Microbiota and parasite relationship.

The diversity of microbiota is different in each person. Many health problems such as autoimmune diseases, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and depression can be caused by microbiota imbalance. Since the parasite needs a host to survive, it interacts closely with the microbiota elements. Blastocystis acts on the inflammatory state of the intestine and may cause various gastrointestinal symptoms, on the contrary, it is more important for gut health because it causes bacterial diversity and richness. Blastocystis is associated with changes in gut microbiota composition, the ultimate indicator of which is the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. The Bifidobacterium genus was significantly reduced in IBS patients and Blastocystis, and there is a significant decrease in Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, which has anti-inflammatory properties in Blastocystis infection without IBS. Lactobacillus species reduce the presence of Giardia, and the produced bacteriocins prevent parasite adhesion. The presence of helminths has been strongly associated with the transition from Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes and Clostridia. Contrary to Ascaris, alpha diversity in the intestinal microbiota decreases in chronic Trichuris muris infection, and growth and nutrient metabolism efficiency can be suppressed. Helminth infections indirectly affect mood and behavior in children through their effects on microbiota change. The main and focus of this review is to address the relationship of parasites with microbiota elements and to review the data about what changes they cause. Microbiota studies have gained importance recently and it is thought that it will contribute to the treatment of many diseases as well as in the fight against parasitic diseases in the future.

A Study on the Identification of Five Arboviruses from Hematophagous Mosquitoes and Midges Captured in Some Parts of Northern Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Whether zoonotic or not, arboviral infections are continuing to be a major threat to human health as well as the livestock industry all around the world. This project presented the results of the identification study on five arboviruses, including West Nile virus (WNV), Bovine ephemeral fever virus, Akabane virus, Bluetongue virus, and Epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus, in mosquitos and midges from eight provinces of the Black Sea Region. METHODS: During 2011 and 2012, 3193 mosquitoes were captured around natural streams, rivers, lakes, and ponds using dry-baited miniature light-traps. Identification studies were concluded by employing molecular methods. RESULTS: According to the morphological identification, blood-sucking mosquitoes and biting-midges belonged to Aedes (44.69%), Anopheles (28.34%), Culex (22.14%) and Culicoides (4.83%) species. Overall, 146 pools were made up of captured mosquitos and midges. None of the five viruses were directly identified by mosquitoes. CONCLUSION: Mosquitoes and midges have got a crucial role in the transmission of arboviruses. The risk of occurrence for the investigated arboviruses will continue depending upon many factors including the presence of these viruses in Turkey and its neighboring countries, uncontrolled livestock movements, global warming and climate changes.

Detection and identification of cutaneous leishmaniasis isolates by culture, Polymerase chain reaction and sequence analyses in Syrian and Central Anatolia patients.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize the cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) isolates of Syrian and Central Anatolia patients at species levels. Methods: Skin scrapings of 3 patients (2 Syrian, 1 Turkish) were taken and examined by direct examination, culture in Novy-MacNeal-Nicole (NNN) medium, internal transcribed spacer polymerase chain reaction and sequence analysis (PCR). Results:According to microscopic examination, culture and PCR methods, 3 samples were detected positive. The sequencing results of all isolates in the study were identified as Leishmania tropica. The same genotypes were detected in the 3 isolates and nucleotide sequence submitted into GenBank with the accession number: KP689599. Conclusion: This finding could give information about the transmission of CL between Turkey and Syria. Because of the Syrian civil war, most of the Syrian citizens circulating in Turkey and different part of Europe, this can be increase the risk of spreading the disease. So, prevention measurements must be taken urgently.

Effects of acetic acid on the viability of Ascaris lumbricoides eggs. Is vinegar reliable enough to clean the vegetables?

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of acetic acid on durable Ascaris lumbricoides (A. lumbricoides) eggs to determine the effective concentration of vinegar and the implementation period to render the consumption of raw vegetables more reliable. METHODS: This experimental study was performed in May 2015 in the Parasitology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Yuzuncu Yil University, Van, Turkey. The A. lumbricoides eggs were divided into 2 groups. Eggs in the study group were treated with 1, 3, 5, and 10% acetic acid concentrations, and eggs in the control group were treated with Eosin. The eggs' viability was observed at the following points in time during the experiment: 0, 10, 15, 20, 30, 45, and 60 minutes. RESULTS: The 1% acetic acid was determined insufficient on the viability of Ascaris eggs. At the 30th minute, 3% acetic acid demonstrated 95% effectiveness, and at 5% concentration, all eggs lost their viability. Treatment of acetic acid at the ratio of 4.8% in 30 minutes, or a ratio of 4.3% in 60 minutes is required for full success of tretment. CONCLUSION: Since Ascaris eggs have 3 layers and are very resistant, the acetic acid concentration, which can be effective on these eggs are thought to be effective also on many other parasitic agents. In order to attain an active protection, after washing the vegetables, direct treatment with a vinegar containing 5% acetic acid for 30 minutes is essential.

Clinical significance and prevalence of Blastocystis hominis in Van, Turkey.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the associated clinical symptoms and prevalence of Blastocystis hominis (B. hominis).  METHODS: Stool samples of 50,185 patients (26,784 males and 23,401 females) who were received at the Parasitology Laboratory of Yuzuncu Yil University Faculty of Medicine, Van, Turkey in the last 5 years were inspected microscopically using saline and iodine-stained wet-mount preparations. Age, gender, and symptoms of patients were recorded and their significance was evaluated.   RESULTS:   The prevalence of B. hominis in the total sample was 0.54% (275/50185). Out of 275 infected patients, 143 (52%) were males, and 132 (48%) were female (χ2=0.884; p=0.348). The distribution of B. hominis infection was high in 7-13 aged children (34.9%) (χ2=306.8; p=0.001). Blastocystis was higher among symptomatic patients (70.2%) compared with asymptomatic patients (29.8%) (χ2=107.13; p=0.001). The most frequent clinical symptoms associated with the disease were abdominal pain (27.3%) and diarrhea (19.6%) followed by anorexia, fever, saliva, anal itching, and nausea.  CONCLUSION: Blastocystis hominis is considered a causative agent of human disease in patients with recurrent symptoms. Due to the significant risk for zoonotic transmission, molecular techniques must be used to determine the route and source of infection.