worms, such as flatworms (platyhelminths) and roundworms (nematodes), cause substantial morbidity and mortality in animals and people globally. The ascaridoid nematode Toxocara canis is a zoonotic parasite of socioeconomic significance worldwide. In humans, this worm causes toxocariasis (disease) mainly in underprivileged communities in both the developed and developing worlds. While reasonably well studied from clinical and epidemiological perspectives, little is understood about the molecular biology of T. canis, its relationship with its hosts and the disease that it causes. However, a recent report of the draft genome and transcriptomes of T. canis should underpin many fundamental and applied research areas in the future. The present article gives a background on Toxocara and toxocariasis, a brief account of diagnostic approaches for specific identification and genetic analysis, and gives a perspective on the impact that the genome of T. canis and advanced molecular technologies could have on our understanding of the parasite and the diseases that it causes as well as the design of new and improved approaches for the diagnosis, treatment and control of toxocariasis.
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Choi JK, Lee JW, Park YH, Kim SH. Eosinophilic Meningitis Associated with Toxocariasis. JOURNAL OF NEUROCRITICAL CARE 2015. [DOI: 10.18700/jnc.2015.8.2.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
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Abstract
SUMMARYToxocara species infect a wide range of companion, domestic and wild animals as definitive and paratenic hosts, via multiple routes of transmission, producing long-lived tissue-inhabiting larvae and resistant eggs that can survive in the external environment. Therefore Toxocara and the disease it causes in humans, toxocariasis, represents an ideal aetiological agent for the development of the one health approach. However, despite increasing awareness of the public health significance of toxocariasis, gaps in our understanding of certain key aspects of the parasite's biology and epidemiology remain. These gaps hinder our ability to integrate research effort within the veterinary, medical and environmental disciplines. This review will highlight key deficits in our understanding of nine dimensions of Toxocara epidemiology and discuss a potential scenario to develop a more integrated, one health approach to improve our understanding of the prevention and control of this complex and cryptic zoonosis.
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Abstract
Toxocara canis and T. cati are highly prevalent nematode infections of the intestines of dogs and cats. In paratenic hosts, larvae do not mature in the intestine but instead migrate through the somatic tissues and organs of the body. The presence of these migrating larvae can contribute to pathology. Toxocara larvae can invade the brains of humans, and while case descriptions of cerebral toxocariasis are historically rare, improved diagnosis and greater awareness have contributed to increased detection. Despite this, cerebral or neurological toxocariasis (NT) remains a poorly understood phenomenon. Furthermore, our understanding of cognitive deficits due to toxocariasis in human populations remains particularly deficient. Recent data describe an enhanced expression of biomarkers associated with brain injury, such as GFAP, AβPP, transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), NF-L, S100B, tTG, and p-tau, in mice receiving even low doses of Toxocara ova. Finally, this review outlines a hypothesis to explore the relationship between the presence of T. canis larvae in the brain and the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) due to enhanced AD-associated neurodegenerative biomarker expression.
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Torres-Chablé OM, García-Herrera RA, Hernández-Hernández M, Peralta-Torres JA, Ojeda-Robertos NF, Blitvich BJ, Baak-Baak CM, García-Rejón JE, Machain-Wiliams CI. Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in domestic dogs in Tabasco, southeastern Mexico. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2015; 24:432-7. [DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612015077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2015] [Accepted: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Abstract The overall goal of this study was to estimate the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in dogs in the city of Villahermosa in Tabasco, Mexico. The study population consisted of 302 owned dogs that had limited access to public areas. A fecal sample was collected from each animal and examined for GI parasites by conventional macroscopic analysis and centrifugal flotation. Fecal samples from 80 (26.5%) dogs contained GI parasites. Of these, 58 (19.2%) were positive for helminths and 22 (7.3%) were positive for protozoan parasites. At least seven parasitic species were identified. The most common parasite was Ancylostoma caninum which was detected in 48 (15.9%) dogs. Other parasites detected on multiple occasions were Cystoisospora spp. (n = 19), Toxocara canis (n = 7) and Giardia spp. (n = 3). Three additional parasites, Dipylidium caninum, Trichuris vulpis and Uncinaria spp., were each detected in a single dog. No mixed parasitic infections were identified. In summary, we report a moderately high prevalence of GI parasites in owned dogs in Villahermosa, Tabasco. Several parasitic species identified in this study are recognized zoonotic pathogens which illustrates the important need to routinely monitor and treat dogs that live in close proximity to humans for parasitic infections.
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Cong W, Meng QF, You HL, Zhou N, Dong XY, Dong W, Wang XY, Qian AD, Zhu XQ. Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxocara infection among children in Shandong and Jilin provinces, China. Acta Trop 2015; 152:215-219. [PMID: 26384456 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2015.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2015] [Revised: 09/05/2015] [Accepted: 09/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
This cross-sectional study was aimed to investigate the Toxocara serology in children in Shandong and Jilin provinces, China using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The overall Toxocara seroprevalence among the study population (n=1458) was 19.3%, sick children (26.4%) had significantly higher seroprevalence than clinically healthy children (14.4%) (P<0.05), and the highest Toxocara seroprevalence was found in children suffering from chronic cough (40.6%), followed by recurrent abdominal pain (40.0%), recurrent headache (38.1%), slight fever (36.2%), and recurrent vomiting (31.6%). Place of residence, education level, type of school, keeping dogs at home, contact with dogs and cats and exposure with soil were found to be associated with Toxocara infection. Our findings show that children infection with Toxocara is common in Shandong and Jilin provinces, eastern and northeastern China, indicating an immediate need for implementing strategies and measures to prevent and control Toxocara infection in children in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Cong
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, PR China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin Province 130118, PR China
| | - Qing-Feng Meng
- Jilin Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, Changchun, Jilin Province 130000, PR China
| | - Hai-Long You
- The First Affilliated Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province 130000, PR China
| | - Na Zhou
- Affilliated Hospital of Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266000, PR China
| | - Xiao-Yan Dong
- Wendeng Stomatological Hospital, Weihai, Shandong Province 264400, PR China
| | - Wei Dong
- Weihaiwei People's Hospital, Weihai, Shandong Province 264200, PR China
| | - Xiang-Yang Wang
- Wendeng Municipal Hospital, Weihai, Shandong Province 264400, PR China
| | - Ai-Dong Qian
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin Province 130118, PR China
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, PR China.
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229
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Le TH, Anh NTL, Nguyen KT, Nguyen NTB, Thuy DTT, Gasser RB. Toxocara malaysiensis infection in domestic cats in Vietnam--An emerging zoonotic issue? INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2015; 37:94-8. [PMID: 26584512 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2015.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Revised: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 11/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Toxocara canis of canids is a parasitic nematode (ascaridoid) that infects humans and other hosts, causing different forms of toxocariasis. This species of Toxocara appears to be the most important cause of human disease, likely followed by Toxocara cati from felids. Although some studies from Malaysia and China have shown that cats can harbor another congener, T. malaysiensis, no information is available about this parasite for other countries. Moreover, the zoonotic potential of this parasite is unknown at this point. In the present study, we conducted the first investigation of domestic dogs and cats for Toxocara in Vietnam using molecular tools. Toxocara malaysiensis was identified as a common ascaridoid of domestic cats (in the absence of T. cati), and T. canis was commonly found in dogs. Together with findings from previous studies, the present results emphasize the need to explore the significance and zoonotic potential of T. malaysiensis in Vietnam and other countries where this parasite is endemic and prevalent in cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanh Hoa Le
- Institute of Biotechnology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18. Hoang Quoc Viet Rd, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam.
| | - Nguyen Thi Lan Anh
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Veterinary Research, 86 Truong Chinh, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Khue Thi Nguyen
- Institute of Biotechnology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18. Hoang Quoc Viet Rd, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Nga Thi Bich Nguyen
- Institute of Biotechnology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18. Hoang Quoc Viet Rd, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Do Thi Thu Thuy
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Veterinary Research, 86 Truong Chinh, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Bin LLC, Santarém VA, Laposy CB, Rubinsky-Elefant G, Roldán WH, Giuffrida R. Kinetics and avidity of anti-Toxocara antibodies (IgG) in rabbits experimentally infected with Toxocara canis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 25:99-104. [PMID: 27027550 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612015067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2015] [Accepted: 06/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
An evaluation was made of the kinetics and avidity of anti-Toxocara antibodies (IgG) in rabbits experimentally infected with embryonated Toxocara canis eggs. Seventeen four month old New Zealand White rabbits were distributed into two groups. In the experimental group, twelve rabbits were infected orally with 1,000 embryonated T. canis eggs. A second group (n = 5), uninfected, was used as a control. Serum samples were collected for analysis on days 7, 14, 21, 28 and 60 post-infection (DPI). An indirect ELISA test was performed to evaluate the reactivity index (RI) of IgG anti-T. canis antibodies and to calculate the avidity index (AI). The animals showed seroconversion from the 14th DPI, with high AI (over 50%) except for one animal, which presented an intermediate AI. At 60 DPI, all the animals were seropositive and maintained a high AI. The data indicated that specific IgG antibodies formed early (14 DPI) in rabbits infected with T. canis, with a high avidity index that persisted throughout the course of the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lundia Luara Cavalcante Bin
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade do Oeste Paulista, Presidente Prudente, SP, Brasil
| | - Vamilton Alvares Santarém
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade do Oeste Paulista, Presidente Prudente, SP, Brasil
| | - Cecília Braga Laposy
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade do Oeste Paulista, Presidente Prudente, SP, Brasil
| | - Guita Rubinsky-Elefant
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - William Henry Roldán
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Rogério Giuffrida
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade do Oeste Paulista, Presidente Prudente, SP, Brasil
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231
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Krueger WS, Hilborn ED, Dufour AP, Sams EA, Wade TJ. Self-Reported Acute Health Effects and Exposure to Companion Animals. Zoonoses Public Health 2015; 63:311-9. [DOI: 10.1111/zph.12233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- W. S. Krueger
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education; Oak Ridge TN USA
- RTI Health Solutions, Research Triangle Park; NC USA
| | - E. D. Hilborn
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Office of Research and Development; National Health Effects and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory; Chapel Hill NC USA
| | - A. P. Dufour
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Office of Research and Development; National Exposure Research Laboratory; Cincinnati OH USA
| | - E. A. Sams
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Office of Research and Development; National Health Effects and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory; Chapel Hill NC USA
| | - T. J. Wade
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Office of Research and Development; National Health Effects and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory; Chapel Hill NC USA
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232
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Lack of Association between Toxocara Exposure and Suicide Attempts in Psychiatric Patients. J Parasitol Res 2015; 2015:608604. [PMID: 26483971 PMCID: PMC4592907 DOI: 10.1155/2015/608604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2015] [Revised: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 08/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection with Toxocara may affect the central nervous system. A high seroprevalence of Toxocara infection has been reported in psychiatric patients. To the best of our knowledge, there is no previous report about an association of Toxocara infection with suicide attempts. Therefore, we sought to determine whether Toxocara exposure is associated with suicide attempts in psychiatric patients. We studied 282 psychiatric outpatients (156 with suicide attempts and 126 without suicide attempts). Sera of patients were analyzed for the presence of anti-Toxocara IgG antibodies by using a commercially available enzyme immunoassay. One of the 156 (0.6%) suicide attempters and 1 (0.8%) of the 126 controls were positive for anti-Toxocara IgG antibodies (OR = 0.80; 95% CI: 0.04–13.02; P = 1.00). Toxocara seropositivity was significantly higher (P = 0.01) in male patients with consumption of raw dried goat meat than male patients without this consumption. Results suggest that Toxocara exposure is not associated with suicide attempts in psychiatric outpatients in Durango City, Mexico. However, further studies with larger samples sizes to confirm our results should be conducted. Too few patients were seropositive to assess further associations of Toxocara exposure with sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioral characteristics of the psychiatric patients.
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233
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Vallentin B, Carsin A, Dubus JC. Toxocariasis: An unusual cause of pleural effusion. Pediatr Pulmonol 2015; 50:E35-6. [PMID: 25847394 DOI: 10.1002/ppul.23192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2015] [Revised: 03/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Toxocara canis, one of the most frequent parasites worldwide, rarely triggers respiratory symptoms. We report the case of a 5-year-old girl hospitalized for a unilateral eosinophilic pleural effusion due to Toxocara canis. Besides the fact that she was living in a squat, no other medical condition was reported. There was no other site of infection caused by the parasite and she was successfully treated with albendazole. This case report is obviously unique as very few cases of pleural effusion due to Toxocara canis are reported in literature, all in adult patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blandine Vallentin
- Unité de pneumopédiatrie et médecine infantile, CHUTimone-Enfants, 13385 Marseille Cedex 5, France
| | - Ania Carsin
- Unité de pneumopédiatrie et médecine infantile, CHUTimone-Enfants, 13385 Marseille Cedex 5, France
| | - Jean-Christophe Dubus
- Unité de pneumopédiatrie et médecine infantile, CHUTimone-Enfants, 13385 Marseille Cedex 5, France
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234
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Environmental contamination with Toxocara eggs and seroprevalence of toxocariasis in children of northeastern Poland. Parasitol Res 2015; 115:205-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4736-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2015] [Accepted: 09/04/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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235
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Ma GX, Zhou RQ, Song ZH, Zhu HH, Zhou ZY, Zeng YQ. Molecular mechanism of serine/threonine protein phosphatase 1 (PP1cα-PP1r7) in spermatogenesis of Toxocara canis. Acta Trop 2015; 149:148-54. [PMID: 26026715 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2015.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2015] [Revised: 05/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Toxocariasis is one of the most important, but neglected, zoonoses, which is mainly caused by Toxocara canis. To better understand the role of serine/threonine protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) in reproductive processes of male adult T. canis, differential expression analysis was used to reveal the profiles of PP1 catalytic subunit α (PP1cα) gene Tc-stp-1 and PP1 regulatory subunit 7 (PP1r7) gene TcM-1309. Indirect fluorescence immunocytochemistry was carried out to determine the subcellular distribution of PP1cα. Double-stranded RNA interference (RNAi) assays were employed to illustrate the function and mechanism of PP1cα in male adult reproduction. Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) showed transcriptional consistency of Tc-stp-1 and TcM-1309 in sperm-producing germline tissues and localization research showed cytoplasmic distribution of PP1cα in sf9 cells, which indicated relevant involvements of PP1cα and PP1r7 in spermatogenesis. Moreover, spatiotemporal transcriptional differences of Tc-stp-1 were determined by gene knockdown analysis, which revealed abnormal morphologies and blocked meiotic divisions of spermatocytes by phenotypic aberration scanning, thereby highlighting the crucial involvement of PP1cα in spermatogenesis. These results revealed a PP1cα-PP1r7 mechanism by which PP1 regulates kinetochore-microtubule interactions in spermatogenesis and provided important clues to identify novel drug or vaccine targets for toxocariasis control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang Xu Ma
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Rongchang Campus, Southwest University, Chongqing 402460, People's Republic of China
| | - Rong Qiong Zhou
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Rongchang Campus, Southwest University, Chongqing 402460, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhen Hui Song
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Rongchang Campus, Southwest University, Chongqing 402460, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Hong Zhu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Rongchang Campus, Southwest University, Chongqing 402460, People's Republic of China
| | - Zuo Yong Zhou
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Rongchang Campus, Southwest University, Chongqing 402460, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Qin Zeng
- College of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 402460, People's Republic of China
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Awadallah MAI, Salem LMA. Zoonotic enteric parasites transmitted from dogs in Egypt with special concern to Toxocara canis infection. Vet World 2015; 8:946-57. [PMID: 27047182 PMCID: PMC4774761 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.946-957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2015] [Revised: 07/06/2015] [Accepted: 07/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM This work aimed to study the role played by dogs in transmitting zoonotic enteric parasites to humans in Egypt and to analyze the risk factors associated with the occurrence of such infection in dogs. Serodiagnosis of anti-Toxocara immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies among human beings as well as analyzing risk factors predispose to Toxocara canis infection in human beings are another objectives of this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS From June to December 2013, a total of 130 fecal samples from 4 dog populations (Military, nomadic and domiciled dogs from rural and high standard districts) and 150 stool samples of 6 occupational groups were examined for the presence of enteric parasitic infection. Moreover, 150 serum samples were collected from humans from whom stool samples were collected and examined for the presence of anti-T. canis antibodies. RESULTS Enteric parasites were detected in 30% of fecal samples from 4 dog populations in Egypt. High infectivity had been reported in nomadic dogs (63.33%) (Crude odds ratios [COR]=67.36, 95% confidence interval [CI]=8.09-560.8, p<0.000), followed by domiciled dogs from rural areas (40%) (COR=26, 95% CI=3.14-215.54, p=0.003), domiciled dogs from high standard areas (23.33%) (COR=11.87, 95% CI=1.37-102.69, p=0.025) and military dogs (2.5%). Twelve species of enteric parasites were identified, Ancylostomatidae (6.15%), T. canis and Cryptosporidium spp. (5.38%, each), Heterophyes spp. (3.85%), Toxocara leonina and Blastocystis spp. (3.07%), Taenidae eggs (2.31%), Hymenolepis diminuta (1.54%) and Entamoeba canis, Cyclospora cayetanensis, and Paragonimus spp. (0.77%, each). Univariate logestic regression revealed significant association of age (COR=4.73, 95% CI=2.13-10.53, p<0.000), gender (COR=2.63, 95% CI=1.22-5.68, p<0.014), housing system (COR=5.10, 95% CI=2.04-12.75), p<0.000) with enteric parasitic infection in dogs. However, breeds (COR=6.91, 95% CI=0.88-54.52, p=0.067) and type of feeding (COR ranged from 3.5 to 7.62, p>0.05) did not seem to have a significant association among the examined dogs. Enteric parasitic infection was reported in 31/150 human stools (20.67%). Students were the most affected groups (37.14%), followed by nomadic people (24%), house wives (20%), house guarders and military workers (12%, each), and employees (10%). The identified parasites were Cryptosporidium spp. (9.33%), Ascaris lumbercoides (3.33%), Heterophyes spp. and Ancylostoma spp. (2.66%, each) and Paragonimus spp. and Hymenolepis nana (1.33%, each). Toxocara IgG antibodies were detected in 36/150 (24%) serum samples investigated. Toxocara IgG antibodies were more prevalent in males (26.66%) than females (20%). Seroprevalence was highest (17/35, 48.57%) in 7-15 years old (COR=6.93, 95% CI=1.75-27.43, p=0.006). Seroprevalence values for T. canis antibodies were higher in those; raising dogs (29.85%), eating raw vegetables (25.21%) and not washing hands before meals (25.45%). T. canis antibodies were detected in 25% of those contacted with soil compared to 30% of those did not. Students were mostly affected (34.29%), followed by nomadic people (32%), house guarders (28%), housewives (20%), military workers (13%), and employees (10%). CONCLUSION Detection of enteric parasites in dogs and humans in Egypt substantiates the role posed by dogs in transmitting zoonotic parasites to humans and knock an alarm for common sources of infection for humans and dogs. Common sources may be infected fish or contaminated vegetables that are consumed by dogs or humans or even infected rodents that may contaminate their feed. This pilot study necessitate the need for similar studies and tracing such infection in fish, vegetables, rodent that may be responsible for infecting humans and dogs in order to understand the epidemiology of zoonotic parasitic infection transmitted from dogs to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maysa A I Awadallah
- Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44511, Egypt
| | - Lobna M A Salem
- Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Benha 13518, Egypt
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237
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Levels of Toxocara infections in dogs and cats from urban Vietnam together with associated risk factors for transmission. J Helminthol 2015. [PMID: 26223509 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x15000619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The aims of the present study were to assess the prevalence of Toxocara infection in household cats and dogs, together with the presence of anti-Toxocara IgG antibodies in humans and the level of egg contamination in soil and vegetable samples from the local environment. Prevalence values of 47.8% of 253 cats and 37.7% of 284 dogs were recorded, together with 35.8% of eggs in soil samples, 25.0% in garden vegetables and in 56.3% of 16 dog-hair samples. The risk of the infection was higher for dogs and cats in households with egg-contaminated soil compared to those without evidence of soil contamination. The high prevalence of dog and cat Toxocara infection and their indiscriminate defecation behaviour contribute to a significant risk of transmission to humans as 58.7% of human blood samples were seropositive for Toxocara. Anthelmintic treatment of dogs and cats, plus educating household members, must be emphasized in any prevention programme in Vietnam.
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238
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Martínez M, García H, Figuera L, González V, Lamas F, López K, Mijares V, Corrales Y, Lares M, Ferrer E. Seroprevalence and risk factors of toxocariasis in preschool children in Aragua state, Venezuela. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2015. [PMID: 26217045 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trv059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxocariasis is a widespread zoonotic disease caused by the nematode Toxocara canis. In Venezuela, the magnitude of the disease is unknown and seroepidemiological studies have not been previously carried out in Aragua state. METHODS A cross-sectional field study was conducted in eight preschools in three municipalities from Aragua state in Venezuela. A total of 224 children aged between 1 and 6 years were studied (43.8% [98/224] male and 56.2% [126/224] female). Blood samples were obtained for detection of IgG antibodies against Toxocara spp. using ELISA. Participating families were given a questionnaire and children included in the study were clinically evaluated by paediatricians, and signs and symptoms observed were included in the questionnaires. RESULTS Anti-Toxocara spp. antibodies were detected in 29.0% (65/224) of children. The seroprevalence in the different preschools studied ranged between 4.2% and 60.6%. Leucocytosis and eosinophilia were also detected. Analysis of questionnaires indicated that boys were more at risk than girls. Younger children were also more at risk. Other significant risk factors were socio-economic strata (IV and V), inadequate improvised housing, earthen flooring indoors and outdoors and the presence of dogs in preschools. CONCLUSIONS The results from this work show the presence of infection and a high prevalence of antibodies against Toxocara spp. in the studied municipalities and indicate that toxocariasis poses a serious health problem to preschool children in Aragua state.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Martínez
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Carabobo Sede Aragua, Maracay, Venezuela Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas 'Dr. Francisco J. Triana Alonso' (BIOMED) Universidad de Carabobo Sede Aragua, Maracay, Venezuela
| | - Héctor García
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Carabobo Sede Aragua, Maracay, Venezuela
| | - Liliana Figuera
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Carabobo Sede Aragua, Maracay, Venezuela
| | - Verónica González
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Carabobo Sede Aragua, Maracay, Venezuela
| | - Félix Lamas
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Carabobo Sede Aragua, Maracay, Venezuela
| | - Katherinne López
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Carabobo Sede Aragua, Maracay, Venezuela
| | - Víctor Mijares
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Carabobo Sede Aragua, Maracay, Venezuela
| | - Yeasiry Corrales
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Carabobo Sede Aragua, Maracay, Venezuela
| | - María Lares
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas 'Dr. Francisco J. Triana Alonso' (BIOMED) Universidad de Carabobo Sede Aragua, Maracay, Venezuela
| | - Elizabeth Ferrer
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Carabobo Sede Aragua, Maracay, Venezuela Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas 'Dr. Francisco J. Triana Alonso' (BIOMED) Universidad de Carabobo Sede Aragua, Maracay, Venezuela
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Resende NM, Gazzinelli-Guimarães PH, Barbosa FS, Oliveira LM, Nogueira DS, Gazzinelli-Guimarães AC, Gonçalves MTP, Amorim CCO, Oliveira FMS, Caliari MV, Rachid MA, Volpato GT, Bueno LL, Geiger SM, Fujiwara RT. New insights into the immunopathology of early Toxocara canis infection in mice. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:354. [PMID: 26135397 PMCID: PMC4494798 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0962-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2015] [Accepted: 06/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Nematodes of the genus Toxocara are cosmopolitan roundworms frequently found in dogs and cats. Toxocara spp. can accidentally infect humans and cause a zoonosis called human toxocariasis, which is characterized by visceral, ocular or cerebral migration of larval stages of the parasite, without completing its life cycle. In general, chronic nematode infections induce a polarized TH2 immune response. However, during the initial phase of infection, a strong pro-inflammatory response is part of the immunological profile and might determine the outcome and/or pathology of the infection. Methods Parasitological aspects and histopathology during larval migration were evaluated after early T. canis experimental infection of BALB/c mice, which were inoculated via the intra-gastric route with a single dose of 1000 fully embryonated eggs. Innate immune responses and systemic cytokine patterns (TH1, TH2, TH17 and regulatory cytokines) were determined at different times after experimental challenge by sandwich ELISA. Results We found that experimental infection with T. canis induced a mix of innate inflammatory/TH17/TH2 responses during early infection, with a predominance of the latter. The TH2 response was evidenced by significant increases in cytokines such as IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and IL-33, in addition to increasing levels of IL-6 and IL-17. No significant increases were observed for IL-10, TNF-α or IFN-γ levels. In parallel, parasitological analysis clearly revealed the pattern of larval migration through the mouse organs, starting from the liver in the first 24 h of infection, reaching the peak in the lungs on the 3rd day of infection and finally being found numerously in the brain after 5 days of infection. Peripheral leukocytosis, characterized by early neutrophilia and subsequent eosinophilia, was remarkable during early infection. The tissue damage induced by larvae was evidenced by histopathological analysis of the organs at different time points of infection. In all of the affected organs, larval migration induced intense inflammatory infiltrate and hemorrhage. Conclusion In conclusion, these new insights into early T. canis infection in mice presented here enabled a better understanding of the immunopathological events that might also occur during human toxocariasis, thus contributing to future strategies of diagnosis and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathália M Resende
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil. .,Laboratório de Fisiologia de Sistemas e Toxicologia Reprodutiva, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Barra do Garças, Brazil.
| | | | - Fernando S Barbosa
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
| | - Luciana M Oliveira
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
| | - Denise S Nogueira
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
| | - Ana Clara Gazzinelli-Guimarães
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
| | - Marco Túlio P Gonçalves
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
| | - Chiara C O Amorim
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
| | - Fabrício M S Oliveira
- Departamento de Patologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
| | - Marcelo V Caliari
- Departamento de Patologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
| | - Milene A Rachid
- Departamento de Patologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
| | - Gustavo T Volpato
- Laboratório de Fisiologia de Sistemas e Toxicologia Reprodutiva, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Barra do Garças, Brazil.
| | - Lilian L Bueno
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
| | - Stefan M Geiger
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
| | - Ricardo T Fujiwara
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
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Gyang PV, Akinwale OP, Lee YL, Chuang TW, Orok AB, Ajibaye O, Liao CW, Chen PC, Chou CM, Huang YC, Barghouth U, Fan CK. Seroprevalence, disease awareness, and risk factors for Toxocara canis infection among primary schoolchildren in Makoko, an urban slum community in Nigeria. Acta Trop 2015; 146:135-40. [PMID: 25812836 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2015.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2014] [Revised: 03/14/2015] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the seroprevalence of Toxocara canis infection in southern Nigeria, which previously was unknown, in addition to evaluating disease awareness and potential risk factors for schoolchildren in an urban slum community. In total, 366 primary schoolchildren were investigated for the presence of anti-Toxocara IgG antibodies. Blood was collected and screened by a Western blot analysis based on the excretory-secretory antigens of larval T. canis (TcES), targeting low molecular weight bands of 24-35kDa specific for T. canis. Children were considered seropositive if their serum reacted with TcES when diluted to a titer of 1:32. Questionnaires concerning possible risk factors were given to the schoolchildren to acquire data on this infection. The overall seroprevalence of Toxocara infection was 86.1% (315/366). The logistic regression analysis of risk factors showed that children's age (odds ratio (OR)=2.88, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.08-7.66, p=0.03), contact with dogs (OR=0.51, 95% CI=0.28-0.94, p=0.03), the age of the dog (OR=0.34, 95% CI=0.18-0.68, p=0.002), the feeding location of the dog (OR=0.31, 95% CI=0.12-0.79, p=0.01), the consumption of raw vegetables (OR=0.89, 95% CI=0.54-1.48, p=0.004), and the drinking of unboiled water (OR=0.48, 95% CI=0.26-0.90, p=0.02) were risk factors associated with Toxocara infection. Although there was a high awareness of dogs being hosts of some parasites in this study, not much was known about T. canis. This is the first serological investigation of T. canis infection among primary schoolchildren in southern Nigeria. The high seroprevalence recorded is an indication of high transmission with the consequent risk of visceral or ocular larval migrans and neurologic toxocariasis in these children. Our findings suggest the need for prompt interventional measures, particularly health education on personal hygiene.
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Won EJ, Kim J, Shin MG, Shin JH, Suh SP, Ryang DW. Seroepidemiology of Toxocariasis and Its Clinical Implications in Gwangju and Jeonnam-province, Korea. Ann Lab Med 2015; 35:449-53. [PMID: 26131418 PMCID: PMC4446585 DOI: 10.3343/alm.2015.35.4.449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2014] [Revised: 12/17/2014] [Accepted: 04/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the seroepidemiological, clinical, and laboratory characteristics of patients suspected to have toxocariasis in Gwangju and Jeonnam-province, Korea. In total, 228 specimens were analyzed for anti-Toxocara canis IgG at two university hospitals from 2010 to 2012. The overall seropositive rate was 67.1%, and the seropositive rates among the eosinophilic and non-eosinophilic groups were 76.1% (105/138) and 53.3% (48/90), respectively. Risk factors for eosinophilia and toxocariasis were male sex (odds ratios [OR]=2.632 and 3.477, respectively) and a history of ingesting raw meat (OR=2.884 and 3.274, respectively), especially raw cow liver (OR=2.089 and 10.038, respectively). T. canis seropositivity (OR=5.807, P=0.004) and a history of consuming raw cow liver (OR=2.766, P=0.052) were risk factors for organ involvement. The anti-T. canis IgG level showed weakly positive correlations with eosinophil counts (r=0.234, P<0.001) and the duration of eosinophilia (r=0.155, P=0.019). Although limited to the regions of Gwangju and Jeonnam-province, this study supports the opinion that toxocariasis is a reasonable focus as a cause of eosinophilia and that it is also associated with organ involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Jeong Won
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chonnam National University Hospital, Gwangju, Korea. ; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, Korea
| | - Jin Kim
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Seonam University, Namwon, Korea
| | - Myung-Geun Shin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, Korea
| | - Jong Hee Shin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chonnam National University Hospital, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Soon Pal Suh
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chonnam National University Hospital, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Dong Wook Ryang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chonnam National University Hospital, Gwangju, Korea
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Diez M, Picavet P, Ricci R, Dequenne M, Renard M, Bongartz A, Farnir F. Health screening to identify opportunities to improve preventive medicine in cats and dogs. J Small Anim Pract 2015; 56:463-9. [DOI: 10.1111/jsap.12365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2013] [Revised: 02/26/2015] [Accepted: 03/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Diez
- Companion Animal Nutrition, Department of Animal Production (DPA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Liège; B-4000 Liège Belgium
| | - P. Picavet
- Hill's Pet Nutrition Belgium; B-1160 Brussels Belgium
| | - R. Ricci
- Department of Animal Science; University of Padova; 35020 Legnaro Padova Italy
| | - M. Dequenne
- Companion Animal Nutrition, Department of Animal Production (DPA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Liège; B-4000 Liège Belgium
| | - M. Renard
- Union Professionnelle Vétérinaire; B-1400 Nivelles Belgium
| | - A. Bongartz
- Small Animal Veterinary Association Belgium; B-1400 Nivelles Belgium
| | - F. Farnir
- Biomathematics and Statistics, DPA, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Liège; B-4000 Liège Belgium
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243
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Otranto D, Cantacessi C, Dantas-Torres F, Brianti E, Pfeffer M, Genchi C, Guberti V, Capelli G, Deplazes P. The role of wild canids and felids in spreading parasites to dogs and cats in Europe. Part II: Helminths and arthropods. Vet Parasitol 2015; 213:24-37. [PMID: 26049678 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Over the last few decades, ecological factors, combined with everchanging landscapes mainly linked to human activities (e.g. encroachment and tourism) have contributed to modifications in the transmission of parasitic diseases from domestic to wildlife carnivores and vice versa. In the first of this two-part review article, we have provided an account of diseases caused by protozoan parasites characterised by a two-way transmission route between domestic and wild carnivore species. In this second and final part, we focus our attention on parasitic diseases caused by helminth and arthropod parasites shared between domestic and wild canids and felids in Europe. While a complete understanding of the biology, ecology and epidemiology of these parasites is particularly challenging to achieve, especially given the complexity of the environments in which these diseases perpetuate, advancements in current knowledge of transmission routes is crucial to provide policy-makers with clear indications on strategies to reduce the impact of these diseases on changing ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Universita' degli Studi di Bari, 70010 Valenzano, Italy.
| | - Cinzia Cantacessi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, CB3 0ES Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Universita' degli Studi di Bari, 70010 Valenzano, Italy; Departamento de Imunologia, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães, Fiocruz-PE, Recife, Brazil
| | - Emanuele Brianti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Universita' degli Studi di Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Martin Pfeffer
- Institute of Animal Hygiene & Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Claudio Genchi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie e Sanita' Pubblica, Universita' degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Vittorio Guberti
- Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale, 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy
| | - Gioia Capelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Peter Deplazes
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Zürich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
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244
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Duscher GG, Leschnik M, Fuehrer HP, Joachim A. Wildlife reservoirs for vector-borne canine, feline and zoonotic infections in Austria. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2015; 4:88-96. [PMID: 25830102 PMCID: PMC4356739 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2014.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Revised: 12/03/2014] [Accepted: 12/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Austria's mammalian wildlife comprises a large variety of species, acting and interacting in different ways as reservoir and intermediate and definitive hosts for different pathogens that can be transmitted to pets and/or humans. Foxes and other wild canids are responsible for maintaining zoonotic agents, e.g. Echinococcus multilocularis, as well as pet-relevant pathogens, e.g. Hepatozoon canis. Together with the canids, and less commonly felids, rodents play a major role as intermediate and paratenic hosts. They carry viruses such as tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), bacteria including Borrelia spp., protozoa such as Toxoplasma gondii, and helminths such as Toxocara canis. The role of wild ungulates, especially ruminants, as reservoirs for zoonotic disease on the other hand seems to be negligible, although the deer filaroid Onchocerca jakutensis has been described to infect humans. Deer may also harbour certain Anaplasma phagocytophilum strains with so far unclear potential to infect humans. The major role of deer as reservoirs is for ticks, mainly adults, thus maintaining the life cycle of these vectors and their distribution. Wild boar seem to be an exception among the ungulates as, in their interaction with the fox, they can introduce food-borne zoonotic agents such as Trichinella britovi and Alaria alata into the human food chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georg G. Duscher
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Leschnik
- Small Animal Clinic, Department for Companion Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Hans-Peter Fuehrer
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Anja Joachim
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria
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245
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Joob B, Wiwanitkit V. Toxocara infection in gardener. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/s2221-1691(15)30343-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
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246
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Toxocariasis diagnosed in international travelers at the Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium, from 2000 to 2013. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0003559. [PMID: 25746418 PMCID: PMC4351981 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2014] [Accepted: 01/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Although infection with Toxocara canis or T. catis (commonly referred as toxocariasis) appears to be highly prevalent in (sub)tropical countries, information on its frequency and presentation in returning travelers and migrants is scarce. In this study, we reviewed all cases of asymptomatic and symptomatic toxocariasis diagnosed during post-travel consultations at the reference travel clinic of the Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium. Toxocariasis was considered as highly probable if serum Toxocara-antibodies were detected in combination with symptoms of visceral larva migrans if present, elevated eosinophil count in blood or other relevant fluid and reasonable exclusion of alternative diagnosis, or definitive in case of documented seroconversion. From 2000 to 2013, 190 travelers showed Toxocara-antibodies, of a total of 3436 for whom the test was requested (5.5%). Toxocariasis was diagnosed in 28 cases (23 symptomatic and 5 asymptomatic) including 21 highly probable and 7 definitive. All but one patients were adults. Africa and Asia were the place of acquisition for 10 and 9 cases, respectively. Twelve patients (43%) were short-term travelers (< 1 month). Symptoms, when present, developed during travel or within 8 weeks maximum after return, and included abdominal complaints (11/23 symptomatic patients, 48%), respiratory symptoms and skin abnormalities (10 each, 43%) and fever (9, 39%), often in combination. Two patients were diagnosed with transverse myelitis. At presentation, the median blood eosinophil count was 1720/μL [range: 510-14160] in the 21 symptomatic cases without neurological complication and 2080/μL [range: 1100-2970] in the 5 asymptomatic individuals. All patients recovered either spontaneously or with an anti-helminthic treatment (mostly a 5-day course of albendazole), except both neurological cases who kept sequelae despite repeated treatments and prolonged corticotherapy. Toxocariasis has to be considered in travelers returning from a (sub)tropical stay with varying clinical manifestations or eosinophilia. Prognosis appears favorable with adequate treatment except in case of neurological involvement.
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247
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Nißler K, Tauchnitz-Hiemisch R, Prenzel F, Möckel A. Da ist der Wurm drin. Monatsschr Kinderheilkd 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s00112-014-3299-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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248
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Viola GR, Giacomin MFA, França CMP, Sallum AME, Jacob CMA, Silva CA. Chronic polyarthritis as isolated manifestation of toxocariasis. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE REUMATOLOGIA 2015; 56:185-7. [PMID: 27267534 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbre.2014.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2013] [Accepted: 07/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Human toxocariasis is a parasitic zoonosis mainly caused by Toxocara canis or Toxocara cati and is acquired by ingestion of the parasite's embryonated eggs. Arthralgia and/or arthritis were reported in up to 17% of the cases, generally with acute duration (less than 6 weeks). However, to our knowledge, chronic polyarthritis, as the isolated presentation of Toxocara infection, was not reported. One of the 5809 patients that was followed up at our service (0.017%) had chronic polyarthritis as the single manifestation of toxocariasis and was described herein. A 3-year-old girl was referred to our service with severe painful chronic polyarthritis for a period longer than 10 weeks and morning stiffness of 30min. Dog contact exposure history in the recreational areas of neighborhood was reported. Her exams showed high levels of eosinophils in peripheral blood (29%), bone marrow aspirate revealed marked eosinophilia (32%) and Toxocara enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Elisa) was positive (1:1280). She was treated with paracetamol (40mg/kg/day) and thiabendazole (25mg/kg/day) for 10 days, and all manifestations reduced. After eight months of follow-up, she was on clinical and laboratorial remission. In conclusion, we described a case of chronic polyarthritis, as isolated manifestation of toxocariasis, mimicking juvenile idiopathic arthritis and leukemia. Importantly, this zoonosis should be considered in patients with arthritis and eosinophilia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela R Viola
- Pediatric Rheumatology Unit, Pediatric Department, School of Medicine, Universidade São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria Fernanda A Giacomin
- Pediatric Rheumatology Unit, Pediatric Department, School of Medicine, Universidade São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Camila M P França
- Pediatric Rheumatology Unit, Pediatric Department, School of Medicine, Universidade São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Adriana M E Sallum
- Pediatric Rheumatology Unit, Pediatric Department, School of Medicine, Universidade São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Cristina M A Jacob
- Pediatric Allergy and Immunology Unit, Pediatric Department, School of Medicine, Universidade São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Clovis A Silva
- Pediatric Rheumatology Unit, Pediatric Department, School of Medicine, Universidade São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Division of Rheumatology, School of Medicine, Universidade São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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249
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Zhu XQ, Korhonen PK, Cai H, Young ND, Nejsum P, von Samson-Himmelstjerna G, Boag PR, Tan P, Li Q, Min J, Yang Y, Wang X, Fang X, Hall RS, Hofmann A, Sternberg PW, Jex AR, Gasser RB. Genetic blueprint of the zoonotic pathogen Toxocara canis. Nat Commun 2015; 6:6145. [PMID: 25649139 PMCID: PMC4327413 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms7145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2014] [Accepted: 12/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxocara canis is a zoonotic parasite of major socioeconomic importance worldwide. In humans, this nematode causes disease (toxocariasis) mainly in the under-privileged communities in developed and developing countries. Although relatively well studied from clinical and epidemiological perspectives, to date, there has been no global investigation of the molecular biology of this parasite. Here we use next-generation sequencing to produce a draft genome and transcriptome of T. canis to support future biological and biotechnological investigations. This genome is 317 Mb in size, has a repeat content of 13.5% and encodes at least 18,596 protein-coding genes. We study transcription in a larval, as well as adult female and male stages, characterize the parasite’s gene-silencing machinery, explore molecules involved in development or host–parasite interactions and predict intervention targets. The draft genome of T. canis should provide a useful resource for future molecular studies of this and other, related parasites. Toxocara canis is a zoonotic parasite of major worldwide socioeconomic importance. Here, the authors sequence the genome and transcriptome of T. canis, and highlight potential mechanisms involved in development and host–parasite interactions that could support the pursuit of new drug interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing-Quan Zhu
- 1] State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, Gansu Province, China [2] Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Pasi K Korhonen
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | | | - Neil D Young
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Peter Nejsum
- Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark
| | | | - Peter R Boag
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Patrick Tan
- 1] Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore 138672, Republic of Singapore [2] Genome Institute of Singapore, 60 Biopolis Street, Singapore 138672, Republic of Singapore
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ross S Hall
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Andreas Hofmann
- Structural Chemistry Program, Eskitis Institute, Griffith University, Brisbane 4111, Queensland, Australia
| | - Paul W Sternberg
- HHMI, Division of Biology, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena 91125, California, USA
| | - Aaron R Jex
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
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Seroprevalence of human Toxocara infections in the Roma and non-Roma populations of Eastern Slovakia: a cross-sectional study. Epidemiol Infect 2015; 143:2249-58. [PMID: 25592864 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268814003665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Socioeconomic conditions and health of the Roma population, the most numerous minority in Europe, are worse than that of the non-Roma population. Information about the occurrence of human toxocarosis and other parasitic diseases in the Roma population is scarce or completely missing. The aim of this study was to map the seroprevalence of toxocarosis in the population living in segregated Roma settlements and to compare the data with the occurrence of antibodies in the non-Roma population of Eastern Slovakia. The seropositivity to Toxocara in 429 examined Roma inhabitants of segregated settlements reached 22·1%, while only 4/394 samples of the non-Roma population were found to be positive (odds ratio 27·7, P < 0·0001). Headache, muscle pain, influenza-like symptoms and diarrhoea occurred significantly more often in seropositive persons than in seronegative individuals. In the Roma population positivity was not influenced by gender, level of education and poverty, but age, lack of sanitary facilities and heating with wood significantly increased the risk of infection. It can be assumed that besides the high prevalence of toxocarosis, other parasitic diseases and communicable diseases will also be more prevalent in the Roma population living in segregated settlements.
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