1
|
Jones BP, Kozel K, Alonte AJI, Llanes KKR, Juhász A, Chaudhry U, Roose S, Geldhof P, Belizario VY, Nejsum P, Stothard JR, LaCourse EJ, van Vliet AHM, Paller VGV, Betson M. Worldwide absence of canonical benzimidazole resistance-associated mutations within β-tubulin genes from Ascaris. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:225. [PMID: 38755679 PMCID: PMC11098727 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06306-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The giant roundworm Ascaris is an intestinal nematode, causing ascariasis by infecting humans and pigs worldwide. Recent estimates suggest that Ascaris infects over half a billion people, with chronic infections leading to reduced growth and cognitive ability. Ascariasis affects innumerable pigs worldwide and is known to reduce production yields via decreased growth and condemnation of livers. The predominant anthelminthic drugs used to treat ascariasis are the benzimidazoles. Benzimidazoles interact with β-tubulins and block their function, and several benzimidazole resistance-associated mutations have been described in the β-tubulins of ruminant nematodes. Recent research on ascarids has shown that these canonical benzimidazole resistance-associated mutations are likely not present in the β-tubulins of Ascaris, Ascaridia or Parascaris, even in phenotypically resistant populations. METHODS To further determine the putative absence of key β-tubulin polymorphisms, we screened two β-tubulin isotypes of Ascaris, highly expressed in adult worms. Using adult and egg samples of Ascaris obtained from pigs and humans worldwide, we performed deep amplicon sequencing to look for canonical resistance-associated mutations in Ascaris β-tubulins. Subsequently, we examined these data in closer detail to study the population dynamics of Ascaris and genetic diversity within the two isotypes and tested whether genotypes appeared to partition across human and pig hosts. RESULTS In the 187 isolates, 69 genotypes were found, made up of eight haplotypes of β-tubulin isotype A and 20 haplotypes of isotype B. Single nucleotide polymorphisms were seen at 14 and 37 positions for β-tubulin isotype A and isotype B, respectively. No evidence of any canonical benzimidazole resistance-associated mutations was found in either human- or pig-derived Ascaris isolates. There was, however, a difference in the genetic diversity of each isotype and distribution of β-tubulin genotypes between human- and pig-derived Ascaris. Statistical tests of population differentiation show significant differences (p < 0.001) between pig- and human-derived worms; however, more diversity was seen between worms from different populations than worms from different hosts. CONCLUSIONS Our work suggests an absence of canonical β-tubulin mutations within Ascaris, but alternative modes of anthelminthic resistance may emerge necessitating continued genetic scrutiny alongside monitoring of drug efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ben P Jones
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7AL, UK
| | - Kezia Kozel
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7AL, UK
| | - Allen Jethro I Alonte
- Institute of Biological Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines
| | - Kennesa Klariz R Llanes
- Institute of Biological Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines
| | - Alexandra Juhász
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Umer Chaudhry
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7AL, UK
- School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George's University, True Blue, West Indies, Grenada
| | - Sara Roose
- Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Peter Geldhof
- Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Vicente Y Belizario
- Department of Parasitology, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Peter Nejsum
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - J Russell Stothard
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - E James LaCourse
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Arnoud H M van Vliet
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7AL, UK
| | - Vachel Gay V Paller
- Institute of Biological Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines
| | - Martha Betson
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7AL, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tamponi C, Cavallo L, Dessì G, Sardu F, Carta C, Corda A, Burrai GP, Varcasia A, Scala A. Hepatobiliary Ascariasis in a Piglet. Acta Parasitol 2024; 69:785-790. [PMID: 38424402 PMCID: PMC11001663 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-024-00813-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Ascariasis caused by the helminth Ascaris suum is the most common parasitosis of swine worldwide and it may involve all age categories of pigs. The present study reports an unusual localization of A. suum worms in the biliary system of a piglet slaughtered for human consumption. METHODS The liver was subjected to ultrasound scan and pathological examination. The isolated worms were morphologically examined and the DNA was extracted for the molecular identification of the species involved. RESULTS A total of 43 preadult nematodes were found within the gallbladder and the bile ducts. Parasites were morphologically identified as belonging to the genus Ascaris and molecularly as A. suum. At gross examination, the liver was moderately enlarged, with the bile ducts severely dilated. A chronic inflammatory infiltrate was noted, often centered around ectatic bile ducts (up to 5 mm in diameter), lined by hyperplastic epithelium and filled with sections of nematodes. The worm sections showed smooth cuticle, coelomyarian musculature, and an intestinal tract lined by columnar, uninucleated cells within a pseudocoelom. The ex vivo ultrasonographic examination of the liver allowed the visualization of several nematodes in the bile duct lumen and could be suggested for in vivo diagnosis. Unfortunately, the absence of the intestine did not allow to define the pathogenesis of the infection. CONCLUSION Although, given the unusual nature of this finding, it is difficult to identify predisposing factors for this A. suum localization, it suggests that ascariasis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pigs with hepatobiliary disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Tamponi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna, 2, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Lia Cavallo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna, 2, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Giorgia Dessì
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna, 2, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | | | - Carlo Carta
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna, 2, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Andrea Corda
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna, 2, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Pietro Burrai
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna, 2, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Antonio Varcasia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna, 2, 07100, Sassari, Italy.
| | - Antonio Scala
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna, 2, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Mazurkiewicz-Zapałowicz K, Pilarczyk B, Kołodziejczyk L, Tkaczuk C, Twarużek M, Łopusiewicz Ł, Grajewski J, Dzika E, Kalisińska E. Effect of Selected Entomopathogenic Fungal Species on Embryonic Development of Ascaris suum (Nematoda). Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3782. [PMID: 38136820 PMCID: PMC10740946 DOI: 10.3390/ani13243782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the study was to evaluate the potential of using five selected species of entomopathogenic fungi (Beauveria bassiana, B. brongniartii, Conidiobolus coronatus, Isaria fumosorosea, and Metarhizium robertsii) in the bioregulation of the dispersive stages of the parasitic nematode-Ascaris suum. Experimental cultures of each of the selected entomopathogenic fungi, as well as a control culture without fungi, were incubated with A. suum eggs at 26 °C for 28 days. Development of the A. suum eggs was observed using a light microscope on the 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th days of incubation. The API-ZYM® test was used to determine, semiquantitatively, the activity of 19 hydrolytic enzymes from the entomopathogenic fungi. The cytotoxicity of the fungi was determined using tetrazole salt MTT. It was found that none of the five tested strains of entomopathogenic fungi showed an ovicidal effect, and none of them colonized the A. suum egg shells. However, ovistatic activity was observed mainly until the 14th day of incubation by I. fumosorosea, M. robertsii, and B. bassiana. In the MTT test, M. robertsii showed moderate cytotoxicity, while the other species showed low cytotoxicity. Among the strains tested, I. fumosorosea showed the highest spectrum of hydrolase production (13 out of 19 enzymes gave a positive reaction from 3 to 5; 20-40 nM or more). The absence of morphological changes in the A. suum egg shells suggests that the antagonistic effect of the studied entomopathogenic fungi may be due to their cytotoxicity, associated with the production of secondary metabolites-toxins (M. robertsii) and enzymatic activity (I. fumosorosea).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Mazurkiewicz-Zapałowicz
- Department of Hydrobiology, Ichthyology and Biotechnology of Reproduction, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Kazimierza Królewicza 4, 71-550 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Bogumiła Pilarczyk
- Department of Animal Reproduction Biotechnology and Environmental Hygiene, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Janickiego 29, 71-270 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Lidia Kołodziejczyk
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Pomeranian Medical University, al. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (L.K.); (E.K.)
| | - Cezary Tkaczuk
- Institute of Agriculture and Horticulture, University in Siedlce, Prusa 14, 08-110 Siedlce, Poland;
| | - Magdalena Twarużek
- Department of Physiology and Toxicology, Kazimierz Wielki University, Chodkiewicza 30, 85-064 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (M.T.); (J.G.)
| | - Łukasz Łopusiewicz
- Center of Bioimmobilisation and Innovative Packaging Materials, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Janickiego 35, 71-270 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Jan Grajewski
- Department of Physiology and Toxicology, Kazimierz Wielki University, Chodkiewicza 30, 85-064 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (M.T.); (J.G.)
| | - Ewa Dzika
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Warmia and Mazury, Żołnierska 14c, 10-561 Olsztyn, Poland;
| | - Elżbieta Kalisińska
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Pomeranian Medical University, al. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (L.K.); (E.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Holland C, Sepidarkish M, Deslyper G, Abdollahi A, Valizadeh S, Mollalo A, Mahjour S, Ghodsian S, Ardekani A, Behniafar H, Gasser RB, Rostami A. Global prevalence of Ascaris infection in humans (2010–2021): a systematic review and meta-analysis. Infect Dis Poverty 2022; 11:113. [PMCID: PMC9673379 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-022-01038-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ascariasis is one of the most important neglected tropical diseases of humans worldwide. The epidemiology of Ascaris infection appears to have changed with improvements in sanitation and mass drug administration, but there is no recent information on prevalence worldwide. Here, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the global prevalence of human Ascaris infection from 2010 to 2021. Methods We searched MEDLINE/PubMed, and Scopus databases for studies measuring prevalence of Ascaris infection, published between 1 January 2010 and 1 January 2022. We included studies of the general human population in endemic regions, which used accepted coprodiagnostic methods, and excluded studies of people with occupations with an increased risk or probability of ascariasis and/or specific diseases other than ascariasis. We applied random-effects models to obtain pooled prevalence estimates for six sustainable development goal regions of the world. We extrapolated the prevalence estimates to the global population in 2020, to estimate the number of individuals with Ascaris infection. We conducted multiple subgroup and meta-regression analyses to explore possible sources of heterogeneity, and to assess relationships between prevalence estimates and demographic, socio-economic, geo-climatic factors. Results Of 11,245 studies screened, we analysed 758 prevalence estimates for a total number of 4,923,876 participants in 616 studies from 81 countries. The global prevalence estimated was 11.01% (95% confidence interval: 10.27–11.78%), with regional prevalences ranging from 28.77% (7.07–57.66%) in Melanesia (Oceania) to 1.39% (1.07–1.74%) in Eastern Asia. We estimated that ~ 732 (682–782) million people harboured Ascaris worldwide in 2021. The infected people in Latin America and the Caribbean region had a higher prevalence of high intensity infection (8.4%, 3.9–14.1%). Prevalence estimates were higher in children, and people in rural communities or in countries or regions with lower income and human development indices. There was a trend for a higher prevalence in regions with increasing mean annual relative humidity, precipitation and environmental temperature. Conclusions Our findings indicate that, despite a renewed commitment by some communities or authorities to control ascariasis, a substantial portion of the world’s human population (> 0.7 billion) is infected with Ascaris. Despite the clinical and socioeconomic importance of ascariasis, many past routine surveys did not assess the intensity of Ascaris infection in people. We propose that the present findings might stimulate the development of customised strategies for the improved control and prevention of Ascaris infection worldwide. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40249-022-01038-z.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Celia Holland
- grid.8217.c0000 0004 1936 9705Department of Zoology, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, College Green, Dublin 2, DO2PN40 Ireland
| | - Mahdi Sepidarkish
- grid.411495.c0000 0004 0421 4102Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Gwendoline Deslyper
- grid.8217.c0000 0004 1936 9705Department of Zoology, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, College Green, Dublin 2, DO2PN40 Ireland
| | - Ali Abdollahi
- grid.411463.50000 0001 0706 2472Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Soghra Valizadeh
- grid.413026.20000 0004 1762 5445University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Abolfazl Mollalo
- grid.252749.f0000 0001 1261 1616Department of Public Health and Prevention Science, School of Health Sciences, Baldwin Wallace University, Berea, OH USA
| | - Sanaz Mahjour
- grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611 USA
| | - Sahar Ghodsian
- grid.411600.2Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Ardekani
- grid.412571.40000 0000 8819 4698Health Policy Research Center, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hamed Behniafar
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Sarab Faculty of Medical Sciences, Sarab, East Azerbaijan Iran
| | - Robin B. Gasser
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XDepartment of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC Australia
| | - Ali Rostami
- grid.411495.c0000 0004 0421 4102Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
The equine ascarids: resuscitating historic model organisms for modern purposes. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:2775-2791. [PMID: 35986167 PMCID: PMC9391215 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07627-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The equine ascarids, Parascaris spp., are important nematode parasites of juvenile horses and were historically model organisms in the field of cell biology, leading to many important discoveries, and are used for the study of chromatin diminution. In veterinary parasitology, Parascaris spp. are important not only because they can cause clinical disease in young horses but also because they are the only ascarid parasites to have developed widespread anthelmintic resistance. Despite this, much of the general biology and mechanisms of anthelmintic resistance are poorly understood. This review condenses known basic biological information and knowledge on the mechanisms of anthelmintic resistance in Parascaris spp., highlighting the importance of foundational research programs. Although two variants of this parasite were recognized based on the number of chromosomes in the 1870s and suggested to be two species in 1890, one of these, P. univalens, appears to have been largely forgotten in the veterinary scientific literature over the past 100 years. We describe how this omission has had a century-long effect on nomenclature and data analysis in the field, highlighting the importance of proper specimen identification in public repositories. A summary of important basic biology, including life cycle, in vitro maintenance, and immunology, is given, and areas of future research for the improvement of knowledge and development of new systems are given. Finally, the limited knowledge regarding anthelmintic resistance in Parascaris spp. is summarized, along with caution regarding assumptions that resistance mechanisms can be applied across clades.
Collapse
|
6
|
Eamsobhana P, Yong HS, Boonyong S, Wanachiwanawin D, Tungtrongchitr A. Genetic diversity and identity of Ascaris worms from human and pig hosts in Thailand. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2022; 33:100752. [PMID: 35820723 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2022.100752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Ascaris roundworms are of public health and socio-economic importance worldwide. They are conventionally attributed to two taxa - A. lumbricoides infecting principally human and A. suum infecting principally pig. Phylogenomic analysis has revealed that Ascaris worms from both human and pig are represented in Clades A and B. A recent study indicates that the Ascaris worms from human and pig in Thailand belong to Clade A. We examined adult Ascaris worms from human and pig in Thailand by means of the partial sequences of three mitochondrial genes (cox1, cox2 and nad1) and concatenation of these genes. Phylogenomic analysis indicates that two isolates (H1,H2) of A. lumbricoides from human belonged to Clade B; one isolate (H3) belonged to Clade A (based on cox1, cox2 and concatenated sequences) or as an outlier to Clades A and B (based on nad1 sequences). All the eight isolates of A. suum from pig clustered in Clade A. The partial nad1 and the concatenated sequences revealed two lineages of A. suum isolates which were distinct from the two A. lumbricoides isolates of Clade B. It is evident that greater genetic diversity, and a more robust phylogeny, could be uncovered by the application of multiple genes. In sum, the present study reveals the presence in Thailand of A. lumbricoides from human in Clades A and B which necessitates appropriate treatment and control measures; Clades A and B have been reported to contain haplotypes of Ascaris worms from both human and pig in other parts of the world. A country wide study is needed to elucidate the identity, distribution, prevalence, cross transmission, genetic diversity and phylogeny of the Ascaris worms in Thailand.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Praphathip Eamsobhana
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Hoi-Sen Yong
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sudarat Boonyong
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Darawan Wanachiwanawin
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Anchalee Tungtrongchitr
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Minkler SJ, Loghry-Jansen HJ, Sondjaja NA, Kimber MJ. Expression and Secretion of Circular RNAs in the Parasitic Nematode, Ascaris suum. Front Genet 2022; 13:884052. [PMID: 35711944 PMCID: PMC9194832 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.884052] [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: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a recently identified RNA species with emerging functional roles as microRNA (miRNA) and protein sponges, regulators of gene transcription and translation, and modulators of fundamental biological processes including immunoregulation. Relevant to this study, circRNAs have recently been described in the parasitic nematode, Haemonchus contortus, suggesting they may have functionally important roles in parasites. Given their involvement in regulating biological processes, a better understanding of their role in parasites could be leveraged for future control efforts. Here, we report the use of next-generation sequencing to identify 1,997 distinct circRNAs expressed in adult female stages of the gastrointestinal parasitic nematode, Ascaris suum. We describe spatial expression in the ovary-enriched and body wall muscle, and also report circRNA presence in extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by the parasite into the external environment. Further, we used an in-silico approach to predict that a subset of Ascaris circRNAs bind both endogenous parasite miRNAs as well as human host miRNAs, suggesting they could be functional as both endogenous and exogenous miRNA sponges to alter gene expression. There was not a strong correlation between Ascaris circRNA length and endogenous miRNA interactions, indicating Ascaris circRNAs are enriched for Ascaris miRNA binding sites, but that human miRNAs were predicted form a more thermodynamically stable bond with Ascaris circRNAs. These results suggest that secreted circRNAs could be interacting with host miRNAs at the host-parasite interface and influencing host gene transcription. Lastly, although we have previously found that therapeutically relevant concentrations of the anthelmintic drug ivermectin inhibited EV release from parasitic nematodes, we did not observe a direct effect of ivermectin treatment on Ascaris circRNAs expression or secretion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Minkler
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Hannah J Loghry-Jansen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Noelle A Sondjaja
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Michael J Kimber
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Development of allele-specific PCR methodology (AS-PCR) to screening A. lumbricoides and A. suum. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:2389-2397. [PMID: 35710846 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07572-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Ascaris lumbricoides and Ascaris suum are described as helminths that infect humans and pigs, respectively. It is estimated that infection by A. lumbricoides affects about 447 million individuals living in tropical regions of developing countries. However, there is an increasing number of cases of human ascariasis in countries with no recent history of autochthonous infection by A. lumbricoides. In these places, pigs have been incriminated as the main source of human infection. Conventional parasitological diagnosis does not allow species-specific identification, and the real epidemiological scenario of human and swine ascariasis is still uncertain. Therefore, this work presents the application of a species-specific molecular diagnosis, based on the allele-specific PCR methodology (AS-PCR), using the Internal Transcript Space 1 (ITS-1) of the ribosomal DNA, as a target for differentiating between the two species, using DNA obtained from eggs. To validate the methodology, stool samples positive for Ascaris spp, were obtained from 68 humans from seven Brazilian states and from six pigs from the state of Minas Gerais. All samples obtained from humans were genotyped as A. lumbricoides and all samples obtained from swine were genotyped as A. suum. These results are in agreement with the literature, which demonstrates that in most endemic regions, transmission cycles are separate. Therefore, the execution of this work allowed the availability of a useful methodology for the differential diagnosis of the species, which may contribute to the characterization of the real epidemiological profile of human and swine ascariasis, and to the implementation of future control strategies.
Collapse
|
9
|
Kinjo T, Toma H, Fujita J. Ascariasis Resulting from Swine-to-Human Transmission in Okinawa, Japan. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2022; 106:1583-1584. [PMID: 35895433 PMCID: PMC9209926 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.22-0151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Kinjo
- Department of Infectious, Respiratory, and Digestive Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Hiromu Toma
- Department of Immunology and Parasitology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Jiro Fujita
- Department of Infectious, Respiratory, and Digestive Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Agustina KK, Wirawan IMA, Sudarmaja IM, Subrata M, Dharmawan NS. The first report on the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections and associated risk factors among traditional pig farmers in Bali Province, Indonesia. Vet World 2022; 15:1154-1162. [PMID: 35765496 PMCID: PMC9210853 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2022.1154-1162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Pigs are the main livestock commodity in Bali Province, Indonesia, where traditional farming practices are widely used. Traditional pig farmers are often closely associated with poverty and a perceived lack of knowledge regarding health and hygiene. Data on soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) and risk factors associated with STH worm infection among traditional pig farmers in Bali were previously unavailable. This study aimed to analyze the prevalence and risk factors for STH infections among traditional pig farmers in Bali Province, Indonesia. Materials and Methods: This study involved the fecal examination of 238 traditional pig farmers from all areas of Bali Province in Indonesia. In addition, several pig feces samples were combined into one pooled sample belonging to each farm. All fresh fecal samples were stored in a 5% formaldehyde solution before being analyzed using concentration flotation techniques. Subsequently, risk factors were determined through an interview and a questionnaire. The odds ratio (OR) and Chi-square tests were used to determine the risk factors associated with STH infections. Results: The result showed that there was a high prevalence of STH infections among traditional pig farmers and pig farms in Bali, with rates of 21.8% and 76.5%, respectively. This could be due to risk factors, such as personal hygiene (OR: 5.756; confidence interval [CI]: 2.96-11.193; p=0.00), sanitation (OR: 1.914; CI: 1.024-3.576; p=0.042), education level (OR: 7.579; CI: 2.621-21.915; p=0.00), household income (OR: 2.447; CI: 1.122-5.338; p=0.025), and occupation (OR: 2.95; CI: 1.356-6.415; p=0.006). Conclusion: The infections seen in farmers were distributed among hookworm, Ascaris spp., and Trichuris spp., at 15.1%, 9.2%, and 4.2%, respectively. The risk factors associated with infections of STH and Ascaris spp. were personal hygiene, home sanitation, education level, household income, and having a primary occupation as a traditional pig farmer. In contrast, personal hygiene, education level, and primary occupation were the only risk factors for hookworm infection, while personal hygiene and home sanitation were the risk factors associated with Trichuris spp. infection. The limitation of this study was that the number of samples was relatively small due to the difficulty of obtaining stool samples from traditional pig farmers, with many individuals refusing to provide their stool for inspection. We suggest that future research focus on identifying the species of worms that infect traditional pig farmers and to better identify the zoonotic link of STH transmission from pigs to humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kadek Karang Agustina
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Udayana University, Denpasar 80225, Bali, Indonesia; Post-Graduation Program, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Denpasar 80225, Bali, Indonesia
| | - I. Made Ady Wirawan
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Denpasar 80225, Bali, Indonesia
| | - I. Made Sudarmaja
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Denpasar 80225, Bali, Indonesia
| | - Made Subrata
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Denpasar 80225, Bali, Indonesia
| | - Nyoman Sadra Dharmawan
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Udayana University, Denpasar 80225, Bali, Indonesia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Prevalence, Intensity, and Risk Factors for Helminth Infections in Pigs in Menoua, Western Highlands of Cameroon, with Some Data on Protozoa. J Parasitol Res 2022; 2022:9151294. [PMID: 35592359 PMCID: PMC9113898 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9151294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Helminthes affect satisfactory pig farming by causing poor growth rate and infertility. The objective of this study was to investigate the occurrence of helminthes in pig production, as well as factors influencing their prevalence in Menoua, Western Highlands of Cameroon. Thus, 597 fecal samples from 100 farms of three production types (farrower, grower, and farrow-to-finish) were collected together with data on farmer and management characteristics. Samples were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed. Eggs of eight helminthes were identified: Hyostrongylus rubidus (81.10%, 50-550 epg), Strongyloides ransomi (34.5%, 50-150 epg), Trichostrongylus sp. (28.1%, 50-650 epg), Ascaris suum (11.6%, 50-200 epg), Metastrongylus sp. (10.4%, 50-250 epg), Oesophagostomum dentatum (5.7%, 50-150 epg), Trichuris suis (4.0%, 50-150 epg), and Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus (0.2%, 50-50 epg). The overall prevalence was 89.3% (533 out of 597). Single infestations were 30.2%, while mixed infestations were 59.1%. A. suum, S. ransomi, and strongyles (H. rubidus, Trichostrongylus sp., Metastrongylus sp., and O. dentatum) were found in almost all age groups but the prevalence of A. suum increased with the growing age to drop in older animals. H. rubidus was found in all farm types followed by S. ransomi in farrower and farrow-to-finish farms. The other parasites were present only in farrow-to-finish farms. Coccidia parasites were also found including Isospora suis (26.30%, 50-12500 oocysts per gram of feces (opg)) and Eimeria spp. (1.40%, 100-100 opg). The risk of infestation for some parasites was lower with increasing herd size, high education level of farmers, and in wooden piggeries and semipermanent structures. The infestation risk was higher for all the investigated parasites for pigs escaping the pens. The overall significance of these parasites on growth and reproduction of the naturally infested pigs deserve assessment. Necropsy studies to confirm the worm burden are needed. Risk factors were identified, thus paving the way to design successful helminth control in pig production enterprises.
Collapse
|
12
|
Human-type and pig-type Ascaris hybrids found in pigs. Vet Parasitol 2022; 302:109646. [PMID: 34999317 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2021.109646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of hybrids between Ascaris lumbricoides and Ascaris suum has complicated our understanding of the relationship between the two species. We examined the same Ascaris specimens (48 from humans and 48 from pigs) using two methods: microsatellite markers combined with Bayesian clustering and PCR-RFLP of the nuclear internal transcribed spacer region. The results obtained by the two methods were inconsistent but showed that hybrid Ascaris identified through both approaches could infect pigs. The results of this study suggest that PCR-RFLP of ITS alone is not suitable for molecular identification of human-type and pig-type Ascaris hybrids. Use of multiple SSR markers combined with Bayesian analysis was the most reliable method in our study. Our results indicate that, in addition to host-specific Ascaris types, there may be some that do not show host specificity. Our results show for the first time that hybrid individuals can infect pigs as well as humans. This study has important theoretical and practical implications, including suggesting the need to re-evaluate long-term ascariasis control strategies.
Collapse
|
13
|
Cháves-González LE, Morales-Calvo F, Mora J, Solano-Barquero A, Verocai GG, Rojas A. What lies behind the curtain: Cryptic diversity in helminth parasites of human and veterinary importance. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES 2022; 2:100094. [PMID: 35800064 PMCID: PMC9253710 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2022.100094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Parasite cryptic species are morphologically indistinguishable but genetically distinct organisms, leading to taxa with unclear species boundaries. Speciation mechanisms such as cospeciation, host colonization, taxon pulse, and oscillation may lead to the emergence of cryptic species, influencing host-parasite interactions, parasite ecology, distribution, and biodiversity. The study of cryptic species diversity in helminth parasites of human and veterinary importance has gained relevance, since their distribution may affect clinical and epidemiological features such as pathogenicity, virulence, drug resistance and susceptibility, mortality, and morbidity, ultimately affecting patient management, course, and outcome of treatment. At the same time, the need for recognition of cryptic species diversity has implied a transition from morphological to molecular diagnostic methods, which are becoming more available and accessible in parasitology. Here, we discuss the general approaches for cryptic species delineation and summarize some examples found in nematodes, trematodes and cestodes of medical and veterinary importance, along with the clinical implications of their taxonomic status. Lastly, we highlight the need for the correct interpretation of molecular information, and the correct use of definitions when reporting or describing new cryptic species in parasitology, since molecular and morphological data should be integrated whenever possible. Cryptic diversity has been described in helminths of human and animal importance. Cryptic species are morphologically indistinguishable but genetically distinct organisms. These entities emerge by different evolutionary and speciation mechanisms. Analysis of molecular and morphological data is needed for cryptic species delimitation. Cryptic diversity may affect pathogenicity, virulence and drug resistance of helminths.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luis Enrique Cháves-González
- Laboratory of Helminthology, Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Fernando Morales-Calvo
- Laboratory of Helminthology, Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Javier Mora
- Laboratory of Helminthology, Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Alberto Solano-Barquero
- Laboratory of Helminthology, Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Guilherme G. Verocai
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Alicia Rojas
- Laboratory of Helminthology, Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
- Corresponding author. Twitter icon
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Romano G, Pepe P, Cavallero S, Cociancic P, Di Libero L, Grande G, Cringoli G, D'Amelio S, Rinaldi L. Ascariasis in a 75-year-old man with small bowel volvulus: a case report. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:1045. [PMID: 34627151 PMCID: PMC8501712 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06718-z] [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: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ascaris lumbricoides and Ascaris suum are the most common soil-transmitted helminths of humans and pigs, respectively. The zoonotic potential of A. suum has been a matter of debate for decades. This study was aimed to present a case of human ascariasis caused by A. suum in southern Italy. Case presentation A 75-year-old man presented to the department of surgery in Avellino (southern Italy) complaining of abdominal pain and vomiting. Physical examination revealed bloating and abdominal tenderness. A computed tomography scan showed air-fluid levels and small bowel distension. During exploratory laparotomy a small bowel volvulus with mesenteritis was evident and surprisingly an intraluminal worm was detected. The worm was removed with a small enterotomy and identified as an adult female of A. suum based on morphological and molecular analysis. Faecal examination revealed the presence of unfertilized Ascaris eggs with an intensity of 16 eggs per gram (EPG) of faeces. The patient was treated with mebendanzole 100 mg twice a day for 3 days. The post-operative course was regular with re-alimentation after 3 days and discharge after 12 days. Conclusions This report shows as A. suum can function as a relevant agent of human zoonosis. Therefore, in patients with bowel obstruction with no evident aetiology a helminthic infestation should be considered for an accurate diagnosis, especially in patients living in rural areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Romano
- Department of General Surgery, Frieri-Criscuoli Hospital, Sant'Angelo dei Lombardi, AV, Italy
| | - Paola Pepe
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, WHO Collaborating Centre for Diagnosis of Intestinal Helminths and Protozoa (ITA-116), Naples, Italy.
| | - Serena Cavallero
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Section of Parasitology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Cociancic
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, WHO Collaborating Centre for Diagnosis of Intestinal Helminths and Protozoa (ITA-116), Naples, Italy.,Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores (CEPAVE-CONICET-UNLP-asociado a CICPBA), La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lorenzo Di Libero
- Department of General Surgery, Frieri-Criscuoli Hospital, Sant'Angelo dei Lombardi, AV, Italy
| | - Giovanni Grande
- Department of General Surgery, Frieri-Criscuoli Hospital, Sant'Angelo dei Lombardi, AV, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cringoli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, WHO Collaborating Centre for Diagnosis of Intestinal Helminths and Protozoa (ITA-116), Naples, Italy
| | - Stefano D'Amelio
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Section of Parasitology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, WHO Collaborating Centre for Diagnosis of Intestinal Helminths and Protozoa (ITA-116), Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Genotyping of Ascaris spp. infecting humans and pigs in Italy, Slovakia and Colombia. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2021; 94:104997. [PMID: 34252615 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.104997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The systematics and taxonomy of Ascaris lumbricoides and Ascaris suum, two of the world's most widespread nematodes, still represent a highly debated scientific issue. Two different transmission scenarios have been described according to endemicity: separated host-specific transmission cycles in endemic regions, and a single pool of infection shared by humans and pigs in non-endemic regions. The swine roundworm A. suum is now recognized as an important cause of human ascariasis also in endemic areas such as China, where cross-infections and hybridization have also been reported, as well as in non-endemic regions like Italy. This study aimed to investigate the molecular epidemiology of human and pig ascariasis in three countries representing different epidemiological scenarios: Italy as a non-endemic country, Colombia as an endemic country, and Slovakia as a non-endemic country, but with a poor socio-economic context linked to some focal populations of Roma settlements. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 237 nematodes were analysed: 46 from Colombia (13 from humans, 33 from pigs), 114 from Slovakia (20 from humans, 94 from pigs) and 77 from Italy (17 from humans and 60 from pigs). Genotyping by PCR-RFLP of nuclear (ITS) and sequencing of mitochondrial (cox1) target regions were performed. ITS genotypes were used to estimate the Hardy-Weinberg (HW) equilibrium according to hosts and country of origin. The partial cox1 sequences were used to analyse genetic polymorphisms according to hosts and country of origin, as well as to infer the network of haplotypes, their evolutionary relationships and geographical distribution. RESULTS 110 quality cox1 sequences were obtained. Haplotype network revealed three main groups corresponding to clade A, B and C. Clade C included most of the human cases from Italy, while those from Slovakia and Colombia were grouped in clade B. Ascaris from Italian and Colombian pigs showed HW equilibrium at the ITS marker, while disequilibrium was found in A. lumbricoides from Slovak pigs, which suggest a high unexpected amount of roundworms of human origin circulating also in pigs. CONCLUSIONS This study updates and extends the current understanding of Ascaris species and genotypes circulating in different epidemiological scenarios, with particular attention to the inclusion of human-derived Ascaris in the phylogenetic cluster C. Despite the evidence of HW equilibrium in the ITS in pig-derived Italian samples, the amount of genetic variation seems to support the existence of two closely related species.
Collapse
|
16
|
Magalhães L, Nogueira DS, Gazzinelli-Guimarães PH, Oliveira FMS, Kraemer L, Gazzinelli-Guimarães AC, Vieira-Santos F, Fujiwara RT, Bueno LL. Immunological underpinnings of Ascaris infection, reinfection and co-infection and their associated co-morbidities. Parasitology 2021; 148:1-10. [PMID: 33843506 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182021000627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Human ascariasis is the most common and prevalent neglected tropical disease and is estimated that ~819 million people are infected around the globe, accounting for 0.861 million years of disability-adjusted life years in 2017. Even with the existence of highly effective drugs, the constant presence of infective parasite eggs in the environment contribute to a high reinfection rate after treatment. Due to its high prevalence and broad geographic distribution Ascaris infection is associated with a variety of co-morbidities and co-infections. Here, we provide data from both experimental models and humans studies that illustrate how complex is the interaction of Ascaris with the host immune system, especially, in the context of reinfections, co-infections and associated co-morbidities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Magalhães
- Department of Parasitology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Denise S Nogueira
- Department of Parasitology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Pedro H Gazzinelli-Guimarães
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Fabricio M S Oliveira
- Department of Parasitology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Lucas Kraemer
- Department of Parasitology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Flaviane Vieira-Santos
- Department of Parasitology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ricardo T Fujiwara
- Department of Parasitology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Lilian L Bueno
- Department of Parasitology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Sugiyama H, Morishima Y, Kagawa C, Araki J, Iwaki T, Ikuno H, Miguchi Y, Komatsu N, Kawakami Y, Asakura H. [Current Incidence and Contamination Sources of Ascariasis in Japan]. Food Hygiene and Safety Science (Shokuhin Eiseigaku Zasshi) 2020; 61:103-108. [PMID: 33012763 DOI: 10.3358/shokueishi.61.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Ascaris lumbricoides or roundworm is one of the key soil-transmitted helminths affecting humans. A small number of infections continue to occur in Japan, suggesting plant foodstuff contamination as the source of infection. To understand the current status of ascariasis incidence and to identify potential sources of infection, we extensively surveyed the available literature and collected data from testing facilities that examined clinical samples or foodstuffs. We observed that from 2002 onwards, there was a decrease in the number of ascariasis cases reported in scientific journals. Data from a clinical testing facility indicated that the number of detected cases declined remarkably from 2009. Foodstuff testing facilities reported that 11 of 10,223 plant foodstuff specimens were contaminated with anisakid nematodes but not with Ascaris. Imported kimchi was suspected as the most probable source of ascarid nematode infection, as one Ascaris egg-positive sample was detected among 60 kimchi samples in a testing facility. Therefore, the sources of Ascaris infection are still not fully known and need to be clarified to establish preventive countermeasures to safeguard Ascaris infections that continue to occur in Japan.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiromu Sugiyama
- Laboratory of Helminthology, Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases
| | - Yasuyuki Morishima
- Laboratory of Helminthology, Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases
| | - Chisato Kagawa
- Laboratory of Helminthology, Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases
| | - Jun Araki
- Laboratory of Helminthology, Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Easton A, Gao S, Lawton SP, Bennuru S, Khan A, Dahlstrom E, Oliveira RG, Kepha S, Porcella SF, Webster J, Anderson R, Grigg ME, Davis RE, Wang J, Nutman TB. Molecular evidence of hybridization between pig and human Ascaris indicates an interbred species complex infecting humans. eLife 2020; 9:e61562. [PMID: 33155980 PMCID: PMC7647404 DOI: 10.7554/elife.61562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Human ascariasis is a major neglected tropical disease caused by the nematode Ascaris lumbricoides. We report a 296 megabase (Mb) reference-quality genome comprised of 17,902 protein-coding genes derived from a single, representative Ascaris worm. An additional 68 worms were collected from 60 human hosts in Kenyan villages where pig husbandry is rare. Notably, the majority of these worms (63/68) possessed mitochondrial genomes that clustered closer to the pig parasite Ascaris suum than to A. lumbricoides. Comparative phylogenomic analyses identified over 11 million nuclear-encoded SNPs but just two distinct genetic types that had recombined across the genomes analyzed. The nuclear genomes had extensive heterozygosity, and all samples existed as genetic mosaics with either A. suum-like or A. lumbricoides-like inheritance patterns supporting a highly interbred Ascaris species genetic complex. As no barriers appear to exist for anthroponotic transmission of these 'hybrid' worms, a one-health approach to control the spread of human ascariasis will be necessary.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alice Easton
- Helminth Immunology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Shenghan Gao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, RNA Bioscience Initiative, University of Colorado School of MedicineAuroraUnited States
- Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Scott P Lawton
- Epidemiology Research Unit (ERU) Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Northern Faculty, Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC)InvernessUnited Kingdom
| | - Sasisekhar Bennuru
- Helminth Immunology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
| | - Asis Khan
- Molecular Parasitology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
| | - Eric Dahlstrom
- Genomics Unit, Research Technologies Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of HealthHamiltonUnited States
| | - Rita G Oliveira
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Stella Kepha
- London School of Tropical Medicine and HygieneLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Stephen F Porcella
- Genomics Unit, Research Technologies Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of HealthHamiltonUnited States
| | - Joanne Webster
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
- Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Department of Pathobiology and Population SciencesHertfordshireUnited Kingdom
| | - Roy Anderson
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Michael E Grigg
- Molecular Parasitology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
| | - Richard E Davis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, RNA Bioscience Initiative, University of Colorado School of MedicineAuroraUnited States
| | - Jianbin Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, RNA Bioscience Initiative, University of Colorado School of MedicineAuroraUnited States
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of TennesseeKnoxvilleUnited States
| | - Thomas B Nutman
- Helminth Immunology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Zhou C, Guo T, Deng Y, He J, Ouyang S, Wu X. Mitochondrial phylogenomics of human-type Ascaris, pig-type Ascaris, and hybrid Ascaris populations. Vet Parasitol 2020; 287:109256. [PMID: 33053491 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Ascaris lumbricoides and Ascaris suum are parasitic nematodes in human and pig intestines. The two species can cross infect and produce hybrids, which contribute to the controversy concerning the taxonomy of A. lumbricoides and A. suum. The purpose of this study was to investigate the microevolutionary process and evolutionary history of human-type Ascaris, pig-type Ascaris, and hybrid Ascaris and provide a theoretical basis for the prevention and control of human and animal ascariasis. The mitochondrial phylogenomics of human-type Ascaris (n = 5), pig-type Ascaris (n = 6), and hybrid Ascaris (n = 6) populations were analyzed using high-throughput sequencing technology. The mitochondrial genomes of human-type Ascaris, pig-type Ascaris, and hybrid Ascaris contained 36 genes (atp8 was missing), including 12 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes, and 22 tRNA genes. All genes were located on the heavy chain. The initiation codons used for protein-coding genes were ATT and TTG and the termination codons were TAA and TAG. The base distribution showed obvious AT preference. The phylogenetic tree based on the Ascaris mitochondrial genomes showed three main clusters (A, B, and C). The Ascaris populations sequenced in this study were all gathered in cluster B. The human-type and hybrid Ascaris populations belonged to different sub-clusters, but the pig-type Ascaris population was more scattered. The mitochondrial genome sequences of the 17 Ascaris individuals in this study did not differ much. The results of this study indicate that Ascaris populations were geographically isolated before host shift. In addition, the data show that there are differences between hybrid Ascaris, human-type Ascaris, and pig-type Ascaris. The information has important theoretical significance and application value.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunhua Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ting Guo
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanyu Deng
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingjing He
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, People's Republic of China
| | - Shan Ouyang
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoping Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Karadjian G, Kaestner C, Laboutière L, Adicéam E, Wagner T, Johne A, Thomas M, Polack B, Mayer-Scholl A, Vallée I. A two-step morphology-PCR strategy for the identification of nematode larvae recovered from muscles after artificial digestion at meat inspection. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:4113-4122. [PMID: 32979104 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06899-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
To ensure that meat from livestock and game is safe for human consumption, European legislation lays down rules for mandatory testing. Helminth larvae are a category of zoonotic foodborne pathogens that can contaminate meat. Among helminths, the only zoonotic nematode regulated in Europe regarding meat inspection is Trichinella spp.. It is precisely during Trichinella testing that other potentially zoonotic larvae can be found. Due to current lack of tools, their identification is often very complicated. Nematode larvae other than Trichinella, recovered from artificial digestions of pig and wild boar muscles from France and Germany, were subjected to a newly developed two-step identification scheme, which includes both morphological examination and molecular assays. The first step is a general orientation towards a broad taxonomic group; the second step consists of targeted identification based on the results of first step. Different parasites were identified, some of which were not zoonotic such as Metastrongylus spp. and Angiostrongylus vasorum, but others are known to be zoonotic such as Toxocara cati, Ascaris suum, and Uncinaria stenocephala. The strategy is efficient for the identification of nematode larvae recovered from muscles but could also be applied for larvae from other sources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grégory Karadjian
- JRU BIPAR, ANSES, INRAE, Animal Health Laboratory, UMR Bipar, École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, 14 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 94701, Maisons-Alfort Cedex, France.
| | - Carolyn Kaestner
- Department Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lisa Laboutière
- JRU BIPAR, ANSES, INRAE, Animal Health Laboratory, UMR Bipar, École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, 14 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 94701, Maisons-Alfort Cedex, France
| | - Emilie Adicéam
- JRU BIPAR, ANSES, INRAE, Animal Health Laboratory, UMR Bipar, École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, 14 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 94701, Maisons-Alfort Cedex, France
| | - Tom Wagner
- Department Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | - Annette Johne
- Department Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | - Myriam Thomas
- JRU BIPAR, ANSES, INRAE, Animal Health Laboratory, UMR Bipar, École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, 14 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 94701, Maisons-Alfort Cedex, France
| | - Bruno Polack
- JRU BIPAR, ANSES, INRAE, Animal Health Laboratory, UMR Bipar, École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, 14 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 94701, Maisons-Alfort Cedex, France
| | - Anne Mayer-Scholl
- Department Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | - Isabelle Vallée
- JRU BIPAR, ANSES, INRAE, Animal Health Laboratory, UMR Bipar, École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, 14 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 94701, Maisons-Alfort Cedex, France
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Lagatie O, Verheyen A, Van Asten S, Odiere MR, Djuardi Y, Levecke B, Vlaminck J, Mekonnen Z, Dana D, T'Kindt R, Sandra K, van Outersterp R, Oomens J, Lin R, Dillen L, Vreeken R, Cuyckens F, Stuyver LJ. 2-Methyl-pentanoyl-carnitine (2-MPC): a urine biomarker for patent Ascaris lumbricoides infection. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15780. [PMID: 32978457 PMCID: PMC7519643 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72804-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Infections with intestinal worms, such as Ascaris lumbricoides, affect hundreds of millions of people in all tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Through large-scale deworming programs, World Health Organization aims to reduce moderate-to-heavy intensity infections below 1%. Current diagnosis and monitoring of these control programs are solely based on the detection of worm eggs in stool. Here we describe how metabolome analysis was used to identify the A. lumbricoides-specific urine biomarker 2-methyl pentanoyl carnitine (2-MPC). This biomarker was found to be 85.7% accurate in determining infection and 90.5% accurate in determining a moderate-to-heavy infection. Our results also demonstrate that there is a correlation between 2-MPC levels in urine and A. lumbricoides DNA detected in stool. Furthermore, the levels of 2-MPC in urine were shown to rapidly and strongly decrease upon administration of a standard treatment (single oral dose of 400 mg albendazole). In an Ascaris suum infection model in pigs, it was found that, although 2-MPC levels were much lower compared to humans, there was a significant association between urinary 2-MPC levels and both worm counts (p = 0.023) and the number of eggs per gram (epg) counts (p < 0.001). This report demonstrates that urinary 2-MPC can be considered an A. lumbricoides-specific biomarker that can be used to monitor infection intensity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ole Lagatie
- Janssen Global Public Health, Janssen R&D, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340, Beerse, Belgium.
| | - Ann Verheyen
- Janssen Global Public Health, Janssen R&D, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Stijn Van Asten
- Discovery Sciences, Janssen R&D, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Maurice R Odiere
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P. O. Box 1578, Kisumu, 40100, Kenya
| | - Yenny Djuardi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Bruno Levecke
- Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Johnny Vlaminck
- Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Zeleke Mekonnen
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Daniel Dana
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Ruben T'Kindt
- Research Institute for Chromatography, President Kennedypark 26, 8500, Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Koen Sandra
- Research Institute for Chromatography, President Kennedypark 26, 8500, Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Rianne van Outersterp
- FELIX Laboratory, Faculty of Science, Radboud University, Toernooiveld 7, 6525 ED, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jos Oomens
- FELIX Laboratory, Faculty of Science, Radboud University, Toernooiveld 7, 6525 ED, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ronghui Lin
- Janssen R&D, Welsh & McKean Road, Spring House, PA, 19477-0776, USA
| | - Lieve Dillen
- Discovery Sciences, Janssen R&D, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Rob Vreeken
- Discovery Sciences, Janssen R&D, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Filip Cuyckens
- Discovery Sciences, Janssen R&D, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Lieven J Stuyver
- Janssen Global Public Health, Janssen R&D, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340, Beerse, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
McHugh M, Williams P, Verma S, Powell-Coffman JA, Robertson AP, Martin RJ. Cholinergic receptors on intestine cells of Ascaris suum and activation of nAChRs by levamisole. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2020; 13:38-50. [PMID: 32470835 PMCID: PMC7256660 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2020.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Cholinergic agonists, like levamisole, are a major class of anthelmintic drugs that are known to act selectively on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) on the somatic muscle and nerves of nematode parasites to produce their contraction and spastic paralysis. Previous studies have suggested that in addition to the nAChRs found on muscle and nerves, there are nAChRs on non-excitable tissues of nematode parasites. We looked for evidence of nAChRs expression in the cells of the intestine of the large pig nematode, Ascaris suum, using RT-PCR and RNAscope in situ hybridization and detected mRNA of nAChR subunits in the cells. These subunits include components of the putative levamisole receptor in A. suum muscle: Asu-unc-38, Asu-unc-29, Asu-unc-63 and Asu-acr-8. Relative expression of these mRNAs in A. suum intestine was quantified by qPCR. We also looked for and found expression of G protein-linked acetylcholine receptors (Asu-gar-1). We used Fluo-3 AM to detect intracellular calcium changes in response to receptor activation by acetylcholine (as a non-selective agonist) and levamisole (as an L-type nAChR agonist) to look for evidence of functioning nAChRs in the intestine. We found that both acetylcholine and levamisole elicited increases in intracellular calcium but their signal profiles in isolated intestinal tissues were different, suggesting activation of different receptor sets. The levamisole responses were blocked by mecamylamine, a nicotinic receptor antagonist in A. suum, indicating the activation of intestinal nAChRs rather than G protein-linked acetylcholine receptors (GARs) by levamisole. The detection of nAChRs in cells of the intestine, in addition to those on muscles and nerves, reveals another site of action of the cholinergic anthelmintics and a site that may contribute to the synergistic interactions of cholinergic anthelmintics with other anthelmintics that affect the intestine (Cry5B).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark McHugh
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Paul Williams
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Saurabh Verma
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Jo Anne Powell-Coffman
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Alan P Robertson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Richard J Martin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Widisuputri NKA, Suwanti LT, Plumeriastuti H. A SURVEY FOR ZOONOTIC AND OTHER GASTROINTESTINAL PARASITES IN PIG IN BALI PROVINCE, INDONESIA. INDONESIAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE 2020. [DOI: 10.20473/ijtid.v8i1.10393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Pigs have potentially to transmit zoonotic gastrointestinal parasite disease both caused by protozoa and worm. The aim of this study was to identify gastrointestinal parasites that were potentially zoonotic in pigs in the province of Bali. A total of 100 fresh feces samples was collected from several pig farms in Bali, from Badung and Tabanan districts, each consisted of 50 samples. Pig feces samples were examined for the presence of eggs worms, cysts and oocysts for protozoa based on the morphology and size. Identification for protozoa and worms used native, sedimentation and sucrose flotation methods. Parameters measured were sex, feed and cage management. The result showed that the characteristic parameters for pigs in both district were generally female. Cage management for raising pigs mostly used group cage. Feed that provided in both district mostly used bran and concentrate. All of 100 pig feces samples that examined positive for parasites. There were 8 types of gastrointestinal parasites that have been identified. Four types of protozoa found were Entamoeba sp. (99%), Balantidium sp. (79%), Eimeria sp. (78%), Blastocystis sp. (69%) and four types of worms were Ascaris sp. (20%), Trichuris sp. (20%), Strongyloides sp. (19%), and Oesophagostomum sp. (8%). All pigs were infected with two or more parasites. The prevalence of parasitic gastrointestinal infections was different for each district, six genera (Entamoeba sp., Balantidium sp., Blastocystis sp., Eimeria sp., Oesophagostomum sp. and Trichuris sp.) were higher found in Tabanan district and the two genera (Ascaris sp. and Strongyloides sp.) were higher in Badung district. Oesophagostomum sp. was only found to infect pigs in Tabanan district. The conclusion is gastrointestinal parasites that found in pigs at Badung and Tabanan district Bali Province mostly have zoonotic potential.
Collapse
|
24
|
George S, Geldhof P, Albonico M, Ame SM, Bethony JM, Engels D, Mekonnen Z, Montresor A, Hem S, Tchuem-Tchuenté LA, Huong NT, Kang G, Vercruysse J, Levecke B. The molecular speciation of soil-transmitted helminth eggs collected from school children across six endemic countries. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2020; 110:657-663. [PMID: 28100811 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trw078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2016] [Revised: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 12/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The diagnosis of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs; Ascaris, Trichuris and hookworms) is traditionally based on the demonstration of eggs in stool using microscopic techniques. While molecular techniques are more appropriate to speciate STH species they are seldom applied. In this study we speciated STH eggs from stool using molecular techniques to gain insights into the distribution of both human and animal STH species in the human host. METHODS We speciated 207 STH egg isolates from stool collected during the baseline survey of six drug efficacy trials conducted in Brazil, Cambodia, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Tanzania and Vietnam applying a PCR - restriction fragment length polymorphisms based approach. RESULTS DNA of Ascaris was detected in 71 (34.3%) samples, of which all were identified as the human roundworm Ascaris lumbricoides. In 87 (42.0%) samples, DNA of Trichuris spp. was found and further speciation demonstrated the presence of the human Trichuris trichiura (100%) and the canine Trichuris vulpis (n=7; 8.0%; in Cameroon only). Hookworms were identified in 104 (50.2%) samples, with Necator americanus (n=73; 70.2%) being the predominant species followed by Ancylostoma duodenale (n=40; 38.5%). CONCLUSIONS Our study indicates that STH infections in humans are predominantly caused by human STH species. They also suggest that zoonotic transmission occurs on a local scale.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Santosh George
- Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Ghent University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.,Department of Gastrointestinal Sciences, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - Peter Geldhof
- Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Ghent University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Marco Albonico
- Center for Tropical Diseases, Sacro Cuore Hospital - WHO Collaborating Centre on strongyloidiasis and other intestinal parasitic infections, Negrar, Italy.,University of Torino, Italy
| | - Shaali M Ame
- Public Health Laboratory, Ivo de Carneri, Chake-chake, Zanzibar, Tanzania
| | - Jeffrey M Bethony
- Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, USA
| | - Dirk Engels
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Zeleke Mekonnen
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences and Pathology, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Antonio Montresor
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sopheak Hem
- Clinical Laboratory, Pasteur Institute in Cambodia, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | | | - Nguyen Thu Huong
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology, Ha Noi, Vietnam
| | - Gagandeep Kang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Sciences, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - Jozef Vercruysse
- Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Ghent University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Bruno Levecke
- Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Ghent University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Zhou C, Chen J, Niu H, Ouyang S, Wu X. Study on the population evolution of Ascaris lumbricoides and Ascaris suum based on whole genome resequencing. Vet Parasitol 2020; 279:109062. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
|
26
|
Abstract
Abstract
Ascariasis is a neglected tropical disease, caused by Ascaris lumbricoides, affecting 800 million people worldwide. Studies focused on the early stage of parasite infection, occurring in the gut, liver and lungs, require the use of a mouse model. In these models, the porcine ascarid, Ascaris suum, is often used. The results obtained from these studies are then used to draw conclusions about A. lumbricoides infections in humans. In the present study, we sought to compare larval migration of A. suum and A. lumbricoides in mouse models. We used a previously developed mouse model of ascariasis, which consists of two mouse strains, where one mouse strain – C57BL/6J – is a model for relative susceptibility and the other – CBA/Ca – for relative resistance. Mice of both strains were infected with either A. suum or A. lumbricoides. The larval burden was assessed in two key organs, the liver and lungs, starting at 6 h post infection (p.i.) and ending on day 8 p.i. Additionally, we measured the larval size of each species (μm) at days 6, 7 and 8 p.i. in the lungs. We found that larval burden in the liver is significantly higher for A. lumbricoides than for A. suum. However, the inverse is true in the lungs. Additionally, our results showed a reduced larval size for A. lumbricoides compared to A. suum.
Collapse
|
27
|
Taus K, Schmoll F, El-Khatib Z, Auer H, Holzmann H, Aberle S, Pekard-Amenitsch S, Monschein S, Sattler T, Steinparzer R, Allerberger F, Schmid D. Occupational swine exposure and Hepatitis E virus, Leptospira, Ascaris suum seropositivity and MRSA colonization in Austrian veterinarians, 2017-2018-A cross-sectional study. Zoonoses Public Health 2019; 66:842-851. [PMID: 31419070 PMCID: PMC6851874 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the prevalence of Hepatitis E Virus (HEV), Leptospira and Ascaris suum (A. suum) seropositivity, and of nasal methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization among Austrian practising veterinarians, and assessed the association with occupational swine livestock exposure. The 261 participants completed a questionnaire on demographics, intensity of occupational swine livestock contact and glove use during handling animals and their secretions. Participants' blood samples were tested for HEV, Leptospira and A. suum seropositivity and nasal swabs cultured for MRSA. We compared swine veterinarians (defined as >3 swine livestock visits/week) to non-swine veterinarians (≤3 swine livestock visits/week) with regard to the outcomes through calculating prevalence ratio (PR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Furthermore, the relationship between occupational swine livestock contact and the study outcomes was examined by age (</≥55 years) and glove usage. The prevalence of nasal MRSA colonization was 13.4% (95% CI: 9.3-17.6), of HEV seropositivity 20.8% (95% CI: 15.8-25.7) and A. suum seropositivity 44% (95% CI: 37.7-50.2). The highest anti-leptospiral antibodies titres were 1:200 (L. hebdomadis) and 1:100 (L. autumnalis, L. caicola) found in three non-swine veterinarians. Compared to non-swine veterinarians, swine veterinarians were 1.9 (95% CI: 1.0-3.4) and 1.5 (95%CI: 1.0-2.3) times more likely HEV seropositive and A. suum seropositive, respectively, and 4.8 (95%CI: 2.5; 9.3) times more likely nasally colonized with MRSA. Among glove-using veterinarians, occupational swine contact was no longer a determinant for HEV seropositivity (PR 1.6; 95% CI: 0.8-2.9). Similar was found for A. suum seropositivity, which was no longer associated with occupational swine livestock contact in the subgroup of glove using, ≥55-year-old veterinarians (PR: 1.07; 95% CI: 0.4-3.3). Our findings indicate that >3 occupational swine livestock visits per week is associated with HEV and A. suum seropositivity and nasal MRSA colonization and that glove use may play a putative preventive role in acquiring HEV and A. suum. Further analytical epidemiological studies have to prove the causality of these associations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karin Taus
- Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Vienna, Austria.,European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training (EPIET), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Ziad El-Khatib
- Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Vienna, Austria.,Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Herbert Auer
- Institute for Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical medicine, Centre for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Heidemarie Holzmann
- Clinical Institute of Virology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stephan Aberle
- Clinical Institute of Virology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - Tatjana Sattler
- Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Mödling, Austria.,Clinic for Ruminants and Swine, University Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | | | - Daniela Schmid
- Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Müller A, Wiedmer S, Kurth M. Risk Evaluation of Passive Transmission of Animal Parasites by Feeding of Black Soldier Fly ( Hermetia illucens) Larvae and Prepupae. J Food Prot 2019; 82:948-954. [PMID: 31099595 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x.jfp-18-484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
HIGHLIGHTS Black soldier fly larval intestine extracts do not affect coccidian oocysts or nematode eggs. Studied parasites passed through black soldier fly larvae or attached to the larval surface. Black soldier fly larvae as animal feed may pose a risk of parasite transmission. Larval washing is not sufficient for removing parasites; further hygiene steps are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ariane Müller
- 1 Zoologie und Entwicklungsbiologie (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4330-826X ), Technische Universität Dresden, Institut für Zoologie, Zellescher Weg 20b, 01217 Dresden, Germany
| | - Stefanie Wiedmer
- 2 Spezielle Zoologie und Parasitologie, Technische Universität Dresden, Institut für Zoologie, Zellescher Weg 20b, 01217 Dresden, Germany
| | - Michael Kurth
- 2 Spezielle Zoologie und Parasitologie, Technische Universität Dresden, Institut für Zoologie, Zellescher Weg 20b, 01217 Dresden, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Nagorny SA, Aleshukina AV, Aleshukina IS, Ermakova LA, Pshenichnaya NY. The application of proteomic methods (MALDI-toff MS) for studying protein profiles of some nematodes (dirofilaria and ascaris) for differentiating species. Int J Infect Dis 2019; 82:61-65. [PMID: 30849497 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2019.02.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Revised: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-toff MS) is a reliable method for diagnosing a number of bacterial and fungal infections. It is also effective as a method of rapid diagnosis of several parasitic agents. We used MALDI-toff MS to study the protein profiles of four nematodes: Dirofilaria repens, Dirofilaria. immitis, Ascaris suum and Ascaris lumbricoides. METHODS We studied the protein profiles of dirofilaria (five of each species: D. repens and D. immitis) and ascaris (five of each species: A. suum and A. lumbricoides), using a proteomic analysis based on MALDI-toff MS. RESULTS Analysis of protein extracts of dirofilaria and ascaris showed spectra with high-intensity peaks in the range of 2-20 kDa. The quality of the spectra (clear graphical reflection of mass/charge to luminous intensity, consistent in repeated analyzes) and the intensity of the spectral peaks were consistent in all samples of the same species. The spectra profiles of D. repens and D. immitis differed in eight major peaks which makes it possible to differentiate species according to the protein profile. The spectra profiles obtained from A. suum and A. lumbricoides proteins differed slightly in 3 major peaks in both species and were discovered in m/z 13000; 13400 and 14400. The protein peaks in diapason 3000 kD-7300 kD specific for all genus ascaris are constant. CONCLUSIONS MALDI-toff MS-based proteomic analysis can serve as an effective taxonomic tool for parasitological studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Larisa Alexandrovna Ermakova
- Rostov Scientific Research Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology, Rostov-on-Don, Russia; Rostov State Medical University
| | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
|
31
|
Avery RH, Wall LA, Verhoeve VI, Gipson KS, Malone JB. Molecular Confirmation of Ascaris suum: Further Investigation into the Zoonotic Origin of Infection in an 8-Year-Old Boy with Loeffler Syndrome. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2018; 18:638-640. [DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2018.2306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan H. Avery
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
| | - Luke A. Wall
- Section of Allergy/Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Children's Hospital, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Victoria I. Verhoeve
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
| | - Kevin S. Gipson
- Section of Allergy/Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Children's Hospital, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - John B. Malone
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Blanton RE. Population Genetics and Molecular Epidemiology of Eukaryotes. Microbiol Spectr 2018; 6:10.1128/microbiolspec.AME-0002-2018. [PMID: 30387414 PMCID: PMC6217834 DOI: 10.1128/microbiolspec.ame-0002-2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular epidemiology uses the distribution and organization of a pathogen's DNA to understand the distribution and determinants of disease. Since the biology of DNA for eukaryotic pathogens differs substantially from that of bacteria, the analytic approach to their molecular epidemiology can also differ. While many of the genotyping techniques presented earlier in this series, "Advances in Molecular Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases," can be applied to eukaryotes, the output must be interpreted in the light of how DNA is distributed from one generation to the next. In some cases, parasite populations can be evaluated in ways reminiscent of bacteria. They differ, however, when analyzed as sexually reproducing organisms, where all individuals are unique but the genetic composition of the population does not change unless a limited set of events occurs. It is these events (migration, mutation, nonrandom mating, selection, and genetic drift) that are of interest. At a given time, not all of them are likely to be equally important, so the list can easily be narrowed down to understand the driving forces behind the population as it is now and even what it will look like in the future. The main population characteristics measured to assess these events are differentiation and diversity, interpreted in the light of what is known about the population from observation. The population genetics of eukaryotes is important for planning and evaluation of control measures, surveillance, outbreak investigation, and monitoring of the development and spread of drug resistance. *This article is part of a curated collection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ronald E Blanton
- Center for Global Health & Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Zhou C, Jian S, Peng W, Li M. Genetic Diversity of Ascaris in China Assessed Using Simple Sequence Repeat Markers. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2018; 56:175-181. [PMID: 29742872 PMCID: PMC5976020 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2018.56.2.175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2017] [Revised: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
The giant roundworm Ascaris infects pigs and people worldwide and causes serious diseases. The taxonomic relationship between Ascaris suum and Ascaris lumbricoides is still unclear. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the genetic diversity and population genetic structure of 258 Ascaris specimens from humans and pigs from 6 sympatric regions in Ascaris-endemic regions of China using existing simple sequence repeat data. The microsatellite markers showed a high level of allelic richness and genetic diversity in the samples. Each of the populations demonstrated excess homozygosity (Ho<He, Fis>0). According to a genetic differentiation index (Fst=0.0593), there was a high-level of gene flow in the Ascaris populations. A hierarchical analysis on molecular variance revealed remarkably high levels of variation within the populations. Moreover, a population structure analysis indicated that Ascaris populations fell into 3 main genetic clusters, interpreted as A. suum, A. lumbricoides, and a hybrid of the species. We speculated that humans can be infected with A. lumbricoides, A. suum, and the hybrid, but pigs were mainly infected with A. suum. This study provided new information on the genetic diversity and population structure of Ascaris from human and pigs in China, which can be used for designing Ascaris control strategies. It can also be beneficial to understand the introgression of host affiliation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunhua Zhou
- School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, People's Republic of China
| | - Shaoqing Jian
- School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, People's Republic of China
| | - Weidong Peng
- College of Basic Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Li
- Nanchang Institute of Technology, Nanchang 330099, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Potentially Zoonotic Helminths in Wild Boars (Sus scrofa) Hunted in Central Italy. MACEDONIAN VETERINARY REVIEW 2018. [DOI: 10.2478/macvetrev-2018-0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Our aim was to evaluate the risk of human toxoplasmosis via meat consumption from wild boars by estimating the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in animals hunted in central Italy. Using a modified agglutination test, 213 sera from wild boars were examined for anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies. Diaphragm samples (n=65) from seropositive and seronegative animals were tested by nested-PCR to detect T. gondii DNA. Toxoplasma DNA from diaphragms was genotyped by PCR-RFLP using 12 genetic markers. Moreover, the aim of the study was also to identify helminth infections of wild boars in the selected area and to evaluate their hazard for humans. Examination of sera revealed a seroprevalence of 12.2%. Only one T. gondii strain could be genotyped from a seropositive animal and PCR-RFLP revealed that it belonged to type II. Analysis of 50 samples of faeces and 32 small intestines revealed that 78% and 15.6% of the samples harboured parasites, respectively, with the occurrence of parasites potentially dangerous for humans. These latter included Ascaris suum, Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus, Trichuris suis, and Metastrongylus spp. A significant association was found between coprological positivity and male sex. These results indicate that T. gondii infection may be present in wild boar tissues and consumption of undercooked or raw wild boar meat may expose humans to risk of toxoplasmosis in the study area. Furthermore, the study highlights that wild boars are hosts of helminths of veterinary and medical importance transmissible to pigs and humans.
Collapse
|
35
|
Helminths of zoonotic importance in slaughtered food animals in Nigeria: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Helminthol 2018; 93:295-305. [PMID: 29502552 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x18000196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Knowledge of endemic helminths in a resource-limited country such as Nigeria is essential for their diagnosis, treatment and cost-effective control. In the present study, the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) guideline was employed to determine the prevalence and geographical distribution of zoonotic helminths in food animals slaughtered in Nigerian abattoirs between 1970 and 2016. Pooled prevalence estimate (PPE) was determined by the random-effects model while heterogeneity was evaluated using the Cochran's Q-test. Results from 42 eligible studies reported across 19 Nigerian states revealed 85,466 cases of zoonotic helminths from 3,771,832 slaughtered food animals. Overall PPE was 2.27% (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.25, 2.28). PPEs for sub-groups ranged between 0.51% (95% CI: 0.46, 0.56) and 18.05% (95% CI: 17.12, 19.01) across regions, hosts, study periods and diagnostic methods. Ascaris suum had the highest pooled prevalence of 25.46% (95% CI: 24.04, 26.92). Overall prevalence estimates for cestodes, nematodes and trematodes were 0.60% (95% CI: 0.59, 0.61), 21.51% (95% CI: 20.73, 22.30) and 1.86% (95% CI: 1.84, 1.87), respectively. A high degree of heterogeneity 99.97% (95% CI: 2.25, 2.28, P: 0.000) was observed. Zoonotic helminths were prevalent in slaughtered food animals, with higher prevalence estimates in the north-central region, pigs and during the last decade reviewed. Ascaris suum was the most prevalent helminth, while Fasciola gigantica had the widest geographical distribution. It is envisaged that the present information will help in the formulation of disease-control policies, encourage on-farm good agricultural practices, and adequate hygiene and sanitation in abattoirs and meat-processing plants, with the aim of protecting public health.
Collapse
|
36
|
Abstract
AbstractAscaris sp. is a soil-transmitted helminth (STH) significantly affecting the health of human and swine populations. Health inequities and poverty, with resulting deficiencies in water, sanitation and hygiene, are directly associated with Ascaris lumbricoides prevalence in humans. Resource constraints also lead to small-scale livestock production under unsanitary conditions. Free-ranging pigs, for instance, are exposed to a number of infectious agents, among which Ascaris suum is one of the most common. Under these conditions, close proximity between people and pigs can result in cross-contamination; that is, pigs harbouring human Ascaris and vice versa. Moreover, the potential interbreeding between these two Ascaris species has been demonstrated. The present study analysed Ascaris worms obtained from children and pigs in Honduras. Adult worms were collected from stool samples of children after pharmacological treatment, and from pigs’ intestines after slaughter for commercial purposes at a local abattoir. A nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and digested with a restriction enzyme in order to separate putative human- and pig-derived Ascaris isolates. PCR products were also sequenced, and cladograms were constructed. All parasites isolated from children showed the typical human-derived genotype of Ascaris, whereas 91% of parasites from pigs showed the expected pig-derived genotype. Cross-infections between hosts were not demonstrated in this study. Nine per cent of pig-derived worms showed a restriction band pattern highly suggestive of a hybrid human–pig Ascaris genotype. These results contribute to the understanding of ascariasis epidemiology and its zoonotic potential in a highly endemic region.
Collapse
|
37
|
Reda AA. Probiotics for the Control of Helminth Zoonosis. J Vet Med 2018; 2018:4178986. [PMID: 29666821 PMCID: PMC5831688 DOI: 10.1155/2018/4178986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 12/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper is a comprehensive, concise, and an up to date review about probiotics effect and mechanisms against helminth infections of zoonotic importance. Zoonoses are diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans in a reversible way. Despite zoonotic helminth diseases being still a challenge to the public health and the agriculture industries globally, they were still neglected in both human and veterinary medicine. Moreover, the increasing emergence of anthelmintic drug resistance constitutes failures of most disease control strategies, alarming for a quest to new alternative control approaches. Consequently, the use of beneficial microorganisms, probiotics, is becoming interesting for its prophylactic or therapeutic application against several diseases including helminths. Recent studies on probiotics against parasites and the interactions between bacteria, parasites, and the immune system in the gut draw much attention. However, the effects of these beneficial microorganisms in helminth infections remain largely unexplored. Therefore, the aim of the present review is to raise attention and to summarize recent findings on probiotics research against helminth parasites of zoonotic significance. State-of-the-art research on beneficial effects of bacteria on helminth infections and their proposed mechanisms of action is thoroughly discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abadi Amare Reda
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Wollo University, P.O. Box 1145, Dessie, Ethiopia
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Jõgi NO, Svanes C, Siiak SP, Logan E, Holloway JW, Igland J, Johannessen A, Levin M, Real FG, Schlunssen V, Horsnell WGC, Bertelsen RJ. Zoonotic helminth exposure and risk of allergic diseases: A study of two generations in Norway. Clin Exp Allergy 2017; 48:66-77. [PMID: 29117468 DOI: 10.1111/cea.13055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Revised: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Animal and human studies indicate that definitive host helminth infections may confer protection from allergies. However, zoonotic helminths, such as Toxocara species (spp.), have been associated with increased allergies. OBJECTIVE We describe the prevalence of Toxocara spp. and Ascaris spp. seropositivity and associations with allergic diseases and sensitization, in 2 generations in Bergen, Norway. METHODS Serum levels of total IgG4, anti-Toxocara spp. IgG4 and Ascaris spp. IgG4 were established by ELISA in 2 cohorts: parents born 1945-1972 (n = 171) and their offspring born 1969-2003 (n = 264). Allergic outcomes and covariates were recorded through interviews and clinical examinations including serum IgEs and skin prick tests. RESULTS Anti-Ascaris spp. IgG4 was detected in 29.2% of parents and 10.3% of offspring, and anti-Toxocara spp. IgG4 in 17.5% and 8.0% of parents and offspring, respectively. Among offspring, anti-Toxocara spp. IgG4 was associated with pet keeping before age 15 (OR = 6.15; 95% CI = 1.37-27.5) and increasing BMI (1.16[1.06-1.25] per kg/m2 ). Toxocara spp. seropositivity was associated with wheeze (2.97[1.45- 7.76]), hayfever (4.03[1.63-9.95]), eczema (2.89[1.08-7.76]) and cat sensitization (5.65[1.92-16.6]) among offspring, but was not associated with allergic outcomes among parents. Adjustment for childhood or current pet keeping did not alter associations with allergies. Parental Toxocara spp. seropositivity was associated with increased offspring allergies following a sex-specific pattern. CONCLUSIONS & CLINICAL RELEVANCE Zoonotic helminth exposure in Norway was less frequent in offspring than parents; however, Toxocara spp. seropositivity was associated with increased risk of allergic manifestations in the offspring generation, but not among parents. Changes in response to helminth exposure may provide insights into the increase in allergy incidence in affluent countries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N O Jõgi
- University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.,Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - C Svanes
- Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Occupational Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - E Logan
- University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - J W Holloway
- Human Development & Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - J Igland
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - A Johannessen
- Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - M Levin
- University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - F G Real
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - V Schlunssen
- Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - W G C Horsnell
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine/Division of Immunology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Institute of Microbiology and Infection, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,Laboratory of Molecular and Experimental Immunology and Neurogenetics, UMR 7355, CNRS-University of Orleans and Le Studium Institute for Advanced Studies, Orléans, France
| | - R J Bertelsen
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Martínez-Pérez J, Vandekerckhove E, Vlaminck J, Geldhof P, Martínez-Valladares M. Serological detection of Ascaris suum at fattening pig farms is linked with performance and management indices. Vet Parasitol 2017; 248:33-38. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Revised: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
40
|
Restrepo CM, Llanes A, Lleonart R. Use of AFLP for the study of eukaryotic pathogens affecting humans. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2017; 63:360-369. [PMID: 28935612 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2017.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Revised: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) is a genotyping technique based on PCR amplification of specific restriction fragments from a particular genome. The methodology has been extensively used in plant biology to solve a variety of scientific questions, including taxonomy, molecular epidemiology, systematics, population genetics, among many others. The AFLP share advantages and disadvantages with other types of molecular markers, being particularly useful in organisms with no previous DNA sequence knowledge. In eukaryotic pathogens, the technique has not been extensively used, although it has the potential to solve many important issues as it allows the simultaneous examination of hundreds or even thousands of polymorphic sites in the genome of the organism. Here we describe the main applications published on the use of AFLP in eukaryotic pathogens, with emphasis in species of the groups fungi, protozoa and helminths, and discuss the role of this methodology in the context of new techniques derived from the advances of the next generation sequencing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos M Restrepo
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology of Diseases, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Edificio 219, Ciudad del Saber, Apartado 0843-01103, Ciudad de Panamá, Panama.; Department of Biotechnology, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, India..
| | - Alejandro Llanes
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology of Diseases, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Edificio 219, Ciudad del Saber, Apartado 0843-01103, Ciudad de Panamá, Panama.; Department of Biotechnology, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, India
| | - Ricardo Lleonart
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology of Diseases, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Edificio 219, Ciudad del Saber, Apartado 0843-01103, Ciudad de Panamá, Panama..
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
|
42
|
Nejsum P, Betson M, Stothard R. Analysis of Ribosomal DNA Cannot Unequivocally Assign Ascaris to Species Level or Identify Hybrids. J Infect Dis 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jix300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
|
43
|
|
44
|
Nejsum P, Hawash MBF, Betson M, Stothard JR, Gasser RB, Andersen LO. Ascaris phylogeny based on multiple whole mtDNA genomes. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2016; 48:4-9. [PMID: 27939588 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2016.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Revised: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/02/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Ascaris lumbricoides and A. suum are two parasitic nematodes infecting humans and pigs, respectively. There has been considerable debate as to whether Ascaris in the two hosts should be considered a single or two separate species. Previous studies identified at least three major clusters (A, B and C) of human and pig Ascaris based on partial cox1 sequences. In the present study, we selected major haplotypes from these different clusters to characterize their whole mitochondrial genomes for phylogenetic analysis. We also undertook coalescent simulations to investigate the evolutionary history of the different Ascaris haplotypes. The topology of the phylogenetic tree based on complete mitochondrial genomic sequences was found to be similar to partial cox1 sequencing, but the support at internal nodes was higher in the former. Coalescent simulations suggested the presence of at least two divergence events: the first one occurring early in the Neolithic period which resulted in a differentiated population of Ascaris in pigs (cluster C), the second occurring more recently (~900 generations ago), resulting in clusters A and B which might have been spread worldwide by human activities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Nejsum
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Health, Aarhus University, Denmark; Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Mohamed B F Hawash
- Department of Genetics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montréal, Canada; Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Martha Betson
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - J Russell Stothard
- Department of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Department of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lee O Andersen
- Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
A Phosphorylcholine-Containing Glycolipid-like Antigen Present on the Surface of Infective Stage Larvae of Ascaris spp. Is a Major Antibody Target in Infected Pigs and Humans. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0005166. [PMID: 27906979 PMCID: PMC5131908 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 11/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pig parasite Ascaris suum plays and important role in veterinary medicine and represents a suitable model for A. lumbricoides, which infects over 800 million people. In pigs, continued exposure to Ascaris induces immunity at the level of the gut, protecting the host against migrating larvae. The objective of this study was to identify and characterize parasite antigens targeted by this local immune response that may be crucial for parasite invasion and establishment and to evaluate their protective and diagnostic potential. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Pigs were immunized by trickle infection for 30 weeks, challenged with 2,000 eggs at week 32 and euthanized two weeks after challenge. At necropsy, there was a 100% reduction in worms recovered from the intestine and a 97.2% reduction in liver white spots in comparison with challenged non-immune control animals. Antibodies purified from the intestinal mucus or from the supernatant of cultured antibody secreting cells from mesenteric lymph nodes of immune pigs were used to probe L3 extracts to identify antibody targets. This resulted in the recognition of a 12kDa antigen (As12) that is actively shed from infective Ascaris L3. As12 was characterized as a phosphorylcholine-containing glycolipid-like antigen that is highly resistant to different enzymatic and chemical treatments. Vaccinating pigs with an As12 fraction did not induce protective immunity to challenge infection. However, serological analysis using sera or plasma from experimentally infected pigs or naturally infected humans demonstrated that the As12 ELISA was able to detect long-term exposure to Ascaris with a high diagnostic sensitivity (98.4% and 92%, respectively) and specificity (95.5% and 90.0%) in pigs and humans, respectively. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE These findings show the presence of a highly stage specific, glycolipid-like component (As12) that is actively secreted by infectious Ascaris larvae and which acts as a major antibody target in infected humans and pigs.
Collapse
|
46
|
Jesudoss Chelladurai J, Murphy K, Snobl T, Bader C, West C, Thompson K, Brewer MT. Molecular Epidemiology of Ascaris Infection Among Pigs in Iowa. J Infect Dis 2016; 215:131-138. [PMID: 28077590 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiw507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 10/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ascaris is a large roundworm parasite that infects humans and pigs throughout the world. Molecular markers have been used to study parasite transmission in Ascaris-endemic and -nonendemic regions of the world. In the United States, ascariasis still persists in commercial swine and has been designated a neglected disease of poverty in humans. However, relatively few data are available for evaluation of zoonotic transmission. In the present study, we obtained adult worms from abattoirs and characterized each worm on the basis of the gene encoding nuclear internal transcribed sequence (ITS) and mitochondrial cox1 Restriction fragment-length polymorphism analysis of ITS revealed swine, human, and hybrid genotypes. cox1 sequences were compared to all complete sequences available in GenBank, and haplotype analysis demonstrated 92 haplotypes worldwide. Sequences from the parasites in this study represented 10 haplotypes, including 6 new haplotypes that have not been previously described. Our results indicate that anthropozoonotic transmission has occurred in the past, resulting in the presence of human genotypes in pigs and supporting further investigation of zoonotic Ascaris transmission in the United States.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kaitlyn Murphy
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames
| | - Tymbrie Snobl
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames
| | - Christopher Bader
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames
| | - Cody West
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames
| | - Kylie Thompson
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames
| | - Matthew T Brewer
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Optimal ELISA antigen for the diagnosis of Ascaris suum infection in humans. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:4701-4705. [PMID: 27604123 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5239-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Ascarid nematodes, Ascaris suum, Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati, are the most important causative species of larva migrans syndrome (LMS) in humans. Although the diagnosis of ascarid LMS is generally based on serological tests, specific serological tests for A. suum infection have not been fully developed. In the present study, the sensitivity and specificity of three A. suum antigen preparations, i.e., the somatic adult worm antigen (As-SWAP), larval excretory-secretory (ES) antigens derived from infective L3 (AsiL3-ES) and larval ES from tissue migratory L3 (AsmL3-ES), were evaluated for the serodiagnosis of A. suum infection in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We found that all A. suum antigen preparations showed positive reaction to all sera from A. suum-infected mice, while only AsmL3-ES obtained 100 % detection of anti-A. suum antibodies in human visceral ascarosis patients. Comparing the reactivity of each A. suum antigen, sera from both A. suum-infected mice and human patients bound to AsiL3-ES significantly weaker than As-SWAP and AsmL3-ES. Moreover, the OD450 values of ELISA with the A. suum antigen preparations and T. canis larval ES antigen (TciL3-ES) were compared in order to discriminate between ascarosis and toxocarosis. Linear discriminant analysis showed that diagnosis based on TciL3-ES and AsmL3-ES ELISA gave the most reliable result for the discrimination of infecting species. In conclusion, the application of AsmL3-ES antigen in ELISA can be recommended for the serodiagnosis of A. suum infection in humans.
Collapse
|
48
|
|
49
|
Nguyen YTH, Wang Z, Maruyama H, Horii Y, Nonaka N, Yoshida A. Evaluation of real-time PCR assay for the detection of Ascaris suum
contamination in meat and organ meats. J Food Saf 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/jfs.12301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yen Thi Hoang Nguyen
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitic Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine; University of Miyazaki; 1-1, Gakuen-Kibanadai Nishi Miyazaki 889-2192 Japan
| | - Zhenzhen Wang
- Division of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine; University of Miyazaki; 5200 Kihara, Kiyotake-cho Miyazaki 889-1692 Japan
| | - Haruhiko Maruyama
- Division of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine; University of Miyazaki; 5200 Kihara, Kiyotake-cho Miyazaki 889-1692 Japan
- Division of International Cooperation & Education, Center for Animal Disease Control, University of Miyazaki; 1-1, Gakuen-Kibanadai Nishi Miyazaki 889-2192 Japan
| | - Yoichiro Horii
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitic Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine; University of Miyazaki; 1-1, Gakuen-Kibanadai Nishi Miyazaki 889-2192 Japan
- Division of International Cooperation & Education, Center for Animal Disease Control, University of Miyazaki; 1-1, Gakuen-Kibanadai Nishi Miyazaki 889-2192 Japan
| | - Nariaki Nonaka
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitic Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine; University of Miyazaki; 1-1, Gakuen-Kibanadai Nishi Miyazaki 889-2192 Japan
- Division of International Cooperation & Education, Center for Animal Disease Control, University of Miyazaki; 1-1, Gakuen-Kibanadai Nishi Miyazaki 889-2192 Japan
| | - Ayako Yoshida
- Division of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine; University of Miyazaki; 5200 Kihara, Kiyotake-cho Miyazaki 889-1692 Japan
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Mughini-Gras L, Harms M, van Pelt W, Pinelli E, Kortbeek T. Seroepidemiology of human Toxocara and Ascaris infections in the Netherlands. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:3779-94. [PMID: 27234034 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5139-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2016] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Toxocara canis, Toxocara cati and Ascaris suum are worldwide-distributed zoonotic roundworms of dogs, cats and pigs, respectively. The epidemiology of these parasites in developed countries is largely unclear. Two countrywide cross-sectional serosurveys were therefore conducted in the Netherlands in 1995/1996 and 2006/2007 to investigate the prevalence, trends and risk factors for human Toxocara and Ascaris infections in the general population. The Netherlands is characterized by high pig production, freedom from stray dogs and virtual absence of autochthonous infections with the human-adapted roundworm Ascaris lumbricoides. Over the 10 years between the two serosurveys, Toxocara seroprevalence decreased significantly from 10.7 % (n = 1159) to 8.0 % (n = 3683), whereas Ascaris seroprevalence increased significantly from 30.4 % (n = 1159) to 41.6 % (n = 3675), possibly reflecting concomitant improvements in pet hygiene management and increased exposure to pig manure-contaminated soil. Increased anti-Toxocara IgGs were associated with increasing age, male gender, contact with soil, ownership of cats, cattle or pigs, hay fever, low education, high income and non-Western ethnic origin. Increased anti-Ascaris IgGs were associated with increasing age, owning pigs, low education, childhood geophagia and non-Dutch ethnic origin. Besides identifying specific groups at highest risk of Toxocara and Ascaris infections, our results suggest that these infections mainly occur through environmental, rather than foodborne, routes, with direct contact with soil or cat and pig ownership being potentially modifiable exposures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lapo Mughini-Gras
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), PO Box 1-3720, BA, Bilthoven, Netherlands. .,Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.
| | - Margriet Harms
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), PO Box 1-3720, BA, Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - Wilfrid van Pelt
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), PO Box 1-3720, BA, Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - Elena Pinelli
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), PO Box 1-3720, BA, Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - Titia Kortbeek
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), PO Box 1-3720, BA, Bilthoven, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|