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Hussain A, Khan H, Rasool A, Rafiq N, Badshah F, Tariq M, Khan MS, Ibáñez-Arancibia E, De Los Ríos-Escalante PR, Badshah S, Ben Said M. Diversity of aquatic parasites in pristine spring waters in Tehsil Babuzai, Swat, Pakistan. BRAZ J BIOL 2024; 84:e282008. [PMID: 39383363 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.282008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 10/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Global access to clean and safe drinking water remains a formidable challenge, contributing to a myriad of health issues. This research exposes the existence of waterborne parasites in seemingly pristine spring waters, indicating potential contamination. Daily extensive sampling of Seventeen water sources was conducted in the untarnished freshwater streams of Tehsil Babuzai, District Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, from February to September 2021. Employing a stringent filtration process, the collected samples were effectively concentrated to detect any waterborne parasites. Subsequent application of the wet mount technique, combined with the capabilities of a compound microscope, revealed a disconcerting reality: all examined samples tested positive for various parasites. Identified parasites included Schistosoma species, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichiuria trichiuria, Taenia saginata, Entamoeba histolytica, Amoeba, Lacrymana olor, Tintinnids, Paramecium, Dileptus, Euglena, Loxodes striatus, Acanthocyclops lynceus, Spondylosium, Oscillatoria, Cyanobacteria, Cilindros, Cilindros cerro, Commensal amoeba mature cysts,, Filliform larva of Strongyloides, Cercaria larva, Larva of Taenia solium, Egg of Enterobius vermiculais, Egg of Isospora belli, Egg of Tapeworm, Egg of Schistosoma species, Egg of Toxocara, and Egg of Diphyllobothrium latum. These findings clearly demonstrate the presence of a diverse array of parasites in the freshwater springs of Tehsil Babuzai, Swat, Pakistan. Implementing robust water treatment protocols, conducting regular monitoring and testing, and raising awareness about the risks of waterborne parasites are crucial steps to safeguard public health in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Hussain
- University of Swat, Department of Zoology, Swat, Pakistan
| | - H Khan
- University of Swat, Department of Zoology, Swat, Pakistan
| | - A Rasool
- University of Swat, Department of Zoology, Swat, Pakistan
| | - N Rafiq
- Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Department of Zoology, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - F Badshah
- Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Department of Zoology, Mardan, Pakistan
- Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences - GSCAAS, Institute of Animal Science, State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Beijing, China
- Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences - GSCAAS, Agricultural Genomics Institute, Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics of MARA, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Shenzhen, China
| | - M Tariq
- Nanjing Agricultural University, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - M S Khan
- Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Department of Zoology, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - E Ibáñez-Arancibia
- Universidad de La Frontera, Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Mención Biología Celular y Molecular Aplicada, Temuco, Chile
- Universidad de La Frontera, Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Laboratorio de Ingeniería, Biotecnología y Bioquímica Aplicada - LIBBA, Temuco, Chile
- Universidad Católica de Temuco, Facultad de Recursos Naturales, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Químicas, Temuco, Chile
| | - P R De Los Ríos-Escalante
- Universidad Católica de Temuco, Facultad de Recursos Naturales, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Químicas, Temuco, Chile
- Universidad Católica de Temuco, Facultad de Recursos Naturales, Nucleo de Estudios Ambientales, Temuco, Chile
| | - S Badshah
- Kohat University of Science and Technology, Department of Botany, Kohat, Pakistan
| | - M Ben Said
- University of Manouba, Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Sidi Thabet, Department of Basic Sciences, Manouba, Tunisia
- University of Manouba, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, Laboratory of Microbiology, Manouba, Tunisia
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Goodswen SJ, Kennedy PJ, Ellis JT. Compilation of parasitic immunogenic proteins from 30 years of published research using machine learning and natural language processing. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10349. [PMID: 35725870 PMCID: PMC9208253 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13790-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organisation reported in 2020 that six of the top 10 sources of death in low-income countries are parasites. Parasites are microorganisms in a relationship with a larger organism, the host. They acquire all benefits at the host’s expense. A disease develops if the parasitic infection disrupts normal functioning of the host. This disruption can range from mild to severe, including death. Humans and livestock continue to be challenged by established and emerging infectious disease threats. Vaccination is the most efficient tool for preventing current and future threats. Immunogenic proteins sourced from the disease-causing parasite are worthwhile vaccine components (subunits) due to reliable safety and manufacturing capacity. Publications with ‘subunit vaccine’ in their title have accumulated to thousands over the last three decades. However, there are possibly thousands more reporting immunogenicity results without mentioning ‘subunit’ and/or ‘vaccine’. The exact number is unclear given the non-standardised keywords in publications. The study aim is to identify parasite proteins that induce a protective response in an animal model as reported in the scientific literature within the last 30 years using machine learning and natural language processing. Source code to fulfil this aim and the vaccine candidate list obtained is made available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Goodswen
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Paul J Kennedy
- School of Computer Science, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology and the Australian Artificial Intelligence Institute, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - John T Ellis
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia.
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Stothard JR, Webster BL. Acute Schistosomiasis: Which Molecular Diagnostic Test Is Best and Why. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 72:1699-1700. [PMID: 32215645 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- J Russell Stothard
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Bonnie L Webster
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
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Surveillance of intestinal schistosomiasis during control: a comparison of four diagnostic tests across five Ugandan primary schools in the Lake Albert region. Parasitology 2018; 145:1715-1722. [PMID: 29560841 PMCID: PMC6533640 DOI: 10.1017/s003118201800029x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Programmatic surveillance of intestinal schistosomiasis during control can typically use four diagnostic tests, either singularly or in combination, but these have yet to be cross-compared directly. Our study assembled a complete diagnostic dataset, inclusive of infection intensities, from 258 children from five Ugandan primary schools. The schools were purposely selected as typical of the endemic landscape near Lake Albert and reflective of high- and low-transmission settings. Overall prevalence was: 44.1% (95% CI 38.0–50.2) by microscopy of duplicate Kato-Katz smears from two consecutive stools, 56.9% (95% CI 50.8–63.0) by urine-circulating cathodic antigen (CCA) dipstick, 67.4% (95% CI 61.6–73.1) by DNA-TaqMan® and 75.1% (95% CI 69.8–80.4) by soluble egg antigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (SEA-ELISA). A cross-comparison of diagnostic sensitivities, specificities, positive and negative predictive values was undertaken, inclusive of a latent class analysis (LCA) with a LCA-model estimate of prevalence by each school. The latter ranged from 9.6% to 100.0%, and prevalence by school for each diagnostic test followed a static ascending order or monotonic series of Kato-Katz, urine-CCA dipstick, DNA-TaqMan® and SEA-ELISA. We confirm that Kato-Katz remains a satisfactory diagnostic standalone in high-transmission settings but in low-transmission settings should be augmented or replaced by urine-CCA dipsticks. DNA-TaqMan® appears suitable in both endemic settings though is only implementable if resources permit. In low-transmission settings, SEA-ELISA remains the method of choice to evidence an absence infection. We discuss the pros and cons of each method concluding that future surveillance of intestinal schistosomiasis would benefit from a flexible, context-specific approach both in choice and application of each diagnostic method, rather than a single one-size fits all approach.
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Jacobsen KH, Aguirre AA, Bailey CL, Baranova AV, Crooks AT, Croitoru A, Delamater PL, Gupta J, Kehn-Hall K, Narayanan A, Pierobon M, Rowan KE, Schwebach JR, Seshaiyer P, Sklarew DM, Stefanidis A, Agouris P. Lessons from the Ebola Outbreak: Action Items for Emerging Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response. ECOHEALTH 2016; 13:200-212. [PMID: 26915507 PMCID: PMC7087787 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-016-1100-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2015] [Revised: 09/30/2015] [Accepted: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
As the Ebola outbreak in West Africa wanes, it is time for the international scientific community to reflect on how to improve the detection of and coordinated response to future epidemics. Our interdisciplinary team identified key lessons learned from the Ebola outbreak that can be clustered into three areas: environmental conditions related to early warning systems, host characteristics related to public health, and agent issues that can be addressed through the laboratory sciences. In particular, we need to increase zoonotic surveillance activities, implement more effective ecological health interventions, expand prediction modeling, support medical and public health systems in order to improve local and international responses to epidemics, improve risk communication, better understand the role of social media in outbreak awareness and response, produce better diagnostic tools, create better therapeutic medications, and design better vaccines. This list highlights research priorities and policy actions the global community can take now to be better prepared for future emerging infectious disease outbreaks that threaten global public health and security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn H Jacobsen
- Department of Global and Community Health, College of Health and Human Services, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive 5B7, Fairfax, VA, 22030, USA.
| | - A Alonso Aguirre
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, College of Science, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Charles L Bailey
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Diseases, School of Systems Biology, College of Science, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
| | - Ancha V Baranova
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, College of Science, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
- Center for the Study of Chronic Metabolic Diseases, School of Systems Biology, College of Science, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
| | - Andrew T Crooks
- Department of Computational and Data Sciences, College of Science, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Arie Croitoru
- Department of Geography and Geoinformation Science, College of Science, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Paul L Delamater
- Department of Geography and Geoinformation Science, College of Science, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Jhumka Gupta
- Department of Global and Community Health, College of Health and Human Services, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive 5B7, Fairfax, VA, 22030, USA
| | - Kylene Kehn-Hall
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Diseases, School of Systems Biology, College of Science, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
| | - Aarthi Narayanan
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Diseases, School of Systems Biology, College of Science, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
| | - Mariaelena Pierobon
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, School of Systems Biology, College of Science, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
| | - Katherine E Rowan
- Department of Communication, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - J Reid Schwebach
- Department of Biology, College of Science, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Padmanabhan Seshaiyer
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, College of Science, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Dann M Sklarew
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, College of Science, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Anthony Stefanidis
- Department of Geography and Geoinformation Science, College of Science, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Peggy Agouris
- Department of Geography and Geoinformation Science, College of Science, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
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van Lieshout L, Roestenberg M. Clinical consequences of new diagnostic tools for intestinal parasites. Clin Microbiol Infect 2015; 21:520-8. [PMID: 25843505 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2015.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2015] [Revised: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 03/20/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Following the success of nucleic acid-based detection in virology and bacteriology, multiplex real-time PCRs are increasingly used as first-line diagnostics in clinical parasitology, replacing microscopy. The detection and quantification of parasite-specific DNA in faeces is highly sensitive and specific and allows for cost-effective high-throughput screening. In this paper we discuss the clinical consequences of this radical change in diagnostic approach, as well as its potential drawbacks. In the Netherlands, routine diagnostic laboratories have been pioneering the implementation of multiplex real-time PCR for the detection of pathogenic intestinal protozoa and this has resulted in increased detection rates of Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium spp. As a consequence of this new diagnostic approach, expertise in the field of parasite morphology by conventional light microscopy seems to be disappearing in most of the high-throughput microbiological laboratories. As a result, to maintain a high standard of care, a formalized exchange of critical information between clinicians and laboratory staff is necessary to determine the most appropriate testing either in local laboratories or in reference centres, based on clinical signs and symptoms, exposure and immune status. If such a diagnostic algorithm is lacking, important infections in travellers, immigrants and immunocompromised patients may be missed.
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Affiliation(s)
- L van Lieshout
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - M Roestenberg
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands; Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
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