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Oyarzún-Ruiz P, Thomas R, Santodomingo A, Zamorano-Uribe M, Moroni M, Moreno L, Muñoz-Leal S, Flores V, Brant S. Systematics and life cycles of four avian schistosomatids from Southern Cone of South America. J Helminthol 2024; 98:e47. [PMID: 38828707 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x2400035x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Relative to the numerous studies focused on mammalian schistosomes, fewer include avian schistosomatids particularly in the southern hemisphere. This is changing and current research emerging from the Neotropics shows a remarkable diversity of endemic taxa. To contribute to this effort, nine ducks (Spatula cyanoptera, S.versicolor, Netta peposaca), 12 swans (Cygnus melancoryphus) and 1,400 Physa spp. snails from Chile and Argentina were collected for adults and larval schistosomatids, respectively. Isolated schistosomatids were preserved for morphological and molecular analyses (28S and COI genes). Four different schistosomatid taxa were retrieved from birds: Trichobilharzia sp. in N. peposaca and S. cyanoptera that formed a clade; S.cyanoptera and S. versicolor hosted Trichobilharzia querquedulae; Cygnus melancoryphus hosted the nasal schistosomatid, Nasusbilharzia melancorhypha; and one visceral, Schistosomatidae gen. sp., which formed a clade with furcocercariae from Argentina and Chile from previous work. Of the physid snails, only one from Argentina had schistosomatid furcocercariae that based on molecular analyses grouped with T. querquedulae. This study represents the first description of adult schistosomatids from Chile as well as the elucidation of the life cycles of N.melancorhypha and T. querquedulae in Chile and Neotropics, respectively. Without well-preserved adults, the putative new genus Schistosomatidae gen. sp. could not be described, but its life cycle involves Chilina spp. and C. melancoryphus. Scanning electron microscopy of T. querquedulae revealed additional, undescribed morphological traits, highlighting its diagnostic importance. Authors stress the need for additional surveys of avian schistosomatids from the Neotropics to better understand their evolutionary history.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Oyarzún-Ruiz
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción4030000, Chile
| | - R Thomas
- Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán3780000, Chile
| | - A Santodomingo
- Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán3780000, Chile
| | - M Zamorano-Uribe
- Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán3780000, Chile
| | - M Moroni
- Instituto de Patología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia5090000, Chile
| | - L Moreno
- Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción4030000, Chile
| | - S Muñoz-Leal
- Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán3780000, Chile
| | - V Flores
- Laboratorio de Parasitología, INIBIOMA (CONICET-Universidad Nacional del Comahue), San Carlos de Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina
| | - S Brant
- Museum of Southwestern Biology Parasite Division, University of New Mexico, 167 Castetter MSCO3 2020, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
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Bispo MT, Calado M, Maurício IL, Ferreira PM, Belo S. Zoonotic Threats: The (Re)emergence of Cercarial Dermatitis, Its Dynamics, and Impact in Europe. Pathogens 2024; 13:282. [PMID: 38668237 PMCID: PMC11053805 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13040282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Cercarial dermatitis (CD), or "Swimmer's itch" as it is also known, is a waterborne illness caused by a blood fluke from the family Schistosomatidae. It occurs when cercariae of trematode species that do not have humans as their definitive host accidentally penetrate human skin (in an aquatic environment) and trigger allergic symptoms at the site of contact. It is an emerging zoonosis that occurs through water and is often overlooked during differential diagnosis. Some of the factors contributing to the emergence of diseases like CD are related to global warming, which brings about climate change, water eutrophication, the colonization of ponds by snails susceptible to the parasite, and sunlight exposure in the summer, associated with migratory bird routes. Therefore, with the increase in tourism, especially at fluvial beaches, it is relevant to analyze the current epidemiological scenario of CD in European countries and the potential regions at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Teresa Bispo
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal; (M.C.); (I.L.M.); (P.M.F.)
| | | | | | | | - Silvana Belo
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal; (M.C.); (I.L.M.); (P.M.F.)
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Schols R, Smitz N, Vanderheyden A, Huyse T. Expanding the swimmer's itch pool of the Benelux: a first record of the neurotropic Trichobilharzia regenti and potential link to human infection. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:126. [PMID: 38481352 PMCID: PMC10938770 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06218-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Swimmer's itch, an allergic contact dermatitis caused by avian and mammalian blood flukes, is a parasitic infection affecting people worldwide. In particular, avian blood flukes of the genus Trichobilharzia are infamous for their role in swimmer's itch cases. These parasites infect waterfowl as a final host, but incidental infections by cercariae in humans are frequently reported. Upon accidental infections of humans, parasite larvae will be recognized by the immune system and destroyed, leading to painful itchy skin lesions. However, one species, Trichobilharzia regenti, can escape this response in experimental animals and reach the spinal cord, causing neuroinflammation. In the last few decades, there has been an increase in case reports across Europe, making it an emerging zoonosis. METHODS Following a reported case of swimmer's itch in Kampenhout in 2022 (Belgium), the transmission site consisting of a private pond and an adjacent creek was investigated through a malacological and parasitological survey. RESULTS Six snail species were collected, including the widespread Ampullaceana balthica, a well-known intermediate host for Trichobilharzia parasites. Shedding experiments followed by DNA barcoding revealed a single snail specimen to be infected with T. regenti, a new species record for Belgium and by extension the Benelux. Moreover, it is the most compelling case to date of the link between this neurotropic parasite and cercarial dermatitis. Additionally, an Echinostomatidae sp. and Notocotylus sp. were isolated from two other specimens of A. balthica. However, the lack of reference DNA sequences for these groups in the online repositories prevented genus- and species-level identification, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The presence of T. regenti in Belgium might have severe clinical implications and its finding highlights the need for increased vigilance and diagnostic awareness among medical professionals. The lack of species-level identification of the other two parasite species showcases the barcoding void for trematodes. Overall, these findings demonstrate the need for a Belgian framework to rapidly detect and monitor zoonotic outbreaks of trematode parasites within the One Health context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben Schols
- Department of Biology & BopCo, Royal Museum for Central Africa, Tervuren, Belgium.
- Laboratory of Aquatic Biology, KU Leuven, Campus Kortrijk, Kortrijk, Belgium.
| | - Nathalie Smitz
- Department of Biology & BopCo, Royal Museum for Central Africa, Tervuren, Belgium
| | - Ann Vanderheyden
- BopCo, Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Tine Huyse
- Department of Biology & BopCo, Royal Museum for Central Africa, Tervuren, Belgium
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Kia Lashaki E, Bozorgomid A, Gholami S, Karamian M, Fakhar M, Dodangeh S. Phylogenetic analysis of avian schistosome Trichobilharzia regenti (Schistosomatidae, Digenea) from naturally infected hosts in northern Iran. Vet Med Sci 2023; 9:2359-2367. [PMID: 37491009 PMCID: PMC10508495 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trichobilharzia regenti (T. regenti) is an avian schistosomatid fluke species that causes human cercarial dermatitis (HCD) in areas of aquaculture in northern Iran. Understanding the phylogenetic relationships and genetic diversity of this thread-like fluke will deepen our thoughtful of avian schistosomiasis epidemiology and lead to more effective HCD control in the region. OBJECTIVES To determine the life cycle of nasal Trichobilharzia in aquatic birds as well as aquatic snails and also identify the haplotype diversity of the isolates in Mazandaran Province, northern Iran. METHODS In the present study, adult or egg of Trichobilharzia isolated from aquatic birds as well as schistosomes cercariae isolated from aquatic snails in Mazandaran Province, northern Iran, belonged to the authors' previous research, were examined. Molecular studies and phylogenetic analysis were carried out on these schistosomes samples. RESULTS The phylogenetic analysis of the ITS1 and COX1 genes in isolated schistosomes revealed that all samples belong to the T. regenti clade. Remarkably, based on phylogenetic results, these schistosomes samples from Anas platyrhynchos domesticus, A. platyrhynchos, Spatula clypeata and Lymnaea stagnalis grouped together with previously sequenced samples from Iran (Trichobilharzia cf. regenti). Unlike the phylogenetic tree and haplotype network of COX1 gene, ITS1 did not show distinct clusters. CONCLUSION This study completed the puzzle of the disease in Mazandaran Province by isolating and genotyping furkocercariae from L. stagnalis that was consistent with the isolated new genotype from ducks. For the first time in Iran, this confirmed the potential role of L. stagnalis snails in the transmission of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Kia Lashaki
- Department of Parasitology and MycologySchool of Medicine, Tonekabon Branch, Islamic Azad UniversityTonekabonIran
| | - Arezoo Bozorgomid
- Infectious Diseases Research CenterHealth InstituteKermanshah University of Medical SciencesKermanshahIran
| | - Shirzad Gholami
- Toxoplasmosis Research CenterIranian National Registry Center for Lophomoniasis and ToxoplasmosisSchool of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical SciencesSariIran
| | - Mehdi Karamian
- Department of Parasitology and MycologySchool of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical SciencesZanjanIran
| | - Mahdi Fakhar
- Toxoplasmosis Research CenterIranian National Registry Center for Lophomoniasis and ToxoplasmosisSchool of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical SciencesSariIran
| | - Samira Dodangeh
- Children Growth Research CenterResearch Institute for Prevention of Non‐Communicable Diseases, Qazvin University of Medical SciencesQazvinIran
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Davis NE, Blair D, Brant SV. Diversity of Trichobilharzia in New Zealand with a new species and a redescription, and their likely contribution to cercarial dermatitis. Parasitology 2022; 149:380-395. [PMID: 35264267 PMCID: PMC8928001 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182021001943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
In response to annual outbreaks of human cercarial dermatitis (HCD) in Lake Wanaka, New Zealand, ducks and snails were collected and screened for avian schistosomes. During the survey from 2009 to 2017, four species of Trichobilharzia were recovered. Specimens were examined both morphologically and genetically. Trichobilharzia querquedulae, a species known from four continents, was found in the visceral veins of the duck Spatula rhynchotis but the snail host remains unknown. Cercaria longicauda [i.e. Trichobilharzia longicauda (Macfarlane, 1944) Davis, 2006], considered the major aetiological agent of HCD in Lake Wanaka, was discovered, and redescribed from adults in the visceral veins of the duck Aythya novaeseelandiae and cercariae from the snail Austropeplea tomentosa. Recovered from the nasal mucosa of Ay. novaeseelandiae is a new species of Trichobilharzia that was also found to cycle naturally through Au. tomentosa. Cercariae of a fourth species of Trichobilharzia were found in Au. tomentosa but the species remains unidentified.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David Blair
- James Cook University, College of Science and Engineering, Townsville, Australia
| | - Sara V. Brant
- Department of Biology, University of New Mexico Museum of Southwestern Biology Division of Parasites, Albuquerque, New Mexico87111, USA
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Lorenti E, Brant SV, Gilardoni C, Diaz JI, Cremonte F. Two new genera and species of avian schistosomes from Argentina with proposed recommendations and discussion of the polyphyletic genus Gigantobilharzia (Trematoda, Schistosomatidae). Parasitology 2022:1-59. [PMID: 35115068 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182022000130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Gigantobilharzia Odhner, 1910 (Schistosomatidae) includes species that parasitize several orders of birds and families of gastropods from both freshwater and marine environments worldwide. Due to their delicate bodies, most of the species descriptions are incomplete, and lumped in the genus Gigantobilharzia, in some cases despite major morphological variability. Only three of those species have molecular sequence data but then lack a robust morphological description, making species differentiation very difficult. For this reason, several authors consider that many of the species of Gigantobilharzia should be reassigned to new genera. The aim of this paper is to describe two new genera and two new species of schistosomes using morphological and molecular characterization. We described Marinabilharzia patagonense n. g., n. sp. parasitizing Larus dominicanus from north Patagonian coast, and Riverabilharzia ensenadense n. g., n. sp. parasitizing L. dominicanus, Chroicocephalus maculipennis and Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus from freshwater Río de La Plata, in South America, Argentina. We then analysed and discussed the combinations of characters defining species of Gigantobilharzia and, based on that and on the available molecular data, we propose at least four possible new genera.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliana Lorenti
- Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores (CEPAVE, CCT-La Plata, UNLP) Calle 120 s/n, entre Av. 60 y calle 64, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sara V Brant
- University of New Mexico, Museum of Southwestern Biology Division of Parasites MSC03 2020 Department of Biology, Albuquerque, New Mexico87131, USA
| | - Carmen Gilardoni
- Laboratorio de Parasitología (LAPA), Instituto de Biología de Organismos Marinos (CCT CONICET-CENPAT), Bdv. Brown 2915, U9120ACD Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina
| | - Julia I Diaz
- Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores (CEPAVE, CCT-La Plata, UNLP) Calle 120 s/n, entre Av. 60 y calle 64, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Florencia Cremonte
- Laboratorio de Parasitología (LAPA), Instituto de Biología de Organismos Marinos (CCT CONICET-CENPAT), Bdv. Brown 2915, U9120ACD Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina
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Japa O, Suwancharoen C, Bunsong T, Phuangsri C. Parasitological and molecular characterization of the avian schistosomatid cercariae infecting lymnaeidae snails in Phayao, Northern Thailand. Vet World 2021; 14:2655-2661. [PMID: 34903922 PMCID: PMC8654750 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2021.2655-2661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Cercarial dermatitis or swimmer’s itch is an allergic skin reaction caused by penetrating cercaria of animal blood flukes. It is considered as a zoonotic water-borne skin condition that is found globally. Among the schistosomatid trematodes, avian schistosomes are the most responsible for cercarial dermatitis. Very little is known regarding the occurrence of dermatitis-causing cercariae in Thailand. Therefore, the objective of this study was to preliminarily investigate the presence of larval blood fluke infection among local lymnaeidae snails in Phayao by the incorporation of morphological and molecular methods. Materials and Methods: Overall 500 Radix (Lymnaea) rubiginosa (Michelin, 1831) were collected from freshwater reservoirs near Phayao Lake in San Kwan village in Phayao, Thailand, from October to December 2020. The snails were examined for avian blood fluke infection by the cercarial shedding technique followed by morphological and molecular characterization. Results: Only one type of furcocercous cercaria was observed to emerge from six infected snails (1.2%). Our molecular analyses demonstrated that the emerging cercariae showed most similarity to either the 28S ribosomal RNA gene (28S rDNA) or cytochrome oxidase C subunit 1 gene (cox1 or COI) sequences to those of Trichobilharzia species. In addition, phylogenetic tree analyses of both loci revealed similar results; the emerging cercariae were consistently clustered together with Trichobilharzia regenti. Conclusion: Our results clearly confirmed that the detected furcocercous cercariae belonged to the genus Trichobilharzia and displayed the highest homology to T. regenti. This study provides important data on the occurrence of dermatitis causing cercariae infection among local lymnaeidae snails, encouraging effective management, and control measures for this zoonotic infectious disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ornampai Japa
- Division of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Phayao, Thailand.,Scientific Instrument and Product Standard Quality Inspection Center, University of Phayao, Thailand
| | - Chittakun Suwancharoen
- Division of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Phayao, Thailand
| | - Thanakon Bunsong
- Division of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Phayao, Thailand
| | - Chorpaka Phuangsri
- Division of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Phayao, Thailand
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Chrisanfova G, Mozharovskaya L, Zhukova T, Nefedova D, Semyenova S. Non-coding Regions of Mitochondrial DNA and the cox1 Gene Reveal Genetic Variability Among Local Belarusian Populations of the Causative Agent of Cercarial Dermatitis, Bird Schistosome Trichobilharzia szidati (Digenea: Schistosomatidae). Acta Parasitol 2021; 66:1193-1203. [PMID: 33860433 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-021-00371-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The cercariae of avian blood flukes Trichobilharzia szidati (Digenea, Schistosomatidae) are known to cause cercarial allergic dermatitis ("swimmer's itch") in humans. Global epidemics can have significant impacts on local tourism-related economies in recreational areas. Little is known about the genetic polymorphism of the parasite population, or about the variability of the non-coding regions of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and the possibility of using this as a genetic marker. MATERIALS AND METHODS The T. szidati cercariae were collected over 7 years from 33 naturally infected Lymnaea stagnalis snails from five sites at two neighboring lakes in Belarus. We investigated the variability of the short (SNR) and long (LNR) non-coding regions of mt DNA and the genetic diversity within the 1125-bp sequences of the gene for subunit 1 of cytochrome c oxidase (cox1). RESULTS In the SNR sequences, we found only length variability caused by changes in the number of bases in the mononucleotide tracts T6-T8. LNR demonstrates high variability in nucleotide sequence length (182-260 bp) depending on the presence of two long deletions of 59 and 78 nucleotides. Both mitochondrial loci (LNR and cox1) are characterized by high haplotype diversity (H = 0.922 and H = 1.0, respectively); the nucleotide diversity is significantly higher for LNR (π = 1.926 ± 0.443) compared to cox1 (π = 0.704 ± 0.059). Phylogenetic reconstructions based on the variability of each of the loci (LNR and cox1) and their concatenated sequences revealed their shallow structure and the absence of a correlation between the distribution of single-nucleotide polymorphisms and the geographic origin of parasites from two Belarusian lakes. We identified at last four weakly sublineages in the phylogenetic pattern of T. szidati. The carriers of each deletion have specific patterns for each of the two loci and form their own phylogeographic sublineages. An association between two fixed LNR substitutions and a fixed non-synonymous substitution in cox1 was found in four representatives of one lineage that had a short deletion in the LNR. CONCLUSIONS This study clarified the phylogeographic structure of the Belarusian population of T. szidati. Our data provide the basis for the use two mt markers in large-scale population studies of the parasite, as well as for studying the molecular evolution of coding and non-coding mtDNA in trematodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galina Chrisanfova
- Laboratory of Genome Organization, Institute of Gene Biology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Lyudmila Mozharovskaya
- Laboratory of Genome Organization, Institute of Gene Biology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Tatyana Zhukova
- Naroch Biological Station Named After G. G. Vinberg, Belarusian State University, Myadel District, Minsk Region, Belarus
| | - Darya Nefedova
- Laboratory of Genome Organization, Institute of Gene Biology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Seraphima Semyenova
- Laboratory of Genome Organization, Institute of Gene Biology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.
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Helmer N, Blatterer H, Hörweg C, Reier S, Sattmann H, Schindelar J, Szucsich NU, Haring E. First Record of Trichobilharzia physellae (Talbot, 1936) in Europe, a Possible Causative Agent of Cercarial Dermatitis. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10111473. [PMID: 34832628 PMCID: PMC8619437 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10111473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Several species of avian schistosomes are known to cause dermatitis in humans worldwide. In Europe, this applies above all to species of the genus Trichobilharzia. For Austria, a lot of data are available on cercarial dermatitis and on the occurrence of Trichobilharzia, yet species identification of trematodes in most cases is doubtful due to the challenging morphological determination of cercariae. During a survey of trematodes in freshwater snails, we were able to detect a species in the snail Physella acuta (Draparnaud, 1805) hitherto unknown for Austria, Trichobilharzia physellae; this is also the first time this species has been reported in Europe. Species identification was performed by integrative taxonomy combining morphological investigations with molecular genetic analyses. The results show a very close relationship between the parasite found in Austria and North American specimens (similarity found in CO1 ≥99.57%). Therefore, a recent introduction of T. physellae into Europe can be assumed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaus Helmer
- Central Research Laboratories, Natural History Museum Vienna, 1010 Vienna, Austria; (S.R.); (J.S.); (N.U.S.); (E.H.)
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, University of Vienna, 1030 Vienna, Austria
- Correspondence:
| | - Hubert Blatterer
- Department of Water Management, Office of the State Government of Upper Austria, 4020 Linz, Austria;
| | - Christoph Hörweg
- 3rd Zoological Department, Natural History Museum Vienna, 1010 Vienna, Austria; (C.H.); (H.S.)
| | - Susanne Reier
- Central Research Laboratories, Natural History Museum Vienna, 1010 Vienna, Austria; (S.R.); (J.S.); (N.U.S.); (E.H.)
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, University of Vienna, 1030 Vienna, Austria
- 1st Zoological Department, Natural History Museum Vienna, 1010 Vienna, Austria
| | - Helmut Sattmann
- 3rd Zoological Department, Natural History Museum Vienna, 1010 Vienna, Austria; (C.H.); (H.S.)
| | - Julia Schindelar
- Central Research Laboratories, Natural History Museum Vienna, 1010 Vienna, Austria; (S.R.); (J.S.); (N.U.S.); (E.H.)
| | - Nikolaus U. Szucsich
- Central Research Laboratories, Natural History Museum Vienna, 1010 Vienna, Austria; (S.R.); (J.S.); (N.U.S.); (E.H.)
| | - Elisabeth Haring
- Central Research Laboratories, Natural History Museum Vienna, 1010 Vienna, Austria; (S.R.); (J.S.); (N.U.S.); (E.H.)
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, University of Vienna, 1030 Vienna, Austria
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Ashrafi K, Sharifdini M, Darjani A, Brant SV. Migratory routes, domesticated birds and cercarial dermatitis: the distribution of Trichobilharzia franki in Northern Iran. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 28:4. [PMID: 33433322 PMCID: PMC7802520 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2020073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Background: One of the major migration routes for birds going between Europe and Asia is the Black Sea-Mediterranean route that converges on the Volga Delta, continuing into the area of the Caspian Sea. Cercarial dermatitis is a disorder in humans caused by schistosome trematodes that use aquatic birds and snails as hosts and is prevalent in areas of aquaculture in Northern Iran. Before the disorder can be addressed, it is necessary to determine the etiological agents and their host species. This study aimed to document whether domestic mallards are reservoir hosts and if so, to characterize the species of schistosomes. Previous work has shown that domestic mallards are reservoir hosts for a nasal schistosome. Results: In 32 of 45 domestic mallards (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) (71.1%), the schistosome Trichobilharzia franki, previously reported only from Europe, was found in visceral veins. Morphological and molecular phylogenetic analysis confirmed the species designation. These findings extend the range of T. franki from Europe to Eurasia. Conclusion: The occurrence of cercarial dermatitis in Iran is high in areas of aquaculture. Previous studies in the area have shown that domestic mallards are reservoir hosts of T. regenti, a nasal schistosome and T. franki, as shown in this study. The genetic results support the conclusion that populations of T. franki from Iran are not differentiated from populations in Europe. Therefore, the schistosomes are distributed with their migratory duck hosts, maintaining the gene flow across populations with compatible snail hosts in Iran.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keyhan Ashrafi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht 41996-13776, Iran
| | - Meysam Sharifdini
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht 41996-13776, Iran
| | - Abbas Darjani
- Skin Research Center, Department of Dermatology, Razi Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht 41996-13776, Iran
| | - Sara V Brant
- Museum of Southwestern Biology, Division of Parasites, Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, 1 University of New Mexico MSC03 2020, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, USA
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Lashaki EK, Teshnizi SH, Gholami S, Fakhar M, Brant SV, Dodangeh S. Global prevalence status of avian schistosomes: A systematic review with meta-analysis. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2020; 9:e00142. [PMID: 32181379 PMCID: PMC7063171 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2020.e00142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2019] [Revised: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Human cercarial dermatitis (HCD) is a water-borne zoonotic parasitic disease. Cercariae of the avian schistosomes of several genera are frequently recognized as the causative agent of HCD. Various studies have been performed regarding prevalence of bird schistosomes in different regions of the world. So far, no study has gathered and analyzed this data systematically. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis study was to determine the prevalence of avian schistosomes worldwide. Methods Data were extracted from six available databases for studies published from 1937 to 2017. Generally, 41 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were used for data extraction in this systematic review. Most of studies have been conducted on the family Anatidae. Results The overall prevalence of avian schistosomes was estimated to be 34.0% (95%CI, 28%-41%) around the world. Furthermore, results displayed that, Allobilharzia visceralis and Trichobilharzia spp. had the highest frequency and their prevalence in the birds was 50.0% (95% CI, 3.0%-97.0%) and 32.0% (95% CI, 21.0%-0.36%), respectively. The results showed that the prevalence of avian schistosomes was 43.0% (95% CI, 29% - 56%) in the US and 38.0% (27.0% -50.0%) in Europe, which were higher than other continents, respectively. Conclusions The prevalence of 34% shows that the bird schistosomes are very common zoonotic worms among aquatic birds in the world. Also, this study shows the importance of avian schistosome research when facing animal and human health of the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Kia Lashaki
- Molecular and Cell Biology Research Center, Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Saeed Hosseini Teshnizi
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Shirzad Gholami
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mahdi Fakhar
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Corresponding author at: Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Department of Parasitolgy, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Farah Abad, Sari 48471-91971, Iran.
| | - Sara V. Brant
- Museum of Southwestern Biology Division of Parasites, Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, USA
| | - Samira Dodangeh
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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Ashrafi K, Nouroosta A, Sharifdini M, Mahmoudi MR, Rahmati B, Brant SV. Genetic diversity of an avian nasal schistosome causing cercarial dermatitis in the Black Sea-Mediterranean migratory route. Parasitol Res 2018; 117:3821-3833. [PMID: 30343420 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-6087-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This study is part of an effort to document the diversity of avian schistosomes in ducks and snails in Northern Iran, a major flyway (Black Sea/Mediterranean) for migratory birds and where cercarial dermatitis (CD) is prevalent in rice growing areas. CD is an allergic skin reaction from schistosome trematodes that emerge from aquatic snails. Most CD cases are reported from recreational swimmers or aquaculture farmers. Much of the work on the epidemiology of CD has focused in recreational waters in the Americas and Europe, with fewer studies in aquaculture, particularly in Iran. The artificial environment at aquaculture sites support dense populations of snails that are hosts to schistosomes, as well as domestic ducks. Thus, are domestic ducks reservoir hosts of species of Trichobilharzia, one of the main etiological agents of CD in Northern Iran? This study focused on a survey of domestic ducks for the presence of the nasal schistosome, T. regenti, that has been reported widely in Europe. Trichobilharzia regenti were found in domestic ducks in the Guilan Province of Iran based on morphological and molecular analyses. The presence of this species in Northern Iran indicates that the domestic duck can serve as a reservoir host for this species and that one of the local snail species is likely the intermediate host. The continued study and surveillance of this species is important because it is a neuropathic schistosome that can use a diversity of bird definitive hosts and Radix snails that are widespread across Eurasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keyhan Ashrafi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Alireza Nouroosta
- Student Research Committee, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Meysam Sharifdini
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Mahmoudi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Behnaz Rahmati
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Sara V Brant
- Museum of Southwestern Biology, Division of Parasites, Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, 1 University of New Mexico MSC03 2020, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87131, USA.
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Pinto HA, Pulido-Murillo EA, de Melo AL, Brant SV. Putative new genera and species of avian schistosomes potentially involved in human cercarial dermatitis in the Americas, Europe and Africa. Acta Trop 2017; 176:415-420. [PMID: 28935554 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2017] [Revised: 09/02/2017] [Accepted: 09/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
New larval avian schistosomes found in planorbid snails from Brazil and USA were used for morphological and molecular studies. Eggs with a distinctive long polar filament were found in ducks infected experimentally with Brazilian cercariae. Similar eggs were reported previously in wild or experimentally infected anatids from Brazil, South Africa, and the Czech Republic. Molecular phylogenetic analyses showed that the North American and European schistosomes are sister taxa, which are both sister to the Brazilian species. However, these clades do not group with any named genus. Molecular data plus egg morphology suggest that these are new putative genera and species of avian schistosomes that can cause human cercarial dermatitis in the Americas, Africa and Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hudson A Pinto
- Laboratório de Biologia de Trematoda, Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Eduardo A Pulido-Murillo
- Laboratório de Biologia de Trematoda, Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Alan L de Melo
- Laboratório de Taxonomia e Biologia de Invertebrados, Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Sara V Brant
- University of New Mexico, Museum of Southwestern Biology Division of Parasites, Department of Biology, Albuquerque, NM 87111, USA
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Nitric oxide and cytokine production by glial cells exposed in vitro to neuropathogenic schistosome Trichobilharzia regenti. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:579. [PMID: 27842570 PMCID: PMC5109812 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1869-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Helminth neuroinfections represent a serious health problem, but host immune mechanisms in the nervous tissue often remain undiscovered. This study aims at in vitro characterization of the response of murine astrocytes and microglia exposed to Trichobilharzia regenti which is a neuropathogenic schistosome migrating through the central nervous system of vertebrate hosts. Trichobilharzia regenti infects birds and mammals in which it may cause severe neuromotor impairment. This study was focused on astrocytes and microglia as these are immunocompetent cells of the nervous tissue and their activation was recently observed in T. regenti-infected mice. Results Primary astrocytes and microglia were exposed to several stimulants of T. regenti origin. Living schistosomulum-like stages caused increased secretion of IL-6 in astrocyte cultures, but no changes in nitric oxide (NO) production were noticed. Nevertheless, elevated parasite mortality was observed in these cultures. Soluble fraction of the homogenate from schistosomulum-like stages stimulated NO production by both astrocytes and microglia, and IL-6 and TNF-α secretion in astrocyte cultures. Similarly, recombinant cathepsins B1.1 and B2 triggered IL-6 and TNF-α release in astrocyte and microglia cultures, and NO production in astrocyte cultures. Stimulants had no effect on production of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 or TGF-β1. Conclusions Both astrocytes and microglia are capable of production of NO and proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α following in vitro exposure to various stimulants of T. regenti origin. Astrocytes might be involved in triggering the tissue inflammation in the early phase of T. regenti infection and are proposed to participate in destruction of migrating schistosomula. However, NO is not the major factor responsible for parasite damage. Both astrocytes and microglia can be responsible for the nervous tissue pathology and maintaining the ongoing inflammation since they are a source of NO and proinflammatory cytokines which are released after exposure to parasite antigens. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-016-1869-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Ebbs ET, Loker ES, Davis NE, Flores V, Veleizan A, Brant SV. Schistosomes with wings: how host phylogeny and ecology shape the global distribution of Trichobilharzia querquedulae (Schistosomatidae). Int J Parasitol 2016; 46:669-77. [PMID: 27260861 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2016.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Revised: 04/19/2016] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Migratory waterfowl play an important role in the maintenance and spread of zoonotic diseases worldwide. An example is cercarial dermatitis, caused when larval stages of schistosomes that normally develop in birds penetrate human skin. Members of the genus Trichobilharzia (Schistosomatidae), transmitted mainly by ducks, are considered to be major etiological agents of cercarial dermatitis globally. To better understand the diversity and distribution of Trichobilharzia spp., we surveyed ducks from the United States, eastern Canada, Argentina, South Africa and New Zealand. To aid in species identification of the Trichobilharzia worms recovered, regions of the Cox1, ND4 and ITS1 were sequenced. Furthermore, we provide molecular phylogenetic evidence for the cosmopolitan distribution and trans-hemispheric gene flow for one species, Trichobilharzia querquedulae, previously thought to be restricted to North America. These new samples from endemic non-migratory duck species indicate that T. querquedulae transmission occurs within each of the regions we sampled and that it is specific to the blue-winged+silver teal duck clade. Prevalence within this host group is >95% across the known range of T. querquedulae, indicating that transmission is common. Genetic divergence is evenly distributed among continents, and no phylogenetic structure associated with geography was observed. The results provide strong support for the global distribution and transmission of T. querquedulae and represent, to our knowledge, the first report of a cosmopolitan schistosome confirmed by genetic data. These data are the first known to support trans-hemispheric genetic exchange in a species responsible for causing cercarial dermatitis, indicating that the epidemiology of this group of poorly known zoonotic parasites is more complex than previously expected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika T Ebbs
- Department of Biology, Museum of Southwestern Biology Parasite Division, Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, University of New Mexico, 167 Castetter MSCO3 2020, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA.
| | - Eric S Loker
- Department of Biology, Museum of Southwestern Biology Parasite Division, Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, University of New Mexico, 167 Castetter MSCO3 2020, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Norm E Davis
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Veronica Flores
- Laboratorio de Parasitología (LAPAR), INIBIOMA (CONICET-Universidad Nacional del Comahue), Avda. Quintral 1250 8400 San Carlos de Bariloche- Río Negro, Argentina
| | - Aylen Veleizan
- Laboratorio de Parasitología (LAPAR), INIBIOMA (CONICET-Universidad Nacional del Comahue), Avda. Quintral 1250 8400 San Carlos de Bariloche- Río Negro, Argentina
| | - Sara V Brant
- Department of Biology, Museum of Southwestern Biology Parasite Division, Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, University of New Mexico, 167 Castetter MSCO3 2020, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
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Fakhar M, Ghobaditara M, Brant SV, Karamian M, Gohardehi S, Bastani R. Phylogenetic analysis of nasal avian schistosomes (Trichobilharzia) from aquatic birds in Mazandaran Province, northern Iran. Parasitol Int 2015; 65:151-8. [PMID: 26631753 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2015.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Revised: 11/10/2015] [Accepted: 11/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Nasal schistosomes are trematodes in the family Schistosomatidae, many members of which are causative agents of human cercarial dermatitis (HCD). Little is known about the species diversity and distribution of nasal dwelling schistosomes of water birds, particularly in countries outside of Europe; even less is known in countries like Iran. Nasal schistosomes are of particular interest since these species migrate via the central nervous system to the nasal cavity once they penetrate their host. Thus, there must be efforts to determine the incidence of HCD due to nasal schistosomes. HCD outbreaks are reported seasonally in Mazandaran Province, northern Iran, an area well known for rice cultivation leading to increased person contact with water and infected snails. Such places include favorable habitat for both domestic ducks year round, and wild migratory ducks in the winter through spring. Recent reports have detected the presence of both nasal and visceral schistosomes in ducks in this area but with little species characterization. In this study, we examine a diversity of aquatic birds to determine the distribution, prevalence and bird host use of nasal schistosomes. We apply for the first time a molecular identification and phylogenetic analysis of these schistosomes. From 2012 to 2014, the nasal cavity of 508 aquatic birds from Mazandaran Province were examined that included species in Anseriformes, Gruiformes, Charadriiformes and Phoenicopteriformes. Nasal schistosomes were found in 45 (8.9%) birds belonging to Anseriformes (Anas platyrhynchos and Anas clypeata). Phylogenetic analysis of the nuclear internal transcribed spacer 1 rDNA and the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase1 gene of isolated eggs revealed that all samples grouped in a sister clade to the European Trichobilharzia regenti. However, Trichobilharzia from this study were more similar to a unique haplotype of Trichobilharzia, isolated from the nasals of an A. clypeata in France. The genetic and phenotypic differences between the species found herein and T. regenti from Europe, may prove with additional data to be a distinct species of Trichobilharzia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Fakhar
- Molecular and Cell Biology Research Center, Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Maryam Ghobaditara
- Molecular and Cell Biology Research Center, Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Sara V Brant
- Museum of Southwestern Biology Division of Parasites, Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, USA
| | - Mehdi Karamian
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Department of Microbiology, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.
| | - Shaban Gohardehi
- Molecular and Cell Biology Research Center, Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Reza Bastani
- Molecular and Cell Biology Research Center, Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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Christiansen AØ, Olsen A, Buchmann K, Kania PW, Nejsum P, Vennervald BJ. Molecular diversity of avian schistosomes in Danish freshwater snails. Parasitol Res 2015; 115:1027-37. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4830-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Accepted: 11/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Flores V, Brant SV, Loker ES. Avian Schistosomes from the South American Endemic Gastropod GenusChilina(Pulmonata: Chilinidae), with a Brief Review of South American Schistosome Species. J Parasitol 2015; 101:565-76. [DOI: 10.1645/14-639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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Horák P, Mikeš L, Lichtenbergová L, Skála V, Soldánová M, Brant SV. Avian schistosomes and outbreaks of cercarial dermatitis. Clin Microbiol Rev 2015; 28:165-90. [PMID: 25567226 PMCID: PMC4284296 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00043-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cercarial dermatitis (swimmer's itch) is a condition caused by infective larvae (cercariae) of a species-rich group of mammalian and avian schistosomes. Over the last decade, it has been reported in areas that previously had few or no cases of dermatitis and is thus considered an emerging disease. It is obvious that avian schistosomes are responsible for the majority of reported dermatitis outbreaks around the world, and thus they are the primary focus of this review. Although they infect humans, they do not mature and usually die in the skin. Experimental infections of avian schistosomes in mice show that in previously exposed hosts, there is a strong skin immune reaction that kills the schistosome. However, penetration of larvae into naive mice can result in temporary migration from the skin. This is of particular interest because the worms are able to migrate to different organs, for example, the lungs in the case of visceral schistosomes and the central nervous system in the case of nasal schistosomes. The risk of such migration and accompanying disorders needs to be clarified for humans and animals of interest (e.g., dogs). Herein we compiled the most comprehensive review of the diversity, immunology, and epidemiology of avian schistosomes causing cercarial dermatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petr Horák
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Libor Mikeš
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Lichtenbergová
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimír Skála
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Miroslava Soldánová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Sara Vanessa Brant
- Museum Southwestern Biology, Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
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Kolářová L, Horák P, Skírnisson K, Marečková H, Doenhoff M. Cercarial dermatitis, a neglected allergic disease. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2014; 45:63-74. [PMID: 22915284 DOI: 10.1007/s12016-012-8334-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Cercarial dermatitis (swimmer's itch) is a common non-communicable water-borne disease. It is caused by penetration of the skin by larvae (cercariae) of schistosomatid flukes and develops as a maculopapular skin eruption after repeated contacts with the parasites. The number of outbreaks of the disease is increasing, and cercarial dermatitis can therefore be considered as an emerging problem. Swimmer's itch is mostly associated with larvae of the bird schistosomes of Trichobilharzia spp. Recent results have shown that mammalian infections (including man) manifest themselves as an allergic reaction which is able to trap and eliminate parasites in the skin. Studies on mammals experimentally infected by bird schistosome cercariae revealed, however, that during primary infection, parasites are able to escape from the skin to the lungs or central nervous system. This review covers basic information on detection of the infectious agents in the field and the clinical course of the disease, including other pathologies which may develop after infection by cercariae, and diagnosis of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Libuše Kolářová
- Institute of Immunology and Microbiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and General University Hospital in Prague, Studničkova 7, 128 00, Prague 2, Czech Republic.
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Pathogenicity of Trichobilharzia spp. for Vertebrates. J Parasitol Res 2012; 2012:761968. [PMID: 23125918 PMCID: PMC3480016 DOI: 10.1155/2012/761968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2012] [Accepted: 09/13/2012] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Bird schistosomes, besides being responsible for bird schistosomiasis, are known as causative agents of cercarial dermatitis. Cercarial dermatitis develops after repeated contact with cercariae, mainly of the genus Trichobilharzia, and was described as a type I, immediate hypersensitivity response, followed by a late phase reaction. The immune response is Th2 polarized. Primary infection leads to an inflammatory reaction that is insufficient to eliminate the schistosomes and schistosomula may continue its migration through the body of avian as well as mammalian hosts. However, reinfections of experimental mice revealed an immune reaction leading to destruction of the majority of schistosomula in the skin. Infection with the nasal schistosome Trichobilharzia regenti probably represents a higher health risk than infections with visceral schistosomes. After the skin penetration by the cercariae, parasites migrate via the peripheral nerves, spinal cord to the brain, and terminate their life cycle in the nasal mucosa of waterfowl where they lay eggs. T. regenti can also get over skin barrier and migrate to CNS of experimental mice. During heavy infections, neuroinfections of both birds and mammals lead to the development of a cellular immune response and axonal damage in the vicinity of the schistosomulum. Such infections are manifest by neuromotor disorders.
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Griffin MJ, Khoo LH, Quiniou SM, O'Hear MM, Pote LM, Greenway TE, Wise DJ. Genetic Sequence Data Identifies the Cercaria of Drepanocephalus spathans (Digenea: Echinostomatidae), A Parasite of the Double-Crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus), with Notes on its Pathology in Juvenile Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). J Parasitol 2012; 98:967-72. [DOI: 10.1645/ge-3039.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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Skírnisson K, Kolářová L, Horák P, Ferté H, Jouet D. Morphological features of the nasal blood fluke Trichobilharzia regenti (Schistosomatidae, Digenea) from naturally infected hosts. Parasitol Res 2011; 110:1881-92. [PMID: 22146993 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-011-2713-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2011] [Accepted: 11/17/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
The first author detected the nasal bird schistosome Trichobilharzia regenti in Iceland in Anas platyrhynchos in Landmannalaugar in autumn of 2003. Since then, measurements and morphological studies have been performed on fresh worms (fragments) obtained in the area from naturally infected ducks, A. platyrhynchos and Aythya marila. In the present study, we compare our findings to the original description of T. regenti by Horák et al. (Parasite 5:349-357, 1998) that relies upon worms obtained by experimental infections of A. platyrhynchos f. domestica and Cairina moschata f. domestica ducklings. Fragments obtained from naturally infected birds are markedly larger than those obtained in the experimental infection. Also, indistinct sex-related size difference was confirmed; males were more abundant in the material than females. Previously unknown morphological features detected in the present study include, e.g. subterminal spines on the oral sucker directed to the oral opening, spine pattern on the apical part of acetabulum and long tegumental spines (up to 16 μm) in the gonad and tail regions of both sexes. In males, we evaluated for the first time the morphology of the cirrus sac enclosing ejaculatory duct, prostata and the entire prostatic region, the course of vas deferens and the position of genital papilla. In females, the posterior part of the reproductive system was studied for the first time. The presence of the Laurer's canal was confirmed and its course from the oviduct to the surface, where spermatozoa were noticed to leave the canal, was described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Skírnisson
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Institute for Experimental Pathology, University of Iceland, Keldur, IS-112, Reykjavík, Iceland.
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