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Omar M, Etewa SE, Mahmoud SAM, Farag TI. Assessment of the potential occurrence of Cryptosporidium species in various water sources in Sharqia Governorate, Egypt. J Parasit Dis 2024; 48:358-369. [PMID: 38840871 PMCID: PMC11147971 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-024-01675-1] [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: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium species are enteric apicomplexan parasites associated with diarrhoeal disease in humans and animals globally. Waterborne outbreaks resulting from contamination with the infective oocysts are common worldwide. Updated reports on waterborne protozoal infections are needed to identify emerging pathogens and susceptible populations. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the current profile of Cryptosporidium contamination of various water sources in Sharqia Governorate, Northeastern Egypt. For this purpose, eighty samples were collected from five different water types (canal, tap, tank, filtered, and groundwater), distributed in four major cities (El-Hessenia, Fakous, Zagazig, and Belbies) in Sharqia Governorate. All water samples were examined using conventional microscopy, ELISA, and real-time PCR (RT-PCR) techniques. Based on microscopic analysis, the Cryptosporidium protozoan was identified in 25% of the tested water samples. The RT-PCR assay has allowed for the quantification of Cryptosporidium oocysts in different types of water. Canal water exhibited the highest Cryptosporidium contamination levels (mean = 85.15 oocysts/L), followed by water tanks (mean = 12.031 oocysts/L). The study also provided a comparative evaluation of ELISA and RT-PCR for the diagnosis of Cryptosporidium infection. RT-PCR performed better than ELISA in terms of analytical accuracy (97.50% vs. 86.25%) and specificity (100% vs. 83.33%). However, ELISA showed a higher sensitivity (95.00% vs. 90.00%) for Cryptosporidium recovery. Our findings could serve as a platform for further investigations into the potential risks associated with water contamination in Sharqia Governorate. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12639-024-01675-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Omar
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Gameyet Almohafza St. 1, Menya Al-Kamh, Zagazig, 44511 Sharqia Governorate Egypt
| | - Samia E. Etewa
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Gameyet Almohafza St. 1, Menya Al-Kamh, Zagazig, 44511 Sharqia Governorate Egypt
| | - Samar A. M. Mahmoud
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Gameyet Almohafza St. 1, Menya Al-Kamh, Zagazig, 44511 Sharqia Governorate Egypt
| | - Tahani I. Farag
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Gameyet Almohafza St. 1, Menya Al-Kamh, Zagazig, 44511 Sharqia Governorate Egypt
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Cribb DM, Sarmento N, Moniz A, Fancourt NSS, Glass K, Draper ADK, Francis JR, Lay dos Santos MM, Soares da Silva E, Polkinghorne BG, de Lourdes da Conceiҫão V, da Conceiҫão F, da Silva P, Jong J, Kirk MD, Colquhoun S. A pilot study using hospital surveillance and a birth cohort to investigate enteric pathogens and malnutrition in children, Dili, Timor-Leste. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296774. [PMID: 38300944 PMCID: PMC10833528 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
In low-to-middle-income countries (LMICs), enteric pathogens contribute to child malnutrition, affecting nutrient absorption, inducing inflammation, and causing diarrhoea. This is a substantial problem in LMICs due to high disease burden, poor sanitation and nutritional status, and the cyclical nature of pathogen infection and malnutrition. This relationship remains understudied in Timor-Leste. In our pilot study of enteric pathogens and malnutrition in Dili, Timor-Leste (July 2019-October 2020), we recruited 60 infants in a birth cohort from Hospital Nacional Guido Valadares (HNGV) with up to four home visits. We collected faecal samples and details of demographics, anthropometrics, diet and food practices, and animal husbandry. Additionally, we collected faecal samples, diagnostics, and anthropometrics from 160 children admitted to HNGV with a clinical diagnosis of severe diarrhoea or severe acute malnutrition (SAM). We tested faeces using the BioFire® FilmArray® Gastrointestinal Panel. We detected high prevalence of enteric pathogens in 68.8% (95%CI 60.4-76.2%) of infants at home, 88.6% of SAM cases (95%CI 81.7-93.3%) and 93.8% of severe diarrhoea cases (95%CI 67.7-99.7%). Diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli and Campylobacter spp. were most frequently detected. Pathogen presence did not significantly differ in birth cohort diarrhoeal stool, but hospital data indicated associations between Salmonella and Shigella and diarrhoea. We observed wasting in 18.4% (95%CI 9.2-32.5%) to 30.8% (95%CI 17.5-47.7%) of infants across home visits, 57.9% (95%CI 34.0-78.9%) of severe diarrhoea cases, and 92.5% (95%CI 86.4-96.2%) of SAM cases. We associated bottle feeding with increased odds of pathogen detection when compared with exclusive breastfeeding at home (OR 8.3, 95%CI 1.1-62.7). We detected high prevalence of enteric pathogens and signs of malnutrition in children in Dili. Our pilot is proof of concept for a study to fully explore the risk factors and associations between enteric pathogens and malnutrition in Timor-Leste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle M. Cribb
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Nevio Sarmento
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- Timor-Leste Ministry of Health, Dili, Timor-Leste
| | - Almerio Moniz
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Nicholas S. S. Fancourt
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Kathryn Glass
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Anthony D. K. Draper
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- Northern Territory Centre for Disease Control, Northern Territory Government Department of Health, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Joshua R. Francis
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | | | | | - Benjamin G. Polkinghorne
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Virginia de Lourdes da Conceiҫão
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- Timor-Leste Ministry of Health, Dili, Timor-Leste
| | | | - Paulino da Silva
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Joanita Jong
- Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Dili, Timor-Leste
| | - Martyn D. Kirk
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Samantha Colquhoun
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
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Dabbousi AA, Osman M, Dabboussi F, Hamze M. High rates of macrolide and fluoroquinolone resistance in human campylobacteriosis in the Middle East and North Africa. Future Microbiol 2022; 17:957-967. [PMID: 35796073 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2021-0302] [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: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Campylobacter is one of the main causative agents of bacterial gastrointestinal infections. Recently, a rise in the incidence of campylobacteriosis has been reported worldwide. Despite the clinical importance of this zoonotic disease, its microbiological diagnosis is not systematically performed in clinical laboratories in developing countries such as the Middle East and North Africa region. Multidrug-resistant Campylobacter isolates, particularly against erythromycin and ciprofloxacin, have been highly reported. The findings of this study highlight the critical need to urge clinical laboratories in the Middle East and North Africa region to include screening for Campylobacter in the routine stool culture of diarrheal patients. Although there is a paucity of data regarding the epidemiology of human campylobacteriosis, alarming rates of infection prevalence and antimicrobial resistance were found in Egypt, Iran, Qatar and Lebanon.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marwan Osman
- Postdoctoral Fellow, Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.,Department of Public & Ecosystem Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Fouad Dabboussi
- Laboratoire Microbiologie Santé et Environnement (LMSE), Doctoral School of Sciences & Technology, Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Tripoli, Lebanon
| | - Monzer Hamze
- Laboratoire Microbiologie Santé et Environnement (LMSE), Doctoral School of Sciences & Technology, Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Tripoli, Lebanon
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Prevalence and Molecular Epidemiology of Cryptosporidium Infection in Clarias gariepinus Fish in Egypt. Acta Parasitol 2022; 67:437-445. [PMID: 34686992 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-021-00483-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study investigated the prevalence and molecular detection of Cryptosporidium spp. in catfish (Clarias gariepinus). METHODS A total of 300 Carias gariepinus fish were collected from two freshwater sources: the Nile River (180) and drainage canals (120). The stomach and intestine epithelium of each individual fish sample were screened by modified Ziehl-Neelsen (mZN) staining technique for the detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts followed by the serological survey for detection of Cryptosporidium antibodies using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and molecular characterization using complemented DNA polymerase chain reaction (cPCR). RESULTS ELISA showed higher prevalence of 69.3% than that prevalence obtained by mZN, 64% for the total examined Clarias gariepinus fish. Also, higher prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection 65.5% and 75.8% obtained by ELISA than 61.1% and 68.3% by mZN, in both fish groups from Nile River and Drainage canal, respectively. PCR analysis revealed the expected positive bands at 1056 bp. DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis proved that the positive-PCR Cryptosporidium isolate identified in the present study was Cryptosporidium molnari. CONCLUSION Freshwater fishes (Clarias gariepinus) are subjected to a high infection rate with Cryptosporidium spp.; the drainage canals obtained fishes showed higher prevalence than that collected from Nile River which indicates an important public health problem and a potential risk of drainage canals in Egypt. ELISA showed higher prevalence of cryptosporidiosis than mZN, for the total examined Clarias gariepinus fish and phylogenetic analyses confirmed this protozoal organism to be a novel species of Cryptosporidium molnari.
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López Ureña NM, Chaudhry U, Calero Bernal R, Cano Alsua S, Messina D, Evangelista F, Betson M, Lalle M, Jokelainen P, Ortega Mora LM, Álvarez García G. Contamination of Soil, Water, Fresh Produce, and Bivalve Mollusks with Toxoplasma gondii Oocysts: A Systematic Review. Microorganisms 2022; 10:517. [PMID: 35336093 PMCID: PMC8954419 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10030517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a major foodborne pathogen capable of infecting all warm-blooded animals, including humans. Although oocyst-associated toxoplasmosis outbreaks have been documented, the relevance of the environmental transmission route remains poorly investigated. Thus, we carried out an extensive systematic review on T. gondii oocyst contamination of soil, water, fresh produce, and mollusk bivalves, following the PRISMA guidelines. Studies published up to the end of 2020 were searched for in public databases and screened. The reference sections of the selected articles were examined to identify additional studies. A total of 102 out of 3201 articles were selected: 34 articles focused on soil, 40 focused on water, 23 focused on fresh produce (vegetables/fruits), and 21 focused on bivalve mollusks. Toxoplasma gondii oocysts were found in all matrices worldwide, with detection rates ranging from 0.09% (1/1109) to 100% (8/8) using bioassay or PCR-based detection methods. There was a high heterogeneity (I2 = 98.9%), which was influenced by both the sampling strategy (e.g., sampling site and sample type, sample composition, sample origin, season, number of samples, cat presence) and methodology (recovery and detection methods). Harmonized approaches are needed for the detection of T. gondii in different environmental matrices in order to obtain robust and comparable results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia María López Ureña
- SALUVET Research Group, Animal Health Department, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (N.M.L.U.); (R.C.B.); (L.M.O.M.)
| | - Umer Chaudhry
- Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health Department, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK; (U.C.); or (D.M.); (F.E.); (M.B.)
| | - Rafael Calero Bernal
- SALUVET Research Group, Animal Health Department, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (N.M.L.U.); (R.C.B.); (L.M.O.M.)
| | - Santiago Cano Alsua
- Computing Services, Research Support Center, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Davide Messina
- Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health Department, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK; (U.C.); or (D.M.); (F.E.); (M.B.)
- Division of Veterinary Clinical Science, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Francisco Evangelista
- Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health Department, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK; (U.C.); or (D.M.); (F.E.); (M.B.)
| | - Martha Betson
- Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health Department, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK; (U.C.); or (D.M.); (F.E.); (M.B.)
| | - Marco Lalle
- Unit of Foodborne and Neglected Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Roma, Italy;
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institute, University of Copenhagen, 2300 Copenhagen, Denmark;
| | - Luis Miguel Ortega Mora
- SALUVET Research Group, Animal Health Department, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (N.M.L.U.); (R.C.B.); (L.M.O.M.)
| | - Gema Álvarez García
- SALUVET Research Group, Animal Health Department, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (N.M.L.U.); (R.C.B.); (L.M.O.M.)
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Chala G, Eguale T, Abunna F, Asrat D, Stringer A. Identification and Characterization of Campylobacter Species in Livestock, Humans, and Water in Livestock Owning Households of Peri-urban Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A One Health Approach. Front Public Health 2021; 9:750551. [PMID: 34926375 PMCID: PMC8677049 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.750551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Campylobacter is the most common cause of bacterial infectious diarrhea and acute gastroenteritis globally, and is recognized as a significant zoonotic pathogen. Antimicrobial resistance amongst Campylobacter isolates is a significant global concern. A cross-sectional study was conducted to identify and characterize Campylobacter species in humans, animals and water sources in livestock owning households of peri-urban Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; and to characterize antimicrobial resistance. A total of 519 fecal samples from humans (n = 99), livestock (n = 179), poultry (n = 69), and water (n = 172) were collected. Samples were cultured for viable Campylobacter spp. and multiplex PCR utilized for the identification and confirmation. Antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates was assessed using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Campylobacter spp. was detected in 67/519 (13.0%) of the total tested samples, and the household level prevalence of Campylobacter was 42.4%. The prevalence of Campylobacter spp. was: humans (10.1%), cattle (18.5%), poultry (13.0%), sheep (13.3%), goats (7.1%), and water (10.5%). Campylobacter jejuni and C. fetus were the most frequently isolated species, followed by C. coli. The majority of isolates obtained from human samples had co-occurrence with isolates from cattle, poultry or water samples from the same household. The use of stored water, the practice of indoor and outdoor manure collecting, and animal species Campylobacter positivity were significantly associated with greater odds of human Campylobacter spp. positivity. All Campylobacter isolates from humans, poultry, sheep, goats and water, and 96.0% of isolates from cattle were resistant to at least one or more of the tested antimicrobials, with 95.5% of isolates resistant to three or more classes of antimicrobials. A One Health approach is recommended to further investigate Campylobacter species infections, and other zoonotic infectious diseases, in the livestock owning populations in Ethiopia, where there is close interaction between humans, animals and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemechu Chala
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Tadesse Eguale
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Fufa Abunna
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Daniel Asrat
- College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Andrew Stringer
- College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
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The High Potency of Green Synthesized Copper Nanoparticles to Prevent the Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Mice. Acta Parasitol 2021; 66:1472-1479. [PMID: 34050875 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-021-00421-4] [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: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Nowadays, due to the lack of an effective vaccine to prevent the toxoplasmosis, chemotherapy with the combination of pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine is considered as the "gold standard" treatment for toxoplasmosis. Recent reports have exhibited that these synthesized chemical drugs are associated with some serious side effects. The present study aims to evaluate the prophylactic effects of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) green synthesized by Capparis spinosa fruit methanolic extract alone and combined with atovaquone against chronic toxoplasmosis induced by the Tehran strain of Toxoplasma gondii in mice METHODS: Mice were then orally administrated with CuNPs at the doses of 2 and 4 mg/kg/day and in combined with atovaquone 50 mg/kg for 14 days. Male BALB/c mice were divided into two seven groups include C1 (non-treated non-infected); C2 (treated with normal saline); C3 (Infected mice treated with atovaquone 100 mg/kg/day); Ex1 (treated with CuNPs 2 mg/kg/day); Ex2 (treated with CuNPs 4 mg/kg/day); Ex3 (treated with CuNPs 2 mg/kg/day + atovaquone 50 mg/kg/day); Ex3 (treated with CuNPs 4 mg/kg/day + atovaquone 50 mg/kg/day). On the 15th day, the mice were infected with the intraperitoneal inoculation of 20-25 tissue cysts from the Tehran strain of T. gondii. The mean numbers of brain tissue cysts and the mRNA levels of IL-12, IFN-γ, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in mice of each tested group were measured. RESULTS CuNPs were green synthesized by C. spinosa methanolic extract. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the particle size of CuNPs was 17 and 41 nm with maximum peak at the wavelength of 414 nm. The mean number of T. gondii tissue cysts in mice of tested groups of Ex1, Ex2, Ex3, and Ex4, significantly decreased as a dose-dependent response compared with control group. Moreover, in similar to the control group C3, no T. gondii tissue cysts was observed in mice of experimental group Ex3 and Ex4. The mRNA levels of IFN-γ, IL-12, and iNO was measured in mice of all tested groups. The mRNA levels of IFN-γ, IL-12, and iNO was increased in all mice of experimental groups in comparison with the control group C2; however, a significant enhancement was detected in mRNA level of IFN-γ, IL-12, and iNO in the tested groups of Ex3 and Ex4 when compared with control group C3. CONCLUSION The obtained results revealed the high potency of CuNPs alone and combined with atovaquone to prevent toxoplasmosis in mice. Although, the prophylactic effects of CuNPs and other properties, such as improved cellular immunity and low toxicity, are positive topics; however, more studies are required to approve these findings especially in clinical settings.
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Review on Emerging Waterborne Pathogens in Africa: The Case of Cryptosporidium. WATER 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/w13212966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Water-related diseases, particularly waterborne diseases, remain significant sources of morbidity and mortality worldwide but especially in developing countries. Emerging waterborne pathogens represent a major health risk. Cryptosporidium is one such pathogen which is globally recognized as a major cause of diarrhea in children and adults. The objective of this paper is not only to review published studies on the impact of these emerging waterborne pathogens but also to identify the various risk factors that favor their transmission. A number of envisaged and needed actions to tackle the challenge of these pathogens in Africa have also been discussed. We have searched the web of ScienceDirect, PubMed, Scopus. ISI Web of Science, SpringerLink, and Google Scholar. The first database search yielded 3099 articles. As a result, 141 studies were submitted for abstract review. A total of 68 articles were selected for full text analysis. After evaluating a considerable number of articles on this topic, the following results were obtained. A number of pathogens are likely to present public health risks, including Cryptosporidium. The contaminating potential of these pathogens is associated with a multitude of factors, such as the effects of climate change, social and behavioral aspects of local populations, water issues, geographical locations that may cause isolation, and inequalities due to lack of transparency of governments in the distribution of financial resources. We stress the need to maintain and strengthen real-time surveillance and rapid epidemiological responses to outbreaks and the emergence of new waterborne pathogens in all countries. African governments, for their part, should be aware of future risks of waterborne protozoan diseases. They must provide immediate and effective responses by establishing technical and financial mechanisms to ensure sufficient quantities of safe drinking water, sewage disposal, and hygiene for all.
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Edwards HM, Cogliati M, Kwenda G, Fisher MC. The need for environmental surveillance to understand the ecology, epidemiology and impact of Cryptococcus infection in Africa. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2021; 97:6312494. [PMID: 34196370 PMCID: PMC8536938 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiab093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Our understanding of the pathogenic yeasts Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii has been greatly enhanced by use of genome sequencing technologies. Found ubiquitously as saprotrophs in the environment, inhalation of infectious spores from these pathogens can lead to the disease cryptococcosis. Individuals with compromised immune systems are at particular risk, most notably those living with HIV/AIDS. Genome sequencing in combination with laboratory and clinical studies has revealed diverse lineages with important differences in their observed frequency, virulence and clinical outcomes. However, to date, genomic analyses have focused primarily on clinical isolates that represent only a subset of the diversity in the environment. Enhanced genomic surveillance of these yeasts in their native environments is needed in order to understand their ecology, biology and evolution and how these influence the epidemiology and pathophysiology of clinical disease. This is particularly relevant on the African continent from where global cryptococcal diversity may have originated, yet where environmental sampling and sequencing has been sparse despite harbouring the largest population at risk from cryptococcosis. Here, we review what scientifically and clinically relevant insights have been provided by analysis of environmental Cryptococcus isolates to date and argue that with further sampling, particularly in Africa, many more important discoveries await.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah M Edwards
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Imperial College School of Public Health, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London W2 1PG, UK
| | - Massimo Cogliati
- Dip. Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Pascal 36, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Geoffrey Kwenda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Ridgeway Campus, PO Box 50110, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Matthew C Fisher
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Imperial College School of Public Health, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London W2 1PG, UK
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Ibrahim Ali M, Abdel Gawad Mousa Ismail M, Abd-Elftah Abd-Allah G, Abdel-Latif M, Mohamed Shaapan R, Salah H, Sayed Abdel Gawad S, Abu-Sarea EY. Toxoplasmosis in Schizophrenic Patients: Immune-diagnosis and Serum Dopamine Level. Pak J Biol Sci 2020; 23:1131-1137. [PMID: 32981244 DOI: 10.3923/pjbs.2020.1131.1137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite widely distributed all over the world. It has been associated with various psychiatric conditions as schizophrenia. This study aiming to evaluate the association between T. gondii infection and schizophrenia and to estimate the effect of T. gondii infection on the serum dopamine level among schizophrenic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS A case-control study was conducted over 45 schizophrenic patients and 44 normal controls. Serum IgM and IgG anti-T. gondii antibodies were detected by a commercial ELISA Kit. The immunoblotting method was performed for the detection of IgG anti-Toxoplasma dopamine was detected by the human dopamine ELISA kit. RESULTS Anti-T. gondii IgM was negative in all the 90 studied individuals. However, anti-T. gondii IgG was positive in 25 schizophrenic patients (55.6%) and 13 normal healthy controls (28.9%). Immunoblotting showed stronger specific reaction to proteins with molecular weights 50 and 60 kDa by +ve IgG schizophrenic patients. The serum dopamine level among schizophrenic patients was increased as compared to healthy controls (47.22 and 25.79%, respectively; p <0.001). In addition, the dopamine levels in +ve IgG were higher than those of -ve IgG schizophrenic patients. CONCLUSION These results suggest that chronic T. gondii infection causes high dopamine levels that may lead to schizophrenia. About 55% of schizophrenic patients showed positive IgG reactions to Toxoplasma within this population, the dopamine levels were higher than seronegative population and revealed both 50 and 60 kDa proteins band specific to Toxoplasma.
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El-Toony MM, Eid G, Algarni H. Estimation of hazardous materials in water and their toxicity levels in Mahayel Aseer, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2019; 191:779. [PMID: 31784811 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-019-7820-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This work aims to evaluate the different water sources available in Mahayel Aseer, KSA, chemically, toxicology and microbiologically. Several water samples, such as tap water, differentially desalinated water and bottled water, were analysed. Moreover, different metal ions and anions, including sodium, potassium, calcium, lead, cadmium, manganese, bicarbonate, fluoride, chloride, sulphate, nitrate and nitrite, were evaluated and assessed for human health. Bacterial and fungal pollutions arising from various water sources were also investigated. This study was conducted on polymer bottles and the best storage conditions. In order to acquire purified water safe for human consumption, certain recommendations pertaining to the steps of water treatment can be recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M El-Toony
- Chemistry Dept., King Khaled Univ., Tohama Branch, Abha, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Gh Eid
- Physics Dept., King Khaled Univ., Tohama Branch, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - H Algarni
- Physics Dept., King Khaled Univ., Tohama Branch, Abha, Saudi Arabia
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Abstract
The present paper summarizes prevalence, epidemiology and clinical disease of natural Toxoplasma gondii infections in humans and animals from Egypt. The current situation of toxoplasmosis in Egypt is confusing. There is no central laboratory or group of researchers actively investigating toxoplasmosis in humans or animals, and no reports on the national level are available. Based on various serological tests and convenience samples, T. gondii infections appear highly prevalent in humans and animals from Egypt. Living circumstances in Egypt favour the transmission of T. gondii. Up to 95% of domestic cats, the key host of T. gondii, are infected with T. gondii; they are abundant in rural and suburban areas, spreading T. gondii oocysts. Many women have been tested in maternity clinics, most with no definitive diagnosis. Toxoplasma gondii DNA and IgM antibodies have been found in blood samples of blood donors. Clinical toxoplasmosis in humans from Egypt needs further investigations using definitive procedures. Reports on congenital toxoplasmosis are conflicting and some reports are alarming. Although there are many serological surveys for T. gondii in animals, data on clinical infections are lacking. Here, we critically review the status of toxoplasmosis in Egypt, which should be useful to biologist, public health workers, veterinarians and physicians.
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Sánchez C, López MC, Galeano LA, Qvarnstrom Y, Houghton K, Ramírez JD. Molecular detection and genotyping of pathogenic protozoan parasites in raw and treated water samples from southwest Colombia. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:563. [PMID: 30367668 PMCID: PMC6203992 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3147-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Protozoan parasites such as Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., Cyclospora cayetanensis, Toxoplasma gondii and Entamoeba histolytica represent a great challenge to the systems producing water for human consumption because their cystic forms are persistent in the environment and resist to the disinfection methods conventionally used for their control. In this study, we investigated the presence of these protozoan pathogens in both raw and treated water samples used for the production of drinking water in Nariño Department, southwest Colombia. We collected 110 water samples (10 lof each sample) and analyzed them with real-time PCR (qPCR). qPCR-positive samples were genotyped with PCR and DNA sequencing. RESULTS Giardia duodenalis was detected in 35/110 (31.8%) of the samples and Cryptosporidium spp. in 9/110 (8.2%) of the samples; no sample was positive for T. gondii, E. histolytica or C. cayetanensis. Giardia duodenalis was detected in samples of both raw water (Drinking Water Treatment Plants (DWTP): 47.83%;Drinking Water Rural Plants (DWRP): 18.42%) and water collected either after conventional physicochemical treatment (26.09%) or after disinfection by chlorine (50%), whereas Cryptosporidium spp. were only detected in raw waters (DWTP: 17.39%; DWRP: 13.16%). The two pathogens were detected in both types of treatment plants supplying water to urban areas and to rural zones. Analysis of gdh and tpi markers identified assemblages AI, AII and H of G. duodenalis, while analysis of the small subunit rRNA and gp60 markers of Cryptosporidium-positive samples identified C. parvum (Subtype IIcA5G3c), C. galli, C. molnari, Cryptosporidium sp. genotype II of bats and Cryptosporidium sp. genotype VIII of birds. CONCLUSIONS The results obtained demonstrate the presence of protozoan parasites in the water of the study region, and the need to improve the surveillance systems for these pathogens and identify the corresponding sources of contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Sánchez
- Grupo de Investigación en Materiales Funcionales y Catálisis (GIMFC), Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Nariño, 520002 Pasto, Colombia
- Departamento de Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, 111321 Bogotá, Colombia
- Grupo de Investigaciones Microbiológicas-UR (GIMUR), Programa de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Matemáticas, Universidad del Rosario, 110111 Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Myriam Consuelo López
- Departamento de Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, 111321 Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Luis Alejandro Galeano
- Grupo de Investigación en Materiales Funcionales y Catálisis (GIMFC), Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Nariño, 520002 Pasto, Colombia
| | - Yvonne Qvarnstrom
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, 30329 USA
| | - Katelyn Houghton
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, 30329 USA
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education Research Participation Program, Oak Ridge, 37830 USA
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Grupo de Investigaciones Microbiológicas-UR (GIMUR), Programa de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Matemáticas, Universidad del Rosario, 110111 Bogotá, Colombia
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Ahmed SA, Guerrero Flórez M, Karanis P. The impact of water crises and climate changes on the transmission of protozoan parasites in Africa. Pathog Glob Health 2018; 112:281-293. [PMID: 30332341 PMCID: PMC6381522 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2018.1523778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Waterborne protozoa (WBP) are important cause of several outbreaks all over the world. The report system of WBP in Africa is weak. More than one third of African countries (21/54) reported WBP with absent reports in the remaining countries (33/54). The top reported WBP were Cryptosporidium, Giardia, FLA and Entamoeba contaminating different African water resources. Other protozoa were less documented even though it is abundant and robust. More than one protozoa were detected in contaminated African water including drinking sources, a prediction index to popular epidemics and real presence of undocumented WBP outbreaks. Risk factors in Africa were observed to be abundant and multi-factorial 'socioeconomic, governmental, pathogen in water and climate change. Climate change is an important factor impacting Africa. Increasing droughts in Africa with other extreme weather events will lead to water crises. Incidence and transmission of WBP will change, with new manifested strains/species. Recognizing future consequences of water crises in Africa are important. Governments and population unity will be needed to protect against expected raise and spread of WBP diseases and water shortages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahira A. Ahmed
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Milena Guerrero Flórez
- Center for Health Studies CESUN, University of Nariño. Ciudad Universitaria-Torobajo, Pasto, Colombia
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Gharieb RM, Merwad AM, Saleh AA, Abd El-Ghany AM. Molecular Screening and Genotyping ofCryptosporidiumSpecies in Household Dogs and In-Contact Children in Egypt: Risk Factor Analysis and Zoonotic Importance. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2018; 18:424-432. [DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2017.2254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rasha M.A. Gharieb
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Zoonoses, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Abdallah M.A. Merwad
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Zoonoses, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Ayman A. Saleh
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Animal Wealth Development, Genetics and Genetic Engineering, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Amany M. Abd El-Ghany
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
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Abd El Wah WM, Shaapan RM, Abd El Haf MED, Elfadaly HA, Ahmed Hamd D. Toxoplasma Gondii Infection and Associated Sociodemographic and Behavioral Risk Factors among Blood Donors. ASIAN JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY 2018; 11:52-58. [DOI: 10.3923/aje.2018.52.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
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17
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Antolová D, Janičko M, Halánová M, Jarčuška P, Gecková AM, Babinská I, Kalinová Z, Pella D, Mareková M, Veseliny E. Exposure to Toxoplasma gondii in the Roma and Non-Roma Inhabitants of Slovakia: A Cross-Sectional Seroprevalence Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15030408. [PMID: 29495474 PMCID: PMC5876953 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15030408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2017] [Revised: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The lifestyle, health and social status of the Roma are generally below the standards characteristic for the non-Roma population. This study aimed to find out the seropositivity to Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) in the population of Roma living in segregated settlements and to compare it with the prevalence of antibodies in the non-Roma population from the catchment area of eastern Slovakia. The seroprevalence of antibodies to T. gondii was significantly higher in the Roma group (45.0%) than in non-Roma inhabitants (24.1%). A statistically significant difference was also recorded between the two non-Roma groups in the study, 30.4% of those from the catchment area and 19.7% from the non-catchment area were seropositive. Univariate logistic regression confirmed poverty and higher age to be significant risk factors influencing the seropositivity to T. gondii. Of the clinical symptoms analyzed in the study, only muscle and back pain were associated with seropositivity to T. gondii. The close contact of Roma with an environment contaminated by different infectious agents and the insufficient hygiene, lower level of education, poverty, lack of water and household equipment and high number of domestic animals increase the risk of infectious diseases in the Roma settlements and subsequently the spread of communicable diseases at the national or even international level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Antolová
- Department of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Parasitology SAS, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia.
| | - Martin Janičko
- Faculty of Medicine, P. J. Šafárik University in Košice, Trieda SNP 1, 040 11 Košice, Slovakia.
| | - Monika Halánová
- Faculty of Medicine, P. J. Šafárik University in Košice, Trieda SNP 1, 040 11 Košice, Slovakia.
| | - Peter Jarčuška
- Faculty of Medicine, P. J. Šafárik University in Košice, Trieda SNP 1, 040 11 Košice, Slovakia.
| | | | - Ingrid Babinská
- Faculty of Medicine, P. J. Šafárik University in Košice, Trieda SNP 1, 040 11 Košice, Slovakia.
| | - Zuzana Kalinová
- Faculty of Medicine, P. J. Šafárik University in Košice, Trieda SNP 1, 040 11 Košice, Slovakia.
| | - Daniel Pella
- Faculty of Medicine, P. J. Šafárik University in Košice, Trieda SNP 1, 040 11 Košice, Slovakia.
| | - Mária Mareková
- Faculty of Medicine, P. J. Šafárik University in Košice, Trieda SNP 1, 040 11 Košice, Slovakia.
| | - Eduard Veseliny
- Faculty of Medicine, P. J. Šafárik University in Košice, Trieda SNP 1, 040 11 Košice, Slovakia.
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Hafez Hassanain NA, Shaapan RM, Hafez Hassanain MA. Associated Antenatal Health Risk Factors with Incidence of Toxoplasmosis in Egyptian Pregnant Women. Pak J Biol Sci 2018; 21:463-468. [PMID: 30724048 DOI: 10.3923/pjbs.2018.463.468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The major maternal toxoplasmosis infection during pregnancy is regularly related to trans-placental transmission to the embryo and newly-borne child. This cross-section study was performed to investigate the prevalence of toxoplasmosis among pregnant women attending antennal health centers. MATERIALS AND METHODS The IgM antibodies against Toxoplasma were quantitatively determined by commercially available kits, while IgG antibodies and avidity (AV) of Toxoplasma gondii-specific IgG antibodies were quantitatively determined by using of conventional ELISA. RESULTS The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii IgM among the investigated pregnant women was much higher than toxoplasma IgG with low IgG avidity representing acute infection with possibility of risk to the mother, embryo and newly-borne child. Results also showed that highest Toxoplasma prevalence was among pregnant women with history of intake of immunosuppressive drugs and abortion, having cats and animals in their households and in the 1st and 2nd trimesters. CONCLUSION The high infection prevalence of T. gondii among the Egyptian pregnant women in Giza governorate revealed the risk of premature termination of pregnancy due to exposure of T. gondii infection.
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