Prevalencia de coccidios y microsporidios intestinales en una comunidad indígena del estado Zulia, Venezuela / Prevalence of Intestinal Coccidia and Microsporidia in an Indigenous Community, State of Zulia, Venezuela

Con la finalidad de determinar la prevalencia de coccidios y microsporidios intestinales, se estudiaron las muestras fecales de individuos de una comunidad indígena de la Sierra de Perijá, Estado Zulia, Venezuela. Para ello, se recolectaron 172 muestras fecales de personas de ambos géneros, con edades comprendidas entre 1 mes y 86 años, a las cuales se les realizaron examen macroscópico y microscópico con solución salina fisiológica, lugol y concentración por formol-éter; del total de muestras solo 145 fueron sometidas a las coloraciones de Kinyoun y Gram-Cromotropo. Dentro de las especies encontradas, se identificó en 3 individuos (2,07%) Cystoisospora belli, Cryptosporidium spp. en 2 (1,38%), Cyclospora cayetanensis en 1 (0,69%) y esporas de Microsporidios en 5 personas (3,45%). La mayoría de los infectados con coccidios y microsporidios intestinales (9/11) presentó asociaciones con otras especies parasitarias, principalmente protozoarios. Un alto porcentaje (54,54%) de los portadores de coccidios y microsporidios, presentó muestras de consistencia diarreica o liquida con moco; tratándose además de personas incluidas en grupos de riesgo (niños y ancianos). Se resalta la necesidad de efectuar el diagnóstico mediante coloraciones especiales para coccidios y microsporidios intestinales, aún en individuos inmunocompetentes y de bajo riesgo, como los indígenas estudiados.

In order to determine the prevalence of intestinal coccidia and microsporidia, fecal samples from individuals of an indigenous community in Perijá, State of Zulia, Venezuela, were studied. One-hundred seventy-two (172) fecal samples from people of both genders between 1 month and 86 years of age were subjected to macroscopic and microscopic examination with physiological saline, Lugol and formalin-ether concentration. Only 145 underwent Kinyoun and gram-chromotrope stains. The following species were identified: Cystoisospora belli in 3 individuals (2.07%); Cryptosporidium spp. in 2 cases (1.38%); Cyclospora cayetanensis in 1 case (0.69%); and microsporidia spores in 5 people (3.45%). Most of those infected with coccidia and intestinal microsporidia (9/11) had associations with other parasitic species, mainly protozoa. A high percentage (54.54%) of the coccidian and microsporidia carriers provided samples of diarrheal and liquid consistency with mucus and were persons included in risk groups (children and elderly). Results emphasize the need for diagnosis by special stains for intestinal coccidia and microsporidia, even in immunocompetent and low-risk individuals, such as the indigenous studied.

Prevalencia de microsporidios intestinales y otros enteroparásitos en pacientes con VIH positivo de Maracaibo, Venezuela / Prevalence of intestinal microsporidia and other intestinal parasites in hiv positive patients from Maracaibo, Venezuela.

Introducción. Desde 1985, los microsporidios se consideran parásitos causantes de infecciones emergentes y oportunistas en individuos inmunocomprometidos en todo el mundo. Objetivo. Detectar la presencia de microsporidios y otros enteroparásitos en pacientes con VIH/sida del Servicio Autónomo Hospital Universitario de Maracaibo (SAHUM), donde no existían estudios previos en este campo. Materiales y métodos. Las muestras fecales se analizaron mediante examen directo, método de concentración con formol-éter, coloración de Kinyoun y coloración Gram-cromotropo rápida. Se realizaron PCR separadas para diferenciar Entamoeba histolytica o Entamoeba dispar , cuando se observó el complejo E. histolytica/dispar al microscopio. Mediante historia clínica se obtuvo información del paciente. Resultados. De los 56 individuos participantes, 38 (67,86 %) presentaron alguna especie parasitaria comensal o patógena en su muestra fecal. Predominaron los individuos portadores de especies parásitas patógenas (26/38). Fueron diagnosticados protozoos como Isospora belli (17,65 %), Blastocystis spp .(17,65 %), Cryptosporidium spp. (7,84 %), complejo Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (5,88 %) , Entamoeba coli (3,92 %) , Giardia lamblia (3,92 %) , Endolimax nana (3,92 %) , Cyclospora cayetanensis (3,92 %) y Chilomastix mesnili (1,96 %). Entre los helmintos, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura y Strongyloides stercoralis, presentaron un porcentaje de 27,27 % cada uno, e Hymenolepis nana , de 18,18 %. Solo se detectó E. histolytica en uno de los tres casos que presentaron el complejo al examen microscópico. Mediante Gram-cromotropo, 17 muestras evidenciaron esporas del filo Microsporidia, lo que equivale a un 33,33 % de prevalencia. Conclusión. Los microsporidios pueden ocupar el primer lugar de prevalencia en pacientes con VIH positivo, cuando se utilizan técnicas diagnósticas específicas.

Objective: To detect the presence of microsporidia and other enteric parasites in patients with HIVAIDS of the Autonomous Services University Hospital of Maracaibo (SAHUM), where there are no previous studies in this field. Materials and methods: Fecal samples were analyzed by means of direct exam, concetration method with formal-ether, Kinyoun coloration and fast Gram-Chromotrope coloration. Separate PCR were perfomed to differentiate Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar , when the E. histolytica/E. dispar complex was observed in the microscope. Information on the patient was obtained trough clinical history. Results: Of 56 individuals that participated, 38 (67.86%) presented some commensal parasite and/ or pathogenic species in their fecal sample. Carriers of pathogenic species were predominat (26/38). Protozoa such as Isospora belli protozoa (17.65%), Blastocystis spp. (17.65%), Cryptosporidium spp. (7.84%), E. histolytica/E. dispar (5.88%), Entamoeba coli (3.92%), Giardia lamblia (3.92%), Endolimax nana (3.92%), Cyclospora cayetanensis (3.92%), and Chilomastix mesnilli (1.96%) were diagnosed. Among the helminths, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and Strongyloides stercoralis , had a percentage of 27.27% each, and Hymenolepis nana , 18.18%. Entamoeba histolytica was only detected in one of three cases presenting complex microscopic examination. By Gram-chromotrope, 17 samples showed spores of the Microsporidia phylum, equivalent to 33.33% prevalence. Conclusion: Microsporidia may be first prevalente in HIV positive patients when specific diagnostic techniques are used.

Parasitosis intestinal en monos capuchinos cariblancos Cebus capucinus (Primates: Cebidae) de un área protegida en la provincia de Limón, noreste de Costa Rica

Intestinal parasites in white-faced capuchin monkeys Cebus capucinus Primates: Cebidae) inhabiting a protected area in the Limón province of Northeastern Costa Rica. Deforestation of tropical forests is threatening monkey biodiversity and their health status, dependent of an ecologically undisturbed area. To asses this relationship, we analyzed parasite occurrence in their intestines. The study was conducted at the Estación Biológica La Suerte (EBLS), Limón, Costa Rica. The group of white-faced capuchin monkeys (Cebus capucinus) was observed between March and December of 2006. A total of 75 feces samples were obtained. Once a sample was collected, the eaten plant type was identified to family and species level, and feces were processed in the laboratory to determine parasite incidence. Results showed that Moraceae was the most represented family in the samples. Among parasites, Strongyloides spp. and Acanthocephala were the most common. Positive prevalence of parasites was found similar and independent of sex and age of capuchin individuals. Microsporids were mainly reported in feces associated with Piperaceae. A low presence of these parasites was found in samples associated with Myrtaceae, with possible anti-parasite active components. The occurrence of parasites was relatively high in EBLS, when compared to other regions in Costa Rica. The higher occurrence of parasites observed in capuchins at EBLS may be due to the fact that this rain forest is surrounded by areas affected by human activities. We suggest the promotion of research in neotropical primates parasitology, for a better comprehension of the parasite-host relationship, and in a long term, being able to understand the ecosystems where they coexist, and consequently, preserve the biodiversity of the whole region. Rev. Biol. Trop. 58 (4): 1335-1346. Epub 2010 December 01.

La deforestación de bosques tropicales está amenazando la biodiversidad de las especies de primates y su estado de salud, dependiente de un lugar ecológicamente equilibrado. Con el fin de evaluar esta relación, se analizó la presencia de parásitos en los intestinos de esta especie. El estudio se realizó en la Estación Biológica La Suerte (EBLS), Limón, Costa Rica. El grupo de monos capuchinos cariblancos (Cebus capucinus) fue observado entre marzo y diciembre de 2006. Se recolectaron 75 muestras de heces a las que se les identificó las plantas ingeridas, y se procesaron en el laboratorio para evaluar la prevalencia de parásitos. Moraceae fue la familia de plantas más reportada. Strongyloides spp. y acantocéfalos fueron los más comunes. La distribución positiva de las mismas fue similar independientemente del sexo y la edad. Microsporidios se reportaron mayoritariamente en heces asociadas con la familia Piperaceae. Fue encontrada una baja existencia de éstos parásitos en muestras asociadas con Myrtaceae en cuyo género Psidium, se han reportado compuestos activos antiparasitarios. La aparición de parásitos fue relativamente mayor en la EBLS, comparado con muestras de otras regiones más secas de Costa Rica. Por lo tanto, esa expresión parasitaria puede deberse al hecho de ser la EBLS una selva lluviosa, además de estar rodeada por zonas con actividades antrópicas. Se sugiere incrementar las investigaciones de parasitología de campo en primates neotropicales con el fin de entender plenamente las relaciones parásitos-hospederos, para en un largo plazo poder comprender los ecosistemas donde conviven, y en consecuencia, preservar la diversidad biológica.

Técnicas de coloração para detecção de Encephalitozoon cuniculi em cortes histológicos / Stain techniques for detection of Encephalitozoon cuniculi in tissue sections

No presente trabalho, foram avaliadas diferentes técnicas de coloração aplicadas a cortes histológicos para a identificação de Encephalitozoon cuniculi. Foram utilizados fragmentos hepáticos de camundongos Balb-c, imunossuprimidos com ciclofosfamida e inoculados com esporos de Encephalitozoon cuniculi. Os cortes histológicos incluídos em parafina foram corados pelas técnicas de hematoxilina-eosina (H-E), tricrômica modificada, Gram-Chromotrope, Giemsa, Brown-Hopps, PAS, Ziehl-Neelsen e Grocott, e ainda pela técnica de calcoflúor. As colorações azul de toluidina-fucsina e azul de toluidina foram utilizadas para os cortes incluídos em resina plástica. As técnicas de Gram-Chromotrope, Brown-Hopps e Ziehl-Neelsen foram as que permitiram melhor visualização dos esporos para o diagnóstico de E. cuniculi em cortes histológicos incluídos em parafina, uma vez que possibilitaram a clara diferenciação dos esporos de outras estruturas teciduais. Nos tecidos incluídos em resina plástica, as colorações de azul de toluidina-fucsina e azul de toluidina também facilitaram o encontro do agente. Por outro lado, a técnica tricrômica apresentou grande variabilidade nos resultados, sendo, portanto, pouco indicada para o diagnóstico em tecido. As demais técnicas - H-E, calcoflúor, Grocott, Giemsa e PAS - não permitiram a fácil identificação do E. cuniculi.

In this study, it was investigated different staining techniques applied to histological sections for identification of Encephalitozoon cuniculi. It was used liver fragments from Balb-c mice immunosuppressed with cyclophosphamide and inoculated with spores of Encephalitozoon cuniculi. The histological paraffin embedded sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin (H-E), modified trichrome, Gram-Chromotrope, Giemsa, Brown-Hopps, PAS, Ziehl-Neelsen, and Grocott and also by the technique of calcofluor. Toluidine blue-fuchsin and toluidine blue stainings were used for the cuts embedded in plastic resin. Gram-Chromotrope, Brown-Hopps and Ziehl-Neelsen staining techniques permitted the best visualization of the spores for the diagnosis of E. cuniculi in histological paraffin embedded sections, since they allowed the clear differentiation of the spores among other tissue structures. In tissues embedded in plastic resin, toluidine blue-fuchsin and toluidine blue stainings also facilitate the finding of the agent. On the other hand, the trichrome technique showed great variability on results, therefore, allowing the identification of the parasite in tissue. The other techniques, H-E, calcofluor, Grocott, Giemsa and PAS did not permited the easy identification of the E. cuniculi spores.

Ocorrência de Giardia, Cryptosporidium e microsporídios em animais silvestres em área de desmatamento no Estado de São Paulo, Brasil / Occurrence of Giardia, Cryptosporidium and microsporidia in wild animals from a deforestation area in the state of São Paulo, Brazil

A ocorrência de Giardia, Cryptosporidium e microsporídios foi investigada por meio da análise de 98 amostras fecais de animais silvestres capturados em uma área de desmatamento para a construção das barragens de Paraitinga e Biritiba, localizadas nos Municípios de Mogi das Cruzes, Salesópolis e Biritiba-Mirim, no Estado de São Paulo. As amostras foram obtidas de 46 roedores, 21 marsupiais, 16 sapos, nove morcegos, três primatas e três lagartos. As técnicas de centrífugo-flutuação com sulfato de zinco, de Kinyoun e a coloração de Gram-Chromotrope foram utilizadas, respectivamente, para a pesquisa de Giardia, de Cryptosporidium e de microsporídios. O total de animais parasitados por um dos protozoários investigados foi de 17,35 por cento (17/98). Cistos de Giardia foram encontrados em amostras fecais de dois pequenos roedores da espécie Coendou villosus (ouriço-cacheiro). Os três animais positivos para Cryptosporidium foram roedores das espécies Akodon montensis, Thaptomys nigrita (ambos conhecidos como ratos do mato) e Sciurus aestuans (serelepe ou caxinguelê). Esporos de microsporídios foram encontrados nas fezes de 12 animais, sendo seis roedores das espécies Oligoryzomys sp.(um), Akodon montensis (três) e Coendou villosus (dois), três marsupiais pertencentes às espécies Didelphis aurita (dois) e Marmosops incanus (um) e três morcegos da espécie Diphylla ecaudata. Este é o primeiro relato de microsporidiose em animais silvestres no Brasil. A presente investigação enfatiza a importância de animais silvestres, particularmente pequenos mamíferos, como potenciais fontes de infecção desses protozoários para outras populações animais, incluindo o homem, em áreas de desmatamento.

The occurrence of Giardia, Cryptosporidium and microsporidia was investigated in 98 faecal specimens from wildlife animals, captured in an area of deforestation for the construction of two water reservoirs (Paraitinga and Biritiba), located in the municipalities of Mogi das Cruzes, Salesópolis and Biritiba-Mirim, in the state of São Paulo (Brazil). Samples were obtained from 46 rodents, 21 marsupials, 16 frogs, 9 bats, 3 tamarins and 3 lizards. For the detection of Giardia, Cryptosporidium and microsporidia it was used, respectively, the floatation technique with lead sulphate, the Kinyoun method and the Gram-Chromotrope staining. The total number of parasitized animals by one of these protozoans was 17.35 percent (17/98). Cysts of Giardia were found in faecal samples from 2 prehensile-tailed porcupines (Coendou villosus). The three positive animals for Cryptoporidium were rodents - 1 montane akodont (Akodon montensis), 1 ebony akodont (Thaptomyces nigrita) and 1 guainan squirrel (Sciurus aestuans). Microporidia spores were seen in the stools of 12 animals - 6 small rodents, including 3 montane akodonts, 1 prehensile-tailed porcupine and 2 pigmy rice rats (Oligoryzomys sp.); 3 marsupials, including 1 gray slender mouse opossum (Marmosops incanus) and 2 big eared opossums (Didelphis aurita); 3 hairy-legged vampire bats (Diphylla ecaudata). This is the first description of microsporidiosis in wildlife animals in Brazil. The present study emphasizes the importance of these animals, particularly small mammals, as potential sources of protozoan infection to other animal populations, including man, in areas of deforestation.

Algunas consideraciones sobre la prevalencia actual de Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia duodenalis, coccidios, microsporidios y mixosporidios en Colombia / Some considerations on the actual Prevalence of: Histolytica Entamoeba, Giardia duodenalis, Coccidios, Microsporidios and Mixosporidios in Colombia

Las enfermedades producidas por protozoos intestinales patógenos son causa de alta morbilidad, aunque no de una alta mortalidad. Se diseminan fácilmente al transmitirse por el consumo de agua o alimentos contaminados con materia fecal de individuos o de animales infectados. La distribución de estos protozoos intestinales es amplia en todo el territorio nacional, pero se desconoce su prevalencia actual. Por lo anterior, es importante incentivar a las autoridades en salud a mantener registros actualizados de prevalencia de Entamoeba histolytica y Giardia duodenalis; además, diagnosticar y confirmar la presencia de otros agentes etiológicos como coccidios, microsporidios y mixosporidios. Estos últimos se transmiten por el consumo de pescado. Por lo anterior, es necesario implementar medidas de prevención y control adecuado, teniendo en cuenta la situación actual de cada departamento del país...

The diseases caused by intestinal protozoa pathogens cause high morbidity, not of high mortality. They spread easily by transmission consuming water or food contaminated with fecal material from infected animals or human beings. The distribution of these intestinal protozoa is huge in all the national territory, but its prevalence is unknown. Therefore, is very important incentive the health autorities to keep actualized information of the prevalence of the Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia duodenalis. Furthermore try to diagnose and confirm the presence of any other etiological agents as coccidias, microsporidias and mixosporidias. These previous one transmitted via fish. Therefore, it’s very important to implement adecuate ways to prevent and control, taking into account the real situation of each state of the country...

Microsporidiosis intestinal: una visión integral / Intestinal microsporidiasis: an integral vision

La microsporidiosis intestinal es la infección del tracto digestivo alto, Enterocytozoon bieneusi y Encephalolytozoon intestinalis, pertenecientes al phylum Microspora, que en el hospedero inmunocomprometido especialmente con el síndrome de inmunodeficiencia adquirida (SIDA), produce cuadros de diarrea prolongada y malabsorción. Se revisarán sus aspectos históricos, biológicos, fisiopatológicos, inmunológicos, epidemiológicos, clínicos y de tratamiento. Método: para la elaboración de esta revisión se emplearon las bases de datos Medline y Pubmed a partir de 1981 hasta la fecha