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Ekloh W, Asafu-Adjaye A, Tawiah-Mensah CNL, Ayivi-Tosuh SM, Quartey NKA, Aiduenu AF, Gayi BK, Koudonu JAM, Basing LA, Yamoah JAA, Dofuor AK, Osei JHN. A comprehensive exploration of schistosomiasis: Global impact, molecular characterization, drug discovery, artificial intelligence and future prospects. Heliyon 2024; 10:e33070. [PMID: 38988508 PMCID: PMC11234110 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, one of the neglected tropical diseases which affects both humans and animals, is caused by trematode worms of the genus Schistosoma. The disease is caused by several species of Schistosoma which affect several organs such as urethra, liver, bladder, intestines, skin and bile ducts. The life cycle of the disease involves an intermediate host (snail) and a mammalian host. It affects people who are in close proximity to water bodies where the intermediate host is abundant. Common clinical manifestations of the disease at various stages include fever, chills, headache, cough, dysuria, hyperplasia and hydronephrosis. To date, most of the control strategies are dependent on effective diagnosis, chemotherapy and public health education on the biology of the vectors and parasites. Microscopy (Kato-Katz) is considered the golden standard for the detection of the parasite, while praziquantel is the drug of choice for the mass treatment of the disease since no vaccines have yet been developed. Most of the previous reviews on schistosomiasis have concentrated on epidemiology, life cycle, diagnosis, control and treatment. Thus, a comprehensive review that is in tune with modern developments is needed. Here, we extend this domain to cover historical perspectives, global impact, symptoms and detection, biochemical and molecular characterization, gene therapy, current drugs and vaccine status. We also discuss the prospects of using plants as potential and alternative sources of novel anti-schistosomal agents. Furthermore, we highlight advanced molecular techniques, imaging and artificial intelligence that may be useful in the future detection and treatment of the disease. Overall, the proper detection of schistosomiasis using state-of-the-art tools and techniques, as well as development of vaccines or new anti-schistosomal drugs may aid in the elimination of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Ekloh
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Andy Asafu-Adjaye
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Christopher Nii Laryea Tawiah-Mensah
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Naa Kwarley-Aba Quartey
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Biosciences, College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Albert Fynn Aiduenu
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Blessing Kwabena Gayi
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Laud Anthony Basing
- Department of Medical Diagnostics, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Jennifer Afua Afrifa Yamoah
- Animal Health Division, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Animal Research Institute, Adenta-Frafraha, Accra, Ghana
| | - Aboagye Kwarteng Dofuor
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Environment and Sustainable Development, Somanya, Ghana
| | - Joseph Harold Nyarko Osei
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
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Hachimi O, Falender R, Davis G, Wafula RV, Sutton M, Bancroft J, Cieslak P, Kelly C, Kaya D, Radniecki T. Evaluation of molecular-based methods for the detection and quantification of Cryptosporidium spp. in wastewater. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 947:174219. [PMID: 38917908 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium poses significant public health risks as a cause of waterborne disease worldwide. Clinical surveillance of cryptosporidiosis is largely underreported due to the asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic infections, clinical misdiagnoses, and barriers to access testing. Wastewater surveillance overcomes these limitations and could serve as an effective tool for identifying cryptosporidiosis at the population level. Despite its potential, the lack of standardized wastewater surveillance methods for Cryptosporidium spp. challenges implementation design and the comparability between studies. Thus, this study compared and contrasted Cryptosporidium wastewater surveillance methods for concentrating wastewater oocysts, extracting oocyst DNA, and detecting Cryptosporidium genetic markers. The evaluated concentration methods included electronegative membrane filtration, Envirocheck HV capsule filtration, centrifugation, and Nanotrap Microbiome Particles, with and without additional immunomagnetic separation purification (except for the Nanotrap Microbiome Particles). Oocyst DNA extraction by either the DNeasy Powersoil Pro kit and the QIAamp DNA Mini kit were evaluated and the impact of bead beating and freeze-thaw pretreatments on DNA recoveries was assessed. Genetic detection via qPCR assays targeting either the Cryptosporidium 18S rRNA gene or the Cryptosporidium oocyst wall protein gene were tested. Oocyst recovery percentages were highest for centrifugation (39-77 %), followed by the Nanotrap Microbiome Particles (24 %), electronegative filtration with a PBST elution (22 %), and Envirocheck HV capsule filtration (13 %). Immunomagnetic separation purification was found to be unsuitable due to interference from the wastewater matrix. Bead-beating pretreatment enhanced DNA recoveries from both the DNeasy Powersoil Pro kit (314 gc/μL DNA) and the QIAamp DNA Mini kit (238 gc/μL DNA). In contrast, freeze-thaw pretreatment reduced DNA recoveries to under 92 gc/μL DNA, likely through DNA degradation. Finally, while both qPCR assays were specific to Cryptosporidium spp., the 18S rRNA assay had a 5-fold lower detection limit and could detect a wider range of Cryptosporidium spp. than the Cryptosporidium oocyst wall protein assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oumaima Hachimi
- School of Chemical, Biological, and Environmental Engineering, Oregon State University, 116 Johnson Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Rebecca Falender
- Oregon Health Authority, 800 NE Oregon St, Portland, OR 97232, USA
| | - Gabriel Davis
- School of Chemical, Biological, and Environmental Engineering, Oregon State University, 116 Johnson Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Rispa Vranka Wafula
- School of Chemical, Biological, and Environmental Engineering, Oregon State University, 116 Johnson Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Melissa Sutton
- Oregon Health Authority, 800 NE Oregon St, Portland, OR 97232, USA
| | - June Bancroft
- Oregon Health Authority, 800 NE Oregon St, Portland, OR 97232, USA
| | - Paul Cieslak
- Oregon Health Authority, 800 NE Oregon St, Portland, OR 97232, USA
| | - Christine Kelly
- School of Chemical, Biological, and Environmental Engineering, Oregon State University, 116 Johnson Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Devrim Kaya
- School of Chemical, Biological, and Environmental Engineering, Oregon State University, 116 Johnson Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Tyler Radniecki
- School of Chemical, Biological, and Environmental Engineering, Oregon State University, 116 Johnson Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA.
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Weitzel T, Brown A, Libman M, Perret C, Huits R, Chen L, Leung DT, Leder K, Connor BA, Menéndez MD, Asgeirsson H, Schwartz E, Salvador F, Malvy D, Saio M, Norman FF, Amatya B, Duvignaud A, Vaughan S, Glynn M, Angelo KM. Intestinal protozoa in returning travellers: a GeoSentinel analysis from 2007 to 2019. J Travel Med 2024; 31:taae010. [PMID: 38245913 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taae010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prolonged diarrhoea is common amongst returning travellers and is often caused by intestinal protozoa. However, the epidemiology of travel-associated illness caused by protozoal pathogens is not well described. METHODS We analysed records of returning international travellers with illness caused by Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., Cyclospora cayetanensis or Cystoisospora belli, reported to the GeoSentinel Network during January 2007-December 2019. We excluded records of travellers migrating, with an unascertainable exposure country, or from GeoSentinel sites that were not located in high-income countries. RESULTS There were 2517 cases, 82.3% giardiasis (n = 2072), 11.4% cryptosporidiosis (n = 287), 6.0% cyclosporiasis (n = 150) and 0.3% cystoisosporiasis (n = 8). Overall, most travellers were tourists (64.4%) on long trips (median durations: 18-30 days). Cryptosporidiosis more frequently affected people < 18 years (13.9%) and cyclosporiasis affected people ≥ 40 years (59.4%). Giardiasis was most frequently acquired in South Central Asia (45.8%) and sub-Saharan Africa (22.6%), cryptosporidiosis in sub-Saharan Africa (24.7%) and South-Central Asia (19.5%), cyclosporiasis in South East Asia (31.3%) and Central America (27.3%), and cystoisosporiasis in sub-Saharan Africa (62.5%). Cyclosporiasis cases were reported from countries of uncertain endemicity (e.g. Cambodia) or in countries with no previous evidence of this parasite (e.g. French Guiana). The time from symptom onset to presentation at a GeoSentinel site was the longest amongst travellers with giardiasis (median: 30 days). Over 14% of travellers with cryptosporidiosis were hospitalized. CONCLUSIONS This analysis provides new insights into the epidemiology and clinical significance of four intestinal protozoa that can cause morbidity in international travellers. These data might help optimize pretravel advice and post-travel management of patients with travel-associated prolonged gastrointestinal illnesses. This analysis reinforces the importance of international travel-related surveillance to identify sentinel cases and areas where protozoal infections might be undetected or underreported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Weitzel
- Travel Medicine Program, Clínica Alemana, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago 7650568, Chile
- Instituto de Ciencias e Innovación en Medicina (ICIM), Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago 7590943, Chile
| | - Ashley Brown
- Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Michael Libman
- J.D. MacLean Centre for Tropical Diseases, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Cecilia Perret
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8320000, Chile
| | - Ralph Huits
- Department of Infectious Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Verona 37024, Italy
| | - Lin Chen
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Mount Auburn Hospital, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Daniel T Leung
- International Travel Clinic, University of Utah Hospital and Clinics, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
| | - Karin Leder
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria 3050, Australia
| | - Bradley A Connor
- New York Center for Travel and Tropical Medicine, New York, NY 10022, USA
| | - Marta D Menéndez
- Tropical Medicine Department, Hospital Universitario La Paz Carlos III, CIBERINFECT, Madrid 28046, Spain
| | - Hilmir Asgeirsson
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm 171 76, Sweden
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 141 57, Sweden
| | - Eli Schwartz
- The Center of Geographical Medicine and Tropical Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel HaShomer 52621, Israel
- Ramat Gan & Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Fernando Salvador
- Tropical Medicine Unit, Vall d'Hebron-Drassanes, Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS, Barcelona 08001, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Denis Malvy
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Hôpital Pellegrin, Bordeaux 33076, France
| | - Mauro Saio
- Department of Tropical and Travel Medicine, The Nairobi Hospital, Nairobi 00100, Kenya
| | - Francesca F Norman
- National Referral Unit for Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, CIBERINFEC, IRYCIS, Madrid 28034, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares 28801, Spain
| | - Bhawana Amatya
- CIWEC Hospital and Travel Medicine Center, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
| | - Alexandre Duvignaud
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Hôpital Pellegrin, Bordeaux 33076, France
| | - Stephen Vaughan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, South Health Campus, Calgary, AB T3M 1M4, Canada
| | - Marielle Glynn
- Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Kristina M Angelo
- Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
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Elmahallawy EK, Gareh A, Ghallab MMI, Köster PC, Dashti A, Aboelsoued D, Toaleb NI, Alzaylaee H, Gonzálvez M, Saleh AA, Alhegaili AS, Eldehn AF, Hernández-Castro C, Bailo B, González-Barrio D, Carmena D. Microscopy detection and molecular characterisation of Giardia duodenalis infection in outpatients seeking medical care in Egypt. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1377123. [PMID: 38645455 PMCID: PMC11026549 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1377123] [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: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Giardiosis remains one of the most prevalent enteric parasitic infections globally. Earlier molecular-based studies conducted in Egypt have primarily focused on paediatric clinical populations and most were based on single genotyping markers. As a result, there is limited information on the frequency and genetic diversity of G. duodenalis infections in individuals of all age groups. Methods Individual stool samples (n = 460) from outpatients seeking medical care were collected during January-December 2021 in Kafr El-Sheikh governorate, northern Egypt. Initial screening for the presence of G. duodenalis was conducted by coprological examination. Microscopy-positive samples were further confirmed by real-time PCR. A multilocus sequence typing approach targeted amplification of the glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh), beta-giardin (bg), and triose phosphate isomerase (tpi) genes was used for genotyping purposes. A standardised epidemiological questionnaire was used to gather basic sociodemographic and clinical features of the recruited patients. Results Giardia duodenalis cysts were observed in 5.4% (25/460, 95% CI: 3.6-7.9) of the stool samples examined by conventional microscopy. The infection was more frequent in children under the age of 10 years and in individuals presenting with diarrhoea but without reaching statistical significance. Stool samples collected during the winter period were more likely to harbour G. duodenalis. All 25 microscopy-positive samples were confirmed by real-time PCR, but genotyping data was only available for 56.0% (14/25) of the isolates. Sequence analyses revealed the presence of assemblages A (78.6%, 11/14) and B (21.4%, 3/14). All assemblage A isolates were identified as sub-assemblage AII, whereas the three assemblage B sequences belonged to the sub-assemblage BIII. Patients with giardiosis presenting with diarrhoea were more frequently infected by the assemblage A of the parasite. Conclusion This is one of the largest epidemiological studies evaluating G. duodenalis infection in individuals of all age groups in Egypt. Our molecular data suggest that G. duodenalis infections in the surveyed population are primarily of anthropic origin. However, because assemblages A and B are zoonotic, some of the infections identified can have an animal origin. Additional investigations targeting animal (domestic and free-living) and environmental (water) samples are warranted to better understand the epidemiology of giardiosis in Egypt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehab Kotb Elmahallawy
- Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Ahmed Gareh
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aswan University, Aswan, Egypt
| | - Marwa M. I. Ghallab
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr El Sheikh, Egypt
| | - Pamela C. Köster
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Spain
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Alfonso X El Sabio University (UAX), Villanueva de la Cañada, Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, Alfonso X El Sabio University (UAX), Villanueva de la Cañada, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Dashti
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Spain
| | - Dina Aboelsoued
- Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nagwa Ibrahim Toaleb
- Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hind Alzaylaee
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Moisés Gonzálvez
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Internacional Regional “Campus Mare Nostrum”, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Amira A. Saleh
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Alaa S. Alhegaili
- Department of Medical Laboratory, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdul Aziz University, Alkharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Fathy Eldehn
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Kasr Al-Ainy Medical School, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Carolina Hernández-Castro
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Spain
- Parasitology Group, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Corporation for the Study of Tropical Pathologies, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Begoña Bailo
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Spain
| | - David González-Barrio
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Spain
| | - David Carmena
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Spain
- Centre for Biomedical Research in Infectious Diseases (CIBER), Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
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Hasapis KA, Charalambidou I, Schou C, O'Dowd Phanis C, Kazamia S, Kassinis N, Hadjisterkotis E, Karanis P. First Detection of Cryptosporidium parvum in the Endemic Cyprus Mouflon (Ovis gmelini ophion). Acta Parasitol 2024; 69:1035-1040. [PMID: 38062227 PMCID: PMC11001731 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-023-00747-1] [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: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cryptosporidium is an intestinal zoonotic protozoan parasite that infects domesticated and wild animals. There are no reports on the prevalence and molecular characterisation of Cryptosporidium in the endemic Cyprus mouflon. The mouflon is strictly protected by national and international legislation. Its main distribution is Paphos State Forest and surrounding areas, where it may share the same water sources as free-ranging domestic goats. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. and genotypes in mouflon and free-ranging goats within the mouflon range. METHODS Faecal samples of 70 mouflons and 34 free-ranging goats were screened for Cryptosporidium by PCR amplification and sequencing. RESULTS Only one sample (1/70) belonging to a mouflon was PCR positive for Cryptosporidium. Based on sequencing of the 18S rRNA locus, this species was identified as Cryptosporidium parvum (C. parvum). No positive sample was detected in the free-ranging goats (0/34). CONCLUSION This is the first report on the molecular identification of this Cryptosporidium species in a Cyprus mouflon. The results indicate that the prevalence of Cryptosporidium in Cyprus mouflon is low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyriacos A Hasapis
- Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, University of Nicosia Medical School, 21 Ilia Papakyriakou, 2414 Engomi, P.O. Box 24005, 1700, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Iris Charalambidou
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Chad Schou
- Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, University of Nicosia Medical School, 21 Ilia Papakyriakou, 2414 Engomi, P.O. Box 24005, 1700, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Catherine O'Dowd Phanis
- Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, University of Nicosia Medical School, 21 Ilia Papakyriakou, 2414 Engomi, P.O. Box 24005, 1700, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Stefanie Kazamia
- Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, University of Nicosia Medical School, 21 Ilia Papakyriakou, 2414 Engomi, P.O. Box 24005, 1700, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | - Eleftherios Hadjisterkotis
- Agricultural Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Panagiotis Karanis
- Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, University of Nicosia Medical School, 21 Ilia Papakyriakou, 2414 Engomi, P.O. Box 24005, 1700, Nicosia, Cyprus.
- Medical Faculty and University Hospital, University of Cologne, 50923, Cologne, Germany.
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Dashti A, Alonso H, Escolar-Miñana C, Köster PC, Bailo B, Carmena D, González-Barrio D. Evaluation of the Use of Singleplex and Duplex CerTest VIASURE Real-Time PCR Assays to Detect Common Intestinal Protist Parasites. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:319. [PMID: 38337835 PMCID: PMC10855428 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14030319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis and Entamoeba histolytica are species of protozoa- causing diarrhoea that are common worldwide, while Entamoeba dispar, Dientamoeba fragilis and Blastocystis sp. appear to be commensal parasites whose role in pathogenicity remains controversial. We conducted the clinical evaluation of five singleplex and one duplex CerTest VIASURE Real-Time PCR Assays against a large panel of positive DNA samples (n = 358), and specifically to Cryptosporidium spp. (n = 96), G. duodenalis (n = 115), E. histolytica (n = 25) E. dispar (n = 11), Blastocystis sp. (n = 42), D. fragilis (n = 37), and related parasitic phylum species such as Apicomplexa, Euglenozoa, Microsporidia and Nematoda. DNA samples were obtained from clinical stool specimens or cultured isolates in a national reference centre. Estimated diagnostic sensitivity and specificity values were 0.94-1 for Cryptosporidium spp., 0.96-0.99 for G. duodenalis, 0.96-1 for E. histolytica, 1-1 for E. dispar, and 1-0.99 for D. fragilis in the evaluated singleplex assays. In the duplex assay for the simultaneous detection of Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilis these values were 1-0.98 and 1-0.99, respectively. Measures of diagnostic precision for repeatability and reproducibility were found to be under acceptable ranges. The assays identified six Cryptosporidium species (C. hominis, C. parvum, C. canis, C. felis, C. scrofarum, and C. ryanae), four G. duodenalis assemblages (A, B, C, and F), and six Blastocystis subtypes (ST1-ST5, and ST8). The evaluated singleplex and duplex VIASURE Real-Time PCR assays provide sensitive, practical, and cost-effective choices to the molecular diagnosis of the main diarrhoea-causing intestinal protists in clinical microbiology and research laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Dashti
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, 28220 Majadahonda, Spain; (A.D.); (P.C.K.); (B.B.); (D.G.-B.)
| | - Henar Alonso
- Department of Microbiology, Paediatrics, Radiology, and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Saragossa, Spain
| | - Cristina Escolar-Miñana
- Department of Animal Production and Food Science, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Saragossa, Spain
| | - Pamela C. Köster
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, 28220 Majadahonda, Spain; (A.D.); (P.C.K.); (B.B.); (D.G.-B.)
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Alfonso X El Sabio University (UAX), 28691 Villanueva de la Cañada, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, Alfonso X El Sabio University (UAX), 28691 Villanueva de la Cañada, Spain
| | - Begoña Bailo
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, 28220 Majadahonda, Spain; (A.D.); (P.C.K.); (B.B.); (D.G.-B.)
| | - David Carmena
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, 28220 Majadahonda, Spain; (A.D.); (P.C.K.); (B.B.); (D.G.-B.)
- CIBER Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC), Health Institute Carlos III, 28008 Madrid, Spain
| | - David González-Barrio
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, 28220 Majadahonda, Spain; (A.D.); (P.C.K.); (B.B.); (D.G.-B.)
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Alseady HH, Al-Dabbagh SMK, Marhash AD. Prevalence and molecular characterization of Giardia intestinalis isolated from children and calves in Babylon province, Iraq. Vet World 2023; 16:1781-1789. [PMID: 37859966 PMCID: PMC10583866 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2023.1781-1789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Giardia intestinalis is one of the most prevalent intestinal parasites in humans and animals, and children in close contact with livestock are particularly at risk of infection. This study aimed to detect assemblages of G. intestinalis and determine the origin of zoonotic transmission of Giardia in children and calves in different parts of Babylon province, Iraq. Materials and Methods One hundred stool samples from children (68 boys and 32 girls) and 100 fecal samples from calves (46 males and 54 females) of different ages were randomly collected. Molecular techniques were used to estimate the prevalence of G. intestinalis in children and calves. A nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed by targeting the triose phosphate isomerase gene in the samples to detect G. intestinalis assemblages. Results The overall rates of infection with G. intestinalis in children and calves were 21% and 34%, respectively, using the conventional microscopic method. The results illustrated that 61.90% (13/21) and 38.09% (8/21) of positive samples from children were allocated to assemblages A and B, respectively (p > 0.05). In calves, assemblages A and B were detecte in 82.35% (28/34) and 17.64% (6/34) of positive samples from calves, respectively (p ≤ 0.001). Ten PCR products were sequenced and submitted to the GenBank database. Phylogenetic analysis detected five human sequences each belonging to G. intestinalis assemblages A (OM850335-OM850339) and B (OM850340-OM850344). Similarly, five calf sequences each belonged to G. intestinalis assemblages A (ON75756-ON757660) and B (ON757661-ON757665). Conclusion The detection of large numbers of G. intestinalis assemblage A in both humans and cattle indicated that cattle could be a main source of zoonotic G. intestinalis infection in children in Babylon province, Iraq.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haider H. Alseady
- Technical Institute of Babylon, Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University, 51015, Babylon, Iraq
| | - Sahad M. K. Al-Dabbagh
- Institute of Medical Technology Al-Mansour, Middle Technical University, 10001, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Ali D. Marhash
- Technical Institute of Babylon, Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University, 51015, Babylon, Iraq
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8
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Chauvin P, Barba F, Guemas E, Charpentier E, Cottrel C, Fillaux J, Valentin A, Baklouti S, Cassaing S, Ménard S, Berry A, Iriart X. Evaluation of the Performance of the Novodiag ® Stool Parasites Assay for the Detection of Intestinal Protozoa and Microsporidia. Pathogens 2023; 12:889. [PMID: 37513736 PMCID: PMC10385646 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12070889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We aimed to assess the performance of the Novodiag® Stool Parasites (NSP) assay in the diagnosis of the most common intestinal protozoan and microsporidia infections. METHODS A panel of 167 selected stool samples was retrospectively analysed with the NSP assay and compared to routine microscopy and qPCR methods for the detection of pathogenic protozoa and microsporidia. RESULTS Whereas specificity was high for all protozoa and microsporidia, NSP sensitivity was strongly dependent on the comparative method used as reference. When compared to microscopic methods, NSP sensitivity was high (96.7 to 100%) for Blastocystis hominis, Entamoeba histolytica and Cyclospora cayetanensis but was lower for Giardia intestinalis (85.2%) and ≤50% for Cystoisospora belli and Dientamoeba fragilis. In comparison to conventional qPCR, the NSP assay demonstrated lower sensitivity characteristics dependent on parasite loads, reaching 60 to 70% for G. intestinalis, D. fragilis, Cryptosporidium spp. and E. histolytica. Sensitivity was 100% for Enterocytozoon bieneusi, but none of the five samples containing Encephalitozoon spp. were detected. CONCLUSIONS The overall performance of the NSP assay in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal protozoa and microsporidia seems to be better than or equivalent to that observed with microscopic methods but inferior to that obtainable with classical targeted qPCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Chauvin
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, 31059 Toulouse, France
| | - Florie Barba
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, 31059 Toulouse, France
| | - Emilie Guemas
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, 31059 Toulouse, France
- Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses et Inflammatoires (Infinity), Université de Toulouse, CNRS UMR5051, INSERM UMR1291, Université Paul Sabatier, 31024 Toulouse, France
| | - Eléna Charpentier
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, 31059 Toulouse, France
| | - Claire Cottrel
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, 31059 Toulouse, France
- Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses et Inflammatoires (Infinity), Université de Toulouse, CNRS UMR5051, INSERM UMR1291, Université Paul Sabatier, 31024 Toulouse, France
| | - Judith Fillaux
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, 31059 Toulouse, France
- RESTORE Institute, UMR 1301-Inserm 5070-CNRS EFS Université Paul Sabatier, 31100 Toulouse, France
| | - Alexis Valentin
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, 31059 Toulouse, France
- UMR 152 PHARMA-DEV, IRD, UPS, Université de Toulouse, 31062 Toulouse, France
| | - Sarah Baklouti
- Laboratoire de Pharmacocinétique et Toxicologie, CHU de Toulouse, 31059 Toulouse, France
- INTHERES, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, 31076 Toulouse, France
| | - Sophie Cassaing
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, 31059 Toulouse, France
- RESTORE Institute, UMR 1301-Inserm 5070-CNRS EFS Université Paul Sabatier, 31100 Toulouse, France
| | - Sandie Ménard
- Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses et Inflammatoires (Infinity), Université de Toulouse, CNRS UMR5051, INSERM UMR1291, Université Paul Sabatier, 31024 Toulouse, France
| | - Antoine Berry
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, 31059 Toulouse, France
- Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses et Inflammatoires (Infinity), Université de Toulouse, CNRS UMR5051, INSERM UMR1291, Université Paul Sabatier, 31024 Toulouse, France
| | - Xavier Iriart
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, 31059 Toulouse, France
- Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses et Inflammatoires (Infinity), Université de Toulouse, CNRS UMR5051, INSERM UMR1291, Université Paul Sabatier, 31024 Toulouse, France
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9
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Chala B. Advances in Diagnosis of Schistosomiasis: Focus on Challenges and Future Approaches. Int J Gen Med 2023; 16:983-995. [PMID: 36967838 PMCID: PMC10032164 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s391017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is the second most devastating parasite prevalent in the tropical region of the world, posing significant public health impacts in endemic areas. Presently, several disease mitigation measures have shown a decline in transmission of the infection rate in risk localities using mass drug administration (MDA) of school-based or community-wide treatments. Despite all the endeavors made, the decline in transmission of infection rate has not been attained in the entire medicated segment of the population. Perhaps the current challenges of control of the disease appear to be strongly associated with a lack of appropriate diagnostic tools. It's well known that the current diagnosis of schistosomiasis greatly relies on conventional methods. On the other hand, minor symptoms of schistosomiasis and low sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic methods are still unresolved diagnostic challenges to clinicians. Numerous scholars have reviewed various diagnostic methods of schistosomiasis and attempted to identify their strengths and weaknesses, currently on function. As a result of the known limitations of the existing diagnostic tools, the need to develop new and feasible diagnostic methods and diagnostic markers is unquestionable for more precise detection of the infection. Hence, advances in diagnostic methods have been considered part of the solution for the control and eventual elimination strategy of the disease in endemic areas. As of today, easy, cheap, and accurate diagnostics for schistosomiasis are difficult to get, and this limits the concerted efforts towards full control of schistosomiasis. While looking for new diagnostic methods and markers, it is important to simultaneously work on improving the existing diagnostic methods for better results. This review tries to give new insights to the status of the existing diagnostic methods of schistosomiasis from conventional to modern via summarizing the strengths and limitations of the methods. It also tries to recommend new, sensitive and feasible diagnostic methods for future approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bayissa Chala
- Department of Applied Biology, School of Applied Natural Science, Adama Science and Technology University, Adama, Ethiopia
- Correspondence: Bayissa Chala, Email ;
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10
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de Korne CM, van Lieshout L, van Leeuwen FWB, Roestenberg M. Imaging as a (pre)clinical tool in parasitology. Trends Parasitol 2023; 39:212-226. [PMID: 36641293 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2022.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Imaging of parasites is central to diagnosis of many parasitic diseases and has thus far played an important role in the development of antiparasitic strategies. The development of novel imaging technologies has revolutionized medicine in fields other than parasitology and has also opened up new avenues for the visualization of parasites. Here we review the role imaging technology has played so far in parasitology and how it may spur further advancement. We point out possibilities to improve current microscopy-based diagnostic methods and how to extend them with radiological imaging modalities. We also highlight in vivo tracking of parasites as a readout for efficacy of new antiparasitic strategies and as a source of fundamental insights for rational design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarize Maria de Korne
- Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Centre, Albinusdreef 2, 2333, ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands; Interventional Molecular Imaging laboratory, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333, ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Lisette van Lieshout
- Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Centre, Albinusdreef 2, 2333, ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Fijs Willem Bernhard van Leeuwen
- Interventional Molecular Imaging laboratory, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333, ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Meta Roestenberg
- Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Centre, Albinusdreef 2, 2333, ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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11
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Sánchez I, Dashti A, Köster PC, Bailo B, González N, Allende J, Stensvold CR, Carmena D, González-Barrio D. Development, Optimisation and Validation of a Novel Multiplex Real-Time PCR Method for the Simultaneous Detection of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis and Dientamoeba fragilis. Pathogens 2022; 11:1277. [PMID: 36365028 PMCID: PMC9693193 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11111277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The enteric protozoan parasites Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis and Dientamoeba fragilis are-to various extents-contributors to the burden of gastrointestinal illness in high-income countries. Detection of these pathogens by microscopy examination is challenging because of the limited sensitivity and need for specific staining procedures. We developed and optimised a new multiplex real-time PCR assay for the simultaneous detection of Cryptosporidium spp., G. duodenalis and D. fragilis in clinical (stool) samples. The diagnostic performance of the assay was evaluated against a large panel of well-characterised DNA samples positive for Cryptosporidium spp. (n = 126), G. duodenalis (n = 132) and D. fragilis (n = 49). The specificity of the test was assessed against a DNA panel from other intestinal or phylogenetically related parasites (n = 105) and faecal DNA from individuals without clinical manifestations (n = 12). The assay exhibited a diagnostic sensitivity of 0.90-0.97 and a diagnostic specificity of 1. The limit of detection was estimated for Cryptosporidium (1 oocyst) and G. duodenalis (5 × 10-4 cysts). The method allowed the detection of four Cryptosporidium species (C. hominis, C. parvum, C. meleagridis and C. cuniculus) and five G. duodenalis assemblages (A-E) without cross-reacting with other parasites belonging to the phyla Amoebozoa, Apicomplexa, Euglenozoa, Microsporidia, Nematoda and Platyhelminthes. This newly developed multiplex real-time PCR assay represents a novel alternative for the rapid and accurate detection of Cryptosporidium, G. duodenalis and D. fragilis in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alejandro Dashti
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pamela C. Köster
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain
| | - Begoña Bailo
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Christen Rune Stensvold
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institute, 2300 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - David Carmena
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research Network (CIBER) in Infectious Diseases, Health Institute Carlos III, Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain
| | - David González-Barrio
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain
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12
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Abdu S, Chimento M, Alarcón-Nieto G, Zúñiga D, Aplin LM, Farine DR, Brandl HB. The performance of field sampling for parasite detection in a wild passerine. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e9242. [PMID: 36016817 PMCID: PMC9398886 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasites can impact the behavior of animals and alter the interplay with ecological factors in their environment. Studying the effects that parasites have on animals thus requires accurate estimates of infections in individuals. However, quantifying parasites can be challenging due to several factors. Laboratory techniques, physiological fluctuations, methodological constraints, and environmental influences can introduce measurement errors, in particular when screening individuals in the wild. These issues are pervasive in ecological studies where it is common to sample study subjects only once. Such factors should be carefully considered when choosing a sampling strategy, yet presently there is little guidance covering the major sources of error. In this study, we estimate the reliability and sensitivity of different sampling practices at detecting two internal parasites-Serratospiculoides amaculata and Isospora sp.-in a model organism, the great tit Parus major. We combine field and captive sampling to assess whether individual parasite infection status and load can be estimated from single field samples, using different laboratory techniques-McMaster and mini-FLOTAC. We test whether they vary in their performance, and quantify how sample processing affects parasite detection rates. We found that single field samples had elevated rates of false negatives. By contrast, samples collected from captivity over 24 h were highly reliable (few false negatives) and accurate (repeatable in the intensity of infection). In terms of methods, we found that the McMaster technique provided more repeatable estimates than the mini-FLOTAC for S. amaculata eggs, and both techniques were largely equally suitable for Isospora oocysts. Our study shows that field samples are likely to be unreliable in accurately detecting the presence of parasites and, in particular, for estimating parasite loads in songbirds. We highlight important considerations for those designing host-parasite studies in captive or wild systems giving guidance that can help select suitable methods, minimize biases, and acknowledge possible limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salamatu Abdu
- Department of Biology University of Konstanz Constance Germany.,Department of Collective Behaviour Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior Radolfzell Germany.,Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies University of Zurich Zurich Switzerland.,Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour Universität Konstanz Constance Germany
| | - Michael Chimento
- Department of Biology University of Konstanz Constance Germany.,Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour Universität Konstanz Constance Germany.,Cognitive and Cultural Ecology Research Group Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior Radolfzell Germany
| | - Gustavo Alarcón-Nieto
- Cognitive and Cultural Ecology Research Group Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior Radolfzell Germany
| | - Daniel Zúñiga
- Department of Biology University of Konstanz Constance Germany.,Department of Collective Behaviour Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior Radolfzell Germany
| | - Lucy M Aplin
- Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour Universität Konstanz Constance Germany.,Cognitive and Cultural Ecology Research Group Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior Radolfzell Germany.,Division of Ecology and Evolution, Research School of Biology Australian National University Canberra Australian Capital Territory Australia
| | - Damien R Farine
- Department of Collective Behaviour Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior Radolfzell Germany.,Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies University of Zurich Zurich Switzerland.,Division of Ecology and Evolution, Research School of Biology Australian National University Canberra Australian Capital Territory Australia
| | - Hanja B Brandl
- Department of Collective Behaviour Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior Radolfzell Germany.,Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies University of Zurich Zurich Switzerland.,Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour Universität Konstanz Constance Germany
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13
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Dashti A, Alonso H, Escolar-Miñana C, Köster PC, Bailo B, Carmena D, González-Barrio D. Evaluation of a Novel Commercial Real-Time PCR Assay for the Simultaneous Detection of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Entamoeba histolytica. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0053122. [PMID: 35502919 PMCID: PMC9241732 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00531-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Entamoeba histolytica are the most common diarrhea-causing protozoan species globally. Misdiagnosis is a concern for asymptomatic and chronic infections. Multiplexing, i.e., the detection of more than one parasite in a single test by real-time PCR, allows high diagnostic performance with favorable cost-effectiveness. We conducted a clinical evaluation of the VIASURE Cryptosporidium, Giardia, & E. histolytica real-time PCR assay (CerTest Biotec, San Mateo de Gállego, Spain) against a large panel (n = 358) of well-characterized DNA samples positive for Cryptosporidium spp. (n = 96), G. duodenalis (n = 115), E. histolytica (n = 25), and other parasitic species of the phyla Amoebozoa (n = 11), Apicomplexa (n = 14), Euglenozoa (n = 8), Heterokonta (n = 42), Metamonada (n = 37), Microsporidia (n = 4), and Nematoda (n = 6). DNA samples were obtained from clinical stool specimens or cultured isolates in a national reference center. Estimated sensitivity and specificity were 0.96 and 0.99 for Cryptosporidium spp., 0.94 and 1 for G. duodenalis, and 0.96 and 1 for E. histolytica, respectively. Positive and negative predictive values were calculated as 1 and 0.98 for Cryptosporidium spp., 0.99 and 0.98 for G. duodenalis, and 1 and 0.99 for E. histolytica, respectively. The assay identified six Cryptosporidium species (Cryptosporidium hominis, Cryptosporidium parvum, Cryptosporidium canis, Cryptosporidium felis, Cryptosporidium scrofarum, and Cryptosporidium ryanae) and four G. duodenalis assemblages (A, B, C, and F). The VIASURE assay provides rapid and accurate simultaneous detection and identification of the most commonly occurring species and genetic variants of diarrhea-causing parasitic protozoa in humans. IMPORTANCE Thorough independent assessment of the diagnostic performance of novel diagnostic assays is essential to ascertain their true usefulness and applicability in routine clinical practice. This is particularly true for commercially available kits based on multiplex real-time PCR aimed to detect and differentiate multiple pathogens in a single biological sample. In this study, we conducted a clinical evaluation of the VIASURE Cryptosporidium, Giardia, & E. histolytica real-time PCR assay (CerTest Biotec) for the detection and identification of the diarrhea-causing enteric protozoan parasites Cryptosporidium spp., G. duodenalis, and E. histolytica. A large panel of well-characterized DNA samples from clinical stool specimens or cultured isolates from a reference center was used for this purpose. The VIASURE assay demonstrated good performance for the routine testing of these pathogens in clinical microbiological laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Dashti
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Henar Alonso
- Department of Microbiology, Paediatrics, Radiology, and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Saragossa, Spain
| | - Cristina Escolar-Miñana
- Department of Animal Production and Food Science, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Zaragoza, Saragossa, Spain
| | - Pamela C. Köster
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Begoña Bailo
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Carmena
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - David González-Barrio
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
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14
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The case for parasitological stool microscopy. Clin Microbiol Infect 2022; 28:1310-1312. [PMID: 35659926 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2022.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Although some authors soon expect stool microscopy to disappear from clinical parasitology laboratories, more recently developed techniques lack coverage of many pathogenic parasites. Moreover, these new techniques do not provide generic information such as the presence of human blood cells or Charcot-Leyden crystals. Their deployment will likely decrease the number of microscopic stool exams performed, which might result in a loss of microscopic skills and technical expertise. New strategies should be considered for specialized parasitology laboratories, complementing newly developed techniques with conventional stool microscopy, rather than replacing it.
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15
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Hartuis S, Lavergne RA, Nourrisson C, Verweij J, Desoubeaux G, Lussac-Sorton F, Lemoine JP, Cateau E, Jeddi F, Poirier P, Le Pape P, Morio F. The Novodiag ® Stool parasites assay, an innovative high-plex technique for fast detection of protozoa, helminths and microsporidia in stool samples: a retrospective and prospective study. Parasite 2022; 29:27. [PMID: 35550028 PMCID: PMC9102957 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2022026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We provide the first evaluation of the CE-IVD marked Novodiag® stool parasites assay (NVD), allowing rapid and high-plex detection of 26 distinct targets, encompassing protozoans, helminths and microsporidia in stool samples. METHODS A total of 254 samples (n = 205 patients) were prospectively processed by the NVD and our routine procedure (RP). Performances of the NVD were compared with RP. Samples only positive by the NVD assay were investigated by external PCR assays. Sensitivity and specificity (Se/Sp) and time from sample receipt to results were determined for each method. The NVD was also evaluated against 77 additional samples positive for a wide range of parasites. RESULTS Overall positivity rate was 16.9% for RP compared with 34% using the NVD assay, and 164 samples (66%) were negative by both methods. Only 30 positive samples (12%) showed full concordance between RP and NVD. Fifty-three discordant samples were sent for external investigations. Except for Giardia intestinalis and Trichuris spp., higher Se was observed for the NVD assay for Blastocystis spp. (100% vs. 63%), Dientamoeba fragilis (100% vs. 0%), Schistosoma spp. (100% vs. 17%), and Enterobius vermicularis (100% vs. 67%) but roughly similar to RP for the remaining parasites tested. False-positive results were identified for Blastocystis spp., G. intestinalis, and Trichuris spp. using the NVD assay. The NVD mostly provides a diagnosis on the day of sample receipt compared with a mean of three days with RP. CONCLUSIONS Besides some limitations, the NVD is a new diagnostic strategy allowing rapid and high-plex detection of gastrointestinal parasites from unpreserved stools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Hartuis
- Nantes Université, CHU de Nantes, Cibles et Médicaments des Infections et de l’Immunité, IICiMed, UR1155 44000 Nantes France
| | - Rose-Anne Lavergne
- Nantes Université, CHU de Nantes, Cibles et Médicaments des Infections et de l’Immunité, IICiMed, UR1155 44000 Nantes France
| | - Céline Nourrisson
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie–Mycologie, Centre de Biologie, CHU Gabriel Montpied 58 rue Montalembert 63000 Clermont-Ferrand France
| | - Jaco Verweij
- Elisabeth-TweeSteden Hospital, Microvida Laboratory for Medical Microbiology and Immunology PO Box 90151 5000 Tilburg The Netherlands
| | - Guillaume Desoubeaux
- Service de Parasitologie – Mycologie – Médecine Tropicale, CHRU de Tours 2 Boulevard Tonnellé 37000 Tours France
| | - Florian Lussac-Sorton
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie–Mycologie PTMI – Groupe Hospitalier Pellegrin Place Amélie Raba Léon 33076 Bordeaux France
| | | | - Estelle Cateau
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicales, CHU La Miletrie BP 577 86021 Poitiers Cedex France
| | - Fakhri Jeddi
- Nantes Université, CHU de Nantes, Cibles et Médicaments des Infections et de l’Immunité, IICiMed, UR1155 44000 Nantes France
| | - Philippe Poirier
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie–Mycologie, Centre de Biologie, CHU Gabriel Montpied 58 rue Montalembert 63000 Clermont-Ferrand France
| | - Patrice Le Pape
- Nantes Université, CHU de Nantes, Cibles et Médicaments des Infections et de l’Immunité, IICiMed, UR1155 44000 Nantes France
| | - Florent Morio
- Nantes Université, CHU de Nantes, Cibles et Médicaments des Infections et de l’Immunité, IICiMed, UR1155 44000 Nantes France
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Campbell SM, Pettersen FO, Brekke H, Hanevik K, Robertson LJ. Transition to PCR diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis in the Norwegian healthcare system: could the increase in reported cases be due to higher sensitivity or a change in the testing algorithm? Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2022; 41:835-839. [PMID: 35243573 PMCID: PMC8893977 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-022-04426-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis has been a notifiable infection in Norway since 2012 and giardiasis since 1977. For both infections, there has been an increase in notified cases. We used a questionnaire to explore whether this may be associated with implementation of molecular diagnostic methods. We received responses from 14 of 16 laboratories, most of which had implemented molecular diagnostic methods for these parasites. Algorithms for testing had also been modified, and several laboratories now test more faecal samples than previously for both parasites. The increase in reported cases may reflect not only higher sensitivity of diagnostic methods, but also more sample testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie M Campbell
- Parasitology, Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, NMBU Veterinærhøgskolen, Postboks 5003, 1432, Ås, Norway.,Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Frank O Pettersen
- Regional Advisory Unit of Imported and Tropical Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases, Oslo University Hospital, Ullevål, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hanne Brekke
- National Reference Centre for Molecular Parasitology Diagnostics, Department of Microbiology, Oslo University Hospital, Ullevål, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kurt Hanevik
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Tropical Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lucy J Robertson
- Parasitology, Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, NMBU Veterinærhøgskolen, Postboks 5003, 1432, Ås, Norway.
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Multicentric Evaluation of SeeGene Allplex Real-Time PCR Assays Targeting 28 Bacterial, Microsporidal and Parasitic Nucleic Acid Sequences in Human Stool Samples. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12041007. [PMID: 35454056 PMCID: PMC9032746 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12041007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Prior to the implementation of new diagnostic techniques, a thorough evaluation is mandatory in order to ensure diagnostic reliability. If positive samples are scarcely available, however, such evaluations can be difficult to perform. Here, we evaluated four SeeGene Allplex real-time PCR assays amplifying a total of 28 bacteria, microsporidal and parasitic nucleic acid sequence targets in human stool samples in a multicentric approach. In the assessments with strongly positive samples, sensitivity values ranging between 13% and 100% were recorded for bacteria, between 0% and 100% for protozoa and between 7% and 100% for helminths and microsporidia; for the weakly positive samples, the recorded sensitivity values for bacteria ranged from 0% to 100%; for protozoa, from 0% to 40%; and for helminths and microsporidia, from 0% to 53%. For bacteria, the recorded specificity was in the range between 87% and 100%, while a specificity of 100% was recorded for all assessed PCRs targeting parasites and microsporidia. The intra- and inter-assay variations were generally low. Specifically for some helminth species, the sensitivity could be drastically increased by applying manual nucleic acid extraction instead of the manufacturer-recommended automatic procedure, while such effects were less obvious for the bacteria and protozoa. In summary, the testing with the chosen positive control samples showed varying degrees of discordance between the evaluated Allplex assays and the applied in-house reference assays associated with higher cycle threshold values in the Allplex assays, suggesting that samples with very low pathogen densities might be missed. As the targeted species can occur as harmless colonizers in the gut of individuals in high-endemicity settings as well, future studies should aim at assessing the clinical relevance of the latter hint.
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Argy N, Nourrisson C, Aboubacar A, Poirier P, Valot S, Laude A, Desoubeaux G, Pomares C, Machouart M, Le Govic Y, Dalle F, Botterel F, Bourgeois N, Cateau E, Leterrier M, Le Pape P, Morio F, Houze S. Selecting a multiplex PCR panel for accurate molecular diagnosis of intestinal protists: a comparative study of Allplex ® (Seegene ®), G-DiaParaTrio (Diagenode ®), and RIDA ®GENE (R-Biopharm ®) assays and microscopic examination. Parasite 2022; 29:5. [PMID: 35138245 PMCID: PMC8826582 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2022003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Commercial multiplex PCR assay panels were developed to overcome the limitations of microscopic examination for parasitological diagnosis on stool samples. However, given the increased supply of this diagnostic approach, these assays must be evaluated to position them in a diagnostic algorithm. Analytical performances of the multiplex PCR assay G-DiaParaTrio, Allplex® GI parasite and RIDA®GENE parasitic stool panel for detecting Blastocystis sp., Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., Dientamoeba fragilis, and Cyclospora cayetanensis, were assessed through a retrospective comparative study on 184 stool samples initially sent for parasitological investigation. The composite reference method for parasitological diagnosis was microscopic observation and Entamoeba histolytica-specific adhesion detection when necessary. Multiplex PCR assays were performed on extracted DNA from each stool, following the manufacturer's recommendations. Discrepant results with the composite reference method were investigated with species-specific PCR to approach a final parasitological diagnosis. Overall sensitivity/specificity for the multiplex PCR assays was 93.2%/100% for G-DiaParaTrio, 96.5%/98.3% for Allplex® GI parasite and 89.6%/98.3% for RIDA®GENE, whereas the composite reference method presented an overall sensitivity/specificity of 59.6%/99.8%. These results confirmed the added diagnostic value of the multiplex PCR approach for gastrointestinal protists. Nevertheless, the PCR procedure and the analytical performance for each protist of interest, variable depending on the multiplex PCR assay, must be considered when implementing a PCR-based diagnostic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Argy
- Parasitology-Mycology Laboratory, Bichat-Claude Bernard hospital, APHP, 75018 Paris, France - IRD MERIT UMR 261, Pharmacy Faculty, Paris University, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Céline Nourrisson
- Parasitology-Mycology Laboratory, CHU de Clermont-Ferrand, 3IHP, INSERM, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Ahmed Aboubacar
- Parasitology-Mycology Laboratory, CHU de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Philippe Poirier
- Parasitology-Mycology Laboratory, CHU de Clermont-Ferrand, 3IHP, INSERM, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Stéphane Valot
- Parasitology-Mycology Laboratory, CHU de Dijon, 21000 Dijon, France
| | - Adrien Laude
- Parasitology-Mycology Laboratory, Institut de Biologie, CHU de Nantes, 44093 Nantes, France
| | - Guillaume Desoubeaux
- Parasitology-Mycology-Tropical Diseases Department, CHU de Tours, 37000 Tours, France
| | | | - Marie Machouart
- Parasitology-Mycology Laboratory, CHU de Nancy, 54511 Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, France
| | - Yohann Le Govic
- Parasitology-Mycology Laboratory, CHU d'Angers, 49100 Angers, France
| | - Frédéric Dalle
- Parasitology-Mycology Laboratory, CHU de Dijon, 21000 Dijon, France
| | - Françoise Botterel
- Parasitology-Mycology Laboratory, CHU Henri Mondor, APHP, 94000 Créteil, France
| | - Nathalie Bourgeois
- Parasitology-Mycology Laboratory, CHU de Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | - Estelle Cateau
- Parasitology-Mycology Laboratory, CHU de Poitiers, 86021 Poitiers, France
| | - Marion Leterrier
- Microbiology Laboratory, CHD de la Roche-Sur-Yon, 85000 la Roche-Sur-Yon, France
| | - Patrice Le Pape
- Parasitology-Mycology Laboratory, Institut de Biologie, CHU de Nantes, 44093 Nantes, France
| | - Florent Morio
- Parasitology-Mycology Laboratory, Institut de Biologie, CHU de Nantes, 44093 Nantes, France
| | - Sandrine Houze
- Parasitology-Mycology Laboratory, Bichat-Claude Bernard hospital, APHP, 75018 Paris, France - IRD MERIT UMR 261, Pharmacy Faculty, Paris University, 75006 Paris, France
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Saray MB, Eric LG, Alba BB, Albert BS, Jesús AA, de Tudela Ivet JP, Iván PS, Mercè GG. Detection and pathological role of intestinal protozoa in children. Parasitol Int 2022; 88:102558. [PMID: 35149177 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2022.102558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Intestinal parasites are considered a growing public health problem, being protozoa the main cause of intestinal disease. The objective of our study is to compare the detection of intestinal protozoa by microscopy versus real-time PCR, as well as to determine the most prevalent protozoa in our environment in the paediatric population. METHOD An observational longitudinal study was carried out, both by microscopy and real time-PCR in stool samples from children (0-15 years) received from April 2019 to March 2021.Children were classified in two groups according if they had or not had clinical parasitosis. Microscopic examination was performed in all samples using the Ritchie concentration technique with the commercial Mini PARASEP system (Movaco-Grifols®). The presence of Cryptosporidium sp. was evaluated with the modified Ziehl-Neelsen acid-fast stain. The real-time PCR was performed to all samples using the Allplex ™ gastrointestinal parasite panel 4 (Seegene®). RESULTS During the study period, 500 samples were received, being positive 31 (6.2%) by microscopy and 256 (51.2%) by PCR. By microscopy, Blastocystis hominis was the most frequently observed (4.8%), followed by Giardia lamblia (1.6%), Dientamoeba fragilis (0.2%) and Cryptosporidium species (0.2%). Regarding the identification by PCR, D. fragilis (35.2%) was mainly identified, followed by B. hominis (28.1%), G. lamblia (7%) and Cryptosporidium sp. (0.8%) without finding clear differences in aetiology according to age. In the case of B. hominis and D. fragilis, there were not differences in the detection of these protozoa between the control group and children with clinical parasitosis (p = 0.11). CONCLUSIONS Real-time PCR increases the detection of intestinal protozoa, being underdiagnosed by microscopy, especially D. fragilis, in which PCR is considered the most appropriate method for its detection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Bellés Bellés Alba
- Unidad de Microbiología, Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova, Spain; Universitat de Lleida, Lleida, Catalunya, Spain
| | - Bernet Sánchez Albert
- Unidad de Microbiología, Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova, Spain; Universitat de Lleida, Lleida, Catalunya, Spain.
| | | | | | - Prats Sánchez Iván
- Unidad de Microbiología, Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova, Spain.
| | - García González Mercè
- Unidad de Microbiología, Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova, Spain; Universitat de Lleida, Lleida, Catalunya, Spain.
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20
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Soares FA, Martins Dos Santos B, Rosa SL, Loiola SHN, Suzuki CTN, Sabadini E, Bresciani KDS, Falcão AX, Gomes JF. Dissolved air flotation as potential new mechanism for intestinal parasite diagnosis in feces. Acta Trop 2021; 224:106137. [PMID: 34562419 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106137] [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: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The parasitological examination of feces is recommended for the laboratory diagnosis of intestinal parasites due to its practicality, low-cost, and moderate diagnostic sensitivity. Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) is an efficient technical principle used in other areas to separate dispersed solids. This study sought the preliminary evaluation of a proof-of-concept prototype as a tool for detecting species of parasites by adjusting DAF. Two DAF prototype units were developed to evaluate microbubbles' generation amidst fecal suspension and parasites' capture. For this evaluation, samples were screened and processed by the TF-Test technique (Control) and simultaneously by DAF device. The dimensional and attachment characteristics in the formation of the microbubbles were evaluated, and the percentage of parasitic recovery in floated and not-floated regions compared by Student's t-test. The second prototype unit proved to be more efficient in forming microbubbles with diameters between 34 and 170µm. The flotation tests showed a recovery of 73.27%, 58.12%, 37.85%, and 91.89% for Ascaris lumbricoides, Hymenolepis diminuta, Giardia duodenalis, and Strongyloides stercoralis, respectively. This study confirmed the selective interaction between microbubbles and parasite eggs and larvae during the flotation process using the DAF principle for the first time through imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Augusto Soares
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo 13083-889, Brazil; Laboratory of Image Data Science (LIDS), Institute of Computing (IC), University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Bianca Martins Dos Santos
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo 13083-889, Brazil; Laboratory of Image Data Science (LIDS), Institute of Computing (IC), University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Stefany Laryssa Rosa
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo 13083-889, Brazil; Laboratory of Image Data Science (LIDS), Institute of Computing (IC), University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Saulo Hudson Nery Loiola
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo 13083-889, Brazil; Laboratory of Image Data Science (LIDS), Institute of Computing (IC), University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Celso Tetsuo Nagase Suzuki
- Laboratory of Image Data Science (LIDS), Institute of Computing (IC), University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil; ImmunoCamp Science and Technology, Vinhedo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Edvaldo Sabadini
- Department of Physical-Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Alexandre Xavier Falcão
- Laboratory of Image Data Science (LIDS), Institute of Computing (IC), University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jancarlo Ferreira Gomes
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo 13083-889, Brazil; Laboratory of Image Data Science (LIDS), Institute of Computing (IC), University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
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21
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Liu X, Wu M, Liu Y, Li J, Yang D, Jiang L. Foodborne Parasites Dominate Current Parasitic Infections in Hunan Province, China. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:774980. [PMID: 34722349 PMCID: PMC8551805 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.774980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Great progress has been made in the prevention and treatment of human parasitic diseases in China over the past six decades, but parasitic diseases are still one of the most serious public health problems in the world. The specific prevalence of parasitic diseases varies in different provinces due to their geographical environment and the dietary habits of people. In this study, a total of 4,428 patients suspected to have parasitic infection by clinicians or themselves from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2020 were recommended to our laboratory for further testing. In total, 5,246 samples including fecal, blood, and other body fluids were detected by etiological and immunological methods. Approximately 15.20% (673/4,428) of all suspected patients were infected by at least one species of parasite, and the overall positive rate of suspected patients from Hunan Province was 15.10% (594/3,933). A total of 18 species of parasites, namely, nematodes (4 species), trematodes (5 species), cestodes (4 species), protozoa (2 species), and medical arthropods (3 species), and 3 of them were imported parasites outside of Hunan Province. There are 9 species of foodborne parasites, accounting for 89.92% (464/516) of patients infected by one species of parasite. Common parasites in Hunan Province include plerocercoid, Paragonimus westermani, Clonorchis sinensis, cysticercus, Toxoplasma gondii, and Schistosoma japonicum. In this study, we found that the incidence of soilborne nematode infections has decreased significantly. However, foodborne parasites gradually become the main parasitic infections as well as multiple infections are becoming more common. Therefore, we should not only continue the prevention and control of soil-derived nematodes but also focus on the prevention and control of foodborne parasites in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohua Liu
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Mengqi Wu
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Dongqian Yang
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Liping Jiang
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China.,China-Africa Research Center of Infectious Diseases, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
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22
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Sarzhanov F, Dogruman-Al F, Santin M, Maloney JG, Gureser AS, Karasartova D, Taylan-Ozkan A. Investigation of neglected protists Blastocystis sp. and Dientamoeba fragilis in immunocompetent and immunodeficient diarrheal patients using both conventional and molecular methods. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009779. [PMID: 34613993 PMCID: PMC8494357 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The clinical significance of Blastocystis sp. and Dientamoeba fragilis in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms is a controversial issue. Since the pathogenicity of these protists has not been fully elucidated, testing for these organisms is not routinely pursued by most laboratories and clinicians. Thus, the prevalence of these organisms and the subtypes of Blastocystis sp. in human patients in Turkey are not well characterized. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilis in the diarrheic stool samples of immunodeficient and immunocompetent patients using conventional and molecular methods and to identify Blastocystis sp. subtypes using next generation sequencing. Material and methods Individual stool specimens were collected from 245 immunodeficient and 193 immunocompetent diarrheic patients between March 2017 and December 2019 at the Gazi University Training and Research Hospital in Ankara, Turkey. Samples were screened for Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilis by conventional and molecular methods. Molecular detection of both protists was achieved by separate qPCRs targeting a partial fragment of the SSU rRNA gene. Next generation sequencing was used to identify Blastocystis sp. subtypes. Results The prevalence of Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilis was 16.7% and 11.9%, respectively as measured by qPCR. The prevalence of Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilis was lower in immunodeficient patients (12.7% and 10.6%, respectively) compared to immunocompetent patients (21.8% and 13.5%, respectively). Five Blastocystis sp. subtypes were identified and the following subtype distribution was observed: ST3 54.4% (n = 37), ST2 16.2% (n = 11), ST1 4.4% (n = 3), ST6 2.9% (n = 2), ST4 1.5% (n = 1), ST2/ST3 11.8% (n = 8) and ST1/ST3 8.8% (n = 6). There was no statistically significant difference in the distribution of Blastocystis sp. subtypes between immunocompetent and immunodeficient patients. Conclusion and recommendation Our findings demonstrated that Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilis are commonly present in immunocompetent and immunodeficient patients with diarrhea. This study is the first to use next generation sequencing to address the presence of Blastocystis sp. mixed subtypes and intra-subtype variability in clinical samples in Turkey. Blastocystis sp. and Dientamoeba fragilis are single-cell parasites of the human intestine which are common worldwide and reported in cases with gastrointestinal symptoms. However, the role of Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilis in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms is still controversial because their presence is not always associated with symptoms. As some intestinal parasitic infections can cause severe illness in immunocompromised individuals careful consideration of intestinal protist infection is warranted. However, testing for Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilis is not routinely carried out by most laboratories and clinicians. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilis in immunocompetent and immunosuppressed patients with diarrhea by conventional and molecular methods. Both Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilis were detected more frequently by quantitative polymerase chain reaction than by conventional methods. Next generation sequencing was used to characterize the diversity and frequency of Blastocystis sp. subtypes and mixed subtypes in patients in Turkey. Five Blastocystis sp. subtypes (ST1, ST2, ST3, ST4 and ST6) were detected. ST3 was the most frequent subtype in both immunocompetent and immunosuppressed patients. Mono-infections were more common than mixed subtype infections. Our findings showed that Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilis are commonly present in immunocompetent and immunodeficient patients with diarrhea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fakhriddin Sarzhanov
- Division of Medical Parasitology, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
- Akhmet Yassawi International Kazakh-Turkish University, Faculty of Medicine, Turkestan, Kazakhstan
| | - Funda Dogruman-Al
- Division of Medical Parasitology, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
- * E-mail: ,
| | - Monica Santin
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jenny G. Maloney
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Ayse Semra Gureser
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Hitit University, Corum, Turkey
| | - Djursun Karasartova
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Hitit University, Corum, Turkey
| | - Aysegul Taylan-Ozkan
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Hitit University, Corum, Turkey
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, TOBB- University of Economics and Technology, Ankara, Turkey
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Kantzanou M, Karalexi MA, Vrioni G, Tsakris A. Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections among Children in Europe over the Last Five Years. Trop Med Infect Dis 2021; 6:160. [PMID: 34564544 PMCID: PMC8482161 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed6030160] [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: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
While the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections (IPI) has been most commonly studied in African and Asian populations, less is known about the prevalence rates of IPI in European children, as well as the potential risk factors that favor the spread of parasites. We aimed to review published evidence on the prevalence rates of IPI in children residing in Europe, and to quantitatively synthesize the results of published studies. We searched Medline from 1 January 2015 to 1 April 2021 to address the most recently published prevalence patterns of IPI in European children. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed by type of IPI infection, age group and sex, depending on data availability. Of the 967 potentially relevant articles, eight eligible cross-sectional studies were included in this analysis, yielding a sample of 3376 children (0-19 years). The overall prevalence rate was 5.9% for any IPI in children residing in European countries. Blastocystis hominis was the most commonly detected parasite yielding a prevalence rate of 10.7%. Other parasites included Entamoeba coli, Endolimax nana, and Blastocystis hominis. Studies focusing on specific types of parasites showed prevalence rates ranging from 1.3% for Cryptosporidium to 68.3% for Dientamoeba fragilis. Despite the scarce literature, the present review showed relatively low prevalence rates of IPI in Europe. Future studies accounting for proper diagnostic methods used for the detection of parasites and including information on potential sociodemographic factors, such as travelling history and history of immigration, are needed to guide clinicians about which children to test, as well as when and how to test children for IPI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Kantzanou
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology & Medical Statistics Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Maria A. Karalexi
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology & Medical Statistics Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Georgia Vrioni
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece; (G.V.); (A.T.)
| | - Athanasios Tsakris
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece; (G.V.); (A.T.)
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Comparison of Three Real-Time PCR Assays Targeting the SSU rRNA Gene, the COWP Gene and the DnaJ-Like Protein Gene for the Diagnosis of Cryptosporidium spp. in Stool Samples. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10091131. [PMID: 34578163 PMCID: PMC8472038 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
As qualified microscopy of enteric parasitoses as defined by high diagnostic accuracy is difficult to maintain in non-endemic areas due to scarce opportunities for practicing with positive sample materials, molecular diagnostic options provide less investigator-dependent alternatives. Here, we compared three molecular targets for the real-time PCR-based detection of Cryptosporidium spp. From a population of 1000 individuals comprising both Ghanaian HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) patients and military returnees after deployment in the tropics, stool samples were assessed for Cryptosporidium spp. by real-time PCR targeting the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene, the Cryptosporidium oocyst wall (COWP) gene, and the DnaJ-like protein gene (DnaJ), respectively. In declining order, sensitivity of 100% for the SSU rRNA gene PCR, 90.0% for the COWP PCR and 88.8% for the DnaJ PCR, respectively, as well as specificity of 99.6% for the COWP PCR and 96.9% for both the SSU rRNA gene PCR and the DnaJ PCR, respectively, were recorded. Substantial agreement (kappa value 0.663) between the three assays was observed. Further, an accuracy-adjusted Cryptosporidium spp. prevalence of 6.0% was calculated for the study population. In conclusion, none of the assessed real-time PCR assays were associated with perfect test accuracy. However, a combination of highly sensitive SSU rRNA gene PCR for screening purposes and more specific COWP PCR for confirmatory testing should allow reliable diagnosis of Cryptosporidium spp. in stool samples even in low prevalence settings.
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25
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Verweij JJ. Validation and maintaining laboratory developed molecular tests compliant with ISO15189 for diagnosis of intestinal parasitic infections. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2021; 22:595-601. [PMID: 34424112 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2021.1971974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although, in the past few decades molecular diagnostics of parasitic infections have been accepted as first-line diagnostics, laboratories tend to be reluctant of introducing nucleic acid based tests as they dread the validation of laboratory developed tests (LDTs) compliant with ISO1589. AREAS COVERED This paper describes how to set tailor-made performance characteristics for the validation of laboratory developed tests (LDTs) for the molecular diagnosis of intestinal parasitic infections complying with the ISO 15189 guidelines. Then, just as important, maintaining these tests by daily monitoring, external quality assessment schemes, and reassessment of the test set-up. EXPERT OPINION Tailoring performance characteristics for the validation of LDTs defining criteria that make sense and actually leading to a process of continuous quality improvement in the day-to-day practice of a diagnostic laboratory. It is essential or even obligatory to modify these characteristics, skip, or to add additional characteristics based on personal or changing insights fitted for a specific setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaco J Verweij
- Microvida Laboratory for Medical Microbiology and Immunology, ElisabethTweesteden Hospital, Tilburg, The Netherlands
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Hoekstra PT, van Dam GJ, van Lieshout L. Context-Specific Procedures for the Diagnosis of Human Schistosomiasis – A Mini Review. FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2021.722438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by trematode blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma, affecting over 250 million people mainly in the tropics. Clinically, the disease can present itself with acute symptoms, a stage which is relatively more common in naive travellers originating from non-endemic regions. It can also develop into chronic disease, with the outcome depending on the Schistosoma species involved, the duration and intensity of infection and several host-related factors. A range of diagnostic tests is available to determine Schistosoma infection, including microscopy, antibody detection, antigen detection using the Point-Of-Care Circulating Cathodic Antigen (POC-CCA) test and the Up-Converting Particle Lateral Flow Circulating Anodic Antigen (UCP-LF CAA) test, as well as Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAATs) such as real-time PCR. In this mini review, we discuss these different diagnostic procedures and explore their most appropriate use in context-specific settings. With regard to endemic settings, diagnostic approaches are described based on their suitability for individual diagnosis, monitoring control programs, determining elimination as a public health problem and eventual interruption of transmission. For non-endemic settings, we summarize the most suitable diagnostic approaches for imported cases, either acute or chronic. Additionally, diagnostic options for disease-specific clinical presentations such as genital schistosomiasis and neuro-schistosomiasis are included. Finally, the specific role of diagnostic tests within research settings is described, including a controlled human schistosomiasis infection model and several clinical studies. In conclusion, context-specific settings have different requirements for a diagnostic test, stressing the importance of a well-considered decision of the most suitable diagnostic procedure.
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Dacal E, Köster PC, Carmena D. Diagnóstico molecular de parasitosis intestinales. Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin 2021; 38 Suppl 1:24-31. [PMID: 32111362 DOI: 10.1016/j.eimc.2020.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Infections causes by parasites of the gastrointestinal tract are a global public health problem. In industrialised countries, their particular epidemiological (low general prevalence of enteroparasites), economic (high labour costs) and clinical characteristics (constant increase in the number of samples and diagnostic determinations to be performed) have led molecular techniques to progressively replace conventional microscopy as the first-line diagnostic method of these pathogens in modern clinical laboratories. PCR-based techniques, particularly those developed for the simultaneous detection of the various agents that can cause the same infectious disease (syndromic diagnosis), already represent a cost-effective option that allow process automisation, workflow optimisation, and comparison of results among different laboratories, and facilitate accreditation of diagnostic procedures. This review clearly and concisely discusses the current situation of the molecular diagnosis of the main species of intestinal parasites in humans, particularly the enteric protozoans causing diarrhoea (Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, Entamoeba histolytica), the most important members the Microsporidia phyla (Enterocytozoon bieneusi) and Stramenopiles phyla (Blastocystis sp.), as well as the helminths transmitted by soil (Ancylostoma spp., Ascaris lumbricoides, Necator americanus, Strongyloides stercoralis and Trichuris trichiura) and food (Anisakis spp., Clonorchis sinensis, Fasciola spp., Taenia solium, and Trichinella spiralis). Special attention is paid to the description of available techniques and formats, to their diagnostic benefits and the most widely used genetic markers for their detection, both in clinical laboratories and genotyping in referral and research centres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Dacal
- Laboratorio de Referencia e Investigación en Parasitología, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, España
| | - Pamela C Köster
- Laboratorio de Referencia e Investigación en Parasitología, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, España
| | - David Carmena
- Laboratorio de Referencia e Investigación en Parasitología, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, España.
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Venturini E, Scarso S, Prelazzi GA, Niccolai C, Bianchi L, Montagnani C, Lapini M, Chiappini E, Antonelli A, Rossolini GM, Galli L. Epidemiology and clinical features of intestinal protozoan infections detected by Real-time PCR in non-native children within an Italian tertiary care children's hospital: A cross-sectional study. Travel Med Infect Dis 2021; 43:102107. [PMID: 34116243 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2021.102107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Enteric parasite infections are underestimated due to the limited sensitivity and specificity of microscopy, which remains the diagnostic gold standard in routine clinical practice. This could be a major problem in high-income countries, where the burden of parasitic diseases is low. In recent years, Multiplex Real-Time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) based methods have been implemented. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of four enteric protozoan species detected by RT-PCR in non-native children in Italy, and to describe their clinical characteristics. METHODS Adopted and immigrant children, evaluated for migration health assessment between 2017 and 2020 in a tertiary care children's hospital in Italy, were enrolled. Molecular analysis for Giardia lamblia, Dientamoeba fragilis, Blastocystis hominis, and Entamoeba histolytica, was conducted by in-house RT-PCR. RESULTS Overall, 209 children were enrolled and 70% of them resulted positive by RT-PCR for at least one enteric parasite. B. hominis (47.8%) was the most commonly identified protozoa, followed by D. fragilis (44.5%). Co-infections with multiple pathogens were detected in 35.4% of the samples. Almost 80% of parasite-positive children were asymptomatic and the most common symptom was flatulence (60.7% of symptomatic children). Eosinophils were significantly increased in RT-PCR positive children compared to the negative ones and children with D. fragilis presented the highest eosinophils count. CONCLUSIONS The In-house Multiplex RT-PCR assay provides a valid molecular detection system for selected enteric parasites. This novel and accurate diagnostic method can help in increasing the detection rate of parasite infection, especially in high-risk population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Salvatore Scarso
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Claudia Niccolai
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Leila Bianchi
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Meyer Children's University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Carlotta Montagnani
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Meyer Children's University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Manuela Lapini
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Elena Chiappini
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Meyer Children's University Hospital, Florence, Italy; Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Alberto Antonelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy; Microbiology and Virology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Gian Maria Rossolini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy; Microbiology and Virology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Luisa Galli
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Meyer Children's University Hospital, Florence, Italy; Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Italy.
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Mercier V, Sasso M, Kouyoumdjian P, Sizaret D, Benzimra S, Gonzalez S, Desoubeaux G. Some undesirable traps which can mislead the pathologist. J Clin Pathol 2021; 74:568-570. [PMID: 33931564 DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2021-207438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
In clinical laboratories, the diagnosis of parasite diseases can sometimes be challenging for non-expert microbiologists. Indeed, in spite of the advent of the molecular biology, macroscopic and microscopic examinations still remain essential. Nonetheless, it is usually not automated and requires great skills to complete the correct diagnosis. It is not infrequent that inert elements mislead to erroneous diagnoses. Through three different concrete examples, this article aims at underscoring the actual risk of parasite misidentification and at highlighting the systematic approach to be conducted in order to enable reliable diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Milène Sasso
- CNRS, Université Montpellier - IRD, Nîmes, France
| | - Pascal Kouyoumdjian
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nîmes and Montpellier University, Montpellier, France
| | | | | | - Samia Gonzalez
- Département de Biopathologie, Hôpital Caremeau, Nîmes, France
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Hoekstra PT, van Esbroeck M, de Dood CJ, Corstjens PL, Cnops L, van Zeijl-van der Ham CJ, Wammes LJ, van Dam GJ, Clerinx J, van Lieshout L. Early diagnosis and follow-up of acute schistosomiasis in a cluster of infected Belgian travellers by detection of antibodies and circulating anodic antigen (CAA): A diagnostic evaluation study. Travel Med Infect Dis 2021; 41:102053. [PMID: 33823289 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2021.102053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In order to evaluate the diagnostic value of schistosome circulating anodic antigen (CAA) detection, serum and urine CAA-levels were determined in a single cluster of 34 Belgian tourists at three timepoints within a period of 14 weeks following proven Schistosoma exposure in South Africa and compared with two in-house antibody assays. METHODS Samples were collected 4-5 and 7-8 weeks post-exposure and subsequently 5-6 weeks following praziquantel treatment. Schistosoma antibodies were detected by an adult worm antigen-immunofluorescence assay (AWA-IFA) and a soluble egg antigen-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (SEA-ELISA), while CAA concentrations were determined by the Up-Converting reporter Particle labelled Lateral Flow (UCP-LF) test. RESULTS Antibodies were detected in 25/34 (73%) travellers pre-treatment and in 27/34 (79%) post-treatment, with the AWA-IFA showing better performance than the SEA-ELISA. Pre-treatment, CAA was detected in 13/34 (38%) and 33/34 (97%) of the travellers in urine and serum, respectively. Post-treatment, all except one traveller became serum CAA negative. This in contrast to the detected antibodies, as well as the previously reported diagnostic results of this cluster. CONCLUSIONS The UCP-LF CAA serum assay has been demonstrated as the most sensitive method for the diagnosis of early Schistosoma infections and post-treatment monitoring in travellers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pytsje T Hoekstra
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Marjan van Esbroeck
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Claudia J de Dood
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Paul Lam Corstjens
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Lieselotte Cnops
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Linda J Wammes
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Govert J van Dam
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Jan Clerinx
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Lisette van Lieshout
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
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Sarzhanov F, Köster PC, Dogruman-Al F, Bailo B, Dashti A, Demirel-Kaya F, Carmena D. Detection of enteric parasites and molecular characterization of Giardia duodenalis and Blastocystis sp. in patients admitted to hospital in Ankara, Turkey. Parasitology 2021; 148:550-561. [PMID: 32981546 PMCID: PMC10950376 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182020001821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
This epidemiological study assesses the occurrence of enteric parasites in 4303 patients attended at two public hospitals in Ankara (Turkey) during 2018-2019. Microscopy was used as a screening test. Giardia duodenalis was also identified using a commercial ELISA for the detection of parasite-specific coproantigens. Giardia-positive samples by microscopy/ELISA were confirmed by real-time PCR and characterized using a multilocus genotyping scheme. Blastocystis sp. was genotyped in a sample subset. Blastocystis sp. (11.1%, 95% CI 11.4‒14.8%) and G. duodenalis (1.56%, 95% CI 1.22‒1.96) were the most prevalent pathogens found. Cryptosporidium spp., Entamoeba histolytica and intestinal helminths were only sporadically (<0.5%) found. For G. duodenalis, sequence (n = 30) analyses revealed the presence of sub-assemblages AII (23.3%), discordant AII/AIII (23.3%) and mixed AII + AIII (6.7%) within assemblage A, and BIII (10.0%), BIV (3.3%) and discordant BIII/BIV (23.3%) within assemblage B. Two additional sequences (6.7%) were assigned to the latter assemblage but sub-assemblage information was unknown. No associations between G. duodenalis assemblages/sub-assemblages and sociodemographic and clinical variables could be demonstrated. For Blastocystis sp., sequence (n = 6) analyses identified subtypes ST1, ST2 and ST3 at equal proportions. This is the first molecular characterization of G. duodenalis based on MLG conducted in Turkey to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fakhriddin Sarzhanov
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Gazi University, 06490Ankara, Turkey
- Faculty of Medicine, Akhmet Yassawi International Kazakh-Turkish University, 161200Turkestan, Kazakhstan
| | - Pamela Carolina Köster
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Ctra. Majadahonda-Pozuelo Km 2, 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Funda Dogruman-Al
- Section of Medical Parasitology, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Gazi University, 06490Ankara, Turkey
| | - Begoña Bailo
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Ctra. Majadahonda-Pozuelo Km 2, 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Dashti
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Ctra. Majadahonda-Pozuelo Km 2, 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Filiz Demirel-Kaya
- Medical Microbiology Laboratory, Ankara Education and Research Hospital, Health Science University, 06230Ankara, Turkey
| | - David Carmena
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Ctra. Majadahonda-Pozuelo Km 2, 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
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Yin YL, Wang Y, Lai P, Yao Q, Li Y, Zhang LX, Yang X, Song JK, Zhao GH. Establishment and preliminary application of nanoparticle-assisted PCR assay for detection of Cryptosporidium spp. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:1837-1844. [PMID: 33649965 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07101-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium is an important intestinal protozoan parasite that causes diarrhoea in humans and animals. To rapidly and specifically detect Cryptosporidium spp., we designed a pair of primers based on the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene of Cryptosporidium spp. to be used in a new nanoparticle-assisted PCR (nano-PCR) assay. The minimum detectable concentration (1.02 pg) of this nano-PCR was 10 times more sensitive than conventional PCR using the same primer pair. The DNA samples of C. parvum, C. baileyi, C. xiaoi, C. ryanae, and C. andersoni were successfully detected by the nano-PCR. No amplifications were evident with DNA samples of some common intestinal pathogens, including Eimeria tenella, Blastocystis sp., Giardia lamblia, Enterocytozoon bieneusi, and Balantidium coli. To validate the clinical usefulness of the novel nano-PCR, a total of 40 faecal samples from goats, camels, calves, and chickens were examined. The positive rate of Cryptosporidium spp. was 27.5% (11/40), which was consistent with that of an established nested PCR. These results indicate that the novel nano-PCR assay enables the rapid, specific, and accurate detection of Cryptosporidium infection in animals. The findings provide a technical basis for the clinical diagnosis, prevention, and control of cryptosporidiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Ling Yin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Lai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Yao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Long-Xian Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun-Ke Song
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Guang-Hui Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China.
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Fuss A, Mazigo HD, Mueller A. Detection of Schistosoma mansoni DNA using polymerase chain reaction from serum and dried blood spot card samples of an adult population in North-western Tanzania. Infect Dis Poverty 2021; 10:15. [PMID: 33622417 PMCID: PMC7901113 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-021-00798-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a sensitive and specific method for diagnosing schistosomiasis. However, this method should be performed in a laboratory, usually located distant from the sample collection site. Therefore, it is important to have fast sampling preservation methods, which allow simple transport prior to DNA extraction and amplification. The aim of this study was to verify if blood samples applied to filter paper are suitable for analysis of Schistosoma mansoni DNA by real-time PCR. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 study participants aged 17 to 70 years in a fishing village on the southern shore of Lake Victoria, Tanzania. Serum samples and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)-anticoagulated whole blood for preparation of dried blood spots (DBS) were collected to test for Schistosoma mansoni infection by real-time PCR. A combined diagnostic reference of positive results of serum-based real-time PCR and the Kato-Katz (KK) method was used for analysis. Sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was chosen to compare the mean cycle threshold (Ct) values from serum and DBS. RESULTS According to the reference, 92.5% S. mansoni positive samples were determined. The serum-based real-time PCR performed excellently with 95.4% sensitivity, whereas the DBS-based real-time PCR showed a low sensitivity (45.4%). The Ct-values were significantly higher in DBS (median: 37.3) than in serum samples (median: 27.5, P < 0.001), reflecting a lower parasite-specific DNA load on the filter cards. With increasing egg counts, an increase in sensitivity was observed for all methods. The POC-CCA test and the serum-based real-time PCR showed a sensitivity of 100% for medium and severe infections. The DBS real-time PCR showed a sensitivity of only 85.7% even for severe infections. CONCLUSIONS DBS-based real-time PCR did not provide good results in our study and therefore should not be recommended or must be tested concerning temperature of storage, storage duration, use of different filter papers and extraction methods before it is used in future studies. In contrast, our results showed that the POC-CCA test is a sensitive and precise test for detecting S. mansoni infections .
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Affiliation(s)
- Antje Fuss
- Medical Mission Institute, Hermann-Schell-Str. 7, 97074 Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Humphrey D. Mazigo
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Entomology, School of Medicine, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 1464, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Andreas Mueller
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Klinikum Wuerzburg Mitte gGmbH, Medical Mission Hospital, Wuerzburg, Germany
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Koukounari A, Jamil H, Erosheva E, Shiff C, Moustaki I. Latent Class Analysis: Insights about design and analysis of schistosomiasis diagnostic studies. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009042. [PMID: 33539357 PMCID: PMC7888681 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Various global health initiatives are currently advocating the elimination of schistosomiasis within the next decade. Schistosomiasis is a highly debilitating tropical infectious disease with severe burden of morbidity and thus operational research accurately evaluating diagnostics that quantify the epidemic status for guiding effective strategies is essential. Latent class models (LCMs) have been generally considered in epidemiology and in particular in recent schistosomiasis diagnostic studies as a flexible tool for evaluating diagnostics because assessing the true infection status (via a gold standard) is not possible. However, within the biostatistics literature, classical LCM have already been criticised for real-life problems under violation of the conditional independence (CI) assumption and when applied to a small number of diagnostics (i.e. most often 3-5 diagnostic tests). Solutions of relaxing the CI assumption and accounting for zero-inflation, as well as collecting partial gold standard information, have been proposed, offering the potential for more robust model estimates. In the current article, we examined such approaches in the context of schistosomiasis via analysis of two real datasets and extensive simulation studies. Our main conclusions highlighted poor model fit in low prevalence settings and the necessity of collecting partial gold standard information in such settings in order to improve the accuracy and reduce bias of sensitivity and specificity estimates. Accurate schistosomiasis diagnosis is essential to assess the impact of large scale and repeated mass drug administration to control or even eliminate this disease. However, in schistosomiasis diagnostic studies, several inherent study design issues pose a real challenge for the currently available statistical tools used for diagnostic modelling and associated data analysis and conclusions. More specifically, those study design issues are: 1) the inclusion of small number of diagnostic tests (i.e. most often five), 2) non formal consensus about a schistosomiasis gold standard, 3) the contemporary use of relatively small sample sizes in relevant studies due to lack of research funding, 4) the differing levels of prevalence of the studied disease even within the same area of one endemic country and 5) other real world factors such as: the lack of appropriate equipment, the variability of certain methods due to biological phenomena and training of technicians across the endemic countries because of scarce financial resources contributing to the existing lack of a schistosomiasis gold standard. The current study aims to caution practitioners from blindly applying statistical models with small number of diagnostic tests and sample sizes, proposing design guidelines of future schistosomiasis diagnostic accuracy studies with recommendations for further research. While our study is centred around the diagnosis of schistosomiasis, we feel that the recommendations can be adapted to other major tropical infectious diseases as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artemis Koukounari
- Product Development Personalized Health Care, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Welwyn Garden, United Kingdom
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Haziq Jamil
- Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
| | - Elena Erosheva
- Department of Statistics, School of Social Work, Center for Statistics and the Social Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Clive Shiff
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology Department, John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
| | - Irini Moustaki
- Department of Statistics, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, United Kingdom
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Gelaye W, Williams NA, Kepha S, Junior AM, Fleitas PE, Marti-Soler H, Damtie D, Menkir S, Krolewiecki AJ, van Lieshout L, Enbiale W. Performance evaluation of Baermann techniques: The quest for developing a microscopy reference standard for the diagnosis of Strongyloides stercoralis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009076. [PMID: 33600434 PMCID: PMC7891789 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) are common in low and middle income countries where there is lack of access to clean water and sanitation. Effective diagnosis and treatment are essential for the control of STH infections. However, among STH parasites, Strongyloides stercoralis is the most neglected species, both in diagnostics and control strategies. Diagnostic methods cover different approaches, each with different sensitivities and specificities, such as serology, molecular techniques and microscopy based techniques. Of the later, the Baermann technique is the most commonly used procedure. In the literature, several ways have been described to perform the Baermann method, which illustrates the overall lack of a '(gold) reference standard' method for the diagnosis of S. stercoralis infection. In this study we have evaluated the performance of three Baermann techniques in order to improve the reference standard for the microscopic diagnosis of S. stercoralis infection thereby facilitating individual case detection, mapping of the disease and proper evaluation of treatment responses. METHODS/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS A community based cross sectional study was conducted at Zenzelima, Bahir Dar Zuria Ethiopia. A total of 437 stool samples were collected and analyzed by the following procedures: conventional Baermann (CB), modified Baermann (MB), and modified Baermann with charcoal pre-incubation (MBCI). The diagnostic sensitivity and Negative Predictive Value (NPV) of each technique was calculated using the combination of all the three techniques as a composite reference standard. Our result indicated that larvae of S. stercoralis were detected in 151 (34.6%) stool samples. The prevalence of S. stercoralis infection based on the three diagnostic methods was 9.6%, 8.0%, and 31.3% by CB, MB, and MBCI respectively. The sensitivity and NPV for CB, MB, and MBCI were 26.7% and 70.8%, 22.1% and 69.6%, and 87.0% and 93.2%, respectively. The MBCI showed significant difference (P- value = <0.001) in the sensitivity and NPV values when compared with CB and MB values. The agreement between CB, MB, and MBCI with the composite reference standard was 31.8%, 26.7%, 89.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE Our results suggest the superior performance of MBCI. It is relatively easy to implement, simple to perform and comparatively cheaper. The CB is by far the commonly used method in routine diagnostic although this technique significantly underestimates the true burden of the disease and thereby contributing to the exclusion of S. stercoralis from the control strategies. Therefore, MBCI is recommended as a routine microscopy-based diagnostic test for S. stercoralis infection, particularly in settings where molecular procedures are not available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woyneshet Gelaye
- Bahir Dar University, College of Medicine and Health Science, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Nana Aba Williams
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—Universitat de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Stella Kepha
- Kenya Medical Research Institution, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Pedro Emanuel Fleitas
- Universidad Nacional de Salta, Instituto de Investigaciones de Enfermedades Tropicales/CONICET, Oran, Salta, Argentina
| | - Helena Marti-Soler
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—Universitat de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Destaw Damtie
- Bahir Dar University, College of Science, Department of Biology, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Sissay Menkir
- Bahir Dar University, College of Science, Department of Biology, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Alejandro J. Krolewiecki
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—Universitat de Barcelona, Spain
- Universidad Nacional de Salta, Instituto de Investigaciones de Enfermedades Tropicales/CONICET, Oran, Salta, Argentina
| | - Lisette van Lieshout
- Department of Parasitology, Centre of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC), Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Wendemagegn Enbiale
- Bahir Dar University, College of Medicine and Health Science, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
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Keller L, Patel C, Welsche S, Schindler T, Hürlimann E, Keiser J. Performance of the Kato-Katz method and real time polymerase chain reaction for the diagnosis of soil-transmitted helminthiasis in the framework of a randomised controlled trial: treatment efficacy and day-to-day variation. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:517. [PMID: 33059756 PMCID: PMC7558729 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04401-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accurate, scalable and sensitive diagnostic tools are crucial in determining prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths (STH), assessing infection intensities and monitoring treatment efficacy. However, assessments on treatment efficacy comparing traditional microscopic to newly emerging molecular approaches such as quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) are scarce and hampered partly by lack of an established diagnostic gold standard. METHODS We compared the performance of the copromicroscopic Kato-Katz method to qPCR in the framework of a randomized controlled trial on Pemba Island, Tanzania, evaluating treatment efficacy based on cure rates of albendazole monotherapy versus ivermectin-albendazole against Trichuris trichiura and concomitant STH infections. Day-to-day variability of both diagnostic methods was assessed to elucidate reproducibility of test results by analysing two stool samples before and two stool samples after treatment of 160 T. trichiura Kato-Katz positive participants, partially co-infected with Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworm, per treatment arm (n = 320). As negative controls, two faecal samples of 180 Kato-Katz helminth negative participants were analysed. RESULTS Fair to moderate correlation between microscopic egg count and DNA copy number for the different STH species was observed at baseline and follow-up. Results indicated higher sensitivity of qPCR for all three STH species across all time points; however, we found lower test result reproducibility compared to Kato-Katz. When assessed with two samples from consecutive days by qPCR, cure rates were significantly lower for T. trichiura (23.2 vs 46.8%), A. lumbricoides (75.3 vs 100%) and hookworm (52.4 vs 78.3%) in the ivermectin-albendazole treatment arm, when compared to Kato-Katz. CONCLUSIONS qPCR diagnosis showed lower reproducibility of test results compared to Kato-Katz, hence multiple samples per participant should be analysed to achieve a reliable diagnosis of STH infection. Our study confirms that cure rates are overestimated using Kato-Katz alone. Our findings emphasize that standardized and accurate molecular diagnostic tools are urgently needed for future monitoring within STH control and/or elimination programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ladina Keller
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Chandni Patel
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sophie Welsche
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Schindler
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Eveline Hürlimann
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
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Reh L, Muadica AS, Köster PC, Balasegaram S, Verlander NQ, Chércoles ER, Carmena D. Substantial prevalence of enteroparasites Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis and Blastocystis sp. in asymptomatic schoolchildren in Madrid, Spain, November 2017 to June 2018. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 24. [PMID: 31662160 PMCID: PMC6820128 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2019.24.43.1900241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BackgroundProtozoan enteroparasites Cryptosporidium species and Giardia duodenalis are major contributors to the burden of gastrointestinal illness in children globally, whereas the stramenopile Blastocystis species has been associated with irritable bowel syndrome and skin disorders.AimTo investigate the carriage of these parasites in voluntary asymptomatic schoolchildren (4‒14 years) in 12 different primary and secondary schools in Leganés (Madrid, Spain).MethodsIn a prospective cross-sectional study, stool samples and epidemiological questionnaires on demographics and potential risk factors were collected from participating schoolchildren. Detection of enteric parasites was conducted by PCR-based methods and confirmed by sequence analysis. We calculated prevalence and odds ratios (OR) with logistic regression.ResultsStool samples and questionnaires were provided by 1,359 schoolchildren from 12 schools. The individual prevalence for any parasite was 28%; Blastocystis sp.: 13%; G. duodenalis: 18%; Cryptosporidium spp.: 1%. Two schoolchildren were infected with all three species and 53 with two species. Multivariable risk factor analysis using logistic regression models indicated that an existing infection with one parasite increased the odds for an additional infection with another parasite. The odds of Blastocystis sp. carriage increased up to the age of 10 years and being female increased the odds of Cryptosporidium spp. infection. Washing vegetables before preparing a meal was protective for Blastocystis sp. infection.ConclusionWe detected a larger than expected proportion of asymptomatic cases in the participanting schoolchildren. Further investigation of asymptomatic children should be considered. Good hygiene measures should be encouraged for individuals of all ages to protect from protozoal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Reh
- These authors contributed equally.,European Program for Public Health Microbiology Training, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Stockholm, Sweden.,Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Aly Salimo Muadica
- These authors contributed equally.,Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pamela Carolina Köster
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sooria Balasegaram
- Field Epidemiology Services, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - Neville Q Verlander
- Statistics, Modelling and Economics Department, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - David Carmena
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
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Cools P, van Lieshout L, Koelewijn R, Addiss D, Ajjampur SSR, Ayana M, Bradbury RS, Cantera JL, Dana D, Fischer K, Imtiaz R, Kabagenyi J, Lok J, McCarthy J, Mejia R, Mekonnen Z, Njenga SM, Othman N, Shao H, Traub R, Van Esbroeck M, Vercruysse J, Vlaminck J, Williams SA, Verweij JJ, van Hellemond JJ, Levecke B. First international external quality assessment scheme of nucleic acid amplification tests for the detection of Schistosoma and soil-transmitted helminths, including Strongyloides: A pilot study. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008231. [PMID: 32544158 PMCID: PMC7319349 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) are increasingly being used as diagnostic tools for soil-transmitted helminths (STHs; Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, Necator americanus, Ancylostoma duodenale and A. ceylanicum), Strongyloides stercoralis and Schistosoma in human stool. Currently, there is a large diversity of NAATs being applied, but an external quality assessment scheme (EQAS) for these diagnostics is lacking. An EQAS involves a blinded process where test results reported by a laboratory are compared to those reported by reference or expert laboratories, allowing for an objective assessment of the diagnostic performance of a laboratory. In the current study, we piloted an international EQAS for these helminths (i) to investigate the feasibility of designing and delivering an EQAS; (ii) to assess the diagnostic performance of laboratories; and (iii) to gain insights into the different NAAT protocols used. METHODS AND PRINCIPAL FINDINGS A panel of twelve stool samples and eight DNA samples was validated by six expert laboratories for the presence of six helminths (Ascaris, Trichuris, N. americanus, Ancylostoma, Strongyloides and Schistosoma). Subsequently this panel was sent to 15 globally dispersed laboratories. We found a high degree of diversity among the different DNA extraction and NAAT protocols. Although most laboratories performed well, we could clearly identify the laboratories that were poorly performing. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE We showed the technical feasibility of an international EQAS for the NAAT of STHs, Strongyloides and Schistosoma. In addition, we documented that there are clear benefits for participating laboratories, as they can confirm and/or improve the diagnostic performance of their NAATs. Further research should aim to identify factors that explain poor performance of NAATs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piet Cools
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Lisette van Lieshout
- Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Dutch Foundation for Quality Assessment in Medical Laboratories, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Rob Koelewijn
- Dutch Foundation for Quality Assessment in Medical Laboratories, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - David Addiss
- The Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, Georgia, United States of America
| | | | | | - Richard S. Bradbury
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | | | | | - Kerstin Fischer
- Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Rubina Imtiaz
- Children Without Worms, Decatur, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Joyce Kabagenyi
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - James Lok
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - James McCarthy
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Rojelio Mejia
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | | | | | | | - Hongguang Shao
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | | | | | - Jozef Vercruysse
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Johnny Vlaminck
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Steven A. Williams
- Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts, United States of America
- University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | | | - Jaap J. van Hellemond
- Dutch Foundation for Quality Assessment in Medical Laboratories, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bruno Levecke
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
- * E-mail:
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Diagnostic Techniques of Soil-Transmitted Helminths: Impact on Control Measures. Trop Med Infect Dis 2020; 5:tropicalmed5020093. [PMID: 32516900 PMCID: PMC7344795 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed5020093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are common in the tropical and subtropical countries. The burden of disease is highest in endemic areas with limited access to good quality water supply and poor sanitary conditions. Major approaches to control and reduce morbidity caused by worm infections include the periodic deworming of pre-school and school-aged children with anthelminthic drugs. Population-based studies and individual patient management including interventional studies can only be successful when accurate diagnostic techniques are used. The lack of appropriate diagnostic tools providing accurate results concerning both infectious status and intensity of infection—as these two factors vary in regions of low infection intensities—is a major challenge. Currently, available techniques show limited sensitivity and specificity and as such, a combination of several techniques is usually used to diagnose the large variety of parasite species. The objective of this review was to describe the advantages and disadvantages of the different available techniques for the diagnosis of STH infections and to highlight their use in control programs.
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40
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Soares FA, Benitez ADN, dos Santos BM, Loiola SHN, Rosa SL, Nagata WB, Inácio SV, Suzuki CTN, Bresciani KDS, Falcão AX, Gomes JF. A historical review of the techniques of recovery of parasites for their detection in human stools. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2020; 53:e20190535. [PMID: 32491097 PMCID: PMC7269538 DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0535-2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the early 20th century, the detection of intestinal parasites has improved with the development of several techniques for parasitic structures recovery and identification, which differ in sensitivity, specificity, practicality, cost, and infrastructure demand. This study aims to review, in chronological order, the stool examination techniques and discuss their advantages, limitations, and perspectives, and to provide professionals and specialists in this field with data that lays a foundation for critical analysis on the use of such procedures. The concentration procedures that constitute the main techniques applied in routine research and in parasitological kits are a) spontaneous sedimentation; b) centrifugation-sedimentation with formalin-ethyl acetate; and c) flotation with zinc sulfate solution. While selecting a technique, one should consider the purpose of its application and the technical-operational, biological, and physicochemical factors inherent in the procedures used in stool processing, which may restrict its use. These intrinsic limitations may have undergone procedural changes driven by scientific and technological development and by development of alternative methods, which now contribute to the improvement of diagnostic accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Augusto Soares
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Campinas, SP, Brasil
| | | | | | | | - Stefany Laryssa Rosa
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Campinas, SP, Brasil
| | - Walter Bertequini Nagata
- Universidade Estadual Paulista, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Departamento de Apoio, Produção e Saúde Animal, Araçatuba, SP, Brasil
| | - Sandra Valéria Inácio
- Universidade Estadual Paulista, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Departamento de Apoio, Produção e Saúde Animal, Araçatuba, SP, Brasil
| | | | - Katia Denise Saraiva Bresciani
- Universidade Estadual Paulista, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Departamento de Apoio, Produção e Saúde Animal, Araçatuba, SP, Brasil
| | | | - Jancarlo Ferreira Gomes
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Campinas, SP, Brasil
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Computação, Campinas, SP, Brasil
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Laksemi DA, Suwanti LT, Mufasirin M, Suastika K, Sudarmaja M. Opportunistic parasitic infections in patients with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: A review. Vet World 2020; 13:716-725. [PMID: 32546916 PMCID: PMC7245710 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2020.716-725] [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: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The number of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases increases annually, and Indonesia has become the country with the fastest HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic spread among the five Southeast Asian countries. Indonesia entered the critical phase of HIV/AIDS infections after 5 out of the 33 provinces, namely, Papua, Jakarta, Bali, West Java, and East Java, reported HIV/AIDS epidemic since 2004. In AIDS pathophysiology and immune-suppression are severe, thus, opportunistic intestinal parasitic infections that cause diarrhea in HIV infection may be fatal. Several studies have suggested that Cryptosporidium parvum, Isospora belli, and Blastocystis hominis are the most common intestinal protozoan parasites categorized as AIDS associated illness. Diarrhea caused by parasites is considerably suspected in the cases of chronic and persistent diarrhea in adults, in an era of increasing HIV/AIDS cases nowadays. The present review highlights the current advances in etiologic agents of HIV/AIDS opportunistic infections among countries, epidemiology and prevalence, lifecycle, risk factors, examination methods, and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- D A Laksemi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Bali, Indonesia
| | - L T Suwanti
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia.,Institute of Tropical Disease, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
| | - M Mufasirin
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia.,Institute of Tropical Disease, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
| | - K Suastika
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Bali, Indonesia
| | - M Sudarmaja
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Bali, Indonesia
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Norman FF, Chamorro S, Comeche B, Pérez-Molina JA, López-Vélez R. Update on the major imported helminth infections in travelers and migrants. Future Microbiol 2020; 15:437-444. [PMID: 32250168 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2019-0273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Helminth infections cause considerable morbidity worldwide and may be frequently underdiagnosed especially in areas of lower endemicity. Patients may harbor latent infections that may become symptomatic years or decades after the initial exposure and timely diagnosis may be critical to prevent complications and improve outcomes. In this context, disease in special populations, such as immunosuppressed patients, may be of particular concern. Heightened awareness and recent diagnostic developments may contribute to the correct management of helminth infections in nonendemic regions. A review of the main helminth infections in travelers and migrants (strongyloidiasis, taeniasis-neurocysticercosis and schistosomiasis) is presented, focusing on epidemiology, developments in diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- F F Norman
- National Referral Unit for Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, IRYCIS, Ctra Colmenar, Km 9100, 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - S Chamorro
- National Referral Unit for Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, IRYCIS, Ctra Colmenar, Km 9100, 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - B Comeche
- National Referral Unit for Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, IRYCIS, Ctra Colmenar, Km 9100, 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - J A Pérez-Molina
- National Referral Unit for Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, IRYCIS, Ctra Colmenar, Km 9100, 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - R López-Vélez
- National Referral Unit for Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, IRYCIS, Ctra Colmenar, Km 9100, 28034 Madrid, Spain
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43
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Norman FF, Comeche B, Chamorro S, Pérez-Molina JA, López-Vélez R. Update on the major imported protozoan infections in travelers and migrants. Future Microbiol 2020; 15:213-225. [PMID: 32065535 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2019-0212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Globalization has contributed to the emergence of specific parasitic diseases in novel geographical areas, and in these regions, these infections in travelers and immigrants may cause a considerable burden of disease. Timely diagnosis and treatment of protozoan infections to decrease mortality and prevent associated complications are essential. In this respect, the increased availability of specific DNA-detection procedures has improved the diagnosis of many imported parasitic infections. Travelers and immigrants with associated comorbidities or immunosuppression may pose a special challenge regarding management. An updated review of the main protozoan infections in mobile populations (malaria, Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, enteric protozoan infections) is provided, focusing on the changing epidemiology of these diseases, recent developments in diagnosis and management and the possibility of local transmission of imported infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca F Norman
- National Referral Unit for Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, IRYCIS, Ctra Colmenar, Km 9,100, 28034, Madrid, Spain
| | - Belén Comeche
- National Referral Unit for Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, IRYCIS, Ctra Colmenar, Km 9,100, 28034, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sandra Chamorro
- National Referral Unit for Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, IRYCIS, Ctra Colmenar, Km 9,100, 28034, Madrid, Spain
| | - José-Antonio Pérez-Molina
- National Referral Unit for Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, IRYCIS, Ctra Colmenar, Km 9,100, 28034, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rogelio López-Vélez
- National Referral Unit for Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, IRYCIS, Ctra Colmenar, Km 9,100, 28034, Madrid, Spain
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Ögren J, Dienus O, Matussek A. Optimization of routine microscopic and molecular detection of parasitic protozoa in SAF-fixed faecal samples in Sweden. Infect Dis (Lond) 2019; 52:87-96. [DOI: 10.1080/23744235.2019.1682188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Ögren
- Clinical Microbiology, Region Jönköping County, Jönköping, Sweden
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Olaf Dienus
- Clinical Microbiology, Region Jönköping County, Jönköping, Sweden
| | - Andreas Matussek
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Region Jönköping County, Jönköping, Sweden
- Karolinska University Laboratory, Stockholm, Sweden
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Mohammad Rahimi H, Pourhosseingholi MA, Yadegar A, Mirjalali H, Zali MR. High-resolution melt curve analysis: A real-time based multipurpose approach for diagnosis and epidemiological investigations of parasitic infections. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2019; 67:101364. [PMID: 31590033 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2019.101364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Real-time PCR coupled with high resolution melting curve analysis is a practical technique that could be employed in multipurpose studies. During the recent decade, this technique has been practiced for different targets, worldwide. METHODS In the current study three major database centers consisted of PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were searched until Aug 2019 for applications of HRM real-time PCR in parasitology studies using terms: "Parasite" AND "HRM real-time PCR" OR "High Resolution Melting curve analysis" OR "Real-time PCR", "Protozoan parasites" AND "HRM real-time PCR" OR "High Resolution Melting curve analysis" OR "Real-time PCR", "Helminth" AND "HRM real-time PCR" OR "High Resolution Melting curve analysis" OR "Real-time PCR". RESULTS Totally, 83 papers met our criteria and were included in our study. This method was more frequently used for protozoan parasites (52/83; 62.65%), while lower (31/83; 37.35%) studies were incorporated on helminths parasites. Furthermore, Plasmodium spp., and Leishmania spp., were the most prevalent protozoan parasites, and Taenia spp., and filers were the most frequent helminths that were studied by HRM real-time PCR. CONCLUSION HRM real-time PCR is a sensitive, flexible and cost-effective method that could be used for multipurpose studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanieh Mohammad Rahimi
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Amin Pourhosseingholi
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Yadegar
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Mirjalali
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Reza Zali
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Grossman T, Ken-Dror S, Pavlotzky E, Vainer J, Glazer Y, Sagi O, Peretz A, Agmon V, Marva E, Valinsky L. Molecular typing of Cryptosporidium in Israel. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219977. [PMID: 31479457 PMCID: PMC6721021 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium is a protozoan parasite associated with gastrointestinal illness. In immune-compromised individuals, the infection may become life-threatening. Cryptosporidiosis is a mandatory-reported disease but little was known about its prevalence and associated morbidity in Israel. Currently, laboratory diagnosis is based on microscopy or copro-antigen tests and the disease is underreported. Molecular assays, which are more sensitive and specific, are now increasingly used for identification and screening. Here, the molecular epidemiology of cryptosporidiosis is explored for the first time. Samples from 33 patients infected during an outbreak of 146 laboratory confirmed cases that occurred in Haifa and Western Galilee in 2015 were genotyped, as well as samples from 36 patients sporadically infected during 2014–2018 in different regions. The results suggest that Cryptosporidium subtypes found in Israel are more similar to those reported in the neighboring countries Jordan and Egypt than in European countries. C. hominis was the predominant species in the center and the north of Israel, implicating human-to-human transmission. C. hominis IeA11G3T3 was the most prevalent subtype contributing to morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamar Grossman
- Public Health Central Laboratories, Jerusalem, Israel
- * E-mail:
| | - Shifra Ken-Dror
- Clalit Health Services, Haifa and Western Galilee district, Israel
| | - Elsa Pavlotzky
- Clalit Health Services, Haifa and Western Galilee district, Israel
| | - Julia Vainer
- Public Health Central Laboratories, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yael Glazer
- Division of Epidemiology, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Orli Sagi
- Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Avi Peretz
- Baruch Padeh Medical Center, Safed, Israel
- Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Vered Agmon
- Public Health Central Laboratories, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Esther Marva
- Public Health Central Laboratories, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Lea Valinsky
- Public Health Central Laboratories, Jerusalem, Israel
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Trevisan C, Torgerson PR, Robertson LJ. Foodborne Parasites in Europe: Present Status and Future Trends. Trends Parasitol 2019; 35:695-703. [PMID: 31358427 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2019.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Revised: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Although foodborne parasites (FBPs) are becoming recognized as important foodborne pathogens, they remain neglected compared with bacterial and viral foodborne pathogens. As drivers for infection with FBPs are variable, it is often unclear for funding bodies where research should be prioritized. Through a COST Action (Euro-FBP; FA1408), we harnessed Europe-wide expertise to address these questions, using an Expert Knowledge Elicitation approach. Eating habits, lack of food-chain control, lack of awareness from relevant agencies, globalization, and water quality were identified as major drivers for FBP infection. Prioritized research needs to be largely focused on methodological gaps, but also on surveillance concerns, impact-assessment issues, and the role of microbiota. Despite the European focus, these responses should be relevant to those concerned with FBPs globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Trevisan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Paul R Torgerson
- Section of Epidemiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 270, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Lucy J Robertson
- Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 369 Sentrum, 0102 Oslo, Norway.
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Lefaure B, Kebbabi C, Monnin N, Machouart M, Debourgogne A. Evaluation of a Flotation Adapted Parasep® for Stool Ova and Parasite Examination. J Parasitol 2019. [DOI: 10.1645/18-115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Brieuc Lefaure
- Université de Lorraine, CHRU-Nancy, laboratoire de Parasitologie Mycologie, F-54000 Nancy, France
| | - Clément Kebbabi
- Université de Lorraine, CHRU-Nancy, laboratoire de Parasitologie Mycologie, F-54000 Nancy, France
| | - Nicolas Monnin
- Université de Lorraine, CHRU-Nancy, laboratoire de Parasitologie Mycologie, F-54000 Nancy, France
| | - Marie Machouart
- Université de Lorraine, CHRU-Nancy, laboratoire de Parasitologie Mycologie, F-54000 Nancy, France
| | - Anne Debourgogne
- Université de Lorraine, CHRU-Nancy, laboratoire de Parasitologie Mycologie, F-54000 Nancy, France
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Schuurs TA, Koelewijn R, Brienen EAT, Kortbeek T, Mank TG, Mulder B, Stelma FF, van Lieshout L, van Hellemond JJ. Harmonization of PCR-based detection of intestinal pathogens: experiences from the Dutch external quality assessment scheme on molecular diagnosis of protozoa in stool samples. Clin Chem Lab Med 2019; 56:1722-1727. [PMID: 29451859 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2017-1057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background:
Real-time PCR methods are increasingly used in routine patient care settings not only to determine the presence or absence of pathogens in patient materials, but also to obtain semiquantitative results to estimate the pathogen load. However, it is so far unknown how well these methods are harmonized among different laboratories.
Methods:
Sets of stool samples were distributed three to four times per year to ca. 25–40 participating laboratories within the European Union as part of an external quality assessment scheme (EQAS) for the detection of gastrointestinal protozoa. This paper presents the results obtained over a 3-year period for Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba dispar, Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium species and Dientamoeba fragilis.
Results:
Although both false-positive and false-negative results were reported, the overall sensitivity and specificity were high. The substantial differences in the quantitative output of the real-time PCR assays could be traced back to differences in DNA isolation procedures between different laboratories.
Conclusions:
Participation in an EQAS proved to be important as it provides information on how the real-time PCR methods used by the participant compares to the generally reported results and indicates how procedures could be improved. Semiquantitative results of real-time PCR methods are not exchangeable between laboratories as long as the diagnostic procedures are not harmonized. Intralaboratory comparison of semiquantitative real-time PCR results seems only possible by the use of calibration curves derived from well-validated standards in clinical material and not by spiking solutions with purified DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theo A Schuurs
- Centre for Infectious Diseases Friesland, Izore, Leeuwarden, the Netherlands
| | - Rob Koelewijn
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Eric A T Brienen
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Titia Kortbeek
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control Netherlands, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Theo G Mank
- Regional Laboratory for Medical Microbiology and Public Health, Haarlem, the Netherlands
| | - Bert Mulder
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Foekje F Stelma
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Lisette van Lieshout
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Jaap J van Hellemond
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry as a diagnostic tool in human and veterinary helminthology: a systematic review. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:245. [PMID: 31101120 PMCID: PMC6525464 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3493-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) has become a widely used technique for the rapid and accurate identification of bacteria, mycobacteria and certain fungal pathogens in the clinical microbiology laboratory. Thus far, only few attempts have been made to apply the technique in clinical parasitology, particularly regarding helminth identification. Methods We systematically reviewed the scientific literature on studies pertaining to MALDI-TOF MS as a diagnostic technique for helminths (cestodes, nematodes and trematodes) of medical and veterinary importance. Readily available electronic databases (i.e. PubMed/MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Google Scholar) were searched from inception to 10 October 2018, without restriction on year of publication or language. The titles and abstracts of studies were screened for eligibility by two independent reviewers. Relevant articles were read in full and included in the systematic review. Results A total of 84 peer-reviewed articles were considered for the final analysis. Most papers reported on the application of MALDI-TOF for the study of Caenorhabditis elegans, and the technique was primarily used for identification of specific proteins rather than entire pathogens. Since 2015, a small number of studies documented the successful use of MALDI-TOF MS for species-specific identification of nematodes of human and veterinary importance, such as Trichinella spp. and Dirofilaria spp. However, the quality of available data and the number of examined helminth samples was low. Conclusions Data on the use of MALDI-TOF MS for the diagnosis of helminths are scarce, but recent evidence suggests a potential role for a reliable identification of nematodes. Future research should explore the diagnostic accuracy of MALDI-TOF MS for identification of (i) adult helminths, larvae and eggs shed in faecal samples; and (ii) helminth-related proteins that are detectable in serum or body fluids of infected individuals. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-019-3493-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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