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Wang X, Chen J, Zheng J. The roles of COX-2 in protozoan infection. Front Immunol 2023; 14:955616. [PMID: 36875123 PMCID: PMC9978824 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.955616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Protozoan diseases cause great harm in animal husbandry and require human-provided medical treatment. Protozoan infection can induce changes in cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression. The role played by COX-2 in the response to protozoan infection is complex. COX-2 induces and regulates inflammation by promoting the synthesis of different prostaglandins (PGs), which exhibit a variety of biological activities and participate in pathophysiological processes in the body in a variety of ways. This review explains the roles played by COX-2 in protozoan infection and analyzes the effects of COX-2-related drugs in protozoan diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinlei Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Institute of Theoretical Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jingtong Zheng
- Department of Pathogenobiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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2
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Kaufmann H, Zenner L, Benabed S, Poirel MT, Bourgoin G. Lack of efficacy of fenbendazole against Giardia duodenalis in a naturally infected population of dogs in France. Parasite 2022; 29:49. [PMID: 36315102 PMCID: PMC9621113 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2022048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Giardiosis is a worldwide intestinal parasitosis, affecting both humans and animals. Treatment in dogs remains limited and the lack of efficacy of the few approved medications is a rising concern. In this study, 23 dogs raised by veterinary students and naturally infected with Giardia duodenalis were treated in home conditions with fenbendazole (50 mg/kg orally for 5 consecutive days). Fecal samples were collected immediately before treatment (FS1), 2-4 days after treatment (FS2) and 8-10 days after treatment (FS3). Giardia duodenalis cyst excretion was measured quantitatively by direct immunofluorescence assay (DFA) at FS1, FS2 and FS3. Molecular typing with a nested PCR targeting the SSU rDNA locus was also performed at FS1 and FS2. Fecal consistency improved in 16/21 dogs (76%) and mean cyst shedding was reduced by 84% after treatment. However, only 8/23 dogs (35%) achieved therapeutic success (≥90% reduction of cysts) and only 4/23 dogs (17%) had complete elimination of G. duodenalis. Molecular typing showed that dogs harbored only canine-specific assemblages, with a high prevalence of assemblage C in analyzed samples (30/39). We also detected different assemblages after treatment and nucleotide substitutions in assemblage C sequences that have not been described previously. Eight to ten days after treatment, high Giardia cyst excretion was measured, suggesting possible reinfection despite hygiene measures and/or multiplication. These data suggest that fenbendazole treatment may improve fecal consistency but has limited therapeutic efficacy against giardiosis in this population of dogs. Further research is still needed to assess the efficacy of fenbendazole against canine giardiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Kaufmann
- Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup – Campus Vétérinaire de Lyon, Laboratoire de parasitologie vétérinaire 1 avenue Bourgelat, BP 83 F-69280 Marcy l’Etoile France
| | - Lionel Zenner
- Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup – Campus Vétérinaire de Lyon, Laboratoire de parasitologie vétérinaire 1 avenue Bourgelat, BP 83 F-69280 Marcy l’Etoile France,Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR 5558, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive F-69622 Villeurbanne France
| | - Slimania Benabed
- Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup – Campus Vétérinaire de Lyon, Laboratoire de parasitologie vétérinaire 1 avenue Bourgelat, BP 83 F-69280 Marcy l’Etoile France,Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR 5558, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive F-69622 Villeurbanne France
| | - Marie-Thérèse Poirel
- Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup – Campus Vétérinaire de Lyon, Laboratoire de parasitologie vétérinaire 1 avenue Bourgelat, BP 83 F-69280 Marcy l’Etoile France,Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR 5558, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive F-69622 Villeurbanne France
| | - Gilles Bourgoin
- Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup – Campus Vétérinaire de Lyon, Laboratoire de parasitologie vétérinaire 1 avenue Bourgelat, BP 83 F-69280 Marcy l’Etoile France,Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR 5558, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive F-69622 Villeurbanne France,Corresponding author:
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3
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Loderstädt U, Frickmann H. Antimicrobial resistance of the enteric protozoon Giardia duodenalis - A narrative review. Eur J Microbiol Immunol (Bp) 2021; 11:29-43. [PMID: 34237023 PMCID: PMC8287975 DOI: 10.1556/1886.2021.00009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction As therapy-refractory giardiasis is an emerging health issue, this review aimed at summarizing mechanisms of reduced antimicrobial susceptibility in Giardia duodenalis and strategies to overcome this problem. Methods A narrative review on antimicrobial resistance in G. duodenalis was based upon a selective literature research. Results Failed therapeutic success has been observed for all standard therapies of giardiasis comprising nitroimidazoles like metronidazole or tinidazole as first line substances but also benznidazoles like albendazole and mebendazole, the nitrofuran furazolidone, the thiazolide nitazoxanide, and the aminoglycoside paromomycin. Multicausality of the resistance phenotypes has been described, with differentiated gene expression due to epigenetic and post-translational modifications playing a considerable bigger role than mutational base exchanges in the parasite DNA. Standardized resistance testing algorithms are not available and clinical evidence for salvage therapies is scarce in spite of research efforts targeting new giardicidal drugs. Conclusion In case of therapeutic failure of first line nitroimidazoles, salvage strategies including various options for combination therapy exist in spite of limited evidence and lacking routine diagnostic-compatible assays for antimicrobial susceptibility testing in G. duodenalis. Sufficiently powered clinical and diagnostic studies are needed to overcome both the lacking evidence regarding salvage therapy and the diagnostic neglect of antimicrobial resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike Loderstädt
- 1Institute for Infection Control and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Hagen Frickmann
- 2Department of Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg, 20359 Hamburg, Germany.,3Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medicine Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany
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4
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Loderstädt U, Hagen RM, Hahn A, Frickmann H. New Developments in PCR-Based Diagnostics for Bacterial Pathogens Causing Gastrointestinal Infections-A Narrative Mini-Review on Challenges in the Tropics. Trop Med Infect Dis 2021; 6:tropicalmed6020096. [PMID: 34199650 PMCID: PMC8293448 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed6020096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The application of modern PCR approaches for the diagnosis of bacterial gastrointestinal pathogens is on the rise due to their rapidly available results combined with high sensitivity. While multiple studies describe the ongoing implementation of this technique for routine diagnostic purposes in laboratories in Western industrialized countries, reports on successful and also sustainable respective approaches in resource-poor tropical settings are still scarce. In order to shed light on potential reasons for this marked discrepancy, this narrative review summarizes identified challenges for the application of diagnostic PCR targeting bacterial gastrointestinal pathogens from stool samples in the tropics. The identified and discussed issues comprise the lack of generally accepted definitions for (1) minimum standards regarding sample acquisition, storage and transport time for diagnostic PCR analyses in the tropics, (2) nucleic acid extraction standards allowing an optimum detection of all types of pathogens which may be responsible for gastroenteritis in the tropics, (3) validation standards to ensure comparable quality of applied diagnostic assays, and (4) cut-offs for a reliable discrimination of infection and mere colonization in areas where semi-immunity due to repeated exposition associated with poor hygiene conditions has to be expected. Further implementation research is needed to solve those issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike Loderstädt
- Institute for Infection Control and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany;
| | - Ralf Matthias Hagen
- Department of Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Bundeswehr Central Hospital Koblenz, Andernacher Str. 100, 56070 Koblenz, Germany;
| | - Andreas Hahn
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medicine Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany;
| | - Hagen Frickmann
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medicine Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany;
- Department of Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
- Correspondence: or or ; Tel.: +49-40-6947-28743
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5
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Ydsten KA, Hellgren U, Asgeirsson H. Quinacrine treatment of nitroimidazole-refractory giardiasis. J Infect Dis 2021; 225:1773-1776. [PMID: 34036328 PMCID: PMC9113433 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiab287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Limited evidence exists on efficacy and tolerability of quinacrine for nitroimidazole-refractory giardiasis. Methods Nitroimidazole-refractory giardiasis cases, defined as microbiologically (microscopy and/or PCR) confirmed treatment failure after 2 courses, during 2008–2020, were retrospectively identified. Results Of 87 patients, 54 (62%) had visited India. Quinacrine was used in 54 (62%); 51 received monotherapy and 3 combined with metronidazole. Only 3 had positive stool samples with persisting symptoms after quinacrine treatment (94% parasitological efficacy) and all were cured after a second treatment. One (1.9%) had mild adverse effects recorded. Conclusions Quinacrine is an effective treatment for nitroimidazole-refractory giardiasis with good tolerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin A Ydsten
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Urban Hellgren
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hilmir Asgeirsson
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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6
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Dunn JC, Papaiakovou M, Han KT, Chooneea D, Bettis AA, Wyine NY, Lwin AMM, Maung NS, Misra R, Littlewood DTJ, Anderson RM. The increased sensitivity of qPCR in comparison to Kato-Katz is required for the accurate assessment of the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infection in settings that have received multiple rounds of mass drug administration. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:324. [PMID: 32580759 PMCID: PMC7315547 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04197-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The most commonly used diagnostic tool for soil-transmitted helminths (STH) is the Kato-Katz (KK) thick smear technique. However, numerous studies have suggested that the sensitivity of KK can be problematic, especially in low prevalence and low intensity settings. An emerging alternative is quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Methods In this study, both KK and qPCR were conducted on stool samples from 648 participants in an STH epidemiology study conducted in the delta region of Myanmar in June 2016. Results Prevalence of any STH was 20.68% by KK and 45.06% by qPCR. Prevalence of each individual STH was also higher by qPCR than KK, the biggest difference was for hookworm with an approximately 4-fold increase between the two diagnostic techniques. Prevalence of Ancylostoma ceylanicum, a parasite predominately found in dogs, was 4.63%, indicating that there is the possibility of zoonotic transmission in the study setting. In individuals with moderate to high intensity infections there is evidence for a linear relationship between eggs per gram (EPG) of faeces, derived from KK, and DNA copy number, derived from qPCR which is particularly strong for Ascaris lumbricoides. Conclusions The use of qPCR in low prevalence settings is important to accurately assess the epidemiological situation and plan control strategies for the ‘end game’. However, more work is required to accurately assess STH intensity from qPCR results and to reduce the cost of qPCR so that is widely accessible in STH endemic countries.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia C Dunn
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG, UK. .,London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, London, UK.
| | - Marina Papaiakovou
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG, UK.,London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, London, UK.,Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, London, UK
| | - Kay Thwe Han
- Department of Medical Research, Ministry of Health and Sports, Nyapyitaw, Myanmar
| | - Darren Chooneea
- Core Research Laboratories, Natural History Museum, London, UK
| | - Alison A Bettis
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG, UK.,London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, London, UK
| | - Nay Yee Wyine
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, London, UK
| | - Aye Moe Moe Lwin
- University of Public Health, Myorma Kyaung Street, Yangon, 11131, Myanmar
| | - Nay Soe Maung
- University of Public Health, Myorma Kyaung Street, Yangon, 11131, Myanmar
| | - Raju Misra
- Core Research Laboratories, Natural History Museum, London, UK
| | | | - Roy M Anderson
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG, UK.,London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, London, UK
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7
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Leméteil D, Gargala G, Razakandrainibe R, Ballet JJ, Favennec L, Costa D. Comparative Evaluation of Commercial Concentration Procedures for Human Intestinal Parasite Detection. Lab Med 2019; 50:243-248. [PMID: 30590699 DOI: 10.1093/labmed/lmy072] [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] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Effective stool concentration is essential in microscopically based diagnosis of human intestinal parasite infections. OBJECTIVE To compare the performances of 4 concentration commercial kits and 1 homemade procedure in 96 clinical stool specimens that tested positive for the detection of 9 helminth and 8 protozoa parasites. METHODS The presence or absence of parasite forms was microscopically determined under conditions of standard practice. Also, we established the accuracies, concentration factors, and extraction yields. RESULTS No difference was observed between procedures for preconcentration specimens that tested positive. However, for preconcentration specimens that tested negative, we discovered that the homemade procedure was the most effective, and 2 of the 4 commercial kits were discovered to be satisfactory for routine applications. CONCLUSIONS For all parasites, procedures with biphasic solvents exhibited higher performances than organic solvent-free procedures. For the first time, the effectiveness of commercial concentration kits has been evaluated on several common stool parasites, and the results suggest that improvement of commercial procedures is possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Leméteil
- Department of Parasitology, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France.,Department of Medicine and Pharmacy, Normandie University, and Department of Parasitology, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France
| | - Gilles Gargala
- Department of Parasitology, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France.,Department of Medicine and Pharmacy, Normandie University, and Department of Parasitology, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France
| | - Romy Razakandrainibe
- Department of Medicine and Pharmacy, Normandie University, and Department of Parasitology, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France
| | - Jean Jacques Ballet
- Department of Medicine and Pharmacy, Normandie University, and Department of Parasitology, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France
| | - Loic Favennec
- Department of Parasitology, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France.,Department of Medicine and Pharmacy, Normandie University, and Department of Parasitology, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France
| | - Damien Costa
- Department of Parasitology, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France.,Department of Medicine and Pharmacy, Normandie University, and Department of Parasitology, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France
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8
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Abstract
This article presents the most common gastrointestinal, hepatic, and pancreatic manifestations of the primary immunodeficiency diseases, including the appropriate laboratory testing, endoscopic evaluation, and recommendations for further management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah Glover
- UF Health, PO Box 103643, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
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9
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Papaiakovou M, Gasser RB, Littlewood DTJ. Quantitative PCR-Based Diagnosis of Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections: Faecal or Fickle? Trends Parasitol 2019; 35:491-500. [PMID: 31126720 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2019.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Treatment and control programmes tackling soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections require sensitive, reliable, and accurate diagnostic tools. There is a growing need for measures of infection intensity as programmes approach STH control. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) is well suited to the detection of DNA targets present in stool, even in low-prevalence settings. Detecting low levels of infection becomes increasingly important when the breakpoint of transmission is approached, and is vital when monitoring for recrudescence once control, or possibly 'elimination', is achieved. We address key challenges and questions that remain as barriers to incorporating qPCR as a cornerstone diagnostic tool for STH infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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10
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Formenti F, Valerio M, Guerriero M, Perandin F, Pajola B, Mistretta M, Tais S, Degani M, Bisoffi Z. Molecular Biology Can Change the Classic Laboratory Approach for Intestinal Protozoan Infections. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:2191. [PMID: 29163458 PMCID: PMC5681914 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.02191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
For many years microscopy has been considered the mainstay of the diagnosis of parasitic infections. In our laboratory, before the advent of molecular biology, the approach for the identification of parasitic infections in stools was the microscopic exam of three samples. Once we adopted molecular biology, a real-time PCR on one single sample was added to the classical coproparasitological exam of three samples. Given the high sensitivity of real-time PCR (Rt-PCR), we then decided to evaluate if a change of our routine was justified. In detail, we intended to assess if a much more practical routine, based on the analysis of a single fecal sample, was sufficiently sensitive to replace the routine described above. The new approach to be evaluated included, on the same and unique fecal sample, a classical coproparasitological exam plus Rt-PCR. The data obtained showed that the sensitivity of the new proposed approach remains very high, despite the reduction of coproparasitological exams from three to one, with the advantage of reducing costs and saving time, both for patients and for the laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Formenti
- Centre for Tropical Diseases, Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Matteo Valerio
- Medical Oncology, Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Massimo Guerriero
- Centre for Tropical Diseases, Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Verona, Italy.,Department of Computer Science, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Francesca Perandin
- Centre for Tropical Diseases, Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Barbara Pajola
- Centre for Tropical Diseases, Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Manuela Mistretta
- Centre for Tropical Diseases, Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Stefano Tais
- Centre for Tropical Diseases, Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Monica Degani
- Centre for Tropical Diseases, Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Zeno Bisoffi
- Centre for Tropical Diseases, Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Verona, Italy
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Requena-Méndez A, Goñi P, Rubio E, Pou D, Fumadó V, Lóbez S, Aldasoro E, Cabezos J, Valls ME, Treviño B, Martínez Montseny AF, Clavel A, Gascon J, Muñoz J. The Use of Quinacrine in Nitroimidazole-resistant Giardia Duodenalis: An Old Drug for an Emerging Problem. J Infect Dis 2017; 215:946-953. [PMID: 28453841 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jix066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is little evidence regarding the management of refractory giardiasis after treatment with nitroimidazoles. This study estimates the proportion of persistent giardiasis in 3 hospitals in Barcelona, describes associated risk factors and genotype, and evaluates the efficacy rate of quinacrine in those with persistent giardiasis. Methods A clinical, prospective, observational study was conducted in patients with giardiasis treated with nitroimidazoles. Those with persistent giardiasis were provided quinacrine. Molecular characterization of Giardia isolates was performed by polymerase chain reaction amplification of a fragment of tpi and bg genes. Results Seventy-seven patients were recruited and treated with nitroimidazoles, and in 14 of 71 (20%) of patients followed up, Giardia persisted. Refractory giardiasis was associated with malaise (P = .007) and anorexia (P = .02), with previous giardiasis (P = .03), and with previous antibiotic (P = .02) or antiparasitic(P = .04) use. Quinacrine had an effectiveness rate of 100% in refractory giardiasis (n = 13; 95% confidence interval = 75-100). Molecular characterization showed that 17 (25%) Giardia isolates belonged to assemblage A, and 31 (43%) belonged to assemblage B. In refractory giardiasis, assemblage A and B were found responsible in 4 and 6 cases, respectively. Conclusions Almost 20% of patients presented persistent giardiasis, belonging to both assemblages A and B, after nitroimidazole. Short course of quinacrine was effective in treating refractory cases. Further controlled studies should evaluate its efficacy and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Requena-Méndez
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, ISGlobal-CRESIB, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona , Spain
| | - Pilar Goñi
- Department of Microbiology, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Encarnación Rubio
- Department of Microbiology, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Diana Pou
- Unidad de Salud Internacional Drassanes-Hospital Universitario Vall d'Hebron, PROSICS, Barcelona
| | - Victoria Fumadó
- Unitat de Malalties Infeccioses i Importades, Servei de Pediatría, Infectious and Imported Diseases, Pediatric Unit, Hospital Universitari Sant Joan de Deú, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Silvia Lóbez
- Department of Microbiology, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Edelweiss Aldasoro
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, ISGlobal-CRESIB, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona , Spain
| | - Juan Cabezos
- Unidad de Salud Internacional Drassanes-Hospital Universitario Vall d'Hebron, PROSICS, Barcelona
| | | | - Begoña Treviño
- Unidad de Salud Internacional Drassanes-Hospital Universitario Vall d'Hebron, PROSICS, Barcelona
| | - Antonio Federico Martínez Montseny
- Unitat de Malalties Infeccioses i Importades, Servei de Pediatría, Infectious and Imported Diseases, Pediatric Unit, Hospital Universitari Sant Joan de Deú, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antonio Clavel
- Department of Microbiology, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Joaquim Gascon
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, ISGlobal-CRESIB, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona , Spain
| | - José Muñoz
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, ISGlobal-CRESIB, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona , Spain
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12
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Meurs L, Polderman AM, Vinkeles Melchers NVS, Brienen EAT, Verweij JJ, Groosjohan B, Mendes F, Mechendura M, Hepp DH, Langenberg MCC, Edelenbosch R, Polman K, van Lieshout L. Diagnosing Polyparasitism in a High-Prevalence Setting in Beira, Mozambique: Detection of Intestinal Parasites in Fecal Samples by Microscopy and Real-Time PCR. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005310. [PMID: 28114314 PMCID: PMC5289637 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2016] [Revised: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many different intestinal parasite species can co-occur in the same population. However, classic diagnostic tools can only frame a particular group of intestinal parasite species. Hence, one or two tests do not suffice to provide a complete picture of infecting parasite species in a given population. The present study investigated intestinal parasitic infections in Beira, Mozambique, i.e. in the informal settlement of Inhamudima. Diagnostic accuracy of five classical microscopy techniques and real-time PCR for the detection of a broad spectrum of parasites was compared. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS A cross-sectional population-based survey was performed. One stool sample per participant (n = 303) was examined by direct smear, formal-ether concentration (FEC), Kato smear, Baermann method, coproculture and real-time PCR. We found that virtually all people (96%) harbored at least one helminth, and that almost half (49%) harbored three helminths or more. Remarkably, Strongyloides stercoralis infections were widespread with a prevalence of 48%, and Ancylostoma spp. prevalence was higher than that of Necator americanus (25% versus 15%), the hookworm species that is often assumed to prevail in East-Africa. Among the microscopic techniques, FEC was able to detect the broadest spectrum of parasite species. However, FEC also missed a considerable number of infections, notably S. stercoralis, Schistosoma mansoni and G. intestinalis. PCR outperformed microscopy in terms of sensitivity and range of parasite species detected. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE We showed intestinal parasites-especially helminths-to be omnipresent in Inhamudima, Beira. However, it is a challenge to achieve high diagnostic sensitivity for all species. Classical techniques such as FEC are useful for the detection of some intestinal helminth species, but they lack sensitivity for other parasite species. PCR can detect intestinal parasites more accurately but is generally not feasible in resource-poor settings, at least not in peripheral labs. Hence, there is a need for a more field-friendly, sensitive approach for on-the-spot diagnosis of parasitic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn Meurs
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Anton M. Polderman
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Eric A. T. Brienen
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jaco J. Verweij
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Bernhard Groosjohan
- Faculty of Health Science, Catholic University of Mozambique, Beira, Mozambique
| | - Felisberto Mendes
- Faculty of Health Science, Catholic University of Mozambique, Beira, Mozambique
| | - Manito Mechendura
- Faculty of Health Science, Catholic University of Mozambique, Beira, Mozambique
| | - Dagmar H. Hepp
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Rosanne Edelenbosch
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Katja Polman
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Lisette van Lieshout
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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13
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Rijsman LH, Monkelbaan JF, Kusters JG. Clinical consequences of polymerase chain reaction-based diagnosis of intestinal parasitic infections. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2016; 31:1808-1815. [PMID: 27061336 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.13412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2015] [Revised: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 04/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The implementation of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based diagnostics of intestinal protozoa has led to higher sensitivity and (subtype) specificity, more convenient sampling, and the possibility for high-throughput screening. PCR for routine detection of human intestinal protozoa in fecal samples is used by an increasing number of clinical laboratories. This paper discusses the recent developments in the diagnosis of intestinal protozoa, with an emphasis on PCR-based diagnostics. Although many reviews have described the technical aspects of PCR-based diagnostics, this review focuses on the clinical consequences that result from the shift from microscopic toward PCR-based diagnostics. Despite its undisputed superiority, the use of PCR comes with challenges that clinicians should be aware of.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas H Rijsman
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, CX, The Netherlands
| | - Jan F Monkelbaan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes G Kusters
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, CX, The Netherlands
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14
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15
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Gotfred-Rasmussen H, Lund M, Enemark HL, Erlandsen M, Petersen E. Comparison of sensitivity and specificity of 4 methods for detection of Giardia duodenalis in feces: immunofluorescence and PCR are superior to microscopy of concentrated iodine-stained samples. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2015; 84:187-90. [PMID: 26707069 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2015.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2015] [Revised: 11/06/2015] [Accepted: 11/08/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
For decades, microscopy of feces after formol-ethylacetate (FEA) concentration and iodine staining has been the routine test for intestinal protozoa. Lately, polymerase chain reaction or fluorescence-labeled parasite-specific antibodies have been introduced, but their place in everyday routine diagnostics has not yet been established. We compared FEA and salt-sugar flotation (SSF) concentration followed by microscopy of iodine-stained concentrate and immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for detection of Giardia duodenalis in human feces. The median number of Giardia cysts found by FEA in 19 Giardia-positive samples was 50 cysts per gram (CPG), by SSF 350 CPG, by IFA 76,700 CPG, and by qPCR 316,000 CPG. We next tested 455 consecutive samples for presence of Giardia cysts. Using IFA as reference, qPCR had a sensitivity of 91%, specificity of 95.1%, a false-positive rate of 50%, a false-negative rate of 0.48%, a positive predictive value of 50%, and a negative predictive value of 99.5%. In conclusion, qPCR and IFA were significantly more sensitive than microscopy of iodine-stained concentrates using either FEA or SSF. We suggest, when using qPCR, that positive samples are verified by IFA to prevent false-positive results.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marianne Lund
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Aarhus University Hospital Skejby, Aarhus Denmark
| | - Heidi L Enemark
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, PO Box 750 Sentrum, N-0106 Norway
| | - Mogens Erlandsen
- Department of Public Health, Section for Biostatistics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Eskild Petersen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital Skejby, Aarhus Denmark; Department of Clinical Microbiology, Aarhus University Hospital Skejby, Aarhus Denmark.
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16
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van Lieshout L, Roestenberg M. Clinical consequences of new diagnostic tools for intestinal parasites. Clin Microbiol Infect 2015; 21:520-8. [PMID: 25843505 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2015.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2015] [Revised: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 03/20/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Following the success of nucleic acid-based detection in virology and bacteriology, multiplex real-time PCRs are increasingly used as first-line diagnostics in clinical parasitology, replacing microscopy. The detection and quantification of parasite-specific DNA in faeces is highly sensitive and specific and allows for cost-effective high-throughput screening. In this paper we discuss the clinical consequences of this radical change in diagnostic approach, as well as its potential drawbacks. In the Netherlands, routine diagnostic laboratories have been pioneering the implementation of multiplex real-time PCR for the detection of pathogenic intestinal protozoa and this has resulted in increased detection rates of Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium spp. As a consequence of this new diagnostic approach, expertise in the field of parasite morphology by conventional light microscopy seems to be disappearing in most of the high-throughput microbiological laboratories. As a result, to maintain a high standard of care, a formalized exchange of critical information between clinicians and laboratory staff is necessary to determine the most appropriate testing either in local laboratories or in reference centres, based on clinical signs and symptoms, exposure and immune status. If such a diagnostic algorithm is lacking, important infections in travellers, immigrants and immunocompromised patients may be missed.
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Affiliation(s)
- L van Lieshout
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - M Roestenberg
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands; Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
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17
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Frickmann H, Schwarz NG, Rakotozandrindrainy R, May J, Hagen RM. PCR for enteric pathogens in high-prevalence settings. What does a positive signal tell us? Infect Dis (Lond) 2015; 47:491-8. [PMID: 25761823 DOI: 10.3109/23744235.2015.1022212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Molecular methods, in particular PCR, are increasingly used for the diagnosis of enteric pathogens in stool samples. In high-endemicity settings, however, asymptomatic carriage or residual DNA from previous infections will hamper the interpretation of positive test results. We assessed the quantitative dimension of this problem in schoolchildren in the rural highlands of Madagascar. METHODS Stool samples were collected from 410 apparently healthy Madagascan schoolchildren and analysed by multiplex real-time PCR for enteroinvasive bacteria (Salmonella spp., Shigella spp./enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC), Campylobacter jejuni, Yersinia spp.), enteric protozoa (Entamoebea histolytica, Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., Cyclospora spp.), and helminths (Ascaris lumbricoides, Ancylostoma spp., Necator americanus, Strongyloides stercoralis). Symptoms of gastrointestinal disease were assessed. RESULTS Among the 410 samples, we detected Giardia duodenalis in 195, Campylobacter jejuni in 91, Ascaris lumbricoides in 72, Cyclospora cayetanenesis in 68, Shigella spp./EIEC in 56, and Strongyloides stercoralis and Cryptosporum spp. in 1 case each. Salmonella spp., Yersinia spp. and hookworms were not observed. Relative risk assessment suggested few and incoherent associations with pathogen detections, indicating asymptomatic carriage or DNA residuals. Only 26.1% of the schoolchildren were tested negative for all analysed pathogens. CONCLUSIONS The very high risk of detecting traces of asymptomatic carriage or residual DNA from previous infections limits the value of highly sensitive PCR for the causal attribution of detected enteric pathogens from stool samples to an infectious gastrointestinal disease in the high-endemicity setting. Evaluated standards for the interpretation of such results are needed both for the diagnostic routine and for epidemiological assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hagen Frickmann
- From the Department of Tropical Medicine at the Bernhard Nocht Institute, German Armed Forces Hospital of Hamburg , Hamburg , Germany
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18
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Escobedo AA, Hanevik K, Almirall P, Cimerman S, Alfonso M. Management of chronic Giardia infection. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2014; 12:1143-57. [PMID: 25059638 DOI: 10.1586/14787210.2014.942283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Advances in our understanding of chronic giardiasis (CG) may improve our care of patients in this stage of the disease. This review proposes a new concept of CG and highlights the recent advances in our understanding and management of this condition. According to this review, management requires, initially, an accurate diagnosis, which may exclude several conditions that can mimic CG. Optimal treatment requires a tailored approach which includes the recognition of the known modifiable causes of this health condition, assessment of symptoms and potential complications, their treatment utilizing, if necessary, a multidisciplinary team, and an ongoing monitoring for the effect of therapy - weighing the efficacy of individual drugs - all of these together may lead to a successful treatment of CG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel A Escobedo
- Academic Paediatric Hospital "Pedro Borrás", Calle F No. 616 esquina 27, Plaza, La Habana, CP 10400, Cuba
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19
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Application of PCR-based methods for diagnosis of intestinal parasitic infections in the clinical laboratory. Parasitology 2014; 141:1863-72. [DOI: 10.1017/s0031182014000419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARYFor many years PCR- and other DNA-based methods of pathogen detection have been available in most clinical microbiology laboratories; however, until recently these tools were not routinely exploited for the diagnosis of parasitic infections. Laboratories were initially reluctant to implement PCR as incorporation of such assays within the algorithm of tools available for the most accurate diagnosis of a large variety of parasites was unclear. With regard to diagnosis of intestinal parasitic infections, the diversity of parasites that one can expect in most settings is far less than the parasitological textbooks would have you believe, hence developing a simplified diagnostic triage is feasible. Therefore the classical algorithm based on population, patient groups, use of immuno-suppressive drugs, travel history etc. is also applicable to decide when to perform and which additional techniques are to be used, if a multiplex PCR panel is used as a first-line screening diagnostic.
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