Occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in wild animals in State of Paraná, Brazil

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and diversity of gastrointestinal parasites in fecal samples from wild birds and mammals from the State of Paraná. In total, 220 stool samples were sent to Parasitic Diseases Laboratory of the Federal University of Paraná during 13 months (Jan/2013-Jan/2014). A total of 52.7% (116/220) of the animals were positive for cysts, oocysts, eggs and/or trophozoites. In birds, the positivity rate was 37.9% (25/66) and mammals was 59.1% (91/154). Strongyloidea superfamily eggs were observed in 37.3% (82/220) of the samples, Eimeria spp. in 10% (22/220), and Trichuris spp. in 4.5% (10/220). The most frequent mammal species were llamas (Lama glama), and dromedaries (Camelus bactrianus) with infection rate of 70.1% (54/77) and 60.8% (14/23), respectively. In other hand, cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) and ring necks (Psittacula krameri), were the most researched birds, with infection rate of 20% (40/50) and 100% (6/6), respectively. A high prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was observed in most of wildlife animals. Further investigations should be conducted focusing on parasite control strategies and the conservation measurements for harmonizing the human-animal interaction on the long-term, reducing associated health risks.

Evaluación de la posible asociación entre la presencia de parásitos intestinales y Helicobacter pylori en población infantil de la etnia Warao, Venezuela / Evaluation of the possible association between the presence of intestinal parasites and Helicobacter pylori in children of ethnic Warao

Las infecciones por microorganismos gastrointestinales constituyen hoy en día una de las principales causas de morbilidad y mortalidad en países en vías de desarrollo. Nos planteamos como objetivo evaluar la posible asociación entre la presencia de parásitos intestinales y la infección por Helicobacter pylori, y el comportamiento de anticuerpos séricos y secretores en una población infantil de la etnia Warao del Edo. Delta Amacuro, Venezuela. La presencia de parásitos se determinó por examen microscópico directo de las heces. Los niveles séricos de IgE total, IgG anti H. pylori e IgA anti Giardia duodenalis; y los secretores IgA total y específica a G. duodenalis y H. pylori en muestra de saliva, se determinaron utilizando el método de ELISA. El 65% de los niños estaban parasitados por protozoarios, observándose un 47% de poliparasitismo. Encontramos una mayor seroprevalencia de H. pylori en el grupo de niños no parasitados (46%) comparado con los parasitados (25%) (P<0,05). Sin embargo, los niños seropositivos a H. pylori y parasitados con G. duodenalis mostraron niveles séricos de IgE total mayores que los no parasitados (P<0,01); en contraparte, los niveles de IgA secretora total y especifica a H. pylori y G. duodenalis estaban disminuidos (P<0,05). Es posible que la respuesta inflamatoria generada por Giardia pueda aumentar los niveles de IgE total y disminuir la respuesta de IgA secretora favoreciendo la instauración de la infección por H. pylori.

The infections for gastrointestinal microorganisms represent nowadays one of the major reasons of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. We had evaluated both, the possible association between the presence of intestinal parasites and infection by Helicobacter pylori, and the production of serum and salivary antibodies in Amerindian Warao children from the Orinoco Delta, Venezuela. The prevalence of parasites was determined by faecal examination. The levels of serum antibodies (total IgE, specific anti- H. pylori IgG and anti G. duodenalis IgA) and salivary antibodies (total and specific IgA to G. duodenalis and H. pylori), was determined by ELISA. 65% of the child population was parasitized by protozoos, and a 47% of polyparasitism was observed. We found a major seroprevalence of H. pylori in the group of children not parasitized (46 %) compared with the parasitized ones (25 %) (P<0.05). Nevertheless, the seropositive children to H. pylori and parasitized with G. duodenalis showed levels of total IgE higher than the non parasitized ones (P<0.01); in contrast, levels of total and specific secretory IgA to H. pylori and G. duodenalis were decreased (P<0.05). It is possible that the inflammatory response generated by G. duodenalis infection may increase levels of total IgE and diminish secretory IgA response favoring the establishment of infection by H. pylori.

Primer caso humano parasitado por Paramphistomidae (Trematoda: Digenea) en Venezuela / First human case parasitized by Paramphistomidae (Trematoda: Digenea) in Venezuela

Se presenta el primer caso humano en Venezuela de infección por Paramphistomidae (Fischoeder, 1901) perteneciente a una familia primitiva de trematodos descrita en mamíferos, reptiles y peces; en mamíferos se ha señalado en el rumen y la redecilla de rumiantes, cerdos, equinos, caprinos y bovinos. El caso clínico corresponde a una paciente de diez años procedente del estado Portuguesa. Quien presentó, durante un año de evolución, dolor abdominal difuso, náuseas con vómitos que coinciden con la expulsión con las heces de estructuras parasitarias adultas. Fueron colectados huevos del interior de los parásitos adultos (poro genital), mientras que de las heces de la paciente se evidenciaron iguales estructuras ovígeras. Por medio de análisis morfológicos y morfométricos se definió el parásito como de la familia Paramphistomidae. La niña proviene de un grupo familiar numeroso con deficiente nutrición calórico-proteica que refería alimentarse de productos del río próximo a la vivienda, la cual se encuentra en un área rural dispersa, con malas condiciones socio-sanitarias y está circundada por cultivos de arroz, con amplias zonas que están anegadizas durante todo el año. El presente parásito no está descrito en Venezuela por lo que se realizarán estudios para identificar la especie y señalar los hospedadores que intervienen en su ciclo.

It is reported the first human case of Paramphistomatidae infection (Fischoeder, 1901) in Venezuela, belonging to a primitive family of trematodes which are described in mammals, reptiles and fish, in mammals have been identified in the rumen and reticulum of ruminants, pigs, horses, goats and cattle. The clinical case belongs to a ten-year-old girl from Portuguesa State, who had a year of evolution: Diffuse abdominal pain, nausea with vomiting that match the stool expulsion of adult parasitic structures. Eggs were collected inside the genital pore of adult parasites while the patient’s stool showed the same ovigerous structures. The parasite is defined as Paramphistomatidae family by means of its morphological and morphometric analysis. The girl comes from a large family group with protein-calorie deficient nutrition who eats products coming from the river near her home, which is located in a dispersed rural area with poor socio-sanitary conditions and is surrounded by rice fields, with large areas that are subject to flooding during the year. This parasite is not described in Venezuela so studies will be undertaken to identify it accurately and to identify the hosts involved in the cycle.