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Pilarczyk B, Tomza-Marciniak A, Pilarczyk R, Bąkowska M, Rząd I, Stapf A, Felska-Błaszczyk L, Tylkowska A, Seremak B. Echinococcus multilocularis and Other Intestinal Parasites of the Red Fox ( Vulpes vulpes) from the Pomerania Region, Northern Poland. Pathogens 2024; 13:490. [PMID: 38921788 PMCID: PMC11207094 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13060490] [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: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of the study was to determine the species composition of the intestinal parasite fauna of foxes from the Pomerania region, with a particular emphasis on helminth species considered dangerous to humans, and to determine their prevalence and intensity of infection. In total, 165 digestive systems from foxes inhabiting the Pomeranian region were examined. The prevalence of intestinal parasites among the studied foxes was 61.8%. Our findings confirm that foxes in Pomerania carry various parasites, some of which pose a direct threat to human health. As such, constant monitoring of their infestation is essential. Particular attention should be paid to parasite species with potential for transmission to humans, such as Echinococcus multilocularis, Alaria alata and Toxocara canis, whose respective prevalence was found to be 10.9%, 17.6% and 28.5%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bogumiła Pilarczyk
- Department of Animal Reproduction Biotechnology and Environmental Hygiene, Faculty of Biotechnology and Animal Husbandry, West Pomeranian University of Technology, Janickiego 29, 71-270 Szczecin, Poland; (B.P.); (A.T.-M.); (B.S.)
| | - Agnieszka Tomza-Marciniak
- Department of Animal Reproduction Biotechnology and Environmental Hygiene, Faculty of Biotechnology and Animal Husbandry, West Pomeranian University of Technology, Janickiego 29, 71-270 Szczecin, Poland; (B.P.); (A.T.-M.); (B.S.)
| | - Renata Pilarczyk
- Laboratory of Biostatistics, Faculty of Biotechnology and Animal Husbandry, West Pomeranian University of Technology, Janickiego 29, 71-270 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Małgorzata Bąkowska
- Department of Animal Reproduction Biotechnology and Environmental Hygiene, Faculty of Biotechnology and Animal Husbandry, West Pomeranian University of Technology, Janickiego 29, 71-270 Szczecin, Poland; (B.P.); (A.T.-M.); (B.S.)
| | - Izabella Rząd
- Institute of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Centre, Faculty of Physical, Mathematical and Natural Sciences, University of Szczecin, Wąska 13, 71-415 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Agata Stapf
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Physical Culture in Gorzow Wielkopolski, Poznan University of Physical Education, Estkowskiego 13, 66-400 Gorzów Wielkopolski, Poland;
| | - Lidia Felska-Błaszczyk
- Department of Animal Anatomy, Faculty of Biotechnology and Animal Husbandry, West Pomeranian University of Technology, Janickiego 33, 71-270 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Agnieszka Tylkowska
- Department of Animal Environment Biology, Faculty of Animal Breeding, Bioengineering and Conservation, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Ciszewskiego 8, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Beata Seremak
- Department of Animal Reproduction Biotechnology and Environmental Hygiene, Faculty of Biotechnology and Animal Husbandry, West Pomeranian University of Technology, Janickiego 29, 71-270 Szczecin, Poland; (B.P.); (A.T.-M.); (B.S.)
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Awais MM, Zahoor S, Akhtar M, Anwar MI, Shirwany ASAK, Ali MA, Bhatti MS, Razzaq A. Prevalence of antibodies to Toxocara canis and its associated risk factors in socio-economically deprived nomadic communities of Pakistan. Zoonoses Public Health 2023; 70:616-626. [PMID: 37381108 DOI: 10.1111/zph.13070] [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: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Toxocariasis is an important zoonotic disease caused by Toxocara (T.) canis with considerably higher prevalence in developing countries. The data on its epidemiology, especially in socioeconomically deprived nomadic communities, are scarce in Pakistan. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence of anti-T. canis antibodies and its associated risk factors in nomadic communities located in and around Multan, Pakistan. A total of 184 sera samples were collected from nomadic communities by simple random sampling technique. The descriptive epidemiological data of participants were collected on well-designed questionnaires. Prior consent was also obtained from the participants to use the data generated from their samples without showing their identity. All the samples were analysed for the detection of anti-T. canis antibodies using commercially available Enzyme-Linked-Immunosorbent-Assay (ELISA) kits having 91% sensitivity and 96% specificity (Bordier Affinity Products, Switzerland). The overall seroprevalence of toxocariasis among nomadic communities was 27.7% (51/184). Various factors, including age, known disease history, nutritional status, contact with dogs, practice of hand washing after contact with dogs, use of unwashed vegetables, body mass index, and drug abuse, showed significant correlation (p < 0.05) with toxocariasis in nomadic communities. Conversely, other factors, including gender, marital status, educational status, awareness about zoonotic diseases, source of drinking water, occupation, location, hand washing before taking food, exposure to soil, and hygienic eating behaviour, showed non-significant correlation (p > 0.05) with seroprevalence of toxocariasis. Results also showed that >50% of seropositive cases were asymptomatic, whereas cough and abdominal pain were recorded in 19.6% and 11.76% of seropositive cases, respectively. Keeping in view, it is suggested to conduct surveys at mass level to rule out the exact disease status at national level and to include nomadic communities in local, national, and regional disease control programs through provision of better healthcare facilities and awareness about the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mian Muhammad Awais
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, One Health Research Laboratory, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Seemab Zahoor
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, One Health Research Laboratory, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Masood Akhtar
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, One Health Research Laboratory, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Irfan Anwar
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, One Health Research Laboratory, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Abdul Sammad Ali Khan Shirwany
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, One Health Research Laboratory, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Amjad Ali
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | | | - Abdul Razzaq
- Animal Sciences Division, Pakistan Agricultural Research Council, Islamabad, Pakistan
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Said A, Khattak I, Abbas RZ, Khan MK, Saleemi MK, Budke CM, Verocai GG. Toxocara canis seropositivity in different exposure groups in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Northwest Pakistan. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:1159-1166. [PMID: 36890297 PMCID: PMC9995258 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07816-4] [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: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
Human toxocariasis is a highly prevalent zoonosis worldwide but is underreported in most countries. This study was conducted to evaluate Toxocara canis seropositivity in different exposure sub-groups located in the Mardan, Swabi, and Nowshera districts of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Northwest Pakistan. A total of 400 blood samples were collected from males 15 years of age and older with no animals, with livestock, with dogs and/or cats living in the house, and from butchers and veterinarians or para-veterinarians. Serum was tested using a commercial ELISA kit for detection of IgG antibodies against T. canis. Proportion seropositive was presented for each group and differences between groups were evaluated using the chi-square or Fisher's exact test as appropriate. Possible risk factors obtained through administration of a questionnaire were also evaluated for each sub-population. Overall T. canis seroprevalence was 14.2%, with a significant difference found between the seroprevalence of individuals with no animals (5.0%; 5/100), individuals with dogs and/or cats living in the household (8.0%; 8/100), individuals with livestock (18.0%; 18/100), veterinarians or para-veterinarians (24.0%; 12/50), and butchers (28.0%; 14/50) (p < 0.001). Significant differences in seropositivity by income bracket, education level, and working in the fields were found for some sub-groups. Study findings demonstrate that certain sub-populations, in Northwest Pakistan, may be at greater risk of T. canis infection. Development and implementation of targeted preventive strategies may, therefore, be needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arsalan Said
- Department of Parasitology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Irfan Khattak
- College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Rao Zahid Abbas
- Department of Parasitology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Kasib Khan
- Department of Parasitology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | | | - Christine M Budke
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Guilherme G Verocai
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
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Parasitic and Vector-Borne Infections in HIV-Positive Patients in Slovakia-Evidence of an Unexpectedly High Occurrence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10121557. [PMID: 34959511 PMCID: PMC8704717 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10121557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infected people, the immunodeficiency caused by a reduced level of CD4 (cluster of differentiation 4) T-lymphocytes increases the risk of infectious diseases. Additionally, in individuals with immunologically compromising conditions, tick-borne or some parasitic pathogens may cause chronic, debilitating opportunistic infections and even death. The study aimed at determining the IgG seropositivity of HIV-infected patients to Toxoplasma gondii, Toxocara spp., Echinococcus multilocularis, and E. granulosus s.l. and performing the molecular identification of T. gondii and some tick-borne pathogens, namely, Borrelia spp., Babesia spp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Rickettsia spp., and Bartonella spp. Out of 89 HIV-positive patients, specific IgG antibodies to T. gondii were detected in 17 (19.1%) and to Borrelia spp. in 12 (13.5%) individuals. Seropositivity to Toxocara spp., E. multilocularis, and E. granulosus s.l. was not recorded. Molecular approaches showed positivity to T. gondii in two (2.2%) patients, and 11 (12.4%) individuals had positive PCR signal for the msp2 gene of A. phagocytophilum. Relatively high prevalence of A. phagocytophilum in HIV-positive patients suggests that these people are more susceptible to some vector-borne pathogens. The presence of opportunistic infections may pose a health risk for patients with weakened immune systems, and should not be neglected during the regular monitoring of the patient’s health status.
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Jarošová J, Antolová D, Lukáč B, Maďari A. A Survey of Intestinal Helminths of Dogs in Slovakia with an Emphasis on Zoonotic Species. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11103000. [PMID: 34680018 PMCID: PMC8532715 DOI: 10.3390/ani11103000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Dogs are the most popular pet animals worldwide; however, frequent and close contact with people increases the risk of transmission of different zoonotic parasites. As the occurrence of intestinal parasites in the dog population is affected by several factors, understanding the epidemiology of zoonotic parasitic infections is important to minimize the risks for humans. This study presents results about the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths in seven different groups of dogs (pet, shelter, guard, working, and hunting dogs, as well as dogs from segregated Roma settlements) in Slovakia. Out of 495 faecal samples collected between 2016 and 2021, eggs of intestinal helminths were detected in 134 (27.1%) samples. Altogether, six different species/genera/families, namely, Toxocara canis (14.7%), Toxascaris leonina (1.6%), Trichuris vulpis (6.3%), Capillaria spp. (1.4%), Ancylostoma/Uncinaria spp. (8.3%), and taeniid eggs (4.0%), were recorded. Infection with Echinococcus multilocularis was confirmed in 2.2% of dogs and 0.4% of the animals were infested with Taenia hydatigena. The results showed that the occurrence of intestinal helminths is quite frequent in the majority of analyzed dog groups, with a close correlation between the occurrence of intestinal helminths and availability of veterinary care and anthelmintic therapy. Abstract Dogs are the most popular pets worldwide; however, close contact with people increases the risk of transmission of different zoonotic parasites. This study aims to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths in dogs in Slovakia. A total of 495 faecal samples collected from pet, shelter, guard, working (police), and hunting dogs, as well as dogs from segregated Roma settlements between 2016 and 2021, were examined using flotation and molecular methods. Eggs of intestinal helminths were detected in 134 (27.1%) samples. Microscopically, six different species/genera/families, namely, Toxocara canis (14.7%), Toxascaris leonina (1.6%), Trichuris vulpis (6.3%), Capillaria spp. (1.4%), Ancylostoma/Uncinaria spp. (8.3%), and taeniid eggs (4.0%), were recorded. Molecular analyses revealed infection with Echinococcus multilocularis in 2.2% of dogs and 0.4% of the animals were infected with Taenia hydatigena. The results showed a correlation between the occurrence of intestinal helminths and the availability of veterinary care, as dogs from Roma settlements and shelter dogs were the most often infected (66.7% and 39.2%, respectively). On the other hand, working animals were in the best health condition, with only 2.5% being positive. The relatively frequent occurrence of zoonotic species points to the constant need for preventive measures and regular deworming of dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Júlia Jarošová
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +421-55-633-14-11-13
| | - Daniela Antolová
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia;
| | - Branislav Lukáč
- Small Animal Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia; (B.L.); (A.M.)
| | - Aladár Maďari
- Small Animal Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia; (B.L.); (A.M.)
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Bajkovec L, Vilibic-Cavlek T, Barbic L, Mrzljak A. Parasitic zoonoses in the Roma population. Germs 2021; 11:418-426. [PMID: 34722364 PMCID: PMC8548044 DOI: 10.18683/germs.2021.1279] [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: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Roma people are the largest minority group in Europe. The vast majority live in substandard conditions in segregated settlements, overcrowded with people and animals that predispose them to various, especially zoonotic diseases. Parasitic zoonotic diseases remain a challenge in this vulnerable population group, especially among Roma children. PubMed was searched using the keywords Roma with combination of names of different parasites to get all available studies on prevalence of parasitic zoonoses among European Roma, published between years 2000 and 2020. After application of exclusion criteria, data were extracted from the studies that made the final sample. Parasitic zoonoses are common among Roma. Cryptosporidium, Toxoplasma gondii, soil-transmitted helminths and Giardia spp. are more common in Roma children compared to non-Roma children, and Toxoplasma gondii and soil-transmitted helminths are also more common in Roma adults compared to non-Roma adults. Data on prevalence of trichinellosis, echinococcosis, and taeniasis among Roma show that they do not affect Roma more often compared to the general population. Roma people, particularly children, are more susceptible to parasitic zoonoses. Substandard sanitary conditions and close contact with infected animals are important risk factors in this population and should be aimed with preventive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucija Bajkovec
- MD, Institute of Emergency Medicine of Međimurje County, 40000 Čakovec, Croatia
| | - Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek
- PhD, Department of Microbiology, Croatian Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb
| | - Ljubo Barbic
- PhD, Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb
| | - Anna Mrzljak
- MD, PhD, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Kispaticeva 12, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Salata 3b, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Corresponding author: Anna Mrzljak,
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Tombat K, van Dijk JP. Roma Health: An Overview of Communicable Diseases in Eastern and Central Europe. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17207632. [PMID: 33092048 PMCID: PMC7588998 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17207632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The Roma are Europe’s largest minority. They are also one of its most disadvantaged, with low levels of education and health and high levels of poverty. Research on Roma health often reveals higher burdens of disease in the communities studied. This paper aims to review the literature on communicable diseases among Roma across Eastern and Central Europe. A PubMed search was carried out for communicable diseases among Roma in these parts of Europe, specifically in Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Serbia, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and North Macedonia. The papers were then screened for relevance and utility. Nineteen papers were selected for review; most of them from Slovakia. Roma continue to have a higher prevalence of communicable diseases and are at higher risk of infection than the majority populations of the countries they live in. Roma children in particular have a particularly high prevalence of parasitic disease. However, these differences in disease prevalence are not present across all diseases and all populations. For example, when Roma are compared to non-Roma living in close proximity to them, these differences are often no longer significant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kabir Tombat
- Department of Community and Occupational Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Ant. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands;
- Correspondence:
| | - Jitse P. van Dijk
- Department of Community and Occupational Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Ant. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands;
- Graduate School Kosice Institute for Society and Health, Medical Faculty, P.J. Safarik University, Tr. SNP 1, 040 01 Kosice, Slovakia
- Olomouc University Society and Health Institute, Palacky University, 771 11 Olomouc, Czech Republic
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