A molecular and morphological study of Ascaris suum in a human-pig contact scenario in northeastern Brazil / Estudo molecular e morfológico de Ascaris suum em um cenário de contato entre suínos e humanos no nordeste brasileiro

The aim of the present study was to assess morphologic and genetic data on ascariasis in swine (Sus scrofa domesticus) and humans in low-resource rural and periurban communities in the state of Piauí, Brazil. Our cross-sectional survey included 100 fecal samples obtained from swine and 682 samples from humans. Fifteen pigs were necropsied. Human and porcine fecal samples were examined to identify Ascaris eggs. Parasites obtained in the swine necropsies were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the mitochondrial gene encoding the cytochrome oxidase 1 (cox1) enzyme was partially amplified and sequenced for molecular taxonomy and phylogenetic analyses. The overall prevalence of Ascaris eggs in the swine fecal samples was 16/100 (16%). No Ascaris eggs were identified in the human fecal samples. SEM of six worms recovered from pigs demonstrated morphological characteristics of A. suum. Cox1 sequences were compatible with A. suum reference sequences. Original and reference (GenBank) nucleotide sequences were organized into clusters that did not segregate the parasites by host species or and region. The largest haplogroups were dominated by haplotypes H01, H02 and H31. In the communities studied, there was no epidemiological evidence of the zoonotic transmission of ascariasis at the human-swine interface.(AU)

O presente estudo teve como objetivo acessar dados morfológicos e genéticos sobre a ascaridíase em suínos (Sus scrofa domesticus) e humanos, em comunidades rurais e periurbanas no estado do Piauí. O estudo transversal incluiu 100 amostras fecais de suínos e 682 amostras obtidas de humanos. Quinze suínos foram necropsiados. Amostras fecais suínas e humanas foram examinadas para detecção de ovos de Ascaris. Os parasitas adultos, obtidos nas necropsias, foram estudados através de microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV), e o gene mitocondrial codificante da enzima citocromo oxidase 1 (cox1) foi parcialmente amplificado e sequenciado para análises filogenéticas e de taxonomia molecular. A prevalência de Ascaris em amostras fecais de suínos foi 16/100 (16%), não sendo identificado nenhum caso de infecção por este parasita em humanos. A análise por MEV de parasitas recuperados de suínos demonstrou características morfológicas de Ascaris suum. As sequências nucleotídicas de cox1 foram compatíveis com A. suum. As sequências originais e de referência (obtidas no GeneBank) foram organizadas em clusters que não segregaram os parasitas por hospedeiro ou região geográfica. Os maiores haplogrupos foram dominados pelos haplótipos H01, H02 e H31. Nas comunidades estudadas, não foi evidenciada transmissão zoonótica de A. suum na interface suíno-humana.(AU)

Pancreatitis aguda por áscaris en un adulto del área urbana de Bogotá, a propósito de una presentación inusual. Reporte de caso / Acute pancreatitis due to ascaris in an adult from the urban area of Bogotá, regarding an unusual manifestation. Case report

Resumen Introducción: la pancreatitis aguda es una de las entidades que afectan más normalmente el tracto gastrointestinal. Sus causas más frecuentes son la biliar y la alcohólica; sin embargo, no se deben descartar las causas infecciosas, entre ellas las parasitarias. Caso: se presenta un caso de un hombre de 35 años de edad procedente del área urbana de Bogotá que ingresó por un dolor torácico al servicio de urgencias del Hospital San Ignacio, posteriormente con migración hacia el abdomen y síntomas gastrointestinales asociados. Se diagnosticó pancreatitis aguda, se descartaron las causas biliar y alcohólica, y se evidenció en la escanografía un cuerpo extraño endoluminal gástrico hacia las asas intestinales, cuyo diagnóstico se confirmó de manera endoscópica (áscaris lumbricoides). Se extrajo el helminto en su totalidad y se continuó el manejo intrahospitalario. Como complicación presentó un compromiso necrotizante con colecciones asociadas en imágenes de control, sin compromiso multiorgánico. Finalmente, se dio egreso por una adecuada evolución clínica. Conclusión: la ascariasis es una causa infrecuente de pancreatitis aguda en adultos de zonas urbanas, incluso en países en vías de desarrollo como Colombia. Su diagnóstico y manejo terapéutico se realizan vía endoscópica con la extracción del helminto. Como en todos los casos de pancreatitis, debe realizarse un seguimiento clínico en busca de complicaciones asociadas y compromiso multiorgánico.

Abstract Introduction: Acute pancreatitis is one of the most common entities affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Its most frequent causes are biliary and alcoholic; however, infectious causes, including parasitic ones, should not be ruled out. Case: We present the case of a 35-year-old man from the urban area of Bogotá who was admitted to the emergency department of the San Ignacio Hospital due to chest pain, with subsequent migration to the abdomen and associated gastrointestinal symptoms. Acute pancreatitis was diagnosed, biliary and alcoholic causes were ruled out, and the scan revealed a gastric endoluminal foreign body towards the intestinal loops; the diagnosis was confirmed endoscopically (Ascaris lumbricoides). The helminth was entirely extracted, and the intrahospital management was continued. As a complication, he had necrosis with associated collections in control images without multi-organ involvement. Finally, he was discharged due to adequate clinical evolution. Conclusion: Ascariasis is a rare cause of acute pancreatitis in adults in urban areas, even in developing countries such as Colombia. Its diagnosis and therapeutic management are carried out endoscopically with the extraction of the helminth. As in all cases of pancreatitis, a clinical follow-up should be conducted in search of associated complications and multi-organ involvement.

Ascariasis errática biliar como causa exótica de ictericia obstructiva / Erratic Biliary Ascariasis as an Exotic Cause of Obstructive Jaundice

Introducción: Áscaris lumbricoides es el helminto más frecuente en el tracto gastrointestinal humano; la mayor prevalencia se registra en países en desarrollo, tropicales y subtropicales. En Cuba constituye una causa exótica de ictericia obstructiva con pocos casos reportados. Objetivo: Describir el manejo terapéutico exitoso de un caso de un hombre con ictericia obstructiva secundaria a ascariasis coledociana. Caso clínico: Paciente de 74 años operado en el Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico "Lucía Íñiguez Landín" de la provincia Holguín por ictericia obstructiva por ascariasis coledociana, con evolución clínico-quirúrgica satisfactoria. Conclusiones: En países en desarrollo debe tomarse en cuenta la ascariasis como causa de enfermedad obstructiva biliar o pancreática. El conocimiento del cuadro clínico y sus complicaciones, además, de las diferentes opciones en el tratamiento, debe ser del dominio de todo médico. La ictericia obstructiva por áscaris lumbricoides constituye en Cuba una causa exótica de esta infestación por parásitos(AU)

Introduction: Ascaris lumbricoides is the most frequent helminthiasis in the human gastrointestinal tract; the highest prevalence is recorded in developing, tropical and subtropical countries. In Cuba, it constitutes an exotic cause of obstructive jaundice with few reported cases. Objective: To describe the successful therapeutic management of a case of a man with obstructive jaundice secondary to choledochal ascariasis. Clinical case report: We report the case of a 74-year-old patient operated on at Lucía Íñiguez Landín Surgical Clinical Hospital, in Holguín province, for obstructive jaundice due to choledochal ascariasis, with satisfactory clinical-surgical evolution. Conclusions: In developing countries, ascariasis should be taken into account as a cause of biliary or pancreatic obstructive disease. Knowledge of the clinical condition and its complications, in addition to the different treatment options, should be the domain of every physician. Obstructive jaundice due to ascaris lumbricoides constitutes an exotic cause of this parasite infestation in Cuba(AU)

Spatial-temporal clustering analysis of soil-transmitted helminth transmission risk in Jiangxi, 2016-2019 / 中国热带医学

@#Abstract: Objective　To analyze the epidemic characteristics of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) by the spatial epidemiological method in Jiangxi Province. Methods　Surveillance data of STH in Jiangxi Province from 2016 to 2019 were collected for descriptive epidemiological analysis. The space-time permutation distribution of STH infection areas was analyzed with spatial autocorrelation, hotspot analysis methods and retrospective space-time permutation scan statistics. Results　The infection rates of STH were 1.32% (947/71 766), 1.14% (803/70 547), 0.87% (604/69 507) and 0.90% (628/69 620), respectively, and the differences were statistically significant in different years (P<0.01). The rates of hookworm infection were 0.65% (466/71 766), 0.64% (450/70 547), 0.48% (336/69 507) and 0.52% (362/69 620), respectively, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.01). The infection rates of Ascaris lumbricoides were 0.55% (393/71 766), 0.41% (287/70 547), 0.32% (221/69 507) and 0.32% (225/69 620), respectively, and the differences were statistically significant in different years (P<0.01). The infection rates of Trichuris trichiura were 0.17% (125/71 766), 0.10% (74/70 547), 0.08% (57/69 507) and 0.07% (49/69 620), respectively, and the differences were statistically significant among different years (P<0.01). The results of global spatial autocorrelation analysis showed that there was a spatial autocorrelation index Moran's I value of hookworm infection rate in 2016, Trichuris trichiura infection rate in 2016, 2018 and 2019, with statistical significance (P<0.05). The results of hotspot analysis, SaTScan and FleXScan spatial and temporal scanning analysis showed that there were high-value aggregation regions for each species in each year. Conclusion　The infection rates of STH, hookworm, Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura showed a decreasing trend and space-time clustering from 2016 to 2019. It should be taken into account in the formulation of control strategies.

Pancreatitis necrotizante por áscaris lumbricoides: causas, diagnóstico y tratamiento actual / Necrotizing pancreatitis due to Ascaris lumbricoides: Causes, diagnosis, and current treatment

Resumen La necrosis en la pancreatitis aguda muestra una mortalidad muy alta a pesar de los avances en cuidados críticos. Después de la etiología biliar y alcohólica, la tercera causa más común de pancreatitis es la idiopática, con un 10 % de los casos secundarios a parásitos, y el áscaris es el parásito más común implicado en la necrosis e inflamación del páncreas. Teniendo en cuenta la alta mortalidad que representa la pancreatitis necrotizante, se describe un reporte de caso por ascariasis, destacando su creciente epidemiología, sus causas, su diagnóstico clínico e imagenológico, y su tratamiento antiparasitario según la evidencia actual.

Abstract Necrosis in acute pancreatitis presents a high mortality rate despite advances in critical care. After biliary and alcoholic etiology, the third most common cause of pancreatitis is idiopathic etiology, with 10% of cases related to parasites, being Ascaris the most common parasite involved in pancreas necrosis and inflammation. Considering the high rates of mortality related to necrotizing pancreatitis, a case of ascariasis is analyzed, including its growing epidemiology, its causes, its clinical and imaging diagnosis, and its antiparasitic treatment based on current evidence.

Expression of antimicrobial peptide Cecropin P1 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and its antibacterial and antiviral activity in vitro

BACKGROUND: Cecropin P1, acting as an antimicrobial, has a broad-spectrum antibacterial activity with some antiviral and antifungal properties. It is a promising natural alternative to antibiotics which is originally isolated from the pig intestinal parasitic nematode Ascaris suum. Many studies have shown that Cecropin P1 is helpful for the prevention or treatment of clinical diseases. Therefore, it is very necessary to establish a safe, nontoxic, and efficient expression method of Cecropin P1. RESULTS: The results indicated that the recombinant protein was about 5.5 kDa showed by Tricine­SDS­ PAGE and Western blot. And Cecropin P1 was efficiently secreted and expressed after 12 h of induction, with an increasing yield over the course of the induction. Its maximum concentration was 7.83 mg/L after concentration and purification. In addition, in vitro experiments demonstrated that Cecropin P1 not only exerted a strong inhibitory effect on Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp., Shigella sp., and Pasteurella sp., but also displayed an antiviral activity against PRRSV NADC30-Like strain. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, the strategy of expressing Cecropin P1 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is harmless, efficient, and safe for cells. In addition, the expressed Cecropin P1 has antiviral and antibacterial properties concurrently.

Ascaridiasis hepatobiliar en una adulta joven / Hepatobiliary ascaridiasis in a young adult woman

Se presenta el caso clínico de una paciente de 27 años de edad, con antecedentes de colecistectomía convencional desde hacía 10 meses por aparente colecistitis, quien acudió al Hospital Luis Vernaza de Guayaquil, Ecuador, por presentar ictericia y dolor abdominal. Teniendo en cuenta los hallazgos clínicos, de laboratorio e imagenológicos se le diagnosticó sepsis de foco abdominal, colangitis y coledocolitiasis. Durante la intervención quirúrgica se observó la presencia de 2 Ascaris lumbricoides y cálculo de colesterol en la vía biliar, por lo que se le realizó una derivación bilioentérica. Después de algunas complicaciones como insuficiencia respiratoria y descompensación hemodinámica, la paciente egresó de la institución a los 25 días de operada, con seguimiento por consulta externa durante 2 meses.

The case report of a 27 years patient is presented, with history of conventional cholecystectomy for 10 months due to apparent cholecystitis who went to Luis Vernaza Hospital in Guayaquil, Ecuador, presenting jaundice and abdominal pain. Taking into account the clinical, laboratory and imaging findings a sepsis of abdominal focus, cholangitis and choledocolithiasis was diagnosed. During the surgical intervention the presence of 2 Ascaris lumbricoides and cholesterol calculi in the bile duct was observed, reason why a bilioenteric bypass was carried out. After some complications such as breathing failure and hemodynamic upset, the patient was discharged from the institution 25 days after the surgery, with follow up in outpatient clinics during 2 months.

Ultrasonografía endoscópica para el diagnóstico de áscaris biliar: reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura / Endoscopic ultrasound for the diagnosis of biliary ascariasis: case report and literature review

Resumen Se presenta un caso de áscaris de la vía biliar (AB), cuya manifestación clínica fue ictericia obstructiva, acompañada de dolor abdominal causado por un cuadro de pancreatitis aguda. Inicialmente, se sospechó de etiología litiásica, por lo cual se realizaron estudios de imágenes diagnósticas y se evidenció la presencia de AB como hallazgo incidental, diagnosticado por ultrasonografía endoscópica biliopancreática (UEB), que fue confirmado y tratado mediante colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica (CPRE).

Abstract The following is a case of biliary ascariasis (BA), whose clinical presentation was obstructive jaundice, accompanied by abdominal pain due to acute pancreatitis. At first, clinical suspicion led to consider a stone etiology, for which diagnostic imaging studies were performed, evidencing BA as an incidental finding diagnosed by endoscopic biliopancreatic ultrasonography (EBU), which was confirmed and treated using endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).

Prevalence of Human Intestinal Helminthic Infections among School-Age Children in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria

Aims:The study aimed at determining the prevalence and risk factors for intestinal helminth infection among school-age children in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Study Design:Cross-sectional observational study was conducted in two Local Government Areas (Calabar South and Calabar Municipality) in Calabar. Place and Duration of Study:The study was carried out in Calabar, from May to October, 2018. Methodology:Faecal samples were collected from pupils in sterile dry specimen bottles with the use of applicator sticks and analyzed using sedimentation and floatation techniques. Data obtained was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21. Results:Overall prevalence of intestinal helminth was 18.5%. Parasites recovered were Ascaris lumbricoides(9.3%), Trichuris trichiura(4.0%), Hookworm(2.6%), Taenia solium(0.9), Enterobius vermicularis (0.9), Strongyloides stercoralis (0.4%) and Schistosoma mansoni (0.4%) (P = 0000). Males (22.1%) were more infected than females (14.0%) in the study area (P = 0.031).Prevalence of intestinal helminths was lowest in age group 11-15 years (14.4%) and highest in age group 6-10 years (23.5%)(P = 0.005). After multivariate analysis, source of water [OR=3.355, 95% CI 1.448 –7.770], type of sewage system [OR=7.547, 95% CI 5.011 –8.358], hand washing before meal [OR=4.069, 95% CI 1.719 –9.631] and hand washing after defecation[OR=2.281, 95% CI 1.059 –4.917] were statistically associated with thedetected intestinal helminthic infections in faecal samples (p = .05). Conclusion:The presence of these intestinal parasites in these schools is a public health problem and there is therefore a need to prevent these infections by improving individual personal hygiene through health education, general sanitation and provision of adequate social amenities.

Ascaris lumbricoides, causa de la colecistitis aguda en el servicio de emergencia del Hospital "Alfredo Noboa Montenegro", 2018 / Ascaris lumbricoides, cause of acute cholecystitis in the emergency service of the "Alfredo Noboa Montenegro" Hospital, 2018

Ascaris lumbricoides provoca una de las helmintiasis más frecuentes en los países tropicales, pudiendo producir efectos patológicos en cualquier parte del organismo, siendo los conductos biliales uno de los sitios recurrentes provocando una colecistitis aguda. La CA es una de las principales causas de ingreso al servicio de Emergencia, es una inflamación de la vesícula cuyo diagnóstico oportuno es de vital importancia para la prevención de complicaciones. Por tal razón, determinar la frecuencia de las variables clínicas, de laboratorio y ecográficas, su relación con las comorbilidades asociadas a las características demográficas de los pacientes y el nivel de severidad de la colecistitis aguda causada por la A. lumbricoides de las Guías de Tokio 2018 del Servicio de Emergencia del Hospital Alfredo Noboa Montenegro durante el periodo junio - diciembre 2018, para la elaboración de un esquema diagnóstico. La metodología de investigación fue cuantitativa descriptiva de corte transversal. Dentro de los principales hallazgos, el CA aparece con prevalencia en el género femenino en un 69,41%, promedio de edad de 32 a 45 años, el 10% de 170 pacientes presentaron en su ecografía una forma parasitaria compatible con A. Lumbricoides, los resultados clínicos arrojaron presencia de dolor (67,34%), fiebre (68,65%), náuseas (45,93%); en los laboratorio la Proteína C Reactiva estuvo aumenta en el 94,18% de los casos, en imagenología se refleja presencia de líquido pericolecistico en un 78,82% y un engrosamiento de pared vesicular en un 34,12%. El nivel de severidad registrado según los criterios de las guías de Tokio 2018 fue grado I 35,3%, grado II 47,1% y grado III 17,6%. Se recomienda la estructuración de un esquema diagnóstico oportuno de colecistitis aguda causada por A. Lumbricoides(AU)

Ascaris lumbricoides causes one of the most frequent helminthiases in tropical countries, being able to produce pathological effects in any part of the body, being the bile ducts one of the recurrent sites causing acute cholecystitis. AC is one of the main causes of admission to the Emergency service, it is an inflammation of the gallbladder whose timely diagnosis is of vital importance for the prevention of complications. signs and symptoms, the timely diagnosis is of vital importance for the prevention of complications. For this reason, determine the frequency of clinical, laboratory and ultrasound variables, their relationship with the comorbidities associated with the demographic characteristics of the patients and the level of severity of acute cholecystitis cause of A. lumbricoides of the Tokyo Guidelines 2018 of the Hospital Emergency Service Alfredo Noboa Montenegro during the period June - December 2018, for the elaboration of a diagnostic scheme. The research methodology was quantitative cross-sectional descriptive. Among the main findings that were prevailed in the female gender in 69,41%, average age from 32 to 45 years, 10% of 170 patients presented in their ultrasound a parasitic form compatible with A. lumbricoides, clinical results that prevailed was presence of pain (67.34%), fever (68.65%), nausea (45.93%); in the laboratory findings the C Reactive Protein was increased in 94,18% of cases, in imaging the presence of pericolecist fluid is reflected in 78,82% and a thickening of the vesicular wall in 34,12%. The severity level recorded according to the criteria of the Tokyo 2018 guidelines was grade I 43,53%, grade II 48,24% and grade III 8,24%. The structuring of a timely diagnostic scheme for acute cholecystitis cause of A. lumbricoides is recommended(AU)

Ascariasis hepatobiliar en una lactante con desnutrición severa: reporte de caso / Hepatobiliary ascariasis in severely malnourished infant: case report

Resumen La Ascariasis es la geohelminitiasis más común del mundo, catalogándose como una enfermedad tropical desatendida, que puede causar compromiso pulmonar, gastrointestinal, hepatobiliar y nutricional. Se presenta el caso inusual de una lactante procedente de una zona de extrema pobreza quien consultó por fiebre, vómito, ausencia de deposiciones, distensión y dolor abdominal. Fue diagnosticada con pseudoobstrucción intestinal, desnutrición severa, choque séptico de origen intraabdominal, retraso del neurodesarrollo y deprivación psicoafectiva, cuyas imágenes reportaron ascariasis hepatobiliar y granulomas hepáticos calcificados y abscedados, con infestación severa por Ascaris lumbricoides. Recibió manejo antibiótico y antiparasitario con recuperación exitosa. En nuestro medio, las infecciones por helmintos son causa frecuente de anemia, retraso cognitivo y del crecimiento en niños en edad escolar. Sin embargo, la infestación y complicaciones hepatobiliares como colangitis, colecistitis, pancreatitis, litiasis biliar y hepatitis abscedada son inusuales en menores de dos años. A través de este caso se pretende resaltar la presentación atípica de la enfermedad en lactantes e incitar al fortalecimiento de las intervenciones en salud pública. MÉD.UIS.2020;33(1):67-72.

Abstract Ascariasis is the most common geohelminitiasis in the world. It is categorized as an unattended tropical disease, which can cause pulmonary, gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary and nutritional compromise. We present the unusual case of an infant from an extreme poverty area presenting fever, vomiting, absence of bowel movements, bloating and abdominal pain. She was diagnosed with intestinal pseudoobstruction, severe malnutrition, abdominal septic shock, neurodevelopmental delay and emotional deprivation. The images reported hepatobiliary ascariasis and calcified and abscessed hepatic granulomas, with severe infestation by Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura. She was treated with antibiotics and antiparasitic agents with successful recovery. In our environment, helminth infections are a frequent cause of anemia, stunting and neurodevelopmental delay in school-age children. However, infestation and hepatobiliary complications such as cholangitis, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, biliary lithiasis and hepatic abscess are unusual in children under two years old. Through this case, it is intended to highlight the atypical presentation of this disease at the age of this patient and encourage the strengthening of public health interventions. MÉD.UIS.2020;33(1):67-72.

Effect of Socio-economic Status, Quality of Hygiene, Nutritional Status on Helminthic Infection Among School Going Children

Background: Helminthic infections have been major publichealth burdens. Some isolated helminths include Ascarislumbricoides, the whipworm Trichuris trichuira, the hookwormAncylostoma duodenale, Necator americanus andStrongyloides stercoralis. The present study was conducted tostudy the effect of socio-economic status, quality of hygiene,nutritional status on helminthic infection among school goingchildren aged between 5 to 13 years.Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study on 352children at Govt. Primary school, Rajapur was conducted fromJanuary 2007 to June 2008. Children were interviewed usingpre-tested proformas to identify the risk factors and prevalenceof Helminthic infestation. Stool examination was done by usingthe formal ether concentration technique in microbiologylaboratory at M. R. Medical college. Statistical analysis wasdone by using the percentage, chi-square, SPSS statisticalsoftware.Results: Out of 352 children 162 tested positive for variousintestinal helminth’s in the age group 5 to 13 years. The overallprevalence of Helminthic infestation was 46.02% thepredominant parasites were Ascaris Lumbricoides 48.77%followed by Hymenolepsis Nana 27.16% Ancylostomaduodenale 11.73%, Trichuris Trichiura 9.88% & Enterobiusvermicularis 2.46%. 4.94% cases were of mixed infection. Thepresent study found that Socio-economic class, nutritionalstatus and pallor was significantly associated with prevalenceof Helminthic infestation. Habit of digit sucking or nail bitting,Storage of food and water were not significantly associatedwith Helminthic infestation (p>0.05). The association betweenHand wash before eating food, Status of Nails, practice of openair defecation and hand wash with soap after defecation,footwear use, eating mud or pica, drawing water for drinking,source of water, eating of raw vegetables or fruits, eating offood sold by vendor and prevalence of Helminthic infestationwere found to be significant (P<0.05). The association betweenprevalence of Helminthic Infestation and KAP of children wasalso found to be Significant.Conclusions: In the present study the prevalence ofhelminthic infestation in school children are on the higher sidewhich requires due attention and consideration despitehelminthic control programme in school for all children.

Extract of Ascaris suum induces TGF-ß and early production of IgG1 in experimental autoimmune hepatitis / Extrato de Ascaris suum induz TGF-ß e produção precoce de IgG1 na hepatite autoimune experimental

Abstract In experimental autoimmune hepatitis (EAH) of Th1 profile, an extract of adult Ascaris suum worms (ASC) was previously found to deviate the immune response to a Th2/IL-10 pattern. Here, the effects of treatment with ASC on production of TGF-β and the anti-Ascaris isotypes IgG1 and IgG2a in EAH were evaluated. EAH was induced in BALB/c mice, intravenously with concanavalin A. Two hours later, these animals received ASC (EAH+ASC group) or PBS vehicle (EAH group). IgG1 and IgG2a were evaluated 8 h, 24 h and 7 d after induction. TGF-β was measured in a splenocyte culture at this last time. The isotype levels in the EAH group were low throughout the kinetics. In the EAH+ASC group, there was significant production of IgG1 at 24 h and 7 d, but of IgG2a only at 7 d. There was statistically greater production of TGF-β in the EAH+ASC group. The higher levels of IgG1 and TGF-β in this group suggest that an additional Th1 response control route exists in EAH, which needs to be investigated.

Resumo Na hepatite autoimune experimental (HAE) de perfil Th1, o extrato de vermes adultos Ascaris suum (ASC) desviou a resposta imune para um padrão Th2/IL-10. Neste trabalho, foram avaliados os efeitos do tratamento com ASC na produção TGF-β e dos isótipos de IgG1 e IgG2a anti-Ascaris na HAE. Esta foi induzida em camundongos BALB/c intravenosamente com Concanavalina A. Após duas horas, os animais receberam ASC (grupo HAE+ASC) ou veículo PBS (grupo HAE). IgG1 e IgG2a foram avaliados em 8 horas, 24 horas e 7 dias após indução. TGF-β foi mensurado em cultura de esplenócitos nesse último tempo. Os níveis dos isótipos no grupo HAE foram baixos durante toda a cinética. No grupo HAE+ASC, houve produção significativa de IgG1 em 24 horas e 7 dias, mas somente em 7 dias para IgG2a. A produção de TGF-β foi estatisticamente maior no grupo HAE+ASC. Níveis mais altos de IgG1 e TGF-β nesse grupo sugerem uma via adicional de controle da resposta Th1 na HAE que precisa ser investigada.

Absence of mutations associated with resistance to benzimidazole in the beta-tubulin gene of Ascaris suum

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Benzimidazoles are commonly used for the control of veterinary nematodes. Resistance to benzimidazoles has been associated with three single nucleotide polymorphisms in the β-tubulin gene of common nematodes. However, these mutations are infrequent in the genus Ascaris spp. METHODS: In order to determine mutations associated with benzimidazole resistance in Ascaris suum, worms were collected from slaughtered pigs and a partial region of the β-tubulin gene was sequenced. RESULTS: All parasites showed the wildtype genotype for codons 167, 198, and 200 of the β-tubulin gene. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of genetic sequences associated with benzimidazole resistance in A. suum.

Prevalence of soil - borne nematode infections among residents living in urban/town areas of China in 2015 / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To understand the prevalence of soil-borne nematode infections among residents living in urban/town areas of China, so as to provide insights into the control and elimination of soil-borne nematodiasis. Methods A total of 5 epidemic areas were classified in China according to the prevalence of human Clonorchis sinensis infections captured from the 2014–2015 national survey on major human parasitic diseases in China, and the total sample size was estimated according to the binomial distribution and Poisson’s distribution. Then, the total sample size was allocated proportionally to each province (autonomous region, municipality) of China based on the percentage of residents living in urban and town areas, and the number of survey sites in each province (autonomous region, municipality) was proportionally assigned according to the percentages of residents living in urban and town areas. Then, stratified sampling was performed at county, township and community levels according to the number of sampling sites in each province (autonomous region, municipality), and the survey site (community) was defined as the smallest sampling unit. All permanent residents in the survey sites were selected as the study subjects, and their stool samples were collected for identification and counting of parasite egg using a Kato-Katz technique. The prevalence and intensity of each parasite species were calculated. Results From 2014 to 2015, among the 133 231 residents detected in 31 provinces (autonomous regions, municipalities) of China, the overall prevalence of soil-borne nematode infections was 1.23% (1 636/133 231), and the prevalence rates of hookworm, Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura infections were 0.77% (1 032/133 231), 0.32% (426/133 231) and 0.17% (224/133 231), respectively. The highest prevalence of soil-borne nematode infections was seen in Jiangxi (4.03%, 82/2 034) and Chongqing (4.03%, 524/13 012), followed by in Hainan (3.47%, 72/2 075). The prevalence of soilborne nematode infections was 1.07% (662/62 139) in men and 1.37% (974/71 092) in women, and the greatest prevalence was found in residents at ages of 65 to 70 years (2.56%, 219/8 569). With regard to occupations and education levels, herdsmen (2.47%, 2/81) and illiterate residents (3.33%, 226/6 795) were found to have the highest prevalence of soil-borne nematode infections, respectively. In addition, mild infections were predominantly identified in hookworm-, A. lumbricoides- and T. trichiura-infected individuals (all > 90%). Conclusions The overall prevalence of soil-borne nematodiasis remains low in urban and town areas of China; however, human infections are widespread. According to the epidemiological features, health education combined with deworming are recommended to reduce the prevalence of soil-borne nematode infections among residents living in urban and town areas of China.

Soil-transmitted helminth egg contamination from soil of indigenous communities in selected barangays in Tigaon, Camarines Sur, Philippines

To provide baseline data on the prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminthiasis egg contamination in the soil among indigenous communities. Methods: A total of 317 soil samples from three barangays of indigenous communities communities in Tigaon, Camarines Sur, Philippines were examined for soil-transmitted helminthiasis egg contamination using optimized sugar flotation method. Results: Of the soil samples examined, 141 (44.48%) were contaminated by Ascaris spp., Toxocara spp., and Trichuris spp. with cumulative prevalence varying across the study sites (P0.01). Ascaris spp. was predominant in all study sites, followed by Toxocara spp. and Trichuris spp. with a prevalence of 41.96%, 7.57%, and 5.36%, respectively. Interestingly, Toxocara pp. has the highest intensity of contamination, followed by Ascaris spp. and Trichuris spp. in term of geometric mean soil-transmitted helminthiasis eggs recovered per one gram soil sample (34.25, 21.45, and 11.85 respectively). Each study site harbors significant amount of soiltransmitted helminthiasis eggs and zoonotic Toxocara eggs, which present high risk of soil-transmitted helminthiasis infection, particularly among children observed to play and cohabitate with animals known to be hosts of these parasites. Conclusions: The alarming rate of soil-transmitted helminthiasis and Toxocara egg contamination reported in this study suggests that additional measures should be undertaken to control soil-transmitted helminthiasis and zoonotic intestinal infections in the country.

Soil-transmitted helminth egg contamination from soil of indigenous communities in selected barangays in Tigaon, Camarines Sur, Philippines

To provide baseline data on the prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminthiasis egg contamination in the soil among indigenous communities. Methods: A total of 317 soil samples from three barangays of indigenous communities communities in Tigaon, Camarines Sur, Philippines were examined for soil-transmitted helminthiasis egg contamination using optimized sugar flotation method. Results: Of the soil samples examined, 141 (44.48%) were contaminated by Ascaris spp., Toxocara spp., and Trichuris spp. with cumulative prevalence varying across the study sites (P0.01). Ascaris spp. was predominant in all study sites, followed by Toxocara spp. and Trichuris spp. with a prevalence of 41.96%, 7.57%, and 5.36%, respectively. Interestingly, Toxocara pp. has the highest intensity of contamination, followed by Ascaris spp. and Trichuris spp. in term of geometric mean soil-transmitted helminthiasis eggs recovered per one gram soil sample (34.25, 21.45, and 11.85 respectively). Each study site harbors significant amount of soiltransmitted helminthiasis eggs and zoonotic Toxocara eggs, which present high risk of soil-transmitted helminthiasis infection, particularly among children observed to play and cohabitate with animals known to be hosts of these parasites. Conclusions: The alarming rate of soil-transmitted helminthiasis and Toxocara egg contamination reported in this study suggests that additional measures should be undertaken to control soil-transmitted helminthiasis and zoonotic intestinal infections in the country.

Ascariasis intestinal. Tres casos pediátricos con complicaciones severas en Cauca, Colombia / Intestinal ascariasis. Three pediatric cases with severe complications in Cauca, Colombia

Se presentan tres casos clínicos de niños atendidos en el Hospital Universitario San José de Popayán en Cauca, Colombia, quienes consultaron por una infección severa causada por Ascaris lumbricoides. La severidad de la infección tuvo como consecuencia en el primer caso una colangitis aguda, en el segundo caso una obstrucción intestinal con peritonitis generalizada, y en el tercer caso una perforación intestinal y choque séptico. El objetivo de mostrar estos casos es dar a conocer estas presentaciones clínicas poco frecuentes en el entorno médico. Además, se resalta la importancia del conocimiento sobre esta especie de parásito, que termina siendo un problema más de salud pública, no solo en nuestro país, sino en gran parte del mundo

We report three clinical cases of children treated at the San José University Hospital in Cauca, Colombia, who consulted with a severe infection caused by Ascaris lumbricoides. The severity of the infection resulted in acute cholangitis in the first case, in intestinal obstruction with generalized peritonitis in the second case, and in intestinal perforation and septic shock in the third case. The objective of this report is to inform the medical community about these unusual clinical presentations. In addition, the importance of this parasite is highlighted as a public health concern, not only in our country but also globally

Effect of endoparasites occurrence in sows from intensive production system / Efeito da ocorrência de endoparasitas em matrizes suínas de sistema de produção intensivo

Abstract The goal of this study was to assess the effect of farm size (FS) and farrowing order (FO) on the occurrence of endoparasites eggs in commercial sows housed in maternity and gestation areas during the period from May to July 2014. Forty-three piglet production units were classified by FS: small (100 to 250 sows), medium (251 to 510 sows), large (511 to 1,000 sows) and very large (more than 1,000 sows). Sows were classified by FO: up to two, three to five or more than five parturitions. Faecal samples were processed using the simple flotation technique in a hypersaturated salt solution (30-35% NaCl). The results revealed that the overall prevalence of gastrointestinal endoparasites obtained in this study was 12.47%, in that 4.64% were positive for Ascaris suum, 0.56% for Trichuris suis and 8.27% for coccidia oocysts. The prevalence of endoparasites obtained for small and medium size farm, and for large and very large farm was 34.58% and 15.52%, respectively. In conclusion, the study shows that more than half of the farms were positive for A. suum and coccidia oocysts, but mainly for younger females. In general, sows with up to two parturitions and small farms showed a higher endoparasites percentage.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi o de avaliar o efeito de tamanho de granja (TG) e a ordem de parição (OP) sobre a ocorrência de ovos de endoparasitas em matrizes suínas comerciais alojadas na maternidade e gestação durante o período de maio a julho de 2014. Quarenta e três unidades produtoras de leitões foram classificadas por TG: pequena (100 a 250 porcas), média (251 a 510 porcas), grande (511 a 1.000 porcas) e muito grande (mais de 1.000 porcas). As porcas foram classificadas por OP: até dois, três a cinco e mais que cinco partos. As amostras fecais foram processadas usando a técnica de flotação em solução salina hipersaturada a 30-35%. Os resultados revelaram que a prevalência global de endoparasitas gastrointestinais obtidos neste estudo foi de 13,59%, em que 4,64% foram positivas para Ascaris suum, 0,56% para Trichuris suis e 8,27% para oocistos de coccídeos. A prevalência de endoparasitas obtidos para fazendas de pequeno e médio porte, e para fazendas grandes e muito grandes foi de 34,58% e 15,52%, respectivamente. Em conclusão, o estudo mostra que mais da metade das fazendas foram positivas para A. suum e oocistos de coccídeos, mas principalmente para as fêmeas mais jovens. Em geral, as porcas com até dois partos e pequenas propriedades mostraram uma porcentagem maior de endoparasitas.

Association Between Age, Sex, Religion and Helminthic Infection Among Children Aged Between 5 to 13 Years: An Institutional Based Study

Background: Worm infestation is a major Health problem inchildren of developing countries, its effective prevention andcontrol requires identification of local risk factors particularlyamong high risk groups. The present study was conducted tostudy t various factors like age, sex, religion and helminthicinfection among children aged between 5 to 13 years.Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study on 352children at Govt. Primary school, Rajapur was conducted fromJanuary 2007 to June 2008. Children were interviewed usingpre-tested proformas to identify the risk factors and prevalenceof Helminthic infestation. Stool examination was done by usingthe formal ether concentration technique in microbiologylaboratory at M. R. Medical College. Statistical analysis wasdone by using the percentage, chi-square, SPSS statisticalsoftware.Results: Out of 352 children 162 tested positive for variousintestinal helminth’s in the age group 5 to 13 years. The overallprevalence of Helminthic infestation was 46.02% thepredominant parasites were Ascaris Lumbricoides 48.77%followed by Hymenolepsis Nana 27.16% Ancylostomaduodenale 11.73%, Trichuris Trichiura 9.88% & Enterobiusvermicularis 2.46%. 4.94% cases were of mixed infection.Helminthic infestation among males was 48.33% and females43.60%. Religion, Sex, Type of family were not significantlyassociated with Helminthic infestation (p>0.05). Theassociation between prevalence of Helminthic Infestation andKAP of children was also found to be Significant.Conclusion: This study concluded that the prevalence ofHelminthic infestation among primary school children were highand need to be addressed.