1
|
Eskandari S, Rashidimehr A, Mohammadi-Nasrabadi F, Mortazavi Moghadam FAS, Esfarjani F. Fresh Leafy Vegetables and Parasitic Contamination: Practical Solutions. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2024. [PMID: 38625020 DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2023.0148] [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: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed at investigating the parasitic contamination of fresh leafy vegetables in Tehran, Iran, during 2020-2021. A cross-sectional study was conducted and 180 fresh leafy vegetables (including leek, watercress, mint, spring onion, radish, basil, parsley, lettuce, and spinach) were collected randomly in the five regions of Tehran, Iran. Each 200-g sample was soaked with tap water containing detergent, and the obtained sediment was centrifuged and examined for parasitic stages using a light microscope. The overall rate of parasitic contamination was 19.4%, with Trichostrongylus and Toxocara eggs being the most prevalent parasites (3.9%) and the highest rate of parasitic contamination was observed in spinach (40%), whereas no contamination was found in spring onions. Except for radish, other vegetable samples had multiple parasitic infections. Due to the contamination of vegetables, it is necessary to have a suitable method to reduce the parasites. Consequently, policymakers should safeguard public health by consistently monitoring contaminants in food and prioritizing education and research on methods to mitigate their presence in the food chain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soheyl Eskandari
- Department of Food Science, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Food and Drug Laboratory Research Center, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azadeh Rashidimehr
- Department of Microbiology and Food Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Lorestan, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Mohammadi-Nasrabadi
- Department of Food and Nutrition Policy and Planning Research, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Faculty of Nutrition Sciences and Food Technology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Faiza Al-Sadat Mortazavi Moghadam
- Department of Food and Nutrition Policy and Planning Research, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Faculty of Nutrition Sciences and Food Technology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Esfarjani
- Department of Food and Nutrition Policy and Planning Research, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Faculty of Nutrition Sciences and Food Technology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Anuraga G, Lang J, Xuan DTM, Ta HDK, Jiang JZ, Sun Z, Dey S, Kumar S, Singh A, Kajla G, Wang WJ, Wang CY. Integrated bioinformatics approaches to investigate alterations in transcriptomic profiles of monkeypox infected human cell line model. J Infect Public Health 2024; 17:60-69. [PMID: 37992435 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2023.10.035] [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: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The recent re-emergence of the monkeypox (mpox) epidemic in nonendemic regions has raised concerns regarding a potential global outbreak. The mpox virus (MPV) is a smallpox-like virus belonging to the genus Orthopoxvirus (family: Poxviridae). Although studies suggest that MPV infection suppresses the Toll-like receptor-3- and tumor necrosis factor-α-related signaling pathways, whether MPV regulates other immune-related pathways remains unclear. METHODS In this study, two distinct temporal patterns were used for establishing an MPV-infected human immortal epithelial cancer cell line (HeLa). These two durations 2 and 12 h of incubation were selected to identify the coregulated genes and pathways affected by MPV infection. RESULTS The use of the Gene Ontology framework, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome database, and MetaCore software yielded valuable insights. Specifically, various pathways were found to be enriched in HeLa cells infected with MPV for 2 and 12 h. These pathways included Notch, CD40, CD95, hypoxia-inducible factor-1-α, interleukin (IL)- 1, IL-6, phosphoinositide 3-kinase, nuclear factor-κB, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and oxidative stress-induced signalling pathways. Clusters and pathways of metabolism and viral replication cycles were significantly associated with the 2-hour infection group. This association was identified based on the regulation of genes such as HSPG2, RHPN2, MYL1, ASPHD2, CA9, VIPR1, SNX12, MGC2752, SLC25A1, PEX19, and AREG. Furthermore, clusters and pathways related to immunity and cell movement were found to be associated with the 12-hour infection group. This association was identified based on the regulation of genes such as C1orf21, C19orf48, HRK, IL8, GULP1, SCAND2, ATP5C1, FEZ1, SGSH, TACC2, CYP4X1, MMP1, CPB1, P2RY13, WDR27, PRPF4, and ENDOD1. CONCLUSIONS This study can improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology and post-infection sequelae of mpox. Our findings provide valuable insights into the various modes of MPV infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gangga Anuraga
- PhD Program for Cancer Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and Academia Sinica, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitas PGRI Adi Buana, Surabaya, East Java 60234, Indonesia
| | - Jilu Lang
- Peking University Shenzhen Hospital Cardiovascular Surgery and Department of Cardiac Vascular Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
| | - Do Thi Minh Xuan
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Hoang Dang Khoa Ta
- PhD Program for Cancer Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and Academia Sinica, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Zhen Jiang
- Emergency Department, Huashan Hospital North, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengda Sun
- Kaiser Permanente, Northern California Regional Laboratories, The Permanente Medical Group, 1725 Eastshore Hwy, Berkeley, CA 94710, USA
| | - Sanskriti Dey
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Sachin Kumar
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; Faculty of Biotechnology and Applied Sciences, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Ayushi Singh
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Applied Sciences, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Gagan Kajla
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; Faculty of Biotechnology and Applied Sciences, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Wei-Jan Wang
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, College of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Cancer Biology and Precision Therapeutics Center and Research Center for Cancer Biology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
| | - Chih-Yang Wang
- PhD Program for Cancer Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and Academia Sinica, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitas PGRI Adi Buana, Surabaya, East Java 60234, Indonesia; TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Desurmont MG, Bourdin A, Paris L, Toutée A, Faudi E, Fardeau C, Bodaghi B, Touhami S. Ocular Toxocariasis in Adult Caucasian Patients: Clinical Presentations and Treatment Outcomes. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2023:1-8. [PMID: 38133947 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2023.2295530] [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: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To report the clinical features and treatment outcomes in adult Caucasians with ocular toxocariasis (OT) and investigate their prognosis depending on their serological status. METHODS Retrospective observational cohort study (2016-2021) including consecutive adults with uveitis and positive western blot (WB) in the aqueous humor or vitreous. The presence of serum antibodies was not necessary for inclusion, allowing to compare the outcomes depending on the serological status. RESULTS Seventeen eyes of 15 patients were included. Mean age at diagnosis was 51.9 years. Vitreous inflammation was the most frequent sign (100%). Vitreoretinal tractions (41.2%) and chorioretinal granulomas (58.8%) were less prevalent. Atypical features were: spontaneous intravitreal hemorrhage (23.5%), exudative retinal detachment (11.8%), isolated macular edema (17.6%), papillitis (29.4%) and vasculitis (47.1%). Twenty percent of patients had a positive serum serology. Baseline clinical features did not differ statistically depending on the serological status; however, the degree of inflammation was numerically higher in patients with negative serology. Overall, macular thickness, anterior and posterior segment inflammation improved significantly after treatment with oral albendazole, systemic ± local corticosteroids. Vitrectomy (47.1%) was performed in case of persistent vitritis (62.5%), retinal detachment (12.5%) and intravitreous hemorrhage (25%). CONCLUSION OT has no pathognomonic sign and atypical presentations were not infrequent in this adult Caucasian cohort. Serum antibodies were rarely positive, stressing on the importance of ocular sample analysis, especially in case of atypical features. Serum antibodies may prove useful in forecasting the rapidity of inflammation clearance. Antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory treatment was safe and efficient in most cases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Gwenola Desurmont
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sorbonne Université, Pitié Salpêtrière University Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Alexandre Bourdin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sorbonne Université, Pitié Salpêtrière University Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Luc Paris
- Department of Parasitology, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Adélaide Toutée
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sorbonne Université, Pitié Salpêtrière University Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Emilien Faudi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sorbonne Université, Pitié Salpêtrière University Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Christine Fardeau
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sorbonne Université, Pitié Salpêtrière University Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Bahram Bodaghi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sorbonne Université, Pitié Salpêtrière University Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Sara Touhami
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sorbonne Université, Pitié Salpêtrière University Hospital, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
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.
Collapse
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.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Said A, Khattak I, Abbas RZ, Khan MK, Saleemi MK, Budke CM, Verocai GG. Toxocara canis seropositivity in different exposure groups in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Northwest Pakistan. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:1159-1166. [PMID: 36890297 PMCID: PMC9995258 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07816-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
Human toxocariasis is a highly prevalent zoonosis worldwide but is underreported in most countries. This study was conducted to evaluate Toxocara canis seropositivity in different exposure sub-groups located in the Mardan, Swabi, and Nowshera districts of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Northwest Pakistan. A total of 400 blood samples were collected from males 15 years of age and older with no animals, with livestock, with dogs and/or cats living in the house, and from butchers and veterinarians or para-veterinarians. Serum was tested using a commercial ELISA kit for detection of IgG antibodies against T. canis. Proportion seropositive was presented for each group and differences between groups were evaluated using the chi-square or Fisher's exact test as appropriate. Possible risk factors obtained through administration of a questionnaire were also evaluated for each sub-population. Overall T. canis seroprevalence was 14.2%, with a significant difference found between the seroprevalence of individuals with no animals (5.0%; 5/100), individuals with dogs and/or cats living in the household (8.0%; 8/100), individuals with livestock (18.0%; 18/100), veterinarians or para-veterinarians (24.0%; 12/50), and butchers (28.0%; 14/50) (p < 0.001). Significant differences in seropositivity by income bracket, education level, and working in the fields were found for some sub-groups. Study findings demonstrate that certain sub-populations, in Northwest Pakistan, may be at greater risk of T. canis infection. Development and implementation of targeted preventive strategies may, therefore, be needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arsalan Said
- Department of Parasitology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Irfan Khattak
- College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Rao Zahid Abbas
- Department of Parasitology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Kasib Khan
- Department of Parasitology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | | | - Christine M Budke
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Guilherme G Verocai
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Healy SR, Morgan ER, Prada JM, Betson M. From fox to fork? Toxocara contamination of spinach grown in the south of England, UK. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:49. [PMID: 36732821 PMCID: PMC9896772 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05674-8] [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: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati are intestinal parasites of dogs, cats and foxes, with infected animals shedding eggs of the parasite in their faeces. If humans accidentally ingest embryonated Toxocara spp. eggs from the environment, severe clinical consequences, including blindness and brain damage, can occur. Previous work has demonstrated the presence of Toxocara spp. eggs on vegetable produce grown in the UK, but only in small-scale community gardens. The aim of this study was to determine whether Toxocara spp. eggs are also present on vegetables grown on commercial farms in the UK, which supply produce to a greater number of people. METHODS A total of 120 samples (300 g each) of spinach (Spinacia oleracea) were collected across four farms in the south of England, UK. The samples were processed using a sieving approach followed by multiplex quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis. RESULTS Overall, 23.0% of samples were positive for T. canis (28/120; 95% confidence interval 16.7-31.7%) and 1.7% for T. cati (2/120; 95% confidence interval 0.5-5.9%). There was a statistically significant difference in the number of positive samples between farms (P = 0.0064). To our knowledge, this is the first report of the isolation of Toxocara spp. from vegetables grown on commercial farms in the UK. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study highlight the requirement for the thorough washing of vegetables prior to their consumption, especially those such as spinach which may be eaten without first peeling or cooking, and effective farm biosecurity measures to minimise access to farmland by definitive host species of Toxocara spp.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara R. Healy
- grid.5475.30000 0004 0407 4824School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Daphne Jackson Road, Guildford, GU2 7AL Surrey UK
| | - Eric R. Morgan
- grid.4777.30000 0004 0374 7521Institute for Global Food Security, Queen’s University, Biological Sciences Building, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast, BT9 5DL UK
| | - Joaquin M. Prada
- grid.5475.30000 0004 0407 4824School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Daphne Jackson Road, Guildford, GU2 7AL Surrey UK
| | - Martha Betson
- grid.5475.30000 0004 0407 4824School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Daphne Jackson Road, Guildford, GU2 7AL Surrey UK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Comparison of Transcriptomic Signatures between Monkeypox-Infected Monkey and Human Cell Lines. J Immunol Res 2022; 2022:3883822. [PMID: 36093436 PMCID: PMC9458371 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3883822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Monkeypox virus (MPV) is a smallpox-like virus belonging to the genus Orthopoxvirus of the family Poxviridae. Unlike smallpox with no animal reservoir identified and patients suffering from milder symptoms with less mortality, several animals were confirmed to serve as natural hosts of MPV. The reemergence of a recently reported monkeypox epidemic outbreak in nonendemic countries has raised concerns about a global outburst. Since the underlying mechanism of animal-to-human transmission remains largely unknown, comprehensive analyses to discover principal differences in gene signatures during disease progression have become ever more critical. In this study, two MPV-infected in vitro models, including human immortal epithelial cancer (HeLa) cells and rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) kidney epithelial (MK2) cells, were chosen as the two subjects to identify alterations in gene expression profiles, together with co-regulated genes and pathways that are affected during monkeypox disease progression. Using Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and MetaCore analyses, we discovered that elevated expression of genes associated with interleukins (ILs), G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), heat shock proteins (HSPs), Toll-like receptors (TLRs), and metabolic-related pathways play major roles in disease progression of both monkeypox-infected monkey MK2 and human HeLa cell lines. Interestingly, our analytical results also revealed that a cluster of differentiation 40 (CD40), plasmin, and histamine served as major regulators in the monkeypox-infected monkey MK2 cell line model, while interferons (IFNs), macrophages, and neutrophil-related signaling pathways dominated the monkeypox-infected human HeLa cell line model. Among immune pathways of interest, apart from traditional monkeypox-regulated signaling pathways such as nuclear factor- (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and tumor necrosis factors (TNFs), we also identified highly significantly expressed genes in both monkey and human models that played pivotal roles during the progression of monkeypox infection, including CXCL1, TNFAIP3, BIRC3, IL6, CCL2, ZC3H12A, IL11, CSF2, LIF, PTX3, IER3, EGR1, ADORA2A, and DUOX1, together with several epigenetic regulators, such as histone cluster family gene members, HIST1H3D, HIST1H2BJ, etc. These findings might contribute to specific underlying mechanisms related to the pathophysiology and provide suggestions regarding modes of transmission, post-infectious sequelae, and vaccine development for monkeypox in the future.
Collapse
|
8
|
Healy SR, Morgan ER, Prada JM, Betson M. First report demonstrating the presence of Toxocara spp. eggs on vegetables grown in community gardens in Europe. Food Waterborne Parasitol 2022; 27:e00158. [PMID: 35518124 PMCID: PMC9061247 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2022.e00158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxocara canis and T. cati are zoonotic roundworm parasites of dogs, cats and foxes. These definitive hosts pass eggs in their faeces, which contaminate the environment and can subsequently be ingested via soil or contaminated vegetables. In humans, infection with Toxocara can have serious health implications. This proof-of-concept study aimed to investigate the presence of Toxocara spp. eggs on ‘ready-to-eat’ vegetables (lettuce, spinach, spring onion and celery) sampled from community gardens in southern England. The contamination of vegetables with Toxocara eggs has never been investigated in the UK before, and more widely, this is the first time vegetables grown in community gardens in Europe have been assessed for Toxocara egg contamination. Sixteen community gardens participated in the study, providing 82 vegetable samples fit for analysis. Study participants also completed an anonymous questionnaire on observed visits to the sites by definitive hosts of Toxocara. Comparison of egg recovery methods was performed using lettuce samples spiked with a series of Toxocara spp. egg concentrations, with sedimentation and centrifugal concentration retrieving the highest number of eggs. A sample (100 g) of each vegetable type obtained from participating community gardens was tested for the presence of Toxocara eggs using the optimised method. Two lettuce samples tested positive for Toxocara spp. eggs, giving a prevalence of 2.4% (95% CI =1.3–3.5%) for vegetable samples overall, and 6.5% (95% CI = 4.7–8.3%; n = 31) specifically for lettuce. Questionnaire data revealed that foxes, cats and dogs frequently visited the community gardens in the study, with 88% (68/77) of respondents reporting seeing a definitive host species or the faeces of a definitive host at their site. This proof-of-concept study showed for the first time the presence of Toxocara spp. eggs on vegetables grown in the UK, as well as within the soil where these vegetables originated, and highlights biosecurity and zoonotic risks in community gardens. This study establishes a method for assessment of Toxocara spp. eggs on vegetable produce and paves the way for larger-scale investigations of Toxocara spp. egg contamination on field-grown vegetables. First report of Toxocara eggs on vegetables grown in community gardens in Europe. Toxocara also detected in the soil where these vegetables originated. Definitive hosts for Toxocara canis and T. cati frequently visit community gardens. Sedimentation method recovered the most Toxocara eggs from spiked lettuce samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara R. Healy
- University of Surrey, School of Veterinary Medicine, Daphne Jackson Road, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7AL, UK
- Corresponding author.
| | - Eric R. Morgan
- Queen's University, Institute for Global Food Security, Biological Sciences Building, 19 Chlorine Gardens, BT9 5DL Belfast, UK
| | - Joaquin M. Prada
- University of Surrey, School of Veterinary Medicine, Daphne Jackson Road, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7AL, UK
| | - Martha Betson
- University of Surrey, School of Veterinary Medicine, Daphne Jackson Road, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7AL, UK
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Human Toxocariasis in Portugal-An Overview of a Neglected Zoonosis over the Last Decade (2010-2020). Infect Dis Rep 2021; 13:938-948. [PMID: 34842719 PMCID: PMC8628915 DOI: 10.3390/idr13040086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxocariasis is one of the most widespread and important zoonotic parasitic diseases, although neglected. Data regarding human Toxocara infection in Portugal are almost absent. This article gives an overview of the situation of toxocariasis in Portugal over the last decade based on casuistic data. A total of 846 serum samples from individuals suspected of toxocariasis, collected from 2010 to 2020, were analyzed at the Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Sera were tested for IgG antibodies to Toxocara canis excreted–secreted larval antigens by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and counterimmunoelectrophoresis. Positivity was detected in 18.8% (159/846) [CI 95%: 16.3–21.6], with positives detected throughout continental Portugal. Overall, 59.7% of the positives were diagnosed in younger than 20 years (35.2% aged 0–9 years and 24.5% aged 10–19 years). Eosinophilia was the most frequent feature reported (27.7%). Pediatrics (41.5%) and Infectiology (25.8%) were the specialties with the highest number of positives. An average of 77 samples/year were received, recording a maximum positivity in 2012 (41.5%, n = 27/65) and a minimum in 2020 (6.4%, n = 3/47). These numbers may reflect the effectiveness of current preventive measures, highlighting the need to maintain public awareness to control this helminthozoonosis and promote a higher public health standard.
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
Human toxocariasis is a neglected tropical disease, which is actually global in distribution and has a significant impact on global public health. The infection can lead to several serious conditions in humans, including allergic, ophthalmic and neurological disorders such as epilepsy. It is caused by the common roundworm species Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati, with humans becoming accidentally infected via the ingestion of eggs or larvae. Toxocara eggs are deposited on the ground when infected dogs, cats and foxes defecate, with the eggs contaminating crops, grazing pastures, and subsequently food animals. However, transmission of Toxocara to humans via food consumption has received relatively little attention in the literature. To establish the risks that contaminated food poses to the public, a renewed research focus is required. This review discusses what is currently known about food-borne Toxocara transmission, highlighting the gaps in our understanding that require further attention, and outlining some potential preventative strategies which could be employed to safeguard consumer health.
Collapse
|
11
|
Excretory/secretory proteins of adult Toxocara canis induce changes in the expression of proteins involved in the NOD1-RIP2-NF-κB pathway and modulate cytokine production in mouse macrophages. Exp Parasitol 2021; 229:108152. [PMID: 34419413 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2021.108152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Dog roundworm (Toxocara canis) is the major causative agent of toxocarosis, a parasitic disease of both veterinary and medical importance. Knowledge gaps in fundamental and applied aspects hinder the control of this important zoonotic disease. To have a better understanding of Toxocara infection and host immune responses, mouse macrophages were exposed to excretory/secretory (ES) proteins released by adult worms of T. canis in vitro. The messenger RNA transcription and protein expression of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein 1 (NOD1), receptor interacting protein 2 (RIP2) and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) in macrophages were analysed using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot. The levels of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-ɑ), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and IL-6 released by the stimulated macrophages were analysed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. It was found that 20 μg/mL ES proteins of adult T. canis induced the expression of NOD1, RIP2 and NF-κB in mouse macrophages at both transcriptional and translational levels after 9 h of incubation in vitro. Incubation with 20 μg/mL ES proteins also modulated the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-ɑ, IL-1β and IL-6 by the macrophages. Taken together, ES proteins of adult T. canis appeared to be able to affect the macrophage NOD1-RIP2-NF-κB signalling pathway, which might play a role in regulating the production of proinflammatory cytokines. Further investigation of these aspects should lead to a better understanding of immune recognition of and modulation by Toxocara canis in host animals.
Collapse
|
12
|
Waindok P, Kann S, Aristizabal A, Dib JC, Strube C. Toxocara Seroprevalence and Risk Factor Analysis in Four Communities of the Wiwa, an Indigenous Tribe in Colombia. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9081768. [PMID: 34442846 PMCID: PMC8401469 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9081768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The life of the indigenous Wiwa tribe in northeast Colombia is characterized by lacking access to clean drinking water and sanitary installations. Furthermore, free-roaming domestic animals and use of yucca and/or manioc as a primary food source favor the transmission of soil-transmitted helminths, e.g., Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati, the roundworms of dogs and cats. Infection may result in the clinical picture of toxocarosis, one of the most common zoonotic helminthoses worldwide. To estimate the Toxocara seroprevalence in four different villages of the Wiwa community, serum samples from 483 inhabitants were analyzed for anti-Toxocara-antibodies. Overall, 79.3% (383/483) of analyzed samples were seropositive. Statistically significant differences were observed between the four villages, as well as age groups (adults > adolescents > children), while sex had no effect. The high seropositivity rate demonstrates the risk of zoonotic roundworm infections and potential clinical disease in vulnerable indigenous inhabitants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Waindok
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hanover, Germany;
| | - Simone Kann
- Medical Mission Institute, 97074 Würzburg, Germany;
| | - Andrés Aristizabal
- Tropical Health Foundation, Santa Marta 470003, Colombia; (A.A.); (J.C.D.)
| | - Juan Carlos Dib
- Tropical Health Foundation, Santa Marta 470003, Colombia; (A.A.); (J.C.D.)
- Departement of Medicine, Universidad del Norte, Barranquilla 081001, Colombia
| | - Christina Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hanover, Germany;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-511-9538711
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Systematic review and meta-analysis on the risk potential of zoonotic toxocariasis from soil contamination of public places in India. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2021; 24:100560. [PMID: 34024376 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2021.100560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Parasitic zoonoses despite of their potential threats to human health remain neglected especially in developing countries. Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati worms are considered important zoonotic parasites and the ability of their infective ova to sustain longer in suitable edaphic environments poses constant risk of infection to humans. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to highlight the burden and importance of soil borne toxocariasis in India. A total of 14 primary prevalence studies spanned over a period from 1985 to 2017 were included in this study. Due to expected variation between studies, a random-effects model was applied by using MetaXL add-on. The apparent prevalence based on the soil samples tested positive was found in the range of 2.11 to 31.0% while the weighted pooled prevalence was estimated as 11.26 (95% CI 07.59 - 15.54%). A high heterogeneity between studies (I2 = 93.39 and Q = 227.024, p = 0.00) confirmed the diversity of the populations under study. This meta-analysis highlights the need of more studies on soil transmission of zoonotic toxocariasis in India.
Collapse
|
14
|
Zou Y, Zheng WB, He JJ, Elsheikha HM, Zhu XQ, Lu YX. Toxocara canis Differentially Affects Hepatic MicroRNA Expression in Beagle Dogs at Different Stages of Infection. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:587273. [PMID: 33282932 PMCID: PMC7689213 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.587273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxocara canis is a neglected zoonotic parasite, which threatens the health of dogs and humans worldwide. The molecular mechanisms that underlie the progression of T. canis infection remain mostly unknown. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that have been identified in T. canis; however, the regulation and role of miRNAs in the host during infection remain incompletely understood. In this study, we determined hepatic miRNA expression at different stages of T. canis infection in beagle dogs. Individual dogs were infected by 300 embryonated T. canis eggs, and their livers were collected at 12 hpi (hours post-infection), 24 hpi, and 36 dpi (days post-infection). The expression profiles of liver miRNAs were determined using RNA-sequencing. Compared to the control groups, 9, 16, and 34 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) were detected in the livers of infected dogs at the three infection stages, respectively. Among those DEmiRNAs, the novel-294 and cfa-miR-885 were predicted to regulate inflammation-related genes at the initial stage of infection (12 hpi). The cfa-miR-1839 was predicted to regulate the target gene TRIM71, which may influence the development of T. canis larvae at 24 hpi. Moreover, cfa-miR-370 and cfa-miR-133c were associated with immune response at the final stage of infection (36 dpi). Some immunity-related Gene Ontology terms were enriched particularly at 24 hpi. Likewise, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis showed that many significantly enriched pathways were involved in inflammation and immune responses. The expression level of nine DEmiRNAs was validated using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). These results show that miRNAs play critical roles in the pathogenesis of T. canis during the hepatic phase of parasite development. Our data provide fundamental information for further investigation of the roles of miRNAs in the innate/adaptive immune response of dogs infected by T. canis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zou
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Wen-Bin Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jun-Jun He
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hany M Elsheikha
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, China
| | - Yi-Xin Lu
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Yousefi E, Rokni MB, Hazrati Tappeh K, Mohebali M, Khademvatan S, Zahabiun F, Kia EB. Seroprevalence of Toxocara Infection in Association with Different Risk Factors among Children of 4-12 Years Old Referred to Some Medical Centers in Aras Free Zone, Northwest Iran. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 49:1307-1315. [PMID: 33083297 PMCID: PMC7548479 DOI: 10.18502/ijph.v49i7.3584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Background: Toxocariosis is a parasitic disease caused by the larval stage of Toxocara species from dog and cat. It has a worldwide distribution with higher prevalence in children. This study aimed to determine seroprevalence of Toxocara infection and its association with some risk factors among children of Aras Free Zone (Jolfa City) in Northwest of Iran. Methods: Sera were collected from 514 children aged 4–12 yr old attending to some medical centers in the study area from May 2018 to Feb 2019. Anti-Toxocara IgG antibodies assay was performed using commercial ELISA kit (Nova Tec, Germany). The seropositivity rate was determined and its association with different demographic criteria and risk factors were statistically analyzed. Results: The overall seroprevalence was 2.3% (12/514). Risk factors of children’s age group and contact with either pet animals (dog and cat) and/or soil were significantly associated with seropositivity. However, there was not any relationship between Toxocara infection and gender of children, place of residency (urban or rural) and their mothers’ education level. Conclusion: Both girls and boys are at risk of Toxocara infection in the study area. Younger age of childhood and contact with sources of infection were important associated factors. More probably, additional criteria are involved in the initiation of infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elham Yousefi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Bagher Rokni
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Khosrow Hazrati Tappeh
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.,Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Mehdi Mohebali
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahram Khademvatan
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.,Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Zahabiun
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Eshrat Beigom Kia
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Hernández SA, Gabrie JA, Rodríguez CA, Matamoros G, Rueda MM, Canales M, Mergl R, Sanchez A. An Integrated Study of Toxocara Infection in Honduran Children: Human Seroepidemiology and Environmental Contamination in a Coastal Community. Trop Med Infect Dis 2020; 5:tropicalmed5030135. [PMID: 32842560 PMCID: PMC7559065 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed5030135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Infections caused by Toxocara canis and T. cati are considered zoonoses of global importance. Reports from North and South America indicate that human infections are widespread in both continents, but epidemiological information from Central America is still lacking. (2) Methodology: In the present cross-sectional multi-year study, we aimed to undertake the first seroepidemiological and environmental study on toxocariasis in Honduras. This included the determination of seroprevalence of anti-Toxocara spp. antibodies in children using a Toxocara spp. purified excretory-secretory antigens enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (TES-ELISA) and a confirmatory Western blot. As well, through statistical analysis including logistic regression we aimed at identifying relevant biological and epidemiological factors associated with seropositivity. The study also entailed detection of parasites' eggs in the soil samples both through Sheather's concentration method and a nested polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. (3) Results: The study was undertaken in a coastal community of Honduras in 2 different years, 2015 and 2017. A total of 88 healthy schoolchildren completed the study, with participation of 79% (73/92) and 65% (46/71) of the student body in 2015 and 2017, respectively. Thirty-one children participated in both years (i.e., dual participants). Through both serological tests, seropositivity was confirmed in 88.6% (78/88) of children. Due to the high number of seropositives, logistic regression analysis was not possible for most socio-economic and epidemiological variables. Eosinophilia, on the other hand, was associated with seropositivity, independently of other intestinal helminthic infections. Continued seropositivity was observed in most of the dual participants, while seroconversion was determined in 8 of these children. Microscopic examination of soil samples did not yield any positive results. Through nested PCR-RFLP, 3 of the 50 samples (6%) were positive for Toxocara spp.; two were identified as T. canis and one as T. cati. (4) Conclusions: This work documents for the first time, high levels of human exposure to Toxocara spp. in Honduras. These findings, along with the country's favorable epidemiological conditions for this zoonosis, emphasize the need for more research to determine whether this infection is underreported in the country.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergio A. Hernández
- Department of Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L3S 2A1, Canada; (S.A.H.); (J.A.G.); (G.M.)
| | - José A. Gabrie
- Department of Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L3S 2A1, Canada; (S.A.H.); (J.A.G.); (G.M.)
| | - Carol Anahelka Rodríguez
- Department of Parasitology, School of Microbiology and Institute of Microbiology Research, National Autonomous University of Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras; (C.A.R.); (M.M.R.); (M.C.)
| | - Gabriela Matamoros
- Department of Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L3S 2A1, Canada; (S.A.H.); (J.A.G.); (G.M.)
- Department of Parasitology, School of Microbiology and Institute of Microbiology Research, National Autonomous University of Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras; (C.A.R.); (M.M.R.); (M.C.)
| | - María Mercedes Rueda
- Department of Parasitology, School of Microbiology and Institute of Microbiology Research, National Autonomous University of Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras; (C.A.R.); (M.M.R.); (M.C.)
| | - Maritza Canales
- Department of Parasitology, School of Microbiology and Institute of Microbiology Research, National Autonomous University of Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras; (C.A.R.); (M.M.R.); (M.C.)
| | - Ronald Mergl
- Niagara Falls Animal Medical Centre, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6Z8, Canada;
| | - Ana Sanchez
- Department of Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L3S 2A1, Canada; (S.A.H.); (J.A.G.); (G.M.)
- Department of Parasitology, School of Microbiology and Institute of Microbiology Research, National Autonomous University of Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras; (C.A.R.); (M.M.R.); (M.C.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Chou CM, Fan CK. Seroprevalence of Toxocara spp. infection in Southeast Asia and Taiwan. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2020; 109:449-463. [PMID: 32381212 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2020.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Human toxocariasis is a worldwide neglected zoonotic parasitic disease and caused mainly by Toxocara canis, and to a lesser event, by T. cati. There are only 16 epidemiological studies and 5 clinical toxocariasis case reports in 11 Southeast Asia countries and Taiwan (SEAT) that were found by searching data from PubMed in the period from January 1992 to August 2019. The overall seroprevalence in SEAT varied from 3.9% to 84.6% chiefly detected by using T. canis larval excretory-secretory antigen (TcES)-based ELISA. Playing with dogs or contacting Toxocara eggs from the contaminated soil or vegetables or eating raw meats/viscera containing encapsulated larvae seem likely the major risk factors leading to human toxocariasis in SEAT. Nevertheless, undertaking comprehensive seroepidemiological studies to establish the baseline data and beware of clinical toxocariasis cases by physicians as well as establishing adequate serodiagnostic methods in detection of Toxocara infection, e.g., TcES-based immunoblotting method in helminth endemic SEA are strongly required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Mei Chou
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - 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.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Rostami A, Sepidarkish M, Ma G, Wang T, Ebrahimi M, Fakhri Y, Mirjalali H, Hofmann A, Macpherson CNL, Hotez PJ, Gasser RB. Global prevalence of Toxocara infection in cats. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2020; 109:615-639. [PMID: 32381220 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2020.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Zoonotic parasites, including Toxocara species, of pet and stray cats are of public health importance. Justification for, and the design and implementation of prevention and control of human toxocariasis may benefit from an understanding of the zoonotic potential and prevalence of parasites in this definitive host species. This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies, conducted to estimate the prevalence of Toxocara infection(s) in cats by geographical location, type (rural vs urban and stray vs pet), gender and age. Pooled data were assessed using a random effects-model as well as several meta-regression and stratified analyses conducted. Of 1733 peer-reviewed articles, 143 were included in this review and represented 2,158,069 cats from 51 countries. The global pooled (95% CI) prevalence of Toxocara infection in cats was 17.0% (16.1-17.8%), being highest in African (43.3%, 28.3-58.4%) and lowest in South American (12.6%, 8.2-17.0%) countries. In other WHO regions, prevalence rates of Toxocara were as follows: Eastern Mediterranean (21.6%, 15.1-28.1%), North America (18.3%, 15.4-21.2%), Europe (17.8%, 15.9-19.7%), Western Pacific (17.3%, 14.7-19.9%), and South-East Asia (14.9%, 9.8-20.1%). Prevalence of Toxocara was higher in low-income tropical countries and also in stray (28.6%, 25.1-32.1%) and young (≤12 months of age) (27.7%, 23.4-32.0%) cats than in pet (11.6%, 10.7-12.5%) and older cats (>12 months of age) (23.8%, 14.8-32.7%). This review indicates that ~118-150 million cats worldwide serve as definitive hosts of Toxocara, shedding eggs and thus contributing to the public health risk of human infection. Prevention and control of this zoonosis in cats should receive greater attention by health officials and cat owners, particularly in countries where risk factors and prevalence are highest.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Rostami
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
| | - Mahdi Sepidarkish
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Guangxu Ma
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Maryam Ebrahimi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yadolah Fakhri
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Student Research Committee, School of Public Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Mirjalali
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Andreas Hofmann
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Calum N L Macpherson
- School of Graduate Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George's University, WINDREF, Grenada, West Indies
| | - 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
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Rostami A, Riahi SM, Hofmann A, Ma G, Wang T, Behniafar H, Taghipour A, Fakhri Y, Spotin A, Chang BCH, Macpherson CNL, Hotez PJ, Gasser RB. Global prevalence of Toxocara infection in dogs. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2020; 109:561-583. [PMID: 32381218 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2020.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Dogs serve as the most important definitive hosts for Toxocara canis-a causative agent of human toxocariasis and one of the most widespread zoonotic helminth worldwide. The present study was undertaken to assess the global prevalence of T. canis infection in dogs. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE and SciELO were searched to identify relevant studies. A random-effects model was used to estimate the overall and the subgroup-pooled prevalences across studies, and heterogeneity was assessed via the I2 test. The data were categorized according to WHO-region, different types of dogs, risk factors and environmental variables. From a total of 4370 peer-reviewed publications, 229 articles that studied 13,010,004 dogs in 60 countries met the final inclusion criteria. The overall prevalence of Toxocara infection in dogs was 11.1% (95% CI, 10.6-11.7%). The estimated prevalence in the different WHO-regions ranged from 6.4% to 19.2%: Eastern Mediterranean (19.2%, 13.7-25.5%), Africa (18.5%, 13.7-23.9%), South-East Asia (11.9%, 6.8-18.2%), North America (11.1%, 10.6-11.7%), South America (10.9%, 7.6-14.6%), Europe (10.8%, 8.9-12.9%) and Western Pacific (6.4%, 3.3-10.2%). Young (<1 year of age), stray, rural and male dogs had a significantly (P<0.001) higher prevalence of infection than older, pet, urban or female dogs. The prevalence was higher in low income countries and regions at a low geographical latitude, close to the equator, characterized as having tropical climates. From this review, it is estimated that ≥100 million dogs are infected with Toxocara around the world. This highlights the need for an increased focus on implementing affordable, appropriate control programs to reduce the public health threat of toxocariasis as a zoonosis of global importance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Rostami
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
| | - Seyed Mohammad Riahi
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Health, Cardiovascular Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Andreas Hofmann
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Guangxu Ma
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Hamed Behniafar
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Taghipour
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yadolah Fakhri
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Student Research Committee, School of Public Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Adel Spotin
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Bill C H Chang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Calum N L Macpherson
- School of Graduate Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George's University, WINDREF, Grenada, West Indies
| | - 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
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Seroprevalence of human toxocarosis in Europe: A review and meta-analysis. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2020; 109:375-418. [PMID: 32381208 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2020.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Toxocarosis is distributed worldwide and represents the most prevalent zoonotic helminth infection in industrialized countries, thereby posing a substantial risk for public health. Thus, toxocarosis is one of CDC's Neglected Parasitic Infections that has been targeted for public health action. This systematic review and meta-analysis summarizes Toxocara seroprevalence in general populations from Europe, populations suspected of Toxocara infection and defined risk groups. Random-effects meta-analysis of proportions based on 41 publications resulted in an overall seroprevalence of 6.2% (95% CI: 4.7-8.3%) in the general population of Europe. Subgroup analysis according to decades (1970-2010s) revealed a significant increase in seroprevalence, with the highest value (12.4%; 95% CI: 6.5-22.3%) in the 2010s (χ2=17.87, df=4, P=0.001). There were no significant differences between pooled prevalence rates of European sub-regions (χ2=3.01, df=3, P=0.389). Furthermore, meta-analysis of seroprevalence according to age groups, based on data from 22 publications, indicated a significantly higher pooled seroprevalence of 14.9% (95% CI: 8.5-24.8%) in people more than 50 years of age than in younger age cohorts (χ2=8.33, df=2, P=0.016). Occupational groups exposed to contaminated soil and infected animals bear substantial risk for acquiring Toxocara infection. Due to the close link between animal infection and human Toxocara exposure, a "One Health" approach for the prevention of Toxocara infection in both humans and animals is required.
Collapse
|
21
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Rostami A, Ma G, Wang T, Koehler AV, Hofmann A, Chang BCH, Macpherson CN, Gasser RB. Human toxocariasis - A look at a neglected disease through an epidemiological 'prism'. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2019; 74:104002. [PMID: 31412276 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2019.104002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2019] [Revised: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Toxocariasis, a disease caused by infection with larvae of Toxocara canis, T. cati and/or congeners, represents clinical syndromes in humans including visceral and ocular larva migrans, neurotoxocariasis and covert/common toxocariasis. It is reported to be one of the most widespread public health and economically important zoonotic parasitic infections that humans share with dogs, wild canids, including foxes, and possibly other mammals. Humans become infected by accidental ingestion of embryonated Toxocara eggs, or larvae from tissues from domestic or wild paratenic hosts. Most infections are asymptomatic, and human disease may go unnoticed, as clinical investigation is often not pursued and/or diagnostic testing not conducted. Sometimes toxocariasis can be associated with complications, such as allergic and/or neurological disorders, possibly including cognitive or developmental delays in children. There is no anti-toxocariasis vaccine, and chemotherapy in humans varies, depending on symptoms and location of larvae, and may include the administration of albendazole or mebendazole, together with anti-inflammatory corticosteroids. Some recent studies indicate that toxocariasis is having an increased, adverse impact on human health in some, particularly underprivileged, tropical and subtropical communities around the world. Although tens of millions of people, especially children, are expected to be exposed to, or infected with Toxocara species, there is limited precise epidemiological data or information on the relationship between seropositivity and disease (toxocariasis) on a global scale. To gain an improved insight into this area, the present article reviews salient clinical aspects of human toxocariasis and the epidemiology of this disease, with particular reference to seroprevalence, and discusses future research and approaches/measures to understand and prevent/control this socioeconomically important, yet neglected zoonosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Rostami
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Guangxu Ma
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anson V Koehler
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andreas Hofmann
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bill C H Chang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Calum N Macpherson
- School of Graduate Studies, St. George's University, Grenada; School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George's University, Grenada; Windward Islands Research and Education Foundation, Grenada
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Arslan F, Baysal NB, Aslan A, Simsek BC, Vahaboglu H. Toxocara related peritonitis: A case report and review of literature. Parasitol Int 2019; 73:101950. [PMID: 31279784 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2019.101950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Toxocariasis is a clinical syndrome caused by the larvae of two ascarid nematodes, namely, Toxocara canis and T. cati that live in dogs and cats as definitive hosts. Humans acquire Toxocara infection by accidental consumption of eggs contaminated foods, soil, water or larvae encapsulated in the viscera or meats of various paratenic hosts e.g., chicken. After oral ingestion, the ova hatch and the free larvae penetrate the intestinal wall to migrate to distant tissues throughout the body. Larvae may also infiltrate the intestinal wall and cause enteritis and mass occupying lesions. Here, we present a T. canis related gastroenteritis and peritonitis case successfully treated with albendazole. We reviewed the literature and found seven previously published Toxocara related peritonitis cases. To our knowledge, this is the first review about non-disseminated toxocariasis that restricted to the intestine and presented as eosinophilic ascites due to peritoneal inflammation. The most common abdominal symptoms were abdominal pain and nausea, and the most common findings were eosinophilic infiltrations on endoscopic biopsy specimens and eosinophilia in the peripheric blood samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ferhat Arslan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Göztepe Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Dumlupınar Mahallesi, D100 No:98, 34000 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Turkey.
| | - Naciye Betul Baysal
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Göztepe Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Dumlupınar Mahallesi, D100 No:98, 34000 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Aslan
- Department of Radiology, Göztepe Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Dumlupınar Mahallesi, D100 No:98, 34000 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Bengu Cobanoglu Simsek
- Department of Pathology, Göztepe Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Dumlupınar Mahallesi, D100 No:98, 34000 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Haluk Vahaboglu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Göztepe Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Dumlupınar Mahallesi, D100 No:98, 34000 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Maleki B, Khorshidi A, Gorgipour M, Mirzapour A, Majidiani H, Foroutan M. Prevalence of Toxocara spp. eggs in soil of public areas in Iran: A systematic review and meta-analysis. ALEXANDRIA JOURNAL OF MEDICINE 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ajme.2017.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Bahman Maleki
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, IranDepartment of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Khorshidi
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, IranDepartment of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Mohammad Gorgipour
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, IranDepartment of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aliyar Mirzapour
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranDepartment of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Majidiani
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, IranDepartment of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoud Foroutan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, IranDepartment of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Papavasilopoulos V, Pitiriga V, Birbas K, Elefsiniotis J, Bonatsos G, Tsakris A. Soil contamination by Toxocara canis and human seroprevalence in the Attica region, Greece. Germs 2018; 8:155-161. [PMID: 30250835 DOI: 10.18683/germs.2018.1143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 09/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Background Toxocara canis is one of the most widespread public health and economically important zoonotic parasitic infections humans share with canids, mainly dogs. Human infection occurs by the accidental ingestion of embryonated eggs or larvae from a range of wild and domestic paratenic hosts. The aim of the present study was to examine the soil contamination of public places by the parasitic ova and to estimate serologically the prevalence of T. canis human infection in the Attica region, Greece. Methods In this region, public areas are permanently inhabited by dogs, mostly stray dog population that is hardly kept down to a manageable level. A total of 1,510 soil samples were collected from 33 public places of six regional units of Attica from March 2014 to April 2014 and ova were detected using a microscopic assay. In addition, sera were collected from 250 residents, routinely active in the sampled areas, and tested for T. canis IgG antibodies using an enzyme immunoassay. Results T. canis eggs were isolated from 31 (94%) of the examined public areas. Of the total samples, T. canis ova were recovered from 258 samples, suggesting an overall T. canis ova contamination of 17.2%. The areas of higher socioeconomic status presented lower percentages of soil contamination in a statistically significant level, compared to the areas of lower socioeconomic status. T. canis IgG seropositivity was detected in 40 (16%) serum samples. Similar rates were established among T. canis seropositivity and soil contamination within the same geographical areas. The proportion of seropositive samples in the group of children was significantly higher compared to the proportion of adults (48% versus 8%, p<0.001). Conclusion The level of environmental T. canis contamination as well as human infection found in the Attica region calls for a greater awareness towards this public issue. Preventing measures should be implemented to control the spread of this parasitic infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Vassiliki Pitiriga
- Assist Prof, Department of Microbiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Birbas
- Assoc Prof, Faculty of Nursing, School of Public Health, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 123 Papadiamantopoulou Street, 11526 Athens, Greece
| | - John Elefsiniotis
- Assoc Prof, Faculty of Nursing, School of Public Health, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 123 Papadiamantopoulou Street, 11526 Athens, Greece
| | - Gerasimos Bonatsos
- Prof, Faculty of Nursing, School of Public Health, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 123 Papadiamantopoulou Street, 11526 Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios Tsakris
- Prof, Department of Microbiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Developmental stages and viability of Toxocara canis eggs outside the host. BIOMEDICA 2018; 38:189-197. [DOI: 10.7705/biomedica.v38i0.3684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Revised: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Introducción. La toxocariasis es una enfermedad zoonótica transmitida por contacto con el suelo contaminado y causada principalmente por la ingestión de huevos larvados de Toxocara canis.Objetivos. Estudiar la morfología de los estadios intraovulares en desarrollo de T. canis en cultivo, caracterizar los huevos no viables y las secuencias de las mudas larvarias, y comparar la viabilidad de los huevos en las etapas tempranas de división y al alcanzar la maduración completa.Materiales y métodos. Se observó el desarrollo de los embriones y se caracterizaron los huevos no viables, mediante microscopía de luz. Se comparó la proporción de huevos viables con embrión con la de huevos maduros viables.Resultados. La división celular comenzó 24 horas después de iniciado el cultivo. Los estadios tempranos estuvieron presentes por un periodo de tres a cinco días. Los estadios de desarrollo identificados fueron: huevos con una célula, con dos células, con tres células y con cuatro células; mórula temprana, mórula tardía, blástula, gástrula, renacuajo, prelarva, primer, segundo y tercer estado larvario. Se presentaron dos mudas larvarias. Los huevos no viables tenían el citoplasma degradado, cubierta exterior delgada o colapsada, y su larva no se movía al exponerla a la luz. No se encontraron diferencias significativas entre la proporción de huevos viables del día 5 al día 21, al compararla con la viabilidad de los huevos completamente maduros (30 días).Conclusión. Los embriones en desarrollo en el medio ambiente pueden considerarse como un riesgo potencial para la salud pública. La identificación precisa de los estadios de desarrollo y la clara diferenciación de huevos viables y no viables, pueden ayudar a determinar con exactitud una tasa basal de desarrollo, la cual sería útil en el estudio de compuestos ovicidas.
Collapse
|
27
|
Toxocariasis: a silent threat with a progressive public health impact. Infect Dis Poverty 2018; 7:59. [PMID: 29895324 PMCID: PMC5998503 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-018-0437-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toxocariasis is a neglected parasitic zoonosis that afflicts millions of the pediatric and adolescent populations worldwide, especially in impoverished communities. This disease is caused by infection with the larvae of Toxocara canis and T. cati, the most ubiquitous intestinal nematode parasite in dogs and cats, respectively. In this article, recent advances in the epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis and pharmacotherapies that have been used in the treatment of toxocariasis are reviewed. Main text Over the past two decades, we have come far in our understanding of the biology and epidemiology of toxocariasis. However, lack of laboratory infrastructure in some countries, lack of uniform case definitions and limited surveillance infrastructure are some of the challenges that hindered the estimation of global disease burden. Toxocariasis encompasses four clinical forms: visceral, ocular, covert and neural. Incorrect or misdiagnosis of any of these disabling conditions can result in severe health consequences and considerable medical care spending. Fortunately, multiple diagnostic modalities are available, which if effectively used together with the administration of appropriate pharmacologic therapies, can minimize any unnecessary patient morbidity. Conclusions Although progress has been made in the management of toxocariasis patients, there remains much work to be done. Implementation of new technologies and better understanding of the pathogenesis of toxocariasis can identify new diagnostic biomarkers, which may help in increasing diagnostic accuracy. Also, further clinical research breakthroughs are needed to develop better ways to effectively control and prevent this serious disease. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s40249-018-0437-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
|
28
|
Delahoy MJ, Wodnik B, McAliley L, Penakalapati G, Swarthout J, Freeman MC, Levy K. Pathogens transmitted in animal feces in low- and middle-income countries. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2018; 221:661-676. [PMID: 29729998 PMCID: PMC6013280 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2018.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Revised: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Animals found in close proximity to humans in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) harbor many pathogens capable of infecting humans, transmissible via their feces. Contact with animal feces poses a currently unquantified-though likely substantial-risk to human health. In LMIC settings, human exposure to animal feces may explain some of the limited success of recent water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions that have focused on limiting exposure to human excreta, with less attention to containing animal feces. We conducted a review to identify pathogens that may substantially contribute to the global burden of disease in humans through their spread in animal feces in the domestic environment in LMICs. Of the 65 potentially pathogenic organisms considered, 15 were deemed relevant, based on burden of disease and potential for zoonotic transmission. Of these, five were considered of highest concern based on a substantial burden of disease for which transmission in animal feces is potentially important: Campylobacter, non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS), Lassa virus, Cryptosporidium, and Toxoplasma gondii. Most of these have a wide range of animal hosts, except Lassa virus, which is spread through the feces of rats indigenous to sub-Saharan Africa. Combined, these five pathogens cause close to one million deaths annually. More than half of these deaths are attributed to invasive NTS. We do not estimate an overall burden of disease from improperly managed animal feces in LMICs, because it is unknown what proportion of illnesses caused by these pathogens can be attributed to contact with animal feces. Typical water quantity, water quality, and handwashing interventions promoted in public health and development address transmission routes for both human and animal feces; however, sanitation interventions typically focus on containing human waste, often neglecting the residual burden of disease from pathogens transmitted via animal feces. This review compiles evidence on which pathogens may contribute to the burden of disease through transmission in animal feces; these data will help prioritize intervention types and regions that could most benefit from interventions aimed at reducing human contact with animal feces.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miranda J Delahoy
- Department of Environmental Health, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Breanna Wodnik
- Department of Environmental Health, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Lydia McAliley
- Department of Environmental Health, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Gauthami Penakalapati
- Department of Environmental Health, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Jenna Swarthout
- Department of Environmental Health, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Matthew C Freeman
- Department of Environmental Health, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Karen Levy
- Department of Environmental Health, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Kroten A, Toczylowski K, Oldak E, Sulik A. Toxocarosis in children: poor hygiene habits and contact with dogs is related to longer treatment. Parasitol Res 2018; 117:1513-1519. [PMID: 29557502 PMCID: PMC5915510 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-5833-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the main clinical signs and symptoms of toxocarosis in children and the treatment results. The study group consisted of 66 seropositive children aged 2 to 16 years, evaluated in an outpatient clinic in north-eastern Poland for 24 months. Male gender and living in urban areas predominated in the study population. Children presented with non-specific symptoms, of which the most common was abdominal pain or tenderness, which was reported by 39 (59%) patients. Absolute eosinophil counts were increased in 32 (48%) children. Total IgE concentrations were increased in 31 of 55 (56%) tested children. All evaluated children received albendazole as a first-line treatment. In 19 cases, additional treatment with albendazole and/or diethylcarbamazine was provided. The analysis of possible causes of prolonged treatment revealed that significant risk factors were geophagia [odds ratio (OR), 6.3; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.8–21.8; p < 0.01] and daily contact with a dog [OR, 5.9; 95% CI, 1.3–27.3, p < 0.05]. We hypothesise that poor hygiene habits and daily contact with a dog pose a risk of reinfection and limits treatment efficiency. Because of non-specific signs and frequent lack of eosinophilia, physicians should maintain high levels of suspicion for toxocarosis, particularly in patients who live in regions heavily contaminated with Toxocara eggs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kroten
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Bialystok, Waszyngtona 17, 15-274 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Kacper Toczylowski
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Bialystok, Waszyngtona 17, 15-274 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Elzbieta Oldak
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Bialystok, Waszyngtona 17, 15-274 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Artur Sulik
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Bialystok, Waszyngtona 17, 15-274 Bialystok, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Ma G, Holland CV, Wang T, Hofmann A, Fan CK, Maizels RM, Hotez PJ, Gasser RB. Human toxocariasis. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2018; 18:e14-e24. [PMID: 28781085 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(17)30331-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 247] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Revised: 04/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Parasitic nematodes of the genus Toxocara are socioeconomically important zoonotic pathogens. These parasites are usually directly transmitted to the human host via the faecal-oral route and can cause toxocariasis and associated complications, including allergic and neurological disorders. Although tens of millions of people are estimated to be exposed to or infected with Toxocara spp, global epidemiological information on the relationship between seropositivity and toxocariasis is limited. Recent findings suggest that the effect of toxocariasis on human health is increasing in some countries. Here we review the salient background on Toxocara and biology, summarise key aspects of the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of toxocariasis, describe what is known about its geographic distribution and prevalence, and make some recommendations for future research towards the prevention and control of this important disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guangxu Ma
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Celia V Holland
- Department of Zoology, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Andreas Hofmann
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD, Australia
| | - Chia-Kwung Fan
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine & Research Center of International Tropical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Rick M Maizels
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Peter J Hotez
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Molecular Virology & Microbiology, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Chou CM, Lee YL, Liao CW, Huang YC, Fan CK. Enhanced expressions of neurodegeneration-associated factors, UPS impairment, and excess Aβ accumulation in the hippocampus of mice with persistent cerebral toxocariasis. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:620. [PMID: 29273062 PMCID: PMC5741903 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2578-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxocariasis is a worldwide zoonotic parasitic disease mainly caused by Toxocara canis. Humans can be infected by accidental ingestion of T. canis embryonated ovum-contaminated food, water, or encapsulated larvae in paratenic hosts' viscera or meat. Since humans and mice are paratenic hosts of T. canis, the wandering larvae might cause mechanical tissue damage and excretory-secretory antigens may trigger inflammatory injuries to local organs. Long-term residence of T. canis larvae in a paratenic host's brain may cause cerebral toxocariasis (CT) that contributes to cerebral damage, neuroinflammation and neuropsychiatric disorders in mice and clinical patients. Since the hippocampus has been long recognized as being responsible for learning and memory functions, parasitic invasion of this site may cause neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders. The present study intended to assess pathological changes, expressions of neurodegeneration-associated factors (NDAFs), including transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, S100B, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), transglutaminase type 2 (TG2), claudin-5, substance P (SP) and interleukin (IL)-1β, and the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) function in the hippocampus and associated cognitive behavior in ICR mice orally inoculated with a high, medium or low-dose of T. canis embryonated ova during a 20-week investigation. RESULTS Results indicated although there were insignificant differences in learning and memory function between the experimental mice and uninfected control mice, possibly because the site where T. canis larvae invaded was the surrounding area but not the hippocampus per se. Nevertheless, enhanced expressions of NDAF, persistent UPS impairment and excess amyloid β (Aβ) accumulation concomitantly emerged in the experimental mice hippocampus at 8, 16 and 20 weeks post-infection. CONCLUSIONS We thus postulate that progressive CT may still progress to neurodegeneration due to enhanced NDAF expressions, persistent UPS impairment and excess Aβ accumulation in the hippocampus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Mei Chou
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing St, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan.,Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing St, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
| | - Yueh-Lun Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing St, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Wei Liao
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing St, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan.,Research Center of International Tropical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing St, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Chieh Huang
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing St, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Kwung Fan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing St, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan. .,Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing St, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan. .,Research Center of International Tropical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing St, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan. .,Tropical Medicine Division, International PhD Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing St, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Novák J, Panská L, Macháček T, Kolářová L, Horák P. Humoral response of mice infected with Toxocara canis following different infection schemes. Acta Parasitol 2017; 62:823-835. [PMID: 29035857 DOI: 10.1515/ap-2017-0099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The study was focused on the dynamics of humoral response to Toxocara canis excretory-secretory antigens (TES antigens) in mice experimentally infected by T. canis L3 larvae in different ways. In particular, we compared the effect of infection with two doses of 1000 larvae vs. repeated infections with a low number of larvae (daily infection with 10 larvae and weekly infection with 100 larvae in the course of 22 weeks). In ELISA, all infections, including both schemes with lower larval doses, elicited significant antibody response. Elevated levels of total IgE and TES-antigen-specific IgM were detected on day 12 after the first infection, followed by IgG and IgG1, and later by IgG3, IgG2a and IgG2b; specific IgE response was not detected. It seems that the high levels of IgM and IgG1 represent the best markers of infection. In addition, gradual increase of IgG2a and IgG2b could help in determination of the infection course. As a byproduct of our work, a new method of infection by repeated drinking of larvae was introduced; it minimizes the pain and discomfort for the experimental mice.
Collapse
|
33
|
Pearce BD, Bracher A, Jones JL, Kruszon-Moran D. Viral and parasitic pathogen burden and the association with stroke in a population-based cohort. Int J Stroke 2017; 13:481-495. [PMID: 28914186 DOI: 10.1177/1747493017729269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Background Higher cumulative burden of viral and bacterial pathogens may increase the risk of stroke, but the contribution of parasitic infections in relation to cumulative pathogen burden and risk of stroke has rarely been examined. Aim To estimate the association of multiple persistent viral and parasitic infections with stroke in a representative sample of adults in the United States. Methods Serological evidence of prior infection was categorized as positive for 0-1, 2, 3, or 4-5 infections based on immunoglobulin G seropositivity to cytomegalovirus, hepatitis A virus, hepatitis B virus, Toxoplasma gondii, and Toxocara spp. in 13,904 respondents from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III. Regression analysis was used to estimate the cross-sectional association between serological evidence of prior infection and history of stroke adjusting for demographic risk factors, and potential mediators of stroke. Results Age-adjusted models that included serological evidence of prior infection to cytomegalovirus, hepatitis A virus, hepatitis B virus, Toxoplasma gondii, and Toxocara spp. showed that adults in the highest serological evidence of prior infection category (4-5 infections) had a higher prevalence of stroke (5.50%, 95% confidence interval 2.44-10.46%) than those in the lowest serological evidence of prior infection categories (1.49%, 95% confidence interval 1.01-2.11%), and a trend test suggested a graded association between serological evidence of prior infection and stroke ( p = 0.02). In multivariable logistic regression models, the positive association of serological evidence of prior infection with stroke prevalence remained significant after adjustment for other significant risk factors (odds ratio = 1.4, p = 0.01) but was only significant among those aged 20-59 (odds ratio = 2.0, p = 0.005) and not among those aged 60-69 ( p = 0.78) or 70 and older ( p = 0.43). Conclusion We found support for a connection between serological evidence of prior infection to cytomegalovirus, hepatitis A virus, hepatitis B virus, Toxoplasma gondii, and Toxocara spp. and stroke among those aged 20-59. There may be a need to consider common parasitic infections in addition to viral and bacterial pathogens when calculating serological evidence of prior infection in relation to cerebrovascular disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brad D Pearce
- 1 Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Anna Bracher
- 1 Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jeffrey L Jones
- 2 Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Deanna Kruszon-Moran
- 3 Division of Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Hyattsville, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Sowemimo OA, Lee YL, Asaolu SO, Chuang TW, Akinwale OP, Badejoko BO, Gyang VP, Nwafor T, Henry E, Fan CK. Seroepidemiological study and associated risk factors of Toxocara canis infection among preschool children in Osun State, Nigeria. Acta Trop 2017; 173:85-89. [PMID: 28591555 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.05.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2017] [Revised: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Human toxocariasis is caused by the nematode, Toxocara canis and it is a poorly understood phenomenon in Nigeria. Seroepidemiological studies have not been previously carried out among the preschool aged children in Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted in pre-school children in four communities from Osun State, Nigeria between January and July 2016. A total of 308 children Aged 9 months and 5 years were studied comprising 53.2% (164/308) male and 46.8% (144/308) female. Blood samples were collected and screened for the presence of anti-Toxocara IgG antibodies by Western blot analysis based on the excretory-secretory antigens of larva T. canis (TcES), targeting low molecular weight bands of 24 - 35kDa specific for T. canis. Questionnaires were given to parents/guardians of the studied children to collect information regarding relationship between infection and host factors. The overall seroprevalence of Toxocara infection was 37.3%. The seroprevalence in the studied preschool children ranged from 18.2% in children less than one year old to a max of 57.6% in children aged 3 years and above. The logistic regression analysis of risk factors showed that children's age (odds ratio (OR)=6.12, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.25-29.90, p=0.02), contact with dogs (OR=3.17, 95% CI=1.40-7.20, p=0.01) and parent's religion (OR=0.54, 95% CI=0.32-0.91, p=0.02) were the risk factors associated with Toxocara infection. However, after adjustment by multivariate logistic regression analysis, contact with dogs (p=0.02) remained the only statistically significant risk factor. Preschool children were exposed early in life to T. canis infection as 18.18% of children less than one year old were infected. This is the first serological investigation of T. canis infection among preschool children in Nigeria. The results show high levels of exposure to T. canis infection among the studied group and contact with the dog plays the predominant risk factor. It indicates high transmission with the consequent of visceral or ocular larva migrans and neurologic disorder in these children. The results also provide baseline data for effective prevention strategies of toxocariasis in Southwest Nigeria and the study recommends prompt interventional measures, particularly health education on personal hygiene.
Collapse
|
35
|
Treatment of larva migrans syndrome with long-term administration of albendazole. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY, AND INFECTION = WEI MIAN YU GAN RAN ZA ZHI 2017; 52:100-105. [PMID: 28754237 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2017.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Revised: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Larva migrans syndrome is a food-borne parasitic disease in humans, caused by accidental ingestion of eggs or larvae of ascarid nematodes, namely, Toxocara canis, Toxocara cati, or Ascaris suum, the roundworms commonly found in the intestines of dogs, cats and pigs respectively. When a patient is diagnosed as having larva migrans syndrome, oral-administration of albendazole is recommended, however, the regimen remains controversial worldwide. In Japan, the duration of albendazole administration is longer than those of European and North American countries. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of long-term administration treatment of albendazole for larva migrans syndrome. METHODS From 2004 to 2014, our laboratory was involved in the diagnosis of 758 larva migrans syndrome cases, of which 299 cases could be followed up after the treatment. We analyzed these 299 follow-up cases on the ELISA results before and after the treatment as well as on anthelmintic used, dose and duration of medication, clinical findings, and side effects, recorded on a consultation sheet provided by the attending physicians. We have 288 cases as the subjects of this study. RESULTS Albendazole represented a 78.0% efficacy rate. The side effects represented 15.0% in using albendazole alone cases; however, the side effects were mild to moderate and there were no severe cases reported. CONCLUSIONS The long-term administration treatment of albendazole is safe and effective for larva migrans syndrome.
Collapse
|
36
|
Rodríguez-Caballero A, Martínez-Gordillo MN, Caballero-Salazar S, Rufino-González Y, Ponce-Macotela M. Toxocara canis: Analysis of the kinetics of antigen release and antibody production in an in vivo model for the detection of past or present infection. Vet Parasitol 2017; 243:183-187. [PMID: 28807291 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Revised: 06/15/2017] [Accepted: 06/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Worldwide, Toxocara canis is an important zoonotic nematode of public health concern. This soil-transmitted helminth causes visceral larva and ocular larva migrans in paratenic hosts. The detection of T. canis larva migrans is complicated because current immunological tests detect only IgG antibodies, which can cross-react with antigens from other parasites and cannot distinguish between the past and present infection. Analysis of antigen release and antibody production could help improve the detection of larva migrans. Here, we report the kinetics of antigen release, IgM and IgG production in an in vivo model for the detection of past or present infection. We used four groups of seven mice: two groups infected orally with 50 or 100 embryonated eggs, and the other two infected intraperitoneally with 50 or 100 live larvae. We obtained blood samples at 0, 3, 7, and 14days and, then, every two weeks until day 140. Sandwich ELISA and indirect ELISA were performed for antigen capture and the detection of immunoglobulins, respectively. Mice inoculated with larvae developed an immune response faster than those inoculated with eggs. In all groups, antigen capture was positive starting at 3days until 140days post-inoculation (dpi). Detection of immunoglobulins was at 14 or 28dpi in mice inoculated with larvae or eggs, respectively. Negative IgM values were detected at days 98 and 112. The samples remained positive for IgG until the last day of the experiment. Data suggest that in mice inoculated with T canis eggs, some larvae did not hatch, others died or never reached the bloodstream. Based on our model, we propose that there is early infection when only antigens are present, and active larva migrans when antigen and immunoglobulins are detected, implying an immune response of the host against the antigen. Our study offers a view into the parasite-host relationship and enables us to infer if there are live larvae. Additionally, these findings provide a foundation for the diagnosis and differentiation of recent infection and active larva migrans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aarón Rodríguez-Caballero
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Mexico City, C.P. 04530, México.
| | - Mario Noé Martínez-Gordillo
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Mexico City, C.P. 04530, México.
| | - Silvia Caballero-Salazar
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Mexico City, C.P. 04530, México.
| | - Yadira Rufino-González
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Mexico City, C.P. 04530, México.
| | - Martha Ponce-Macotela
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Mexico City, C.P. 04530, México.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Oudni-M'rad M, Chaâbane-Banaoues R, M'rad S, Trifa F, Mezhoud H, Babba H. Gastrointestinal parasites of canids, a latent risk to human health in Tunisia. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:280. [PMID: 28583158 PMCID: PMC5460421 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2208-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although data on the parasite environmental contamination are crucial to implement strategies for control and treatment, information about zoonotic helminths is very limited in Tunisia. Contamination of areas with canid faeces harboring infective parasite elements represents a relevant health-risk impact for humans. The aim of this study was to assess the environmental contamination with eggs and oocysts of gastrointestinal parasites of dogs and wild canids in Tunisia with special attention to those that can be transmitted to humans. RESULTS One thousand two hundred and seventy faecal samples from stray dogs and 104 from wild canids (red foxes and golden jackals) were collected from different geographical regions throughout Tunisia. The helminth eggs and protozoan oocysts were concentrated by sucrose flotation and identified by microscopic examination. The most frequently observed parasites in dog samples were Toxocara spp. (27.2%), E. granulosus (25.8%), and Coccidia (13.1%). For wild canid faeces, the most commonly encountered parasites were Toxocara spp. (16.3%) followed by Capillaria spp. (9.6%). The parasite contamination of dog faeces varied significantly from one region to another in function of the climate. CONCLUSION To our knowledge, the study highlights for the first time in Tunisia a serious environmental contamination by numerous parasitic stages infective to humans. Efforts should be made to increase the awareness of the contamination risk of such parasites in the environment and implement a targeted educational program.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Myriam Oudni-M'rad
- Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Parasitology-Mycology (LP3M), LR 12ES08. Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Monastir, 5000, Monastir, Tunisia.
| | - Raja Chaâbane-Banaoues
- Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Parasitology-Mycology (LP3M), LR 12ES08. Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Monastir, 5000, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Selim M'rad
- Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Parasitology-Mycology (LP3M), LR 12ES08. Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Monastir, 5000, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Fatma Trifa
- Laboratory of Biomass Valorisation and Production of Eukaryotic Proteins, Center of Biotechnology, University of Sfax, 3018, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Habib Mezhoud
- Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Parasitology-Mycology (LP3M), LR 12ES08. Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Monastir, 5000, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Hamouda Babba
- Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Parasitology-Mycology (LP3M), LR 12ES08. Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Monastir, 5000, Monastir, Tunisia.,Laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology, EPS F. Bourguiba, 5000, Monastir, Tunisia
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Zibaei M. Helminth Infections and Cardiovascular Diseases: Toxocara Species is Contributing to the Disease. Curr Cardiol Rev 2017; 13:56-62. [PMID: 27492228 PMCID: PMC5324319 DOI: 10.2174/1573403x12666160803100436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2016] [Revised: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxocariasis is the clinical term used to describe human infection with either the dog ascarid Toxocara canis or the feline ascarid Toxocara cati. As with other helminths zoonoses, the infective larvae of these Toxocara species cannot mature into adults in the human host. Instead, the worms wander through organs and tissues, mainly the liver, lungs, myocardium, kidney and central nervous system, in a vain attempt to find that, which they need to mature into adults. The migration of these immature nematode larvae causes local and systemic inflammation, resulting in the “larva migrans” syndrome. The clinical manifestations of toxocariasis are divided into visceral larva migrans, ocular larva migrans and neurotoxocariasis. Subclinical infection is often referred to as covert toxocariasis. One of the primary causes of death all around the world is cardiovascular disease that accounted for up to 30 percent of all-cause mortality. Cardiovascular disease and more precisely atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, is predicted to remain the single leading cause of death (23.3 million deaths by 2030). A-quarter of people presenting the disease does not show any of the known cardiovascular risk factors. Therefore, there is considerable interest in looking for novel components affecting cardiovascular health, especially for those that could improve global cardiovascular risk prediction. This review endeavours to summarize the clinical aspects, new diagnostic and therapeutic perspectives of toxocaral disease with cardiovascular manifestations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Zibaei
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Zhou RQ, Ma GX, Korhonen PK, Luo YL, Zhu HH, Luo YF, Gasser RB, Xia QY. Comparative transcriptomic analyses of male and female adult Toxocara canis. Gene 2017; 600:85-89. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2016.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Revised: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 11/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
|
40
|
Moskvina TV, Ermolenko AV. Helminth infections in domestic dogs from Russia. Vet World 2016; 9:1248-1258. [PMID: 27956777 PMCID: PMC5146306 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2016.1248-1258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2016] [Accepted: 10/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Dogs are the hosts for a wide helminth spectrum including tapeworms, flatworms, and nematodes. These parasites affect the dog health and cause morbidity and mortality, especially in young and old animals. Some species, as Toxocara canis, Ancylostoma caninum, Dipylidium caninum, and Echinococcus spp. are well-known zoonotic parasites worldwide, resulting in high public health risks. Poor data about canine helminth species and prevalence are available in Russia, mainly due to the absence of official guidelines for the control of dog parasites. Moreover, the consequent low quality of veterinary monitoring and use of preventive measures, the high rate of environmental contamination by dog feces and the increase of stray dog populations, make the control of the environmental contamination by dog helminths very difficult in this country. This paper reviews the knowledge on canine helminth fauna and prevalence in Russia. Practical aspects related to diagnosis, treatment, and control of parasitic diseases of dogs in Russia are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T. V. Moskvina
- Department of Biodiversity and Marine Bioresources, Far Eastern Federal University, School of Natural Sciences, 690922 Vladivostok, Russia
| | - A. V. Ermolenko
- Department of Zoological, Laboratory of Parasitology, Institute of Biology and Soil Science, Far-Eastern Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 690022 Vladivostok, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Vargas C, Torres P, Jercic MI, Lobos M, Oyarce A, Miranda JC, Ayala S. FREQUENCY OF ANTI- Toxocara spp. ANTIBODIES IN INDIVIDUALS ATTENDED BY THE CENTRO DE SALUD FAMILIAR AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION WITH Toxocara canis EGGS IN DOG FECES, IN THE COASTAL NIEBLA TOWN, CHILE. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2016; 58:62. [PMID: 27680167 PMCID: PMC5048633 DOI: 10.1590/s1678-9946201658062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2015] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The frequency of anti-Toxocara spp. antibodies in individuals
attended by the Centro de Salud Familiar in the coastal Niebla town,
Chile, was related to the host and to environmental factors. IgG anti-
Toxocara antibodies were detected with a commercial ELISA kit
(SCIMEDX Corporation, USA). Samples with undetermined absorbance values were
subjected to an additional ELISA standardized by the Instituto de Salud
Pública, Chilean Health Ministry, a commercial ELISA (NOVATEC, Germany),
and a commercial Western blot kit (LDBio Diagnostics, France). Hematological exams
were performed using an automated blood counter and blood smears. Dog feces were
collected from the ground along the main road in Niebla, including rural and urban
locations. Ninety (25.4%) of the 355 examined individuals were positive by the ELISA
test. The frequency of anti-Toxocara antibodies and the infection
risk were significantly higher (p < 0.05) among those individuals
≥ 40 years old with respect to the 20-39 years old group, in individuals from rural
locations, those who did not have a safe drinking water supply in the house or who
presented blood eosinophilia. The proportion of positive samples of dog feces and the
mean number of Toxocara canis eggs/g of feces in urban and rural
areas were similar (p > 0.05).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catalina Vargas
- Universidad Austral de Chile, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Parasitología, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Patricio Torres
- Universidad Austral de Chile, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Parasitología, Valdivia, Chile
| | - María Isabel Jercic
- Instituto de Salud Pública de Chile, Departamento Laboratorio Biomédico Nacional y de Referencia, Sección de Parasitología, Santiago, Chile
| | - Marta Lobos
- Universidad Austral de Chile, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Medicina, Unidad de Hematología, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Alan Oyarce
- Instituto de Salud Pública de Chile, Departamento Laboratorio Biomédico Nacional y de Referencia, Sección de Parasitología, Santiago, Chile
| | - Juan Carlos Miranda
- Universidad Austral de Chile, Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y Administrativas, Instituto e Estadística, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Salvador Ayala
- Instituto de Salud Pública de Chile, Subdepartamento Vigilancia de Laboratorio, Santiago, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Mazur-Melewska K, Figlerowicz M, Cwalińska A, Mikoś H, Jończyk-Potoczna K, Lewandowska-Stachowiak M, Służewski W. Production of interleukins 4 and 10 in children with hepatic involvement in the course of Toxocara spp. infection. Parasite Immunol 2016; 38:101-7. [PMID: 26732352 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Toxocara spp. infestations present with a wide spectrum of symptoms, from general inflammation of internal organs with eosinophilic granuloma formulation through ocular or brain involvement. There is also an asymptomatic form. The known factors that influence the clinical form of the disease are the intensity of the infestation, the localization of the larvae, the age of the patient, the efficiency of the immune system and the history of reinfection. The aim of our study was to evaluate the production of interleukins 4 (IL-4) and 10 (IL-10) in children in the course of Toxocara spp. infections with hepatic involvement. The analysis of peripheral leucocytes, eosinophils, immunoglobulin E, and IL-4 and IL-10 concentrations presented significantly higher values in children with radiologically confirmed liver granuloma than in uncomplicated hepatomegaly. Based on statistical analysis, we confirmed the IL-4/IL-10 ratio variation in the analysed groups: patients with liver lesions showed a ratio of <1, while children without granulomas had a ratio of >2. The relevant analysis confirmed a positive statistical correlation in both seropositive groups for IgE and IL-4, and only in the granuloma group for IgE and IL-10.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Mazur-Melewska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Child Neurology, Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - M Figlerowicz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Child Neurology, Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - A Cwalińska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Child Neurology, Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - H Mikoś
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology and Rheumatology, Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - K Jończyk-Potoczna
- Pediatric Radiology Department Chair of Radiology, Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - M Lewandowska-Stachowiak
- Department of Paediatric Cardiology and Nephrology, Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - W Służewski
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Child Neurology, Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Lötsch F, Obermüller M, Mischlinger J, Mombo-Ngoma G, Groger M, Adegnika AA, Agnandji ST, Schneider R, Auer H, Ramharter M. Seroprevalence of Toxocara spp. in a rural population in Central African Gabon. Parasitol Int 2016; 65:632-634. [PMID: 27594568 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2016.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Revised: 08/24/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Toxocara spp. are zoonotic parasites with global distribution infecting humans by incidental ingestions of eggs shed in feces of dogs or cats. High seroprevalences have been reported from several regions of Africa, however data from the Central African region remain limited. Although several clinical entities caused by larvae of Toxocara spp. have been described, the public heath impact of this infection has so far often been neglected. This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence in a rural central African population. The population based study was performed in volunteers in a rural region of Gabon. A two-step testing approach was applied using an ELISA as screening test and a Western Blot (immunoblot) as confirmatory assay. Basic demographic data and risk factors were collected and compared between seropositive and negative participants. In total, 199 out of 332 serum samples were tested positive for Toxocara spp. antibodies (59.9%). After standardization for age to the overall Gabonese population seroprevalence was 53.6% (95% CI 48.2-59.0%). There was a trend towards higher seroprevalence in participants with agricultural activity. Seroprevalence of antibodies against Toxocara spp. is high in this rural population in Gabon. These results are comparable with previous reports from other sub-regions of Africa and add to our understanding of the epidemiology of toxocariasis in Africa. Given the high prevalence of toxocariasis in tropical regions, it may be speculated that clinically relevant presentations (e.g. visceral or ocular larva migrans syndrome) may occur in considerable numbers. A formal assessment of the burden of disease and the public health impact of human toxocariasis is therefore warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Felix Lötsch
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Austria; Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
| | - Markus Obermüller
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Johannes Mischlinger
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Austria; Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
| | | | - Mirjam Groger
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Austria; Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
| | - Akim Ayola Adegnika
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon; Institut für Tropenmedizin, Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Selidji Todagbe Agnandji
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon; Institut für Tropenmedizin, Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Renate Schneider
- Department for Medical Parasitology, Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Herbert Auer
- Department for Medical Parasitology, Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Ramharter
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Austria; Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon; Institut für Tropenmedizin, Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of Toxocara infection in Korean, Manchu, Mongol, and Han ethnic groups in northern China. Epidemiol Infect 2016; 144:3101-3107. [PMID: 27457773 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268816001631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxocariasis is a very prevalent zoonotic disease worldwide. Recently, investigators have focused more on Toxocara spp. seroprevalence in humans. Information regarding Toxocara seroprevalence in people from different ethnic backgrounds in China is limited. For this study, blood samples were collected from a total of 802 Han, 520 Korean, 303 Manchu, and 217 Mongol subjects from Jilin and Shandong provinces. The overall Toxocara seroprevalence was 16·07% (14·21% Han, 20·58% Korean, 11·22% Manchu, 18·89% Mongol). Living in suburban or rural areas, having dogs at home, exposure to soil, and consumption of raw/undercooked meat were risk factors for Toxocara infection. Exposure to soil was identified as the major risk factor for Toxocara seropositivity in all of the tested ethnicities. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report concerning Toxocara infection in Manchus and Mongols in China. The present study provided baseline data for effective prevention strategies of toxocariasis in northeast China and recommends improvements in personal hygiene standards to achieve this goal.
Collapse
|
45
|
Lescano SAZ, Santos SVD, Assis JML, Chieffi PP. EFFICACY OF NITAZOXANIDE AGAINST Toxocara canis: LARVAL RECOVERY AND HUMORAL IMMUNE RESPONSE IN EXPERIMENTALLY INFECTED MICE. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2016; 57:337-41. [PMID: 26422159 PMCID: PMC4616920 DOI: 10.1590/s0036-46652015000400011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The efficacy of nitazoxanide (NTZ) against toxocariasis was investigated in an experimental murine model and results were compared to those obtained using mebendazole. Sixty male BALB/c mice, aged six to eight weeks-old, were divided into groups of 10 each; fifty were orally infected with 300 larvaed eggs of T. canisand grouped as follows, G I: infected untreated mice; G II: infected mice treated with MBZ (15 mg/kg/day) 10 days postinfection (dpi); G III: infected mice treated with NTZ (20 mg/kg/day) 10 dpi; G IV: infected mice treated with MBZ 60 dpi; G V: infected mice treated with NTZ 60 dpi; GVI: control group comprising uninfected mice. Mice were bled via retro-orbital plexus on four occasions between 30 and 120 dpi. Sera were processed using the ELISA technique to detect IgG anti- Toxocaraantibodies. At 120 dpi, mice were sacrificed for larval recovery in the CNS, liver, lungs, kidneys, eyes and carcass. Results showed similar levels of anti- ToxocaraIgG antibodies among mice infected but not submitted to treatment and groups treated with MBZ or NTZ, 10 and 60 dpi. Larval recovery showed similar values in groups treated with NTZ and MBZ 10 dpi. MBZ showed better efficacy 60 dpi, with a 72.6% reduction in the parasite load compared with NTZ, which showed only 46.5% reduction. We conclude that administration of these anthelmintics did not modify the humoral response in experimental infection by T. canis. No parasitological cure was observed with either drug; however, a greater reduction in parasite load was achieved following treatment with MBZ.
Collapse
|
46
|
Mata-Santos T, Pinto NF, Mata-Santos HA, De Moura KG, Carneiro PF, Carvalho TDS, Del Rio KP, Pinto MDCFR, Martins LR, Fenalti JM, Da Silva PEA, Scaini CJ. ANTHELMINTIC ACTIVITY OF LAPACHOL, β-LAPACHONE AND ITS DERIVATIVES AGAINST Toxocara canis LARVAE. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2016. [PMID: 26200958 PMCID: PMC4544242 DOI: 10.1590/s0036-46652015000300003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthelmintics used for intestinal helminthiasis treatment are generally effective; however, their effectiveness in tissue parasitosis (i.e. visceral toxocariasis) is moderate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro activity of lapachol, β-lapachone and phenazines in relation to the viability of Toxocara canis larvae. A concentration of 2 mg/mL (in duplicate) of the compounds was tested using microculture plates containing Toxocara canis larvae in an RPMI-1640 environment, incubated at 37 °C in 5% CO2 tension for 48 hours. In the 2 mg/mL concentration, four phenazines, lapachol and three of its derivatives presented a larvicide/larvistatic activity of 100%. Then, the minimum larvicide/larvistatic concentration (MLC) test was conducted. The compounds that presented the best results were nor-lapachol (MLC, 1 mg/mL), lapachol (MLC 0.5 mg/mL), β-lapachone, and β-C-allyl-lawsone (MLC, 0.25 mg/mL). The larvae exposed to the compounds, at best MLC with 100% in vitro activity larvicide, were inoculated into healthy BALB/c mice and were not capable of causing infection, confirming the larvicide potential in vitro of these compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taís Mata-Santos
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Nitza França Pinto
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Hilton Antônio Mata-Santos
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Kelly Gallan De Moura
- Núcleo de Pesquisa de Produtos Naturais, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Paula Fernandes Carneiro
- Núcleo de Pesquisa de Produtos Naturais, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Tatiane Dos Santos Carvalho
- Núcleo de Pesquisa de Produtos Naturais, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Karina Pena Del Rio
- Núcleo de Pesquisa de Produtos Naturais, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Lourdes Rodrigues Martins
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Juliana Montelli Fenalti
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Carlos James Scaini
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Abstract
Toxocara canis and T. cati are highly prevalent nematode infections of the intestines of dogs and cats. In paratenic hosts, larvae do not mature in the intestine but instead migrate through the somatic tissues and organs of the body. The presence of these migrating larvae can contribute to pathology. Toxocara larvae can invade the brains of humans, and while case descriptions of cerebral toxocariasis are historically rare, improved diagnosis and greater awareness have contributed to increased detection. Despite this, cerebral or neurological toxocariasis (NT) remains a poorly understood phenomenon. Furthermore, our understanding of cognitive deficits due to toxocariasis in human populations remains particularly deficient. Recent data describe an enhanced expression of biomarkers associated with brain injury, such as GFAP, AβPP, transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), NF-L, S100B, tTG, and p-tau, in mice receiving even low doses of Toxocara ova. Finally, this review outlines a hypothesis to explore the relationship between the presence of T. canis larvae in the brain and the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) due to enhanced AD-associated neurodegenerative biomarker expression.
Collapse
|
48
|
Erickson LD, Gale SD, Berrett A, Brown BL, Hedges DW. Association between toxocariasis and cognitive function in young to middle-aged adults. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2015; 62. [DOI: 10.14411/fp.2015.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2015] [Accepted: 07/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
49
|
Awadallah MAI, Salem LMA. Zoonotic enteric parasites transmitted from dogs in Egypt with special concern to Toxocara canis infection. Vet World 2015; 8:946-57. [PMID: 27047182 PMCID: PMC4774761 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.946-957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2015] [Revised: 07/06/2015] [Accepted: 07/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM This work aimed to study the role played by dogs in transmitting zoonotic enteric parasites to humans in Egypt and to analyze the risk factors associated with the occurrence of such infection in dogs. Serodiagnosis of anti-Toxocara immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies among human beings as well as analyzing risk factors predispose to Toxocara canis infection in human beings are another objectives of this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS From June to December 2013, a total of 130 fecal samples from 4 dog populations (Military, nomadic and domiciled dogs from rural and high standard districts) and 150 stool samples of 6 occupational groups were examined for the presence of enteric parasitic infection. Moreover, 150 serum samples were collected from humans from whom stool samples were collected and examined for the presence of anti-T. canis antibodies. RESULTS Enteric parasites were detected in 30% of fecal samples from 4 dog populations in Egypt. High infectivity had been reported in nomadic dogs (63.33%) (Crude odds ratios [COR]=67.36, 95% confidence interval [CI]=8.09-560.8, p<0.000), followed by domiciled dogs from rural areas (40%) (COR=26, 95% CI=3.14-215.54, p=0.003), domiciled dogs from high standard areas (23.33%) (COR=11.87, 95% CI=1.37-102.69, p=0.025) and military dogs (2.5%). Twelve species of enteric parasites were identified, Ancylostomatidae (6.15%), T. canis and Cryptosporidium spp. (5.38%, each), Heterophyes spp. (3.85%), Toxocara leonina and Blastocystis spp. (3.07%), Taenidae eggs (2.31%), Hymenolepis diminuta (1.54%) and Entamoeba canis, Cyclospora cayetanensis, and Paragonimus spp. (0.77%, each). Univariate logestic regression revealed significant association of age (COR=4.73, 95% CI=2.13-10.53, p<0.000), gender (COR=2.63, 95% CI=1.22-5.68, p<0.014), housing system (COR=5.10, 95% CI=2.04-12.75), p<0.000) with enteric parasitic infection in dogs. However, breeds (COR=6.91, 95% CI=0.88-54.52, p=0.067) and type of feeding (COR ranged from 3.5 to 7.62, p>0.05) did not seem to have a significant association among the examined dogs. Enteric parasitic infection was reported in 31/150 human stools (20.67%). Students were the most affected groups (37.14%), followed by nomadic people (24%), house wives (20%), house guarders and military workers (12%, each), and employees (10%). The identified parasites were Cryptosporidium spp. (9.33%), Ascaris lumbercoides (3.33%), Heterophyes spp. and Ancylostoma spp. (2.66%, each) and Paragonimus spp. and Hymenolepis nana (1.33%, each). Toxocara IgG antibodies were detected in 36/150 (24%) serum samples investigated. Toxocara IgG antibodies were more prevalent in males (26.66%) than females (20%). Seroprevalence was highest (17/35, 48.57%) in 7-15 years old (COR=6.93, 95% CI=1.75-27.43, p=0.006). Seroprevalence values for T. canis antibodies were higher in those; raising dogs (29.85%), eating raw vegetables (25.21%) and not washing hands before meals (25.45%). T. canis antibodies were detected in 25% of those contacted with soil compared to 30% of those did not. Students were mostly affected (34.29%), followed by nomadic people (32%), house guarders (28%), housewives (20%), military workers (13%), and employees (10%). CONCLUSION Detection of enteric parasites in dogs and humans in Egypt substantiates the role posed by dogs in transmitting zoonotic parasites to humans and knock an alarm for common sources of infection for humans and dogs. Common sources may be infected fish or contaminated vegetables that are consumed by dogs or humans or even infected rodents that may contaminate their feed. This pilot study necessitate the need for similar studies and tracing such infection in fish, vegetables, rodent that may be responsible for infecting humans and dogs in order to understand the epidemiology of zoonotic parasitic infection transmitted from dogs to humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maysa A I Awadallah
- Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44511, Egypt
| | - Lobna M A Salem
- Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Benha 13518, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Resende NM, Gazzinelli-Guimarães PH, Barbosa FS, Oliveira LM, Nogueira DS, Gazzinelli-Guimarães AC, Gonçalves MTP, Amorim CCO, Oliveira FMS, Caliari MV, Rachid MA, Volpato GT, Bueno LL, Geiger SM, Fujiwara RT. New insights into the immunopathology of early Toxocara canis infection in mice. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:354. [PMID: 26135397 PMCID: PMC4494798 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0962-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2015] [Accepted: 06/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Nematodes of the genus Toxocara are cosmopolitan roundworms frequently found in dogs and cats. Toxocara spp. can accidentally infect humans and cause a zoonosis called human toxocariasis, which is characterized by visceral, ocular or cerebral migration of larval stages of the parasite, without completing its life cycle. In general, chronic nematode infections induce a polarized TH2 immune response. However, during the initial phase of infection, a strong pro-inflammatory response is part of the immunological profile and might determine the outcome and/or pathology of the infection. Methods Parasitological aspects and histopathology during larval migration were evaluated after early T. canis experimental infection of BALB/c mice, which were inoculated via the intra-gastric route with a single dose of 1000 fully embryonated eggs. Innate immune responses and systemic cytokine patterns (TH1, TH2, TH17 and regulatory cytokines) were determined at different times after experimental challenge by sandwich ELISA. Results We found that experimental infection with T. canis induced a mix of innate inflammatory/TH17/TH2 responses during early infection, with a predominance of the latter. The TH2 response was evidenced by significant increases in cytokines such as IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and IL-33, in addition to increasing levels of IL-6 and IL-17. No significant increases were observed for IL-10, TNF-α or IFN-γ levels. In parallel, parasitological analysis clearly revealed the pattern of larval migration through the mouse organs, starting from the liver in the first 24 h of infection, reaching the peak in the lungs on the 3rd day of infection and finally being found numerously in the brain after 5 days of infection. Peripheral leukocytosis, characterized by early neutrophilia and subsequent eosinophilia, was remarkable during early infection. The tissue damage induced by larvae was evidenced by histopathological analysis of the organs at different time points of infection. In all of the affected organs, larval migration induced intense inflammatory infiltrate and hemorrhage. Conclusion In conclusion, these new insights into early T. canis infection in mice presented here enabled a better understanding of the immunopathological events that might also occur during human toxocariasis, thus contributing to future strategies of diagnosis and control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathália M Resende
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil. .,Laboratório de Fisiologia de Sistemas e Toxicologia Reprodutiva, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Barra do Garças, Brazil.
| | | | - Fernando S Barbosa
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
| | - Luciana M Oliveira
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
| | - Denise S Nogueira
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
| | - Ana Clara Gazzinelli-Guimarães
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
| | - Marco Túlio P Gonçalves
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
| | - Chiara C O Amorim
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
| | - Fabrício M S Oliveira
- Departamento de Patologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
| | - Marcelo V Caliari
- Departamento de Patologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
| | - Milene A Rachid
- Departamento de Patologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
| | - Gustavo T Volpato
- Laboratório de Fisiologia de Sistemas e Toxicologia Reprodutiva, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Barra do Garças, Brazil.
| | - Lilian L Bueno
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
| | - Stefan M Geiger
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
| | - Ricardo T Fujiwara
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|