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Santarém VA, Panazzolo GK, Kmetiuk LB, Domingues OJ, Ferreira IB, de Souza Filho RT, Farinhas JH, Doline FR, Lescano SAZ, Biondo LM, Giuffrida R, Biondo AW, Fávero GM. One health approach to toxocariasis in quilombola communities of southern Brazil. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:379. [PMID: 37872605 PMCID: PMC10594776 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06010-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxocariasis has been listed among the most neglected parasitic diseases worldwide, with approximately one fifth of the global population exposed, particularly those living under poverty. In Brazil, communities of descendants of enslaved blacks (quilombola) have historically had some of the highest rates of vulnerability and poverty, characterized by lack of health assistance, poor quality of life, and nutritional insecurity. METHODS A cross-sectional sampling of quilombola individuals living in four communities of southern Brazil, as well as their dogs and the soil, was carried out from December 2021 to March 2022. Sociodemographic and other information such as water source, alimentary habits, and dog and cat ownership were gathered using a semi-structured questionnaire for assessing toxocariasis risk factors. Human serum samples were tested by ELISA for anti-Toxocara spp. IgG antibody detection was carried out on dog feces and hair, and soil samples were surveyed for presence of Toxocara spp. eggs. RESULTS Overall, 172/208 individuals (82.7%, 95% CI = 77.0-87.2) were seropositive, the highest seroprevalence rate to date in Brazil. Male gender (P = 0.029), educational level (P = 0.026), and drinking water source (P = 0.043) were associated with seropositivity by univariate analysis. Final logistic regression revealed increased odds (P = 0.017, OR = 7.6, 95% CI = 1.5-42.7) to have seropositivity in individuals > 50 years old (< 10 years old). As expected, individuals with soil contact were more likely seropositive (P = 0.038, OR = 4.4, 95% CI = 1.1-18.8). Although retrieved in only 5/96 (5.2%) dog feces, Toxocara spp. eggs were found in 18/60 (30.0%) soil samples. CONCLUSIONS The high vulnerability and seroprevalence observed in quilombola communities clearly demand a One Health approach for detection, monitoring, and prevention of infection by Toxocara spp. in both human and dog populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vamilton Alvares Santarém
- Graduate College of Animal Science, University of Western São Paulo, Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Giovanni Kalempa Panazzolo
- Graduate College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State University of Ponta Grossa, Ponta Grossa, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Louise Bach Kmetiuk
- Graduate College of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Orlei José Domingues
- Graduate College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State University of Ponta Grossa, Ponta Grossa, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Isabella Braghin Ferreira
- Graduate College of Animal Science, University of Western São Paulo, Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - João Henrique Farinhas
- Graduate College of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Fernando Rodrigo Doline
- Graduate College of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | - Leandro Meneguelli Biondo
- Brazilian Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, National Institute of the Atlantic Forest (INMA), Santa Teresa, Espírito Santo, Brazil
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Rogério Giuffrida
- Graduate College of Animal Science, University of Western São Paulo, Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alexander Welker Biondo
- Graduate College of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil.
| | - Giovani Marino Fávero
- Graduate College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State University of Ponta Grossa, Ponta Grossa, Paraná, Brazil
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Santarém VA, Doline FR, Ferreira IB, Farinhas JH, Biondo LM, de Souza Filho RT, Pettan-Brewer C, Giuffrida R, Lescano SAZ, dos Santos AP, Kmetiuk LB, Biondo AW. One health approach to toxocariasis in Brazilian indigenous populations, their dogs, and soil contamination. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1220001. [PMID: 37744519 PMCID: PMC10517057 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1220001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Although socioeconomic vulnerability and lifestyle factors may contribute to the transmission of Toxocara spp., no study has investigated indigenous populations in Brazil using the One Health approach. Methods Accordingly, this study assessed anti-Toxocara spp. antibodies in Brazilian indigenous people and healthcare professionals by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Presence of Toxocara spp. eggs (feces and hair) in dogs as definitive hosts and in soil samples of the indigenous communities were also recovered and molecularly investigated. Results Overall, 342/463 (73.9%) indigenous individuals and 46/147 (31.3%) non-indigenous healthcare professionals were seropositive for Toxocara spp. In addition, T. canis eggs were retrieved from 9/194 (4.6%) dog fecal samples and 4/204 (2.0%) dog hair samples, mainly from the Paraná State communities (3/42; 7.1%). Soil contamination was observed only in the Paraná State communities (36/90; 40.0%), with the molecular detection of T. canis. River water consumption was also associated with indigenous seropositivity (Odds ratio, 11.4). Discussion Indigenous individuals in Paraná State communities were 2.72-fold more likely to be seropositive than those in São Paulo State, likely due to a lack of sanitary infrastructure. In this scenario, a primarily soil-transmitted disease may also have become waterborne, with embryonated eggs probably spread to water supplies by rain. Full-time healthcare professionals in daily contact with indigenous communities were 9.2-fold more likely to be seropositive than professionals who visited sporadically, suggesting exposure to Toxocara spp. during their work and raising health concerns. In addition, the findings herein showed a significantly higher seroprevalence in indigenous people than in healthcare workers (χ2 = 85.5; p < 0.0001), likely due to overtime exposure to Toxocara spp. In conclusion, Brazilian indigenous communities are highly exposed to toxocariasis, with poor infrastructure and contact with contaminated river water as associated risk factors and a higher risk of infection in healthcare professionals working full-time in these communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vamilton Alvares Santarém
- Graduate College in Animal Sciences, University of Western São Paulo (UNOESTE), Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernando Rodrigo Doline
- Graduate College of Cell and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Isabella Braghin Ferreira
- Graduate College in Animal Sciences, University of Western São Paulo (UNOESTE), Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - João Henrique Farinhas
- Graduate College of Cell and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Leandro Meneguelli Biondo
- National Institute of the Atlantic Forest (INMA), Brazilian Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Santa Teresa, Espirito Santo, Brazil
| | | | - Christina Pettan-Brewer
- Department of Comparative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Rogério Giuffrida
- Graduate College of Cell and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | - Andrea Pires dos Santos
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Louise Bach Kmetiuk
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Alexander Welker Biondo
- Graduate College of Cell and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
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Pouryousef A, Sarkari B, Mootabi Alavi A, Omidian M, Mikaeili F. Deglycosylation of Excretory-Secretory Antigens of the Second-Stage Larvae of Toxocara cati Improves Its Efficacy in the Diagnosis of Human Toxocariasis. J Trop Med 2023; 2023:3024063. [PMID: 37492799 PMCID: PMC10365917 DOI: 10.1155/2023/3024063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Toxocariasis is an important zoonotic infection, especially in tropical areas. One of the significant challenges in the serodiagnosis of human toxocariasis is the cross-reaction of Toxocara antigens with other parasites due to their relatively similar glycan structures. Removing the glycan structure from Toxocara excretory-secretory (TES) antigens may increase the efficacy of these antigens in the diagnosis of toxocariasis. The current study aimed to assess the efficacy of deglycosylated Toxocara cati excretory-secretory (dTES) antigens for the serodiagnosis of human toxocariasis. Methods Toxocara ES antigens were prepared from T. cati second-stage larvae and deglycosylated using sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The TES antigens, along with the dTES antigens, were used in an ELISA as well as a western blotting system for the detection of anti-Toxocara antibodies. Sera samples collected from 30 confirmed cases of toxocariasis, 30 patients with other diseases, and 30 healthy subjects were evaluated by both systems. Results The sensitivity of TES and dTES ELISA for the diagnosis of human toxocariasis was 96.67% (95% CI = 82.78-99.92) and 93.33% (95% CI = 77.93-99.18), respectively, while the specificity of dTES (88.33%; 95% CI = 77.43-95.18) increased significantly compared to the TES (80.00%; 95% CI = 67.67-89.22). The sensitivity of both antigens was 100% (95% CI = 88.43-100) by the western blotting system. Moreover, the specificity of TES and dTES antigens was 95% (95% CI = 86.08-98.96) and 98.33% (95% CI = 91.06-99.96), respectively, when using the western blotting system. Conclusion Results of the current study indicate that the chemical removal of the glycan epitopes of T. cati ES antigens significantly reduces cross-reactivity rates with other parasitic infections. Considering the findings of the present study, the dTES antigens seem to be suitable antigens for the serodiagnosis of human toxocariasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Pouryousef
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Bahador Sarkari
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Amir Mootabi Alavi
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mostafa Omidian
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Fattaneh Mikaeili
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Mesa-Arango JA, Olave-Velandia AM, García-Montoya GM, Isaza-Agudelo JP, Jiménez-Ruiz A, Alzate JF. Evaluation of new Toxocara canis chimeric antigens as an alternative to conventional TES-Ag for anti- Toxocara antibodies detection. Heliyon 2022; 8:e11144. [PMID: 36299519 PMCID: PMC9589186 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Human toxocariasis is one of the neglected helminthiases and it is caused by the zoonotic roundworm species Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati. Diagnosis of human toxocariasis is based on the combination of clinical, parasitological, and epidemiological criteria, as well as serology tests that detect anti-Toxocara antibodies. Notwithstanding, due to the absence of pathognomonic symptoms and signs of the disease, serology is the key evidence to support a conclusive diagnosis. TES-ELISA is the most widely used serological test for diagnosis. However, cross-reaction of TES antigens with antibodies produced to other helminth antigens is a major drawback for its application in countries with high parasitic prevalence. T. canis recombinant antigens have been described as an alternative to native TES for diagnosis. Nevertheless, the selection of antigenic proteins is a complex process that requires validation. In this paper, we developed an eGFP carrier-based system to express and purify blocks of recombinant polypeptides of T. canis antigenic proteins. Intense cross-reaction polypeptides were detected by Immunoblot and avoided to finally produce a chimeric prototype protein. Additionally, a control chimeric protein that harbors the complete tested proteins was produced. Purified chimeric antigens were tested in ELISA and Immunoblot assays with 310 sera samples of negative and positive control individuals. Our results showed that chimeric rCHITC0 and rCHITC1 antigens (with sensitivities of 62% 58%, 38% and 16% in IB-rCHITC0, ELISA-rCHITC0, ELISA-rCHITC1 and IB-rCHITC1 respectively for OLMS) can perform better in terms of specificity (being 91%, 89%, 87% and 76% for ELISA-rCHITC1, IB-rCHITC1, ELISA-rCHITC0 and IB-rCHITC0 respectively for OLMS) than T. canis TES-ELISA (with 61% specificity), giving a higher signal with serum samples of infected individuals as well the possibility to discriminate false positive cases with other parasitic infections. Our data suggest that T. canis chimeric proteins, represent candidate antigens for phase II studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jairo A. Mesa-Arango
- Centro Nacional de Secuenciación Genómica-CNSG, Sede de Investigación Universitaria-SIU, Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Colombia,Grupo de Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Colombia
| | - Ana M. Olave-Velandia
- Centro Nacional de Secuenciación Genómica-CNSG, Sede de Investigación Universitaria-SIU, Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Colombia
| | - Gisela M. García-Montoya
- Centro Nacional de Secuenciación Genómica-CNSG, Sede de Investigación Universitaria-SIU, Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Colombia,Grupo de Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Colombia
| | - Juan P. Isaza-Agudelo
- Centro Nacional de Secuenciación Genómica-CNSG, Sede de Investigación Universitaria-SIU, Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Colombia,Grupo de Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Colombia
| | - Antonio Jiménez-Ruiz
- Departamento de Biología de Sistemas, Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan F. Alzate
- Centro Nacional de Secuenciación Genómica-CNSG, Sede de Investigación Universitaria-SIU, Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Colombia,Grupo de Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Colombia,Corresponding author.
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Two trichinellosis outbreaks in Serbia – challenging diagnosis due to a potential co-infection with Toxocara spp. J Helminthol 2022; 96:e83. [DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x22000712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
In Serbia, in most cases, small family outbreaks of trichinellosis occur due to the consumption of untested infected meat from domestic pigs that are raised and slaughtered in the backyards of small individual farms. The aim of this study is to present data regarding 24 patients involved in two outbreaks that occurred in two neighbouring districts in Serbia during a closely related period of time in August 2014. The source of infection in the first outbreak was undercooked pork, while raw pork sausages caused the second outbreak. Meat samples and sausages were Trichinella spp. positive by artificial digestion. With the aim to obtain a second opinion and validate the serological findings discovered at the Public Health Institute Nis, all samples were sent to the National Reference Laboratory for Trichinellosis, INEP. Serodiagnosis showed that 21 persons were positive (87.5%) and three (12.5%) were negative for anti-Trichinella antibodies, while 15 patients fulfilled the trichinellosis case definition. Western blot analysis (using an epitope unique for the muscle larvae stage of the Trichinella genus) confirmed the diagnosis of trichinellosis in five patients. Six patients also had specific antibodies against Toxocara canis (T. canis). Due to the fact that in endemic foci in Serbia there is the presence of Trichinella spiralis and T. canis and that these two infections could be asymptomatic, we consider that trichinellosis cases were irrefutably proven. The dilemma about the existence of co-infection with T. canis remained open due to the lack of clinical findings.
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Delai RR, Freitas AR, Kmetiuk LB, Merigueti YFFB, Ferreira IB, Lescano SAZ, Gonzáles WHR, Brandão APD, de Barros-Filho IR, Pettan-Brewer C, Figueiredo FB, dos Santos AP, Pimpão CT, Santarém VA, Biondo AW. One Health approach on human seroprevalence of anti- Toxocara antibodies, Toxocara spp. eggs in dogs and sand samples between seashore mainland and island areas of southern Brazil. One Health 2021; 13:100353. [PMID: 34888410 PMCID: PMC8634035 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2021.100353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxocariasis, caused by Toxocara spp. nematodes, is among the top 5 neglected parasitic diseases worldwide; however, no comprehensive study to date has serologically compared infections in people and their dogs and environmentally contaminated soil or sand of mainland and island locations. Accordingly, this study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of anti-Toxocara antibodies in traditional human seashore populations, the presence of eggs in dogs' feces and hair, and the presence of eggs in environmental samples from islands compared to the adjacent mainland of southern Brazil. Overall, 212/328 (64.6%) people were positive for Toxocara spp. antibodies, including 125/190 (65.8%) island and 87/138 (63.0%) mainland residents. For dog samples, 12/115 (10.43%) were positive for the presence of Toxocara spp. eggs, all from dogs living in islands, and 22/104 (21.15%) dog hair samples contained eggs of Toxocara spp. Environmental contamination with Toxocara spp. eggs was observed in 50/130 (38.46%) samples from all sampled sites. No significant association was found between risk factors (age, sex, educational level, monthly income, owning dogs or cats, ingestion of treated water, and consumption of raw or uncooked meat) and Toxocara spp. seropositivity. The present study is the first concurrent report on people, their dogs, and environmental contamination of Toxocara spp. The high prevalence we observed in the seashore populations of both in island and mainland areas may be caused by exposure to contaminated sand and climatic factors favoring frequent exposure to Toxocara spp. In conclusion, seashore lifestyle and living conditions of both island and mainland areas may have predisposed higher contact with infected pets and contaminated soil, favoring the high prevalence of toxocariasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruana Renostro Delai
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Paraná (PR) 80035-050, Brazil
| | - Aaronson Ramathan Freitas
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Paraná (PR) 80035-050, Brazil
| | - Louise Bach Kmetiuk
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Instituto Carlos Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Yslla Fernanda Fitz Balo Merigueti
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Western São Paulo (UNOESTE), Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Isabella Braghin Ferreira
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Western São Paulo (UNOESTE), Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Ivan Roque de Barros-Filho
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Paraná (PR) 80035-050, Brazil
| | - Christina Pettan-Brewer
- Department of Comparative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- One Health Brasil, Brazil
| | - Fabiano Borges Figueiredo
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Instituto Carlos Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | - Cláudia Turra Pimpão
- Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Vamilton Alvares Santarém
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Western São Paulo (UNOESTE), Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alexander Welker Biondo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Paraná (PR) 80035-050, Brazil
- Corresponding author: Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Paraná State, Funcionários Street, 1540, Curitiba, Paraná 80035-050, Brazil.
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Serosurvey of anti-Toxocara antibodies and risk factors in adolescent and adult pregnant women of southeastern Brazil. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009571. [PMID: 34347773 PMCID: PMC8336820 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxocariasis is worldwide endemic parasitic anthropozoonosis with high risk to those in in vulnerable populations and particularly during pregnancy and childhood. Although the prevalence of anti-Toxocara spp. antibodies has been extensively studied, risk factors of pregnant women of different ages remains to be established. This study was designed to i) assess the presence of anti-Toxocara spp. antibodies in pregnant women that presented to the public health system in a city of southeastern Brazil, and ii) determine the risk factors for toxocariasis in adolescent and adult pregnant women. This cross-sectional study included 280 pregnant women (71 aged up to and including 17 years [adolescents] and 209 aged 18 years and older [adults]). Pregnant women voluntarily agreed to complete a socioeconomic questionnaire and provide serum samples. Anti-Toxocara IgG antibodies were screened by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were performed to assess the risks for toxocariasis. Overall, 20.7% of pregnant women were seropositive (33.8% of adolescents and 16.3% of adults). Prevalence in pregnant adolescents was 2.6-fold higher than in adults (Odds ration [OR]: 2.63; 95% CI: 1.42-4.86, p = 0.003). Multivariate analysis revealed that contact with soil (p = 0.01; OR = 4.76) and being in the first trimester of pregnancy (p = 0.03; OR = 0.17) had significantly greater risk of toxocariasis for adolescents, and attainment of elementary through middle school education level (p = 0.05; OR = 8.33) was a risk factor in adult pregnant women. Toxocariasis is likely underreported and neglected in adolescent pregnant women; this age group should always be monitored for toxocariasis and correspondent clinical signs, particularly at late pregnancy.
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Moura MQD, Terto WDDS, Avila LFDC, Campos VF, Domingues WB, Pinheiro NB, Capella GDA, Strothmann AL, Scaini CJ, Berne MEA. Quantification of Toxocara canis DNA by qPCR in mice inoculated with different infective doses. Parasitol Int 2020; 78:102134. [PMID: 32416257 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2020.102134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The nematode Toxocara canis is of public health importance and is the main causative agent of toxocariasis in humans. This disease is difficult to diagnose due to several factors, including the possibility of cross-reactions with other nematodes in the ELISA. To overcome this problem, molecular tests have been recommended as an alternative to identify the parasite. The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technique was used in this study to identify and quantify the parasite load of T. canis in the mouse brain. To this end, 24 mice were divided into six groups, five of which were challenged with different infective doses of T. canis larvae (L3) (1000, 500, 250, 100 and 50 larvae), while the sixth group, uninfected, acted as negative control. Forty-five days after infection, the animals were euthanized to collect the brain, from which two portions of 20 mg of tissue were taken for DNA extraction, while the rest of the brain tissue was digested to quantify the number of larvae by microscopy. The number of DNA copies was calculated from the standard DNA quantification curve, showing values of E = 93.4%, R2 = 0.9655 and Y = -3.415. A strong positive correlation (R = 0, 81; p < .001) was found between the number of copies and the recovery of larvae from brain. However, the parasite's DNA was also identified even in animals from whose brain no larvae were recovered after tissue digestion. The results of this study therefore confirm that the qPCR technique can be a valuable tool for the detection and quantification of T. canis DNA in murine hosts, even in animals whose with tissues contain very few parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Carlos James Scaini
- Faculdade de Medicina (FAMED) da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande, Brazil
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Shostak NA, Klimenko AA, Kotova DP, Novikova AV, Skripnichenko EA. [A clinical case of visceral toxocariasis as a cause of eosinophilic polyserositis]. TERAPEVT ARKH 2019; 91:66-71. [PMID: 32598613 DOI: 10.26442/00403660.2019.11.000314] [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: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present report is to describe a clinical case of toxocariasis. 37-year - old man was admitted to Pirogov Municipal Clinical Hospital No.1 in Moscow. He was presented with intense generalized abdominal pain. Three months before the described hospitalization, the patient had acute bronchitis, then pneumonia. During the examination there were found hyperthermia, ascites, shortness of breath, sweating, hypereosinophilia. Patient lost 8 kilos over the last 6 months. There were arisen many hypotheses, however, after a more detailed survey about patient's life it turned out that he travelled a lot. So that the parasitosis became the main conjecture, which later was confirmed by serological tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- N A Shostak
- Nesterov Department of Faculty Therapy Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University
| | - A A Klimenko
- Nesterov Department of Faculty Therapy Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University
| | - D P Kotova
- Nesterov Department of Faculty Therapy Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University.,Therapeutic department Pirogov Municipal Clinical Hospital No1
| | - A V Novikova
- Nesterov Department of Faculty Therapy Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University
| | - E A Skripnichenko
- Nesterov Department of Faculty Therapy Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University
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Nguyen YTH, Hayata Y, Sonoda S, Nonaka N, Maruyama H, Yoshida A. Establishment of a serodiagnosis system for the detection of Toxocara spp. and Ascaris suum infection in chickens. Parasitol Int 2019; 75:102022. [PMID: 31711975 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2019.102022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2019] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Chickens are considered to act as paratenic hosts for agents, Toxocara canis, T. cati and Ascaris suum; which cause ascarid larva migrans syndrome (ascarid LMS) in humans. In addition, they are the definitive host for Ascaridia galli, considered not to be infective for humans. All ascarid parasites can have a high homology of antigenicity, leading to cross-reactivity in serodiagnostic assays. This study was conducted to establish a procedure for the serological detection of those roundworm infections in chickens. Twenty-five male Julia chickens were divided into five groups (n = 5); T. canis-, T. cati-, Ascaris suum- and Ascaridia galli-infected, and an uninfected control group. In Ascaris suum-soluble worm antigen preparation (As-SWAP) ELISA, all infected groups showed an elevation of anti-ascarid antibodies, indicating the usefulness of As-SWAP as a screening antigen for the detection of ascarid infections. For infecting species identification, T. canis-excretory/secretory (Tc-ES) and Ascaris suum-ES (As-ES) antigen ELISA were conducted by serial dilution sera. Toxocara spp.-infected sera showed stronger binding to Tc-ES than As-ES, while Ascaris suum and Ascaridia galli-infected sera bound to As-ES more strongly than Tc-ES. To discriminate between Ascaris suum and Ascaridia galli infection, sera were pre-incubated with Ascaridia galli-SWAP antigen and applied to Tc-ES and As-ES ELISAs. In this pre-adsorbed ES antigen ELISAs, only the Ascaris suum infected group showed positive binding to As-ES, resulting from the adsorption of cross-reactive antibodies in Ascaridia galli-infected sera. Finally, anti-Toxocara specific antibodies were confirmed by Tc-ES western blot (WB). Toxocara spp.-infected sera showed toxocariasis-specific band pattern in Tc-ES WB, while no specific band appeared on any strip incubated with Ascaris suum, Ascaridia galli-infected and uninfected sera. In conclusion, the serodiagnostic assays evaluated in this study are useful for the detection of ascarid infections in chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen Thi Hoang Nguyen
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, 1-1, Gakuen-Kibanadai Nishi, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan; Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary medicine, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, Trau Quy, Gia Lam, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
| | - Yayoi Hayata
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, 1-1, Gakuen-Kibanadai Nishi, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
| | - Shino Sonoda
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, 1-1, Gakuen-Kibanadai Nishi, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
| | - Nariaki Nonaka
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, 1-1, Gakuen-Kibanadai Nishi, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan; Centre for Animal Disease Control (CADIC), University of Miyazaki, 1-1, Gakuen-Kibanadai Nishi, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Maruyama
- Division of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki 5200 Kihara, Kiyotake-cho, Miyazaki 889-1692, Japan
| | - Ayako Yoshida
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, 1-1, Gakuen-Kibanadai Nishi, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan; Centre for Animal Disease Control (CADIC), University of Miyazaki, 1-1, Gakuen-Kibanadai Nishi, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan.
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11
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Abstract
The relationship between epilepsy and the presence of visceral larva migrans caused by Toxocara canis in Mexican children remains uncertain; however, this relationship needs to be elucidated because these parasite larvae can invade the human central nervous system. Accordingly, this study aimed to determine the frequency and specificity of anti-T. canis antibodies in the sera of children with epilepsy to determine the relationship between this parasite and epilepsy. The sera samples of 214 children were examined: 111 children diagnosed with epilepsy and 103 clinically healthy children without neurological disorders. In the sera of each group, the presence and specificity of anti-T. canis and anti-Ascaris lumbricoides antibodies, as well as the cross-reactivity between them, were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blotting analysis. Among the children with epilepsy, 25.2% exhibited seropositivity to T. canis. Cross-reactivity against the A. lumbricoides antigen was present in 46.8% of the children with epilepsy, whereas 11.7% of the children with epilepsy and anti-T. canis antibodies did not exhibit cross-reactivity against this antigen. The Western blotting analysis of the sera from the children with epilepsy demonstrated the presence of T. canis proteins, with molecular weights of 24, 35, 55, 70, 120 and 210 kDa, and A lumbricoides proteins with molecular weights of 70, 80 and 110 kDa. Our results revealed the presence of anti-T. canis antibodies in the children with epilepsy; furthermore, cross-reactivity tests with A. lumbricoides showed the importance of the presence of anti-T. canis antibodies in revealing the relationship between this parasite and epilepsy in children.
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12
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Moura MQD, Macedo MRPD, Terto WDDS, Avila LFDC, Leivas Leite FP, Scaini CJ, Pinto NB, Capella GDA, Strothmann AL, Villela MM, Berne MEA. Detection of Toxocara canis DNA in tissues of experimentally infected mice. Acta Trop 2018; 187:51-56. [PMID: 30053384 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Revised: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The main etiological agent of toxocariasis is the helminth Toxocara canis. Several difficulties are found in the diagnosis of this disease, because of nonspecific clinical signs and possible cross-reactions that may occur in the available test, the indirect ELISA. Therefore, molecular diagnosis has been indicated as an alternative to conventional diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique for the identification of T. canis in tissues of experimentally infected mice. To this end, nine mice were inoculated with 1500 embryonated eggs and were divided into two groups, the first euthanized 48 h (G1) and the other 30 days post inoculation (G2). Lungs, brain, liver and blood were collected from all the animals for DNA Extraction and tissue digestion, also was collected blood samples for DNA extraction and ELISA test (serum). Toxocara canis DNA was identified in all the inoculated animals using the ITS-2 target gene. The PCR test successfully identified the parasite in the brain, lung and liver of the animals euthanized 48 h PI and 30 days PI. This technique yielded good results in the identification of the parasite in the brain, being more sensitive than the method for the recovery of larvae, in the group with acute infection (48 h PI). The infection was confirmed by PCR within 48 h after infection, while the ELISA indicated serological conversion occurred only 14 days after inoculation. This study demonstrates the ability of PCR to identify T. canis in the liver, lungs and brain during acute and chronic infection.
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13
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Oliveira ACD, Rubinsky-Elefant G, Merigueti YFFB, Batista ADS, Santarém VA. Frequency of anti-Toxocara antibodies in broiler chickens in southern Brazil. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 27:141-145. [PMID: 29846447 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-296120180025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of anti-Toxocara antibodies in naturally infected broiler chickens (n = 189) from the state of Paraná, southern Brazil. The chickens were reared in a semi-intensive system by small family farmers (n = 7). An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect the presence of anti- Toxocara spp. IgY after serum adsorption with Ascaridia galli antigens. An overall seroprevalence of 67.7% (128/189; 95% CI = 61.1-74.4) was observed. The frequency of positive animals by farm ranged from 29.6% to 100%. The optical density and reactivity index values observed in ELISA test indicated the possible chronicity of infection of the evaluated chickens. Associations between the presence of antibodies and the area where the chickens were reared (p = 0.382) or the population density of dogs on the farm (p = 0.785) were not observed. This study shows a high prevalence of Toxocara spp. antibodies in broiler chickens reared in semi-intensive systems and provides evidence that chickens are a good indicator of environmental contamination by larva migrans agents. Further studies are necessary to assess the risk factors associated with poultry infection and the likelihood of toxocariasis transmission to humans via the ingestion of free-range chicken meat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adilson Cardoso de Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade do Oeste Paulista - UNOESTE, Presidente Prudente, SP, Brasil
| | - Guita Rubinsky-Elefant
- Laboratório de Soroepidemiologia e Imunobiologia, Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | | | - Aline da Silveira Batista
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade do Oeste Paulista - UNOESTE, Presidente Prudente, SP, Brasil
| | - Vamilton Alvares Santarém
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência Animal, Laboratório de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva (Parasitologia Veterinária), Hospital Veterinário, Universidade do Oeste Paulista - UNOESTE, Presidente Prudente, SP, Brasil
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14
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Rudzińska M, Kowalewska B, Sikorska K. Clinical usefulness of Western blotting and ELISA avidity for the diagnosis of human toxocariasis. Parasite Immunol 2017; 39. [PMID: 27809350 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The serodiagnosis of human toxocariasis is difficult. Specific IgGs detected routinely with ELISA based on Toxocara excretory-secretory (TES) antigens often persist for years at an elevated level, which does not allow either the differentiation between an active and persistent infection or monitoring of the effect of treatment. Additionally, false-positive results may occur in co-infections with other helminths due to cross-reactions. We evaluated the usefulness of an IgG avidity index (AI) and a Western blotting (WB) IgG in the diagnosis of patients suspected of Toxocara infection. We studied 138 subjects who were submitted to serological testing two or more times. Confirmation of an infection by WB was achieved in 73.2% of patients. A high AI was obtained in 89.1% of patients, and low AI and borderline AI were found in only 10.9%. Low and borderline values of AI remained at similar levels in subsequent studies over 2-3 years. The results showed the necessity of obligatory verification of all ELISA IgG positive and questionable results by WB. The index of IgG avidity may be helpful in excluding recent infection, but its usefulness in detecting an active phase of invasion requires further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Rudzińska
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Epidemiology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - B Kowalewska
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Epidemiology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - K Sikorska
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Epidemiology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
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15
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Roldán WH, Elefant GR, Ferreira AW. Immunoglobulin M antibodies are not specific for serodiagnosis of human toxocariasis. Parasite Immunol 2017; 39. [PMID: 28543101 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Serodiagnosis of human toxocariasis is established by detecting serum anti-Toxocara IgG antibodies, but there is little knowledge regarding the reactivity of human IgM antibodies against the Toxocara antigens. In this study, we have evaluated the reactivity of IgM antibodies in sera from patients with toxocariasis, patients with other helminth infections, and healthy individuals, against Toxocara larval excretory-secretory (TES) antigens by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot (WB). Anti-Toxocara IgM were detected in 91.4% of sera from patients with toxocariasis, 76% of sera from patients with other helminth infections, and 45.3% of sera from healthy individuals when ELISA was used. Likewise, IgM antibodies were detected in 94.8% of sera from patients with toxocariasis, 65.3% of sera from patients with other helminth infections, and 41% of sera from healthy individuals when WB was used. This reactivity exhibited only a slight decrease when the TES antigens were deglycosylated, showing that not only glycosidic epitopes, but also peptide epitopes are involved in the recognition and binding of IgM antibodies during the immune response against the parasite. The results shown that IgM antibodies are not specific for serodiagnosis of human toxocariasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- W H Roldán
- Departamento de Microbiología Médica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru.,Escuela Profesional de Tecnología Médica, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Privada San Juan Bautista, Lima, Peru
| | - G R Elefant
- Laboratório de Soroepidemiologia e Imunobiologia, Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, Universidade de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - A W Ferreira
- Laboratório de Soroepidemiologia e Imunobiologia, Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, Universidade de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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16
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Paller VGV, Besana CM, Valdez IKM. Dot enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of Toxocara infection using a rat model. J Parasit Dis 2017; 41:933-939. [PMID: 29114122 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-017-0914-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxocariasis is a zoonotic disease usually caused by dog and cat roundworms, Toxocara canis and T. cati. Detection and diagnosis is difficult in paratenic and accidental hosts, including humans, as they cannot be detected through conventional methods such as fecal examination. Diagnosis therefore relies on immunological methods and molecular methods such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western Blot, which are both time-consuming and requires sophisticated equipment. In the Philippines, only a few studies are available on Toxocara seroprevalence. Therefore, there is a need to adapt methods for serodiagnosis of Toxocara infection in humans for the Philippine setting. A dot enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (dot-ELISA) was standardized using T. canis excretory-secretory antigens. Test sera were collected from laboratory rats (Sprague-Dawley strain) experimentally infected with embryonated eggs of T. canis and Ascaris suum as well as rice field rats naturally infected with Taenia taeniaeformis and Nippostrongylus sp. Optimum conditions used were 20 µg/ml antigen concentration and 1:10 serum dilution. The sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values were 90% (95% CI 55.5-99.7%), 100% (95% CI 69.2-100.0%), 100% (95% CI 66.4-100%), and 90.9% (95% CI 58.7-99.8%), respectively. Dot-ELISA has the potential to be developed as a cheaper, simpler, and more practical method for detection of anti-Toxocara antibodies on accidental hosts. This is a preliminary study conducted on experimental animals before optimization and standardization for human serum samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vachel Gay V Paller
- Institute of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Los Baños, Laguna Philippines
| | - Cyrelle M Besana
- Institute of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Los Baños, Laguna Philippines
| | - Isabel Kristine M Valdez
- Institute of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Los Baños, Laguna Philippines
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17
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Choi YJ, Shin GR, Kim YD. A Case of Subconjunctival Thelasia Callipaeda Infestation. JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN OPHTHALMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 2016. [DOI: 10.3341/jkos.2016.57.9.1476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Young Je Choi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chosun University School of Medicine, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Gwang Rae Shin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chosun University School of Medicine, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Young Duk Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chosun University School of Medicine, Gwangju, Korea
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18
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Roldán W, Elefant GR, Ferreira AW. Deglycosylation ofToxocaraexcretory-secretory antigens improves the specificity of the serodiagnosis for human toxocariasis. Parasite Immunol 2015; 37:557-67. [DOI: 10.1111/pim.12248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2015] [Accepted: 08/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- W.H. Roldán
- Laboratório de Soroepidemiologia e Imunobiologia; Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo; Universidade de São Paulo; São Paulo SP Brazil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Doenças Infecciosas e Parasitárias; Faculdade de Medicina; Universidade de São Paulo; São Paulo SP Brazil
- Departamento de Microbiologia Médica; Facultad de Medicina; Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos; Lima Peru
| | - G. R. Elefant
- Laboratório de Soroepidemiologia e Imunobiologia; Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo; Universidade de São Paulo; São Paulo SP Brazil
| | - A. W. Ferreira
- Laboratório de Soroepidemiologia e Imunobiologia; Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo; Universidade de São Paulo; São Paulo SP Brazil
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19
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Campos-da-Silva DR, da Paz JS, Fortunato VR, Beltrame MAV, Valli LCP, Pereira FEL. Natural infection of free-range chickens with the ascarid nematode Toxocara sp. Parasitol Res 2015; 114:4289-93. [PMID: 26319520 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4669-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Human toxocariasis may be acquired by eating raw chicken liver. However, there are no reports on the prevalence of natural infection of chickens with Toxocara. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of anti-Toxocara antibodies as indicators of natural infection with Toxocara, in free-range chickens from Espírito Santo State, Brazil. An ELISA test with secretory and excretory Toxocara canis antigens was used. Negative controls were 20 industrial chickens reared in a high hygiene standard environment. Positive control serum was from a chicken infected with embryonated eggs of T. canis. Sera were adsorbed with Ascaridia galli extract to reduce cross-reactivity. Cut-off was the mean plus four times the standard deviation of optical density (OD) in negative group. One hundred and fifty-seven sera from free-range chicken were investigated. Results showed 58.5% of the chickens were positive with ELISA test; 12.7% had OD over the positive control and may be considered as true infected chickens. The results between the cut-off and the positive control may include infections with low titers of antibodies or may represent serum scar of past infection or may be the result of cross-reaction with other nematodes rather than A. galli which is used for the adsorption of sera. In conclusion, high prevalence of Toxocara sp. antibodies demonstrates natural infection of free-range chickens from Espírito Santo State which may represent a risk of infection with this nematode in people who have the habit of eating raw or undercooked chicken meat or viscera. The results also suggest that chickens may be useful as sentinels to detect soil contaminated with Toxocara eggs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle R Campos-da-Silva
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vila Velha University, Rua Comissário José Dantas de Melo, n°21, Boa Vista, 29102-770, Vila Velha, ES, Brazil
| | - Jeanne S da Paz
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vila Velha University, Rua Comissário José Dantas de Melo, n°21, Boa Vista, 29102-770, Vila Velha, ES, Brazil
| | - Viviane R Fortunato
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vila Velha University, Rua Comissário José Dantas de Melo, n°21, Boa Vista, 29102-770, Vila Velha, ES, Brazil
| | - Marcus A V Beltrame
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Vila Velha University, Rua Comissário José Dantas de Melo 21, Boa Vista, 29102-770, Vila Velha, ES, Brazil
| | - Luis C P Valli
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vila Velha University, Rua Comissário José Dantas de Melo, n°21, Boa Vista, 29102-770, Vila Velha, ES, Brazil
| | - Fausto E L Pereira
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vila Velha University, Rua Comissário José Dantas de Melo, n°21, Boa Vista, 29102-770, Vila Velha, ES, Brazil.
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Av. Marechal Campos 1468, 29100, Vitoria, ES, Brazil.
- Núcleo de Doenças Infecciosas, Universidade Federal do E Santo, Av. Marechal Campos 1468, 29100, Vitoria, ES, Brazil.
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20
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Jin Y, Shen C, Huh S, Choi MH, Hong ST. Cross-reactivity of Toxocariasis with Crude Antigen of Toxascaris leonina Larvae by ELISA. J Korean Med Sci 2015; 30:549-51. [PMID: 25931784 PMCID: PMC4414637 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2015.30.5.549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Accepted: 01/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Roundworms of Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina are common gastrointestinal helminths of canids over the world. Humans are infected with T. canis larvae through ingestion of infective eggs in contaminated environments or larvae by consumption of raw or uncooked meat or livers. Recently, patients of clinically diagnosed toxocariasis are increasing and require correct diagnosis in Korea. The present study investigated serological cross-reactivity between crude antigens of T. canis (TCLA) and T. leonina (TLLA) larvae. We collected serum specimens from 177 toxocariasis patients who were clinically suspected in the Seoul National University Hospital and 115 healthy controls. An ELISA method for toxocariasis was used to evaluate diagnostic efficacy of TLLA for serodiagnosis of human toxocariasis. The IgG ELISA using TLLA gave 14 (14.3%) positives of 98 TCLA positive specimens among 177 suspected toxocariasis patients. Most of them showed high absorbances with TCLA. In conclusion, there is a partial cross reaction between serum specimens of toxocariasis and TLLA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Jin
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Endemic Diseases, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chenghua Shen
- Department of Microbiology, Qingdao University College of Medicine, Qingdao, China
| | - Sun Huh
- Department of Parasitology, Hallym University, College of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Min-Ho Choi
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Endemic Diseases, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung-Tae Hong
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Endemic Diseases, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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21
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Araujo Z, Brandes S, Pinelli E, Bochichio MA, Palacios A, Wide A, Rivas-Santiago B, Jiménez JC. Seropositivity for ascariosis and toxocariosis and cytokine expression among the indigenous people in the Venezuelan Delta region. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2015; 57:47-55. [PMID: 25651326 PMCID: PMC4325523 DOI: 10.1590/s0036-46652015000100007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2014] [Accepted: 05/26/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed at measuring seropositivities for infection by Ascaris suum and Toxocara canis using the excretory/secretory (E/S) antigens from Ascaris suum (AES) and Toxocara canis (TES) within an indigenous population. In addition, quantification of cytokine expressions in peripheral blood cells was determined. A total of 50 Warao indigenous were included; of which 43 were adults and seven children. In adults, 44.1% were seropositive for both parasites; whereas children had only seropositivity to one or the other helminth. For ascariosis, the percentage of AES seropositivity in adults and children was high; 23.3% and 57.1%, respectively. While that for toxocariosis, the percentage of TES seropositivity in adults and children was low; 9.3% and 14.3%, respectively. The percentage of seronegativity was comparable for AES and TES antigens in adults (27.9%) and children (28.6%). When positive sera were analyzed by Western blotting technique using AES antigens; three bands of 97.2, 193.6 and 200.2 kDas were mostly recognized. When the TES antigens were used, nine major bands were mostly identified; 47.4, 52.2, 84.9, 98.2, 119.1, 131.3, 175.6, 184.4 and 193.6 kDas. Stool examinations showed that Blastocystis hominis, Hymenolepis nana and Entamoeba coli were the most commonly observed intestinal parasites. Quantification of cytokines IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-6, TGF-β, TNF-α, IL-10 and IL-4 expressions showed that there was only a significant increased expression of IL-4 in indigenous with TES seropositivity (p < 0.002). Ascaris and Toxocara seropositivity was prevalent among Warao indigenous.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaida Araujo
- Laboratorio de Inmunología de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto
de Biomedicina, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas,
Venezuela
| | - Sietze Brandes
- Centre for Infectious Diseases Control, National Institute for
Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The
Netherlands
| | - Elena Pinelli
- Centre for Infectious Diseases Control, National Institute for
Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The
Netherlands
| | - María A. Bochichio
- Laboratorio de Inmunología de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto
de Biomedicina, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas,
Venezuela
| | - Andrea Palacios
- Laboratorio de Inmunología de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto
de Biomedicina, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas,
Venezuela
| | - Albina Wide
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología, Instituto de Medicina Tropical,
Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas,
Venezuela
| | - Bruno Rivas-Santiago
- Unidad de Investigación Médica Zacatecas, Instituto Mexicano del
Seguro Social, Zacatecas, México
| | - Juan Carlos Jiménez
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica, Instituto de Inmunología, Universidad
Central de Venezuela
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Kim HS, Jin Y, Choi MH, Kim JH, Lee YH, Yoon CH, Hwang EH, Kang H, Ahn SY, Kim GJ, Hong ST. Significance of serum antibody test for toxocariasis in healthy healthcare examinees with eosinophilia in Seoul and Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea. J Korean Med Sci 2014; 29:1618-25. [PMID: 25469060 PMCID: PMC4248581 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2014.29.12.1618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2014] [Accepted: 09/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
There have been numerous reports on the relationship between eosinophilia and toxocariasis. The present study investigated seropositive rates of toxocariasis among healthy people with or without eosinophilia in urban and rural areas, and assessed risk factors for positive antibody test. A total of 610 healthy people, who visited health check-up (Medicheck®, Korea Association of Health Promotion), 310 from Seoul and 300 from Gyeongsangnam-do, were subjected for this study. Their serum samples were tested by ELISA with the crude antigen of Toxocara canis larvae. Cross-reactions with other tissue invading helminth antigens were also investigated. Total antibody positive rate of toxocariasis was 8.7% of the 610 subjects. When the subjects were grouped into 3 by their eosinophil counts, the antibody positive rates significantly differed by the groups; 5.9% (18/306) in the group<350/µL, 10.0% (11/110) in the group 350-500/µL, and 12.4% (24/194) in the group>500/µL (P=0.028). A total of 22 serum samples cross-reacted with other tissue-invading helminth antigens. A questionnaire analysis recognized drinking alcohol and smoking as significant risk factors of toxocariasis. In conclusion, toxocariasis antibody positive rate is correlated with eosinophil counts. It is recommended that healthy subjects with eosinophilia by routine health examination and risk factors undergo Toxocara serology by multiantigen ELISA to investigate etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Seok Kim
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Endemic Diseases, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yan Jin
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Endemic Diseases, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Min-Ho Choi
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Endemic Diseases, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae-Hwan Kim
- Department of Environmental and Tropical Medicine, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Ha Lee
- Korea Association of Health Promotion, Seoul, Korea
| | | | | | - Hun Kang
- Korea Association of Health Promotion, Seoul, Korea
| | | | - Gi Jin Kim
- Korea Association of Health Promotion, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung-Tae Hong
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Endemic Diseases, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Alvarez Rojas CA, Jex AR, Gasser RB, Scheerlinck JPY. Techniques for the diagnosis of Fasciola infections in animals: room for improvement. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2014; 85:65-107. [PMID: 24928180 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-800182-0.00002-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The common liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica, causes fascioliasis, a significant disease in mammals, including livestock, wildlife and humans, with a major socioeconomic impact worldwide. In spite of its impact, and some advances towards the development of vaccines and new therapeutic agents, limited attention has been paid to the need for practical and reliable methods for the diagnosis of infection or disease. Accurate diagnosis is central to effective control, particularly given an emerging problem with drug resistance in F. hepatica. Traditional coprological techniques have been widely used, but are often unreliable. Although there have been some advances in establishing immunologic techniques, these tools can suffer from a lack of diagnostic specificity and/or sensitivity. Nonetheless, antigen detection tests seem to have considerable potential, but have not yet been adequately evaluated in the field. Moreover, advanced nucleic acid-based methods appear to offer the most promise for the diagnosis of current infection. This chapter (i) provides a brief account of the biology and significance of F. hepatica/fascioliasis, (ii) describes key techniques currently in use, (iii) compares their advantages/disadvantages and (iv) reviews polymerase chain reaction-based methods for specific diagnosis and/or the genetic characterization of Fasciola species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian A Alvarez Rojas
- Centre for Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Aaron R Jex
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Jean-Pierre Y Scheerlinck
- Centre for Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Oliart-Guzmán H, Delfino BM, Martins AC, Mantovani SAS, Braña AM, Pereira TM, Branco FLCC, Ramalho AA, Campos RG, Fontoura PS, de Araujo TS, de Oliveira CSM, Muniz PT, Rubinsky-Elefant G, Codeço CT, da Silva-Nunes M. Epidemiology and control of child toxocariasis in the western Brazilian Amazon - a population-based study. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2014; 90:670-81. [PMID: 24515946 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.13-0506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxocara spp. infection and the seroconversion rate in the Amazon have been poorly investigated. This study analyzed individual and household-level risk factors for the presence of IgG antibodies to Toxocara spp. in urban Amazonian children over a period of 7 years and evaluated the seroconversion rates over a 1-year follow-up. In children < 59 months of age, the overall prevalence rate was 28.08% in 2003 and 23.35% in 2010. The 2010-2011 seroconversion rates were 13.90% for children 6-59 months of age and 12.30% for children 84-143 months of age. Multilevel logistic regression analysis identified child age, previous wheezing, and current infection with hookworm as significant associated factors for Toxocara spp. seropositivity in 2003. In 2010, age, previous helminthiasis, and having a dog were associated with seropositivity, whereas having piped water inside the household was a protective factor. Control programs mainly need to target at-risk children, water quality control, and animal deworming strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Humberto Oliart-Guzmán
- Centro de Ciências da Saúde e do Desporto, Universidade Federal do Acre, Rio Branco - Acre, Brasil; Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Laboratório de Soroepidemiologia e Imunobiologia, São Paulo, Brasil; Programa de Computação Científica, Fundação Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
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25
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Arias M, Piñeiro P, Sánchez-Andrade R, Suárez J, Hillyer G, Díez-Baños P, Paz-Silva A, Morrondo P. Relationship between exposure to Fasciola hepatica in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and cattle extensively reared in an endemic area. Res Vet Sci 2013; 95:1031-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2013.07.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2013] [Revised: 07/26/2013] [Accepted: 07/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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26
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Jin Y, Shen C, Huh S, Sohn WM, Choi MH, Hong ST. Serodiagnosis of toxocariasis by ELISA using crude antigen of Toxocara canis larvae. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2013; 51:433-9. [PMID: 24039286 PMCID: PMC3770874 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2013.51.4.433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2013] [Revised: 05/21/2013] [Accepted: 05/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Toxocariasis is a worldwide zoonosis caused by larvae of ascarid nematodes of dogs or cats, Toxocara canis or T. cati. Diagnosis of human toxocariasis currently relies on serology that uses T. canis excretory-secretory antigen to detect specific IgG antibodies by ELISA. We investigated the serodiagnostic efficacy of ELISA using crude antigen of T. canis larvae (TCLA). Serum specimens of 64 clinically confirmed toxocariasis, 115 healthy controls, and 119 other tissue-invading helminthiases were screened by ELISA using TCLA. The ELISA using TCLA showed 92.2% (59/64 patient samples) sensitivity and 86.6% (103/119) specificity. Its positive diagnostic predictivity was 78.7% and negative predictivity was 97.8%. No serum of healthy controls reacted but that of anisakiasis (45.5%), gnathostomiasis (19.2%), clonorchiasis (15.8%), sparganosis (11.1%), and cysticercosis (6.3%) cross-reacted. Immunoblot analysis on TCLA recognized antigenic proteins of 28- and 30-kDa bands in their dominant protein quantity and strong blotting reactivity. The present results indicate that the ELISA using our TCLA antigen is acceptable by the sensitivity and specificity for serodiagnosis of human toxocariasis. ELISA with TCLA is recommended to make differential diagnosis for patients with any sign of organ infiltration and eosinophilia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Jin
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Endemic Diseases, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799, Korea
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Santillán G, Bastin V, Céspedes G, Monkiewicz A. [Evaluation of a purified antigen for the diagnosis of toxocariosis]. Rev Argent Microbiol 2013; 45:80-5. [PMID: 23876268 DOI: 10.1016/s0325-7541(13)70003-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxocarosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the ingestion of infective eggs of Toxocara spp. The diagnosis is based on the detection of antibodies in serum or other biological fluids. One of the current serological techniques for the diagnosis of toxocariasis is ELISA using excretory - secretory antigens of third stage larvae (ES/L3). These antigens are glycoproteins, which originate in the secretory organs of the parasite and are non species-specific. Sera from patients with other helminthiases and non- parasitic diseases were used to evaluate the specificity of ELISA using the excretory - secretory antigen (ES/L3). The reactivity of these sera was between 11 and 70%. Western blot using patients' sera revealed that the glycoprotein triplet having a molecular weight of 120 kDa was responsible for cross-reactivity. With these results, and for the purpose of purifying the antigen, ion exchange chromatography was performed. When the sera from patients with various parasitic and non-parasitic diseases were analyzed with the purified antigen ES/ L3, they were only reactive between 10 to 20%. The sensitivity of the ELISA test determined by program Epidat 3.0 for the two antigens was 100%, but the following differences in specificity were observed: 84% for the total antigen ES/L3 and 99% for purified ES/L3. Using the ES/L3 purified antigen, it can be considered that the reactive sera, with compatible symptoms correspond to patients who are or were parasitized with Toxocara canis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graciela Santillán
- Departamento de Parasitología, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Sánchez-Andrade A, Suárez JL, Arias M, Francisco I, Díez C, Cortiñas J, Romasanta A, Morrondo P, Díez-Baños P, Paz-Silva A, Sánchez-Andrade R. Relationships between eosinophilia, anti-FasciolaIgG, and IgM rheumatoid factors, in urban and rural areas of north–western Spain. ANNALS OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND PARASITOLOGY 2013; 102:489-98. [DOI: 10.1179/136485908x311777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Rubinsky-Elefant G, Hirata CE, Yamamoto JH, Ferreira MU. Human toxocariasis: diagnosis, worldwide seroprevalences and clinical expression of the systemic and ocular forms. ANNALS OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND PARASITOLOGY 2013; 104:3-23. [DOI: 10.1179/136485910x12607012373957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 258] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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Lescano SAZ, Nakhle MC, Ribeiro MCS, Chieffi PP. IgG Antibody responses in mice coinfected with Toxocara canis and other helminths or protozoan parasites. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2012; 54:145-52. [DOI: 10.1590/s0036-46652012000300006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2011] [Accepted: 03/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune response expressed by IgG antibodies in BALB/c mice experimentally infected with Toxocara canis, was studied with the aim of verifying the possible in vivo cross-reactivity between antigens of T. canis and other parasites (Ascaris suum, Taenia crassiceps, Schistosoma mansoni, Strongyloides venezuelensis and Toxoplasma gondii). Experiments included three groups of mice: one infected only by T. canis, another with one of the other species of parasites and a third concomitantly infected with T. canis and the other species in question. Animals were bled by orbital plexus at 23, 38 and 70 days post infection (p.i.). Sera were analyzed for anti-Toxocara antibodies by ELISA and Immunoblotting, using excretion-secretion antigens (ES), obtained from culture of third-stage larvae of T. canis. For all experiments a control group comprised by ten non-infected mice was used. Only in the case of A. suum infection, in these experimental conditions, the occurrence of cross-reactivity with T. canis was observed. However, in the case of co-infection of T. canis - S. mansoni, T. canis - S. venezuelensis and T. canis - T. crassiceps the production of anti-Toxocara antibodies was found at levels significantly lower than those found in mice infected with T. canis only. Co-infection with S. mansoni or S. venezuelensis showed lower mortality rates compared to what occurred in the animals with single infections. Results obtained in mice infected with T. canis and T. gondii showed significant differences between the mean levels of the optical densities of animals infected with T. canis and concomitantly infected with the protozoan only in the 23rd day p.i.
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Fragoso RP, Monteiro MBM, Lemos EM, Pereira FEL. Anti-Toxocara antibodies detected in children attending elementary school in Vitoria, State of Espírito Santo, Brazil: prevalence and associated factors. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2012; 44:461-6. [PMID: 21860891 DOI: 10.1590/s0037-86822011000400012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2011] [Accepted: 03/15/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of anti-Toxocara antibodies in serum from 7-year-old children attending elementary school in Vitória-ES, Brazil and to correlate these antibodies with socio-demographic factors, the presence of intestinal helminths, blood eosinophil numbers, past history of allergy or asthma, and clinical manifestations of helminth infections. METHODS The detection of anti-Toxocara antibodies was performed using an ELISA (Cellabs Pty Ltd)on serum from 391 children who had already been examined by fecal examination and blood cell counts. Data from clinical and physical examinations were obtained for all children. RESULTS The prevalence of anti-Toxocara antibodies was 51.6%, with no gender differences. No significant differences were observed between positive serology and the presence or absence of intestinal worms (60.3 and 51.7%, respectively; p = 0.286). The only variables significantly related to positive serology were onycophagy and the use of unfiltered water. Although eosinophilia (blood eosinophil count higher than 600/mm³) was significantly related to the presence of a positive ELISA result, this significance disappeared when we considered only children without worms or without a past history of allergy or asthma. No clinical symptoms related to Toxocara infection were observed. CONCLUSIONS There is a high prevalence of anti-Toxocara antibodies in children attending elementary schools in Vitória, which may be partially related to cross-reactivity with intestinal helminths or to a high frequency of infection with a small number of Toxocara eggs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Paranhos Fragoso
- Serviço de Pediatria, Hospital Universitário Cassiano Antonio de Moraes, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
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Jabbour RA, Kanj SS, Sawaya RA, Awar GN, Hourani MH, Atweh SF. Toxocara canis myelitis: clinical features, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, and treatment outcome in 17 patients. Medicine (Baltimore) 2011; 90:337-343. [PMID: 21862933 DOI: 10.1097/md.0b013e31822f63fb] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxocara myelitis is a rare disease. Few cases have been reported in the literature. Patients present with myelopathy, occasional eosinophilia in blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), with abnormal signals on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In the current study we report 17 cases of isolated Toxocara myelitis from a single tertiary referral center in Lebanon, with description of the clinical presentation, laboratory data, MRI findings, and response to antihelminthic treatment. Clinical and laboratory data were collected for 17 patients who presented with evidence of spinal cord disease. The clinical presentation included sensory, motor, and autonomic dysfunction, predominantly in the lower extremities. Patients exhibited a subacute or chronic course; this was either slowly progressive or remitting-relapsing with mild to moderate disability. The patients underwent extensive blood and CSF workup as well as MRI of the spinal cord and brain. Only 2 patients had a high eosinophil count in the CSF, although blood eosinophilia was seen in 6 patients. All patients tested positive for Toxocara canis antibodies in the blood and CSF. MRI of the spinal cord revealed a single characteristic lesion in the spinal cord with fusiform enlargement that was isointense on T1-weighted images and hyperintense on T2-weighted images. Nodular enhancement was seen after gadolinium injection. Treatment with albendazole, with or without steroids, resulted in marked neurologic improvement and normalization of the MRI in all patients.The finding of a single inflammatory MRI lesion in the spinal cord with positive Toxocara canis serology in the blood and CSF in cases of subacute or chronic myelitis suggests the diagnosis of Toxocara myelitis, irrespective of the presence of eosinophilia. Antihelminthic treatment is associated with a good outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosette A Jabbour
- From Neurology Division (RAJ), University of Balamand, Neurology at St George Hospital University Medical Center, Beirut; Infectious Diseases Division (SSK, GNA), Neurology Division (RAS, SFA), and Radiology Department (MHH), American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
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Isolation of potentially useful antigens from cyathostomin third-stage larvae by using a fast protein liquid chromatography one-step method. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2011; 18:1462-6. [PMID: 21775518 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.05189-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Three major protein complexes (51, 29, and 15 kDa, named P1 to P3, respectively) were resolved by gel filtration of the excretory/secretory antigens collected from a mixture of horse cyathostomin third-stage larvae (L3s). The potential application for the detection of infected horses was assessed with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) by the comparison of the serological and copromicroscopical results. The value of the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was higher than 0.9 when the three peaks were used. Elevated values (>90%) for the sensitivity, specificity, and the positive-likelihood ratio were also observed for all the antigen complexes. A significant increment in the IgG antibody levels 4 weeks prior to the observation of eggs in the feces of weanlings naturally infected was recorded. Our results indicate that the evaluation of chemotherapy is possible by using immunoenzymatic probes and fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC)-purified antigens. Data collected in the present investigation indicate that FPLC isolation offers a very helpful one-step method for collecting antigens with diagnostic potential to be employed in immunoenzymatic probes.
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Fica A, Dabanch J, Farias C, Castro M, Jercic MI, Weitzel T. Acute fascioliasis--clinical and epidemiological features of four patients in Chile. Clin Microbiol Infect 2011; 18:91-6. [PMID: 21668579 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2011.03575.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Because of its infrequent and protean presentation and the lack of clinical data, the management of acute infections with the foodborne trematode Fasciola hepatica is challenging. We report four serologically confirmed cases that illustrate our experience with this parasitic infection in Chile. All patients were adults presenting with upper abdominal pain. Other symptoms included fever, nausea/vomiting, and cutaneous manifestations. In all cases, marked eosinophilia was present. All patients lived in an urban environment, and three reported the consumption of raw watercress. Computed tomography (CT) scans showed hypodense hepatic lesions, whereas ultrasonography findings were unremarkable. One patient suffered portal vein thrombosis, which might be a rare complication of acute fascioliasis. All patients were successfully treated with triclabendazole. Our case series demonstrates that patients with acute fascioliasis typically present with a combination of upper abdominal pain, marked eosinophilia, and hypodense hepatic lesions on CT imaging. Diagnosis should be confirmed by serological investigation. A history of recent consumption of raw watercress is an important finding, but in some patients the source of infection remains obscure.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Fica
- Servicio de Infectología, Hospital Militar, Santiago, Chile
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Santarém VA, Chesine PAF, Lamers BEL, Rubinsky-Elefant G, Giuffrida R. Anti-Toxocara spp. antibodies in sheep from southeastern Brazil. Vet Parasitol 2011; 179:283-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.01.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2010] [Revised: 01/21/2011] [Accepted: 01/26/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Santarém VA, Leli FNC, Rubinsky-Elefant G, Giuffrida R. Protective and risk factors for toxocariasis in children from two different social classes of Brazil. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2011; 53:66-72. [DOI: 10.1590/s0036-46652011000200002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2010] [Accepted: 12/07/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of Toxocara spp. antibodies in children from two different socioeconomic classes in the Presidente Prudente municipality, São Paulo State, Brazil, and the protective and risk factors associated with toxocariasis. One hundred and twenty-six middle-class (MC) and 126 disadvantaged children (DC) were included in this study. Anti-Toxocara ELISA test was performed in order to evaluate seroprevalence. A survey was applied to the children's guardians/parents in order to analyze the protective and risk factors. The overall prevalence was 11.1%, and of 9.5% (12/126) and 12.7% (16/126) for MC and DC subgroups, respectively. Toxocara seropositivity was inversely proportional to the family income. A high household income was considered a protective factor for toxocariasis in the total population and in both MC and DC subgroups. Being a girl was considered a protective factor for the total population and for both subgroups. Whilst being an owner of cat was a risk factor for children belonging to the total and for both MC and DC subgroups, having dog was considered as a risk factor for only the MC. Epidemiologic protective/factor risks can be distinct depending on the strata of the same population. Thus, it is relevant to evaluate these factors independently for different socioeconomic classes in order to design future investigations and programs for preventing the infection of human beings by Toxocara spp. and other geohelminths.
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Molecular cloning of an immunogenic protein of Baylisascaris procyonis and expression in Escherichia coli for use in developing improved serodiagnostic assays. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2010; 17:1933-9. [PMID: 20926699 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.00404-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Larva migrans caused by Baylisascaris procyonis is an important zoonotic disease. Current serological diagnostic assays for this disease depend on the use of the parasite's larval excretory-secretory (ES) antigens. In order to identify genes encoding ES antigens and to generate recombinant antigens for use in diagnostic assays, construction and immunoscreening of a B. procyonis third-stage larva cDNA expression library was performed and resulted in identification of a partial-length cDNA clone encoding an ES antigen, designated repeat antigen 1 (RAG1). The full-length rag1 cDNA contained a 753-bp open reading frame that encoded a protein of 250 amino acids with 12 tandem repeats of a 12-amino-acid long sequence. The rag1 genomic DNA revealed a single intron of 837 bp that separated the 753-bp coding sequence into two exons delimited by canonical splice sites. No nucleotide or amino acid sequences present in the GenBank databases had significant similarity with those of RAG1. We have cloned, expressed, and purified the recombinant RAG1 (rRAG1) and analyzed its diagnostic potential by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Anti-Baylisascaris species-specific rabbit serum showed strong reactivity to rRAG1, while only minimal to no reactivity was observed with sera against the related ascarids Toxocara canis and Ascaris suum, strongly suggesting the specificity of rRAG1. On the basis of these results, the identified RAG1 appears to be a promising diagnostic antigen for the development of serological assays for specific detection of B. procyonis larva migrans.
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Roldán WH, Espinoza YA. Evaluation of an enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blot test for the confirmatory serodiagnosis of human toxocariasis. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2009; 104:411-8. [DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762009000300003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2008] [Accepted: 01/23/2009] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Watthanakulpanich D, Smith HV, Hobbs G, Whalley AJ, Billington D. Application of Toxocara canis excretory-secretory antigens and IgG subclass antibodies (IgG1-4) in serodiagnostic assays of human toxocariasis. Acta Trop 2008; 106:90-5. [PMID: 18343348 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2008.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2007] [Revised: 01/28/2008] [Accepted: 01/28/2008] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
A major problem in the serodiagnosis of human toxocariasis in tropical countries is cross-reaction with antibodies to other helminthic diseases and a lack of sensitivity. The majority of tests currently available use total IgG and, in this study, the use of peroxidase-conjugated anti-human IgG subclass antibodies (IgG1-4) was compared with total IgG for the diagnosis of human toxocariasis by using Toxocara excretory-secretory (TES) antigens in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) format. All four IgG subclass antibodies gave approximately 10-fold increases in optical density (OD) values for 50 toxocariasis patients compared to 29 healthy normals; this was significantly greater than the approximate doubling of OD values seen in the total IgG-ELISA format. IgG2 gave by far the greatest sensitivity (values: IgG, 50%; IgG1, 60%; IgG2, 98%; IgG3, 78%; IgG4, 64%). Significant cross-reactivity using all IgG subclasses in the TES ELISA was seen with 141 serum samples from patients with 10 other helminthic infections. However, IgG3 gave the best specificity (values: IgG, 73%; IgG1, 76%; IgG2, 71%; IgG3, 81%; IgG4, 71%). Thus, of the IgG subclass antibodies, IgG2 appeared best and employing this subclass can improve the serodiagnosis of human toxocariasis since it recognises carbohydrate epitopes of TES antigens.
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Kanafani ZA, Skoury A, Araj GF, El-Khoury M, Sawaya RA, Atweh SF, Kanj SS. Seroprevalence of toxocariasis in Lebanon: a pilot study. Parasitology 2006; 132:635-9. [PMID: 16426480 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182005009637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2005] [Revised: 10/25/2005] [Accepted: 10/28/2005] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Toxocariasis is a common helminthic infection that has a worldwide distribution. However, data from Lebanon about the prevalence of this infection are non-existent. We conducted a Toxocara seroprevalence study with 150 subjects attending the outpatient clinics at the American University of Beirut Medical Center between May and June 2004. Serum specimens were tested for anti-Toxocara antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and confirmed by Western blot. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify risk factors for infection. The seroprevalence rate of toxocariasis was 19%. Male gender and below high school education were significantly associated with a positive serological test (odds ratios = 3.1 and 2.8, respectively). Higher numbers of persons in the household, and low family income during childhood, were significant on bivariate analysis only. Toxocariasis is common in Lebanon. A large population-based survey is needed to confirm these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z A Kanafani
- American University of Beirut Medical Center, Hamra, Cairo Street PO Box 113-6044, Beirut 110 32090, Lebanon
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José Ríos Blanco J, Javier Barbado Hernández F, Gómez Cerezo J, José Vázquez Rodríguez J. Fasciolasis hepática: algunas consideraciones sobre su diagnóstico y complicaciones. Med Clin (Barc) 2004. [DOI: 10.1016/s0025-7753(04)74640-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Nyame AK, Kawar ZS, Cummings RD. Antigenic glycans in parasitic infections: implications for vaccines and diagnostics. Arch Biochem Biophys 2004; 426:182-200. [PMID: 15158669 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2004.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2004] [Revised: 04/12/2004] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Infections by parasitic protozoans and helminths are a major world-wide health concern, but no vaccines exist to the major human parasitic diseases, such as malaria, African trypanosomiasis, amebiasis, leishmaniasis, schistosomiasis, and lymphatic filariasis. Recent studies on a number of parasites indicate that immune responses to parasites in infected animals and humans are directed to glycan determinants within cell surface and secreted glycoconjugates and that glycoconjugates are important in host-parasite interactions. Because of the tremendous success achieved recently in generating carbohydrate-protein conjugate vaccines toward microbial infections, such as Haemophilus influenzae type b, there is renewed interest in defining parasite-derived glycans in the prospect of developing conjugate vaccines and new diagnostics for parasitic infections. Parasite-derived glycans are compelling vaccine targets because they have structural features that distinguish them from mammalian glycans. There have been exciting new developments in techniques for glycan analysis and the methods for synthesizing oligosaccharides by chemical or combined chemo-enzymatic approaches that now make it feasible to generate parasite glycans to test as vaccine candidates. Here, we highlight recent progress made in elucidating the immunogenicity of glycans from some of the major human and animal parasites, the potential for developing conjugate vaccines for parasitic infections, and the possible utilization of these novel glycans in diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Kwame Nyame
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Oklahoma Center for Medical Glycobiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Biomedical Research Center, Room 417, 975 NE 10th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
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