The first human case of rhabditiasis in Bangladesh.

Rhabditiasis, caused by Rhabditis nematode, has long been recognized as a veterinary concern, however, human infection is exceedingly rare. For the first time in Bangladesh, this study confirmed human rhabditiasis infecting a 12-year-old child. The identification was made based on morphometric features and confirmed by amplifying the mitochondrial cox1 gene. During microscopical examination of stool samples, heavy infection with several developmental stages (larvae, adult males, and females) of nematodes was observed. Following morphometric analysis, the nematode was identified as Rhabditis sp. The features used in confirming the species were elongated tail, bulbous enlargement of mid-esophagus, and presence of adult males passed in the stool. The results of the phylogenetic analysis showed that isolates of Rhabditis sp. belonged to distinct clades alongside S. stercoralis.

Molecular evidence of hookworms in public environment of Bangladesh.

Accurate diagnosis by precise identification of causative agents is essential for the effectiveness of any control interventions. Despite high zoonotic potential, available literature on hookworms in Bangladesh is still scarce and nonspecific. The objective of this study was to determine the occurrence of hookworms in public locations across northeastern Bangladesh (Sylhet metropolitan area) using integrated parasitological and molecular assays. A total of 130 samples (80 soil and 50 environmental canine feces) were collected and examined using modified flotation technique and formalin-ether sedimentation methods. Modified plate culture was used to isolate larvae. The identification was made based on morphometric features and confirmed by amplifying the ITS region of the nuclear rDNA. Overall, 66.2% (86/130) of examined samples were positive for hookworms infection. Characteristic eggs (61-68 × 29-37 µm) and/or larvae of hookworms were observed in 73.8% (59/80) soils and 54.0% (27/50) environmental fecal samples. Rhabditiform larvae (0.48-0.54 × 0.04-0.07 mm) were observed in cultured samples. Genetic analysis of rDNA sequences revealed the presence of Ancylostoma caninum and Ancylostoma ceylanicum. In this study, hookworms' contamination of the public environment was substantial. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first molecular proof of A. caninum and A. ceylanicum observed in urban public environment in Bangladesh.

Morphometry and Molecular Identification of Haemonchus Cobb, 1898 (Trichostrongylidae: Nematoda) Isolates from Small Ruminants in Tanzania Based on Mitochondrial cox 1 and rRNA-ITS genes.

The genus Haemonchus is the major abomasal parasite of ruminants responsible for substantial economic losses in tropical and temperate regions. This study was conducted to clarify the morphometry and molecular characterisation of Haemonchus species isolated from sheep in Babati district, Tanzania. A total of 486 trichostrongylid nematodes were recovered from five sheep. Of the total worms, 106 nematodes were distinguished by 37 males and 69 females. The asymmetrical length of dorsal ray and the distance of bulb at the apex of spicules were used for identification of males. In females, the linguiform vulvar flap was the most predominant with 33 out of 69 (48%) compared with knobbed morph type which was 25/69 (36%) and smooth morph type with 11/69 (16%). Partial cox1 sequence fragments of Haemonchus contortus isolates showed 98.8%, 99.3%, 99.7%, 99.5%, 99.3%, and 98.4% in male, smooth, knobbed, linguiform A, linguiform B, and linguiform C, respectively; with the average nucleotide divergence ranged from 1.03 to 2.35%. The amplified fragments of ITS-2 genes in knobbed, linguiform A, and smooth morphotypes revealed 99.4%, 98.5%, and 98.3%, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis was evaluated by employing Bayesian inference and maximum-likelihood, and the tree was distinctly separated into three clusters focusing on H. contortus in cluster I within the family Haemonchidae. Genetic drifting, mutation, and modification of the morphological features of the Haemonchus species described to have an impact on the development of drug resistance. Species identification is necessary to understand which species infect animal host. We recommend more studies on the parasites intensity and the strategies for controlling Haemonchus species in Tanzania.

Genetic and Morphological Identification of Spirometra decipiens in Snakes and Domestic Dog Found in Cuba.

Spirometra (Cestoda: Diphyllobothriidea) affects humans and some species of domestic and wild animals which eventually interact with humans. In this article, we report three new cases of Spirometra decipiens (Diesing, 1850) infection observed in two intermediate hosts and one definitive host, in Cuba. Genetic and morphological identification of S. decipiens in two snakes and a domestic dog were carried out by molecular means and routine histological study using hematoxylin-eosin staining, respectively. Taken together, the anatomical location, the host species infected with the specimens and their morphological and genetic features, all the samples were identified as S. decipiens. In each of the three cases, PCR assays using specific primers amplified bands that corresponded to S. decipiens species. To our knowledge, this paper is the first report of S. decipiens in species of Cuban endemic fauna and in the Caribbean islands. These species constitute a real or potential risk of transmission of Spirometra to humans in Cuba.

Molecular Detection of Haplorchis pumilio Eggs in Schoolchildren, Kome Island, Lake Victoria, Tanzania.

A survey of intestinal helminths targeting 1,440 schoolchildren in 12 primary schools on Kome Island (Lake Victoria), Tanzania, revealed small trematode eggs in 19 children (1.3%), seemingly of a species of Haplorchis or Heterophyes. The eggs were molecularly confirmed to be Haplorchis pumilio on the basis of 18S and 28S rDNA sequences.

An update of intestinal helminth infections among urban slum communities in Bangladesh.

Aim: To assess the prevalence of intestinal helminth infections and associated risk factors among people living in urban slums in Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted across three clusters: Dhaka, Sylhet and Chattogram. In total, 360 individuals divided into two groups (school-aged children and adults) provided stool samples and completed a semi-structured questionnaire. Parasitological assessment was performed using the formol-ether concentration technique. Results: Overall, 31.7% (114/360) of participants had helminthiasis, with 13.3% (48/360) having mixed infections. Among the infected participants, school-aged children had a higher rate of infection (41.7%, 75/180) compared with adults (21.7%, 39/180). Ascaris lumbricoides was the predominant parasite, followed by hookworms, Trichuris trichiura, Hymenolepis nana, Enterobius vermicularis and Rhabditis sp. Parasitic infections were significantly associated with type of latrine used, direct exposure to soil, open defaecation, and presence of free-roaming animals. Conclusion: Despite continuous efforts to control helminthiasis, a substantial proportion of the study participants were infected with intestinal helminths. Ignorance of the roles of the environment and animals was influential, and had a negative impact on existing control interventions. An integrated public health and veterinary public health approach is required for sustainable control of intestinal helminthiasis.

Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Philometroides seriolae from Japanese Amberjack Seriola quinqueradiata caught in East Sea, Republic of Korea.

The Japanese amberjack Seriolae quinqueradiata is one of the most consumed fish species among the Koreans. However, information regarding parasitic infection in Japanese amberjack is scarce. This study described the morphological and molecular characteristics of a species of philometrid nematode, Philometroides seriolae, which was recovered from Japanese amberjack. This fish was caught in the sea of Goseong-gun, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea (Korea). Six P. seriolae (Nematoda: Philometridae) were recovered from 2 Japanese amberjacks. These parasites were subgravid female which were 325-420 mm long and 2.95-3.27 mm wide. Furthermore, they had typical papillae distributed on their body surface with 14 papillae at the apical view. Sequence analysis of the small subunits of ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) showed high sequence identity (99.8%, 1,607/1,611-bp) with that of P. seriolae (GenBank accession no. FJ155811). This nematode species has been newly added to the Korean nematode fauna.

Insights to helminth infections in food and companion animals in Bangladesh: Occurrence and risk profiling.

INTRODUCTION: A better understanding of the epidemiology of helminths in animal hosts is important in order to ensure animal welfare, public health and food safety. The aim of this study was to explore parasitism in common animals in Bangladesh. Perception and understanding of animal owners regarding parasitic diseases management were also assessed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 550 fecal samples were examined from common animals (cattle, goat, pig, chicken, dog, and cat) across three different areas of Bangladesh (Dhaka, Sylhet, and Chattogram) from January 2020 to March 2021. Associated risk factors were assessed through questionnaire surveys among 50 animal owners. Parasitological assessment was done using the combined sedimentation-flotation method, and factors associated with infection were modeled using mixed-effects logistic regression. RESULTS: Helminths including Toxocara sp., Spirometra sp., Capillaria sp., Trichuris sp., opisthorchiid, Ascaris suum, Fasciola sp., Paramphistomum sp., strongyles, hookworms, roundworms, taeniid, and acanthocephalans were detected in the examined animals, and overall prevalence was 59.3% (95% CI = 54.1-62.8). Parasites were found in 61.3% (245/400) of food animals and 54.0% (81/150) of companion animals. Animal owners have a good understanding of parasite infections; however, that knowledge was not being translated into practice. Logistic regression analysis showed that frequency of deworming, animal husbandry practice, contact with untreated animals, and treatment-seeking behaviors were significantly associated with parasitic infection. CONCLUSION: Several types of zoonotic parasites are widely prevalent in animals of Bangladesh and pose a potential risk to human health. This study highlights the need to diagnose animal parasitic infection and intensified case management to avoid spillovers to animals and humans.

Genotypes of Echinococcus Species from Cattle in Tanzania.

Cystic echinococcosis is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by Echinococcus species. Tanzania is one of the endemic countries with cystic echinococcosis. This study focussed on identifying genotypes of Echinococcus spp. in Tanzania. We collected 7 cysts from cattle in Mwanza municipal (n=4) and Loliondo district (n=3). The cysts from Mwanza were all E. ortleppi and fertile. In contrast, the cysts from Loliondo were all E. granulosus sensu stricto and sterile. Two from the 4 cysts were a new haplotype of E. ortleppi (G5). These results can improve the preventive and control programs for humans and livestock in Tanzania. To our knowledge, this study is considered the first to identify the genotype and haplotype of Echinococcus spp. in Tanzania.

Insights into geohelminth contamination in Bangladesh: feasibility of a modified diagnostic method and prevalence study.

INTRODUCTION: The objectives of this study were to evaluate a modified method for isolating geohelminth eggs and to assess the geohelminth contamination in Bangladesh. METHODS: The efficacy of the modified method was evaluated using naturally contaminated and experimentally seeded soil samples. In total, 240 samples were assessed from four different sites in three geographic contexts. A questionnaire survey with 50 professionals was conducted. RESULTS: The modified method showed considerable efficacy in isolating parasitic eggs from naturally contaminated soil (54.0%) and experimentally seeded soils (63.0% for Toxocara eggs and 52.0% for Ascaris eggs). The modified method was described as convenient by the majority of participants. Overall prevalence was 52.5%, with several species of helminth observed, including Toxocara sp., Ascaridia galli/Heterakis gallinarum, Ascaris sp., hookworms/strongyles, Capillaria sp., Trichuris sp., and taeniids). The contamination rate was found to be higher around livestock farms (76.7%), followed by latrines (63.3%), households (41.6%), and schools (28.3%). CONCLUSIONS: The modified method was shown to be feasible in terms of field applicability and egg recovery rate, and could be adopted in low-resource settings. A substantial prevalence of geohelminths was observed, with some of the species associated with zoonoses. These findings highlight the urgent need for widespread mapping of geohelminths to avoid spillovers to animals and humans.

Mitochondrial Genome of Spirometra theileri Compared with Other Spirometra Species.

This study was carried out to provide information on the taxonomic classification and analysis of mitochondrial genomes of Spirometra theileri. One strobila of S. theileri was collected from the intestine of an African leopard (Panthera pardus) in the Maswa Game Reserve, Tanzania. The complete mtDNA sequence of S. theileri was 13,685 bp encoding 36 genes including 12 protein genes, 22 tRNAs and 2 rRNAs with absence of atp8. Divergences of 12 protein-coding genes were as follow: 14.9% between S. theileri and S. erinaceieuropaei, 14.7% between S. theileri and S. decipiens, and 14.5% between S. theileri with S. ranarum. Divergences of 12 proteins of S. theileri and S. erinaceieuropaei ranged from 2.3% in cox1 to 15.7% in nad5, while S. theileri varied from S. decipiens and S. ranarum by 1.3% in cox1 to 15.7% in nad3. Phylogenetic relationship of S. theileri with eucestodes inferred using the maximum likelihood and Bayesian inferences exhibited identical tree topologies. A clade composed of S. decipiens and S. ranarum formed a sister species to S. erinaceieuropaei, and S. theileri formed a sister species to all species in this clade. Within the diphyllobothridean clade, Dibothriocephalus, Diphyllobothrium and Spirometra formed a monophyletic group, and sister genera were well supported.

Occurrence of a Hybrid Between Taenia saginata and Taenia asiatica Tapeworms in Cambodia.

Human infection with Taenia asiatica or a hybrid between Taenia saginata and T. asiatica has not been reported in Cambodia. We detected for the first time a hybrid form between T. saginata and T. asiatica in Preah Vihear Province, Cambodia. An adult tapeworm specimen, i.e., 75 cm long strobila without scolex, was expelled from a 27-year-old man after praziquantel medication and purging. It was morphologically indistinguishable between T. saginata and T. asiatica. Several proglottids were molecularly analyzed to confirm the tapeworm species. The mitochondrial gene encoding cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and nuclear genes encoding elongation factor-1α (ef1) and ezrin-radixin-moesin (ERM)-like protein (elp) were sequenced, and a single-allele analysis was performed to confirm the haploid genotype. The results revealed that our sample showed a discrepancy between the mitochondrial and 2 nuclear genes. It possessed homozygous sequences typical of T. saginata at cox1 and ef1 loci. However, it was heterozygous at the elp locus, with 1 allele in T. asiatica (elpA) and 1 in T. saginata (elpC), which indicates that it is a hybrid between T. saginata and T. asiatica. The present results confirmed the presence of a hybrid between T. saginata and T. asiatica in Cambodia and strongly suggest the existence of also 'pure' T. asiatica in Cambodia.

Morphometrical and Molecular Characterization of Oesophagostomum columbianum (Chabertiidae: Oesophagostominae) and Haemonchus contortus (Trichostrongylidae: Haemonchinae) Isolated from Goat (Capra hircus) in Sylhet, Bangladesh.

This study was aimed at describing two (2) intestinal nematodes from naturally infected native breed of goats (Capra hircus) in Bangladesh, identified as Oesophagostomum columbianum (Curtice, 1890) Stossich 1899 and Haemonchus contortus (Rudolphi, 1803) Cobb, 1898. The identification was made based on morphometric features and was confirmed by amplifying internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and cytochrome c oxidase (cox1) gene. Well-developed lateral alae, distinct cervical papillae anteriorly to esophageal expansion, and male spicule length (0.73-0.79 mm, n = 2) were characteristically observed in O. columbianum. At the same time, male spicule length (0.40-0.46 mm, n = 2) and position of female vulvar flap (4.30-4.54 mm from posterior end, n = 3) were observed in H. contortus. DNA sequence homology of the ITS and cox1 gene of both specimens revealed the same results, showing similarity to the GenBank sequences of O. columbianum (GenBank No. KC715827; JX188470) and H. contortus (GenBank No. KJ724377; HQ389229). Phylogenetic analysis computed by maximum livelihood (ML) from the ITS nucleotide sequences revealed that the O. columbianum and H. contortus isolates identified in this study were clustered in the same clade with isolates from China and Iran, respectively. This study, for the first time, illustrates the characteristics of O. columbianum and H. contortus in Bangladesh, combining both morphological and molecular data. The universal primer-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocol could be an economical and efficient option for researchers from poor resource settings for precise identification of nematodes. The information generated in this study may contribute to formulating effective control strategies against these nematodes.

Insight into One Health Approach: Endoparasite Infections in Captive Wildlife in Bangladesh.

Introduction: Endoparasites in captive wildlife might pose a threat to public health; however, very few studies have been conducted on this issue, and much remains to be learned, especially in limited-resource settings. This study aimed to investigate endoparasites of captive wildlife in Bangladesh. Perception and understanding of veterinarians regarding one health and zoonoses were also assessed. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2019 to August 2020. A total of 45 fecal samples from 18 different species of wild animals (i.e., 11 species of mammals: herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores, six birds, and a single reptile species) were collected randomly. Parasitological assessments were done by modified formalin ether sedimentation technique and rechecked by Sheather's sugar floatation technique. Molecular identification of Spirometra spp. was conducted by amplifying the cytochrome c oxidase 1 (cox1) gene. Questionnaire surveys among 15 veterinarians and an in-depth interview (IDI) with a zoo officer were conducted. Results: Helminths (Spirometra sp., Capillaria sp., Ascaridia/Heterakis, opisthorchiid, strongyles, acuariid, hookworms, roundworms, and unidentified nematode larvae) and protozoa (coccidian oocyst) were identified, and the overall prevalence was 48.9% (22/45). The cox1 sequences (341 bp) of the Bangladesh-origin Spirometra species from lion showed 99.3-99.7% similarity to the reference sequences of Spirometra decipiens (GenBank No: KJ599679.1; MT122766). The majority of study participants (86.6%) agreed about the importance of endoparasite control in zoo animals, and 73.3% expressed that the one health concept should be promoted in Bangladesh. Only 6.7% of veterinarians perceived confidence in diagnosing parasitic diseases and preventing antiparasiticidal resistance. Conclusions: In the present survey, we found a considerable prevalence of endoparasites in captive wildlife. For the first time, zoonotically important S. decipiens from lion was molecularly characterized in Bangladesh. Veterinarian training is required to improve parasite control knowledge and practice. This study highlights the need for routine parasitological assessment, promotion of one health, and improvement of the implementation of current parasite control strategies in zoo animals.

Ocular Sparganosis: The First Report of Spirometra ranarum in Thailand.

A 22-year-old Thai man from the Northeast region presented with acute eye swelling, itching, and discharge on his left eye. He was suspected of having gnathostomiasis and treated with albendazole and prednisolone for 3 weeks. Nine months later, he was treated with high-dose oral prednisolone for the preliminary and differential diagnoses with thyroid-associated orbitopathy and lymphoma. He had been administered prednisolone intermittently over a few years. Then he developed a painless movable mass at the left upper eyelid and recurrent pseudotumor oculi was suspected. The surgical removal of the mass was performed. A white pseudosegmented worm revealed a definite diagnosis of ocular sparganosis by a plerocercoid larva. Molecular diagnosis of the causative species was made based on the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene. Proper technique of extraction and amplification of short fragments DNA from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue successfully identified parasite species. The result from the sequencing of the PCR-amplified cox1 fragments in this study showed 99.0% sequence homology to Spirometra ranarum. This is the first report of S. ranarum in Thailand.

Integration of health education intervention to improve the compliance to mass drug administration for soil-transmitted helminths infection in Bangladesh: An implementation research.

INTRODUCTION: In Bangladesh, the prevention and control strategy of soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STHs) is based on the mass drug administration (MDA) program. Despite bi-annual MDA since 2008, the reported compliance is still below the target, and the STH prevalence is high in several areas. This study was done to assess the feasibility and barriers of integrating health education (HE) intervention to achieve the target MDA compliance in the local context of Bangladesh. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A mixed-method study, utilizing PRISM (Practical Robust Implementation Sustainability Model) framework, was conducted between July 2017 to March 2018 in Dhaka and Sylhet divisions of Bangladesh. A total of 640 school-aged children selected from four different schools were divided into intervention and control groups. Eight focus group discussions (FGDs) and eight in-depth interviews (IDIs) were also conducted among 56 adults, including parents of school-aged children, school teachers, and health officers. RESULTS: Quantitative findings revealed that HE intervention had a significant role (P < .05) to improve the mean knowledge score in the intervention group (3.35) compared to the control group (0.29). STH preventive behaviours and MDA participating attitudes were also significantly increased in the intervention group (P < .05) compared to the control group. Some of the major barriers associated with HE integration identified in the qualitative study were budget deficiencies, inadequate training of program implementers, and information gaps. In contrast, the school environment and positive community attitudes were observed as supportive factors for the integration of HE. CONCLUSION: Increased knowledge score and behaviour changes due to HE intervention demonstrated in this study hint that integration of HE with MDA is feasible and can be promising to promote MDA compliance and to reduce STH prevalence in this setting. However, the allocation of adequate budget, as well as coordination and collaboration with local political context, should be addressed for the sustainability of integration.

Descriptions of Two Digenean Trematodes Found from a Chinese Sea Snake, Laticauda semifasciata, in Republic of Korea.

We intended to describe 2 digenean trematodes found from a Chinese sea snake, Laticauda semifasciata, as the new fauna in the Republic of Korea. The snake was caught offshore of Aewol-eup, Jeju-do, in August 2017. Two species of fluke were found in the lung and intestinal tract of the snake in the process of necropsy. They were identified as Pulmovermis cyanovitellosus Coil and Kuntz, 1960 and Harmotrema laticaudae Yamaguti, 1933, respectively based on the morphological characters. Pulmovermis cyanovitellosus showed elongated body with well-developed and elongated male genital system and compact vitelline. And H. laticaudae was characterized by linguiform body with heavily armed cirrus with excretory system. This is the first time both species have been reported and described off the Korean coast. We provide morphological descriptions with some comments on their biology and geographical distribution. In addition, the taxonomic validity of the genus Hydrophitrema Sandars, 1960 was discussed, in terms of morphological descriptions and host ranges. This study provides novel insight into digenean fluke species existing off the coast of Korea.