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Toresson L, Spillmann T, Pilla R, Ludvigsson U, Hellgren J, Olmedal G, Suchodolski JS. Clinical Effects of Faecal Microbiota Transplantation as Adjunctive Therapy in Dogs with Chronic Enteropathies—A Retrospective Case Series of 41 Dogs. Vet Sci 2023; 10:vetsci10040271. [PMID: 37104426 PMCID: PMC10145442 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10040271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic enteropathies (CE) are common in dogs, but not all affected dogs respond to standard therapy. Successful responses to faecal microbial transplantation (FMT) in dogs with non-responsive CE have been reported in two case series. The objective of this retrospective study was to describe the clinical effects of FMT as an adjunctive therapy in a larger population of dogs with CE. Forty-one dogs aged 0.6–13.0 years (median 5.8) under treatment for CE at one referral animal hospital were included. Dogs were treated with 1–5 (median 3) FMTs as a rectal enema at a dose of 5–7 g/kg body weight. The canine inflammatory bowel disease activity index (CIBDAI) was compared at baseline versus after the last FMT. Stored faecal samples (n = 16) were analysed with the dysbiosis index. CIBDAI at baseline was 2–17 (median 6), which decreased to 1–9 (median 2; p < 0.0001) after FMT. Subsequently, 31/41 dogs responded to treatment, resulting in improved faecal quality and/or activity level in 24/41 and 24/41 dogs, respectively. The dysbiosis index at baseline was significantly lower for good responders versus poor responders (p = 0.043). Results suggest that FMT can be useful as an adjunctive therapy in dogs with poorly responsive CE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Toresson
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Agnes Sjöberginkatu 2, Helsinki University, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Evidensia Specialist Animal Hospital, Bergavagen 3, 25466 Helsingborg, Sweden
| | - Thomas Spillmann
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Agnes Sjöberginkatu 2, Helsinki University, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Rachel Pilla
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 4474 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Ulrika Ludvigsson
- Evidensia Specialist Animal Hospital, Bergavagen 3, 25466 Helsingborg, Sweden
| | - Josefin Hellgren
- Evidensia Specialist Animal Hospital, Bergavagen 3, 25466 Helsingborg, Sweden
| | - Gunilla Olmedal
- Evidensia Specialist Animal Hospital, Bergavagen 3, 25466 Helsingborg, Sweden
| | - Jan S. Suchodolski
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 4474 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843, USA
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Drake J, Sweet S, Baxendale K, Hegarty E, Horr S, Friis H, Goddu T, Ryan WG, von Samson-Himmelstjerna G. Detection of Giardia and helminths in Western Europe at local K9 (canine) sites (DOGWALKS Study). Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:311. [PMID: 36057606 PMCID: PMC9440314 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05440-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intestinal parasite contamination from infected dogs can place other dogs and humans at risk. A study was initiated to estimate the prevalence of canine intestinal parasitism by collecting fecal samples in cities across Western Europe. METHODS Fresh fecal samples were collected from 2469 dogs visiting 164 parks in 33 cities across 12 countries. Each owner responded to a questionnaire focusing on their dog's signalment and recent anthelmintic treatment history. The collected samples were examined for hookworms, whipworms, ascarids and Giardia using a coproantigen diagnostic immunoassay and microscopy following centrifugal flotation. RESULTS Nematodes or Giardia were detected in at least one sample from 100% of cities and in 93.3% of parks. Nematodes were detected in 57% of parks. Overall, 22.8% of dogs tested positive for an intestinal parasite, with Giardia being the most commonly identified parasites (17.3% of dogs, 83.5% of parks). For nematode infection, 7.6% of all dogs tested positive, with 9.9% of dogs aged < 1 year infected, 7.7% of those aged 1-3 years, 7.3% of those aged 4-6 years and 6.6% of those aged ≥ 7 years. Among the nematodes detected, ascarids were the most prevalent (3.6% of dogs, parks, 28.7% of parks), being most common in dogs aged < 1 year but also present in older dogs, including those aged ≥ 7 years. Hookworms and whipworms were detected in 3.2% and 2.3% of dogs of all ages, respectively, and in 37.2% and 17.7% of parks, respectively. A larger proportion of fecal samples tested positive with the coproantigen immunoassay than with centrifugal flotation. Positive test results for Giardia were sevenfold higher when both diagnostic tests were used than when centrifugal flotation alone was used, and there were 60% more positive test results for nematodes when both tests were used than when flotation alone was used. Overall, 77.2% of owners reported previous anthelmintic treatment, among whom at least 62.7% failed to follow recommended treatment frequency. Dogs receiving anthelmintic within the previous month had a lower percentage of nematode infection than those in which > 1 month had passed since the previous dose. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence estimates of intestinal parasite infections in dogs reported here highlight the need for owner education concerning guidelines for regular testing and treatment, even in older dogs. Failure to adhere to guidelines can result in ongoing transmission of these infections, including those with zoonotic potential. Combining coproantigen immunoassay with centrifugal flotation for diagnostic testing and regular anthelmintic treatment are important measures for ensuring optimal intestinal parasite control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Drake
- Elanco Animal Health, 2500 Innovation Way, Greenfield, IN, 46140, USA
| | - Sarah Sweet
- IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., 1 IDEXX Dr, Westbrook, ME, 04092, USA
| | | | - Evan Hegarty
- IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., 1 IDEXX Dr, Westbrook, ME, 04092, USA
| | - Stephanie Horr
- IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., 1 IDEXX Dr, Westbrook, ME, 04092, USA
| | - Hanne Friis
- IDEXX Europe B.V, Scorpius 60, Hoofddorp, The Netherlands
| | - Troy Goddu
- IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., 1 IDEXX Dr, Westbrook, ME, 04092, USA
| | - William G Ryan
- Ryan Mitchell Associates LLC, Westfield, NJ, 07090, USA.
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Massetti L, Wiethoelter A, McDonagh P, Rae L, Marwedel L, Beugnet F, Colella V, Traub RJ. Faecal prevalence, distribution and risk factors associated with canine soil-transmitted helminths contaminating urban parks across Australia. Int J Parasitol 2022; 52:637-646. [PMID: 36007621 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2022.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Dog parks provide an ideal urban space where dogs and their owners can exercise, play, and socialize in a safe environment. However, these parks can also increase the risk of exposure to a series of infectious agents including canine soil-transmitted helminths (cSTHs) such as hookworms, roundworms, Strongyloides stercoralis, and Trichuris vulpis, which are endemic to Australia. In this study, we collected 1581 canine faecal samples in 190 urban parks across Australia and subjected these to faecal floatation and multiplex real-time PCRs (qPCR) to detect a range of cSTHs. In total, 44.2% of the parks sampled were contaminated with at least one species of cSTH, with hookworms being the most prevalent parasites (10.2%) followed by Trichuris spp. (1.3%) and Strongyloides spp. (1.2%). This is the first large-scale study investigating the contamination of urban parks with cSTHs in Australia, and the first nation-wide study to demonstrate the occurrence of Strongyloides spp. in canine faecal samples from urban areas in the country. This study reveals a high rate of contamination with cSTHs in dog parks in urban Australia, most of which having proven zoonotic potential. Preventive measures, including awareness-raising educational programs promoting responsible pet ownership, should be encouraged to minimise the health risks associated with cSTHs for both dogs and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Massetti
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC3052, Australia.
| | - Anke Wiethoelter
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC3052, Australia
| | - Phillip McDonagh
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Australia, North Ryde, New South Wales 2113, Australia
| | - Louise Rae
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Australia, North Ryde, New South Wales 2113, Australia
| | - Lara Marwedel
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Australia, North Ryde, New South Wales 2113, Australia
| | | | - Vito Colella
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC3052, Australia
| | - Rebecca J Traub
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC3052, Australia
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Omeragić J, Kapo N, Alagić D, Soldo DK, Goletić T, Smajlović A, Crnkić Ć, Fejzić N, Škapur V. Contamination of Soil and Vegetation with Developmental Forms of Parasites in the Area of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2021; 16:236-244. [PMID: 34557238 PMCID: PMC8418646 DOI: 10.18502/ijpa.v16i2.6280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Background: According to the WHO (2019), more than 1.5 billion people worldwide are infected with soil-transmitted parasites. Previous research in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FB&H) was mainly conducted in the area of the Sarajevo Canton. Therefore, the aim of the research was to explore contamination of soil and vegetation with developmental forms of parasites in the other cantons of FB&H. Methods: Between Apr and Oct 2018, a total of 1,618 soil and vegetation samples were taken from 386 different locations in the 9 cantons of the FB&H. Results: Positive samples were observed, 65/66 (98.48%) municipalities/cities and on 239/386 (61.92%) locations. Out of 1,618 samples taken in total (1,263 soil samples and 355 vegetation samples), 357 (22.06%) were positive, out of which 337 (26.68%) and 20 (5.63%) were soil and plant samples, respectively. In total, the following adult and developmental forms were identified: Taeniidae eggs (7.30%), Toxocara spp. eggs (62.08%), Ancylostomatidae eggs (25.00%), Trichuris spp. eggs (9.55%), Capillaria spp. eggs (3.37%), Toxascaris leonina eggs (1.40%), Nematodes larvae (19.38%), Giardia duodenalis cysts (5.06%), Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts (1.4%), oocysts and cysts of different species of Protozoa (3.93%). Conclusion: The identified developmental forms of parasites pose a permanent threat to human health. It is necessary to carry out measures to reduce the contamination of soil and vegetation in coordination with systematic solutions (legislation), paralelly with contribution of animal owners, veterinarians, physicians, ecologists, parents and all the others involved in this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Omeragić
- Department of Parasitology and Invasive Diseases, Veterinary Faculty, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Naida Kapo
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Davor Alagić
- Department of Food Hygiene & Technology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Darinka Klarić Soldo
- Department of Parasitology and Invasive Diseases, Veterinary Faculty, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Teufik Goletić
- Department of Animal Hygiene & Prophylactics of Animal Diseases, Department of Poultry Breeding, Production & Health Care, Veterinary Faculty, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Ahmed Smajlović
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Ćazim Crnkić
- Department of Feed & Animal Nutrition, Veterinary Faculty, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Nihad Fejzić
- Department of Animal Health and Economics, Veterinary Faculty, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Vedad Škapur
- Institute of Animal Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 8, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Fecková M, Antolová D, Zaleśny G, Halánová M, Štrkolcová G, Goldová M, Weissová T, Lukáč B, Nováková M. Seroepidemiology of human toxocariasis in selected population groups in Slovakia: A cross-sectional study. J Infect Public Health 2020; 13:1107-1111. [PMID: 32404252 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2020.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human toxocariasis is a cosmopolitan helminthic zoonosis caused by roundworms of the genus Toxocara. The study aimed at a cross-sectional analysis of seropositivity to Toxocara spp. in selected groups of population in Slovakia and an estimate of the risk factors of infection. METHODS For the detection of anti-Toxocara antibodies, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on an excretory-secretory (E/S) antigen of Toxocara canis was used. RESULTS The overall seropositivity to Toxocara in 1489 evaluated sera was 3.7%. The seropositivity of Roma children/young people (40.3%) was significantly higher when compared with all other analysed groups. Among adult respondents, the positivity of farmers and hunters (5.5% and 5.1%, respectively) was significantly higher (p<0.001) than in the other analysed groups (veterinarians and veterinary assistants, soldiers, students of veterinary medicine, and students of other universities). Analysis of infection risk factors showed that living in a rural locality, everyday contact with soil, and everyday outdoor activities (12.7%, 8.8% and 8.3% positivity, respectively) can increase the risk of infection, but the observed differences were not significant. CONCLUSION The results underline the importance of preventive measures and the need for improving of knowledge of toxocariasis among professionals, as well as the public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miroslava Fecková
- Institute of Parasitology of Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia; University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Daniela Antolová
- Institute of Parasitology of Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia.
| | - Grzegorz Zaleśny
- Department of Invertebrate Systematics and Ecology, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, C. K. Norwida 25, 50-375 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Monika Halánová
- P. J. Šafárik University in Košice, Trieda SNP 1, 040 11 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Gabriela Štrkolcová
- University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Mária Goldová
- University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Tatiana Weissová
- University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Branislav Lukáč
- University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Mária Nováková
- Catholic University in Ružomberok, Námestie A. Hlinku 48, 034 01 Ružomberok, Slovakia
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Lukashev AN, Ruzina MN, Akhmadishina LV. Toxocara prevalence in dogs, cats and the environment in Russia. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2020; 109:801-817. [PMID: 32381227 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2020.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The toxocariasis incidence in Russia is relatively low (1.8 cases per 100,000 individuals) and the parasite is not a major healthcare concern. However, the proportion of primary hosts testing positive for the parasite is high and varies between 3% and 100% in dogs (on average 33%), and between 6% and 52% in cats. Higher prevalence was observed in Volga, Urals and Siberia regions. Levels of contamination of soil, children's playgrounds and sandboxes is also high, with up to 100% contamination rates determined in some studies, but more commonly prevalence of contamination around 40% was reported. There is a pronounced seasonality in the prevalence of Toxocara in primary hosts and the soil, with peaks in the summer and autumn. Most likely, a lack of permissive conditions for the development of eggs in the winter determines observed seasonal patterns, which are different than those observed in most other countries. Toxocara eggs were found in 4-10% of vegetables and greenery samples tested, suggesting that they can contribute to the transmission of Toxocara.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander N Lukashev
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector-Borne Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia.
| | - Maria N Ruzina
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector-Borne Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Lyudmila V Akhmadishina
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector-Borne Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
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Zhan B, Ajmera R, Geiger SM, Gonçalves MTP, Liu Z, Wei J, Wilkins PP, Fujiwara R, Gazzinelli-Guimaraes PH, Bottazzi ME, Hotez P. Identification of immunodominant antigens for the laboratory diagnosis of toxocariasis. Trop Med Int Health 2015; 20:1787-96. [DOI: 10.1111/tmi.12607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Bin Zhan
- Baylor College of Medicine; Sabin Vaccine Institute and Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development; Houston TX USA
| | | | - Stefan Michael Geiger
- Departamento de Parasitologia; ICB; Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais; Belo Horizonte Brazil
| | | | - Zhuyun Liu
- Baylor College of Medicine; Sabin Vaccine Institute and Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development; Houston TX USA
| | - Junfei Wei
- Baylor College of Medicine; Sabin Vaccine Institute and Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development; Houston TX USA
| | - Patricia P. Wilkins
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Atlanta GA USA
| | - Ricardo Fujiwara
- Departamento de Parasitologia; ICB; Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais; Belo Horizonte Brazil
| | | | - Maria Elena Bottazzi
- Baylor College of Medicine; Sabin Vaccine Institute and Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development; Houston TX USA
| | - Peter Hotez
- Baylor College of Medicine; Sabin Vaccine Institute and Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development; Houston TX USA
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Jenkins EJ, Castrodale LJ, de Rosemond SJ, Dixon BR, Elmore SA, Gesy KM, Hoberg EP, Polley L, Schurer JM, Simard M, Thompson RCA. Tradition and transition: parasitic zoonoses of people and animals in Alaska, northern Canada, and Greenland. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2013; 82:33-204. [PMID: 23548085 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-407706-5.00002-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Zoonotic parasites are important causes of endemic and emerging human disease in northern North America and Greenland (the North), where prevalence of some parasites is higher than in the general North American population. The North today is in transition, facing increased resource extraction, globalisation of trade and travel, and rapid and accelerating environmental change. This comprehensive review addresses the diversity, distribution, ecology, epidemiology, and significance of nine zoonotic parasites in animal and human populations in the North. Based on a qualitative risk assessment with criteria heavily weighted for human health, these zoonotic parasites are ranked, in the order of decreasing importance, as follows: Echinococcus multilocularis, Toxoplasma gondii, Trichinella and Giardia, Echinococcus granulosus/canadensis and Cryptosporidium, Toxocara, anisakid nematodes, and diphyllobothriid cestodes. Recent and future trends in the importance of these parasites for human health in the North are explored. For example, the incidence of human exposure to endemic helminth zoonoses (e.g. Diphyllobothrium, Trichinella, and Echinococcus) appears to be declining, while water-borne protozoans such as Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and Toxoplasma may be emerging causes of human disease in a warming North. Parasites that undergo temperature-dependent development in the environment (such as Toxoplasma, ascarid and anisakid nematodes, and diphyllobothriid cestodes) will likely undergo accelerated development in endemic areas and temperate-adapted strains/species will move north, resulting in faunal shifts. Food-borne pathogens (e.g. Trichinella, Toxoplasma, anisakid nematodes, and diphyllobothriid cestodes) may be increasingly important as animal products are exported from the North and tourists, workers, and domestic animals enter the North. Finally, key needs are identified to better assess and mitigate risks associated with zoonotic parasites, including enhanced surveillance in animals and people, detection methods, and delivery and evaluation of veterinary and public health services.
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Mohd Zain SN, Behnke JM, Lewis JW. Helminth communities from two urban rat populations in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Parasit Vectors 2012; 5:47. [PMID: 22397763 PMCID: PMC3364890 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-5-47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2011] [Accepted: 03/07/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of parasitic infections among commensal animals such as black and brown rats in many tropical countries is high and in comparison with studies on rodents in temperate climates, little is known about the community structure of their parasites. Rodent borne parasites pose threats to human health since people living in close proximity to rodent populations can be exposed to infection. METHODS The helminth community structures of two urban rat populations in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia were investigated. The rats were from two contrasting sites in the city caught over a period of 21 months in 2000-2002. RESULTS Eleven species of helminth parasites comprising seven nematodes (Heterakis spumosum, Mastophorus muris, Nippostrongylus brasiliensis, Syphacia muris, Pterygodermatites tani/whartoni, Gongylonema neoplasticum, Angiostrongylus malaysiensis), three cestodes (Hymenolepis (Rodentolepis) nana, H. diminuta and Taenia taeniaeformis) and one acanthocephalan (Moniliformis moniliformis) were recovered from 346 Rattus rattus and 104 R. norvegicus from two urban sites, Bangsar and Chow Kit, during 2000-2002. Rattus rattus harboured over 60% of all helminths compared with R. norvegicus, although both host species played a dominant role in the different sites with, for example R. norvegicus at Bangsar and R. rattus at Chow Kit accounting for most of the nematodes. Overall 80% of rats carried at least one species of helminth, with the highest prevalences being shown by H. diminuta (35%), H. spumosum (29.8%) and H. nana (28.4%). Nevertheless, there were marked differences in prevalence rates between sites and hosts. The influence of extrinsic (year, season and site) and intrinsic (species, sex and age) factors affecting infracommunity structure (abundance and prevalence of infection) and measures of component community structure were analyzed. CONCLUSIONS Since at least two species of rat borne helminths in Kuala Lumpur have the potential to infect humans, and these showed high prevalences in the rats, the assessment and regular monitoring of infections carried by wild rodents have important roles to play in public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siti N Mohd Zain
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Jerzy M Behnke
- School of Biology, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - John W Lewis
- School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, Surrey, TW20 0EX, UK
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Abstract
AbstractToxocaraspp., an aetiological agent of a serious helminthozoonosis, is a common roundworm of domestic and wild carnivores worldwide. The study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence ofToxocarain small mammals from different localities in eastern Slovakia. Anti-Toxocaraantibodies were detected in 6.4% out of 2140 examined animals trapped in eastern Slovakia. Due to their high density and observed high seroprevalence of toxocariasis,Apodemus agrarius,A. flavicollis,Myodes glareolusandMus spicilegus(10.9, 4.2, 3.6 and 11.2%, respectively) represent important sources of the infection. A significant correlation between type of food andToxocarapositivity was detected: granivores (7.2%) and invertebratophages (7.1%) were positive more frequently than herbivores (2.1%). In the years monitored, cyclic changes of seroprevalence were observed. A higher prevalence of antibodies in the spring was followed by a decrease in summer. In autumn, seroprevalence started to rise and stayed at a similar level through the winter. Seroprevalence of the examined animals confirms their contact withToxocaraspp. and demonstrates the presence of the aetiological agent in the monitored locality. Areas with a high prevalence of infected animals present constant infectious pressure on definitive hosts, thus also increasing infection risk for humans and paratenic hosts. The study confirmed the contact of small mammals withToxocaraspp. and demonstrated the presence and circulation of an aetiological agent in the localities monitored in eastern Slovakia.
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Peixoto PL, Nascimento E, Cançado GGL, Miranda RRCD, Rocha RL, Araújo RN, Fujiwara RT. Identification of candidate antigens from adult stages of Toxocara canis for the serodiagnosis of human toxocariasis. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2011; 106:200-6. [DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762011000200014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2010] [Accepted: 12/16/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Keegan JD, Holland CV. Contamination of the hair of owned dogs with the eggs of Toxocara spp. Vet Parasitol 2010; 173:161-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2010.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2010] [Revised: 06/02/2010] [Accepted: 06/07/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Ovicidal activity of Pochonia chlamydosporia and Paecilomyces lilacinus on Toxocara canis eggs. Vet Parasitol 2010; 169:123-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2009.12.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2009] [Revised: 12/03/2009] [Accepted: 12/21/2009] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Yamamoto N, Kon M, Saito T, Maeno N, Koyama M, Sunaoshi K, Yamaguchi M, Morishima Y, Kawanaka M. [Prevalence of intestinal canine and feline parasites in Saitama Prefecture, Japan]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 83:223-8. [PMID: 19522305 DOI: 10.11150/kansenshogakuzasshi.83.223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
We studied the prevalence of intestinal parasites in animal companions in Saitama Prefecture, Japan, where no detailed data is currently available. Between May 1999 and December 2007, fecal samples were collected from 906 dogs and 1,079 cats in public animal shelters and examined by microscopy. Overall, prevalence of intestinal parasites in dogs was 38.6% and cats 43.1%. Trichuris vulpis was the most prevalent canine parasite species (22.3%), followed by Toxocara canis (12.5%), Ancylostoma caninum (10.4%), Isospora ohioensis (2.1%), Spirometra erinaceieuropaei (1.0%), Crypstosporidium sp. (0.9%), Giardia intestinalis (0.9%), I. canis (0.6%), Taeniidae (0.3%), Dipylidium caninum (0.2%), Echinostoma sp. (0.1%), and Pentatrichomonas hominis (0.1%). T. cati was the most prevalent feline parasite species (21.8%), followed by A. tubaeforme (13.2%), S. erinaceieuropaei (8.3%), I. felis (4.5%), Cryptosporidium sp. (2.8%), I. rivolta (2.2%), Pharyngostomum cordatum (1.6%), D. caninum (1.4%), Eimeria sp. (0.3%), Taeniidae (0.2%), Trichuris sp. (0.2%), Capillaria sp. (0.1%), Diphyllobothrium nihonkaiense (0.1%), and Metagonimus yokogawai (0.1%). Further molecular analysis to identify canine Taeniidae species and canine and feline Cryptosporidium species identified one canine taeniid positive species as Echinococcus multilocularis. Cryptosporidium species were identified as C. canis and C. felis. Parasites E. multilocularis and Cryptosporidium spp. in animal hosts were the first to be recorded in this prefecture. Compared to previous surveys conducted in the same area, the endemicity of some parasites appeared to have decreased, but some others remain. Given that most of these parasites have zoonotic potential, indicates the importance of having current data on parasite dissemination among animal companions. Government public health agencies should be responsible for educating pet owners about the control and prevention of zoonotic risk from such parasites.
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Seroprevalence of human toxocariasis in Denmark. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2009; 16:1372-3. [PMID: 19641098 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.00234-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The seroprevalence of Toxocara in the Danish population was assessed from 3,247 sera from individuals originally screened for toxoplasmosis. Of 87 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-positive sera, 79 were confirmed by Western blotting, yielding a crude seroprevalence of 2.4%. This indicates that the seroprevalence of toxocariasis in Denmark is low compared to those in other European countries.
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16
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Ishihara T, Ozawa T, Nemoto M, Shinbo J, Igarashi S, Tanaka K, Nishizawa M. [Toxocara canis myelitis]. NIHON NAIKA GAKKAI ZASSHI. THE JOURNAL OF THE JAPANESE SOCIETY OF INTERNAL MEDICINE 2007; 96:141-3. [PMID: 17305066 DOI: 10.2169/naika.96.141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tomohiko Ishihara
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Neuroscience Branch, Niigata University Brain Research Institute, Niigata
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17
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Matsuki Y, Fujii T, Nakamura-Uchiyama F, Hiromatsu K, Nawa Y, Hayashi T, Ohtomi S. Toxocariasis presenting with multiple effusions in the pericardial space, thoracic cavity, and Morrison's pouch. Intern Med 2007; 46:913-4. [PMID: 17575389 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.46.6427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yasunori Matsuki
- Department of Medicine, Japan Defense Force Central Hospital, Tokyo.
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18
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Roldán W, Cornejo W, Espinoza Y. Evaluation of the dot enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in comparison with standard ELISA for the immunodiagnosis of human toxocariasis. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2006; 101:71-4. [PMID: 16612511 DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762006000100013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A dot enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (dot-ELISA) was standardized using excretory-secretory antigens of Toxocara canis for the rapid immunodiagnosis of human toxocariasis. Thirty patients with clinical signs of toxocariasis, 20 cases with other parasitic diseases, and 40 healthy subjects were tested. A total of 0.2 ng of antigen per dot, serum dilution of 1:160 and dilution conjugate of 1:1000 were found optimal. The sensitivity and specificity of the assay were 100 and 95%, respectively. Comparable sensitivity of dot-ELISA and the standard ELISA was obtained, but only 3 cross-reactions occurred in the dot-ELISA, compared with 6 in the standard ELISA. Dot-ELISA is simple to perform, rapid, and low cost. Large-scale screening studies should be done to evaluate its usefulness under field conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Roldán
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical Daniel A. Carrión, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Callao, Peru.
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19
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Muradian V, Gennari SM, Glickman LT, Pinheiro SR. Epidemiological aspects of Visceral Larva Migrans in children living at São Remo Community, São Paulo (SP), Brazil. Vet Parasitol 2005; 134:93-7. [PMID: 16054301 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2005.05.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2004] [Accepted: 05/25/2005] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In preparation for a study of risk factors for Visceral Larva Migrans of children living in São Remo Community, São Paulo (SP), Brazil, fecal samples were collected from 41 dogs younger than one year of age, 338 serum samples from children ages 1-15 years and 37 soil samples, during March-June 2001. Fecal and soil samples were examined for the presence of Toxocara spp. eggs and serum samples were evaluated by ELISA for antibodies to Toxocara canis. Of the fecal, serum and soil samples tested, 39.0%, 26.9% and 29.7%, respectively, were positive, suggesting the possibility of the presence of Visceral Larva Migrans in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Muradian
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil
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20
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Anaruma Filho F, Chieffi PP, Correa CRS, Camargo ED, Silveira EPRD, Aranha JJB, Ribeiro MCSA. Human toxocariasis: a seroepidemiological survey in the municipality of Campinas (SP), Brazil. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2002; 44:303-7. [PMID: 12532212 DOI: 10.1590/s0036-46652002000600002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The occurrence of human Toxocara infection was evaluated in three neighborhoods of the periphery of the Campinas municipality (Jardim Santa Mônica, Jardim São Marcos and Jardim Campineiro) in 1999. Forty residences and 138 residents were randomly selected by drawing lots and were submitted to a seroepidemiological survey, which included blood collection for the immunoenzymatic detection (ELISA) of anti-Toxocara antibodies and a blood count, and the application of a semi-structured questionnaire for the evaluation of epidemiological data. Significant levels of anti-Toxocara antibodies were detected in 23.9% of the 1999 samples. No significant difference in the frequency of infection according to age was observed. Environmental contamination with Toxocara eggs was observed in 12.3 and 14.0% of 57 soil samples collected in the same region in December 1998 and July 1999, respectively. Univariate analysis and multiple logistic regression of the data obtained from the questionnaires and of the results of the serological tests, suggest a significant influence of socioeconomic variables on the frequency of human infection with Toxocara under the conditions prevalent in the study area.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Gillespie
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Royal Free and University College London, UK.
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22
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Maizels RM, Tetteh KK, Loukas A. Toxocara canis: genes expressed by the arrested infective larval stage of a parasitic nematode. Int J Parasitol 2000; 30:495-508. [PMID: 10731572 DOI: 10.1016/s0020-7519(00)00022-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Toxocara canis is a widely distributed nematode parasite which reaches maturity in dogs. However, eggs voided by canid animals are infective to a very wide range of paratenic hosts including humans. In noncanid hosts, infective larvae emerge from the eggs and invade the soft tissues, often entering the brain and musculature. Such larvae may remain for many months or years in these tissues without further growth or differentiation, and yet appear to evade inflammatory reactions or other modes of immune attack. To understand the ability of T. canis larvae to survive in the immunocompetent host, we have undertaken a molecular analysis of the major genes expressed at this stage. By a combination of protein sequencing, gene identification, and expressed sequence tag (EST) analysis we have characterised a range of potentially important gene products from this parasite. Some of these are homologues of prominent mammalian proteins such as C-type lectins (represented by the secreted products TES-32 and TES-70), and mucins (TES-120), and additional products show strong similarities to known cysteine proteases, phosphatidylethanolamine-binding proteins and other ligands. A number of these proteins include a conspicuous 36-amino acid motif containing six cysteines. This domain (termed NC6 or SXC) appears to be an evolutionarily mobile module, which in T. canis is combined with a spectrum of diverse functional domains in different genes. In addition, we have identified a set of novel gene sequences that show no resemblance to any genes encoded by the free-living nematode C. elegans. Four of these are designated abundant novel transcripts, and collectively these account for nearly 20% of the cDNA isolated from the arrested infective stage. Such parasite-specific genes expressed at a high level by a stage that shows remarkable endurance may represent critical products necessary for the success of the parasitic mode of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Maizels
- Institute of Cell, Animal and Population Biology, University of Edinburgh, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, UK.
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23
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Dell A, Haslam SM, Morris HR, Khoo KH. Immunogenic glycoconjugates implicated in parasitic nematode diseases. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 1999; 1455:353-62. [PMID: 10571024 DOI: 10.1016/s0925-4439(99)00064-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Parasitic nematodes infect billions of people world-wide, often causing chronic infections associated with high morbidity. The greatest interface between the parasite and its host is the cuticle surface, the outer layer of which in many species is covered by a carbohydrate-rich glycocalyx or cuticle surface coat. In addition many nematodes excrete or secrete antigenic glycoconjugates (ES antigens) which can either help to form the glycocalyx or dissipate more extensively into the nematode's environment. The glycocalyx and ES antigens represent the main immunogenic challenge to the host and could therefore be crucial in determining if successful parasitism is established. This review focuses on a few selected model systems where detailed structural data on glycoconjugates have been obtained over the last few years and where this structural information is starting to provide insight into possible molecular functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Dell
- Department of Biochemistry, Imperial College of Science Technology and Medicine, London, UK.
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24
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Molecular characterization of a cDNA encoding an excretory–secretory antigen from Toxocara canis second stage larvae and its application to the immunodiagnosis of human toxocariasis. Parasitol Int 1998. [DOI: 10.1016/s1383-5769(98)00016-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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25
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Lescano SZ, Nakhle MC, Chieffi PP. Effect of "in vitro" cultivation time on the infectivity of Toxocara canis eggs. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 1998; 40:201-2. [PMID: 9830737 DOI: 10.1590/s0036-46651998000300013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- S Z Lescano
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, SP, Brasil
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26
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Matos MDF, Militão DN, Brum MA, Omais M, Quilião ME, Dorval ME, Pereira ADC, Possi LA, Sauer L, Camargo ED, Tundisi RN. Presence of anti-Toxocara antibodies in children selected at Hospital Universitário, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 1997; 39:49-50. [PMID: 9394537 DOI: 10.1590/s0036-46651997000100010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- M de F Matos
- Departamento de Farmácia-Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Campo Grande, MS, Brasil
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27
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Gems D, Maizels RM. An abundantly expressed mucin-like protein from Toxocara canis infective larvae: the precursor of the larval surface coat glycoproteins. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1996; 93:1665-70. [PMID: 8643687 PMCID: PMC39999 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.93.4.1665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Evasion of host immunity by Toxocara canis infective larvae is mediated by the nematode surface coat, which is shed in response to binding by host antibody molecules or effector cells. The major constituent of the coat is the TES-120 glycoprotein series. We have isolated a 730-bp cDNA from the gene encoding the apoprotein precursor of TES-120. The mRNA is absent from T. canis adults but hyperabundant in larvae, making up approximately 10% of total mRNA, and is trans-spliced with the nematode 5' leader sequence SL1. It encodes a 15.8-kDa protein (after signal peptide removal) containing a typical mucin domain: 86 amino acid residues, 72.1% of which are Ser or Thr, organized into an array of heptameric repeats, interspersed with proline residues. At the C-terminal end of the putative protein are two 36-amino acid repeats containing six Cys residues, in a motif that can also be identified in several genes in Caenorhabditis elegans. Although TES-120 displays size and charge heterogeneity, there is a single copy gene and a homogeneous size of mRNA. The association of overexpression of some membrane-associated mucins with immunosuppression and tumor metastasis suggests a possible model for the role of the surface coat in immune evasion by parasitic nematodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Gems
- Wellcome Research Centre for Parasitic Infections, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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28
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Gems D, Ferguson CJ, Robertson BD, Nieves R, Page AP, Blaxter ML, Maizels RM. An abundant, trans-spliced mRNA from Toxocara canis infective larvae encodes a 26-kDa protein with homology to phosphatidylethanolamine-binding proteins. J Biol Chem 1995; 270:18517-22. [PMID: 7629180 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.270.31.18517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
A full-length mRNA encoding a secreted 26-kDa antigen of infective larvae of the ascarid nematode parasite Toxocara canis has been identified. This was characterized as a 1,082-base pair clone highly abundant (0.8-1.9%) in cDNA prepared from infective stage larvae but absent from cDNA from adult male worms. Sequence analysis revealed an open reading frame corresponding to a hydrophilic 263-amino acid residue polypeptide with a 20-residue N-terminal signal peptide, indicating that it is secreted. The 5' end of the cDNA was isolated by polymerase chain reaction using a primer containing the nematode-spliced leader sequence, SL1, showing that the mRNA is trans-spliced. The molecular mass of the putative protein with the signal peptide removed is 26.01 kDa, and antibody to the recombinant protein expressed in bacterial vectors reacts with a similarly sized protein in T. canis excretory/secretory (TES) products. An identical sequence was obtained from a genomic clone isolated by expression screening with mouse antibody to TES. The 72 amino acid residues adjacent to the signal peptide form two homologous 36-residue motifs containing 6 cysteine residues; this motif is found also in the T. canis-secreted glycoprotein TES-120 and in genes of Caenorhabditis elegans. Sequence data base searches revealed significant similarity to 7 other sequences in a newly recognized gene family of phosphatidylethanolamine-binding proteins that includes yeast, Drosophila, rat, bovine, simian, and human genes and a representative from the filarial nematode Onchocerca volvulus. Assays with the T. canis recombinant 26-kDa protein expressed as a fusion with maltose-binding protein have confirmed phosphatidylethanolamine-binding specificity for this novel product.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Gems
- Wellcome Research Centre for Parasitic Infections, Department of Biology, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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29
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Havasiová-Reiterová K, Tomasovicová O, Dubinský P. Effect of various doses of infective Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati eggs on the humoral response and distribution of larvae in mice. Parasitol Res 1995; 81:13-7. [PMID: 7724509 DOI: 10.1007/bf00932411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The effect of 5-2,500 infective Toxocara canis and 5-1,000 T. cati eggs on the humoral immune response and on the distribution of larvae in the organism was studied in paratenic hosts--inbred C57BL6/J mice. With each dose of T. canis eggs the maximal antibody level was recorded on day 56 post infection and was followed by a moderate decline that lasted until day 154 of the experiment. A correlation between the antibody level and the egg count was observed only with the infective dose of 5-50 eggs. A more rapid occurrence of antibodies was recorded in mice infected with a high dose of eggs. In those given 5 and 7 T. cati eggs the antibody level exceeded the extinction threshold value only from day 21 to day 84. Low doses of T. canis (n = 5) and T. cati (n = 7) eggs caused a comparable distribution of larvae in mice, and the larval recoveries on day 70 post infection ranged between 10.00% and 25.74%. Following a dose of 500 T. cati eggs, 22.28% of the larvae were recovered, although only 1.08% were localized in the brain. A dose of 1,000 T. canis eggs yielded 36.37% of the larvae, with as much as 28.13% being found in the brain.
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30
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Gueglio B, de Gentile L, Nguyen JM, Achard J, Chabasse D, Marjolet M. Epidemiologic approach to human toxocariasis in western France. Parasitol Res 1994; 80:531-6. [PMID: 7809006 DOI: 10.1007/bf00932703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Toxocara canis is a common parasite in puppies. The danger to human health has not been properly established. We estimated the current incidence of this pathogen in two western districts of France, Loire-Atlantique and Maine et Loire. Blood samples from 1836 eosino-philic patients were collected and tested by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) excretory-secretory Toxocara antigen test. We obtained positive results in 22% of the cases and highly positive results in 7%. The ELISA data seemed to be age-dependent, with older patients having more positive results (P < 0.0001). The interlaboratory distribution of positive test results was statistically significantly different (P < 0.0001), suggesting regional sources. The main clinical expressions of toxocariasis were: asthenia, gastric pain, and pulmonary disease. Individual and collective surveys of this zoonotic disease need to be carried out.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Gueglio
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie Pathologie Exotique, Faculté de Médicine, Nantes, France
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31
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Parasite contamination of sand and soil from daycare sandboxes and play areas. Can J Infect Dis 1994; 5:17-20. [PMID: 22346476 DOI: 10.1155/1994/786090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/1993] [Accepted: 04/14/1993] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine if there was parasite contamination in the sand and soil in daycare sandboxes and play areas, with the goal of developing practice guidelines for their management. METHODS One hundred samples of sand and soil from 10 daycare centres in different regions of the province of Quebec, collected between April 22 and May 6, 1991, were examined. RESULTS Toxocara eggs were found in both surface and subsurface sand from two Montreal centres and co-occurred with Ascaris species (surface sand) in one centre and with hookworm (surface soil) in the second. Hookworm eggs were also recovered from one centre in the Quebec City region. CONCLUSIONS These results document the presence of potentially pathogenic helminth parasites in the daycare environment. Evidence from the literature regarding the health risk to children is insufficient and highlights the need for further research into the assessment of the risk of human infection and morbidity, the viability of these parasites under different environmental conditions and practical issues related to the management of sand and soil.
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Abstract
A girl aged 2.5 years with "covert toxocariasis" was treated with low-dose diethylcarbamazine because of supposed noticeable disseminated Toxocara canis infection without ocular or visceral manifestations. There was marked blood and bone marrow eosinophilia, significant increased Toxocara canis antibody (ELISA) and immunoglobulins E, G and M, leucocytosis and an increased sedimentation rate. She had no geophagia, but often sucked small stones, probably contaminated with faeces from puppies. Symptoms were fever, inactivity, weakness, tiredness and loss of appetite. She was followed clinically and with blood samples throughout a period of three years and four months.
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Affiliation(s)
- L N Rasmussen
- Department of Paediatrics, Central Hospital, Herning, Denmark
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34
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Page AP, Maizels RM. Biosynthesis and glycosylation of serine/threonine-rich secreted proteins from Toxocara canis larvae. Parasitology 1992; 105 ( Pt 2):297-308. [PMID: 1454427 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182000074229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Toxocara canis infective stage larvae continually produce excretory-secretory (TES) glycoproteins in long-term in vitro culture. The kinetics of synthesis and secretion were studied by metabolic labelling with radioactive [35S]methionine, [14C]serine and [14C]threonine. Maximal incorporation rates required overnight pre-incubation of parasites in medium depleted of the appropriate amino acid. Larvae rapidly incorporated isotope into their somatic tissues, but there was a minimum delay of 10 h before secretion of labelled antigens. Labelling with [14C]serine and [14C]threonine demonstrated a relative abundance of these amino acids in the major surface/secreted glycoproteins of this nematode (TES-32 and 120). Pulse-chase experiments suggested that TES-120 may be derived from a 58 kDa precursor, reflecting extensive posttranslational glycosylation. Inhibition of N-glycosylation with tunicamycin and digestion with N-glycanase provided evidence of N-glycosylation in the lower molecular weight ES components (TES-32, 55 and 70). These agents had no effect on the higher molecular weight components (TES-120 and 400) implying that for these molecules glycosylation is predominantly O-linked. The largest ES component (TES-400) was unusual, in incorporating serine and threonine but not methionine, and by exhibiting increased apparent molecular weight following pronase digestion; it is suggested that this molecule is a proteoglycan.
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Affiliation(s)
- A P Page
- Department of Biology, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London
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35
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Page AP, Hamilton AJ, Maizels RM. Toxocara canis: monoclonal antibodies to carbohydrate epitopes of secreted (TES) antigens localize to different secretion-related structures in infective larvae. Exp Parasitol 1992; 75:56-71. [PMID: 1379195 DOI: 10.1016/0014-4894(92)90122-q] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The major secreted glycoproteins of Toxocara canis larvae appear to be derived from two specialized organs within the nematode organism. Using immunogold electron microscopy, we have analyzed the binding patterns of a panel of monoclonal antibodies (Tcn-1 to Tcn-8) reactive with Toxocara excretory-secretory (TES) antigens. We find, first, that the esophageal gland and lumen are strongly reactive with monoclonals Tcn-4, Tcn-5, and Tcn-8, and because the posterior portion of the gut is closed, we hypothesize that products of this gland are released through the oral aperture. Second, a distinct anti-TES antibody (Tcn-2) localizes solely to the midbody secretory column, which opens onto the cuticle at a secretory pore. Thus, the secretory apparatus is probably functional in this stage of parasite as an important source of TES products. Only one monoclonal, Tcn-7, can bind to both esophageal and secretory structures. In addition, another antibody, Tcn-3, binds both to the epicuticle and to a TES antigen, but our data do not directly determine whether antigens located in the cuticle are subsequently released. Thus there are at least two, and possibly three, independent sources of TES antigens within Toxocara larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
- A P Page
- Department of Biology, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London, U.K
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36
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Gillespie SH, Ramsey AC. The prevalence of Toxocara canis ova in soil samples from parks and gardens in the London area. Public Health 1992; 106:245-6. [PMID: 1603928 DOI: 10.1016/s0033-3506(05)80553-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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37
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Page AP, Richards DT, Lewis JW, Omar HM, Maizels RM. Comparison of isolates and species of Toxocara and Toxascaris by biosynthetic labelling of somatic and ES proteins from infective larvae. Parasitology 1991; 103 Pt 3:451-64. [PMID: 1780182 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182000059977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Infective-stage larvae of three different isolates of Toxocara canis were intrinsically ([35S]methionine) labelled in culture, to determine the presence of similarities or differences in the somatic and ES antigens expressed between larvae derived from different hosts and different geographical regions. Two other closely related ascaridids, Toxascaris leonina which infects cats and dogs, and Toxocara vitulorum (Neoascaris vitulorum) which infects cattle, were also compared to T. canis larvae by this method. Overall comparisons were made by 1- and 2-dimensional electrophoresis, while immunological cross-reactivities between the different species were analysed by radio-immunoprecipitation. Our results show that extensive physicochemical characteristics are shared between T. canis isolates, both from different hosts and different geographical locations. A substantial overlap was revealed when T. canis and T. vitulorum antigens were compared, whereas Toxascaris was found to produce a distinct antigen profile: this result was independent of whether methionine- or Iodogen-labelled products were being considered. Antigen recognition by polyclonal antibodies raised to all three species and to the cat ascaridid Toxocara cati, revealed considerable cross-reactivities. The cross-reactions were especially prominent between the Toxocara species, a fact further substantiated when reactivity of T. canis ES-specific monoclonal antibodies were tested against T. leonina and T. vitulorum antigens. The ES antigens of T. leonina were not recognized by the T. canis monoclonals, whereas the majority of these antibodies precipitated antigens of T. vitulorum. One which did not react with T. vitulorum was monoclonal antibody Tcn 2, indicating its species-specific reactivity and therefore its potential for the specific diagnosis of human toxocariasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A P Page
- Department of Biology, Imperial College of Science Technology and Medicine, London
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Jacquier P, Gottstein B, Stingelin Y, Eckert J. Immunodiagnosis of toxocarosis in humans: evaluation of a new enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. J Clin Microbiol 1991; 29:1831-5. [PMID: 1774303 PMCID: PMC270219 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.29.9.1831-1835.1991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Excretory/secretory (E/S) antigen derived from second-stage larvae of Toxocara canis maintained in defined medium in vitro has been well established worldwide for the immunodiagnosis of human toxocarosis by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Such an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, based on the detection of human anti-T. canis (E/S antigen) serum immunoglobulin G, has recently been commercialized by Biokema-Affinity Products (Crissier-Lausanne, Switzerland). This commercial test kit was evaluated with regard to its application in a routine diagnostic laboratory and the reliability of the results. Of 78 patients with suspected clinical toxocarosis, 71 had anti-T. canis antibodies (positive serological result) corresponding to a diagnostic sensitivity of 91%; 14% of serum samples (n = 199) from patients with protozoan or with helminthic infections also showed positive reactions mainly related to infections with Trichinella, Strongyloides, and Fasciola species. An epidemiological study with 1,000 serum samples from randomly selected healthy blood donors and children in Switzerland demonstrated a seroprevalence of 2.7%. The test kit under evaluation had an overall diagnostic sensitivity of 91% and a relative specificity of 86%, the latter being related to some protozoan and helminthic infections. Because of the scarcity of such infections, potential cross-reactivity does not play a major role under the conditions found in the middle part of Europe. In conclusion, the application of the test kit provided for use in this study can be recommended for routine diagnostic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Jacquier
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Zürich, Switzerland
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Christensson D. High-latitude Toxocara. PARASITOLOGY TODAY (PERSONAL ED.) 1988; 4:322. [PMID: 15463017 DOI: 10.1016/0169-4758(88)90117-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
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