1
|
Tunali V, Korkmaz M. Emerging and Re-Emerging Parasitic Infections of the Central Nervous System (CNS) in Europe. Infect Dis Rep 2023; 15:679-699. [PMID: 37987400 PMCID: PMC10660548 DOI: 10.3390/idr15060062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In a rapidly evolving global landscape characterized by increased international travel, migration, and ecological shifts, this study sheds light on the emergence of protozoal and helminthic infections targeting the central nervous system (CNS) within Europe. Despite being traditionally associated with tropical regions, these infections are progressively becoming more prevalent in non-endemic areas. By scrutinizing the inherent risks, potential outcomes, and attendant challenges, this study underscores the intricate interplay between diagnostic limitations, susceptibility of specific population subsets, and the profound influence of climate fluctuations. The contemporary interconnectedness of societies serves as a conduit for introducing and establishing these infections, warranting comprehensive assessment. This study emphasizes the pivotal role of heightened clinician vigilance, judicious public health interventions, and synergistic research collaborations to mitigate the potential consequences of these infections. Though rare, their profound impact on morbidity and mortality underscores the collective urgency required to safeguard the neurological well-being of the European populace. Through this multifaceted approach, Europe can effectively navigate the complex terrain posed with these emergent infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Varol Tunali
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Manisa Celal Bayar University, 45030 Manisa, Turkey
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Eşrefpaşa Hospital, 35170 Izmir, Turkey
| | - Metin Korkmaz
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, 35100 Izmir, Turkey;
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Castillo Y, Toribio LM, Guzman C, Arroyo G, Espinoza C, Saavedra H, Bustos JA, Dorny P, O’Neal SE, Garcia HH. Consistent Measurement of Parasite-Specific Antigen Levels in Sera of Patients with Neurocysticercosis Using Two Different Monoclonal Antibody (mAb)-Based Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays. Pathogens 2023; 12:566. [PMID: 37111451 PMCID: PMC10143799 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12040566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibody (mAb)-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is a complementary diagnosis technique for neurocysticercosis (NCC), which detects circulating parasite antigen (Ag) indicative of viable infection and Ag levels that correlate well with the parasite burden. In this study, we compared the performance of two Ag-ELISA techniques for the detection of NCC. We assessed the agreement between our in-house TsW8/TsW5 Ag-ELISA and the widely used B158/B60 Ag-ELISA for measuring T. solium antigen levels in the sera from 113 patients with calcified, parenchymal, and subarachnoid NCC. Concordance was demonstrated evaluating the limits of agreement (LoAs) stratified by the type of NCC. Both ELISA's detected 47/48 (97.8%) subarachnoid NCC cases. In parenchymal and calcified NCC, the B158/B60 Ag-ELISA detected 19/24 (79.2%) and 18/41 (43.9%) cases, while the TsW8/TsW5 Ag-ELISA detected 21/24 (87.5%) and 13/41 (31.7%), respectively. Parenchymal and calcified NCC obtained a perfect agreement (100%), indicating that all sample results were within the predicted LoA, while for subarachnoid NCC, the agreement was 89.6%. The high concordance between the assays was confirmed by Lin's concordance coefficient (LCC = 0.97). Patients with viable parenchymal NCC (LCC = 0.95) obtained the highest concordance between assays, followed by subarachnoid NCC (LCC = 0.93) and calcified NCC (LCC = 0.92). The TsW8/TsW5 Ag-ELISA and B158/B60 Ag-ELISA showed high Ag measurement correlations across diverse types of NCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yesenia Castillo
- Center for Global Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima 15202, Peru; (Y.C.)
| | - Luz M. Toribio
- Center for Global Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima 15202, Peru; (Y.C.)
- Cysticercosis Unit, National Institute of Neurological Sciences, Lima 15030, Peru
| | - Carolina Guzman
- Center for Global Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima 15202, Peru; (Y.C.)
- Cysticercosis Unit, National Institute of Neurological Sciences, Lima 15030, Peru
| | - Gianfranco Arroyo
- Center for Global Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima 15202, Peru; (Y.C.)
| | - Cindy Espinoza
- Center for Global Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima 15202, Peru; (Y.C.)
| | - Herbert Saavedra
- Cysticercosis Unit, National Institute of Neurological Sciences, Lima 15030, Peru
| | - Javier A. Bustos
- Center for Global Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima 15202, Peru; (Y.C.)
- Cysticercosis Unit, National Institute of Neurological Sciences, Lima 15030, Peru
| | - Pierre Dorny
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, 2060 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Seth E. O’Neal
- Center for Global Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima 15202, Peru; (Y.C.)
- School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Sciences, Portland State University, Portland, OR 97207, USA
| | - Hector H. Garcia
- Center for Global Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima 15202, Peru; (Y.C.)
- Cysticercosis Unit, National Institute of Neurological Sciences, Lima 15030, Peru
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School for Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Stelzle D, Abraham A, Kaminski M, Schmidt V, De Meijere R, Bustos JA, Garcia HH, Sahu PS, Bobić B, Cretu C, Chiodini P, Dermauw V, Devleesschauwer B, Dorny P, Fonseca A, Gabriël S, Morales MÁG, Laranjo-González M, Hoerauf A, Hunter E, Jambou R, Jurhar-Pavlova M, Reiter-Owona I, Sotiraki S, Trevisan C, Vilhena M, Walker NF, Zammarchi L, Winkler AS. Clinical characteristics and management of neurocysticercosis patients: a retrospective assessment of case reports from Europe. J Travel Med 2023; 30:6759132. [PMID: 36222148 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taac102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a parasitic disease caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm Taenia solium. NCC mainly occurs in Africa, Latin America and South-East Asia and can cause a variety of clinical signs/symptoms. Although it is a rare disease in Europe, it should nonetheless be considered as a differential diagnosis. The aim of this study was to describe clinical characteristics and management of patients with NCC diagnosed and treated in Europe. METHODS We conducted a systematic search of published and unpublished data on patients diagnosed with NCC in Europe (2000-2019) and extracted demographic, clinical and radiological information on each case, if available. RESULTS Out of 293 identified NCC cases, 59% of patients presented initially with epileptic seizures (21% focal onset); 52% presented with headache and 54% had other neurological signs/symptoms. The majority of patients had a travel or migration history (76%), mostly from/to Latin America (38%), Africa (32%) or Asia (30%). Treatment varied largely depending on cyst location and number. The outcome was favorable in 90% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS Management of NCC in Europe varied considerably but often had a good outcome. Travel and migration to and from areas endemic for T. solium will likely result in continued low prevalence of NCC in Europe. Therefore, training and guidance of clinicians is recommended for optimal patient management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Stelzle
- Department of Neurology, Center for Global Health, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Annette Abraham
- Department of Neurology, Center for Global Health, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Centre for Global Health, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Miriam Kaminski
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité University Medical Center, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Veronika Schmidt
- Department of Neurology, Center for Global Health, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Centre for Global Health, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Robert De Meijere
- Department of Neurology, Center for Global Health, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Javier A Bustos
- Cysticercosis Unit, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurológicas, Lima, Peru
| | - Hector Hugo Garcia
- Cysticercosis Unit, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurológicas, Lima, Peru
| | | | - Branko Bobić
- Centre of Excellence for Food- and Vector-borne Zoonoses, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Carmen Cretu
- Department of Parasitology, Carol Davila University of Medicine, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Peter Chiodini
- Hospital for Tropical Diseases, University College London Hospitals, London, UK
- Diagnostic Parasitology Laboratory, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Veronique Dermauw
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Brecht Devleesschauwer
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Pierre Dorny
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ana Fonseca
- Public Health Department, NOVA Medical School, NOVA University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sarah Gabriël
- Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Maria Ángeles Gómez Morales
- Department of Infectious Diseases, European Union Reference Laboratory for Parasites, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Minerva Laranjo-González
- IRTA, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA, IRTA-UAB), Campus de la UAB, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Spain
| | - Achim Hoerauf
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ewan Hunter
- Department of Infection and Tropical Medicine, The Newcastle-upon-Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Ronan Jambou
- Global Health Department, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Maja Jurhar-Pavlova
- Institute for Microbiology and Parasitology, Medical faculty, University "Ss. Cyril and Methodius", Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia
| | - Ingrid Reiter-Owona
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Smaragda Sotiraki
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organisation DIMITRA, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Chiara Trevisan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Manuela Vilhena
- MED-Instituto Mediterrâneo para a Agricultura, Ambiente e Desenvolvimento, Universidade de Évora, Évora, Portugal
| | - Naomi F Walker
- Hospital for Tropical Diseases, University College London Hospitals, London, UK
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Lorenzo Zammarchi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Andrea Sylvia Winkler
- Department of Neurology, Center for Global Health, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Centre for Global Health, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tilli M, Botta A, Bartoloni A, Corti G, Zammarchi L. Hospitalization for Chagas disease, dengue, filariasis, leishmaniasis, schistosomiasis, strongyloidiasis, and Taenia solium taeniasis/cysticercosis, Italy, 2011-2016. Infection 2020; 48:695-713. [PMID: 32418191 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-020-01443-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To analyze epidemiology and burden of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in Italy. METHODS We used Hospital Discharge Records and number of residents in Italy to calculate number and rate of hospitalization for Chagas disease, dengue, filariasis, leishmaniasis, schistosomiasis, strongyloidiasis, Taenia solium taeniasis, and cysticercosis by sex, citizenship group, and region in the period 2011-2016. RESULTS 7195 hospitalizations for NTDs were retrieved, accounting for 7375 diagnoses, 60% in Italians and 40% in foreigners. Male-to-female ratio was 2; the age group more commonly affected was 25-44 years (32.5%). The most common diagnoses were leishmaniasis (34%), schistosomiasis (29%), strongyloidiasis (12%), Chagas disease (8%), and dengue (8%). Average yearly hospitalization rate per 100,000 residents for all NTDs was 2.05, 1.33, and 10.39 in general population, Italians, and foreign citizens, respectively. Hospitalization rates higher than 100 per 100,000 subjects were found in citizens from Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and Bolivia. CONCLUSIONS NTDs have a not negligible burden in Italy. The most clinically relevant NTDs in Italy are leishmaniasis and schistosomiasis, followed by strongyloidiasis, Chagas disease, and dengue. Cystic echinococcosis, that was not included in the analysis since a similar study on this disease was recently published, should also be listed among the leading NTD in Italy. While schistosomiasis has its highest burden on population coming from highly endemic areas such as SSA, leishmaniasis is especially relevant in Italian-born residents of southern regions. Education at university and post-graduate levels, to increase the awareness of healthcare professionals on these topics, as well as targeted public health interventions (such as screening or presumptive treatment in high-risk groups), are an asset to improve clinical management and control of these diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Tilli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Annarita Botta
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bartoloni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit, Careggi University and Hospital, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
- Referral Center for Tropical Diseases of Tuscany Region, Careggi University and Hospital, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Corti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit, Careggi University and Hospital, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Zammarchi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy.
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit, Careggi University and Hospital, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy.
- Referral Center for Tropical Diseases of Tuscany Region, Careggi University and Hospital, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Herrador Z, Pérez-Molina JA, Henríquez Camacho CA, Rodriguez-Guardado A, Bosch-Nicolau P, Calabuig E, Domínguez-Castellano A, Pérez-Jacoiste MA, Ladrón de Guevara MC, Mena A, Ruiz-Giardin JM, Torrús D, Wikman-Jorgensen P, Benito A, López-Vélez R. Imported cysticercosis in Spain: A retrospective case series from the +REDIVI Collaborative Network. Travel Med Infect Dis 2020; 37:101683. [PMID: 32335208 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2020.101683] [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: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is the most common parasitic neurological disease worldwide and a major cause of epilepsy. Spain is the country reporting the highest number of NCC imported cases in Europe. METHODOLOGY Retrospective case series of NCC patients registered in the +REDIVI Network from October 1, 2009 to July 2018. A specific questionnaire, including clinical and diagnostic characteristics, was created and sent to the collaborator centers. RESULTS 46 cases were included in the analysis. 55% were male, mean age of 40 years. 95.6% were migrants. The median duration since migration from an endemic area was 10 years. Predominant nationalities were Ecuadorians (50%) and Bolivians (30.4%). Frequent locations were parenchymal (87%), subarachnoid (26.1%) and intraventricular cysts (10.9%). Serological analysis was performed in 91.3%, being 54.8% positive. Most prevalent clinical manifestations were persistent headache (60.9%), epilepsy (43.5%) and visual changes (13%). Patients were mainly treated with albendazole (76.1%), corticosteroids (67.4%), and anticonvulsionants (52.2%). 82.5% had a favorable clinical outcome. CONCLUSIONS Most NCC cases were long-standing migrants. Few clinical differences were observed depending on the cysticerci location. The treatment was often not according to current recommendations, and no uniform criteria were followed when it came to the therapeutic regimen. NCC case management in Spain (including clinician awareness and laboratory capacity improvements) needs to be strengthened.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zaida Herrador
- Centro Nacional de Medicina Tropical, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Network Biomedical Research on Tropical Diseases (RICET in Spanish), Madrid, Spain.
| | - José A Pérez-Molina
- Network Biomedical Research on Tropical Diseases (RICET in Spanish), Madrid, Spain; National Referral Unit for Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, IRICYS, Madrid, Spain
| | - César Augusto Henríquez Camacho
- National Referral Unit for Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, IRICYS, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ana Mena
- Hospital Universitario Son Espases, Palma Mallorca, Spain
| | | | - Diego Torrús
- Hospital Universitario de Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Philip Wikman-Jorgensen
- Hospital Universitario de Elda, Alicante, Spain; Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of Valencia Region, FISABIO, Spain
| | - Agustín Benito
- Centro Nacional de Medicina Tropical, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Network Biomedical Research on Tropical Diseases (RICET in Spanish), Madrid, Spain
| | - Rogelio López-Vélez
- Network Biomedical Research on Tropical Diseases (RICET in Spanish), Madrid, Spain; National Referral Unit for Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, IRICYS, Madrid, Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Norman FF, Chamorro S, Comeche B, Pérez-Molina JA, López-Vélez R. Update on the major imported helminth infections in travelers and migrants. Future Microbiol 2020; 15:437-444. [PMID: 32250168 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2019-0273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Helminth infections cause considerable morbidity worldwide and may be frequently underdiagnosed especially in areas of lower endemicity. Patients may harbor latent infections that may become symptomatic years or decades after the initial exposure and timely diagnosis may be critical to prevent complications and improve outcomes. In this context, disease in special populations, such as immunosuppressed patients, may be of particular concern. Heightened awareness and recent diagnostic developments may contribute to the correct management of helminth infections in nonendemic regions. A review of the main helminth infections in travelers and migrants (strongyloidiasis, taeniasis-neurocysticercosis and schistosomiasis) is presented, focusing on epidemiology, developments in diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F F Norman
- National Referral Unit for Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, IRYCIS, Ctra Colmenar, Km 9100, 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - S Chamorro
- National Referral Unit for Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, IRYCIS, Ctra Colmenar, Km 9100, 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - B Comeche
- National Referral Unit for Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, IRYCIS, Ctra Colmenar, Km 9100, 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - J A Pérez-Molina
- National Referral Unit for Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, IRYCIS, Ctra Colmenar, Km 9100, 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - R López-Vélez
- National Referral Unit for Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, IRYCIS, Ctra Colmenar, Km 9100, 28034 Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Urticaria and silent parasitism by Ascaridoidea: Component-resolved diagnosis reinforces the significance of this association. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008177. [PMID: 32243436 PMCID: PMC7170265 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Urticaria remains a major problem in terms of aetiology, investigation, and management, and although parasitic diseases are considered potential causes, the absence of a consistent link between parasitic infections and skin allergy symptoms leads to the need for a deeper study of parameters that support this association. The objectives of this study were to analyse a possible relationship between parasitism by Ascarididae (Toxocara canis and Anisakis simplex) and the clinical expression of urticaria and to identify possible parasitic molecular markers for improving the diagnosis of unknown urticaria aetiology. The prevalence of Toxocara and Anisakis infestations was evaluated by measuring the levels of specific IgG (sIgG) and IgE (sIgE) antibodies against crude extracts and isolated components from whole larvae of Anisakis simplex (Ani s 1, Ani s 3 and Ani s 7) and Toxocara canis (TES-120, TES-70, TES-32 and TES-26) using immunologic and molecular diagnostic methods. A cross-sectional study was performed in a group of 400 individuals. The study group consisted of 95 patients diagnosed with urticaria (55 with chronic urticaria and 40 with acute urticaria). A control group consisted of 305 subjects without urticaria (182 diagnosed with respiratory allergy and 123 without allergy). Statistically significant differences were demonstrated in the seroprevalence of specific IgG and IgE antibodies between the urticaria patients and the healthy general population when isolated ascarid antigens were evaluated. The prevalence of IgG antibodies against Ani s 1, IgE antibodies against TES-120 and IgE antibodies against TES-70 were significantly different between the control individuals (healthy general population) and patients with urticaria. Moreover, the urticaria patient group demonstrated a higher seroprevalence of antibodies (sIgE and sIgG) against Anisakis simplex larva whole extract than the control group but just with statistically diferences when sIgE was evaluated. The presence of IgE and/or IgG antibodies against Ani s 3 (tropomyosin) can help to discriminate between patients with and without urticaria. Both ascarids seem to be associated with urticaria, although in our region, Anisakis seems to have greater involvement than Toxocara in this relationship. Molecular diagnostics can be used to associate urticaria with parasite infestations. Tropomyosin and Ani s 1 were the most relevant markers to demonstrate the association between urticaria and the most relevant Ascarididae parasites in our region.
Collapse
|