1
|
Potentials and challenges in the isolation and detection of ascarid eggs in complex environmental matrices. Food Waterborne Parasitol 2022; 28:e00174. [PMID: 36017135 PMCID: PMC9396397 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2022.e00174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Ascarid infections constitute a major concern for both human and animal health risk assessment. Although being effectively transmitted by soil, water and contaminated food, reliable detection of ascarid eggs in environmental media often remains challenging. However, contamination of the environment with ascarid ova has gained more attention as a decisive part of proper risk assessment in recent years. Due to various factors, such as sample matrices, dissociation detergents and flotation solutions, defined and standardised protocols for the isolation of eggs from complex environmental matrices are difficult to establish and therefore limited. Thus, this study reviews common techniques used for the recovery of ascarid eggs from environmental media with special emphasis on sampling strategies, purification procedures and microscopic as well as molecular detection of egg contamination. Despite various advancements, mainly in the field of molecular methods leading to more reliable and sensitive detection, it can be concluded that there is still a need for unified guidelines for sampling and recovery of ascarid eggs derived from complex environmental matrices. Standardised methods to assess environmental ascarid egg contamination are needed. The environmental sampling strategy has to be adapted to the study hypothesis. Egg detection mostly relies on matrix homogenisation, filtration, sedimentation and flotation. Microscopic detection is still frequently applied. Molecular methods enable more reliable and sensitive detection.
Collapse
|
2
|
Köchle BR, Garijo-Toledo MM, Llobat L, Sansano-Maestre J. Prevalence of Toxocara Eggs in Public Parks in the City of Valencia (Eastern Spain). Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9050232. [PMID: 35622760 PMCID: PMC9145089 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9050232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxocara spp. is one of the most common zoonotic geohelminths in the world. Its infections are associated with the accidental ingestion of contaminated soil and affecting, especially children. In this study, feces, and soil samples from 14 public parks in the city of Valencia were analyzed. The Telemann method and a modified version of a sieving technique were used to process feces and soil, respectively. None of the fecal samples and 10.9% of soil samples from five parks (35.7%) tested positive for the presence of Toxocara eggs. The most contaminated areas were the canine sanitary parks (30.8% of the samples), followed by socialization areas for dogs (9.7%); no positive samples were found at children’s playgrounds. Our results suggest that most pets in Valencia are periodically dewormed, although additional preventive measures should be applied, since the risk of infection exists probably due to the presence of stray dogs and feral cats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Belinda Rose Köchle
- Department of Animal Production and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Experimental Sciences, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, Calle Guillem de Castro, 94, 46003 Valencia, Spain;
| | - María Magdalena Garijo-Toledo
- Department of Animal Production and Health, Public Veterinary Health and Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Calle Tirant Lo Blanc, 7, 46115 Valencia, Spain;
- Correspondence: (M.M.G.-T.); (J.S.-M.); Tel.: +34-961369000 (M.M.G.-T.); Fax: +34-961395272 (M.M.G.-T.)
| | - Lola Llobat
- Department of Animal Production and Health, Public Veterinary Health and Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Calle Tirant Lo Blanc, 7, 46115 Valencia, Spain;
| | - José Sansano-Maestre
- Department of Animal Production and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Experimental Sciences, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, Calle Guillem de Castro, 94, 46003 Valencia, Spain;
- Correspondence: (M.M.G.-T.); (J.S.-M.); Tel.: +34-961369000 (M.M.G.-T.); Fax: +34-961395272 (M.M.G.-T.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Mello CCSD, Nizoli LQ, Ferraz A, Chagas BC, Azario WJD, Motta SPD, Villela MM. Soil contamination by Ancylostoma spp. and Toxocara spp. eggs in elementary school playgrounds in the extreme south of Brazil. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA = BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY : ORGAO OFICIAL DO COLEGIO BRASILEIRO DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2022; 31:e019121. [PMID: 35019029 PMCID: PMC9901864 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612022003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Millions of people worldwide, and especially schoolchildren, may be infected by geohelminths due to their exposure to a contaminated environment. The aim of this study was to evaluate soil contamination by Ancylostoma spp. and Toxocara spp. eggs in recreation areas at elementary schools in Pelotas, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Sand samples were collected from 22 schools and were processed using the centrifugal flotation method. Helminth eggs with zoonotic potential were found in 12 out of the 22 schools (54.5%). Contamination by Ancylostoma spp. and Toxocara spp. was observed in 36.4% (8/22) and 27.3% (6/22) of the soil samples collected at these schools, respectively. These findings of eggs show that the school communities are exposed to risks of zoonotic transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catia Cilene Santos de Mello
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas - UFPel, Pelotas, RS, Brasil
| | - Leandro Quintana Nizoli
- Departamento de Veterinária Preventiva, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas - UFPel, Pelotas, RS, Brasil
| | - Alexsander Ferraz
- Departamento de Veterinária Preventiva, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas - UFPel, Pelotas, RS, Brasil
| | - Bruno Cabral Chagas
- Departamento de Veterinária Preventiva, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas - UFPel, Pelotas, RS, Brasil
| | - William James Domingues Azario
- Setor de Saúde Pública Escolar, Secretaria Municipal de Educação e Desporto, Prefeitura Municipal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brasil
| | - Sara Patron da Motta
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas - UFPel, Pelotas, RS, Brasil
| | - Marcos Marreiro Villela
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas - UFPel, Pelotas, RS, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Castro-Seriche S, Fernández Í, Landaeta-Aqueveque C. Factors associated with the presence of helminth eggs in the soil of public areas in Concepción, Chile. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 29:e003120. [PMID: 32965393 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612020054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the association between the distance to the nearest feces, the type of substrate to be studied (feces, soil, grass), and whether a given area was licensed or not with the presence of helminth eggs in Concepción, Chile. A total of 256 samples taken from feces and either from soil or grass at 10 cm, 50 cm, and 100 cm from feces (including 16 public areas), were examined for the presence of parasites using the ZnSO4 technique. The association between variables with the presence of eggs was assessed with multifactorial logistic regressions. 24.21% of samples presented at least one egg. The higher odds of Toxocara egg presence was positively associated with the licensed 'area type' and the soil 'sample type' (when compared with feces). The odds of Ancylostomatidae egg presence was positively associated with the licensed 'area type', but negatively associated with the soil 'sample type' (compared with feces). The results suggest that finding eggs must be interpreted differently based on the parasite species and substrate to be analyzed, and that the presence of parasitized dogs is a more important contributing factor than the frequency with which the ground is cleaned of feces.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ítalo Fernández
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Rojas TO, Romero C, Heredia R, Bautista LG, Sheinberg G. Identification of Toxocara spp. eggs in dog hair and associated risk factors. Vet World 2017; 10:798-802. [PMID: 28831225 PMCID: PMC5553150 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2017.798-802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM The aim of the study was to identify the presence of eggs of Toxocaraspp. in dog hair and to identify any risk factors associated with this. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 96 dogs were sampled collecting hair from the head, perianal and hindquarters. Epidemiologic data from each animal were recorded to identify risk factors. The samples of hair were washed with solutions of distilled water, phosphate-buffered saline and Tween 20 detergent. Microscopic analysis was subsequently performed for the identification of eggs. RESULTS Out of the total dogs, 41.7% were positive for the presence of parasite egg in their hair. Toxocara eggs were found in hair from the head (14.5%), tail (20.8%), and limbs (10.4%). Dogs, younger than 12 months old, showed higher values (4.7%) of egg presence in the perianal area (p<0.05). The principal risk factors for the presence of eggs in hair were not deworming (odds ratio [OR]=3.60, p<0.004) and not brushing (OR=2.26, p<0.12). CONCLUSION These results show that in the state of Mexico there is a high percentage of dogs contaminated with Toxocara spp. eggs in their hair. This should be seriously considered due to the potential problems of toxocariasis and the risk to public health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tania O Rojas
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, University Center UAEM Amecameca, Autonomous University of Mexico State, Mexico
| | - Camilo Romero
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Research Academician of Animal Health, University Center UAEM Amecameca, Autonomous University of Mexico State, Mexico
| | - Rafael Heredia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, University Center UAEM Amecameca, Autonomous University of Mexico State, Mexico
| | - Linda G Bautista
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Research Academician of Animal Health, University Center UAEM Amecameca, Autonomous University of Mexico State, Mexico
| | - Galia Sheinberg
- Department of Dermatology, Veterinary Center Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Flotation and adherence characteristics of Toxocara canis and T. cati and a reliable method for recovering Toxocara eggs from soil. Vet Parasitol 2016; 227:35-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2016.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2016] [Revised: 07/12/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
|
7
|
Collender PA, Kirby AE, Addiss DG, Freeman MC, Remais JV. Methods for Quantification of Soil-Transmitted Helminths in Environmental Media: Current Techniques and Recent Advances. Trends Parasitol 2015; 31:625-639. [PMID: 26440788 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2015.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2015] [Revised: 08/12/2015] [Accepted: 08/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Limiting the environmental transmission of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs), which infect 1.5 billion people worldwide, will require sensitive, reliable, and cost-effective methods to detect and quantify STHs in the environment. We review the state-of-the-art of STH quantification in soil, biosolids, water, produce, and vegetation with regard to four major methodological issues: environmental sampling; recovery of STHs from environmental matrices; quantification of recovered STHs; and viability assessment of STH ova. We conclude that methods for sampling and recovering STHs require substantial advances to provide reliable measurements for STH control. Recent innovations in the use of automated image identification and developments in molecular genetic assays offer considerable promise for improving quantification and viability assessment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philip A Collender
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Amy E Kirby
- Center for Global Safe Water, Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Matthew C Freeman
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Justin V Remais
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Bojanich MV, Alonso JM, Caraballo NA, Itatí Schöller M, López MDLÁ, García LM, Basualdo JÁ. Assessment of the presence of Toxocara eggs in soils of an arid area in central-western Argentina. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2015; 57:73-6. [PMID: 25651329 PMCID: PMC4325526 DOI: 10.1590/s0036-46652015000100010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2013] [Accepted: 06/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
With the aim of studying the contamination of soils with eggs of
Toxocara spp. in an arid area in the central-western region of
Argentina, 76 soil samples were collected from 18 towns belonging to six provinces of
central-western Argentina. They were processed by the centrifugal flotation method.
No eggs of Toxocara spp. were found. It can be concluded that the
negative results are directly related to the characteristics of the environment and
climate present in the studied area. The finding of eggs in soils depends on several
factors: the presence of canine or feline feces, the hygienic behavior of pet owners,
the presence of stray animals without veterinary supervision, the weather and
environmental conditions, and laboratory techniques used; and all these circumstances
must be considered when comparing the results found in different geographical
regions. In order to accurately define the importance of public spaces in the
transmission of infection to humans, it is important to consider the role of
backyards or green spaces around housing in small towns, where the population is not
used to walking pets in public spaces, and in such cases a significant fraction of
the population may acquire the infection within households.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María Viviana Bojanich
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales y Agrimensura, Universidad Nacional del Nordeste, Corrientes, Corrientes, Argentina
| | - José Mario Alonso
- Instituto de Medicina Regional, Universidad Nacional del Nordeste, Resistencia, Chaco, Argentina
| | - Nadina Ayelén Caraballo
- Becaria Secretaría General de Ciencia y Técnica, Instituto de Medicina Regional, Universidad Nacional del Nordeste, Resistencia, Chaco, Argentina
| | - Mercedes Itatí Schöller
- Becaria Secretaría General de Ciencia y Técnica, Instituto de Medicina Regional, Universidad Nacional del Nordeste, Resistencia, Chaco, Argentina
| | | | - Leandro Martín García
- Becaria Secretaría General de Ciencia y Técnica, Instituto de Medicina Regional, Universidad Nacional del Nordeste, Resistencia, Chaco, Argentina
| | - Juan Ángel Basualdo
- Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Othman AA, Ashour DS, Mohamed DA. Toxocara-induced hepatic inflammation: Immunohistochemical characterization of lymphocyte subpopulations and Bcl-2 expression. Exp Parasitol 2013; 134:76-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2013.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2012] [Revised: 01/30/2013] [Accepted: 02/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
10
|
Recovery threshold of Toxocara canis eggs from soil. Vet Parasitol 2009; 167:77-80. [PMID: 19879694 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2009.09.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2009] [Revised: 09/30/2009] [Accepted: 09/30/2009] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the threshold of Toxocara canis eggs form soil samples through utilisation of a centrifuge-flotation technique (CFT). Aliquots of soil (1g each) were artificially contaminated with known numbers of T. canis eggs (1, 10, 25, 50, 100, and 200 eggs). The threshold was evaluated based on a CFT using zinc sulphate (Zn(2)SO(4)) and sodium nitrate (Na(2)NO(3)) solutions at a specific gravity of 1.20. The number of eggs recovered was directly proportional to the number of eggs employed to seed the soil. Both solutions enabled full recovery of samples containing merely three eggs; only Zn(2)SO(4) demonstrated efficiency in soil contaminated with a single egg. A recovery rate of 100% was obtained for all tests with samples containing 10 and 25 eggs for Zn(2)SO(4) and Na(2)NO(3), respectively(.) There was no difference in the mean number of recovered eggs regarding either the efficacy of the solutions or the repetition of evaluations in the same trial (p>0.05). Therefore, the CFT is efficient for the detection of Toxocara eggs, even in samples containing low egg numbers.
Collapse
|
11
|
Santarém VA, Magoti LP, Sichieri TD. Influence of variables on centrifuge-flotation technique for recovery of Toxocara canis eggs from soil. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2009; 51:163-7. [DOI: 10.1590/s0036-46652009000300007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2008] [Accepted: 03/09/2009] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of variables in a flotation technique for the recovery of Toxocara canis eggs from soil. The trials were done under standardized conditions on one gram of previously sterilized soil samples contaminated with 200 eggs of T. canis. The following variables were evaluated in serial steps: sieving; type of wash; time of stirring; resuspension of sediment; solution flotation. Centrifuge-flotation in sodium nitrate (d = 1.20 g/cm³) was adopted as an initial technique, using Tween 80 (0.2%) and decinormal sodium hydroxide as solutions for washing the samples. Ten tests were done to compare the variables, using counting in triplicate. The sieving of the material reduced significantly the recovery of eggs (p < 0.001) and the number of eggs recovered was higher when the sediment was resuspended (p < 0.05). After standardization, flotation solutions sodium chloride, zinc sulfate, sodium dichromate, magnesium sulfate, and sodium nitrate (d = 1.20g/cm³) were compared. The best results were obtained by using zinc sulfate solution. In conclusion, the chances of recovering T. canis eggs from samples using flotation solutions can be increased by washing of soil twice using distilled water, and resuspension of sediment. On the other hand, the sieving procedure can drastically reduce the number of eggs.
Collapse
|
12
|
Vasconcelos-Santos DV, Oréfice F, Fonseca CF, Alencar LM, Almeida PJA, Lenzi HL, Pelajo-Machado M, Volkmer-Ribeiro C, Batista TCA, Chieffi PP, Lescano SZ, Caldeira RL, Carvalho ODS, Pavesio CE. Epidemic of unilateral panuveitis in children from Brazilian Amazonia: clinical and etiological aspects in seven patients. Int Ophthalmol 2009; 30:113-25. [PMID: 19165423 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-009-9294-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2007] [Accepted: 01/05/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe clinical presentation and results of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in seven children from an epidemic of panuveitis in the Brazilian Amazonia, as well as environmental analysis and etiological aspects involved. METHODS Patients underwent full pediatric and ophthalmic examinations, B-scan, ultrasound biomicroscopy, and serological tests. Ocular samples were thoroughly analyzed, including two enucleation specimens. Environmental investigation encompassed water, soil, and river fauna. RESULTS All patients had bathed in the waters of a regional river, the Araguaia. Six of them presented with intermediate uveitis, with snowbanking. Five had cataract and four showed inferior endothelial opacity, with localized anterior synechiae. One showed total leukoma, with flat anterior chamber. Only two had active uveitis, one of them with anterior chamber nodule. Serology revealed high prevalence of anti-Toxocara canis immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies. In three cases, vitreous and lens samples disclosed spicules of freshwater sponges Drulia uruguayensis and D. ctenosclera, also detected in the waters of the river. CONCLUSION Freshwater sponge spicules could be potential new etiological agents of ocular pathology, but further studies are needed, considering the heterogeneity of the ocular lesions and results of serological and environmental studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Vítor Vasconcelos-Santos
- Hospital São Geraldo/HC - Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Rua Espírito Santo, 1634/102, Belo Horizonte, MG, 30.160-031, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Public health implications of soil contaminated with helminth eggs in the metropolis of Kaduna, Nigeria. J Helminthol 2008; 82:113-8. [PMID: 18201389 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x07874220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Environmental and socio-cultural variables influencing the distribution of helminth eggs in 608 soil samples were studied in 14 playgrounds that differ in socio-economic status in Kaduna metropolis, Nigeria, using a modified sieving method and a sucrose flotation medium of specific gravity 1.27. Helminth eggs were found in 62% of the soil samples and the distribution was as follows: Toxocara spp. 50.4%, Taenia spp./Echinococcus spp. 36.9%, Dipylidium caninum 26.3%, Ancylostoma spp. 9.0%, Ascaris spp. 7.2%, Trichuris spp. 3.7% and Ascaridia spp. 1.9%. A higher prevalence (68.1%) was recorded during the dry harmattan period while in the rainy period the rate was 58.1%. Mean egg densities ranged from 1.11 +/- 0.32 to 3.92 +/- 2.47 in areas moderately rated. Samples from site 14, which was highly rated, were more contaminated (78.1%) than those collected from other sites, while the intensity of contamination (14.0%) was more in moderately rated site 4 than in the rest of the sites. There were significant associations between the prevalence of helminth eggs and rainy period of the study (odds ratio (OR) = 0.38; 95% confidence interval (CI) on OR: 0.20 0.05). This study shows that the period of study, the presence of dogs and vegetation influence the prevalence of helminth eggs in soil in Kaduna metropolis.
Collapse
|
14
|
Roddie G, Stafford P, Holland C, Wolfe A. Contamination of dog hair with eggs of Toxocara canis. Vet Parasitol 2007; 152:85-93. [PMID: 18242861 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2007.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2007] [Revised: 12/05/2007] [Accepted: 12/06/2007] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Toxocara canis, the common intestinal nematode of dogs and foxes, is the parasite responsible for human toxocarosis. It has recently been shown that dogs may harbour eggs of the parasite in their fur. To further investigate this claim a population of 100 stray dogs was examined to establish the prevalence and intensity of adult toxocaral worm infection in the intestines and eggs harboured in the hair. A novel method of washing the eggs from the hair was used. Sixty-seven percent of dogs were found to have T. canis eggs on their hair with a mean egg retrieval of nearly 584 eggs per gram from positive dogs. The age of the dog was found to be the only significant factor to influence the prevalence and intensity of eggs, with 95% of all the eggs recovered found on puppies. Thirty-nine percent of dogs were found to have adult T. canis worms in their intestine, although a significantly higher percentage of puppies (80%) were infected with worms than adults (22.5%). Puppies also had more worms per infection than adults and have a strong positive correlation between egg and worms numbers whereas adults did not. These studies show that stray dogs, particularly puppies, potentially harbour considerable numbers of eggs on their hair, at densities far higher than those reported in the soil or the general environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gillian Roddie
- Research and Innovation Office, O'Reilly Institute, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Martínez-Carrasco C, Berriatua E, Garijo M, Martínez J, Alonso FD, de Ybáñez RR. Epidemiological Study of Non-systemic Parasitism in Dogs in Southeast Mediterranean Spain Assessed by Coprological and Post-mortem Examination. Zoonoses Public Health 2007; 54:195-203. [PMID: 17542962 DOI: 10.1111/j.1863-2378.2007.01047.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence and risk factors of non-systemic canine ecto- and endoparasitism and anthelminthic use in Murcia located at the centre of the Spanish Mediterranean coastal arch, was investigated by coprology and necropsy in up to 275 pet, city shelter and stray dogs in 2001-2004. Faecal parasite stages were detected in 25% of dogs. Species frequency was 6-10% for Toxocara canis, Ancylostomatidae spp., Toxascaris leonina and Isospora canis, and 0.4-1% for Trichuris vulpis, Giardia lamblia, and Dipylidium caninum. Logistic regression indicated that the risk of intestinal parasitism was highest for dogs <or=1 year old, in the middle to low weight range and kept at the city shelter. Although risk factors varied according to the species, T. canis was most common in <1 year old and Ancylostomatidae spp. was more prevalent in older dogs. This suggests that the dominant species was Uncinaria spp. and not the more zoonotically important Ancylostoma spp. This was further supported by necropsy findings; however, the degree of agreement between post-mortem and coprological examination for intestinal parasites was generally poor. Necropsy revealed 10%G. lamblia, 12%Taenia spp. 38%D. caninum infections. Fleas, ticks and lice were also found in 38%, 6% and 2% of necropsied stray dogs. These results demonstrate the need for an urgent parasite control programme at the city dog shelter and the need to improve the owner's education on zoonotic risks, the proper use of anthelminthics, and other parasite control practices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Martínez-Carrasco
- Parasitología y Enfermedades de Parasitarias, Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Campus de Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Muradian V, Gennari SM, Glickman LT, Pinheiro SR. Epidemiological aspects of Visceral Larva Migrans in children living at São Remo Community, São Paulo (SP), Brazil. Vet Parasitol 2005; 134:93-7. [PMID: 16054301 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2005.05.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2004] [Accepted: 05/25/2005] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In preparation for a study of risk factors for Visceral Larva Migrans of children living in São Remo Community, São Paulo (SP), Brazil, fecal samples were collected from 41 dogs younger than one year of age, 338 serum samples from children ages 1-15 years and 37 soil samples, during March-June 2001. Fecal and soil samples were examined for the presence of Toxocara spp. eggs and serum samples were evaluated by ELISA for antibodies to Toxocara canis. Of the fecal, serum and soil samples tested, 39.0%, 26.9% and 29.7%, respectively, were positive, suggesting the possibility of the presence of Visceral Larva Migrans in children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Muradian
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Matsuo K, Kamiya H. Modified Sugar Centrifugal Flotation Technique for Recovering Echinococcus multilocularis Eggs From Soil. J Parasitol 2005; 91:208-9. [PMID: 15856907 DOI: 10.1645/ge-3388rn] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Among soil-transmitted parasitic diseases, alveolar hydatidosis due to the ingestion of Echinococcus multilocularis eggs is becoming a serious problem in Hokkaido, the northern most island of Japan. Dissemination of the infection far from the endemic areas can occur if motor vehicles transmit soil contaminated with eggs. No appropriate and validated method for recovering the taeniid eggs from soil is available. A modified sugar centrifugal flotation technique, using a sucrose solution of specific gravity 1.27 and 0.05% Tween-80, was evaluated as a method to successfully recover eggs from soil. Contamination levels as low as 10 eggs per gram could be detected. This method may be useful to determine the prevalence of E. multilocularis, its transmission, and the potential for by monitoring soil contamination with eggs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kayoko Matsuo
- Department of Parasitology, Hirosaki University School of Medicine, Zaihu-cho, Hirosaki 036-8562, Japan
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Martinez EM, Correia JAS, Villela EV, Duarte AN, Ferreira LF, Bello AR. Random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis of DNA extracted from Trichuris trichiura (Linnaeus, 1771) eggs and its prospective application to paleoparasitological studies. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2003; 98 Suppl 1:59-62. [PMID: 12687764 DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762003000900011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis was applied to DNAs extracted from Trichuris trichiura eggs recovered from human fecal samples. Four out of 6 primers tested displayed 18 distinct and well defined polymorphic patterns, ranging from 650 to 3200 base pairs. These results, upon retrieval and DNA sequencing of some of these bands from agarose gels, might help in establishing. T. trichiura specific genetic markers, not available yet, and an important step to design primers to be used in molecular diagnosis approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elaine Machado Martinez
- Laboratório de Paleoparasitologia Molecular Eduardo Marques, Departamento de Endemias Samuel Pessoa, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública-Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Despommier D. Toxocariasis: clinical aspects, epidemiology, medical ecology, and molecular aspects. Clin Microbiol Rev 2003; 16:265-72. [PMID: 12692098 PMCID: PMC153144 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.16.2.265-272.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 523] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxocariasis is caused by a series of related nematode species (ascarids) that routinely infect dogs and cats throughout the world. The eggs from these ascarids are common environmental contaminants of human habitation, due largely to the fact that many kinds of dogs and cats serve as pets, while countless others run wild throughout the streets of most urban centers. The eggs, present in dog and cat feces, become infectious within weeks after they are deposited in the local environment (e.g., sandboxes, city parks, and public beaches, etc.). Humans, particularly children, frequently ingest these eggs by accident and become infected. Infection in humans, in contrast to their definitive hosts, remains occult, often resulting in disease caused by the migrating larval stages. Visceral larva migrans (VLM) and ocular larva migrans (OLM) are two clinical manifestations that result in definable syndromes and present as serious health problems wherever they occur. Diagnosis and treatment of VLM and OLM are difficult. These issues are summarized in this review, with emphasis on the ecology of transmission and control of spread to both humans and animals through public health initiatives employing treatment of pets and environmental intervention strategies that limit the areas that dogs and cats are allowed within the confines of urban centers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dickson Despommier
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA.
| |
Collapse
|