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Makingi G, Ngowi B, Mkupasi E, Wilson C, Winkler AS, Nzalawahe J, Ngowi H. Community Health-Education Intervention Trial against Human Taenia solium Taeniasis/Cysticercosis in Central and Southern Zones of Tanzania. Pathogens 2023; 12:955. [PMID: 37513802 PMCID: PMC10386120 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12070955] [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: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Poor knowledge of human T. solium taeniasis/cysticercosis and insufficient sanitary and hygienic practices have been associated with the persistence of human T. solium infections in endemic areas. Community health education intervention measures were implemented in 42 villages of Kongwa and Songwe Districts to increase knowledge, improve good practices against infection and reduce incidences of human cysticercosis transmission using a health education package. The health education package comprised of leaflet, poster and a booklet The 42 villages were allocated into intervention group and control group, and each group consisted of 21 villages. Baseline and post-intervention information on social demography, knowledge, safe practices and incidences of human cysticercosis was collected from both village groups. The impact of the intervention was evaluated by comparing changes in knowledge, preventive practices related to human T. solium infections and the cumulative incidence of human cysticercosis between intervention and control villages. There was no significant difference in mean knowledge scores and preventive practice mean scores between the control and intervention groups at baseline. However, there were significantly higher knowledge mean scores in the intervention group compared to the control group at one year post-intervention (2.06 ± 1.45 vs. 0.94 ± 1.18, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the mean practice scores between the intervention and the control group at one year post-intervention (2.49 ± 1.13 vs. 2.40 ± 1.13, p = 0.31). Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the prevalence of human T. solium cysticercosis between the intervention and the control group at the baseline (1.4% vs. 1.4%, p = 0.97) by Ag-Elisa, and at one year post-intervention the cumulative incidence of human cysticercosis was 1.9 and 1.2 per cent in the control and intervention group, respectively. There was no significant difference in the cumulative incidence of human cysticercosis between the intervention and the control group at one year post-intervention (p > 0.05). Community health-education intervention is effective at improving the knowledge of human T. solium infections. The improvement in preventive practices and reduction in incidences of human cysticercosis are a gradual process, they may require sanitary and hygienic improvement and more time after the intervention to see improved changes. The study recommends a sustainable public health education on T. solium infections using the health education package through one health approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Makingi
- The College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro P.O. Box 3021, Tanzania
| | - Bernard Ngowi
- Muhimbili Medical Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam P.O. Box 3436, Tanzania
- Mbeya College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, Mbeya P.O. Box 608, Tanzania
| | - Ernatus Mkupasi
- The College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro P.O. Box 3021, Tanzania
| | - Christina Wilson
- The College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro P.O. Box 3021, Tanzania
| | - Andrea Sylvia Winkler
- Center for Global Health, Department of Neurology, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
- Department of Community Medicine and Global Health, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, 0373 Oslo, Norway
| | - Jahashi Nzalawahe
- The College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro P.O. Box 3021, Tanzania
| | - Helena Ngowi
- The College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro P.O. Box 3021, Tanzania
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Acosta Soto L, Parker LA, Irisarri-Gutiérrez MJ, Bustos JA, Castillo Y, Perez E, Muñoz-Antoli C, Esteban JG, García HH, Bornay-Llinares FJ. Evidence for Transmission of Taenia solium Taeniasis/Cysticercosis in a Rural Area of Northern Rwanda. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:645076. [PMID: 33959651 PMCID: PMC8093440 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.645076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cysticercosis is a parasitic infection caused by the metacestode larval stage (cysticercus) of Taenia solium. In humans, cysticercosis may infect the central nervous system and cause neurocysticercosis, which is responsible for over 50,000 deaths per year worldwide and is the major cause of preventable epilepsy cases, especially in low-income countries. Cysticercosis infection is endemic in many less developed countries where poor hygiene conditions and free-range pig management favor their transmission. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 680 children from a rural primary school in Gakenke district (Northern province of Rwanda). Stool samples were collected from participants and analyzed using the Kato-Katz method (KK), formol-ether concentration (FEC), and/or copro-antigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (CoAg-ELISA) to detect taeniasis. Blood samples were collected and analyzed using enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blot (EITB) and antigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Ag-ELISA) to detect human cysticercosis. The overall proportion of taeniasis positivity was 0.3% (2/680), and both cases were also confirmed by CoAg-ELISA. A total of 13.3% (76/572) of the children studied were positive to cysticercosis (T. solium-specific serum antibodies detected by EITB), of whom 38.0% (27/71) had viable cysticercus (T. solium antigens by Ag-ELISA). This study provides evidence of the highest cysticercosis prevalence reported in Rwanda in children to date. Systematic investigations into porcine and human cysticercosis as well as health education and hygiene measures for T. solium control are needed in Gakenke district.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucrecia Acosta Soto
- Área de Parasitología del Departamento de Agroquímica y Medioambiente, Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, Alicante, Spain
| | - Lucy Anne Parker
- Departamento de Salud Pública Historia de la Ciencia y Ginecología, Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, Alicante, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - María José Irisarri-Gutiérrez
- Área de Parasitología, Dpto. Farmacia y Tecnología Farmacéutica y Parasitología, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
- Dpto. de Ciencias de la Salud, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Arturo Bustos
- Cysticercosis Unit, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurológicas, Lima, Peru
- Center for Global Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Yesenia Castillo
- Center for Global Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Erika Perez
- Cysticercosis Unit, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurológicas, Lima, Peru
| | - Carla Muñoz-Antoli
- Área de Parasitología, Dpto. Farmacia y Tecnología Farmacéutica y Parasitología, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - José Guillermo Esteban
- Área de Parasitología, Dpto. Farmacia y Tecnología Farmacéutica y Parasitología, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Héctor Hugo García
- Cysticercosis Unit, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurológicas, Lima, Peru
- Center for Global Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Fernando Jorge Bornay-Llinares
- Área de Parasitología del Departamento de Agroquímica y Medioambiente, Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, Alicante, Spain
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Maganira JD, Kidima W, Mwita CJ, Halvarsson P, Höglund J. Soil contamination by Taenia solium egg DNA in rural villages in Kongwa district, Tanzania. Infect Ecol Epidemiol 2020; 10:1772668. [PMID: 32922689 PMCID: PMC7448889 DOI: 10.1080/20008686.2020.1772668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence ofTaenia solium DNA from eggs in soils around the households in four Tanzanian villages in Kongwa district were analysed in relation to seasonal fluctuations and infection risk implications. A total of 192 pooled soil samples from five sampling points per household were examined by droplet digital Polymerase Chain Reaction (ddPCR) from 96 pig-keeping households both during the dry and rainy seasons. The pooled samples were first processed by a flotation-double sieving technique, followed by screening for worm DNA employing universal primers targeting the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) gene of human taeniid species and some other helminths. All DNA positive samples were later confirmed by a specific ddPCR probe assay targeting the mitochondrial cox1 gene of T. solium. A total of 17.2% (n = 33) samples were positive with the universal ddPCR, whereas T. solium DNA was confirmed by the specific ddPCR only in 3.1% (n = 3) of the surveyed households. The detection of T. solium DNA in this study spells out a low risk of exposure to T. solium eggs from contaminated household soil. Based on our results, ddPCR seems to be a promising technology for screening T. solium eggs in soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Daudi Maganira
- Department of Biosciences, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania.,Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Winifrida Kidima
- Department of Zoology and Wildlife Conservation, University of Dar Es Salaam, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Chacha John Mwita
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries Technology, University of Dar Es Salaam, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Peter Halvarsson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Johan Höglund
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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Validation of droplet digital Polymerase Chain Reaction for the detection and absolute quantification of Taenia solium eggs in spiked soil samples. Acta Trop 2019; 200:105175. [PMID: 31526776 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.105175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Revised: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
To enable the detection of taeniid eggs in environmental samples, a sensitive technology is required. In this study, we validated the effectiveness of a digital droplet Polymerase Chain Reaction (ddPCR) assay for detection, identification and absolute quantification of taeniid DNA from artificially contaminated soils with varying numbers of taeniid eggs using a set of universal primers, JB3 & JB4.5. The results showed that the number of cox1 copies detected increased gradually for both species with the number of taeniid eggs added to the different soil types. The highest cox1 DNA copies recovery for Taenia solium and T. lynciscapreoli was from the sand soil with lowest recovery being observed in clay soils. Therefore, ddPCR is a promising technology for screening of taeniid eggs from soil samples collected in the environment irrespective of the soil type and the number of eggs. The potential of the ddPCR protocol to detect taeniid egg DNA in spiked soil samples has great practical application for taeniid egg screening in soils from endemic areas. However, when universal primers are used in screening environmental samples, the identity of ddPCR positive samples must be confirmed by sequencing. In addition, more validation studies using species-specific primers and field soil samples is recommended.
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Maganira JD, Mwang'onde BJ, Kidima W, Mwita CJ, Höglund J. Seroprevalence of circulating taeniid antigens in pigs and associated risk factors in Kongwa district, Tanzania. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2019; 7:e00123. [PMID: 31872092 PMCID: PMC6911909 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2019.e00123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate exposure to porcine cysticercosis (PC) and associated risk factors in the Kongwa District, eastern-central Tanzania. For the first time a cross-sectional investigation of the seroprevalence in pigs using a commercial genus specific cysticercosis enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (apDia Ag-ELISA) was undertaken in eastern-central Tanzania. Moreover, the identity of suspected T. solium cysts from pigs in the study area were confirmed by sequencing parasites' mitochondrial cox1 gene. Structured questionnaires and direct observations were used to investigate risk factors associated with parasite transmission. A total of 102 pig-keeping households were surveyed during the dry season between July and August 2017 and 126 households in the rainy season between March and April 2018. Of the 447 examined pigs, 77 (17%, 95% C.I. 14%-20%) tested positive in the ELISA. Seroprevalence was higher in pigs examined during the rainy (21%, 95% C.I. 16%-26%) than dry (12%, 95% C.I. 7%-17%) season (p = 0.019). Eight cyst-positive-pigs were confirmed to be infected with T. solium by sequencing. Risk factors associated with PC seropositivity included origin of piglets or pigs (OR = 0.27, 95% C.I. 0.13-0.42, p = 0.001), socioeconomic factors and pig production system (OR = 0.22, 95% C.I. 0.07-0.37, p = 0.005) and sanitation and hygiene practices (OR = 0.19, 95% C.I. 0.04-0.34, p = 0.014). This study has recorded a high Taenia spp. seroprevalence in pigs in Kongwa suggesting the presence of people in the community carrying the adult parasite, Taenia solium. Our findings also suggest risk of infection by T. solium to people in urban centres and cities consuming pigs from rural areas in Kongwa. The high seroprevalence in Kongwa calls for further studies on taeniasis and cysticercosis in the human population in order to determine suitable control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine D. Maganira
- Department of Biosciences, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3038, Morogoro, Tanzania
- Department of Zoology and Wildlife Conservation, University of Dar Es Salaam, P.O. Box 35064, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 7036, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Beda J. Mwang'onde
- Department of Biosciences, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3038, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Winifrida Kidima
- Department of Zoology and Wildlife Conservation, University of Dar Es Salaam, P.O. Box 35064, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Chacha J. Mwita
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries Technology, University of Dar Es Salaam, P.O. Box 35064, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Johan Höglund
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 7036, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
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Ngowi HA, Winkler AS, Braae UC, Mdegela RH, Mkupasi EM, Kabululu ML, Lekule FP, Johansen MV. Taenia solium taeniosis and cysticercosis literature in Tanzania provides research evidence justification for control: A systematic scoping review. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0217420. [PMID: 31166983 PMCID: PMC6550401 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0217420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite Taenia solium taeniosis/cysticercosis (TSTC) having been put high on the global agenda of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), which over the last years has received a lot of attention, there has been no control programmes in place in sub-Saharan Africa, a highly endemic region. This could be attributed to lack of awareness of many stakeholders on the burden and impact of T. solium. This information is essential in guiding TSTC policies, practices and research agendas as well as encouraging cross-sectoral collaboration in the control of this important zoonotic parasite using a One Health approach. National elimination of the parasite is the foundation for global eradication. This will require that substantial country-level information is provided to all key stakeholders. We have mapped out TSTC research evidence in Tanzania to inform on disease burden and potential for integrated control measures. Methodology/Principal findings A scoping review of all TSTC studies undertaken in Tanzania and published up to December 2018 was conducted. The articles were searched from PUBMED, AJOL, Google Scholar and Google in general. Fifty-one (51) articles met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed. Prevalence of taeniosis of 2.3% - 5.2% was estimated based on copro-antigen ELISA while human cysticercosis of >16% was estimated based on serum antigen ELISA (Ag-ELISA) or IgG Western Blot. Neurocysticercosis (NCC) contributed significantly to epilepsy in adults. Farm prevalence of porcine cysticercosis were 6.0% - 17.4% (lingual examination) and 1.5% - 33.3% (Ag-ELISA). Slaughter-slab prevalence were 0% - 18.2% (routine meat inspection). Lacking latrines, watering pigs with river or pond water, and feeding pigs with potato peels were associated with porcine cysticercosis prevalence. Washing hands by dipping method increased the risk of human cysticercosis. In 2012, the number of DALYs/1000 person-years for NCC-associated epilepsy was 0.7 (95% UI, 0.2–1.6), around 5 million USD (95% UI, 797,535–16,933,477) were spent due to NCC-associated epilepsy and nearly 3 million USD (95% UI, 1,095,960–5,366,038) were potentially lost due to porcine cysticercosis. Three rounds of annual treatment of school-age children with praziquantel significantly reduced prevalence of taeniosis and porcine cysticercosis. Health education was efficacious in improving knowledge and attitudes favourable for control of TSTC while a single dose of oxfendazole 30 mg/kg body weight was efficacious in eliminating T. solium cysticerci from pig musculature. Conclusions/Significance The observed high burden of TSTC and the significant contribution of NCC to epilepsy in Tanzania warrant urgent interventions. Evaluation of best control options should make use of disease transmission dynamics models such as cystiSim, taking into account findings from the field based intervention studies. In addition, locally adapted management guidelines for people suffering from NCC are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Aminiel Ngowi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Public Health, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania
- * E-mail:
| | - Andrea Sylvia Winkler
- Center for Global Health, Department of Neurology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Centre for Global Health, Department of Community Medicine and Global Health, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Uffe Christian Braae
- One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Prevention, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Ernatus Martin Mkupasi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Public Health, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | | | - Faustin Peter Lekule
- Department of Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Maria Vang Johansen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Singh SP, Singh BB, Kalambhe DG, Pathak D, Aulakh RS, Dhand NK. Prevalence and distribution of Taenia solium cysticercosis in naturally infected pigs in Punjab, India. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006960. [PMID: 30439944 PMCID: PMC6264866 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2018] [Revised: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Taenia solium (T. solium) cysticercosis remains a neglected zoonotic disease in India. The current study was planned to estimate the prevalence of T. solium porcine cysticercosis in the Punjab state of India, to compare this prevalence with the disease prevalence in pigs reared outside Punjab and to assess the distribution of the parasite in pig carcasses. Methods Two slaughter shops were selected in each of the 22 districts of Punjab. Pigs slaughtered on the day/s of inspection were post-mortem inspected to identify the presence of T. solium cysts. Estimated true prevalence was estimated by taking into account the diagnostic sensitivity (38%) and specificity (100%) of post-mortem inspection using the Rogan-Gladen estimator. Positive carcasses were purchased and brought to the laboratory to assess the tissue distribution of T. solium cysts and to conduct PCR targeting large subunit rRNA gene, internal transcribed spacer 1 gene, ITS1 gene and Cytochrome oxidase I gene. The selected PCR products were submitted for sequencing and phylogenetic analyses were performed. Findings We contacted 71 shop owners to achieve a sample of 44 shops for the study. We inspected 642 pigs reared in Punjab and 450 imported from other states at these slaughter shops. In addition, we sampled 40 pigs from an abattoir located in the state capital. Of the 642 pigs reared in Punjab, 9 had T. solium cysts with an apparent prevalence of 1·40% (95% CI: 0·74%, 2·64%) and the estimated true prevalence of 3.69% (95% CI: 1·95%, 6·95%). Pigs imported from outside the state had a significantly higher prevalence (odds ratio: 2·58; 95% CI: 1·12, 5·98; p-value: 0·026) as 15 of the 450 imported pigs were positive (apparent prevalence: 3.33%; 95% CI: 2.03%, 5.43%; estimated true prevalence: 8.77%; 95% CI: 5.34%, 14.28%). None of samples was positive from the pigs sampled at the abattoir in the state capital. The PCR confirmed T. solium cysts from all the 24 positive samples. We counted a median of 897 (range 526–1964) cysts per infected pig from the 19 infected pig carcasses inspected. The phylogenetic tree based on the alignment of partial cytochrome oxidase 1 sequences indicated all positive samples to be clustered with the T. solium Asian genotype. The analysis did not indicate the presence of T. asiatica in the slaughter pigs. Conclusions Despite the underestimation of the prevalence due to missing mildly-infected carcasses, low participation and lack of representative sampling, the presence of heavily infected carcasses containing viable cysts, particularly those imported from outside the state, indicates that T. solium cysticercosis is an important food safety concern for pork consumers in Punjab, India. Measures should be taken to reduce the disease prevalence in pigs to reduce the disease burden in the public. Taenia solium cysticercosis is a neglected zoonosis and severely affects pork production and public health in India. The current study was conducted to estimate the prevalence and distribution of T. solium porcine cysticercosis in the Punjab state of India and to compare the disease prevalence in pigs reared within and outside Punjab. Overall, 24 of the 1132 inspected pigs had viable cysts. Imported pigs had significantly higher prevalence than the pigs produced locally. The analysis did not indicate the presence of T. asiatica in the slaughter pigs. The study confirms the endemic nature of T. solium cysticercosis in Punjab state of India and provides suggestions about reducing the disease burden in pigs and the public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satinder Pal Singh
- School of Public Health & Zoonoses, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
| | - Balbir Bagicha Singh
- School of Public Health & Zoonoses, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
- * E-mail:
| | - Deepali G. Kalambhe
- School of Public Health & Zoonoses, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
| | - Devendra Pathak
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
| | - Rabinder Singh Aulakh
- School of Public Health & Zoonoses, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
| | - Navneet K. Dhand
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, Australia
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Dermauw V, Dorny P, Braae UC, Devleesschauwer B, Robertson LJ, Saratsis A, Thomas LF. Epidemiology of Taenia saginata taeniosis/cysticercosis: a systematic review of the distribution in southern and eastern Africa. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:578. [PMID: 30400948 PMCID: PMC6219070 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3163-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The beef tapeworm, Taenia saginata, causing cysticercosis in bovines and taeniosis in humans, is thought to have a global distribution. In eastern and southern Africa, cattle production plays a crucial role in the economy, but a clear overview of the prevalence of T. saginata in the region is still lacking. This review aims to summarize existing knowledge on T. saginata taeniosis and bovine cysticercosis distribution in eastern and southern Africa. Methods A systematic review was conducted, that gathered published and grey literature, including OIE reports, concerning T. saginata taeniosis and bovine cysticercosis in eastern and southern Africa published between January 1st, 1990 and December 31st, 2017. Results A total of 1232 records were initially retrieved, with 78 full text articles retained for inclusion in the database. Unspecified taeniosis cases were reported for Angola, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia, whereas T. saginata taeniosis cases were found for Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The prevalence of taeniosis ranged between 0.2–8.1% based on microscopy, and between 0.12–19.7% based on coproAg-ELISA. In Ethiopia, the percentage of tapeworm self-reporting was high (45.0–64.2%), and a substantial number of anthelmintic treatments were reported to be sold in towns. The presence of bovine cysticercosis was reported in all 27 countries/territories included in the study, except for Rwanda and Somalia, Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mayotte, Seychelles and Socotra. The prevalence of cysticercosis ranged between 0.02–26.3% based on meat inspection, and between 6.1–34.9% based on Ag-ELISA. Conclusions Although T. saginata has been reported in the majority of countries/territories of the study area, T. saginata taeniosis/cysticercosis remains a largely ignored condition, probably due to the absence of symptoms in cattle, the lack of data on its economic impact, and the fact that human taeniosis is considered a minor health problem. However, the occurrence of bovine cysticercosis is a clear sign of inadequate sanitation, insufficient meat inspection, and culinary habits that may favour transmission. Measures to reduce transmission of T. saginata are therefore warranted and the infection should be properly monitored. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-018-3163-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronique Dermauw
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Pierre Dorny
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Uffe Christian Braae
- One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts, Trinidad and Tobago
| | - Brecht Devleesschauwer
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Lucy J Robertson
- Parasitology, Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Adamstuen Campus, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anastasios Saratsis
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization Demeter, Thermi, 57001, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Lian F Thomas
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), P.O. Box 30709, Nairobi, Kenya.,Institute for Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Neston, UK
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Lightowlers MW, Garcia HH, Gauci CG, Donadeu M, Abela-Ridder B. Monitoring the outcomes of interventions against Taenia solium: options and suggestions. Parasite Immunol 2016; 38:158-69. [PMID: 26538513 PMCID: PMC4819694 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
There is an increasing interest in reducing the incidence of human neurocysticercosis, caused by infection with the larval stage of Taenia solium. Several intervention trials are currently assessing various options for control of T. solium transmission. A critical aspect of these trials will be the evaluation of whether the interventions have been successful. However, there is no consensus about the most appropriate or valuable methods that should be used. Here, we undertake a critical assessment of the diagnostic tests which are currently available for human T. solium taeniasis and human and porcine cysticercosis, as well as their suitability for evaluation of intervention trial outcomes. Suggestions are made about which of the measures that are available for evaluation of T. solium interventions would be most suitable, and which methodologies are the most appropriate given currently available technologies. Suggestions are also made in relation to the most urgent research needs in order to address deficiencies in current diagnostic methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- M W Lightowlers
- Veterinary Clinical Centre, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Vic., Australia
| | - H H Garcia
- Cysticercosis Unit, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurológicas, Lima, Peru.,Department of Microbiology, School of Sciences, Centre for Global Health-Tumbes, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - C G Gauci
- Veterinary Clinical Centre, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Vic., Australia
| | - M Donadeu
- Veterinary Clinical Centre, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Vic., Australia
| | - B Abela-Ridder
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Genève 27, Switzerland
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10
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Ito A, Yanagida T, Nakao M. Recent advances and perspectives in molecular epidemiology of Taenia solium cysticercosis. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2015; 40:357-367. [PMID: 26112071 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2015.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2015] [Revised: 06/19/2015] [Accepted: 06/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Cysticercosis caused by accidental ingestion of eggs of Taenia solium is spreading all over the world through globalization and is one of the most neglected, neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) or neglected zoonotic diseases (NZDs). In the present study, the reason why T. solium cysticercosis has been neglected is discussed at first, and followed with an overview on the most recent advances and perspectives in molecular approaches for epidemiology of T. solium taeniasis/cysticercosis, since although taeniasis does not constitute recognized zoonoses, transmission and complete development are dependent on human definitive hosts. Main topics are discussions on (1) the two, Asian and Afro/American, genotypes of T. solium, (2) comparative analysis of mitochondrial (haploid) and nuclear (diploid) genes, and (3) the presence of hybrids of these two genotypes which indicates out-crossing of two genotypes in hermaphrodite tapeworms in Madagascar. Additional topics are on (4) the usefulness of phylogeographic analyses to discuss where the infection was acquired from, and (5) miscellaneous unsolved topics around these genetic diversity of T. solium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Ito
- Department of Parasitology, Asahikawa Medical University, Midorigaoka Higashi 2-1-1-1, Asahikawa 078-8510, Japan.
| | - Tetsuya Yanagida
- Department of Parasitology, Asahikawa Medical University, Midorigaoka Higashi 2-1-1-1, Asahikawa 078-8510, Japan; Laboratory of Parasitology, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, 1677-1 Yoshida, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan.
| | - Minoru Nakao
- Department of Parasitology, Asahikawa Medical University, Midorigaoka Higashi 2-1-1-1, Asahikawa 078-8510, Japan.
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11
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Braae UC, Saarnak CFL, Mukaratirwa S, Devleesschauwer B, Magnussen P, Johansen MV. Taenia solium taeniosis/cysticercosis and the co-distribution with schistosomiasis in Africa. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:323. [PMID: 26065414 PMCID: PMC4465723 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0938-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2015] [Accepted: 06/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to map the distribution of Taenia solium taeniosis/cysticercosis and the co-distribution with schistosomiasis in Africa. These two major neglected tropical diseases are presumed to be widely distributed in Africa, but currently the level of co-distribution is unclear. Methods A literature search on T. solium taeniosis/cysticercosis was performed to compile all known studies on the presence of T. solium and apparent prevalence of taeniosis and porcine cysticercosis in Africa. Studies were geo-referenced using an online gazetteer. A Bayesian framework was used to combine the epidemiological data on the apparent prevalence with external information on test characteristics to estimate informed district-level prevalence of taeniosis and porcine cysticercosis. Districts with T. solium taeniosis/cysticercosis presence were cross-referenced with the Global Neglected Tropical Diseases Database for schistosomiasis presence. Results The search strategies identified 141 reports of T. solium in Africa from 1985 to 2014 from a total of 476 districts in 29 countries, 20 with porcine cysticercosis, 22 with human cysticercosis, and 16 with taeniosis, in addition to 2 countries identified from OIE reports. All 31 countries were considered, on national scale, to have co-distribution with schistosomiasis. Presence of both parasites was confirmed in 124 districts in 17 countries. The informed prevalence of taeniosis and porcine cysticercosis were estimated for 14 and 41 districts in 10 and 13 countries, respectively. Conclusions With the paucity of data, T. solium infection is grossly under-reported and expected to be more widespread than this study suggests. In areas where co-distribution occurs there is a need for increased emphasis on evaluation of integrated intervention approaches for these two helminth infections and allocation of resources for evaluating the extent of adverse effects caused by mass drug administration. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-015-0938-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uffe Christian Braae
- Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Section for Parasitology and Aquatic Diseases, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-1870, Frederiksberg, Denmark.
| | - Christopher F L Saarnak
- Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Section for Parasitology and Aquatic Diseases, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-1870, Frederiksberg, Denmark.
| | - Samson Mukaratirwa
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
| | - Brecht Devleesschauwer
- Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium. .,Institute of Health and Society (IRSS), Université catholique de Louvain, 1200, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Pascal Magnussen
- Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Section for Parasitology and Aquatic Diseases, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-1870, Frederiksberg, Denmark. .,Centre for Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-1353, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Maria Vang Johansen
- Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Section for Parasitology and Aquatic Diseases, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-1870, Frederiksberg, Denmark.
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12
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Edia-Asuke AU, Inabo HI, Umoh VJ, Whong CM, Asuke S, Edeh RE. Assessment of sanitary conditions of unregistered pig slaughter slabs and post mortem examination of pigs for Taenia solium metacestodes in Kaduna metropolis, Nigeria. Infect Dis Poverty 2014; 3:45. [PMID: 25671123 PMCID: PMC4322547 DOI: 10.1186/2049-9957-3-45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2014] [Accepted: 11/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A number of studies document the prevalence of Taenia solium infections in Nigeria, yet these studies do not cover porcine cysticercosis in private home slaughter slabs where there is no routine meat inspection and backyard pig keeping, slaughtering and sale are common practice. Methods An environmental and sanitary assessment was conducted within two unregistered home pig slaughter slabs in selected parts of the Kaduna metropolis in Nigeria. Slaughter premises were inspected for availability of basic facilities and questionnaires were used to elicit necessary informative data. Butchers were examined for taeniasis by stool microscopy and copro-antigen enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (copro-Ag ELISA) to ascertain T. solium – taeniasis. Pigs slaughtered at the premises were examined for cysticerci. Results Home slaughter conditions were substandard, unhygienic and lacked the basic facilities of a proper slaughterhouse. Prevalence of porcine cysticercosis was 9.3%. The butchers participating in the study had very poor knowledge of T. solium infections and 30% tested positive for taeniasis by copro-Ag ELISA at the time of the study. Conclusion Home slaughter of pigs in the areas studied should be considered and integrated as a component of prevention and control programmes – particularly through educational interventions – in order to equip individuals involved with a good understanding of the risks associated with animal husbandry and human practices. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/2049-9957-3-45) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes U Edia-Asuke
- Department of Microbiology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna Nigeria ; Biological Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, South Africa
| | - Helen I Inabo
- Department of Microbiology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna Nigeria
| | - Veronica J Umoh
- Department of Microbiology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna Nigeria
| | - Clement Mz Whong
- Department of Microbiology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna Nigeria
| | - Sunday Asuke
- Department of Community Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika Zaria, Kaduna Nigeria
| | - Richard E Edeh
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna Nigeria
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13
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Wong SSY, Fung KSC, Chau S, Poon RWS, Wong SCY, Yuen KY. Molecular diagnosis in clinical parasitology: When and why? Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2014; 239:1443-60. [DOI: 10.1177/1535370214523880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Microscopic detection and morphological identification of parasites from clinical specimens are the gold standards for the laboratory diagnosis of parasitic infections. The limitations of such diagnostic assays include insufficient sensitivity and operator dependence. Immunoassays for parasitic antigens are not available for most parasitic infections and have not significantly improved the sensitivity of laboratory detection. Advances in molecular detection by nucleic acid amplification may improve the detection in asymptomatic infections with low parasitic burden. Rapidly accumulating genomic data on parasites allow the design of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers directed towards multi-copy gene targets, such as the ribosomal and mitochondrial genes, which further improve the sensitivity. Parasitic cell or its free circulating parasitic DNA can be shed from parasites into blood and excreta which may allow its detection without the whole parasite being present within the portion of clinical sample used for DNA extraction. Multiplex nucleic acid amplification technology allows the simultaneous detection of many parasitic species within a single clinical specimen. In addition to improved sensitivity, nucleic acid amplification with sequencing can help to differentiate different parasitic species at different stages with similar morphology, detect and speciate parasites from fixed histopathological sections and identify anti-parasitic drug resistance. The use of consensus primer and PCR sequencing may even help to identify novel parasitic species. The key limitation of molecular detection is the technological expertise and expense which are usually lacking in the field setting at highly endemic areas. However, such tests can be useful for screening important parasitic infections in asymptomatic patients, donors or recipients coming from endemic areas in the settings of transfusion service or tertiary institutions with transplantation service. Such tests can also be used for monitoring these recipients or highly immunosuppressed patients, so that early preemptive treatment can be given for reactivated parasitic infections while the parasitic burden is still low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samson SY Wong
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Kitty SC Fung
- Department of Pathology, United Christian Hospital, Kwun Tong of New Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Sandy Chau
- Department of Pathology, United Christian Hospital, Kwun Tong of New Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Rosana WS Poon
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Sally CY Wong
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Kwok-Yung Yuen
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
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14
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Evolution, molecular epidemiology and perspectives on the research of taeniid parasites with special emphasis on Taenia solium. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2014; 23:150-60. [PMID: 24560729 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2014.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2013] [Revised: 02/09/2014] [Accepted: 02/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Human cysticercosis is known since old historical times in Greece and China; however, human infections by tapeworms have accompanied human beings for more that hundred thousand years. The disease is tightly bound to poverty and lack of hygiene, and has been eradicated in developed countries, but continues being a public health problem in developing countries of Latin-American, Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia, and is also remerging in a number of non endemic countries. It is considered a neglected disease. Here we revise a number of key scientific contributions on taeniid biology that open new avenues for more effective approaches to the control of cysticercosis. The evolution of flatworms and class Cestoda is analyzed, with special emphasis on the emergence of taeniid parasites and the colonization of the human species by tapeworms. The complex molecular host-parasite interplay in this relationship as result of co-evolution between two distantly related organisms. The relevant host and parasite's factors, in the prospect of identifying species-specific molecular markers useful in epidemiological studies carried out in endemic countries. The new possibilities arising with the characterization of the genomes for several species of tapeworms, including a deeper understanding of these organisms, as well as improved tools for diagnosis, vaccination and drug treatment. The need to revise the current control and management strategies for this tropical neglected disease.
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15
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Assana E, Lightowlers MW, Zoli AP, Geerts S. Taenia solium taeniosis/cysticercosis in Africa: Risk factors, epidemiology and prospects for control using vaccination. Vet Parasitol 2013; 195:14-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2012.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2012] [Revised: 12/04/2012] [Accepted: 12/11/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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16
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Li WH, Jia WZ, Qu ZG, Xie ZZ, Luo JX, Yin H, Sun XL, Blaga R, Fu BQ. Molecular characterization of Taenia multiceps isolates from Gansu Province, China by sequencing of mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2013; 51:197-201. [PMID: 23710087 PMCID: PMC3662063 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2013.51.2.197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2012] [Revised: 12/10/2012] [Accepted: 12/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
A total of 16 Taenia multiceps isolates collected from naturally infected sheep or goats in Gansu Province, China were characterized by sequences of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene. The complete cox1 gene was amplified for individual T. multiceps isolates by PCR, ligated to pMD18T vector, and sequenced. Sequence analysis indicated that out of 16 T. multiceps isolates 10 unique cox1 gene sequences of 1,623 bp were obtained with sequence variation of 0.12-0.68%. The results showed that the cox1 gene sequences were highly conserved among the examined T. multiceps isolates. However, they were quite different from those of the other Taenia species. Phylogenetic analysis based on complete cox1 gene sequences revealed that T. multiceps isolates were composed of 3 genotypes and distinguished from the other Taenia species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Hui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of the Ministry of Agriculture, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
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Jeon HK, Eom KS. Molecular approaches to Taenia asiatica. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2013; 51:1-8. [PMID: 23467738 PMCID: PMC3587737 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2013.51.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2012] [Revised: 12/27/2012] [Accepted: 12/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Taenia solium, T. saginata, and T. asiatica are taeniid tapeworms that cause taeniasis in humans and cysticercosis in intermediate host animals. Taeniases remain an important public health concerns in the world. Molecular diagnostic methods using PCR assays have been developed for rapid and accurate detection of human infecting taeniid tapeworms, including the use of sequence-specific DNA probes, PCR-RFLP, and multiplex PCR. More recently, DNA diagnosis using PCR based on histopathological specimens such as 10% formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded and stained sections mounted on slides has been applied to cestode infections. The mitochondrial gene sequence is believed to be a very useful molecular marker for not only studying evolutionary relationships among distantly related taxa, but also for investigating the phylo-biogeography of closely related species. The complete sequence of the human Taenia tapeworms mitochondrial genomes were determined, and its organization and structure were compared to other human-tropic Taenia tapeworms for which complete mitochondrial sequence data were available. The multiplex PCR assay with the Ta4978F, Ts5058F, Tso7421F, and Rev7915 primers will be useful for differential diagnosis, molecular characterization, and epidemiological surveys of human Taenia tapeworms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeong-Kyu Jeon
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Research Institute, Chungbuk National University School of Medicine, Cheongju 361-763, Korea
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