Molecular characterization of Fasciola hepatica in endemic regions of Colombia.

Fasciola hepatica is a zoonotic trematode that affects a wide range of hosts, including cattle, sheep, and goats. The economic impact of the parasite on the cattle industry is significant, with high losses reported worldwide. While its impact on human health was previously underestimated, recent years have seen a rise in fascioliasis cases, leading to increased interest among researchers globally. To characterize the genetic diversity and intraspecific variation of this parasite in South America, specifically in Colombia, we collected 105 adult parasites from cattle bile ducts in seven Colombian departments (Antioquia, Boyacá, Santander, Cauca, Cundinamarca, Nariño, Norte de Santander, and Santander) to assess the parasite's phenotypic analyses, genetic diversity, and population structure. A computer image analysis system (CIAS) was applied based on standardized morphological measurements. Liver-fluke size was studied by principal component analysis (PCA). DNA sequences were obtained for nuclear markers such as the 28S, ß-tubulin 3, ITS1, ITS2, and the mitochondrial marker Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI). Multiple statistical tests were performed, and the parasite's population structure was analyzed. Maximum Likelihood (ML) phylogenetic reconstructions were carried out using the sequences obtained herein and sequences available in GenBank. Morphological results revealed that all the obtained individuals matched F. hepatica's morphology. There was no evidence of high genetic diversity, and the absence of genetic structure at the country-level was notable, possibly caused by a demographic expansion of this trematode in Colombia or the low resolution of the molecular markers employed. Future studies are still needed to unveil the genetic population structure of F. hepatica across the country.

Describing the intestinal microbiota of Holstein Fasciola-positive and -negative cattle from a hyperendemic area of fascioliasis in central Colombia.

The ability to identify compositional changes in the intestinal microbiota of parasitized hosts is important for understanding the physiological processes that may affect animal productivity. Within the field of host-parasite interactions, many studies have suggested that helminths can influence the microbial composition of their hosts via their immunomodulatory effects. Bovine fascioliasis is a helminthiasis widely studied by immunologists, but with little information available regarding gut microbial communities. Thus, we aimed to describe the composition of the intestinal microbiota of Holstein Fasciola-positive and -negative cattle using parasitological methods and ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Bovine fecal samples (n = 65) were obtained from livestock slaughter plants in the Cundi-Boyacense Colombian highlands (a hyperendemic region for bovine fascioliasis) and studied by amplicon-based next-generation 16S-rRNA and 18S-rRNA gene sequencing. From these samples, 35 were Fasciola hepatica-negative and, 30 were F. hepatica-positive in our detection analysis. Our results showed a reduction in the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and Ascomycota in the Fasciola-positive samples, along with decreased relative abundances of the commensal taxa previously associated with fermentation and digestion processes. However, metabolomic approaches and functional analyzes of the intestinal microbiota are necessary to support these hypothesis. These findings are a small first step in the development of research aimed at understanding how microbial populations in bovines are modulated in liver helminth infections.

Ascariasis intestinal. Tres casos pediátricos con complicaciones severas en Cauca, Colombia / Intestinal ascariasis. Three pediatric cases with severe complications in Cauca, Colombia

Se presentan tres casos clínicos de niños atendidos en el Hospital Universitario San José de Popayán en Cauca, Colombia, quienes consultaron por una infección severa causada por Ascaris lumbricoides. La severidad de la infección tuvo como consecuencia en el primer caso una colangitis aguda, en el segundo caso una obstrucción intestinal con peritonitis generalizada, y en el tercer caso una perforación intestinal y choque séptico. El objetivo de mostrar estos casos es dar a conocer estas presentaciones clínicas poco frecuentes en el entorno médico. Además, se resalta la importancia del conocimiento sobre esta especie de parásito, que termina siendo un problema más de salud pública, no solo en nuestro país, sino en gran parte del mundo

We report three clinical cases of children treated at the San José University Hospital in Cauca, Colombia, who consulted with a severe infection caused by Ascaris lumbricoides. The severity of the infection resulted in acute cholangitis in the first case, in intestinal obstruction with generalized peritonitis in the second case, and in intestinal perforation and septic shock in the third case. The objective of this report is to inform the medical community about these unusual clinical presentations. In addition, the importance of this parasite is highlighted as a public health concern, not only in our country but also globally

Situación del parasitismo intestinal en preescolares de un hogar infantil estatal en Popayán, Colombia / Situation of intestinal parasitism in preschools of a state child's home in Popayan, Colombia

deficientes. Se describen prevalencias a nivel nacional de este mayores al 80%, con predominio de protozoos. Objetivo: describir la situación de parasitismo intestinal en preescolares de un hogar infantil estatal de Popayán (Colombia) y su relación con variables sociodemográficas. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, entre mayo y septiembre de 2013, en 187 niños de 1 a 5 años de edad, matriculados en un hogar infantil estatal de Popayán (Colombia). Se realizó una encuesta sociodemográfica y análisis parasitológico de muestras de materia fecal mediante examen directo y método de concentración modificado de Ritchie-Frick. Se calcularon prevalencias, distribuciones de frecuencia y asociaciones de factores sociodemográficos con la presencia de parasitismo intestinal utilizando regresiones logísticas. Resultados: se identificó una prevalencia de parasitismo intestinal de 43,3%. La especie encontrada con mayor frecuencia fue Blastocystis spp. (24,6%), seguida por Entamoeba coli (13,4%) y Giardia intestinalis (11,8%). En ninguna de las muestras se observaron helmintos. Conclusiones: la prevalencia encontrada de parasitismo intestinal se aproxima al promedio nacional, de acuerdo con reportes para población preescolar en otros municipios del país. La ausencia de helmintos y el predominio de especies de protozoos respaldan la necesidad de futuras investigaciones que permitan conocer la epidemiología local. Además, se identificaron condiciones sociodemográficas de riesgo para infecciones en la población estudiada, algunas de ellas asociadas a la presencia de protozoos intestinales

Intestinal parasitism, generally asymptomatic problem but with important repercussions at socioeconomic and health field, mainly affects children with poor sanitary conditions. Their nationwide prevalence is higher than 80% with predominance of protozoa. Objective: To describe the situation of intestinal parasitism in preschools of a statechild's home in Popayan (Colombia) and its relationship with socio-demographic variables. Materials and methods: A cross - sectional descriptive study was carried out, between May and September 2013, with 187 children between 1 and 5 years of age, enrolled in a statechild's home in Popayan (Colombia). A sociodemographic survey was applied and parasitological analysis of stool samples was performed by direct examination and by the modified Ritchie-Frick concentration method. Prevalence and frequency distributions were calculated as well as logistic regression of associations of sociodemographic factors with the presence of intestinal parasitism. Results: The prevalence of intestinal parasites was 43.3%. The most frequently species was Blastocystis spp. (24.6%), followed by Entamoeba coli (13.4%) and Giardia instestinalis (11.8%). Helminths were not observed in any of the samples. Conclusions: The identified prevalence of intestinal parasites is close to the national average, according with previous reports for pre-school children in other municipalities in the country. The absence of helminths and the predominance of the protozoan species support the need for future research that allows knowing the local epidemiology. In addition, it was identified that the studied population is continuously exposed to different sociodemographic risk conditions that increase the possibility of acquiring enteroparasitosis