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Objective To evaluate the immunoprotective effect of active immunization with recombinant peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase from Babesia microti against B. microti infection in mice. Methods Female BALB/c mice at 6 weeks of age, each weighing approximately 20 g, were divided into the recombinant protein immunization group, the infection control group and the normal control group, of 25, 18, 15 mice in each group, respectively. Mice in the recombinant protein immunization group were given active immunization with recombinant BmPPIase protein, and 18 mice with the highest antibody titers were intraperitoneally injected with 100 μL of B. microti-infected whole blood 2 weeks after the last immunization. Mice in the infection control group were intraperitoneally injected with 100 μL of B. microti-infected whole blood, while 15 mice in the normal control group received no treatment. Blood samples were collected from mice in the recombinant protein immunization group and the infection control group on days 0 to 30 post-immunization for detection of B. microti infection, and blood samples were collected on days 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 post-immunization for routine blood tests with a blood cell analyzer and for detection of serum cytokines using cytometric bead array. Results Anti-BmPPIase antibodies were detected in 25 mice in the recombinant protein immunization group 2 weeks after the last immunization, with titers of 5 × 103 to 8 × 104. B. microti infection rate peaked in mice in both the recombinant protein immunization and the infection control group on day 7 post-immunization, with positive infection rates of 13.3% and 50.0%, and there were significant differences between the two groups in terms of B. microti infection rate on days 3 (χ2= 113.18, P < 0.01), 5 (χ2 = 475.22, P < 0.01), 7 (χ2 = 465.98, P < 0.01) and 9 post-infection (χ2= 18.71, P < 0.01), while the B. microti infection rate tended to be 0 in both groups on day 11 post-immunization. Routine blood tests showed higher red blood cell counts [(5.30 ± 0.50) × 1012 to (9.87 ± 0.24) × 1012 counts/L)] and hemoglobin levels [(89.67 ± 22.80) to (148.60 ± 3.05) g/L)] in the recombinant protein immunization group than in the infection control group on days 0 to 28 post-immunization. Cytometric bead array detected higher serum interferon-γ [(748.59 ± 17.56) to (3 858.28 ± 1 049.10) fg/mL], tumor necrosis factor-α [(6 687.34 ± 1 016.64) to (12 708.13 ± 1 629.79) fg/mL], interleukin (IL)-6 [(611.05 ± 75.60) to (6 852.68 ± 1 554.00) fg/mL] and IL-17a [(167.68 ± 185.00) to (10 849.27 ± 355.40) fg/mL] and lower IL-10 levels [(247.65 ± 138.00) to (18 787.20 ± 2 830.22) fg/mL] in the recombinant protein immunization group than in the infection control group during the study period. Conclusions Recombinant BmPPIase protein induces up-regulation of interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α and presents a high immunoprotective activity against B. microti infection in mice, which is a potential vaccine candidate protein.
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Objective To investigate the prevalence and influencing factors of Blastocystis hominis infection among children with diarrhea under five years of age in Guangzhou City. Methods Children with diarrhea under 5 years of age admitted to Guangzhou Children’s hospital, Guangzhou Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital and Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center during the period between January 1 and December 31, 2020, were enrolled. Participants’ demographics, living environments and health status were collected using questionnaire surveys. Stool samples were collected from participants and nucleic acid was extracted. B. hominis infection was identified using PCR assay and sequence alignment, and the factors affecting B. hominis infection among children with diarrhea under 5 years of age were identified using univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results A total of 684 children with diarrhea under 5 years of age were enrolled, including 468 male children and 216 female children, with a mean age of (1.79 ± 1.12) years. The overall prevalence of B. hominis infection was 4.97% [34/684, 95% confidential interval (CI): (3.59%, 6.86%)] among participants, and there was no significant difference in the prevalence of B. hominis infection between children with chronic [7.52% (20/266), 95% CI: (4.92%, 11.33%)] and acute diarrhea [3.35% (14/418), 95% CI: (2.01%, 5.54%)] (χ2 = 5.983, P = 0.014). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified keeping pet [odds ratio (OR) = 6.298, 95% CI: (2.711, 14.633)], drinking non-tap water [OR = 4.522, 95% CI: (1.769, 11.561)], lactose intolerance [OR = 4.221, 95% CI: (1.043, 17.087)], antibiotic use [OR = 0.125, 95% CI: (0.017, 0.944)] and chronic diarrhea [OR = 2.172, 95% CI: (1.018, 4.637)] as factors affecting B. hominis infection among children with diarrhea under 5 years of age in Guangzhou City. Conclusions B. hominis infections is detected in children with diarrhea under five years of age in Guangzhou City. Improving home environments and pet-keeping hygiene is recommended to reduce the likelihood of B. hominis infection among children.
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OBJECTIVE@#Depression and metabolic disorders have overlapping psychosocial and pathophysiological causes. Current research is focused on the possible role of adiponectin in regulating common biological mechanisms. Xiaoyao San (XYS), a classic Chinese medicine compound, has been widely used in the treatment of depression and can alleviate metabolic disorders such as lipid or glucose metabolism disorders. However, the ability of XYS to ameliorate depression-like behavior as well as metabolic dysfunction in mice and the underlying mechanisms are unclear.@*METHODS@#An in vivo animal model of depression was established by chronic social defeat stress (CSDS). XYS and fluoxetine were administered by gavage to the drug intervention group. Depression-like behaviors were analyzed by the social interaction test, open field test, forced swim test, and elevated plus maze test. Glucose levels were measured using the oral glucose tolerance test. The involvement of certain molecules was validated by immunofluorescence, histopathology, and Western blotting. In vitro, hypothalamic primary neurons were exposed to high glucose to induce neuronal damage, and the neuroprotective effect of XYS was evaluated by cell counting kit-8 assay. Immunofluorescence and Western blotting were used to evaluate the influences of XYS on adiponectin receptor 1 (AdipoR1), adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC) and other related proteins.@*RESULTS@#XYS ameliorated CSDS-induced depression-like behaviors and glucose tolerance impairment in mice and increased the level of serum adiponectin. XYS also restored Nissl bodies in hypothalamic neurons in mice that exhibited depression-like behaviors and decreased the degree of neuronal morphological damage. In vivo and in vitro studies indicated that XYS increased the expression of AdipoR1 in hypothalamic neurons.@*CONCLUSION@#Adiponectin may be a key regulator linking depression and metabolic disorders; regulation of the hypothalamic AdipoR1/AMPK/ACC pathway plays an important role in treatment of depression by XYS.
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Animals , Mice , AMP-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism , Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase/metabolism , Adiponectin/metabolism , Antidepressive Agents/pharmacology , China , Depression/drug therapy , Disease Models, Animal , Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use , Glucose , Hypothalamus/metabolism , Receptors, Adiponectin/metabolismABSTRACT
Echinococcosis is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by Echinococcus infections, and this disorder may cause fibrosis of multiple vital organs, which may further progress into cirrhosis. Early-stage hepatic fibrosis is reversible, and unraveling the mechanisms underlying hepatic fibrosis induced by Echinococcus infections is of great significance for the prevention and treatment of early-stage hepatic fibrosis. Recently, the studies pertaining to hepatic fibrosis associated with Echinococcus infections focus on cytokines and immune cells. This review summarizes the advances in the mechanisms underlying host immune cells- and cytokines-mediated hepatic fibrosis in humans or mice following Echinococcus infections.
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Objective To construct a cDNA library of Sparganum mansoni and immunoscreen antigen candidates for immunodiagnosis of sparganosis mansoni. Methods Total RNA was extracted from S. mansoni, and reversely transcribed into cDNA, which was ligated into the phage vector. These recombinant vectors were packaged in vitro to construct the SMART cDNA library of S. mansoni. Then, the cDNA library was immunoscreened with sera from patients with sparganosis mansoni to yield positive clones. The inserted fragments of positive clones were sequenced and subjected to homology analyses, and the structure and functions of the coding proteins were predicted. Results The SMATR cDNA library of S. mansoni was successfully constructed. The titer of the cDNA library was 6.25 × 106 pfu/mL, with a recombinant efficiency of 100%, and the mean length of the inserted fragments in the library was larger than 1 100 bp. A total of 12 positive clones were obtained by immunoscreening, and were categorized into Sm-I (Sm60-1), Sm-II (Sm58-1), Sm-III (Sm20-1) and Sm-IV (Sm22-3), with 1 134, 1 063, 883 bp and 969 bp long inserted fragments. Their coding proteins were highly homologous with the Spirometra erinaceieuropaei antigenic polypeptide, cytoplasmic antigen, ribosomal protein S4-like protein and unnamed protein product, respectively. Conclusions A SMART cDNA library of S. mansoni has been successfully constructed and 4 categories of positive clones have been identified, which provides a basis for further studies on diagnostic antigens for sparganosis mansoni.
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Human sparganosis is a food-borne parasitic disease caused by the plerocercoids of Spirometra species. Clinical diagnosis of sparganosis is crucial for effective treatment, thus it is important to identify sensitive and specific antigens of plerocercoids. The aim of the current study was to identify and characterize the immunogenic proteins of Spirometra erinaceieuropaei plerocercoids that were recognized by patient sera. Crude soluble extract of the plerocercoids were separated using 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis coupled with immunoblot and mass spectrometry analysis. Based on immunoblotting patterns and mass spectrometry results, 8 antigenic proteins were identified from the plerocercoid. Among the proteins, cysteine protease protein might be developed as an antigen for diagnosis of sparganosis.
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Objective:To model an outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 （COVID-19） in Shijiazhuang and forecast its spread trend. Method:We collected confirmed COVID-19 cases from the Health Commission of Hebei Province during the period of January 2 to January 27， 2021. We built a new model （SEIaIcRK）， including the contribution of asymptomatic cases， based on the traditional SEIR model to explore and analyze the transmission of COVID-19. Results:A total of 863 confirmed cases were reported during the study period （ended on January 27， 2021）. Our model fitted well with the daily cumulative incidence data and showed that the effective reproductive number decreased sharply from 3.80 on January 2 to 1.54 on January 4， then further decreased to <1 afterwards. Our model also predicted that number of COVID-19 cases would not increase after Feb 16， 2021. Conclusion:The SEIaIcRK model can be used to predict the spread trend of COVID-19 in Shijiazhuang. The current COVID-19 countermeasures effectively contain the disease spread.
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Intracranial arterial dolichoectasia (IADE), also known as dilatative arteriopathy of the brain vessels, refers to an increase in the length and diameter of at least one intracranial artery, and accounts for approximately 12% of all patients with stroke. However, the association of IADE with stroke is usually unclear. Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is characterized by pathological changes in the small vessels. Clinically, patients with CSVD can be asymptomatic or present with stroke or cognitive decline. In the past 20 years, a series of studies have strongly promoted an understanding of the association between IADE and CSVD from clinical and pathological perspectives. It has been proposed that IADE and CSVD may be attributed to abnormal vascular remodeling driven by an abnormal matrix metalloproteinase/tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase pathway. Also, IADErelated hemodynamic changes may result in initiation or progression of CSVD. Additionally, genetic factors are implicated in the pathogenesis of IADE and CSVD. Patients with Fabry’s disease and late-onset Pompe’s disease are prone to developing concomitant IADE and CSVD, and patients with collagen IV alpha 1 or 2 gene (COL4A1/COL4A2) and forkhead box C1 (FOXC1) variants present with IADE and CSVD. Race, strain, familial status, and vascular risk factors may be involved in the pathogenesis of IADE and CSVD. As well, experiments in mice have pointed to genetic strain as a predisposing factor for IADE and CSVD. However, there have been few direct genetic studies aimed towards determining the association between IADE and CSVD. In the future, more clinical and basic research studies are needed to elucidate the causal relationship between IADE and CSVD and the related molecular and genetic mechanisms.
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Objective To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of Blastocystis infections among primary school students in Jiangjin District, Chongqing City. Methods A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among students sampled from a primary school in Jiangjin District, Chongqing City on April, 2018, and their stool samples were collected for microscopic examinations, in vitro culture and PCR assays to analyze the prevalence of Blastocystis infections and subtype of the parasite. In addition, the risk factors of Blastocystis infections among primary school students were identified using univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results A total of 466 primary students were surveyed, and the subjects had a mean age of (9.81±1.66) years and included 236 males (50.64%) and 230 females (49.36%). The prevalence of Blastocystis infections was 15.24% (71/466) among the study students, and there was no significance difference in the prevalence between male and fe- male students (16.52% vs. 13.91%; χ2 = 0.616, P = 0.433). In addition, there was a significant difference in the prevalence of Blastocystis infections among grade 1 (6.35%, 4/63), grade 2 (5.17%, 3/58), grade 3 (21.74%, 15/69), grade 4 (25.30%, 21/83), grade 5 (10.19%, 11/108) and grade 6 students (20.00%, 17/85) (χ2 = 15.410, P = 0.009). There were four Blastocystis subtypes characterized (ST1, ST3, ST6 and ST7), in which ST6 was the most common subtype (45.07%, 32/71), followed by ST3 (25.35%, 18/71). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that minority ethnicity [odds ratio (OR) = 4.259, 95% confidential inter- val (CI) : (1.161, 15.621)] and low maternal education level (primary school and below) [OR = 9.038, 95% CI: (1.125, 72.642)] were identified as risk factors of Blastocystis infection among primary school students in Jiangjin District, Chongqing City. Conclusions There is a high prevalence of Blastocystis infections detected among primary school students in Jiangjin District, Chongqing City, and ST6 and ST3 are predominant subtypes. Minority ethnicity and low maternal education level (primary school and below) are risk factors for Blastocystis infections in primary school students.
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OBJECTIVE: To explore the value of nerve trunk stimulation in the rehabilitation of lower limb function in the patients with cerebral apoplexy at convalescence stage. METHODS: According the random number table, the patients with the lower limb dysfunction of cerebral apoplexy at convalescence stage were divided into a control group and a treatment group, 42 cases in each group. The drug therapy and the routine rehabilitation training were provided in the two groups. Additionally, in the treatment group, the nerve trunk stimulation therapy was adopted， in which, Chize (LU5，stimulating point of radial nerve), Neiguan (PC6, stimulating point of median nerve), Xiaohai (SI8, stimulating point of ulnar nerve) were selected. In the control group, acupuncture intervention was supplemented. Before and after treatment, the peak torque (PT) of the lower flexor-extensor muscle of the knee joint, gait parameters，the score of the modified Ashworth spasm scale (MAS), the score of Fugl-Meyer motor assessment (FMA) and the score of Fugl-Meyer balance scale (FBS) were recorded. RESULTS: After the treatment, the PT of the lower flexor-extensor muscle of the knee joint，the scores of FMA and FBS，the step speed and frequency were all increased, the score of MAS and the difference in the stride between the left and the right were decreased as compared with those before treatment (P<0.01). After the treatment, The PT of the lower flexor-extensor muscle of the knee joint，the scores of FMA and FBS，the step speed and frequency in the treatment group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.01). The score of MAS and the difference in the stride between the left and the right in the treatment group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Nerve trunk stimulation therapy quite effectively increases the muscle strength and relieves the muscle tension as well as improves the motor function, the balance and the walking pattern of the lower limbs. This therapy is significantly valuable in the rehabilitation of the lower limbs in the patients with cerebral apoplexy at convalescence stage.
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Objective:To explore the image quality of 40 keV virtual monoenergetic images (VMI) derived from dual-layer spectral detector CT （DLCT） pancreas dynamic enhanced scanning and its optimal window setting.Methods:From January to July 2019, 28 patients who underwent pancreas enhanced DLCT scan within one week before surgery and pathologically confirmed of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) were retrospectively enrolled. Conventional polyenergetic images (PI) and 40 keV virtual monoenergetic images （VMI 40 keV） were generated after scanning.CT value of normal pancreatic parenchyma, lesion, abdominal subcutaneous fat, abdominal aorta and portal vein were measured in PI and VMI 40 keV. The contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the pNETs lesion was calculated. All these objective results were compared between VMI 40 keV and PI using paired ttest. Individual window settings （W-Ind, including window width and window level） of VMI 40 keVwere recorded. Calculated window settings （W-Calc） were mathematically calculated via regression analysis and optimized window settings （W-Opt） were obtained.Subjective image quality was assessed with a 5-point scale and compared among VMI 40 keV with different window settings (W-Std, W-Ind, W-Calc and W-Opt) using Friedman test, and compared PI with standard abdominal window setting (W-Std) and VMI 40keV with W-Opt settings using Wilcoxon test.The maximum diameter of lesion was measured and compared with one-way ANOVA analysis among PI and VMI 40 keV with different windows settings. Results:For VMI 40 keV in both arterial phase and portal vein phase, the CT attenuation [(464.0±136.7), (375.4±79.2) HU] of pNETs lesion were statistically significantly higher than those in PI [（168.8±38.0), (140.5±23.5) HU] （ t=-16.107,-22.225, P<0.001）, CNR （16.5±11.1, 10.9±6.1） were also statistically significantly higher than those in PI （4.5±2.9, 3.0±1.9） （ t=-7.838, -9.781， P<0.001）,while with lower image noise in VMI 40 keV[（11.8±1.5),(11.8±1.4) HU] than PI （13.1±1.5,12.9±1.3 HU）（ t=6.356,3.891， P<0.001）. The subjective score for PI with W-Std and VMI 40 keV with W-Std, W-Ind, W-Calc, W-Opt in arterial phase were 4（1）, 1（0）, 5（0）, 5（0.75）, 5（1）, and which in portal vein phase were 3.5（1）, 1（0）, 5（0）, 5（0）, 5（1）.The subjective score of VMI 40 keV with different window settings had statistical differences （χ 2=76.143,76.000， P<0.001）. Compared to the image quality of PI with W-Std settings, VMI 40 keV with W-Opt settings have higher objective score （ Z=4.685, 4.235， P<0.001）. The maximum diameter of lesion has no statistical difference among PI and VMI 40 keV with different window settings （ F=0.008, 0.004， P>0.999） in both arterial phase and portal vein phase. Conclusions:The VMI 40 keV in pancreas dynamic enhancement scanning derived from dual-layer spectral detector CT have higher image quality than PI. Due to changes of CT value of tissue in VMI 40 keV, it is recommended to optimize window settings （window width/window level， 880/230 HU for arterial phase and 840/260 HU for portal vein phase） to obtain the best image quality.
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Objective:To investigate the clinical value of iodine density map and low keV virtual monoenergetic images (VMI) derived from dual-layer spectral detector CT (DLCT) for the pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) detection.Methods:From January to June 2019, data of 23 pathologically confirmed patients of pNETs were retrospectively analyzed. All of the patients underwent pancreas enhanced DLCT scanning within 1 week before surgery. The conventional polyenergetic images (PI), iodine density map and 40, 50, 60, 70 keV VMI were generated. One resident radiologist with 3 years’ experience and one senior radiologist with over 10 years’ experience interpreted the images for the lesion detection independently using the following image series: PI, VMI (40-70 keV), PI combined with iodine density map. Lesion detection rates were recorded and compared among different image series. The CT value and noise of lesion, normal pancreatic parenchyma, and abdominal subcutaneous fat were measured in PI and VMI in both arterial and portal vein phases. The contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of lesion was calculated. The CT value of lesion and normal pancreatic parenchyma, CNR of lesion, and image noise were compared using repeated one-way ANOVA test. Subjective image quality was assessed with a 5-point scale and compared with Friedman test.Results:A total of 26 lesions were confirmed from 23 patients. For resident radiologist and senior radiologist, the detection rates of pNETs lesion using PI were 76.9% (20/26) and 84.6% (22/26) respectively, and both improved to 92.3% (24/26) using image series of 40 and 50 keV VMI. For senior radiologist, the pNETs lesion detection rate was further improved to 96.2% (25/26) using image series of PI with iodine map. The CT value of lesion and normal pancreatic parenchyma, CNR, and image noise had statistical differences among PI and VMI (40-70 keV) in both arterial and portal vein phase ( P<0.001). The mean CT attenuation and CNR of lesion in VMI increased significantly as the energy level decreased.The CNR of lesion in all VMI (40-70 keV) was significantly higher than that in PI. The median of subjective scores of image quality in PI and VMI (40-70 keV) were 3, 3, 4, 4, and 5 respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (χ2=66.393, P<0.001). Conclusions:The low keV VMI derived from DLCT can increase the CT value and CNR of pNETs, and the lesion detection rate can be improved combined with iodine density map. The CNR of pNETs is the highest in 40 keV VMI, and image noise is still lower than that of PI, so 40 keV VMI is recommended for clinical application.
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ObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence and risk factors of Blastocystis hominis infections among AIDS patients in Nanchang City. MethodsA cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among AIDS patients in Nanchang City during the period between May and September, 2016. B. hominis infection was detected in patients’stool samples using a PCR assay, and the CD4+ T cell count was measured in subjects’blood samples. In addition, the risk factors of B. hominis infection in AIDS patients were identified using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results A survey was conducted in Nanchang City from May to September 2016. A total of 505 AIDS patients were investigated, and the prevalence of B. hominis infection was 4.16%. Univariate analysis revealed that B. hominis infection correlated with the occupation (χ2 = 8.595, P = 0.049), education level (χ2 = 14.494, P = 0.001), type of daily drinking water (χ2 = 10.750, P = 0.020), root of HIV infections (χ2 = 8.755, P = 0.026) and receiving anti-HIV therapy (χ2 = 23.083, P = 0.001) among AIDS patients, and multivariate logistic regression analysis identified daily direct drinking of tap water as a risk factor of B. hominis infections [odds ratio (OR) = 7.988, 95% confidential interval (CI): (1.160, 55.004)] and anti-HIV therapy as a protective factor of B. hominis infection [OR = 0.183, 95% CI: (0.049, 0.685)]. Conclusions The prevalence of B. hominis is 4.16% among AIDS patients in Nanchang City. Daily direct drinking of tap water is a risk factor, and anti-HIV therapy is a protective factor of B. hominis infection among AIDS patients living in Nanchang City.
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In 1980s, Biomphalaria straminea, an intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni, was found in Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province, China, and currently, this snail has colonized in Shenzhen City and spread to peripheral cities involving of Dongguan and Huizhou. Since imported cases infected with S. mamoni have been reported from time to time in China, Mainland China is facing the potential risk of transmission of schistosomiasis mansoni. With the deepening of the opening-up policy, notably the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative, there is an increase in the risk of transmission of schistosomiasis mansoni in Mainland China. Increasing the understanding on schistosomiasis mansoni, improving the awareness toward schistosomiasis mansoni prevention and control, and identifying, reporting and managing imported cases with S. mansoni infection or pathogen carriers, are of particular importance to prevent the development of entire life cycle of S. mansoni and the resultant schistosomiasis mansoni transmission in China. To protect public health, a consensus has been reached pertaining to the surveillance and control strategy of imported schistosomiasis mansoni by Chinese infectious disease experts and parasitologists, with aims to improve the awareness and capability for the diagnosis, treatment and control of imported schistosomiasis mansoni among Chinese disease control and prevention institutions and medical institutions, and decrease and even eliminate the risk of schistosomiasis mansoni transmission in China.
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Objective To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of Blastocystis hominis infections among patients with HIV/AIDS in Fuyang City, Anhui Province. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Fuyang City, Anhui Province in 2016. The demographic and socioeconomic status, and the lifestyle and production style were collected using a questionnaire survey. B. hominis DNA was detected in subjects’stool samples using a PCR assay, and the CD4+ T lymphocyte count and HIV viral load were measured in the subjects’ blood samples. The risk factors of B. hominis infections among patients with HIV/AIDS were identified using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results A total of 398 HIV/AIDS patients were enrolled in this study, with a mean age of 49.3 years, a mean body weight of 55.9 kg and a mean height of 164.4 cm. The prevalence of B. hominis infection was 6.78% in the study subjects, and no gender- (χ2 = 1.589, P = 0.207), education level- (χ2 =0.508, P = 0.776), marital status- (χ2 = 0.419, P = 0.811) or occupation-specific prevalence (χ2 = 2.744, P = 0.615) was detected. Among the patients with HIV/AIDS, there were no significant differences in the age (t = 0.370, P = 0.712), height (t = 1.587, P =0.113), body weight (t = 0.516, P = 0.606), CD4+ T lymphocyte count (t = 1.187, P = 0.230) or HIV viral load (t = 0.193, P =0.496) between B. hominis-infected and uninfected individuals. Dinking non-tap water [OR = 6.554, 95% CI: (1.876 to 22.903)] and keeping dogs [OR = 5.895, 95% CI: (2.017 to 17.225)] were identified as risk factors for B. hominis infection in patients with HIV/AIDS. Conclusion The prevalence of B. hominis infection is high in HIV/AIDS patients, and drinking non-tap water and keeping dogs are risk factors for B. hominis infection among HIV/AIDS patients.
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Objective To understand the prevalence and risk factors of Blastocystis hominis infection in inpatients in Jiangjin District, Chongqing City. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in a community hospital in Jiangjin District, Chongqing City, and the inpatients were surveyed by questionnaires. After obtaining the informed consent from the inpatients or legal guardians, the stool and blood samples were collected and examined by microscopy and PCR from April 17 to May 1, 2018. The univariate analysis and logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the risk factors of the B. hominis infection. Results A total of 198 hospitalized patients were investigated, and the infection rate of B. hominis was 10.61% (21/198), and the infection rate of the females (12.10%) was higher than that of the males (8.11%), but the difference was not statistically significant. The highest rate of infection was 19.23% in the age group of 10 to 20 years, followed by 17.74% in the age group of 60 years and above, and the lowest rate was 2.38% in the age group of 20 to 40 years. The difference in infection rates of B. hominis among the different age groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The infection rate of B. hominis in the people who used dry pail latrines was 33.30%, which was higher than that of the people who used water flush toilets (9.10%) (P < 0.05). The genotypes of B. hominis were ST1, ST3, ST6 and ST7, and ST6 and ST3 being the most predominant genotypes which accounted for 47.62% (10/21) and 38.10% (8/21) respectively, and among the infected males, the genotypes were only ST3 and ST6. The multiple logistic regression analysis showed that among the factors affecting B. hominis infection, only keeping pets was a risk factor [OR = 3.798, 95% CI (1.245, 11.581), P < 0.05]. Conclusion A high prevalence of B. hominis infection is found in the inpatients in Jiangjin District, Chongqing City, the predominant genotypes are ST6 and ST3, and keeping pets may be one of the main risk factors.
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Objective To evaluate the effects of intravenous injection of different blood components containing Babesia microti on B. microti infection in mice. Methods Healthy mice were infected with B. microti, and then blood samples were collected from the mouse orbit to prepare whole blood, serum-free blood components and pure red blood cells containing B. microti. Twenty seven BALB/c mice were divided into three groups, including the whole blood group, the serum-free blood component group and the pure red blood cell group, of 9 mice in each group, and then, each group was divided into three subgroups, of 3 mice in each subgroup, which were injected with 100 μL of blood components containing B. microti at concentrations of 9.00, 0.90, 0.09 B. microti parasites/μL (900, 90, 9 B. microti parasites) via the tail vein, respectively. Blood samples were collected from the mouse tail tip every other day since one day post-injection to prepare thin blood smears. Following Giemsa staining of blood smears, B. microti infection was identified in red blood cells using microscopy. Results Following injection of 900 B. microti parasites, B. microti was identified in the peripheral blood in the whole blood group and the serum-free blood component group 3 days post-injection, and the density of B. microti parasites started to increase 15 days post-injection and peaked 21 days post-injection, with 2.21% and 1.76% rates of B. microti infection in red blood cells, respectively. Subsequently, the density of B. microti parasites declined, and the percentage of B. microti infection in red blood cells tended to be 0 31 days post-injection. During the study period, no B. microti was found in the peripheral blood in the pure red blood cell group. Following injection of 90 B. microti parasites, B. microti was identified in the peripheral blood in the whole blood group 3 days post-injection, and the density of B. microti parasites increased 15 days post-injection and peaked 21 days post-injection, with a 1.35% rate of B. microti infection in red blood cells, while the percentage of B. microti infection in red blood cells tended to be 0 31 days post-injection. During the study period, no B. microti was detected in the peripheral blood in the serum-free blood component group or the pure red blood cell group. Following injection of 9 B. microti parasites, no B. microti was detected in the peripheral blood in the whole blood group, the serum-free blood component group or the pure red blood cell group. Conclusion Blood components and dose of B. microti parasites may affect intravenous injection of B. microti injection in mice, and transfusion of blood components may case a risk of Babesia infection.
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In 1980s, Biomphalaria straminea, an intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni, was found in Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province, China, and currently, this snail has colonized in Shenzhen City and spread to peripheral cities involving of Dongguan and Huizhou. Since imported cases infected with S. mamoni have been reported from time to time in China, Mainland China is facing the potential risk of transmission of schistosomiasis mansoni. With the deepening of the opening-up policy, notably the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative, there is an increase in the risk of transmission of schistosomiasis mansoni in Mainland China. Increasing the understanding on schistosomiasis mansoni, improving the awareness toward schistosomiasis mansoni prevention and control, and identifying, reporting and managing imported cases with S. mansoni infection or pathogen carriers, are of particular importance to prevent the development of entire life cycle of S. mansoni and the resultant schistosomiasis mansoni transmission in China. To protect public health, a consensus has been reached pertaining to the surveillance and control strategy of imported schistosomiasis mansoni by Chinese infectious disease experts and parasitologists, with aims to improve the awareness and capability for the diagnosis, treatment and control of imported schistosomiasis mansoni among Chinese disease control and prevention institutions and medical institutions, and decrease and even eliminate the risk of schistosomiasis mansoni transmission in China.
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Objective To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of Blastocystis hominis infections among patients with HIV/AIDS in Fuyang City, Anhui Province. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Fuyang City, Anhui Province in 2016. The demographic and socioeconomic status, and the lifestyle and production style were collected using a questionnaire survey. B. hominis DNA was detected in subjects’stool samples using a PCR assay, and the CD4+ T lymphocyte count and HIV viral load were measured in the subjects’ blood samples. The risk factors of B. hominis infections among patients with HIV/AIDS were identified using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results A total of 398 HIV/AIDS patients were enrolled in this study, with a mean age of 49.3 years, a mean body weight of 55.9 kg and a mean height of 164.4 cm. The prevalence of B. hominis infection was 6.78% in the study subjects, and no gender- (χ2 = 1.589, P = 0.207), education level- (χ2 =0.508, P = 0.776), marital status- (χ2 = 0.419, P = 0.811) or occupation-specific prevalence (χ2 = 2.744, P = 0.615) was detected. Among the patients with HIV/AIDS, there were no significant differences in the age (t = 0.370, P = 0.712), height (t = 1.587, P =0.113), body weight (t = 0.516, P = 0.606), CD4+ T lymphocyte count (t = 1.187, P = 0.230) or HIV viral load (t = 0.193, P =0.496) between B. hominis-infected and uninfected individuals. Dinking non-tap water [OR = 6.554, 95% CI: (1.876 to 22.903)] and keeping dogs [OR = 5.895, 95% CI: (2.017 to 17.225)] were identified as risk factors for B. hominis infection in patients with HIV/AIDS. Conclusion The prevalence of B. hominis infection is high in HIV/AIDS patients, and drinking non-tap water and keeping dogs are risk factors for B. hominis infection among HIV/AIDS patients.
ABSTRACT
Objective To understand the prevalence and risk factors of Blastocystis hominis infection in inpatients in Jiangjin District, Chongqing City. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in a community hospital in Jiangjin District, Chongqing City, and the inpatients were surveyed by questionnaires. After obtaining the informed consent from the inpatients or legal guardians, the stool and blood samples were collected and examined by microscopy and PCR from April 17 to May 1, 2018. The univariate analysis and logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the risk factors of the B. hominis infection. Results A total of 198 hospitalized patients were investigated, and the infection rate of B. hominis was 10.61% (21/198), and the infection rate of the females (12.10%) was higher than that of the males (8.11%), but the difference was not statistically significant. The highest rate of infection was 19.23% in the age group of 10 to 20 years, followed by 17.74% in the age group of 60 years and above, and the lowest rate was 2.38% in the age group of 20 to 40 years. The difference in infection rates of B. hominis among the different age groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The infection rate of B. hominis in the people who used dry pail latrines was 33.30%, which was higher than that of the people who used water flush toilets (9.10%) (P < 0.05). The genotypes of B. hominis were ST1, ST3, ST6 and ST7, and ST6 and ST3 being the most predominant genotypes which accounted for 47.62% (10/21) and 38.10% (8/21) respectively, and among the infected males, the genotypes were only ST3 and ST6. The multiple logistic regression analysis showed that among the factors affecting B. hominis infection, only keeping pets was a risk factor [OR = 3.798, 95% CI (1.245, 11.581), P < 0.05]. Conclusion A high prevalence of B. hominis infection is found in the inpatients in Jiangjin District, Chongqing City, the predominant genotypes are ST6 and ST3, and keeping pets may be one of the main risk factors.