Situation of and phenotypic markers of susceptibility to helminth infection among sheep on farms in the Brazilian cerrado biome / Diagnóstico de situação e marcadores fenotípicos das parasitoses gastrintestinais em ovinos de fazendas localizadas no Distrito Federal: bioma cerrado brasileiro

Abstract This study aimed to determine the intensity, seasonality, and distribution by genera of, as well as to identify phenotypic markers of susceptibility to, gastrointestinal parasites among sheep on farms within the Brazilian savanna (cerrado) biome. We evaluated 1271 sheep, on seven farms, during the rainy season (in December 2017 and December 2018) and dry season (in July 2018 and July 2019). Parasitological evaluation was based on culture and EPG. We calculated hematocrit, as well as the body condition score and feces score. Of the sheep evaluated, 34.15% had moderate-to-severe parasitic infection. The factors of herds' phenotypic characterization about helminth infections were (p ≤ 0.05 for all): anemia (OR = 5.72); leanness (OR = 1.80); loose stools or diarrhea (OR = 1.54); breed other than Santa Inês (OR = 2.31); "weaned lamb" category (OR = 4.76); "lambing ewe" category (OR = 4.66); and dry season (OR = 2.37). Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus, Oesophagostomum, and Cooperia accounted for 76.40%, 20.23%, 2.89%, and 0.47%, respectively, of the helminth genera identified, with their proportional distributions being comparable between the rainy and dry seasons. Changes in health management, with regard to helminth infection control, are urgently needed in order to combat the disease more effectively and sustainably.

Resumo A presente pesquisa objetivou determinar a intensidade, sazonalidade, predominância de gêneros e marcadores fenotípicos às parasitoses gastrointestinais em fazendas de criação de ovinos do Distrito Federal, no bioma cerrado brasileiro. Foram avaliados 1.271 ovinos oriundos de sete propriedades, durante os períodos chuvoso (dezembro de 2017 e dezembro de 2018) e seco (julho de 2018 e julho de 2019). Procedeu-se a avaliação parasitológica por coprocultura e OPG, dosagem de hematócrito, escore de condição corporal e de fezes. Dos indivíduos avaliados, 34,15% deles apresentaram infecção parasitária moderada a grave. Os fatores de caracterização fenotípica dos rebanhos quanto às infecções helmínticas (p ≤ 0,05), foram: anemia (OR = 5,72),magreza (OR = 1,80), fezes pastosas/diarreicas (OR = 1,54), raças distintas à raça Santa Inês (OR = 2,31), categorias de produção animal "jovens" (OR = 4,76) e "fêmeas paridas" (OR = 4,66), e período seco (OR = 2,37). Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus, Oesophagostomum e Cooperia foram os gêneros de helmintos observados nas seguintes proporções: 76,40%, 20,23%, 2,89% e 0,47%, respectivamente, sem distinção em sua distribuição entre os períodos chuvoso e seco. Mudanças no manejo sanitário com relação às helmintoses são urgentemente necessárias, para um controle da doença de forma mais eficaz e sustentável.

A Review: DNA Methylation of the GATA-3 Gene to Balance T Cells Population During Helminth Infection

Abstract@#Helminth infection has been a severe health issue mostly in the developing countries, where sanitation is not well maintained. The immune mechanism during helminth infection is well understood. The Th2 response is the primary weapon from the immune system to fight against helminth infection. The level of Th2 cells and cytokines are elevated during helminth infection. However, a prolonged Th2 response can cause liver fibrosis and reduce host survival. In the process of T cells differentiation, GATA-3 has a crucial role. It defines the population of Th1 and Th2. The expression of GATA-3 can be regulated through DNA methylation in the CGI sites of the gene. Hence, GATA-3 is able to co-express Th1 and Th2 in one cell, which would give less inflammation effect. This review aims to summarize research about the impact of DNA methylation of the GATA-3 genes to balance T cells population during helminth infection.

<i>Ascaris lumbricoids</i> infection as a risk factor for asthma and atopy in rural Bangladeshi children

Controversy persists as to whether helminth infections cause or protect against asthma and atopy. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of helminth infection on asthma and atopy among Bangladeshi children. A total of 912 children aged 4.5 years (mean = 54.4, range = 53.5–60.8 months) participated in a cross-sectional study nested into a randomized controlled trial in Bangladesh. Ever-asthma, ever-wheezing and current wheezing were identified using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire. Current helminth infection was defined by the presence of helminth eggs in stools, measured by routine microscopic examination. Repeated <i>Ascaris</i> infection was defined by the presence of anti-<i>Ascaris</i> IgE≥0.70 UA/ml in serum measured by the CAP-FEIA method. Atopy was defined by specific IgE to house dust mite (anti-DP IgE) ≥0.70 UA/ml measured by the CAP-FEIA method and/or positive skin prick test (≥5 mm). Anti-<i>Ascaris</i> IgE was significantly associated with ever asthma (odds ratio (OR) = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.14–3.04, highest vs. lowest quartile; <i>P</i> for trend 0.016). Anti-<i>Ascaris</i> IgE was also significantly associated with positive anti-DP IgE (OR = 9.89, 95% CI: 6.52–15.00, highest vs. lowest; <i>P</i> for trend <0.001) and positive skin prick test (OR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.01–2.81, highest vs. lowest, <i>P</i> for trend 0.076).These findings suggest that repeated <i>Ascaris</i> infection is a risk factor for asthma and atopy in rural Bangladeshi children. Further analysis is required to examine the mechanism of developing asthma and atopy in relation to helminth infection.

<i>Ascaris lumbricoids</i> Infection as a Risk Factor for Asthma and Atopy in Rural Bangladeshi Children

Controversy persists as to whether helminth infections cause or protect against asthma and atopy. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of helminth infection on asthma and atopy among Bangladeshi children. A total of 912 children aged 4.5 years (mean = 54.4, range = 53.5–60.8 months) participated in a cross-sectional study nested into a randomized controlled trial in Bangladesh. Ever-asthma, ever-wheezing and current wheezing were identified using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire. Current helminth infection was defined by the presence of helminth eggs in stools, measured by routine microscopic examination. Repeated <i>Ascaris</i> infection was defined by the presence of anti-<i>Ascaris</i> IgE ≥ 0.70 UA/ml in serum measured by the CAP-FEIA method. Atopy was defined by specific IgE to house dust mite (anti-DP IgE) ≥ 0.70 UA/ml measured by the CAP-FEIA method and/or positive skin prick test (≥ 5 mm). Anti-<i>Ascaris</i> IgE was significantly associated with ever asthma (odds ratio (OR) = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.14–3.04, highest vs. lowest quartile; <i>P</i> for trend 0.016). Anti-<i>Ascaris</i> IgE was also significantly associated with positive anti-DP IgE (OR = 9.89, 95% CI: 6.52–15.00, highest vs. lowest; <i>P</i> for trend < 0.001) and positive skin prick test (OR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.01–2.81, highest vs. lowest, <i>P</i> for trend 0.076). These findings suggest that repeated <i>Ascaris</i> infection is a risk factor for asthma and atopy in rural Bangladeshi children. Further analysis is required to examine the mechanism of developing asthma and atopy in relation to helminth infection.

Effect of helminth infection on allergic and autoimmune diseases / 中国人兽共患病学报

ABSTRACT:Many studies show that helminth‐derived molecules can induce immunoregulatory cells to form immune net‐work‐mediated immune ,thereby inhibiting allergic and autoimmune diseases .Helminth parasites can induce immune cell activa‐tion and produce cytokine .And parasites play an inhibitory effect to affect other immune related diseases .However ,the associ‐ation between helminths infections and immune related diseases does not always have an unequivocal outcome .While some hel‐minths infections protect against allergic diseases ,other helminth can exacerbate this immunopathology .

A comparative study of the TF-Test®, Kato-Katz, Hoffman-Pons-Janer, Willis and Baermann-Moraes coprologic methods for the detection of human parasitosis

This study compares the diagnostic accuracy of the TF-Test® (TFT) for human parasitosis with results obtained using the traditional Kato-Katz (KK), Hoffman-Pons-Janer (HPJ), Willis and Baermann-Moraes (BM) techniques. Overall, four stool samples were taken from each individual; three alternate-day TFT stool samples and another sample that was collected in a universal container. Stool samples were taken from 331 inhabitants of the community of Quilombola Santa Cruz. The gold standard (GS) for protozoa detection was defined as the combined results for TFT, HPJ and Willis coproscopic techniques; for helminth detection, GS was defined as the combined results for all five coproscopic techniques (TFT, KK, HPJ, Willis and BM). The positivity rate of each method was compared using the McNemar test. While the TFT exhibited similar positivity rates to the GS for Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (82.4 percent) and Giardia duodenalis (90 percent), HPJ and Willis techniques exhibited significantly lower positivity rates for these protozoa. All tests exhibited significantly lower positivity rates compared with GS for the diagnosis of helminths. The KK technique had the highest positivity rate for diagnosing Schistosoma mansoni (74.6 percent), while the TFT had the highest positivity rates for Ascaris lumbricoides (58.1 percent) and hookworm (75 percent); HPJ technique had the highest positivity rate for Strongyloides stercoralis (50 percent). Although a combination of tests is the most accurate method for the diagnosis of enteral parasites, the TFT reliably estimates the prevalence of protozoa and selected helminths, such as A. lumbricoides and hookworm. Further studies are needed to evaluate the detection accuracy of the TFT in samples with varying numbers of parasites.

Eosinophil-Mediated Tissue Inflammatory Responses in Helminth Infection

Eosinophilic leukocytes function in host protection against parasitic worms. In turn, helminthic parasites harbor specific molecules to evade or paralyze eosinophil-associated host immune responses; these molecules facilitate the migration and survival of parasitic helminths in vivo. This competition between eosinophil and worm leads to stable equilibria between them. An understanding of such dynamic host-eosinophil interactions will help us to uncover mechanisms of cross talk between host and parasite in helminth infection. In this review, we examine recent findings regarding the innate immune responses of eosinophils to helminthic parasites, and discuss the implications of these findings in terms of eosinophil-mediated tissue inflammation in helminth infection.

Spirorchiids (Digenea: Spirorchiidae) infecting a Hawksbill sea turtle Eretmochelys imbricata (Linnaeus 1758) from Brazil / Spirorchiids (Digenea: Spirorchiidae) infectando uma tartaruga marinha de pente Eretmochelys imbricata (Linnaeus 1758) no Brasil

The occurrence of Amphiorchis caborojoensis Fischthal & Acholonu 1976 and Carettacola stunkardi Martin & Bamberger 1952 in a young specimen of Hawksbill sea turtle Eretmochelys imbricata Linnaeus 1758 in Brazil was reported. Five A. caborojoensis trematodes were found in the small intestine (n=2) and liver (n=3), and two adult C. stunkardi specimens were collected from body wash. This is the first report of parasites of E. imbricata in Brazilian waters and Southwestern Atlantic Ocean and the second report of members of the Spirorchiidae family in that region. In addition, E. imbricata is a new host recorded for C. stunkardi.

Relata-se a ocorrência de Amphiorchis caborojoensis Fischthal & Acholonu 1976 e Carettacola stunkardi Martin e Bamberger 1952, em um exemplar juvenil de tartaruga marinha de pente Eretmochelys imbricata Linnaeus 1758 no Brasil. Foram coletados cinco trematódeos da espécie A. caborojoensis, dois no intestino delgado e três no fígado e dois exemplares adultos de C. stunkardi no lavado corporal. Destes apenas a espécie A. caborojoensis já tinha sido relatada como parasita dessa espécie de quelônio marinho. Esta é a primeira descrição de parasitas em E. imbricata em águas brasileiras e na área do Atlântico Sul Ocidental, e o segundo relato de membros da família Spirorchiidae na mesma região.

SITUATION OF SOIL-TRANSMITTED HELMINTH INFECTION IN EDE ETHNIC IN EA TIEU COMMUNE OF DAKLAK PROVINCE

Background: Each of the zone there has a different context for soil-transmitted helminth disease to exist and develop. Objectives: (1) To define the soil-transmitted helminth infection prevalence situation. (2) To define knowledge and practice about soil-transmitted helminth diseases prevention in Ea Tieu commune. Subject and method: The Ede ethnic population community lives in Ea Tieu and using a cross-sectional study. Results and conclusions: Ea Tieu commune, Krong Ana district, Daklak province, that has rather high soil-transmitted helminth general prevalence about 74.1 %, the highest prevalence is Ascaris lumbricoides infection, about 53.7%, next is hookworm with 38.4%, and the lowest is Trichuris trichiura with 1.3%. The Ascaris lumbricoides infection prevalence is not that different between age group (2 - 15: 58.98% in comparison with over 16: 50.87%) and hookworm infection prevalence was different between two age group that are 2-15: 6.05% which is lower than over 16: 55.99%. Average of intensity infection (average of eggs per gram of faeces) belongs to low intensity infection. Knowledge and practice about worm infection prevention of Ede ethnic in Ea Tieu is very low: 29.8% people does not rightly know of any harm, 24.6% people know one of the reasons is because of unclean food, 16.3% and another reason because of unclean hands with 16.3%, only 6.1 % people know the reason for hookworm infection.

Soil transmitted helminth infection in Son La province

Background: Helminth infection cause bad impacts on human health, especially for children.Helminth infection directly related to poverty, bad hygiene, low quality water supply, people awareness... Objective: To investigate the current situation of soil transmitted helminth infection in Son La province. Subject and Method: A total sample of 7,150 fecal specimen collected from72 hamlets, 18 communes in 6 districts of Mai Son, Muong la, Thuan Chau, Song Ma, Quynh Nhai and Yen Chau were examined for soil-transmitted helminths. Result: A cumulative infection rate of 93.45% was found, of which Ascaris: 85.85%, Trichuris: 24.52%, and hookworm: 18.92%. No different' infection rate was found between males and females but it was higher with ages. The prevalence of Trichuris and hookworm was higher in adults against children and higher with the older ages. The infection of Trichuris and hookworm in adults was higher than that in children. The single helminth infection rate was 82.17%, and mixed infection of two species was 15.9% and three species 0.43%. The helminth infection among Sinh MUD ethnic group: 97.2%, Thai ethnic group: 96.6%, La Ha ethnic group: 85%, Kinh ethnic group: 80.62%, and H'mong ethnic group: 45.96%. The hookworm infection rate of Kinh and H'mong groups was found higher that of the others ethnic groups. KAP surveys were conducted with 2,188 households showing a high latrine coverage of 90.6%, of which 92.9% of latrines were self-made. The more was the rate of self-made latrine, the higher was the helminth infection. Conclusion: Low awareness and knowledge of the local people on helminth infection was found so as they do not know how to prevent from helminth.

The effects of the Helminth Control Project for primary school children in Phu Loc district, Thua Thien - Hue province during the years of 2002-2004

With the assistance of WHO and the National Institute of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology, the Helminth Control Project for primary school children has effectively been conducted during the years of 2002 -2004 in Phu Loc distric, Thua Thien - Hue province. The knowledge and awareness of children and their parents on the control and prevention of the disease were found much improved after the health education took place. The helminth prevalence and the intensity of infection were considerably reduced after the periodical mass deworming campains with 6 month intervals. Mebendazole appeared to be highly effective against such intestinal helminths as Ascaris, Trichuris and hook worms. It is recommended to maintain the results of the project in Phu Loc district, to expand and apply this project model in other districs. Integration of helminth control with other health programs of hygiene and enviroment should also be encouraged

Helminth infection in Yen Hai commune, Yen Hung district, Quang Ninh province in 2003

A study was conducted in 2003 in Yen Hai commune, Yen Hung distric of Quang Ninh province. A KAP survey was made by interviewing 172 household heads and 612 individuals aged  10 years. 586 stool samples were examined by Kato technique. The results: no eggs of trematode and cestode were found while the cumulative rate of nematode infection was 86% of which Ascaris infection was 82.8%; single infection of nematode was 44.8%; triple infection was 2.8%; double infection was 52.6%, mostly of Ascaris and Trichuris. 97.7% of households were found to have latrine (one or two compartments). 19.8% of household were found to still use fresh stool as fertilizer for cultivation and 99.4% received no information on helminthes infection control