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Antonopoulos A, Giannelli A, Morgan ER, Charlier J. Quantifying the neglected: Initial estimation of the global burden and economic impact of human toxocariasis. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES 2024; 5:100180. [PMID: 38872976 PMCID: PMC11169085 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2024.100180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Toxocariasis is a parasitic zoonotic infection caused by Toxocara spp., ascarid nematodes of companion animals (dogs and cats) affecting people in both high-income and low/middle-income countries. Toxocariasis can manifest as several distinct syndromes. The most frequent, often termed common toxocariasis, is a self-limiting and mild febrile illness. Ocular and visceral larva migrans are severe disease manifestations affecting the eye and other internal organs, respectively, but their reported occurrence is rare. The vast majority of symptomatic cases are thought due to common toxocariasis, which has also been associated with cognitive impairment in children. Few studies to date have sought to quantity the health burden of toxocariasis in humans. In this study we provide a preliminary estimation using the Disability-Adjusted Life Year (DALY) approach. We estimate a total of 23,084 DALYs are lost annually in 28 selected countries due to common toxocariasis. Extrapolating based on a global average seroprevalence rate of 19%, we estimate 91,714 DALYs per year are lost across all countries due to toxocariasis, of which 40,912 are attributable to less severe forms, i.e. common toxocariasis, and 50,731 to cognitive impairment in children. Clinically diagnosed and reported ocular and visceral larva migrans represent a small proportion of estimated total health burden. We also found a positive correlation at national level between prevalence in cats or dogs and seroprevalence in humans, but no correlation between estimated soil contamination and seroprevalence in humans. Finally, we estimate the potential economic impact of toxocariasis in selected countries at 2.5 billion USD per annum, from costs of medical treatment and lost income. These preliminary estimates should serve as a call to action for further research and evidence-based measures to tackle toxocariasis.
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Poulsen CS, Yoshida A, Wellbrant TT, Leifsson PS, Skallerup P, Thamsborg SM, Nejsum P. Migratory pattern of zoonotic Toxocara cati and T. canis in experimentally infected pigs. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2024; 43:587-596. [PMID: 38261158 PMCID: PMC10917876 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-024-04753-7] [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: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over a billion people are infected with Toxocara canis or T. cati, the roundworms of dogs and cats. Historically, T. canis has been considered the main species responsible for human toxocarosis, but as serodiagnosis cannot discriminate between the two species, this remains unresolved. We used pigs as a relevant large animal model for human infection to assess the migratory pattern of T. cati and T. canis. METHODS Pigs were inoculated with T. cati or T. canis eggs or PBS (negative controls) and necropsied 14 or 31 days later. Different organs and tissues were examined for parasites and pathological changes. RESULTS Overall, the two parasite species had a similar migration pattern reaching multiple organs and tissues, including the mesenteric lymph nodes, liver, lungs, and diaphragm. We recovered larvae of both species in the brain, suggesting that T. cati also can cause neurological toxocarosis in humans. Both species induced systemic eosinophilia and histopathological changes in the lungs, livers, and mesenteric lymph nodes. CONCLUSION This study emphasises the importance of T. cati as a zoonotic agent and the need to develop diagnostic methods that can differentiate between sources of infection in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casper Sahl Poulsen
- COPSAC, Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ayako Yoshida
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | | | - Pall Skuli Leifsson
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Stig Milan Thamsborg
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Peter Nejsum
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 99, Aarhus N, 8200, Aarhus, Denmark.
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
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Xu J, Han Q. Prevalence, Infection, and Risk to Human Beings of Toxocara canis in Domestic Food-Producing Animals. Vet Sci 2024; 11:83. [PMID: 38393101 PMCID: PMC10892340 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11020083] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxocariasis is a significant food-borne zoonotic parasitic disease, and a range of birds and mammals are the paratenic hosts of Toxocara canis. The consumption of raw or undercooked meat and viscera of these paratenic hosts frequently leads to T. canis infection and the development of human toxocariasis. In this review, we will perform an analysis of relevant papers published in the National Center for Biotechnology Infrastructure database on the parasitism, migration, and infection of T. canis in chickens, pigeons, quail, pigs, cattle, sheep, and other food-producing animals, so as to make the public aware of the risk factors of human toxocariasis, improve the public's understanding of T. canis infection, and provide evidence for targeted prevention and control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyun Xu
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life and Health Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China;
- One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Qian Han
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life and Health Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China;
- One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
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Sun L, Huang L, Li S, Lu J, Zheng S, Ding X. Safety and effectiveness of intravitreal dexamethasone implant in patients with ocular toxocariasis. Br J Ophthalmol 2024; 108:238-243. [PMID: 36596664 DOI: 10.1136/bjo-2022-322244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of intravitreal dexamethasone (DEX) implant in patients with active uveitis due to ocular toxocariasis (OT). METHODS Seventy-eight patients with OT were recruited in this retrospective study, including 51 patients in DEX group treated with intravitreal DEX implant and 27 patients in control group without intervention. The reduction of vitreous haze scores (VHS), the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) changes, intraocular pressure (IOP) and cataract progression and formation were recorded at baseline (V0), 1 (V1), 3 (V3) and 6 months (V6) after treatment in DEX group, and V0 and V6 in control group. RESULTS There was no change in VHS and BCVA in control group between V0 and V6. Better VHS (p=0.001) and BCVA (p=0.022) was achieved in DEX group; the rate of VHS=0 was 0%, 67.4%, 42.9% and 44.9% at V0, V1, V3 and V6, respectively (p<0.001), and the mean BCVA was improved from logMAR 1.5±0.9 to 1.2±0.9 at V1, 1.4±1.0 at V3 and 1.4±1.2 at V6. A favourable BCVA at V1 was associated with older age (p=0.038) and uninvolved macula (p=0.000) in DEX group. No significant difference in IOP elevation ≥10 mm Hg, cataract progression and formation between groups. More eyes needed retinal surgery in control group (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS This was the first study to investigate use of intravitreal DEX implant in OT patients, which can efficiently reduce ocular inflammation and improve BCVA in macular uninvolved patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limei Sun
- Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li Huang
- Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, China
| | - Songshan Li
- Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinglin Lu
- Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuxin Zheng
- Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyan Ding
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, China
- Sun Yat-Sen University Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangzhou, China
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Oh YH, Sohn HJ, Choi MY, Hyun MW, Hong SH, Lee JS, Ryu AR, Kim JH, Shin HJ. A Study on the Monitoring of Toxocara spp. in Various Children's Play Facilities in the Republic of Korea (2016-2021). Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2839. [PMID: 37957984 PMCID: PMC10650028 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11212839] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxocara spp. is a zoonotic soil-transmitted parasite that infects canids and felids, which causes toxocariasis in humans, migrating to organ systems, including the lungs, the ocular system, and the central nervous system. Since Toxocara spp. is usually transmitted through soil, children tend to be more susceptible to infection. In order to monitor contamination with Toxocara spp. in children's play facilities in the Republic of Korea, we investigated 11,429 samples of soil from daycare centers, kindergartens, elementary schools, and parks across the country from January 2016 to December 2021. Since the Environmental Health Act in the Republic of Korea was enacted in March 2008, there have been sporadic reports of contamination by Toxocara spp. in children's activity zones. In this study, soil from children's play facilities in regions across the Republic of Korea was monitored according to the Korean standardized procedure to use it as basic data for preventive management and public health promotion. The national average positive rate was 0.16% (18/11,429), and Seoul showed a higher rate of 0.63% (2/318) than any other regions while Incheon, Daegu, Ulsan, Kangwon-do, Jeollabuk-do, and Jeollanam-do were negative (p < 0.05). The positive rates were as follows: 0.37% (4/1089) in daycare centers, 0.13% (3/2365) in kindergartens, 0.2% (7/4193) in elementary schools, 0.09% (1/1143) in apartments, and 0.14% (3/2198) in parks. In addition, it was confirmed that 0.2% (1/498) of elementary schools and 1.17% (2/171) of parks were re-contaminated among play facilities managed with the establishment of a regular inspection cycle. Consequently, there is an essential need for continuous monitoring of Toxocara spp. contamination and regular education for preschool and school children in order to prevent soil-borne parasite infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Hwan Oh
- Department of Microbiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea; (Y.-H.O.); (H.-J.S.)
- Bio Analysis Team, Testing Institute of Sanitation & Convergence, Cheongju 28463, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae-Jin Sohn
- Department of Microbiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea; (Y.-H.O.); (H.-J.S.)
| | - Mi-Yeon Choi
- Environments & Bio Evaluation Team, FITI Testing & Research Institute, Cheongju 28115, Republic of Korea; (M.-Y.C.); (M.-W.H.); (S.-H.H.); (J.-S.L.); (A.-R.R.)
| | - Min-Woo Hyun
- Environments & Bio Evaluation Team, FITI Testing & Research Institute, Cheongju 28115, Republic of Korea; (M.-Y.C.); (M.-W.H.); (S.-H.H.); (J.-S.L.); (A.-R.R.)
| | - Seok-Ho Hong
- Environments & Bio Evaluation Team, FITI Testing & Research Institute, Cheongju 28115, Republic of Korea; (M.-Y.C.); (M.-W.H.); (S.-H.H.); (J.-S.L.); (A.-R.R.)
| | - Ji-Su Lee
- Environments & Bio Evaluation Team, FITI Testing & Research Institute, Cheongju 28115, Republic of Korea; (M.-Y.C.); (M.-W.H.); (S.-H.H.); (J.-S.L.); (A.-R.R.)
| | - Ah-Reum Ryu
- Environments & Bio Evaluation Team, FITI Testing & Research Institute, Cheongju 28115, Republic of Korea; (M.-Y.C.); (M.-W.H.); (S.-H.H.); (J.-S.L.); (A.-R.R.)
| | - Jong-Hyun Kim
- Institute of Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho-Joon Shin
- Department of Microbiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea; (Y.-H.O.); (H.-J.S.)
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Henke K, Ntovas S, Xourgia E, Exadaktylos AK, Klukowska-Rötzler J, Ziaka M. Who Let the Dogs Out? Unmasking the Neglected: A Semi-Systematic Review on the Enduring Impact of Toxocariasis, a Prevalent Zoonotic Infection. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6972. [PMID: 37947530 PMCID: PMC10649795 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20216972] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Toxocariasis remains an important neglected parasitic infection representing one of the most common zoonotic infections caused by the parasite Toxocara canis or, less frequently, by Toxocara cati. The epidemiology of the disease is complex due to its transmission route by accidental ingestion of embryonated Toxocara eggs or larvae from tissues from domestic or wild paratenic hosts. Even though the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control classified toxocariasis amongst the top six parasitic infections of priority to public health, global epidemiological data regarding the relationship between seropositivity and toxocariasis is limited. Although the vast majority of the infected individuals remain asymptomatic or experience a mild disease, the infection is associated with important health and socioeconomic consequences, particularly in underprivileged, tropical, and subtropical areas. Toxocariasis is a disease with multiple clinical presentations, which are classified into five distinct forms: the classical visceral larva migrans, ocular toxocariasis, common toxocariasis, covert toxocariasis, and cerebral toxocariasis or neurotoxocariasis. Anthelmintic agents, for example, albendazole or mebendazole, are the recommended treatment, whereas a combination with topical or systemic corticosteroids for specific forms is suggested. Prevention strategies include educational programs, behavioral and hygienic changes, enhancement of the role of veterinarians, and anthelmintic regimens to control active infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Henke
- Department of Internal Medicine, Thun Hospital, Krankenhausstrasse 12, 3600 Thun, Switzerland;
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Inselspital, University Hospital, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (S.N.); (A.K.E.); (J.K.-R.)
| | - Sotirios Ntovas
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Inselspital, University Hospital, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (S.N.); (A.K.E.); (J.K.-R.)
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, lnselspital, University Hospital, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Eleni Xourgia
- Department of Heart Surgery, lnselspital, University Hospital, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland;
| | - Aristomenis K. Exadaktylos
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Inselspital, University Hospital, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (S.N.); (A.K.E.); (J.K.-R.)
| | - Jolanta Klukowska-Rötzler
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Inselspital, University Hospital, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (S.N.); (A.K.E.); (J.K.-R.)
| | - Mairi Ziaka
- Department of Internal Medicine, Thun Hospital, Krankenhausstrasse 12, 3600 Thun, Switzerland;
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Inselspital, University Hospital, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (S.N.); (A.K.E.); (J.K.-R.)
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Abd El Wahab WM, Ali MI, Ibrahim SS, Mohamed YA, Hamdy DA. Toxocariasis: potential association with bronchial asthma, and pneumonia among pediatric children. J Parasit Dis 2023; 47:93-100. [PMID: 36910311 PMCID: PMC9998777 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-022-01543-w] [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: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxocariasis is an underestimated geohelminthic infection which shows respiratory changes concurrent with larval migration. The purpose of the present study was to detect Toxocara seropositivity in asthmatic and pneumonic children, and in turn to evaluate its association with the children clinical manifestations, laboratory test results, and sociodemographic risk factors. A total of 50 asthmatic, 50 pneumonic children and 50 healthy controls were subjected to stool analysis by direct wet mount and concentration techniques to exclude possible cross reactivity. Blood samples were collected for complete blood count and assessment of eosinophil count. Sera were examined for anti-Toxocara IgG antibodies, and measurement of total IgE level. Anti Toxocara IgG was detected in 27.3% (41/150) of the studied children. It was significantly higher in asthmatic group compared to controls (26%. p value = 0.033) and significantly highest in pneumonia group compared to both bronchial asthma group (46%. p value = 0.030) and control group (10%. p value = 0.001). There was a significant association between anti Toxocara IgG seroprevalence and each of eosinophilia, total IgE and both combined. Anti Toxocara IgG showed significant higher percentage in asthmatic children who recorded history of soil contact and pets contact as compared to control and pneumonic groups. Toxocara IgG seropositivity was highly associated with fever, cough, wheezes and dyspnea with statistical significance. Toxocara seropositivity has to be considered as a vital associated factor for asthmatic and pneumonic children, and eventually better to be considered in differential diagnosis by pediatricians. Further studies are still needed to explore the correlation between toxocariasis and different patient categories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wegdan M. Abd El Wahab
- Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Mona I. Ali
- Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Shimaa S. Ibrahim
- Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Yasmen A. Mohamed
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Doaa A. Hamdy
- Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
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Lee Y, Song YS, Phi JH, Kim IO, Kim K. A case report of spinal toxocariasis with extensive tumor-like involvement. Childs Nerv Syst 2023; 39:811-814. [PMID: 36319863 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-022-05674-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxocariasis is a common parasitic infection worldwide. Although it can present as several clinical syndromes, neurological manifestation is rare. Only a few reports are available on spinal cord involvement of toxocariasis. We report a case that presented with gait disturbance due to progressive lower limb spasticity. The patient had had visceral toxocariasis infection 8 years before. A spine magnetic resonance image (MRI) showed syringomyelia along the entire thoracic cord with small nodular enhancing lesions in the mid-portion of the syrinx, which led to the suspicion of ependymoma. Surgical mass removal was performed. However, histopathological examination of the mass did not show any malignant cells; instead, there were numerous axonal retraction balls with an eosinophilic granular body-like appearance. The serum antibody titer against toxocariasis was borderline high. Taken together, these observations led to a diagnosis of Toxocara infection, and the patient was treated with albendazole. CONCLUSION To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of tumor-like spinal toxocariasis involving extensive lesions. A solid enhancing mass with accompanied syrinx and hemorrhage might be a Toxocara infection. It can easily be diagnosed with serologic tests and simply be treated with oral albendazole if suspected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeji Lee
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-Ro, Jongno-Gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Seop Song
- Seoul Gangnam Rehabilitation Clinic, 227 Seolleung-Ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 06275, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hoon Phi
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, 101 Daehak-Ro, Jongno-Gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - In-One Kim
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-Ro, Jongno-Gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Keewon Kim
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-Ro, Jongno-Gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
- Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-Ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
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Gray Wolf ( Canis lupus italicus) and Red Fox ( Vulpes vulpes) Parasite Survey in Anthropized and Natural Areas of Central Italy. Vet Sci 2023; 10:vetsci10020108. [PMID: 36851412 PMCID: PMC9963820 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10020108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal nematodes and protozoa and other parasite occurrences were evaluated in free-ranging wolf (Canis lupus italicus) and red fox (Vulpes vulpes) populations from natural and anthropized areas of Central Italy. Analyzed fecal samples were collected from 60 foxes and 40 wolves in the anthropized areas, and 41 foxes and 39 wolves in the natural areas. In foxes, hookworm infections (p < 0.0001) were more frequently recorded in the anthropized environment, while coccidia (p < 0.05) and Cryptosporidium spp. (p < 0.0001) were more frequent in the natural area. In wolves, a higher frequency of hookworms (p < 0.0001) was observed in natural areas, while coccidia were more common in the anthropized area (p < 0.05). Moreover, in the natural environment, trichuroid nematodes (p < 0.0001) were significantly more frequent in wolves than in foxes, while Cryptosporidium (p < 0.001) and Giardia duodenalis (p < 0.001) were more common in foxes. In the anthropic area, the occurrence of hookworms was found to be significantly higher in foxes (p < 0.0001), while trichuroid nematodes were more common in wolves (p < 0.0001). The obtained data are indicative of a different diffusion of specific parasite taxa in wolves and foxes living in the natural and/or anthropized environments examined herein.
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Osama MA, Dhawan S, Ranjan P, Singhvi S. Liver abscesses caused by visceral larva migrans: Aimless wanderer separated from the host. Trop Doct 2023; 53:183-186. [PMID: 35912514 DOI: 10.1177/00494755221116723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Visceral larva migrans (VLM) is a systemic zoonotic parasitic disease caused by migration of the second stage larva through viscera of humans. Despite being a foremost public health problem in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) such as India, larva migrans remains an untended zoonosis. Here, we report two cases of VLM who presented with fever and abdominal pain for a prolonged duration. On further investigation, marked peripheral eosinophilia with multiple confluent necrotizing eosinophilic granulomas were identified on histopathological examination of the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Ali Osama
- Department of Pathology, 28856Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, India
| | - Shashi Dhawan
- Department of Histopathology, 28928Sir Gangaram Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Piyush Ranjan
- Institute of Liver Gastroenterology and Pancreatico Biliary Sciences, 28928Sir Gangaram Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Suresh Singhvi
- Department of Surgical Gastroenterology and Liver Transplantation, 28928Sir Gangaram Hospital, New Delhi, India
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Walcher DL, de Sousa NFGC, Rocha LS, Mattos GT, Klafke GB, Scaini JLR, Berne MEA, Avila LFC, Scaini CJ. LARVICIDE ACTIVITY OF LACTOBACILLUS SPP. AND SACCHAROMYCES BOULARDII SUPERNATANTS ON TOXOCARA CANIS. J Parasitol 2023; 109:15-19. [PMID: 36805241 DOI: 10.1645/20-161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Experimental studies have demonstrated the potential of probiotics to control visceral toxocariasis, which is a tissue parasitosis that is difficult to treat. This study evaluated the in vitro activity of probiotics and their supernatants on Toxocara canis larvae. The probiotics Lactobacillus rhamnosus (ATCC 7469), Lactobacillus paracasei (ATCC 335), Saccharomyces boulardii, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Bacillus cereus var. toyoi were tested in the following preparations: probiotic (P) 1 × 102 to 1 × 109 colony-forming units (CFUs), inactivated probiotic (IP) 1 × 102 to 1 × 109 CFUs, supernatant probiotic (SUpP), and inactivated probiotic supernatant (SupIP). The probiotics and their respective supernatants were separately incubated with 100 T. canis larvae per well using microculture plates with RPMI-1640 medium for 48 hr at 37 C and 5% CO2. The evaluation of the in vitro tests was based on the viability of T. canis larvae, through morphologic integrity, positive motility, and the absence of trypan blue stain. Only culture supernatants (SUpP and SUpIP) of Lactobacillus spp. resulted in 100% dead larvae, whereas S. boulardii showed larvicidal activity in T. canis >70%. The rest of the tests did not show larvicide activity. Therefore, it is important to investigate the supernatant effects of Lactobacillus spp. and S. boulardii in vivo on T. canis visceral infections, their mechanisms of action, and major metabolites involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- D L Walcher
- Post-Graduate Program in Parasitology, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel), Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil 96203900
| | - N F G C de Sousa
- Graduate Program in Medicine-School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil 96203900
| | - L S Rocha
- Graduate Program in Medicine-School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil 96203900
| | - G T Mattos
- Post-Graduate Program in Health Sciences-Parasitology Laboratory, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Academic Area of the University Hospital-FURG, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil 96203900
| | - G B Klafke
- Parasitology Laboratory, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Academic Area of the University Hospital-FURG, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil 96203900
| | - J L R Scaini
- Post-Graduate Program in Health Sciences-Parasitology Laboratory, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Academic Area of the University Hospital-FURG, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil 96203900
| | - M E A Berne
- Post-Graduate Program in Parasitology, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel), Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil 96203900
| | - L F C Avila
- Post-Graduate Program in Health Sciences-Parasitology Laboratory, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Academic Area of the University Hospital-FURG, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil 96203900
| | - C J Scaini
- Post-Graduate Program in Health Sciences-Parasitology Laboratory, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Academic Area of the University Hospital-FURG, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil 96203900
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Isolation and Production of Human Monoclonal Antibody Proteins against a Toxocara canis Excretory-Secretory Recombinant Antigen. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11111232. [PMID: 36364983 PMCID: PMC9698333 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11111232] [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: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxocariasis is a widespread zoonotic parasitic disease with a significant socioeconomic impact, particularly on underprivileged communities. Limitations of existing diagnostic tools and vague presenting symptoms may lead to misdiagnosis, thus underestimating the actual global impact of the disease. The present study describes the isolation and production of novel recombinant monoclonal antibodies against Toxocara canis recombinant TES-26 antigen (rTES-26) utilizing a human helminth scFv phage display library. The isolated antibody clones were characterized based on their gene sequences and binding characteristics. Three clones representing unique gene families (clone 48: IgHV3-LV1; clone 49: IgHV3-LV3; clone 50: IgHV6-LV3) were isolated, but only clones 48 and 49 showed successful insertion of the full-length scFv antibody sequence after sub-cloning. Both clones produced antibody proteins of good solubility and satisfactory yield and purity. Binding assays via Western blot and ELISA using rTES-26 and Toxocara canis native protein showed that both monoclonal antibodies were highly specific and sensitive to the target antigen. A preliminary antigen detection ELISA showed the diagnostic potential of the monoclonal antibody proteins. The proteins can also be useful in studying host−parasite interactions and therapeutic applications.
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Mesa-Arango JA, Olave-Velandia AM, García-Montoya GM, Isaza-Agudelo JP, Jiménez-Ruiz A, Alzate JF. Evaluation of new Toxocara canis chimeric antigens as an alternative to conventional TES-Ag for anti- Toxocara antibodies detection. Heliyon 2022; 8:e11144. [PMID: 36299519 PMCID: PMC9589186 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11144] [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: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Human toxocariasis is one of the neglected helminthiases and it is caused by the zoonotic roundworm species Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati. Diagnosis of human toxocariasis is based on the combination of clinical, parasitological, and epidemiological criteria, as well as serology tests that detect anti-Toxocara antibodies. Notwithstanding, due to the absence of pathognomonic symptoms and signs of the disease, serology is the key evidence to support a conclusive diagnosis. TES-ELISA is the most widely used serological test for diagnosis. However, cross-reaction of TES antigens with antibodies produced to other helminth antigens is a major drawback for its application in countries with high parasitic prevalence. T. canis recombinant antigens have been described as an alternative to native TES for diagnosis. Nevertheless, the selection of antigenic proteins is a complex process that requires validation. In this paper, we developed an eGFP carrier-based system to express and purify blocks of recombinant polypeptides of T. canis antigenic proteins. Intense cross-reaction polypeptides were detected by Immunoblot and avoided to finally produce a chimeric prototype protein. Additionally, a control chimeric protein that harbors the complete tested proteins was produced. Purified chimeric antigens were tested in ELISA and Immunoblot assays with 310 sera samples of negative and positive control individuals. Our results showed that chimeric rCHITC0 and rCHITC1 antigens (with sensitivities of 62% 58%, 38% and 16% in IB-rCHITC0, ELISA-rCHITC0, ELISA-rCHITC1 and IB-rCHITC1 respectively for OLMS) can perform better in terms of specificity (being 91%, 89%, 87% and 76% for ELISA-rCHITC1, IB-rCHITC1, ELISA-rCHITC0 and IB-rCHITC0 respectively for OLMS) than T. canis TES-ELISA (with 61% specificity), giving a higher signal with serum samples of infected individuals as well the possibility to discriminate false positive cases with other parasitic infections. Our data suggest that T. canis chimeric proteins, represent candidate antigens for phase II studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jairo A. Mesa-Arango
- Centro Nacional de Secuenciación Genómica-CNSG, Sede de Investigación Universitaria-SIU, Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Colombia,Grupo de Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Colombia
| | - Ana M. Olave-Velandia
- Centro Nacional de Secuenciación Genómica-CNSG, Sede de Investigación Universitaria-SIU, Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Colombia
| | - Gisela M. García-Montoya
- Centro Nacional de Secuenciación Genómica-CNSG, Sede de Investigación Universitaria-SIU, Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Colombia,Grupo de Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Colombia
| | - Juan P. Isaza-Agudelo
- Centro Nacional de Secuenciación Genómica-CNSG, Sede de Investigación Universitaria-SIU, Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Colombia,Grupo de Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Colombia
| | - Antonio Jiménez-Ruiz
- Departamento de Biología de Sistemas, Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan F. Alzate
- Centro Nacional de Secuenciación Genómica-CNSG, Sede de Investigación Universitaria-SIU, Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Colombia,Grupo de Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Colombia,Corresponding author.
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14
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Bazargan N, Lari AN, Borhani M, Fasihi Harandi M. Allergic asthma manifestations in human and seropositivity to Toxocara, a soil-transmitted helminth of carnivores: A case-control study and scoping review of the literature. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:920182. [PMID: 36250067 PMCID: PMC9556890 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.920182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a common respiratory disease affecting humans. Helminth parasites, including Toxocara species, have been implicated as predisposing factors of asthma. However, various studies present different findings on asthma-Toxocara association. Herein, we investigated the association of asthma manifestations with Toxocara seropositivity in a case-control setting on 248 participants (147 women and 101 men), with 124 healthy individuals as the control group and 124 patients known to have asthma based on the medical records of asthma clinics of Kerman University of Medical Sciences. Consequently, we presented a scoping review of all previous studies carried out on this topic, summarizing current findings and existing knowledge on this issue. Of 248 participants, 31 (12.5%) were Toxocara-seropositive, of which 19 (15.3%) were in the patient group and 12 (9.7%) in the control group. A significant relationship was found between asthma severity and age in Toxocara-seropositive individuals (P < 0.04). We found no significant relationship between asthma and Toxocara seropositivity. We identified 7,724 related records in three major scientific databases, NCBI PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The review of the literature showed that there are 80 published articles on asthma-Toxocara relationship with contradictory findings. More than half of the studies were performed in only four countries, namely, Brazil, the Netherlands, the United States, and Iran. The study population in 70% of the studies were children, and few studies investigated asthma-Toxocara association in adults. The most common study designs for investigating the association of asthma and Toxocara seropositivity were cross-sectional (35.0%), case-control (27.5%), and animal experimental (12.5%) studies. This study found no significant relationship between asthma manifestations and toxocariasis in a case-control setting. However, a scoping review of the current literature suggests that further experimental and field longitudinal cohort studies are required to elucidate the nature of asthma-Toxocara interaction in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasrin Bazargan
- Department of Pediatrics, Afzalipour Medical Center, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Azadeh Nasri Lari
- Department of Pediatrics, Afzalipour Medical Center, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- School of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Mehdi Borhani
- State Key Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Majid Fasihi Harandi
- Research Center for Hydatid Disease in Iran, School of Medicine Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- *Correspondence: Majid Fasihi Harandi ;
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Skulinová K, Novák J, Kolářová L, Kašný M. Antigenic Proteins from the Excretory-Secretory Products of Toxocara canis Larvae and Evaluation of Their Potential for Immunodiagnostics of Larval Toxocarosis. Acta Parasitol 2022; 67:705-713. [PMID: 35028880 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-021-00485-2] [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: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Larval toxocarosis is a zoonosis caused by larvae of Toxocara canis and T. cati, a gastrointestinal nematode of canids and felids, respectively. Diagnosis is usually performed by ELISA IgG using Toxocara excretory-secretory products as an antigen. Due to laboriousness of isolation of the products and subsequent process of standardization of antigenic compounds, routine use of this method is limited and can produce inaccurate diagnostical results. The purpose of this study was to discover new specific antigenic proteins that could be used in routine serological methods of larval toxocarosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Toxocara excretory-secretory products were collected and separated by SDS-PAGE. Proteins from the gel were electro-transferred to a membrane and incubated with mouse sera. Antigenic proteins were analyzed using the liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry approach. Selected proteins were prepared in recombinant form and tested with mice and human sera by ELISA and Western blot. RESULTS A total of four recombinant protein antigens were prepared (rTc-TES-26, rTc-ASA, rTc-PDP, and rTc-ASP). They were analyzed by ELISA and Western blot using mice and human sera. For all sera, three of the four recombinant antigens correlated with Toxocara excretory-secretory products in ELISA analysis. By Western blot, the infection was confirmed in all experimentally infected mice and two out of seven human patients. CONCLUSION Combination of the presented methods and analyses represents a possible method of effective identification of Toxocara protein antigens for the purpose of routine serodiagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kateřina Skulinová
- Institute of Immunology and Microbiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Novák
- Institute of Immunology and Microbiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Libuše Kolářová
- Institute of Immunology and Microbiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
- National Reference Laboratory for Tissue Helminthoses, General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Kašný
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.
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Köchle BR, Garijo-Toledo MM, Llobat L, Sansano-Maestre J. Prevalence of Toxocara Eggs in Public Parks in the City of Valencia (Eastern Spain). Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9050232. [PMID: 35622760 PMCID: PMC9145089 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9050232] [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: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxocara spp. is one of the most common zoonotic geohelminths in the world. Its infections are associated with the accidental ingestion of contaminated soil and affecting, especially children. In this study, feces, and soil samples from 14 public parks in the city of Valencia were analyzed. The Telemann method and a modified version of a sieving technique were used to process feces and soil, respectively. None of the fecal samples and 10.9% of soil samples from five parks (35.7%) tested positive for the presence of Toxocara eggs. The most contaminated areas were the canine sanitary parks (30.8% of the samples), followed by socialization areas for dogs (9.7%); no positive samples were found at children’s playgrounds. Our results suggest that most pets in Valencia are periodically dewormed, although additional preventive measures should be applied, since the risk of infection exists probably due to the presence of stray dogs and feral cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belinda Rose Köchle
- Department of Animal Production and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Experimental Sciences, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, Calle Guillem de Castro, 94, 46003 Valencia, Spain;
| | - María Magdalena Garijo-Toledo
- Department of Animal Production and Health, Public Veterinary Health and Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Calle Tirant Lo Blanc, 7, 46115 Valencia, Spain;
- Correspondence: (M.M.G.-T.); (J.S.-M.); Tel.: +34-961369000 (M.M.G.-T.); Fax: +34-961395272 (M.M.G.-T.)
| | - Lola Llobat
- Department of Animal Production and Health, Public Veterinary Health and Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Calle Tirant Lo Blanc, 7, 46115 Valencia, Spain;
| | - José Sansano-Maestre
- Department of Animal Production and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Experimental Sciences, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, Calle Guillem de Castro, 94, 46003 Valencia, Spain;
- Correspondence: (M.M.G.-T.); (J.S.-M.); Tel.: +34-961369000 (M.M.G.-T.); Fax: +34-961395272 (M.M.G.-T.)
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Waindok P, Janecek-Erfurth E, Lindenwald DL, Wilk E, Schughart K, Geffers R, Strube C. Toxocara canis- and Toxocara cati-Induced Neurotoxocarosis Is Associated with Comprehensive Brain Transcriptomic Alterations. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10010177. [PMID: 35056627 PMCID: PMC8779660 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10010177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati are globally occurring zoonotic roundworms of dogs and cats. Migration and persistence of Toxocara larvae in the central nervous system of paratenic hosts including humans may cause clinical signs of neurotoxocarosis (NT). As pathomechanisms of NT and host responses against Toxocara larvae are mostly unknown, whole-genome microarray transcription analysis was performed in cerebra and cerebella of experimentally infected C57Bl/6J mice as paratenic host model at days 14, 28, 70, 98, and 120 post-infection. Neuroinvasion of T. cati evoked 220 cerebral and 215 cerebellar differentially transcribed genes (DTGs), but no particular PANTHER (Protein ANalysis THrough Evolutionary Relationships) pathway was affected. In T. canis-infected mice, 1039 cerebral and 2073 cerebellar DTGs were identified. Statistically significant dysregulations occurred in various pathways, including cholesterol biosynthesis, apoptosis signaling, and the Slit/Robo mediated axon guidance as well as different pathways associated with the immune and defense response. Observed dysregulations of the cholesterol biosynthesis, as well as the Alzheimer disease-amyloid secretase pathway in conjunction with previous histopathological neurodegenerative findings, may promote the discussion of T. canis as a causative agent for dementia and/or Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, results contribute to a deeper understanding of the largely unknown pathogenesis and host-parasite interactions during NT, and may provide the basis for prospective investigations evaluating pathogenic mechanisms or designing novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Waindok
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hanover, Germany; (P.W.); (E.J.-E.); (D.L.L.)
| | - Elisabeth Janecek-Erfurth
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hanover, Germany; (P.W.); (E.J.-E.); (D.L.L.)
| | - Dimitri L. Lindenwald
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hanover, Germany; (P.W.); (E.J.-E.); (D.L.L.)
| | - Esther Wilk
- Department of Infection Genetics, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany; (E.W.); (K.S.)
| | - Klaus Schughart
- Department of Infection Genetics, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany; (E.W.); (K.S.)
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Centre, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
- Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hanover, Germany
| | - Robert Geffers
- Research Group Genome Analytics, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany;
| | - Christina Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hanover, Germany; (P.W.); (E.J.-E.); (D.L.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-511-953-8711
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Borchard JL, Conrad NL, Pinto NB, Moura MQD, Berne MEA, Leite FPL. Acute and chronic immunomodulatory response mechanisms against Toxocara canis larvae infection in mice. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINÁRIA 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612022056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the early and late immunological modulation of an experimental infection of T. canis larvae in mice. Mice were infected with 100 infective larvae and euthanized at different period: 24, 48 hours post infection (HPI), 15- and 30 days post infection (DPI). The humoral response was evaluated by indirect ELISA. Quantitative RT–PCR (qPCR) was used to quantify the mRNA transcription of cytokines IL4, IL10, IL12 and Ym1 in the early and late infection periods. Infection with T. canis was able to generate specific total IgG at 15- and 30- DPI. Analyzing the IgG isotype revealed a significant differentiation for IgG1 compared with IgG2a, IgG2b and IgG3, characterizing a Th-2 response. Evaluating the gene transcription at the early phase of infection, higher transcription levels of IL10, IL4 and Ym1 and a downregulation of IL12 were observed. By the late phase, increased transcription levels of IL4, Ym1 and IL12 were observed, and downregulation of IL-10 transcription was observed. The data obtained suggest that during experimental infection with T. canis, the participation of the IL4, IL10, IL12 cytokines and Ym1 can play an important role in T. canis immunomodulation.
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Maciag L, Morgan ER, Holland C. Toxocara: time to let cati ‘out of the bag’. Trends Parasitol 2022; 38:280-289. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2021.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Inácio SV, Gomes JF, Falcão AX, Martins dos Santos B, Soares FA, Nery Loiola SH, Rosa SL, Nagase Suzuki CT, Bresciani KDS. Automated Diagnostics: Advances in the Diagnosis of Intestinal Parasitic Infections in Humans and Animals. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:715406. [PMID: 34888371 PMCID: PMC8650151 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.715406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasingly close proximity between people and animals is of great concern for public health, given the risk of exposure to infectious diseases transmitted through animals, which are carriers of more than 60 zoonotic agents. These diseases, which are included in the list of Neglected Tropical Diseases, cause losses in countries with tropical and subtropical climates, and in regions with temperate climates. Indeed, they affect more than a billion people around the world, a large proportion of which are infected by one or more parasitic helminths, causing annual losses of billions of dollars. Several studies are being conducted in search for differentiated, more sensitive diagnostics with fewer errors. These studies, which involve the automated examination of intestinal parasites, still face challenges that must be overcome in order to ensure the proper identification of parasites. This includes a protocol that allows for elimination of most of the debris in samples, satisfactory staining of parasite structures, and a robust image database. Our objective here is therefore to offer a critical description of the techniques currently in use for the automated diagnosis of intestinal parasites in fecal samples, as well as advances in these techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Valéria Inácio
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Veterinary Medicine, Araçatuba, Brazil
| | - Jancarlo Ferreira Gomes
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
- Institute of Computing (IC), University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
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El-Seify MA, Marey NM, Satour N, Elhawary NM, Sultan K. Prevalence and Molecular Characterization of Toxocara cati Infection in Feral Cats in Alexandria City, Northern Egypt. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2021; 16:270-278. [PMID: 34557242 PMCID: PMC8418653 DOI: 10.18502/ijpa.v16i2.6319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Background This study was performed to determine the prevalence and to identify precisely Toxocara spp., which infects feral cats in Alexandria, Egypt based on morphological and molecular approaches. Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out on 100 feral cats trapped from different areas of Alexandria during 2018. Adult male and female worms were recovered from small intestinal contents after euthanasia and dissection of cats. Distinct morphological features were initially determined using available keys, and then after amplification and sequencing of the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (nad1) gene was carried out and phylogenetic trees were constructed. Results Forty out of 100 cats were infected with Toxocara spp. Intensity of infection ranged from 1 to 9 worms/cat, with a mean of 2.27±1.6. All isolates were confirmed as T. cati based on morphological features and the sequence of nad1 gene. Results of the current study clearly show that Egyptian T. cati isolate examined herein is genetically similar to those recorded in other countries. Conclusion The current work revealed high prevalence of T. cati in feral cats in the study area. This is the first genetic study that confirms T. cati from feral cats in Egypt. In addition, it demonstrated the suitability and need of genetic markers such as nad1 for identification of Toxocara spp. Furthermore highlights the public health importance of T. cati in Egypt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Abdelnaby El-Seify
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt
| | | | - Neveen Satour
- Animal Health Research Institute, Alexandria Branch, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Nagwa Mohammed Elhawary
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt
| | - Khaled Sultan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt
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22
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Asadi N, Tappeh KH, Mohebbi I, Yousefi E, Khademvatan S. Screening of Cystic Echinococcosis and Toxocariasis in Urmia Municipal Workers, Northwest Iran. Infect Disord Drug Targets 2021; 21:220-229. [PMID: 32516106 DOI: 10.2174/1871526520666200609121400] [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: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Echinococcus granulosus and Toxocara spp., the causative agents of hydatid cyst and toxocariasis in humans and animals, are zoonotic infections with medical and veterinary significance respectively. AIM Herein, we aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of toxocariasis and cystic echinococcosis in Urmia municipal workers (gardeners and sweepers) in 2018 using ELISA assay. OBJECTIVE There is no precise report on the seroprevalence of toxocariasis and cystic echinococcosis in Urmia municipal workers using ELISA assay. Therefore, this study found an opportunity to investigate this subject. METHODS A total of 220 blood samples were obtained from municipal workers with an average age of 41.31 ± 9.42. Commercial anti-Toxocara canis and hydatid cyst ELISA kits were used to assess the seroprevalence rates. RESULTS Approximately, 14.5% and 2.3% of individuals were seropositive for toxocariasis and hydatidosis, respectively. Consuming unboiled milk and/or raw/uncooked meat and rural conditions are risk factors for toxocariasis. Regarding hydatidosis, consuming unwashed vegetables was the only statistically significant risk factor. Toxocara infection (p = 0.01), but not hydatid cyst (p = 0.05), is more prevalent among sweepers than municipal gardeners. CONCLUSION Due to the occupational condition of municipal workers, they are exposed to many infectious agents; thus, more researches should be done on these populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Negar Asadi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center & Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Khosrow Hazrati Tappeh
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center & Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Iraj Mohebbi
- Social Determinants of Health Center, Occupational Medicine Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Elham Yousefi
- Department of Medical Parasitology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahram Khademvatan
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center & Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
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Faure G, Goulenok T, Lariven S, Dossier A, Henry-Feugeas MC, Argy N, Papo T. Eosinophilic meningomyelitis caused by Toxocara spp. in a migrant coming from La Reunion. J Travel Med 2021; 28:6277043. [PMID: 34002237 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taab075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
A young man coming from La Reunion presented with headache, back pain, progressive urinary incontinence and gait instability. Blood cells count and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis showed eosinophilia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed thoracic myelitis. CSF and serum serodiagnosis for Toxocara were both positive. Eosinophilic meningomyelitis secondary to a toxocariasis was diagnosed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Faure
- Département de Médecine Interne, Hôpital Bichat, Université de Paris, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.,Faculté de Médecine site Bichat, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Tiphaine Goulenok
- Département de Médecine Interne, Hôpital Bichat, Université de Paris, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.,Faculté de Médecine site Bichat, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Sylvie Lariven
- Faculté de Médecine site Bichat, Université de Paris, Paris, France.,Département de Maladies Infectieuses, Hôpital Bichat, Université de Paris, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Antoine Dossier
- Département de Médecine Interne, Hôpital Bichat, Université de Paris, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.,Faculté de Médecine site Bichat, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Marie-Cécile Henry-Feugeas
- Faculté de Médecine site Bichat, Université de Paris, Paris, France.,Département de Radiologie, Hôpital Bichat, Université de Paris, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Argy
- Faculté de Médecine site Bichat, Université de Paris, Paris, France.,Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Hôpital Bichat, Université de Paris, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Thomas Papo
- Département de Médecine Interne, Hôpital Bichat, Université de Paris, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.,Faculté de Médecine site Bichat, Université de Paris, Paris, France.,INSERM U1149, Paris, France
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24
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Menu E, Kopec L, Luciani L, Legrand S, L’Ollivier C. Measurement of the IgG Avidity Index in the Diagnosis of Clinical Toxocariasis Patients. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10091086. [PMID: 34578119 PMCID: PMC8468318 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxocara spp. are parasitic nematodes responsible for human toxocariasis, a common zoonotic helminth infection. The five main features of human toxocariasis are the classical ocular toxocariasis and visceral larva migrans syndrome, followed by covert toxocariasis, common toxocariasis and neurotoxocariasis. The diagnosis of toxocariasis is feasible by considering clinical symptoms, anamnestic history and serology laboratory results; however, serological criteria cannot be used to distinguish active Toxocara infection from past exposure, which is an area of much discussion in clinical practice. In this context, we developed avidity tests (ELISA and immunoblotting) and evaluated their clinical usefulness in distinguishing past from active toxocariasis. Our study involved 46 patients divided into two groups: “active toxocariasis” (n = 14) and “chronic toxocariasis” (n = 32). According to the avidity indices obtained for both the chronic and active toxocariasis groups, we proposed two thresholds: first, an AI lower than 32% supports an active infection; secondly, a threshold above 42% can exclude an active infection. In order to use this assay in routine clinical practice, however, is still requires standardisation with regards to the method and threshold values, which can be established through studies involving larger populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estelle Menu
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, 13385 Marseille, France; (E.M.); (L.K.); (S.L.)
- VITROME: Vecteurs-Infections Tropicales et Méditerranéennes, Service de Santé des Armées, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Aix Marseille Université, 13385 Marseille, France
| | - Lora Kopec
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, 13385 Marseille, France; (E.M.); (L.K.); (S.L.)
| | - Léa Luciani
- Unité des Virus Emergents (UVE), Aix Marseille Université, IRD 190, INSERM 1207, 13385 Marseille, France;
| | - Sophie Legrand
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, 13385 Marseille, France; (E.M.); (L.K.); (S.L.)
| | - Coralie L’Ollivier
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, 13385 Marseille, France; (E.M.); (L.K.); (S.L.)
- VITROME: Vecteurs-Infections Tropicales et Méditerranéennes, Service de Santé des Armées, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Aix Marseille Université, 13385 Marseille, France
- Correspondence:
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25
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Huang L, Sun L, Liu C, Li S, Zhang T, Luo X, Ding X. Diagnosis of Ocular Toxocariasis by Serum and Aqueous Humor IgG ELISA. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2021; 10:33. [PMID: 34323951 PMCID: PMC8322715 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.10.8.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Ocular toxocariasis (OT) is a worldwide ocular parasitic infection and is especially sight-threatening in children. Because of the clinical manifestation diversity, OT has frequently been misdiagnosed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of anti-toxocara immunoglobulin G (IgG) in intraocular fluid (IF) and serum in OT. Methods IF and serum were collected from patients with clinically diagnosed OT and non-OT uveitis. The level of anti-toxocara IgG was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The data were statistically analyzed in anti-toxocara IgG and the Goldmann–Witmer coefficient (GWC) between groups. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC ROC) was performed to assess the diagnostic value of serum and IF anti-toxocara IgG and the GWC. Results A total of 290 participants, 128 (44.1%) with OT and 162 (55.9%) with non-OT uveitis, were included in this study. The default serum anti-toxocara IgG cutoff value of 11 U had 72.1% sensitivity and 95.5% specificity. With the optimized cutoff value of 8.2 U, the AUC was 0.886 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.830–0.929, P < 0.0001), sensitivity increased to 80.2%, and specificity was 94.0%. With an IF anti-toxocara IgG cutoff value of 1.8 U, the AUC was 0.934 (95% CI = 0.892–0.963, P < 0.0001), sensitivity was as high as 88.4%, and specificity was 96.4%. Conclusions Our study proposes novel diagnostic cutoff values of serum and IF anti-toxocara IgG for OT, which are 8.2 U and 1.8 U, respectively. Translational Relevance This study will improve the accuracy of diagnosis in patients with OT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Limei Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chengxi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Songshan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoling Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyan Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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26
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Sandra Guadalupe B, Mario Noé M, Gustavo Esteban P, Norma Yvett G, Karina C, Alma Leticia C, Alan Eduardo H, José Guadalupe H, Álvaro P, Alejandro Gabriel G, Martha P. Detection of antigens and anti-Toxocara canis antibodies in children with different asthma severities. Immun Inflamm Dis 2021; 9:435-442. [PMID: 33559301 PMCID: PMC8127555 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Toxocara canis can produce or exacerbate asthma, and the detection of anti-T. canis immunoglobulin G (IgG) does not discriminate between recent infection or active larva migrans. In this study, we searched for T. canis third-stage larval antigens (L3 TES) and anti-T. canis antibodies in children with different severities of asthma, controlled or uncontrolled. METHODS A total of 145 patients with asthma who were previously diagnosed using the Global Initiative for Asthma guidelines were included. The asthma control was evaluated with the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed for the detection of L3 TES; IgG was detected using sera preadsorbed with Ascaris antigens (native kit), and a commercial kit (IgG) was used as the gold standard. RESULTS L3 TES was found in 2 patients (1.37%). One had L3 TES and anti-T. canis IgG, suggesting active larva migrans. In the other patient, only L3 TES was detected, likely because an infection had begun. The seroprevalence with the commercial kit and native kit was 6.2% and 17.93%, respectively. There was no significant association among asthma severity, ACQ and T. canis seroprevalence (p > .05). CONCLUSION It is possible to detect L3 TES in patients with asthma. Two complementary techniques that can determine the infection status with T. canis and rule out cross-reactions involve the detection of L3 TES and IgG using sera preadsorbed with Ascaris antigen. There was no significant association among asthma severity, ACQ and T. canis seroprevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bautista‐García Sandra Guadalupe
- Servicio de Inmunología y Alergia, Departamento de Consulta Externa de PediatríaInstituto Nacional de Pediatría (INP)Ciudad de MéxicoMéxico
| | - Martínez‐Gordillo Mario Noé
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Experimental, Subdirección de Medicina ExperimentalInstituto Nacional de Pediatría (INP)Ciudad de MéxicoMéxico
| | - Peralta‐Abarca Gustavo Esteban
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Experimental, Subdirección de Medicina ExperimentalInstituto Nacional de Pediatría (INP)Ciudad de MéxicoMéxico
| | - González‐Bobadilla Norma Yvett
- Servicio de Inmunología y Alergia, Departamento de Consulta Externa de PediatríaInstituto Nacional de Pediatría (INP)Ciudad de MéxicoMéxico
| | - Clavijo‐Sánchez Karina
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de CienciasUniversidad Nacional Autónoma de MéxicoCiudad de MéxicoMéxico
| | - Chávez‐Zea Alma Leticia
- Coordinación del Servicio Social, Facultad de MedicinaUniversidad Nacional Autónoma de MéxicoCiudad de MéxicoMéxico
| | | | - Huerta‐López José Guadalupe
- Servicio de Inmunología y Alergia, Departamento de Consulta Externa de PediatríaInstituto Nacional de Pediatría (INP)Ciudad de MéxicoMéxico
| | - Pedroza‐Meléndez Álvaro
- Servicio de Inmunología y Alergia, Departamento de Consulta Externa de PediatríaInstituto Nacional de Pediatría (INP)Ciudad de MéxicoMéxico
| | | | - Ponce‐Macotela Martha
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Experimental, Subdirección de Medicina ExperimentalInstituto Nacional de Pediatría (INP)Ciudad de MéxicoMéxico
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27
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Chieffi PP, Zevallos Lescano SA, Rodrigues E Fonseca G, Dos Santos SV. Human Toxocariasis: 2010 to 2020 Contributions from Brazilian Researchers. Res Rep Trop Med 2021; 12:81-91. [PMID: 34040480 PMCID: PMC8141392 DOI: 10.2147/rrtm.s274733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
This is a review of the published contributions made by Brazilian researchers between 2010 and 2020 on the natural history of human toxocariasis and the effects of human toxocariasis on nonhuman paratenic hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Paulo Chieffi
- Department of Pathological Sciences, Santa Casa Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Gabriela Rodrigues E Fonseca
- Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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28
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Abstract
Probiotics have been shown to reduce the intensity of Toxocara canis infection in mice. However, larval transmission of this nematode also occurs via transplacental and transmammary routes. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the Saccharomyces boulardii probiotic on the vertical transmission of T. canis in Swiss mice. The mice received 107S. boulardii colony-forming units per gram of food. The supplementation began 15 days before mating and was maintained throughout pregnancy and lactation. The animals were inoculated with 300 T. canis embryonated eggs on the 14th day of pregnancy. The presence of larvae was examined in the organs of the females and their offspring. The examined organs included the following: brain, liver, lungs, heart, kidneys, spleen, eye, skeletal muscle (carcass) and mammary glands of lactating females. There was a 42% (P = 0.041) reduction in the number of larvae transmitted to offspring in the group that received probiotic-supplemented food (GI). Additionally, there was a 50% reduction (P = 0.023) in the number of larvae found in the brains of lactating offspring in the GI group. These results reveal the potential of S. boulardii probiotic use as an auxiliary method of controlling visceral toxocariasis.
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29
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Sierra MF, Ricoy G, Sosa S, Colavecchia SB, Santillán G, López CM, Mundo SL, Sommerfelt IE. Humoral immune response of pigs infected with Toxocara cati. Exp Parasitol 2020; 218:107997. [PMID: 32946882 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2020.107997] [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: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Toxocara cati is one of the causative agents of human toxocariasis. Serological methods are used for diagnosis in paratenic hosts like humans but the humoral immune response triggered by this parasite is unknown. We characterized the humoral immune response to T. cati excretory-secretory antigens (TES) in pigs as animal model during the acute and chronic stages of infection. ELISA and Western Blot techniques were used to determine antibody response. Pigs were experimentally inoculated with 100,000 infective Toxocara cati eggs. Blood was collected at 7, 14, 21 and 28 days post-inoculation (d.p.i.) to assess the acute stage of infection and 90, 120 and 180 d. p.i. for chronic stage analysis. ELISA showed values higher than the cut-off of specific IgM and IgG at 7 d. p.i. with significant differences at 0 and 7 d. p.i. for IgM and at 14, 21 and 28 d. p.i. for IgG in the acute stage. Higher and stable levels were detected in the chronic stage. Western Blot showed bands from 102 to 38 kDa detected by specific IgM and IgG. More immunogenic bands were identified by specific IgG. In the chronic stage of infection a band near 31 kDa was the only band detected by IgM until 150 d. p.i. Specific IgG recognized bands between 102 and 31 kDa. This study demonstrates how the humoral immune response evolves in the acute and chronic stages of infection and provides evidence on the role of the pig as a paratenic host of T. cati.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Florencia Sierra
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Cátedra de Salud Pública, Av. Chorroarín 280, C1427CWO, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Gerardo Ricoy
- Servicio de Inmunología Parasitaria. Departamento de Parasitología, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Infecciosas Anlis "Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán", Av. Vélez Sarsfield 563, C1282AFF, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Sonia Sosa
- Servicio de Inmunología Parasitaria. Departamento de Parasitología, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Infecciosas Anlis "Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán", Av. Vélez Sarsfield 563, C1282AFF, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Silvia Beatriz Colavecchia
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Cátedra de Inmunología, Av. Chorroarín 280, C1427CWO, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Graciela Santillán
- Servicio de Inmunología Parasitaria. Departamento de Parasitología, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Infecciosas Anlis "Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán", Av. Vélez Sarsfield 563, C1282AFF, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Clara Maria López
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Cátedra de Salud Pública, Av. Chorroarín 280, C1427CWO, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Silvia Leonor Mundo
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Cátedra de Inmunología, Av. Chorroarín 280, C1427CWO, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - I E Sommerfelt
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Cátedra de Salud Pública, Av. Chorroarín 280, C1427CWO, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Kim HC, Hong EJ, Ryu SY, Park J, Cho JG, Yu DH, Chae JS, Choi KS, Park BK. Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Toxocara apodemi (Nematoda: Ascarididae) from Striped Field Mice, Apodemus agrarius, in Korea. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2020; 58:403-411. [PMID: 32871634 PMCID: PMC7462795 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2020.58.4.403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Adult ascarid worms from the field mice, Apodemus agrarius, were observed with a light and scanning electron microscope, and molecularly analized with 18S rRNA gene. In the scanning electron microscope, 3 prominent labia were present in the anterior end of male and female worms, but the interlabia and gubernaculum were absent. Scanning electron micrographs showed cervical alae as vestigial organs that looked like a slightly uplifted superficial sewing stitch. Total 6 pairs of post-cloacal papillae were observed on the tail of the male worms. The tail of female worms was blunt and conical shape with a spine-like structure, mucron. The eggs were sub-globular, coated with the albuminous layer and 73 by 82 μm in average size. The superficial pits of T. apodemi egg (mean 8.6×6.7 μm) are obviously bigger than those of Toxocara spp. The partial sequence of 18S rRNA showed the sequence homology of Toxocara canis (99.6%), Toxocara cati (99.4%), Toxascaris leonina (99.4%), and Toxocara vitulorum (99.2%). Conclusively, it was confirmed that ascarid nematodes, Toxocara apodemi, recovered from striped field mice in Korea are taxonomically conspecific relationship with genus Toxocara and genetic divergence from other Toxocara species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeon Cheol Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Institute of Veterinary Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24289, Korea
| | - Eui Ju Hong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
| | - Si Yun Ryu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
| | - Jinho Park
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonbuk National University, Iksan 54596, Korea
| | - Jeong Gon Cho
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonbuk National University, Iksan 54596, Korea
| | - Do Hyeon Yu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea
| | - Joon Seok Chae
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, BK21 PLUS Program for Creative Veterinary Science Research, Research Institute for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Kyoung Seong Choi
- College of Ecology and Environmental Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Korea
| | - Bae Keun Park
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
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Hernanz I, Moll-Udina A, Llorenç BV, Adan CA. Ocular Toxocariasis: Beyond Typical Patterns through the New Imaging Technologies. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2020; 29:1252-1258. [PMID: 32835578 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2020.1793370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To report five cases of ocular Toxocariasis (OT) in which ultrawide-field (UWF) imaging was helpful in diagnosis and assessment. OT is an underdiagnosed condition triggered by the ocular invasion of Toxocara larvae. Typical features are peripheral granuloma or endophthalmitis.Methods: A retrospective case series of 10 outpatients were studied by complete ophthalmologic examination and complementary tests. UWF retinal imaging, fundus autofluorescence (FAF) and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT) were retrospectively analyzed. Five patients with suspected OT were included.Results: UWF imaging and FAF was able to detect all retinal lesions in a single rapid capture. Two patients showed positive serology for Toxocara. An image suggesting the larva in the vitreous cavity was shown in one patient. Antihelmintic 15 treatment along with steroids was prescribed in two patients.Conclusion: UWF imaging and SDOCT provide a more efficient approach and follow-up in OT, raising final standards of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Hernanz
- Clínic Hospital of Barcelona, Clínic Institute of Ophthalmology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Moll-Udina
- Clínic Hospital of Barcelona, Clínic Institute of Ophthalmology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Biomedical Research Institute August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Belles V Llorenç
- Clínic Hospital of Barcelona, Clínic Institute of Ophthalmology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Biomedical Research Institute August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Civera A Adan
- Clínic Hospital of Barcelona, Clínic Institute of Ophthalmology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Biomedical Research Institute August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
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32
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Zhang S, Angel C, Gu X, Liu Y, Li Y, Wang L, Zhou X, He R, Peng X, Yang G, Xie Y. Efficacy of a chlorocresol-based disinfectant product on Toxocara canis eggs. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:3369-3376. [PMID: 32556502 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06769-2] [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: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Toxocara canis is a common parasite of dogs and can cause zoonotic toxocariasis in humans. As a part of control programs for this agent, optimized hygiene including chemical disinfection is considered essential in the prevention and control of zoonotic toxocariasis in humans. However, commonly used disinfectants at present mostly fail to inhibit the embryogenesis and viability of T. canis eggs. To this effect, the present study was designed to evaluate the effect of a chlorocresol-based disinfectant product Neopredisan®135-1 (NP) on embryonic development of T. canis eggs in vitro and to investigate the infectivity of exposed eggs by assessing larval establishment in a mouse model. Under in vitro conditions, NP at a final concentration of 0.25, 0.50, 1, 2, or 4% all exhibited significant killing effect on T. canis embryogenesis compared with the control eggs (P < 0.05), regardless of contact times (30, 60, 90, or 120 min). Such killing activity increased in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, with a maximum killing efficacy of 95.81% at 4% concentration and 120 min exposure time. Comparisons between low and high concentrations and between short and long contact times concluded that a protocol using the 1% concentration of NP with a 90-min contact could be the most suitable for practical application. Additionally, the lower larval recovery in mice inoculated with eggs treated by either 0.25 or 0.5% NP than that from their corresponding controls (P < 0.05) verified once again that NP had an adverse impact on the larval development of T. canis eggs even at a low concentration. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report the effect of the chlorocresol-based disinfectant NP on the embryonation and larval development of T. canis eggs, and the results presented here would contribute to environmental clearance and control of toxocariasis by providing an alternative disinfectant resource. However, it is highlighted that the clearance of the novel and existing sources of infection including larvated eggs in places treated with NP is not guaranteed and therefore continuous monitoring and additional disinfection are still required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Senzhao Zhang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211 Huimin Road, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Christiana Angel
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211 Huimin Road, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Sakrand, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Xiaobin Gu
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211 Huimin Road, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Yunjian Liu
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211 Huimin Road, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Yingxin Li
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211 Huimin Road, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211 Huimin Road, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Xuan Zhou
- Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ran He
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211 Huimin Road, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Xuerong Peng
- Department of Chemistry, College of Life and Basic Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Guangyou Yang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211 Huimin Road, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.
| | - Yue Xie
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211 Huimin Road, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.
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Fecková M, Antolová D, Zaleśny G, Halánová M, Štrkolcová G, Goldová M, Weissová T, Lukáč B, Nováková M. Seroepidemiology of human toxocariasis in selected population groups in Slovakia: A cross-sectional study. J Infect Public Health 2020; 13:1107-1111. [PMID: 32404252 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2020.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human toxocariasis is a cosmopolitan helminthic zoonosis caused by roundworms of the genus Toxocara. The study aimed at a cross-sectional analysis of seropositivity to Toxocara spp. in selected groups of population in Slovakia and an estimate of the risk factors of infection. METHODS For the detection of anti-Toxocara antibodies, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on an excretory-secretory (E/S) antigen of Toxocara canis was used. RESULTS The overall seropositivity to Toxocara in 1489 evaluated sera was 3.7%. The seropositivity of Roma children/young people (40.3%) was significantly higher when compared with all other analysed groups. Among adult respondents, the positivity of farmers and hunters (5.5% and 5.1%, respectively) was significantly higher (p<0.001) than in the other analysed groups (veterinarians and veterinary assistants, soldiers, students of veterinary medicine, and students of other universities). Analysis of infection risk factors showed that living in a rural locality, everyday contact with soil, and everyday outdoor activities (12.7%, 8.8% and 8.3% positivity, respectively) can increase the risk of infection, but the observed differences were not significant. CONCLUSION The results underline the importance of preventive measures and the need for improving of knowledge of toxocariasis among professionals, as well as the public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miroslava Fecková
- Institute of Parasitology of Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia; University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Daniela Antolová
- Institute of Parasitology of Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia.
| | - Grzegorz Zaleśny
- Department of Invertebrate Systematics and Ecology, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, C. K. Norwida 25, 50-375 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Monika Halánová
- P. J. Šafárik University in Košice, Trieda SNP 1, 040 11 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Gabriela Štrkolcová
- University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Mária Goldová
- University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Tatiana Weissová
- University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Branislav Lukáč
- University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Mária Nováková
- Catholic University in Ružomberok, Námestie A. Hlinku 48, 034 01 Ružomberok, Slovakia
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Toxocara species environmental contamination of public spaces in New York City. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008249. [PMID: 32369482 PMCID: PMC7228133 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Human toxocariasis has been identified as an under-diagnosed parasitic zoonosis and health disparity of significant public health importance in the United States due to its high seropositivity among socioeconomically disadvantaged groups, and possible links to cognitive and developmental delays. Through microscopy and quantitative PCR, we detected that Toxocara eggs are widespread in New York City public spaces, with evidence of significant levels of contamination in all five boroughs. The Bronx had the highest contamination rate (66.7%), while Manhattan had the lowest contamination rate (29.6%). Moreover, infective eggs were only found in the Bronx playgrounds, with over 70% of eggs recovered in embryonic form and the highest egg burden (p = 0.0365). All other boroughs had eggs in the pre-infectious, unembronyated form. Toxocara cati, the cat roundworm, was the predominant species. These results suggest that feral or untreated cats in New York City represent a significant source of environmental contamination. These findings indicate that human toxocariasis has emerged as an important health disparity in New York City, with ongoing risk of acquiring Toxocara infection in public spaces, especially in poorer neighborhoods. There is a need for reducing environmental Toxocara contamination. Additional rigorous public health interventions should explore further approaches to interrupt transmission to humans. Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati are helminth worms that infect dogs and cats, respectively. Infected dogs and cats will defecate thousands of Toxocara eggs into the environment. Humans are incidental hosts and are exposed when consuming contaminated soils via the fecal-oral route. After leaving the gastrointestinal tract, the Toxocara larvae will enter the vasculature and can migrate to any major organ system, including lungs, ocular, and central nervous system. Symptoms can range from mild muscle aches to severe asthma, blindness, and encephalitis. Humans are not definitive hosts of the parasite and cannot transmit Toxocara eggs to the environment or other humans. There is a need for research on the sanitary impact of Toxocara for both humans and animals, especially in large urban cities such as New York City. Poverty is also associated with higher rates of toxocariasis, with more contamination in poorer neighborhoods where animal control, deworming of pets, and less sanitary conditions exist. This study aims to understand further the disparity of lower socioeconomic areas having higher rates of contaminated parks and playgrounds, comparing the five boroughs of New York City.
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Ma G, Rostami A, Wang T, Hofmann A, Hotez PJ, Gasser RB. Global and regional seroprevalence estimates for human toxocariasis: A call for action. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2020; 109:275-290. [PMID: 32381202 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2020.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Human toxocariasis is a parasitic disease transmitted usually from dogs and/or cats that are infected with Toxocara species, and can be associated with a range of allergic, neurological and/or visual disorders. Recent epidemiological research has estimated that ~1.4 billion people worldwide, particularly in subtropical and tropical regions, are infected with, or exposed to Toxocara species, indicating that human toxocariasis is a neglected tropical disease. Here, we review recent research efforts, consider risk factors, discuss limitations in current seroprevalence estimates, and propose some future research directions towards improved awareness, surveillance, prevention and control of this neglected disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangxu Ma
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Ali Rostami
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Andreas Hofmann
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Peter J Hotez
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Departments of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology & Microbiology, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States; Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX, United States; Hagler Institute for Advanced Studies at Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
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Ikotun K, Sowemimo O, Chou CM, Ajenifuja K, Chuang TW, Asaolu S, Akinwale O, Gyang V, Nwafor T, Henry E, Fan CK. High seroprevalence of Toxocara antibodies in pregnant women attending an antenatal clinic at a university hospital in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2020; 114:301-307. [PMID: 31925444 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trz116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human toxocariasis is a neglected zoonotic disease and its impact on human health is underestimated. Studies investigating the occurrence of toxocariasis in pregnancy are very scarce in Nigeria. This study investigated the seroprevalence of Toxocara spp. antibodies as well as the possible risk factors in pregnant women who routinely attended an antenatal clinic in a university hospital in Ile-Ife, Osun state. METHODS Blood samples were collected from 413 participating pregnant women between October 2017 and February 2018. Epidemiological data were obtained through a structured questionnaire. The sera were screened for anti-Toxocara IgG antibodies by western blot technique based on Toxocara canis larval excretory-secretory antigens, targeting low molecular weight bands of 24-35 kDa, specifically for T. canis infection. RESULTS The overall seroprevalence was 92.49% (382/413). There was no significant difference in the seroprevalence rate of Toxocara spp. infection between pregnant women aged ≤30 y and those aged >30 y (91.63 vs 93.33%; OR 1.28, 95% CI 0.61 to 2.67, p=0.511). The seroprevalence rate increased with the number of miscarriages but there was no statistical significance (p>0.05). Moreover, no significant associations were found between Toxocara spp. seropositivity and other studied risk factors (p>0.05). CONCLUSION The high seroprevalence of Toxocara spp. in pregnant Nigerian women needs comprehensive health education regarding personal hygiene and how to avoid exposure to this parasite infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kemisola Ikotun
- Department of Zoology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Oluyomi Sowemimo
- Department of Zoology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Chia-Mei Chou
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing Street, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Kayode Ajenifuja
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology And Perinatology, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile - Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Ting-Wu Chuang
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing Street, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.,Tropical Medicine Division, International PhD Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,PhD Program in Global Health and Health Security, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Samuel Asaolu
- Department of Zoology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Olaoluwa Akinwale
- Molecular Parasitology Research Laboratory, Department of Public Health, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos State, Nigeria
| | - Vincent Gyang
- Molecular Parasitology Research Laboratory, Department of Public Health, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos State, Nigeria
| | - Timothy Nwafor
- Molecular Parasitology Research Laboratory, Department of Public Health, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos State, Nigeria
| | - Emmanuel Henry
- Molecular Parasitology Research Laboratory, Department of Public Health, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos State, Nigeria
| | - Chia-Kwung Fan
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing Street, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.,Tropical Medicine Division, International PhD Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,PhD Program in Global Health and Health Security, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Viñas M, Postigo I, Suñén E, Martínez J. Urticaria and silent parasitism by Ascaridoidea: Component-resolved diagnosis reinforces the significance of this association. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008177. [PMID: 32243436 PMCID: PMC7170265 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Urticaria remains a major problem in terms of aetiology, investigation, and management, and although parasitic diseases are considered potential causes, the absence of a consistent link between parasitic infections and skin allergy symptoms leads to the need for a deeper study of parameters that support this association. The objectives of this study were to analyse a possible relationship between parasitism by Ascarididae (Toxocara canis and Anisakis simplex) and the clinical expression of urticaria and to identify possible parasitic molecular markers for improving the diagnosis of unknown urticaria aetiology. The prevalence of Toxocara and Anisakis infestations was evaluated by measuring the levels of specific IgG (sIgG) and IgE (sIgE) antibodies against crude extracts and isolated components from whole larvae of Anisakis simplex (Ani s 1, Ani s 3 and Ani s 7) and Toxocara canis (TES-120, TES-70, TES-32 and TES-26) using immunologic and molecular diagnostic methods. A cross-sectional study was performed in a group of 400 individuals. The study group consisted of 95 patients diagnosed with urticaria (55 with chronic urticaria and 40 with acute urticaria). A control group consisted of 305 subjects without urticaria (182 diagnosed with respiratory allergy and 123 without allergy). Statistically significant differences were demonstrated in the seroprevalence of specific IgG and IgE antibodies between the urticaria patients and the healthy general population when isolated ascarid antigens were evaluated. The prevalence of IgG antibodies against Ani s 1, IgE antibodies against TES-120 and IgE antibodies against TES-70 were significantly different between the control individuals (healthy general population) and patients with urticaria. Moreover, the urticaria patient group demonstrated a higher seroprevalence of antibodies (sIgE and sIgG) against Anisakis simplex larva whole extract than the control group but just with statistically diferences when sIgE was evaluated. The presence of IgE and/or IgG antibodies against Ani s 3 (tropomyosin) can help to discriminate between patients with and without urticaria. Both ascarids seem to be associated with urticaria, although in our region, Anisakis seems to have greater involvement than Toxocara in this relationship. Molecular diagnostics can be used to associate urticaria with parasite infestations. Tropomyosin and Ani s 1 were the most relevant markers to demonstrate the association between urticaria and the most relevant Ascarididae parasites in our region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Viñas
- Allergy Service, Hospital de Terrassa, Consorci Sanitari de Terrassa, Carretera de Torrebonica, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Idoia Postigo
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Allergy, Research Center Lascaray, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, University of the Basque Country, Faculty of Pharmacy, Paseo de la Universidad, Vitoria, Spain
| | - Ester Suñén
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Allergy, Research Center Lascaray, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, University of the Basque Country, Faculty of Pharmacy, Paseo de la Universidad, Vitoria, Spain
| | - Jorge Martínez
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Allergy, Research Center Lascaray, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, University of the Basque Country, Faculty of Pharmacy, Paseo de la Universidad, Vitoria, Spain
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Seroprevalence of Larval Toxocarosis in the Czech Republic. Acta Parasitol 2020; 65:68-76. [PMID: 31586285 DOI: 10.2478/s11686-019-00121-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Larval toxocarosis (LT), a zoonotic disease transmitted by dogs, cats, and other carnivores, is caused by roundworms of the genus Toxocara. Humans become infected by ingesting embryonated eggs of this parasite. In this study, we present data on the seroprevalence of LT in the Czech Republic collected by the National Reference Laboratory for Tissue Helminthoses in 2012-2016. METHODS Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, a total of 4428 adults and children with or without clinical symptoms were examined for the presence of IgG antibodies against Toxocara canis excretory-secretory antigens. RESULTS Of all the persons examined, specific Toxocara antibodies were detected in 160 (3.6%) individuals. There were, however, significant differences between various regions, with seropositivity rates ranging from 1.4 to 7.5%. CONCLUSION In comparison to studies from 1998 and 2004, our results suggest a decrease in overall Toxocara seroprevalence in the Czech population, whereby the rates are similar to or even lower than rates in some other Central European countries.
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Abstract
Toxocara canis and T. cati are among the most widely distributed helminthic species in the world with a high zoonotic impact. Millions of people are infecteda and hundreds of thousands are suffering from toxocarosis, a disease encompassing four different entities: larva migrans visceralis (VLM) syndrome, ocular larva migrans (OLM) syndrome, covert toxocarosis (covT), common toxocarosis (comT) and neurotoxocarosis (NT). Toxocara infections in humans may remain clinically inapparent but may also induce severe diseases. This contribution gives a synoptic overview of the most important historical, clinical, diagnostic and therapeutical aspects of toxocarosis in humans.
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Noordin R, Yunus MH, Tan Farrizam SN, Arifin N. Serodiagnostic methods for diagnosing larval toxocariasis. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2020; 109:131-152. [PMID: 32381194 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2020.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Toxocariasis is a human infection primarily caused by larvae of Toxocara canis from dogs, and also by T. cati from cats. Children have a more significant risk of acquiring the infection due to their closer contact with pets, and greater chances of ingesting soil. Diagnosis of toxocariasis is based on clinical, epidemiological, and serological data. Indirect IgG ELISA is a widely used serodiagnostic method for toxocariasis, with native T. canis TES most commonly used as the antigen. Western blots, using the same antigen, can be used to confirm positive ELISA findings to reduce false-positive results. Improvements in Toxocara serodiagnosis include the use of recombinant TES antigens, simpler and more rapid assay formats, and IgG4 subclass detection. Also, incorporation of recombinant T. cati TES protein increases the diagnostic sensitivity. Development of antigen detection tests using polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies, nanobodies, or aptamers can complement the antibody detection assays, and enhance the effectiveness of the serodiagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahmah Noordin
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.
| | - Muhammad Hafiznur Yunus
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Siti Naqiuyah Tan Farrizam
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Norsyahida Arifin
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
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Strube C, Waindok P, Raulf MK, Springer A. Toxocara-induced neural larva migrans (neurotoxocarosis) in rodent model hosts. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2020; 109:189-218. [PMID: 32381198 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2020.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Neural larva migrans (NLM), or neurotoxocarosis, induced by Toxocara canis or Toxocara cati results from migrating and persisting larvae in the central nervous system of paratenic hosts, including humans. As the diagnosis of NLM in humans is not straightforward, most knowledge on the disease is derived from only a few published clinical cases. To improve our understanding of human NLM, studies on the pathogenesis and clinical symptoms in laboratory animal model systems are indispensable, and rodents have been accepted as the most appropriate model organisms for NLM. As research has mostly focused on neuroinvasive T. canis-larvae, information regarding the pathogenesis of T. cati-induced NLM remains scarce. This review summarises the current state of knowledge on neuroinvasion by both T. canis and T. cati in different rodent model hosts, the resulting behavioural changes, and histopathological alterations during the course of NLM as well as the potential molecular pathogenic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hanover, Germany.
| | - Patrick Waindok
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hanover, Germany
| | - Marie-Kristin Raulf
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hanover, Germany; Immunology Unit & Research Centre for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hanover, Germany
| | - Andrea Springer
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hanover, Germany
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Nijsse R, Overgaauw P, Ploeger H, Mughini-Gras L. Sources of environmental contamination with Toxocara spp.: An omnipresent parasite. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2020; 109:585-614. [PMID: 32381219 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2020.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Embryonated Toxocara eggs in the environment are considered to be the most important source of human toxocariasis. These eggs, however, are also a source of infection for the definitive and paratenic hosts. Most available literature focuses on Toxocara canis in dogs, or other canids. There are, however, other Toxocara species with their accompanying definitive hosts. Results from studies that modelled patent infections in dogs, cats and foxes show that although dogs are a very important source for environmental contamination with Toxocara eggs, other sources cannot be ignored. For a good understanding of the relative contributions of different definitive hosts to environmental contamination with Toxocara eggs, computational models should be built and fed with data from different fields of expertise as is discussed in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rolf Nijsse
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Paul Overgaauw
- Division of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Harm Ploeger
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lapo Mughini-Gras
- Division of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands; National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
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Adeel AA. Seroepidemiology of human toxocariasis in North Africa. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2020; 109:501-534. [PMID: 32381215 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2020.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Seroprevalence studies on human toxocariasis help to assess the burden and the morbidity associated with this zoonosis. This review searched the seroprevalence studies and case reports in six North African countries: Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Sudan and Tunisia, since 1990. The search also included studies on the environmental factors related to the risk of transmission. Most of the published epidemiological studies were done in Egypt. Cross-sectional and case-control studies in Egypt demonstrated that toxocariasis is a significant zoonosis that could be associated with conditions like bronchial asthma allergies and certain neuropsychiatric disorders. The population at risk of this infection includes all ages, both genders, in contact with dogs, resident in rural areas with poor housing conditions. The publications from Tunisia, Morocco and Algeria are limited to case reports and retrospective analyses of cases, but the disease is probably under-diagnosed in these three countries. There are no published reports on human toxocariasis in Libya and Sudan during the period covered by the review. Animal studies confirm high infection rates of dogs with Toxocara canis in North Africa. There is also evidence of wide-spread contamination of soil and water with Toxocara spp. eggs. Moreover, the use of untreated wastewater for irrigation in parts of North Africa could be a source of contamination of agricultural products with eggs of Toxocara spp. Population-based studies on human toxocariasis are recommended, using standardized diagnostic tests. These surveys should also assess risk factors to guide preventive measures.
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Fan CK. Pathogenesis of cerebral toxocariasis and neurodegenerative diseases. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2020; 109:233-259. [PMID: 32381200 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2020.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Toxocara canis belongs to one of zoonotic parasites that commonly infects canines worldwide, and its eggs in host faeces may contaminate the food, water, soil and their fur as well as the larvae entrapped in the granuloma can infect paratenic hosts including mice and humans. Survivability of T. canis embryonated eggs under moist, cool conditions may be as long as 2-4 years or more. In paratenic hosts such as mice and humans, T. canis L3 larvae neither moult, grow, nor replicate and will wander through a number of internal organs in humans so as to cause Th2-dominant pathology in various internal organs as leading to neurotoxocariasis (NT), ocular toxocariasis (OT), or visceral larva migrans (VLM). Although the systemic immune response to T. canis has been widely reported, the immune response in the brain has received little attention. Differential cytokine expression and other brain injury-associated biomarkers or neurodegeneration-associated factors have been observed in infected versus uninfected outbred and inbred mice. Preliminary data have also suggested a possible link between significant memory impairment and cytokine production associated with T. canis infection in the hippocampus which has been long recognised as being responsible for learning and memory functions. Notably, it remains an enigma concerning cerebral invasion by T. canis larvae rarely induces a recognisable neurological syndrome or its involvement in neuropathological disorders in humans. Exploration of the relationship between host and parasite in the brain may elucidate the cryptic symptoms of human cerebral toxocariasis, with patients presenting with mental retardation, epilepsy, neurodegeneration and other central nervous system (CNS) disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Kwung Fan
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Research Center of International Tropical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Tropical Medicine Division, International PhD Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Electrochemical microfluidic immunosensor based on TES-AuNPs@Fe3O4 and CMK-8 for IgG anti-Toxocara canis determination. Anal Chim Acta 2020; 1096:120-129. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2019.10.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Mazur-Melewska K, Mania A, Sluzewski W, Figlerowicz M. Clinical pathology of larval toxocariasis. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2020; 109:153-163. [PMID: 32381195 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2020.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Human toxocariasis is a worldwide helminth zoonosis caused by roundworms of the genus Toxocara. Toxocariasis is the most common helminth infection in many countries. Disease caused by Toxocara can be classified into five clinical forms: generalised, neurological, ocular, covert, and asymptomatic. The clinical pathology of toxocariasis largely depends on the form of infection, the intensity of the infection, the larvae localisation, and the age of the host. Because histological and molecular examination of toxocariasis is limited by difficulties in obtaining material to analyse, clinical diagnosis is often based on nonspecific tests, such as the detection of eosinophilia and hyperimmunoglobulinemia E (Hyper-IgE). Specific analysis uses an initial ELISA test to detect anti-Toxocara IgG and requires confirmation for all positive results via Western blot. This strategy does not distinguish between actual and recent infections, making the monitoring of disease a challenge for clinicians. Additional research will be required to distinguish active disease from the presence of recent infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Mazur-Melewska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Child Neurology, Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland.
| | - Anna Mania
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Child Neurology, Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Wojciech Sluzewski
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Child Neurology, Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Magdalena Figlerowicz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Child Neurology, Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
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Raissi V, Taghipour A, Navi Z, Etemadi S, Sohrabi Z, Sohrabi N, Getso M, Shamsaei S, Fasihi Karami M, Raiesi O. Seroprevalence of
Toxoplasma gondii
and
Toxocara
spp. infections among pregnant women with and without previous abortions in the west of Iran. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2020; 46:382-388. [DOI: 10.1111/jog.14184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Raissi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Public HealthTehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Ali Taghipour
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical SciencesTarbiat Modares University Tehran Iran
| | - Zahra Navi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Public HealthTehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Soudabeh Etemadi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of MedicineZahedan University of Medical Sciences Zahedan Iran
| | - Zahra Sohrabi
- Student Research Committee, School of Nursing and MidwiferyIsfahan University of Medical Sciences Isfahan Iran
| | - Nasrin Sohrabi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of MedicineTehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Muhammad Getso
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Public HealthTehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Health SciencesBayero University Kano Nigeria
| | - Sina Shamsaei
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of MedicineIran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Maryam Fasihi Karami
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of MedicineJondi Shapour University of Medical Sciences Ahvaz Iran
| | - Omid Raiesi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Public HealthTehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Allied Medical SciencesIlam University of Medical Sciences Ilam Iran
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Prevalence of Toxocara and Toxascaris infection among human and animals in Iran with meta-analysis approach. BMC Infect Dis 2020; 20:20. [PMID: 31910815 PMCID: PMC6947998 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-020-4759-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxocariasis is a worldwide zoonotic parasitic disease caused by species of Toxocara and Toxascaris, common in dogs and cats. Herein, a meta-analysis was contrived to assess the prevalence of Toxocara/Toxascaris in carnivore and human hosts in different regions of Iran from April 1969 to June 2019. METHODS The available online articles of English (PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Ovid) and Persian (SID, Iran Medex, Magiran, and Iran Doc) databases and also the articles that presented in held parasitology congresses of Iran were involved. RESULTS The weighted prevalence of Toxocara/Toxascaris in dogs (Canis familiaris) and cats (Felis catus) was 24.2% (95% CI: 18.0-31.0%) and 32.6% (95% CI: 22.6-43.4%), respectively. Also, pooled prevalence in jackal (Canis aureus) and red fox (Vulpes vulpes) was 23.3% (95% CI: 7.7-43.2%) and 69.4% (95% CI: 60.3-77.8%), correspondingly. Weighted mean prevalence of human cases with overall 28 records was 9.3% (95% CI: 6.3-13.1%). The weighted prevalence of Toxocara canis, Toxocara cati, and Toxascaris leonina was represented as 13.8% (95% CI: 9.8-18.3%), 28.5% (95% CI: 20-37.7%) and 14.3% (95% CI: 8.1-22.0%), respectively. CONCLUSION Our meta-analysis results illustrate a considerable prevalence rate of Toxocara/Toxascaris, particularly in cats and dogs of northern parts of Iran. The presence of suitable animal hosts, optimum climate and close contact of humans and animals would have been the reason for higher seroprevalence rates of human cases in our region. Given the significance clinical outcomes of human Toxocara/Toxascaris, necessary measures should be taken.
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Kong L, Peng HJ. Current epidemic situation of human toxocariasis in China. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2020; 109:433-448. [PMID: 32381211 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2020.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Toxocariasis is a worldwide-distributed helminthic zoonosis, which mainly results from ascarid nematodes Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati. Humans become infected by accidental ingestion of infective eggs, raw or undercooked meat containing larvae. Keeping and contacting cats and dogs, and bad hygiene situations or habits are the main risk factors for Toxocara infection in China. The seroprevalence of Toxocara spp. is reported from 12.14% to 44.83%, and the overall seroprevalence in children was 12.14% in 1993 and elevated to 19.3% in 2015. Among the 103 cases reported in China during 1983-2019, ocular larva migrans (OLM), visceral larva migrans (VLM), and neural larva migrans (NLM) occupied 92.23%, 6.80%, and 0.97% of cases, respectively. The diagnosis of toxocariasis is mainly based on the history of exposure to infective eggs or larvae, clinical manifestations, laboratory examinations, and imaging studies. As most individuals who are infected with larval Toxocara, are unaware of their infections, patients with mild signs as described under covert toxocariasis (CT) can recover spontaneously, and treatment may not be necessary. Albendazole is the preferred treatment for patients with VLM; steroids, such as prednisolone combined with albendazole, are frequently used in treating patients with OLM, and surgery serves as an alternative treatment; thiabendazole is effective in treating patients with NLM. The true number of cases and prevalence of toxocariasis in China seems to be underestimated and neglected because of the lack of population-based epidemiological studies and insufficient clinical awareness of this disease, which are aspects that need to be improved by the Chinese government.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Kong
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hong-Juan Peng
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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Rostami A, Riahi SM, Holland CV, Taghipour A, Khalili-Fomeshi M, Fakhri Y, Omrani VF, Hotez PJ, Gasser RB. Seroprevalence estimates for toxocariasis in people worldwide: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007809. [PMID: 31856156 PMCID: PMC6922318 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Human toxocariasis is an important neglected disease. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis study to estimate the global and regional prevalence of anti-Toxocara serum antibodies (referred to as ‘T-seroprevalence’) in human populations around the world. Methods We searched five international databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, SciELO and Scopus) for seroprevalence studies published from 1 January 1980 to 15 March 2019. We used random effect models to calculate the overall T-seroprevalence (with 95% CIs) in all six WHO regions and worldwide. We also conducted subgroup and linear meta-regression analyses to evaluate the impact of socio-demographic, geographical and climatic parameters on seroprevalence. Results We identified 250 eligible studies (253 datasets) comprising 265,327 participants in 71 countries for inclusion in the present meta-analysis. The estimated global T-seroprevalence rate was 19.0% (95%CI, 16.6–21.4%; 62,927/265,327); seroprevalence was highest in the African region (37.7%; 25.7–50.6%) and lowest in the Eastern Mediterranean region (8.2%; 5.1–12.0%). The pooled seroprevalence for other WHO regions was 34.1% (20.2–49.4%) in the South-East Asia; 24.2% (16.0–33.5%) in the Western Pacific; 22.8% (19.7–26.0%) in the American; and 10.5% (8.5–12.8%) in the European regions. A significantly higher T-seroprevalence was associated with a lower income level; lower human development index (HDI); lower latitude; higher humidity; higher temperature; and higher precipitation (P-value < 0.001). Potential risk factors associated with seropositivity to Toxocara included male gender; living in a rural area; young age; close contact with dogs, cats or soil; consumption of raw meat; and the drinking of untreated water. Conclusions The present findings indicate high levels of infection with, or exposure to Toxocara spp. in many countries, which calls for increased attention to human toxocariasis and improved measures to prevent adverse health risks of this disease. There have been many epidemiological studies on the seroprevalence of Toxocara infection or toxocariasis in humans in individual countries, but there has been no systematic review/meta-analysis to estimate the extent of Toxocara infection or exposure in human populations worldwide. By reviewing 250 studies of 265,327 people from 71 countries, we provide the first comprehensive global estimates of T-seroprevalence in humans to date. The findings indicate that almost one fifth (19%) of the world’s human population is seropositive to Toxocara. The highest seroprevalence rates were found in Africa (37.7%) and the lowest in the Eastern Mediterranean region (8.2%). Individual countries with high HDIs and high income levels usually had low T-seroprevalence rates. Our findings also showed that T-seroprevalence varies markedly among countries, according to geographical location (coordinates) and climatic features. Evidence from this study indicates that human toxocariasis is a prevalent, neglected tropical disease and potentially one of major importance to global public health. Our study emphasizes the need for governmental authorities to pay increased attention to the risks and socioeconomic impact of HT in many countries around the world, and for them to design and implement HT prevention or control programs, considering risk predictors identified here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Rostami
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
- Immunoregulation Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
- * E-mail: (AR); (RBG)
| | - Seyed Mohammad Riahi
- Cardiovascular Disease Research Center, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Health, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Celia V. Holland
- Department of Zoology, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ali Taghipour
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Yadolah Fakhri
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health and Safety, Student Research Committee, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahid Fallah Omrani
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Peter J. Hotez
- Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, National School of Tropical Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, United States of America
| | - Robin B. Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- * E-mail: (AR); (RBG)
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