Evaluation of the therapeutic effect of propolis on Fasciola gigantica and Clostridium novyi type B infections in sheep

@#The use of natural products for disease control is a promising approach to solving the problem of drug resistance. The aim of the research reported here was to evaluate the fasciolicidal and anti-Clostridium novyi type B activities of propolis administered orally to sheep infected with Fasciola gigantica and C. novyi type B. Sheep infected with both pathogens were divided into two groups: an infected treated group and an infected non-treated group. The treatment was oral administration of 50 mg propolis extract/kg daily for 15 days. The body weight of the sheep, fecal egg counts of F. gigantica, serum levels of F. gigantica IgG, concentrations of cytokines (IL-2, IL-10, and IL-17), and bacterial counts of C. novyi were evaluated. Following treatment, the sheep had increased body weight and a significant decrease in the egg count, which was reduced by 54.54% at 15 days post treatment. The level of anti- Fasciola IgG increased, whereas levels of IL-2, IL-10, and IL-17 decreased in propolistreated sheep. Treatment of sheep with propolis produced a significant reduction in fecal count of C. novyi, from 8 × 109 to 3 × 103 colony units per gram at 15 days post treatment. This research highlights the therapeutic potential of Egyptian propolis extract as a treatment against F. gigantica and C. novyi type B infections, and investigated its mode of action through its effect on some cellular and humoral responses in sheep with both infections.

Study on the Prevalence and Economic Significance of Bovine Fasciolosis at Gondar Elfora Abattoir, Gondar, Ethiopia

A cross sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence and economic significance of bovine fasciolosis at Gondar Elfora abattoir, Gondar Ethiopia from November 2018 to April 2019. A total of 384 cattle were selected by systematic random sampling techniques for postmortem examination at Gondar Elfora abattoir. Out of these 90 (23.4%) cattle were found positive for fasciolosis. The prevalence of fasciolosis in poor body conditioned cattle were known to be 30.8% followed by medium body conditioned (22.7%) and good conditioned animal (15.2%) . Statistical analysis of the data showed the presence of significant difference (P=0.028) on the prevalence of fasciolosis on the basis of body condition score. Higher prevalence of bovine fasciolosis in the study area was observed in older than adult animals 28.7% and 19.5% respectively. There was statistically significant association among age of the animal and prevalence of bovine fasciolosis (P=0.037). The predominant Fasciola species identified was Fasciola hepatica 57 (14.8%) followed by Fasciola gigantica 21 (5.5%) and mixed species (Fasciola hepatica and F. gigantica) 12 (3.1%). The total annual economic loss due to bovine fasciolosis in Gondar Elfora abattoir was calculated as 1,919,640 ETB (65,922 USD). The economic loss due to bovine fasciolosis at the study area showed that fasciolosis is an economically important disease in the Gondar Elfora abattoir. Hence, a combination of anthelminthic and vector control measures have to be used to ensure a satisfactory degree of control in the long run

Distribution Status of Hybrid Types in Large Liver Flukes, Fasciola Species (Digenea: Fasciolidae), from Ruminants and Humans in Vietnam

The aim of this study is to delineate ‘admixed hybrid’ and ‘introgressive’ Fasciola genotypes present in the Fasciola population in Vietnam. Adult liver flukes collected from ruminants in 18 Provinces were morphologically sorted out by naked eyes for small (S), medium (M) and large (L) body shapes; and human samples (n=14) from patients. Nuclear ribosomal (rDNA) ITS1 and ITS2, and mitochondrial (mtDNA) nad1 markers were used for determination of their genetic status. Total 4,725 worm samples of ruminants were tentatively classified by their size: 6% (n=284) small (S)-, 13% (n=614) medium (M)-, and 81% (n=3,827) large (L)-forms. All the representative (n=120, as 40 each group) and 14 human specimens, possessed maternal mtDNA of only F. gigantica and none of F. hepatica. Paternally, all (100%) of the L-(n=40) and 77.5% (n=31) of the M-flukes had single F. gigantica rDNA indicating ‘pure’ F. gigantica. A majority (90%, n=36) of the S- and 15% (n=6) of the M-worms had single F. hepatica rDNA, indicating their introgressive; the rest (10%, n=4) of the S- and 7.5% (n=3) of the M-flukes had mixture of both F. gigantica and F. hepatica rDNAs, confirming their admixed hybrid genetic status. Fourteen human samples revealed 9 (64%) of pure F. gigantica, 3 (22%) of introgressive and 2 (14%) of admixed hybrid Fasciola spp. By the present study, it was confirmed that the small worms, which are morphologically identical with F. hepatica, are admixed and/or introgressive hybrids of Fasciola spp., and able to be the pathogens of human fascioliasis.

The imaging features, clinical diagnosis value of fulminant hepatic fasciola gigantica disease / 实用放射学杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical manifestations and imaging modality for the diagnosis of hepatic fasciola gigantica disease.Methods Thirty eight patients with abdominal pain were admitted in our hospital and underwent investigations with different imaging modalities.Thirty-eight cases underwent abdominal CT scan,among which 5 cases underwent follow-up with abdominal ultrasonography,10 patients with routine MRI scan and CT scan examination,and 2 cases with liver biopsy.Results Thirty-eight cases with CT scan showed the hepatomegaly,with decreased attenuation of the hepatic parenchyma,unclear boundaries.Thirteen cases showed decreased densities (suggesting hydroperitonium),including 10 cases with enhanced CT showed mild inhomogenous enhancement.Five cases with color doppler ultrasound showed inhomogenous hepatic echogenicity,and multiple liver parenchyma echogenecity showedirregular,cluttered cystic dark areas and spleenomegaly,among which two cases had evident hydroperitonium.Ten cases with MRI scan showed liver enlargement,abnormal diffuse signal of hepatic parenchymal lesions and splenomegaly.Two cases who underwent needle biopsy showed parasitic granulomas and necrosis,surrounded by a large number of monocytes andeosinophilic infiltration.Clinical manifestations:All cases were presented with fever,abdominal pain,liver tenderness,etc.Twenty-five cases presented with nausea,vomiting,loss of appetite,15 cases presented with ascites,5 cases presented with pericardial effusion,5 cases with lung parenchymal changes on CT,others showed generalised systemic edema and malena,very few patients had utricaria,itching and other symptoms.Conclusion CT and MRI scanning in patients suspected with human fasciola hepatica showed multiple small hepatic subcapsular abscess,of which some were clustered or tunnel-like.Combined with parasites,imaging manifestations are helpful for the early diagnosis.

Morphology and viability of adult Fasciola gigantica (giant liver flukes) from Philippine carabaos (Bubalus bubalis) upon in vitro exposure to lead

Objective: To evaluate the effects of lead in the morphology and viability of Fasciola gigantica (F. gigantica) (giant liver fluke) isolated from infected livers of carabaos in vitro using the following concentrations of lead: 0, 100, 150 and 200 mg/L. Methods: In vitro viability and motility assay was conducted to evaluate the effects of lead using 1% methylene blue as the vital dye for assessment of the flukes' viability. Results: Results indicate that F. gigantica can tolerate lead exposure as high as 200 mg/ L with visible morphological variations. Upon exposure to lead, liver flukes tend to curl and excrete black precipitates as a sign of physiological stress response. Furthermore, the lethal concentration (LC

Experimental Life History and Biological Characteristics of Fasciola gigantica (Digenea: Fasciolidae)

This study was conducted to investigate the life history, morphology, and maturation of larval stages and adult worms of Fasciola gigantica in experimental mice. Lymnaea auricularia rubiginosa was used as the intermediate host, and Oryza sativa was used for encystment of the metacercariae, while Mus musculus was used as the definitive host for maturation study. Fresh eggs from the gall bladder of water buffaloes fully developed into embryonated ones and hatched out at days 11-12 after incubation at about 29masculineC. Free-swimming miracidia rapidly penetrated into the snail host, and gradually developed into the next larval stages; sporocyst, redia, and daughter redia with cercariae. Fully-developed cercariae were separated from the redia and shed from the snails on day 39 post-infection (PI). Free-swimming cercariae were immediately allowed to adhere to rice plants, and capsules were constructed to protect metacercariae on rice plants. Juvenile worms were detected in intestines of mice at days 3 and 6 PI, but they were found in the bile duct from day 9 PI. Juvenile and adult flukes were recovered from 16 mice experimentally infected with metacercariae, with the average recovery rate of 35.8%. Sexually mature adult flukes were recovered from day 42 PI. It could be confirmed that experimentally encysted metacercariae could infect and develop to maturity in the experimental host. The present study reports for the first time the complete life history of F. gigantica by an experimental study in Thailand. The obtained information can be used as a guide for prevention, elimination, and treatment of F. gigantica at environment and in other hosts.

Experimental Life History and Biological Characteristics of Fasciola gigantica (Digenea: Fasciolidae)

This study was conducted to investigate the life history, morphology, and maturation of larval stages and adult worms of Fasciola gigantica in experimental mice. Lymnaea auricularia rubiginosa was used as the intermediate host, and Oryza sativa was used for encystment of the metacercariae, while Mus musculus was used as the definitive host for maturation study. Fresh eggs from the gall bladder of water buffaloes fully developed into embryonated ones and hatched out at days 11-12 after incubation at about 29masculineC. Free-swimming miracidia rapidly penetrated into the snail host, and gradually developed into the next larval stages; sporocyst, redia, and daughter redia with cercariae. Fully-developed cercariae were separated from the redia and shed from the snails on day 39 post-infection (PI). Free-swimming cercariae were immediately allowed to adhere to rice plants, and capsules were constructed to protect metacercariae on rice plants. Juvenile worms were detected in intestines of mice at days 3 and 6 PI, but they were found in the bile duct from day 9 PI. Juvenile and adult flukes were recovered from 16 mice experimentally infected with metacercariae, with the average recovery rate of 35.8%. Sexually mature adult flukes were recovered from day 42 PI. It could be confirmed that experimentally encysted metacercariae could infect and develop to maturity in the experimental host. The present study reports for the first time the complete life history of F. gigantica by an experimental study in Thailand. The obtained information can be used as a guide for prevention, elimination, and treatment of F. gigantica at environment and in other hosts.

Prevalence of infection and molecular confirmation by using ITS-2 region of Fasciola gigantica found in domestic cattle from Chiang Mai province, Thailand

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the infection of Fasciola gigantica (F. gigantica) in domestic cattle from Chiang Mai province and molecular confirmation using ITS-2 region.@*METHODS@#The liver and gall bladder of Bubalus bubalis (B. bubalis) and Bos taurus (B. taurus) from slaughterhouses were examined adult worms and prevalence investigation. The species confirmation with phylogenetic analysis using ITS-2 sequences was performed by maximum likelihood and UPGMA methods.@*RESULTS@#The total prevalences of infection in B. bubalis and Bubalus taurus (B. taurus) were 67.27% and 52.94% respectively. The respective prevalence in both B. bubalis and B. taurus were acquired from Doi-Saket, Muang, and Sanpatong districts, with 81.25%, 62.50% and 60.00% for B. bubalis and 62.50%, 50.00% and 47.06% for Bos taurus respectively. The species confirmation of F. gigantica and some related species by basing on maximum likelihood and UPGMA methods used, 4 groups of trematodes were generated, first F. gigantica group including specimen of Chiang Mai, second 2 samples of F. hepatica, third group of 3 rumen flukes; Orthocoelium streptocoelium, F. elongatus and Paramphistomum epliclitum and fourth group of 3 minute intestinal flukes; Haplorchis taichui, Stellantchasmu falcatus, Haplorchoides sp. and liver fluke; Opisthorchis viverrini respectively.@*CONCLUSIONS@#These results can be confirmed the Giant liver fluke which mainly caused fascioliasis in Chiang Mai was identified as F. gigantica and specimens were the same as those of F. gigantica recorded in other different countries. Nucleotide sequence of ITS-2 region has been proven as effective diagnostic tool for the identification of F. gigantica.

Comparison between albendazole and triclabendazole against Fasciola gigan-tica in human / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To compare the anthelmintic effect of albendazole with that of triclabendazole against Fasciola giganti-ca. Methods Two patients infected with Fasciola gigantica were investigated,and one was administered with albendazole orally (200 mg,twice per day for 5 days)and another was administered with triclabendazole[10 mg/(kg?d)for 2 days]. Their total fe-ces were collected daily during the period of whole therapy,and the eggs of the parasite were collected by using the nylon bag method,and incubated at 28℃. Results The parasite eggs were detected from the first patient’s dejecta on the 1st,2nd and 5th day after the end of the treatment,and no miracidiums hatched out as well as no eggs developed during the period of 25 days of the incubation. Meanwhile,her body temperature fluctuated between 37.4℃and 38.3℃,and she still complained bellyache. For the other invalid,the eggs were not detected on the 2nd and 5th day after the end of the treatment. However,the eggs before and dur-ing the treatment developed the miracidiums of Fasciola gigantica on the 13th day after the incubation,but the eggs collected from the 1st day after the termination of the therapy did not develop and no miracidiums hatched out. At the same time,the signs and symptoms of the patient vanished after the 4th day of the end of the therapy. Conclusions Albendazole has no obvious insecticid-al activity on adult Fasciola gigantica in the short term,but may affect the development of eggs. Triclabendazole has the anthelmin-tic effect on the adults as well as eggs of Fasciola gigantica. In addition,triclabendazole has the characteristics of well curative ef-fect,short course of treatment,and no obvious side effects.

A Case of Fasciola hepatica Infection Mimicking Cholangiocarcinoma and ITS-1 Sequencing of the Worm

Fascioliasis is a zoonotic infection caused by Fasciola hepatica or Fasciola gigantica. We report an 87-year-old Korean male patient with postprandial abdominal pain and discomfort due to F. hepatica infection who was diagnosed and managed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with extraction of 2 worms. At his first visit to the hospital, a gallbladder stone was suspected. CT and magnetic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) showed an intraductal mass in the common bile duct (CBD) without proximal duct dilatation. Based on radiological findings, the presumed diagnosis was intraductal cholangiocarcinoma. However, in ERCP which was performed for biliary decompression and tissue diagnosis, movable materials were detected in the CBD. Using a basket, 2 living leaf-like parasites were removed. The worms were morphologically compatible with F. hepatica. To rule out the possibility of the worms to be another morphologically close species, in particular F. gigantica, 1 specimen was processed for genetic analysis of its ITS-1 region. The results showed that the present worms were genetically identical (100%) with F. hepatica but different from F. gigantica.

Influence of Abiotic Factors and Infection of Fasciola gigantica on Oviposition of Vector Snail Lymnaea acuminata.

Aims: The aim of the present study is establish a correlation between the abiotic factors and infection rate of Fasciola gigantica and their effect on the reproduction of vector snail Lymnaea acuminata. Place and Duration of Study: Malacology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, DDU Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur in between November 2009 - October 2010. Methodology: Fecundity of infected/uninfected snail Lymnaea acuminata was noted in different months of year 2009-2010.Fecundity was dependent on variant abiotic environmental factors and infection rate of Fasciola gigantica larvae in snail body. In infected snail the highest fecundity was observed in winter and lowest in summer. In order to ascertain that such a relationship between fecundity and abiotic factors is not coincident, the nervous tissue of the snail was assayed for the activity of the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in uninfected and infected snails in each months of the year. It was noted that abiotic factors and infection parameter in snail body influence the influence the fecundity of the snails in each month of year 2009-2010. Results: There was a significant positive rank correlation between total fecundity of uninfected/infected snails and corresponding AChE activity in the nervous tissue of same snails.

Tegumental histological effects of Mirazid? and myrrh volatile oil on adult Fasciola gigantica

To evaluated the histological changes within the tegument of adult Fasciola gigantica (F. gigantica) that led to the gross changes that were visible externally. Methods: The effects of oleoresin extract of myrrh (Mirazid ? ), myrrh volatile oil and triclabendazole sulphoxide (reference drug) on the tegumental structure of adult F. gigantica following treatment in vitro had been determined by light microscopy. Results: The internal changes in the tegument observed in this study were compatible with surface changes seen in the previous scanning electron microscopy study, using the same drugs. The swelling of tegumental syncytium was a particular feature of their action, but its level was much greater with myrrh volatile oil, in which vacuolization of the tegument and loss of spines were observed. Conclusions: The present study demonstrated the fasciocidal properties of Mirazid ? oleoresin extract, and it might be possible to reinforce its fasciocidal activity by increasing its content of myrrh volatile oil.

Dot-Blot Immunoassay of Fasciola gigantica Infection using 27 kDa and Adult Worm Regurge Antigens in Egyptian Patients

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the potential role of the 27-Kilodalton (KDa) antigen versus Fasciola gigantica adult worm regurge antigens in a DOT-Blot assay and to assess this assay as a practical tool for diagnosis fascioliasis in Egyptian patients. Fasciola gigantica antigen of an approximate molecular mass 27-(KDa) was obtained from adult worms by a simple elution SDS-PAGE. A Dot-Blot was developed comparatively to adult worm regurge antigens for the detection of specific antibodies from patients infected with F. gigantica in Egypt. Control sera were obtained from patients with other parasitic infections and healthy volunteers to assess the test and compare between the antigens. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of Dot-Blot using the adult worm regurge were 80%, 90%, 94.1%, and 69.2% respectively, while those using 27-KDa were 100% which confirms the diagnostic potential of this antigen. All patients infected with Fasciola were positive, with cross reactivity reported with Schistosoma mansoni serum samples. This 27-KDa Dot-Blot assay showed to be a promising test which can be used for serodiagnosis of fascioliasis in Egyptian patients especially, those presenting with hepatic disease. It is specific, sensitive and easy to perform method for the rapid diagnosis particularly when more complex laboratory tests are unavailable.

Twenty six cases of human Fasciola gigantica infection in Dali, Yunnan province / 中国地方病学杂志

Objective The aim of the study was to investigate the epidemic situation,clinical symptom,diagnosis and epidemiological characteristics of human Fasciola gigantica infection in Dali,Yunnan province.It will also provide a scientific basis for fasciolosis control and prevention.Methods Epidemic data were collected and patient's clinical signs and symptoms were studied.Serum soluble antigen of Fasciola gigantica of patients and part of family members and health people in the same village was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the eggs of Fasciola gigantica in stool were observed under microscope.Sequencing and PCR amplification of Fasciola gigantica eggs had been done.Sequencing results were analyzed using basic local alignment search tool (BLAST) program of the U.S.National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) and the similarity of the two in the sequence of nucleic acid was compared.Furthermore,patients were experimentally given orally therapeutic doses of Triclabendazole 10 mg·kg-1·d-1 daily for 2 days,and kept in the hospital for observation for one week.Moreover,host and vector were investigated in the surrounding ditches of Dali prefecture and Limnaea peregra snail samples were collected.All the snails were squashed by glass sheet in order to detect the cercarie.Cow dung and sheep manure was collected in the Limnaea peregra distribution environment,and the eggs in the feces were checked by microscope after washing and precipitation.Results All the 26 patients had a continued hyperpyrexia with distinct alimentary system symptoms of nausea,vomiting,stomachache,abdominal distension as well as hepatomegaly,sensitive to percussion,different levels of liver damage detected by CT.All the patients had an eaten history of raw Herba Houttuyniae and other aquatic plants,and the course of the disease was similar,with the same epidemiological characteristics.ELISA detection was used in the 26 patients,family members and other healthy population,the results of all the 26 patients were positive(100.0％,26/26) ; the positive rates of the 57 family members and other health people of the same village were 31.6％ (18/57) and 17.1％ (6/35),respectively.The results of sequencing and BLAST program showed that the pathogen was Fasciola gigantica with the similarity between 99％-100％.PCR amplification also confirmed that the eggs were Fasciola gigantica eggs with an approximately 1000 bp band on agarose gel.After treatment with Triclabendazole,body temperature of the patients dropped to normal and symptoms improved markedly.Moreover,329 Limnaea peregra snails were collected including 5 ones with redia and one-tailed cercariae which were preliminary identified as the larva of Fasciola gigantica.There were also eggs of Fasciola gigantica detected in one stool of cattle and one of goat.Conclusions Eating raw food is the leading cause of the onset of the disease.Triclabendazole is the drug of choice to treat Fasciolasis.Health education should be strengthened by government and disease prevention and control departments in order to make the local residents to understand the potential hazard of eating raw aquatic vegetable and drinking unboiled water,which is the key to prevent the occurrence of the disease.

Effects of Mirazid? and myrrh volatile oil on adult Fasciola gigantica under laboratory conditions

Objective: To evaluate the effects of Mirazid? and myrrh volatile oil on adult Fasciola gigantica (F. gigantica ) under laboratory conditions. Methods: The effects of oleoresin extract of myrrh (Mirazid?) and myrrh volatile oil on the surface morphology of adult F. gigantica following treatment in vitro had been determined by scanning electron microscopy. The results were compared with those observed in the fluke tegument following incubation in triclabendazole sulphoxide (TCBZ-SO), active form, (Fasinex?, Ciba-Geigy). Results: Observations of the efficacy of Mirazid? oleoresin extract and myrrh volatile oil indicated that both products showed dose-dependent anthelmintic efficacy. The anterior half of the fluke was consistently more severely affected than the posterior half. The surface changes induced by Mirazid? oleoresin extract were less severe than those observed after exposure to either myrrh volatile oil or TCBZ-SO. Flukes showed swelling after these treatments, but its level and blebbing were much greater with myrrh volatile oil; in which patches of tegumental sloughing were observed in the apical cone and the posterior mid-body region of flukes. This was not observed after treatment with Mirazid? oleoresin extract. Conclusions: The comparatively more disruption, observed in myrrh volatile oil exposed specimens, compared to that exposed to Mirazid? oleoresin extract might suggest that the anthelmintic activity of Mirazid? oleo resin extract was attributed to its content of volatile oil. So, increasing the concentration of myrrh volatile oil in Mirazid? might possibly help to developing its anthelmintic activity.

Fasciola gigantica Fatty Acid Binding Protein (FABP) as a Prophylactic Agent against Schistosoma mansoni Infection in CD1 Mice

Although schistosomicidal drugs and other control measures exist, the advent of an efficacious vaccine remains the most potentially powerful means for controlling this disease. In this study, native fatty acid binding protein (FABP) from Fasciola gigantica was purified from the adult worm's crude extract by saturation with ammonium sulphate followed by separation on DEAE-Sephadex A-50 anion exchange chromatography and gel filtration using Sephacryl HR-100, respectively. CD1 mice were immunized with the purified, native F. gigantica FABP in Freund's adjuvant and challenged subcutaneously with 120 Schistosoma mansoni cercariae. Immunization of CD1 mice with F. gigantica FABP has induced heterologous protection against S. mansoni, evidenced by the significant reduction in mean worm burden (72.3%), liver and intestinal egg counts (81.3% and 80.8%, respectively), and hepatic granuloma counts (42%). Also, it elicited mixed IgG1/IgG2b immune responses with predominant IgG1 isotype, suggesting that native F. gigantica FABP is mediated by a mixed Th1/Th2 response. However, it failed to induce any significant differences in the oogram pattern or in the mean granuloma diameter. This indicated that native F. gigantica FABP could be a promising vaccine candidate against S. mansoni infection.

Protective Role of Purified Cysteine Proteinases against Fasciola gigantica Infection in Experimental Animals

Fascioliasis is one of the public health problems in the world. Cysteine proteinases (CP) released by Fasciola gigantica play a key role in parasite feeding, migration through host tissues, and in immune evasion. There has been some evidence from several parasite systems that proteinases might have potential as protective antigens against parasitic infections. Cysteine proteinases were purified and tested in vaccine trials of sheep infected with the liver fluke. Multiple doses (2 mg of CP in Freund's adjuvant followed by 3 booster doses 1 mg each at 4 week intervals) were injected intramuscularly into sheep 1 week prior to infect orally with 300 F. gigantica metacercariae. All the sheep were humanely slaughtered 12 weeks after the first immunization. Changes in the worm burden, ova count, and humoral and cellular responses were evaluated. Significant reduction was observed in the worm burden (56.9%), bile egg count (70.7%), and fecel egg count (75.2%). Immunization with CP was also found to be associated with increases of total IgG, IgG1, and IgG2 (P<0.05). Data showed that the serum cytokine levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-12, IFN-gamma, and TNF-alpha, revealed significant decreases (P<0.05). However, the anti-inflammatory cytokine levels, IL-10, TGF-beta, and IL-6, showed significant increases (P<0.05). In conclusion, it has been found that CP released by F. gigantica are highly important candidates for a vaccine antigen because of their role in the fluke biology and host-parasite relationships.

A Case of Biliary Fascioliasis by Fasciola gigantica in Turkey

A case of Fasciola gigantica-induced biliary obstruction and cholestasis is reported in Turkey. The patient was a 37- year-old woman, and suffered from icterus, ascites, and pain in her right upper abdominal region. A total of 7 living adult flukes were recovered during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). A single dose of triclabendazole was administered to treat possible remaining worms. She was living in a village of southeast of Anatolia region and had sheeps and cows. She had the history of eating lettuce, mallow, dill, and parsley without washing. This is the first case of fascioliasis which was treated via endoscopic biliary extraction during ERCP in Turkey.

Serum interferon-gamma and interleukins-6 and -8 during infection with Fasciola gigantica in cattle and buffaloes

This study investigated the presence of cytokines interferon (IFN)-gamma, interleukins (IL) -6 and -8 in serum of cattle and buffaloes infected with Fasciola gigantica from one to 16 weeks post-infection to determine their T cell response during infection. The concentration of these cytokines was determined by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). No IFN-gamma was detected in these animals while IL-6 was elevated from one to 16 weeks postinfection. Levels of IL-8 were also elevated in infected buffaloes from one to 16 weeks post-infection. A predominantly T helper (Th) 2 response which started early in the infection was apparently present in cattle and buffaloes in this study which was characterised by IL-6. IL-8 production could be another mechanism of immune response in buffaloes during infection with F. gigantica.

Therapeutic efficacy of triclabendazole in threatment of fasciolopsis

Triclabendazole was used in treatment of 249 fascioliasis patients selected from 25 provinces including 19 Northern and 6 Southern ones. Two different doses were used for two groups: 10mg/kg/body for 226 patients, and 20mg/kg/body for 43 others, twice per day with the interval 6-8 hours from meals. Symptoms on these fascioliasis patients were found as positive ELISA test with Fasciola gigantica antigen (100%), prejudice in liver by ultrasound (87.9%), pain of liver (87.1 %), eosinophilia (63.5%), plodding (26.1 %), fever (39.8%), digestive disorder (20.1%) and positive stool examination with Fasciola egg (16.9%). Most of symptoms were decreased and disappeared within 1 month after treatment except for pain of liver in some patients that lasted longer and disappeared within 6 to 12 months after treatment. The cure rate was 92.9% for 1 month after treatment, 95.2% for 3 months after treatment and 100% for 6 months after treatment. Ultrasound prejudice in liver decreased and disappeared 80.9% for 1 month, 92.6% for 3 months, 96.3% for 6 months and 100% for 12 months after treatment. Eosinophilia rate returned to normal of 90.7% for 6 months and 100% for 12 months after treatment. ELISA test with F. gigantica antigen become negative of 89.4% for 6 months and 100% for 12 months. GOT, GPT, urea and creatinin tests had not pathological change by 1 month using triclabendazole. Side effect of triclabendazole was inconsiderable and disappeared without medical treatment. Triclabendazole may be recommended in treatment for fascioliasis in Vietnam with doses of 10 or 20 mg/kg of body weight.