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Suarez P, Vallejos-Almirall A, Fernández I, Gonzalez-Chavarria I, Alonso J, Vidal G. Identification of Cryptosporidium parvum and Blastocystis hominis subtype ST3 in Cholga mussel and treated sewage: Preliminary evidence of fecal contamination in harvesting area. Food Waterborne Parasitol 2024; 34:e00214. [PMID: 38188968 PMCID: PMC10770711 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2023.e00214] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium parvum and Blastocystis hominis are foodborne parasites known for causing diarrhea. They accumulate in mussels grown on contaminated water bodies, due to the discharge of treated sewage from sewage treatment plants (STP). Despite this, some countries like Chile do not include these parasites in the control or monitoring of sewage water. The objective of this research was to evaluate the contamination of C. parvum. and B. hominis from treated sewage (disinfected by chlorination) and Cholga mussels in a touristic rural cove from the bay of Concepción. Cholga mussels from commercial stores and a treated sewage sample were analyzed. Cryptosporidium spp. was identified by Ziehl-Neelsen-Staining (ZNS) and C. parvum by direct-immunofluorescence assay (IFA) from ZNS-positive samples. Blastocystis hominis was identified by PCR using locus SSU rDNA. C. parvum and B. hominis subtype ST3 were found in 40% and 45% of Cholga mussel samples, respectively, and both parasites were identified in the treated sewage. Blastocystis hominis SSU rDNA gene alignment from Cholga mussels and treated sewage showed 89% of similarity, indicating that could be the same parasite in both samples. We describe the first evidence of possible contamination with these parasites from treated sewage to Cholga mussel suggesting an environmental contamination with high human risk. Based on these results, further studies will consider all the rural coves and STP from the bay to prevent possible contamination of these parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. Suarez
- Environmental Engineering & Biotechnology Group (GIBA-UDEC), Environmental Science Faculty & EULA-CHILE Center, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción 4030000, Chile
- Water Research Center for Agriculture and Mining (CRHIAM), ANID Fondap Center, Victoria 1295, Concepción, Chile
- Laboratorio de Parasitología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - A. Vallejos-Almirall
- Grupo Interdisciplinario de Biotecnología Marina (GIBMAR), Centro de Biotecnología, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - I. Fernández
- Laboratorio de Parasitología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - I. Gonzalez-Chavarria
- Laboratorio de Lipoproteínas y Cáncer, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - J.L. Alonso
- Instituto de Ingeniería del Agua y Medio Ambiente, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - G. Vidal
- Environmental Engineering & Biotechnology Group (GIBA-UDEC), Environmental Science Faculty & EULA-CHILE Center, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción 4030000, Chile
- Water Research Center for Agriculture and Mining (CRHIAM), ANID Fondap Center, Victoria 1295, Concepción, Chile
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Saidu AS, Mohammed S, Adamu SG, Sadiq MA, Tijjani AO, Musa HI, Jajere SM, Goni MD, Muhammed A, Idriss MD. Prevalence and risk estimates of Cryptosporidium oocysts infection associated with consumption of raw-eaten vegetables in Maiduguri metropolis LGAs, Northeast Nigeria. Sci Rep 2023; 13:23079. [PMID: 38155194 PMCID: PMC10754946 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49451-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium is one of the most important protozoan parasitic pathogens, and it is a common cause of diarrhoea in humans, domestic animals, and wild vertebrates and has serious public health threats. A cross-sectional study was designed to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in raw-eaten vegetables in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) and Jere Local Government Areas (LGAs). A total of 400 samples were collected from four (4) different locations, namely Tashan Bama, Gomboru, and Monday Markets (n = 100), while fifty (n = 50) each from 202-Vegetable-Vendors and Unimaid Commercials. A total of 16 visits were conducted in all the sampling areas (twenty-five samples per visit). The Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected using the Modified Ziehl-Neelsen Staining Technique. The locations, sources, and types of raw-eaten vegetables were also assessed. The oocysts were confirmed (100×) as bright pink spherules. Data generated were analyzed using IBM-SPSS V23.0, and p ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Out of the total samples (n = 400) analyzed, cabbage appeared to have the highest number of 10 (12.5%) of Cryptosporidium oocysts detected, while Tomato and garden egg had 9 (11.3%) and 1 (1.2%), respectively. There was a statistically significant association (χ2 = 12.5, P = 0.014) between the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in raw-eaten vegetables and vegetable types. Among the sources of the vegetables sampled, Alau had the highest number of Cryptosporidium oocysts, 15 (12.5%), followed by Kilari-Abdullahi and Zabarmari sources with 4 (10.0%) and 4 (5.0%), respectively. However, Jetete appeared to have the least number 2 (2.5%) of oocysts, and there was a statistically significant association (χ2= 10.4, P = 0.034) between the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts and the sources of vegetables and fruits. The study concludes that the raw-eaten vegetables sampled from Maiduguri Metropolis were contaminated with Cryptosporidium oocysts. The study recommends that all raw-eaten vegetables should be from cleaned sources and washed before consumption. Consumers should be enlightened on the hygienic measures in the food chain in line with the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Saidu
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, 600001, Borno State, Nigeria.
- Public Health and Zoonoses Research Group, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, 16100, Kelantan, Pengkalan Chepa, Malaysia.
| | - S Mohammed
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, 600001, Borno State, Nigeria
| | - S G Adamu
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, 600001, Borno State, Nigeria
| | - M A Sadiq
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, 600001, Borno State, Nigeria
| | - A O Tijjani
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, 600001, Borno State, Nigeria
| | - H I Musa
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, 600001, Borno State, Nigeria
- Department of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnostics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - S M Jajere
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, 600001, Borno State, Nigeria
| | - M D Goni
- Public Health and Zoonoses Research Group, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, 16100, Kelantan, Pengkalan Chepa, Malaysia
- Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Big Data, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, 16100, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - A Muhammed
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, 600001, Borno State, Nigeria
| | - M D Idriss
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, 600001, Borno State, Nigeria
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Arona JC, Hall TJ, Mckinnirey F, Deng F. Comparison of four commercial immunomagnetic separation kits for the detection of Cryptosporidium. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2023; 21:1580-1590. [PMID: 37902211 PMCID: wh_2023_217 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2023.217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium spp. are protozoan parasites of significant health importance found in environmental waters globally. Four commercially available Cryptosporidium-specific immunomagnetic separation (IMS) kits used in various water sample matrices were analysed and compared. Beads were characterised by flow cytometry and tested for the recovery efficiencies for oocysts spiked into different matrices: river water sediment, clay sample, and filter backwash sample. Results showed that Dynabeads™ Cryptosporidium and Waterborne Crypto-Grab™ kits contained immunoglobulin IgM antibody-coated beads. In contrast, the BioPoint CryptoBead and the TCS Isolate kits contained immunoglobulin IgG antibody-coated beads. BioPoint CryptoBead was significantly coated with more antibodies and were able to capture oocysts more rapidly compared to the other beads. Recovery efficiencies of Dynabeads™, TCS Isolate® beads, and BioPoint CryptoBead ranged from 55 to 93% when tested against different sample matrices, with BioPoint CryptoBead resulting in the highest at 93% in reagent-grade water and Dynabeads™ at 55%, the lowest against clay samples. The Waterborne beads did not perform well on any samples, with recovery efficiencies ranging from 0 to 8%. Fluorescence microscopy analyses showed that both the IMS method and the sample matrix processed affect the quality of the membranes, with the cleanest samples for microscopy examination observed from BioPoint CryptoBead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne Claudeen Arona
- Graduate School of BioMedical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia E-mail:
| | - Timothy J Hall
- Graduate School of BioMedical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia
| | - Flyn Mckinnirey
- Graduate School of BioMedical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia
| | - Fei Deng
- Graduate School of BioMedical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia
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Mafokwane T, Djikeng A, Nesengani LT, Dewar J, Mapholi O. Gastrointestinal Infection in South African Children under the Age of 5 years: A Mini Review. Gastroenterol Res Pract 2023; 2023:1906782. [PMID: 37663241 PMCID: PMC10469397 DOI: 10.1155/2023/1906782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To estimate gastroenteritis disease and its etiological agents in children under the age of 5 years living in South Africa. Methods A mini literature review of pertinent articles published in ScienceDirect, PubMed, GoogleScholar, and Scopus was conducted using search terms: "Gastroenteritis in children," "Gastroenteritis in the world," Gastroenteritis in South Africa," "Prevalence of gastroenteritis," "Epidemiological surveillance of gastroenteritis in the world," and "Causes of gastroenteritis". Results A total of 174 published articles were included in this mini review. In the last 20 years, the mortality rate resulting from diarrhea in children under the age of 5 years has declined and this is influenced by improved hygiene practices, awareness programs, an improved water and sanitation supply, and the availability of vaccines. More modern genomic amplification techniques were used to re-analyze stool specimens collected from children in eight low-resource settings in Asia, South America, and Africa reported improved sensitivity of pathogen detection to about 65%, that viruses were the main etiological agents in patients with diarrhea aged from 0 to 11 months but that Shigella, followed by sapovirus and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli had a high incidence in children aged 12-24 months. In addition, co-infections were noted in nearly 10% of diarrhea cases, with rotavirus and Shigella being the main co-infecting agents together with adenovirus, enteropathogenic E. coli, Clostridium jejuni, or Clostridium coli. Conclusions This mini review outlines the epidemiology and trends relating to parasitic, viral, and bacterial agents responsible for gastroenteritis in children in South Africa. An increase in sequence-independent diagnostic approaches will improve the identification of pathogens to resolve undiagnosed cases of gastroenteritis. Emerging state and national surveillance systems should focus on improving the identification of gastrointestinal pathogens in children and the development of further vaccines against gastrointestinal pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tshepo Mafokwane
- Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, Science Campus, Florida, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Appolinaire Djikeng
- Department of Agriculture, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa Science Campus, Florida, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH), Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Lucky T. Nesengani
- Department of Agriculture, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa Science Campus, Florida, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - John Dewar
- Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, Science Campus, Florida, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Olivia Mapholi
- Department of Agriculture, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa Science Campus, Florida, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Campos-Ruiz M, Flamarich C, Fernández-Navarro A, Roura S, Martin L, Pillado P, Cardona PJ, Fernández-Rivas G. Clinical Performance of Lateral Flow Assay for Cryptosporidium spp. Diagnosis. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2140. [PMID: 37626637 PMCID: PMC10452195 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11082140] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium spp. is an apicomplexan protozoan parasite associated with gastroenteritis in humans. In 2018, Spain showed 1511 confirmed cases, with a growing trend since 2014. Despite this fact, Cryptosporidium spp. is not usually routinely examined when a parasitological study is ordered, although accurate diagnosis is fundamental to prevent the spread of the illness. The main objectives of the present work is to demonstrate the circulation and to study the epidemiology of cryptosporidiosis in patients who were being tested for the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. parasites in the faeces in the Metropolitan North Area of Barcelona, Maresme, and Vallés Occidental using a two-step algorithm. The stool samples were analysed using the Cryptosporidium/Giardia spp. immunochromatographic test; the positive samples were visualised under a microscope using auramine staining. The proportion of Cryptosporidium spp. cases was around 2% in the studied patients, with a pronounced seasonal incidence peak in late summer-early autumn. In our cohort, weight loss was the main symptom related to confirmed cases. The mean age of confirmed patients was 19 years old, and they were younger than the unconfirmed group. Cryptosporidium spp. is one of the parasites that currently circulate in many areas in Europe. Prevalence must be taken into account for active searching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Campos-Ruiz
- Microbiology Department, Clinical Laboratory North Metropolitan Area, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital, 08916 Badalona, Spain
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08916 Badalona, Spain
| | - Clara Flamarich
- CAP Sant Roc. Catalan Institut of Health, 08916 Badalona, Spain
| | - Anabel Fernández-Navarro
- Microbiology Department, Clinical Laboratory North Metropolitan Area, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital, 08916 Badalona, Spain
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08916 Badalona, Spain
| | - Silvia Roura
- North Metropolitan International Health Program (PROSICS), 08916 Badalona, Spain
- Infectious Diseases Department, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08196 Badalona, Spain
| | - Laura Martin
- CAP Doctor Robert Catalan Institut of Health, 08915 Badalona, Spain
| | - Pablo Pillado
- Microbiology Department, Clinical Laboratory North Metropolitan Area, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital, 08916 Badalona, Spain
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08916 Badalona, Spain
| | - Pere-Joan Cardona
- Microbiology Department, Clinical Laboratory North Metropolitan Area, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital, 08916 Badalona, Spain
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08916 Badalona, Spain
| | - Gema Fernández-Rivas
- Microbiology Department, Clinical Laboratory North Metropolitan Area, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital, 08916 Badalona, Spain
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08916 Badalona, Spain
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Graham ML, Li M, Gong AY, Deng S, Jin K, Wang S, Chen XM. Cryptosporidium parvum hijacks a host's long noncoding RNA U90926 to evade intestinal epithelial cell-autonomous antiparasitic defense. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1205468. [PMID: 37346046 PMCID: PMC10280636 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1205468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium is a zoonotic apicomplexan parasite that infects the gastrointestinal epithelium and other mucosal surfaces in humans. It is an important opportunistic pathogen in AIDS patients and a leading cause of infectious diarrhea and diarrheal-related death in children worldwide. The intestinal epithelial cells provide the first line of defense against Cryptosporidium infection and play a central role in activating and regulating the host's antiparasitic response. Increasing evidence suggests that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) participate in host-pathogen interactions and play a regulatory role in the pathogenesis of diseases but the underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. We previously identified a panel of host lncRNAs that are upregulated in murine intestinal epithelial cells following Cryptosporidium infection, including U90926. We demonstrate here that U90926 is acting in a pro-parasitic manner in regulating intestinal epithelial cell-autonomous antiparasitic defense. Inhibition of U90926 resulted in a decreased infection burden of the parasite while overexpression of U90926 showed an increase in infection burden in cultured murine intestinal epithelial cells. Induction of U90926 suppressed transcription of epithelial defense genes involved in controlling Cryptosporidium infection through epigenetic mechanisms. Specifically, transcription of Aebp1, which encodes the Aebp1 protein, a potent modulator of inflammation and NF-κB signaling, was suppressed by U90926. Gain- or loss-of-function of Aebp1 in the host's epithelial cells caused reciprocal alterations in the infection burden of the parasite. Interestingly, Cryptosporidium carries the Cryptosporidium virus 1 (CSpV1), a double-stranded (ds) RNA virus coding two dsRNA fragments, CSpV1-dsRdRp and CSpV1-dsCA. Both CSpV1-dsRdRp and CSpV1-dsCA can be delivered into infected cells as previously reported. We found that cells transfected with in vitro transcribed CSpV1-dsCA or CSpV1-dsRdRp displayed an increased level of U90926, suggesting that CSpV1 is involved in the upregulation of U90926 during Cryptosporidium infection. Our study highlights a new strategy by Cryptosporidium to hijack a host lncRNA to suppress epithelial cell-autonomous antiparasitic defense and allow for a robust infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion L. Graham
- Department of Microbial Pathogens and Immunity, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Min Li
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Ai-Yu Gong
- Department of Microbial Pathogens and Immunity, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Silu Deng
- Department of Microbial Pathogens and Immunity, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Kehua Jin
- Department of Microbial Pathogens and Immunity, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei, China
| | - Shuhong Wang
- Department of Microbial Pathogens and Immunity, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Xian-Ming Chen
- Department of Microbial Pathogens and Immunity, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
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Mensah GT, Ayeh-Kumi PF, Annang AK, Owusu-Frimpong I, Niampoma S, Brown CA. Molecular epidemiology of Cryptosporidium species in Kpong and its environs, Ghana. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0281216. [PMID: 36827402 PMCID: PMC9956599 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptosporidium is a ubiquitous enteric protozoan pathogen infecting humans, domestic animals, and wildlife worldwide. It is a waterborne pathogen with recognized zoonotic potential and a definite cause of diarrhea and nutritional disorders in institutional and community settings. One challenge facing the world's supply of clean drinking water is contamination from feces and soil. It has been established that small quantities of oocysts, the infective stage, can cause human disease. Also, their resistance to chlorination and other water treatment procedures has been demonstrated. Kpong, a community in the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality of the Eastern Region of Ghana, is one of the primary sources of water supply to Accra, the capital city of Ghana. Being able to determine the effectiveness of water treatment processes and identifying sources of contamination of this pathogen in our water bodies is thus of public health importance. The study aimed to conduct molecular epidemiology of Cryptosporidium spp. in the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS A total of 230 samples, 180 fecal samples from cattle and 50 water samples (tap water and well water) were collected from the following communities: Kpong, Akwernor, Ablotsi, Nuaso, and Atua, all in the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality. Samples were screened for Cryptosporidium by microscopy and PCR. The 18S rRNA gene was amplified by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the final product was sequenced. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium from the fecal samples was estimated as 10% (18/180) by microscopy, while all 50 water samples were negative. However, PCR gave the prevalence of Cryptosporidium as 47.8% (86/180) for fecal samples and 20% (10/50) for water samples. Based on the 18S rRNA gene, three sequenced samples showed high homology to C. parvum species. The phylogenetic analysis confirmed this as these sequences clustered with C. parvum sequences from other countries. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE Cryptosporidium parvum was identified as the persistent species in the study communities. This outcome supports the evidence that domesticated animals serve as potential reservoirs of zoonotic transmission of cryptosporidiosis. The persistence of cryptosporidiosis in cattle indicates its presence in the human population. In addition, the presence of Cryptosporidium parvum in the wells makes it alarming and necessary to consider a holistic approach such as One Health Strategies to identify and control cases in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- George T. Mensah
- Environmental Biology, Health, and Biotechnology Division, CSIR- Water Research Institute, Accra, Ghana
- * E-mail: (GTM); (CAB)
| | - Patrick F. Ayeh-Kumi
- Department of Microbiology, School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Korle-Bu, Ghana
| | - Abraham K. Annang
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Isaac Owusu-Frimpong
- Biomedical and Public Health Research Unit, CSIR–Water Research Institute, Accra, Ghana
| | - Sena Niampoma
- Environmental Biology, Health, and Biotechnology Division, CSIR- Water Research Institute, Accra, Ghana
| | - Charles A. Brown
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Korle-Bu, Ghana
- * E-mail: (GTM); (CAB)
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Guilavogui T, Verdun S, Koïvogui A, Viscogliosi E, Certad G. Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitosis in Guinea: Systematic Review of the Literature and Meta-Analysis. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12020336. [PMID: 36839608 PMCID: PMC9964089 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intestinal parasitosis constitute a major public health issue, particularly in sub-tropical and tropical areas. Even though they are classified as neglected tropical diseases, no national study has been carried out recently in Guinea to estimate the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis. OBJECTIVE A systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the overall prevalence of intestinal parasitosis in Guinea. METHOD The PRISMA method was used to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis. The studies carried out in order to study intestinal parasitosis in Guinea and published between 2010 and 2020 were searched in online public databases. The prevalence of parasitosis was calculated by a random-effects meta-analysis. Subgroup comparisons were performed using Q-tests. Statistical analyses were performed with the R software. This review was registered with PROSPERO under the identification number CRD42022349743. RESULTS 69 studies were selected out of 1230 studies identified in online public databases. The meta-analysis involved 44,186 people with an overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections of 52%. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study in Guinea to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in different regions of the country. It was found that intestinal parasitosis are a real health problem in Guinea, hence, the need to put in place national strategies for regular control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothé Guilavogui
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, Université de Lille, 59000 Lille, France
- Unité d’Appui à la Gestion et la Coordination des Programmes, Ministère de la Santé, Conakry 585, Guinea
| | - Stéphane Verdun
- Délégation à la Recherche Clinique et à l’Innovation, Groupement des Hôpitaux de l’Institut Catholique de Lille, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Akoï Koïvogui
- Comité Départemental des Cancers (CDC-93), CRCDC-IDF, Site de Seine-Saint-Denis, 93146 Bondy, France
| | - Eric Viscogliosi
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, Université de Lille, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Gabriela Certad
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-Centre d’Infection et d’Immunité de Lille, Université de Lille, 59000 Lille, France
- Délégation à la Recherche Clinique et à l’Innovation, Groupement des Hôpitaux de l’Institut Catholique de Lille, 59000 Lille, France
- Correspondence:
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Point of care diagnostics for Cryptosporidium: new and emerging technologies. Curr Opin Gastroenterol 2023; 39:3-8. [PMID: 36504030 DOI: 10.1097/mog.0000000000000895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Although Cryptosporidium detection and typing techniques have improved dramatically in recent years, relatively little research has been conducted on point of care (POC) detection and typing tools. Therefore, the main purpose of the present review is to summarize and evaluate recent and emerging POC diagnostic methods for Cryptosporidium spp. RECENT FINDINGS Microscopy techniques such as light-emitting diode fluorescence microscopy with auramine-phenol staining (LED-AP), still have utility for (POC) diagnostics but require fluorescent microscopes and along with immunological-based techniques, suffer from lack of specificity and sensitivity. Molecular detection and typing tools offer higher sensitivity, specificity and speciation, but are currently too expensive for routine POC diagnostics. Isothermal amplification methods such as loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) or recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) including a commercially available LAMP kit have been developed for Cryptosporidium but are prone to false positives. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas diagnostic technologies (CRISPRDx) have recently been combined with isothermal amplification to increase its specificity and sensitivity for detection and typing. Other emerging technologies including amplification-free CRISPR detection methods are currently being developed for Cryptosporidium using a smartphone to read the results. SUMMARY Many challenges are still exist in the development of POC diagnostics for Cryptosporidium. The ideal POC tool would be able to concentrate the pathogen prior to detection and typing, which is complicated and research in this area is still very limited. In the short-term, CRISPR-powered isothermal amplification lateral flow tools offer the best opportunity for POC Cryptosporidium species and subtype detection, with a fully integrated autonomous biosensor for the long-term goal.
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Talebi R, Javadi Mamaghani A, Kheirandish F, Karimi A, Ebrahimzadeh F, Kazempour M, Zebardast N, Fallahi S. Molecular evaluation of Cryptosporidium spp. among breeding calves of Lorestan province Western Iran. Vet Med Sci 2023; 9:363-371. [PMID: 36534036 PMCID: PMC9857120 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptosporidium spp. are opportunistic intestinal protozoans with global distribution and are of great importance as zoonotic protozoans are common to humans and domestic animals, including cattle and calves. Identification and detection of parasite species using precise methods including molecular methods can be an effective step in treating and controlling parasites. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium among breeding calves of Khorramabad city, Lorestan province, Western Iran, using PCR. METHODS The faecal samples were taken from 181 healthy and diarrhoeal calves and after the Ziehl Neelsen Acid-fast staining and microscopic evaluation, the genomic DNA was extracted for molecular evaluations. To detect Cryptosporidium species, specific primers targeting the SAM-1 gene of Cryptosporidium and a commercial master mix were used for PCR. RESULTS Out of 181 faecal samples of breeding calves in Khorramabad city, 9 samples (5%) were positive for Cryptosporidium spp. using the PCR method. Statistical analysis of the data showed that there was no significant statistical relationship between Cryptosporidium infection of the calves and variables of age, breed, type of water consumption, clinical signs of diarrhoea, and sampling location, while parasite infection had a significant relationship with calf gender so that all Cryptosporidium positive samples were from male calves (p ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Considering the presence of Cryptosporidium infection, the region's traditional grazing system, and the close relationship between livestock and humans, there is a possibility of human infection in the region. So preventive measures such as periodic animal testing with sensitive and accurate diagnostic techniques including PCR, pharmacological treatment of livestock, water hygiene and the use of industrial grazing instead of traditional grazing to improve the hygiene of food consumed by livestock are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razieh Talebi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and MycologySchool of MedicineLorestan University of Medical SciencesKhorramabadIran
| | - Amirreza Javadi Mamaghani
- Department of Medical Parasitology and MycologySchool of MedicineLorestan University of Medical SciencesKhorramabadIran
- Hepatitis Research CenterSchool of MedicineLorestan University of Medical ScienceKhorramabadIran
| | - Farnaz Kheirandish
- Department of Medical Parasitology and MycologySchool of MedicineLorestan University of Medical SciencesKhorramabadIran
- Razi Herbal Medicines Research CenterSchool of MedicineLorestan University of Medical SciencesKhorramabadIran
| | - Azadeh Karimi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and MycologySchool of MedicineLorestan University of Medical SciencesKhorramabadIran
| | - Farzad Ebrahimzadeh
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Health and NutritionLorestan University of Medical SciencesKhorramabadIran
| | - Mohamad Kazempour
- Department of ChemistryTabriz BranchIslamic Azad UniversityTabrizIran
| | - Nozhat Zebardast
- Cellular and Molecular Research CenterSchool of MedicineGuilan University of Medical SciencesRashtIran
| | - Shirzad Fallahi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and MycologySchool of MedicineLorestan University of Medical SciencesKhorramabadIran
- Hepatitis Research CenterSchool of MedicineLorestan University of Medical ScienceKhorramabadIran
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Sharma AK, Gururaj K, Sharma R, Goel A, Paul S, Sharma DK. Development of duplex real-time PCR for quick detection of cryptosporidiosis in goats. Cell Biochem Funct 2023; 41:45-57. [PMID: 36254550 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3759] [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: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium spp. is the most important foodborne and waterborne pathogens and a leading cause of mortality from foodborne and waterborne gastrointestinal diseases. In neonates of domestic animals, it is associated with consistent diarrhea and dehydration. Cryptosporidium infection begins with the ingestion of sporulated oocytes disseminated by carrier animals that consistently contaminate the environment. Many diagnostic tests are available including microscopy and antigen trap-ELISA, but none of the diagnostic tests available currently cannot differentiate between active and passive infection in the host. In the current study, to address this challenge an mRNA-based duplex TaqMan® probe PCR was developed to target the Cryptosporidium oocyst wall protein gene and 18SSU rRNA gene in a single tube that can detect metabolically active cryptosporidial oocysts. The mRNA transcripts are the direct indicator of any actively replicating cell and they will help decipher the active stages of its lifecycle in a host. This diagnostic assay was standardized by computing transcript copy number-based limit of detection (LOD). For COWP and 18SSU rRNA genes, the LOD was 7.08 × 1004 and 5.95 × 1005 , respectively. During active infections, the oocyst wall protein will be active and so its COWP gene transcripts will act as a marker for active infection. While transcripts for 18SSU rRNA are constitutively expressed in cryptosporidial life cycle. This current diagnostic assay will be a quantitative marker that will help assess the active stages of Cryptosporidium infection in neonates. The disease dynamics will help better understand to formulate the control strategies and contain infection among healthy animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atul Kumar Sharma
- Division of Animal Health, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Goats, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India.,Department of Biotechnology, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - K Gururaj
- Division of Animal Health, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Goats, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Rama Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Anjana Goel
- Department of Biotechnology, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Souvik Paul
- Animal Health Section, ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Dinesh Kumar Sharma
- Division of Animal Health, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Goats, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Suarez P, Alonso JL, Gómez G, Vidal G. Performance of sewage treatment technologies for the removal of Cryptosporidium sp. and Giardia sp.: Toward water circularity. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 324:116320. [PMID: 36183529 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.116320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium sp. and Giardia sp. are parasites that cause diseases in the population. Most of parasite diseases regarding the consumption of drinking water polluted with sewage are caused by Cryptosporidium sp. or Giardia sp. it is because of the incomplete disinfection of the wastewater treatment. Therefore, in this work the removal or inactivation efficiency of different treatment technologies presented by around 40 scientific studies was evaluated, with a view to water circularity. For Cryptosporidium sp., we conclude that the most efficient secondary technologies are aerobic technologies, which remove between 0.00 and 2.17 log units (Ulog), with activated sludge presenting the greatest efficiency, and that the tertiary technologies with the greatest removal are those that use ultrasound, which reach removal values of 3.17 Ulog. In the case of Giardia sp., the secondary technologies with the greatest removal are anaerobic technologies, with values between 0.00 and 3.80 Ulog, and the tertiary technologies with the greatest removal are those that combine filtration with UV or a chemical disinfection agent. Despite the removal values obtained, the greatest concern remains detecting and quantifying the infectious forms of both parasites in effluents; therefore, although the technologies perform adequately, discharge effluents must be monitored with more sensitive techniques, above all aiming for circularity of the treated water in a context of the water scarcity that affects some parts of the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Suarez
- Environmental Engineering & Biotechnology Group (GIBA-UDEC), Environmental Science Faculty, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, 4070386, Chile
| | - José Luis Alonso
- Instituto de Ingeniería del Agua y Medio Ambiente, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera 14, P.O. Box 46022, Valencia, Spain
| | - Gloria Gómez
- Environmental Engineering & Biotechnology Group (GIBA-UDEC), Environmental Science Faculty, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, 4070386, Chile
| | - Gladys Vidal
- Environmental Engineering & Biotechnology Group (GIBA-UDEC), Environmental Science Faculty, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, 4070386, Chile.
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Sučik M, Valenčáková A. Comparison of Chemical and Biological Methods of Filtering Cryptosporidia from Water. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12675. [PMID: 36231975 PMCID: PMC9566534 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Despite the fact that Cryptosporidium spp. is a parasite which commonly causes diarrhea, it still receives little attention. In our experiment, we focused on comparing the biological (N. davidi shrimp) and physical (zeolite with different thicknesses) possibility of filtering cryptosporidia from a small volume of water, which could contribute to increasing the catchability of this parasite. We monitored the ability to capture oocysts of the parasite Cryptosporidium parvum, genotype IIaA11G2R1, found in water samples. We infected drinking water with feces with a known number of cryptosporidial oocysts. One gram of sample contained ±28 oocysts. We filtered eight water samples with different concentrations of oocysts (0.1-2 g of infected stool per 15 L of water) using zeolite with a particle thickness of 0.2-0.6 mm and 0-0.3 mm. This was followed by purification, centrifugation and isolation utilizing the isolation kit AmpliSens® DNA-sorb-B, which is intended for stool. In total, 120 shrimp were divided into four aquariums (A, B, C, n = 30) including the control (K), while drinking water with the same parameters was infected with different concentrations of oocysts (A: 2.5 g, B: 2 g, C: 1 g of infected stool per 15 L of water). We took 10 individual shrimp and processed them in three time intervals (6 h, 12 h and 24 h). We processed them whole, and we isolated the DNA utilizing the isolation kit AmpliSens® DNA-sorb-AM, which is intended for tissues. Detection was carried out by molecular methods, namely the Nested PCR targeting of the region of the GP60 gene (60 kD glycoprotein). Gel electrophoresis showed the presence of C. parvum in seven zeolite-filtered water samples, and the parasite was not found in the water sample with the lowest number of oocysts filtered through the smaller-particle zeolite. There were 67 C. parvum-positive shrimp. Whereas the most positive shrimp were identified at 12 h of sampling, the least were identified at the 24 h mark. No shrimp positive for C. parvum was found in the control group. By sequencing, we confirmed the presence of C. parvum, genotype IIaA11G2R1, in all positive samples. We thus proved that the filtration capabilities of zeolite and N. davidi can be used for the rapid diagnosis of the presence of protozoa in a small amount of studied water.
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Saier MH, Baird SM, Reddy BL, Kopkowski PW. Eating Animal Products, a Common Cause of Human Diseases. Microb Physiol 2022; 32:146-157. [PMID: 35952632 PMCID: PMC11330319 DOI: 10.1159/000526443] [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: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
The human population is plagued by hundreds of infectious agents that cause diseases, and many of these agents can infect a range of wild and domesticated animals as well. In fact, a large proportion of current pathological conditions in humans is caused by our close association with nonhuman animals, some of which we keep as pets, but most of which we raise, prepare as food sources, and ingest. It is well established that most of these diseases are caused by a variety of infectious agents, the most important being bacteria, viruses, prions, and protozoans. In this article, we shall consider these agents and discuss their transmission from various animals and animal products to humans. It is noted that virtually none of these agents are obtained by eating plant-derived products unless the plants are grown and prepared with contaminated water. Consequently, we suggest that Homo sapiens could avoid a significant fraction of the diseases that plague us by shifting to a more vegetarian diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milton H Saier
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Stephen M Baird
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - B Lakshmi Reddy
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Peter W Kopkowski
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA,
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Nipa NJ, Aktar N, Hira HM, Akter F, Jahan D, Islam S, Etando A, Abdullah A, Chowdhury K, Ahmad R, Haq A, Haque M. Intestinal Parasitic Infections Among Pediatric Patients in a Metropolitan City of Bangladesh With Emphasis on Cryptosporidiosis. Cureus 2022; 14:e26927. [PMID: 35865179 PMCID: PMC9293268 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.26927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Gastrointestinal parasitic infections are one of the global health concerns in developing countries like Bangladesh. Among them, Cryptosporidium spp. plays an essential role in causing diarrhea, malnutrition, and poor cognitive function, especially in children. This study was conducted to identify the frequency of Cryptosporidium cases and other parasitic agents. Methods A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 219 hospitalized children with diarrhea. The conventional microscopic technique was applied for parasitic detection. Particular staining (modified Ziehl-Neelsen) procedure was performed to identify oocysts of Cryptosporidium spp. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to determine the SSU rRNA and gp60 gene of Cryptosporidium. Results Cysts of Giardia duodenalis (2.3%), ova of Ascaris lumbricoides (1.4%,), Trichuris trichiura (0.5%), and both A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura (0.9%) were identified in samples through wet mount preparation. The distribution of Cryptosporidium spp. as detected by the staining method and nested PCR was 1.4% and 4.1%, respectively. Conclusion Factors independently associated with Cryptosporidium infection are unsafe water, lack of regular hand washing, and insufficiency of exclusive breastfeeding. This study reports, presumably for the first time, the detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts in Chattogram metropolitan city of Bangladesh.
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Gill J, Sharma A. Prospects of halofuginone as an antiprotozoal drug scaffold. Drug Discov Today 2022; 27:2586-2592. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Hagos B, Molestina RE. A Simple Alcohol-based Method of Oocyst Inactivation for Use in the Development of Detection Assays for Cryptosporidium. Food Waterborne Parasitol 2022; 27:e00163. [PMID: 35782020 PMCID: PMC9249555 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2022.e00163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium spp. are obligate, intracellular parasites that cause life-threatening diarrhea among children and immunocompromised adults. Transmission occurs by the fecal-oral route following ingestion of thick-walled oocysts that can contaminate, persist, and resist disinfection in water and food. Sodium hypochlorite, peroxides, ozone, formaldehyde, and ammonia are suitable disinfectants against Cryptosporidium oocysts. Effective concentrations of these chemicals can be toxic and not practical for downstream research use of non-viable oocysts. Oocyst inactivation approaches such as UV light, heat, and treatments with ethanol or methanol are generally more accessible for routine lab use, yet their applicability in Cryptosporidium assay development is limited. The aims of this study were to evaluate methods of inactivation of Cryptosporidium oocysts that can be readily applied in the laboratory and test the utility of whole inactive oocysts in quantitative PCR (qPCR). Experiments were performed on C. parvum oocysts subjected to heat (75 °C/10 min) or treated with increasing concentrations of ethanol and methanol over time. Viability assays based on propidium iodide (PI) staining, in vitro excystation, and infection of the Hct-8 cell line were used to evaluate the efficacies of the treatments. Excystation of sporozoites was not impaired with 24 h exposures of oocysts to 50% ethanol or methanol, even though significant PI incorporation was observed. Concentrations of ≥70% of these chemicals were required to completely inhibit excystation and infection of Hct-8 cells in vitro. Inactivated oocysts stored for up to 30 days at 4 °C retained cyst wall integrity and antigenicity as observed by light microscopy and immunofluorescence. Moreover, non-viable oocysts applied directly in qPCR assays of the COWP gene were useful reference reagents for the identification and quantification of Cryptosporidium in spiked water samples. In summary, we have established a practical approach to inactivate C. parvum oocysts in the laboratory that is suitable for the development of detection or diagnostic assays targeting the parasite. Disinfectant-based inactivation of oocysts is not feasible for assay development. Inactivation methods that retain antigen and nucleic acid integrity are limited. Alcohol-inactivated oocysts are suitable as reference reagents in qPCR. We present a method to effectively inactivate oocysts and retain assayable properties.
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Costa D, Razakandrainibe R, Basmaciyan L, Raibaut J, Delaunay P, Morio F, Gargala G, Villier V, Mouhajir A, Levy B, Rieder C, Larreche S, Lesthelle S, Coron N, Menu E, Demar M, de Santi VP, Blanc V, Valot S, Dalle F, Favennec L. A summary of cryptosporidiosis outbreaks reported in France and overseas departments, 2017–2020. Food Waterborne Parasitol 2022; 27:e00160. [PMID: 35586547 PMCID: PMC9108463 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2022.e00160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium is a known foodborne pathogen, ranked fifth out of 24 among foodborne parasites in terms of importance and a cause of many cryptosporidiosis outbreaks worldwide. In France, very few outbreaks were reported before 2017, and data recently obtained by the Expert Laboratory of the Cryptosporidiosis National Reference Center (CNR-LE-Cryptosporidiosis) have shown that outbreaks are in fact common and frequently underreported. In this work, we aim to report the characteristics of outbreaks detected in France during the period 2017–2020 and present a summary of investigations carried out by the CNR-LE-Cryptosporidiosis. During the study period, there were eleven cryptosporidiosis outbreaks, including three with no identified origin. Among the eight identified outbreaks: six were due to water contamination (five tap water and one recreational water), one was due to direct contact with infected calves, and one was due to consumption of contaminated curd cheese. Among these outbreaks, five of them exceeded one hundred cases. Recent results obtained by the CNR-LE-Cryptosporidiosis revealed the multiannual occurrence of Cryptosporidium outbreaks in France. Waterborne outbreaks were more frequently detected, while foodborne outbreaks which are more difficult to detect were likely underreported. Massive Cryptosporidium outbreaks were detected in France recently. Waterborne origin appeared predominant. Foodborne origin is probably strongly neglected. Develop adapted monitoring and preventing strategies could reduce cryptosporidiosis
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Occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. Infection in Humans in Latvia: Evidence of Underdiagnosed and Underreported Cases. Medicina (B Aires) 2022; 58:medicina58040471. [PMID: 35454310 PMCID: PMC9025664 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58040471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Protozoan parasites—Cryptosporidium and Giardia—are important causes of diarrhea with an underestimated short-term burden on childhood growth and wellbeing in children under five years of age. The main transmission routes for both parasites are food and drinking water; transmission from person to person; and, due to their zoonotic nature, from domestic or wild animals to humans. The aims of the present study were to summarize the officially reported human cases of cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis in Latvia and to assess the occurrence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in children within a prospective prevalence study. Materials and Methods: The number of officially reported cases of cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis in the time period of 2000–2020 was collected from the Centre for Disease Prevention and Control of Latvia. Data from a clinical diagnostic laboratory were included in the study in the period from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2018. Additionally, a prospective study was performed, and fecal samples were collected from unique 0–17-year-old patients from January to February 2021 and tested using fluorescent microscopy. Results: Overall, during the 20-year period, 71 cases (mean per year = 9) of cryptosporidiosis and 1020 (mean per year = 34) cases of giardiasis were officially reported in Latvia. Meanwhile, within the prospective study, we found 35 (6.0%; 95%CI 4.3–8.1) Cryptosporidium and 42 (7.2%; 95%CI 5.3–9.6) Giardia cases. Conclusions: Here, we provide clear proof that both Cryptosporidium and Giardia are underdiagnosed in Latvia, which could also be true for neighboring Baltic and European countries, where a low number of cases are officially reported. Therefore, we highlight the hypothesis that the actual number of cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis human cases in the Baltic states is higher than that officially reported, including in Latvia.
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