Two Helminthic Cases of Human Mummy Remains from Joseon-Period Graves in Korea.

Our previous research on coprolite specimens from the mummies of Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910 CE) has revealed various species of parasite eggs. Herein, we added 2 new helminthic cases of human remains from Joseon-period graves in the Republic of Korea (Korea). The organic materials precipitated on the hip bones of 2 half-mummied cases (Goryeong and Gwangmyeong cases) were collected, rehydrated, and examined by a microscope. In the sample from Goryeong-gun (gun=County), ova of Trichuris trichiura, Clonorchis sinensis, and Metagonimus spp. were detected, and eggs of T. trichiura and A. lumbricoides were found from the sample of Gwangmyeong-si (si=City). By adding this outcome to the existing data pool, we confirm our previous estimates of Joseon-period parasite infection rates. The overall rates of A. lumbricoides, T. trichiura, and C. sinensis decreased dramatically from Joseon to the modern period. In Goryeong mummy specimen, we also found Metagonimus spp. eggs that has rarely been detected in archaeological samples so far.

Neuronal specification in C. elegans: combining lineage inheritance with intercellular signaling.

The nervous system is composed of a high diversity of neuronal types. How this diversity is generated during development is a key question in neurobiology. Addressing this question is one of the reasons that led Sydney Brenner to develop the nematode C. elegans as a model organism. While there was initially a debate on whether the neuronal specification follows a 'European' model (determined by ancestry) or an 'American' model (determined by intercellular communication), several decades of research have established that the truth lies somewhere in between. Neurons are specified by the combination of transcription factors inherited from the ancestor cells and signaling between neighboring cells (especially Wnt and Notch signaling). This converges to the activation in newly generated postmitotic neurons of a specific set of terminal selector transcription factors that initiate and maintain the differentiation of the neuron. In this review, we also discuss the evolution of these specification mechanisms in other nematodes and beyond.

Real-time detection and identification of nematode eggs genus and species through optical imaging.

Nematode eggs are pervasive pathogens that infect billions of people and livestock every year. Adult parasitic nematode worms can be distinguished based on their size and morphology. However, their eggs, particularly their species Ascaris lumbricoides and Ascaris suum cannot be identified from each other. Identifying eggs of helminths from wastewater and sludge is important from a public health perspective to minimize the spread of Ascaris infections. Numerous methods exist for nematode identification, from a morphological-based approach to high throughput sequencing technology. However, these techniques are not consistent and often laborious and time-consuming. In this study, we demonstrate that non-invasive real-time identification of eggs is possible based on their intrinsic fluorescence. Using confocal microscopy, we investigate the autofluorescence properties of five species of nematode eggs and observe clear differences between genus and for the first time their species in sludge samples. This non-invasive imaging technique could lead to better understanding of these species and may assist in early control of diseases.

Paleoparasitology of Merovingian Corpses Buried in Stone Sarcophagi in the Saint-Martin-au-Val Church (Chartres, France).

Paleoparasitological analysis was carried on 4 Merovingian skeletons, dated from the late-5th to the late-9th centuries, and recovered in the church of Saint-Martin-au-Val in Chartres (Center region, France). The corpses were buried in stone sarcophagi, which were still sealed at the time of excavation. Parasite marker extraction was conducted on sediment samples taken from the abdominal and pelvic regions, but also on samples taken from under the head and the feet as control samples. Microscopic observation revealed the presence of 3 gastrointestinal parasites, namely the roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides), the whipworm (Trichuris trichiura) and the fish tapeworm (genus Diphyllobothrium). This analysis contributes to a better knowledge of the health status and the lifestyle of ancient medieval populations during the Merovingian period, for which very few paleoparasitological data were available, up until now. It demonstrates the presence of the fish tapeworm for the first time during this period.

Comparison of methodologies for enumerating and detecting the viability of Ascaris eggs in sewage sludge by standard incubation-microscopy, the BacLight Live/Dead viability assay and other vital dyes.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the Live/Dead BacLight viability kit as a method for enumerating viable eggs of Ascaris suum in sewage sludge as a surrogate for the human roundworm. The number and viability status of eggs of A. suum were accurately measured directly in sewage sludge samples by the BacLight method, compared to the conventional incubation-microscopy procedure. BacLight stains were not toxic to A. suum eggs, in contrast to some conventional vital dyes which disrupted viable eggs. The method was effective for the direct examination of eggs in heavily contaminated samples or seeded sludge containing ∼200 eggs/g DS in sludge with 5% DS content. However, a recovery method would be necessary to examine samples with small numbers of eggs, for instance in sludge from regions where the prevalence of infection with Ascaris lumbricoides is low. The BacLight technique may therefore be an effective alternative to conventional incubation-microscopy for enumerating Ascaris eggs in contaminated field samples or to validate sludge treatment processes by examining decay rates of inoculated A. suum eggs in laboratory simulations. Most field samples would require recovery from an appropriate number of composite samples prior to vital staining.

Disinfection of domestic effluents by gamma radiation: effects on the inactivation of Ascaris lumbricoides eggs.

This work investigated the inactivation of Ascaris lumbricoides eggs in domestic effluents by gamma radiation from a (60)Co source. Domestic wastewater was treated in a compact demo-scale system consisting of a UASB reactor and a trickling filter; treatment was carried out at the Center for Research and Training on Sanitation (CePTS), Federal University of Minas Gerais, in Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil. One-liter of treated wastewater samples was artificially contaminated with an average of 1000 non-embryonated Ascaris lumbricoides eggs from human feces; samples were then irradiated in a multiple-purpose irradiator at different doses (0.5-5 kGy). Eggs were recovered from the wastewater and the viability of these irradiated eggs was evaluated; the description of the egg developmental phases with each dose of gamma radiation was recorded. Radiation doses of 3.5 kGy effectively disinfected effluents with lower concentrations of A. lumbricoides eggs; higher radiation doses of 5 kGy were necessary to disinfect effluents with higher eggs concentrations.

Quantitative phase restoration by direct inversion using the optical transfer function.

Quantitative phase recovery of phase objects is achieved by a direct inversion using the defocused weak object transfer function. The presented method is noniterative and is based on partially coherent principles. It also takes into account the optical properties of the system and gives the phase of the object directly. The proposed method is especially suitable for application to weak phase objects, such as live and unstained biological samples but, surprisingly, has also been shown to work with comparatively strong phase objects.

The role of dogs in transmission of Ascaris lumbricoides for humans.

The dog's role as a definitive host for a number of zoonotic parasites has been widely studied and recognized as being a significant public health problem worldwide. This study aimed to report, for the first time, our investigation into the role of dogs as a biological transmitter for Ascaris lumbricoides, via necropsy of a sample of rural stray dogs in a developing community in Giza governorate, Egypt, where promiscuous defecation by human was common, and examination for A. lumbricoides worms as well as other ascaridiod nematodes of dogs. The recovered worms were identified in the laboratory after observing cephalic alae and egg morphology under a microscope, as well as scanning electron microscopy of their anterior ends. Of the 25 dogs examined, 14 were infected with Toxocara canis (56.0%), two with Toxascaris leonina (8.0%), and two with A. lumbricoides (8.0%). One dog was co-infected with T. canis and T. leonina. A. lumbricoides eggs were shown to be viable and 75-80% of eggs embryonated following 3 weeks of incubation at 28 degrees C. The present study suggested that dogs could act as reservoir hosts of A. lumbricoides and environmental contaminators that increase risk of infection in humans.

Cólico renoureteral producido por gusano redondo (Ascaris lumbricoides) / Renoureteral colic produced by round worm (Ascaris lumbricoides)

Se presentó un caso de un paciente del sexo masculino de 57 años de edad que acudió al cuerpo de guardia de nuestro centro por presentar dolor intenso en región lumbar derecha con irradiación a flanco y genitales externos, acompañado de náuseas, vómitos y escalofríos, por lo que necesitó analgésico. Se estudió y se le orientó tratamiento médico. En su evolución a los 4 días expulsó parásito por uretra que fue llevado al laboratorio de parasitología. Se diagnostica Ascaris lumbricoides, y se le orienta tratamiento médico específico y estudios de laboratorio. Se hizo interconsulta con servicio de gastroenterología y el paciente ha evolucionado satisfactoriamente.

The case of a male patient aged 57 that received attention at the emergency department of our center for presenting acute pain on the right lumbar region that went to the flank and genitalia, accompanied with nausea, vomits and shills, that made necessary the administration of analgesics, was presented. The patient was studied and medical treatment was applied. At the four days of evolution the patient expelled a parasite through the urethra that was taken to the parasitology laboratory. Ascaris lumbricoides was diagnosed and specific medical treatment and lab studies were indicated. Interconsultation with the gastroenterology service was made and the patient has evolved satisfactorily.

Cólico renoureteral producido por gusano redondo (Ascaris lumbricoides) / Renoureteral colic produced by round worm (Ascaris lumbricoides)

Se presentó un caso de un paciente del sexo masculino de 57 años de edad que acudió al cuerpo de guardia de nuestro centro por presentar dolor intenso en región lumbar derecha con irradiación a flanco y genitales externos, acompañado de náuseas, vómitos y escalofríos, por lo que necesitó analgésico. Se estudió y se le orientó tratamiento médico. En su evolución a los 4 días expulsó parásito por uretra que fue llevado al laboratorio de parasitología. Se diagnostica Ascaris lumbricoides, y se le orienta tratamiento médico específico y estudios de laboratorio. Se hizo interconsulta con servicio de gastroenterología y el paciente ha evolucionado satisfactoriamente(AU)

The case of a male patient aged 57 that received attention at the emergency department of our center for presenting acute pain on the right lumbar region that went to the flank and genitalia, accompanied with nausea, vomits and shills, that made necessary the administration of analgesics, was presented. The patient was studied and medical treatment was applied. At the four days of evolution the patient expelled a parasite through the urethra that was taken to the parasitology laboratory. Ascaris lumbricoides was diagnosed and specific medical treatment and lab studies were indicated. Interconsultation with the gastroenterology service was made and the patient has evolved satisfactorily(AU)