Occurrence of Cryptosporidium in the water basins of nitra region, slovakia.

Cryptosporidium species C. parvum and C. hominis are a common cause of human diarrheal infections worldwide. In this study we attempted to detect these parasites in fish ponds and a water reservoirs in the Nitra region of Slovakia. We identified C. parvum genotype IIaA15G1R1 and genotype IIaA16G1R1 and C. hominis genotype IeA11G3T3 in these locations. Occurrence of the same genotype of C. hominis in two different locations indicates that this parasite is most likely present in the river that connects them. These results indicate a serious threat to public health of humans since these locations are used for fishing and for recreational activities.

Significantly higher occurrence of Cryptosporidium infection in Roma children compared with non-Roma children in Slovakia.

Cryptosporidiosis is considered to be a widespread world zoonosis. The occurrence of Cryptosporidium species was investigated in Roma children in a district of Eastern Slovakia and, at the same time, also in children of non-Roma parents. In total, 103 children (54 boys and 49 girls) between 0 and 14 years of age were involved in this study. Fifty-three were Roma children and 50 children represented a non-Roma control group. Fecal samples were examined: immunologically [enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test to prove antigen in the feces] and by molecular analysis [nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR)]. After the sequencing of the PCR, the products were identified as species of Cryptosporidium muris. Based on the results, the relative risk (RR) of the Cryptosporidium infection occurrence was calculated and we came to the conclusion that the risk of Cryptosporidium infection was almost 12 times higher in the Roma children compared to the non-Roma children.

First detection and genotyping of human-associated microsporidia in wild waterfowl of Slovakia.

A total of 47 avian faecal samples of wild waterfowl (great cormorant - Phalacrocorax carbo, great crested grebe - Podiceps cristatus, white stork - Ciconia ciconia) trapped in the eastern Slovakia were screened for the presence of human pathogenic microsporidia by microscopy and real-time SYBR Green PCR method using species primers and sequenced. Microscopic analysis showed presence in 32 samples (29 cormorants, 3 dippers). Microsporidial DNA (Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotype I) was identified in 19 faeces samples (40.4%) namely cormorants in 17 out of 40, one dipper of 5 and a stork out of 2. The present work describes three new host species of the bird population in microsporidium Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotype I which confirms the theory of low specificity of this species.

Encephalitozoonosis in household pet Nederland Dwarf rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

The paper presents the results of examination of 32 domestically bred rabbits, the breed Nederland Dwarf of Oryctolagus cuniculus, for the presence of Encephalitozoon cuniculi microsporidian species. The results of serological tests for E. cuniculi in 32 rabbits are reviewed along with other follow-up studies of clinical cases. Blood samples were taken from 7 asymptomatic rabbits and 25 rabbits showing neurological and ocular signs suggestive of encephalitozoonosis. In the asymptomatic group, 5 out of 7 rabbits were seropositive (71%). 16 rabbits with clinical diseases showed neurological sings, including torticollis, circus-like movements, loss of weight; 6 of them also showed ataxia, anorexia, asthenia of hind-limbs and 3 showed ocular signs. All 25 rabbits were seropositive. The spores of E. cuniculi were isolated from the faecal samples or kidneys and brain of an animal and subsequently were used for DNA isolation and PCR analysis.

[Host immune response in mammals to Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection]. / Imunitná odpoved' cicavcov na infekciu Encephalitozoon cuniculi.

The immunity system status of an individual plays the key role in regulation of opportune infection. In the fight against the intracellular parasites several non-specific as well as specific immunity mechanisms are applied. The dominant role in response to infection caused by the representatives of genus Encephalitozoon plays the cell-mediated immune response. Encephalitozoon cuniculi, as the most explored representative of this genus is able to survive in the host organism despite his active immunity response. Latent asymptomatic infection goes on only as long as the parasite multiplication and immune response are balanced.

[Detection of anti-microsporidial antibodies in patients with secondary immunodeficiency]. / Sledovanie výskytu antimikrosporídiových protilátok u pacientov so sekundárnou imunodeficienciou.

Microsporidia are a group of eukaryotic obligate intracellular parasites that infect most invertebrates and all classes of vertebrates, including man. In human population, microsporidia are emerging as opportunistic pathogens in immunocompromised patients. Two groups of human sera (318 serum samples) were tested by ELISA for the presence of specific antimicrosporidial (anti-Encephalitozoon intestinalis) antibodies. Group 1 included 120 patients with secondary immunodeficiency, group 2 consisted of 198 immunocompetent controls. Anti-Encephalitozoon intestinalis antibodies were detected in 29 (24.16%) patients and 20 (10.1%) immunocompetent controls. The difference in prevalence of antibodies against Encephalitozoon intestinalis between the groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05%).