Rare case of human Ancylostoma ceylanicum infection in Bangladesh.

The zoonotic hookworm species Ancylostoma ceylanicum has drawn more attention recently because of its potential impact on public health. Although A. duodenale and Necator americanus are more common, A. ceylanicum is still known to play a major role in human infections, particularly in regions where close human-animal interactions are prevalent. While there has been a notable increase in documenting the presence of A. ceylanicum in the Asia-Pacific area, bottlenecks remains in understanding its epidemiology in Bangladesh. This report highlights the first documented case of Ancylostoma ceylanicum infection isolated and identified in a 15-year-old girl experiencing frequent diarrhea and weakness, residing in an urban tea garden area in Sylhet, Bangladesh. Microscopic examination of stool samples revealed the presence of hookworm eggs and subsequent culture led to the observation of larvae. Molecular investigation by amplifying Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS1+) regions of the ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid (rDNA) confirmed the infection as A. ceylanicum. The identification of Ancylostoma ceylanicum in a human host in Bangladesh carries significant implications for global health. The careful measurement of eggs and larvae, coupled with molecular analysis, serves as an appropriate diagnostic strategy for confirming the infections. This finding emphasizes the emergence of A. ceylanicum as a zoonotic infection in endemic regions and calls for increased awareness among healthcare professionals and the general public.

Morpho-molecular investigation of ectoparasitic infestation of companion animals in Sylhet city, Bangladesh.

Ticks (Ixodida) and Fleas (Siphonaptera) are considered among the most important arthropod of public health concern due to their ability to transmit vector-borne pathogens to humans. By sharing a common environment, vector-borne diseases constituted major setbacks to the development of a pet population in Bangladesh. This study aimed to determine companion animal-associated ticks and fleas based on morpho-molecular approaches. Between December 2021 and May 2022, 74 animals (62 cats and 12 dogs) were examined, of which 17 (27.4%) cats and 9 (75.0%) dogs had ectoparasitic infestations, with 35.1% overall prevalence. Morphometrical examination showed the ectoparasites in these animals were Ctenocephalides spp. (flea) and Riphicephalus spp. (tick). Genetic analysis using the mitochondrial markers i.e. Cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) revealed the presence of two flea species i.e., Ctenocephalides canis, Ctenocephalides felis, and one tick species Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Interviews of animal owners indicate that 35.14% of them had no concern about ectoparasitic infestation or ectoparasites-borne diseases. Our results indicated that fleas and ticks were the most common ectoparasites in companion animals of this area. The zoonotic nature of some ectoparasites can be regarded as a public health alert. The findings will assist epidemiologists and policymakers in offering customized guidance for upcoming monitoring and preventive tactics in this area.

An Update on Gastrointestinal Parasitic Infection in Captive Wild Animals in Bangladesh.

Gastrointestinal parasites cause health problems and even death in captive animals. These animals are more susceptible to parasitic infestations because of confinement and stress. The aim of the study is to describe parasitic causal agents in captive wild animals at the Bangladesh National Zoo, Chittagong Zoo, and Tilagarh Eco Park, in Sylhet. A total of 54 fecal samples were collected from the Bangladesh Zoo, Chittagong Zoo, and Tilagarh Eco Park from April 2022 to November 2022. Samples were collected from animals of the groups Aves (16), Reptiles (4), Artiodactyla (23), Perissodactyla (8), and Proboscidea (3). All samples were examined using a modified formalin ether sedimentation technique. Fecal examination consoled an overall occurrence of 61.1%. Out of 54 samples, 33 were positive for parasitic infection. The parasites observed were as follows: Ascarididae eggs (57.58%), Capillaria spp. (18.18%), Strongyloides spp. (9.09%), Trichuris spp. (6.06%), and mixed infection (9.09%). The order Reptiles had a 100% infection rate, while Aves had the lowest infection rate (50%). Only nematodes were detected in this study. Without showing evident, clinical signs and symptoms of disease, the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites is high. This indicates a subclinical infection. This study shows that more epidemiological research and sanitation management programs, including regular antihelminthic therapy for controlling parasitic infection, should be adopted in zoos and ecoparks.