Journal of Parasitology Research最新文献

Background: Malaria is a disease transmitted by vectors and caused by unicellular Plasmodium parasites. Malaria pathogenesis is associated with the ABO phenotype. However, there is little information on the frequency of malaria disease and its relationship with the ABO blood group in the study area. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of malaria infection and its association with the ABO blood group at Woldia Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. Method: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from December 3, 2022, to February 30, 2023. Convenient sampling was used for selecting the study participants. To identify malaria parasites, thick and thin blood films were made. Additionally, blood was drawn to identify the ABO blood group type. Before being analyzed with SPSS software Version 27, the data was coded and entered into EpiData Version 3.1. To ascertain the variable's association, a logistic regression was done. Results: Out of 192 patients that attended Woldia Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, 16 (8.3%) were found to be infected with Plasmodium parasites using microscopy. Among them, 9 (4.7%), 5 (2.6%), and 2 (1.0%) had Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, or mixed infections, respectively. As a result, 30.7%, 25.5%, 24.5%, and 19.3% of the participants had blood types A, B, AB, and O, respectively (AOR = 2.359, 95% CI: 1.03-12.289, p = 0.03). Conclusion and Recommendation: The total number of microscopically confirmed malaria parasites was 8.3%. P. falciparum was dominant over P. vivax. Individuals with blood group O were less likely to get severe malaria than those with other blood groups. Based on the findings of this study, we recommend that additional studies investigate the probable relationship between the ABO blood group phenotype and malaria infection.

Background: Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are a common problem in Ethiopia. This parasite affects the physical and mental development of children, causing malnutrition and iron deficiency anaemia. However, there are inadequate studies that demonstrate the extent of STHs and associated factors among kindergarten children in South Ethiopia, particularly in the study area. Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence, intensity, and associated factors of STH infection among kindergarten students in Bule Hora town. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected 235 kindergarten children in Bule Hora town from January to February 2023. A pretested questionnaire was used to collect information on associated factors. EpiData and SPSS were used for data entry and analysis, respectively. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors. Results: In the present study, the prevalence of STH was 28.5% (95% CI: 22.7%-34.3%). A. lumbricoides 26 (11.1%) was the most common parasite identified. The arithmetic mean (+SD) of the egg counts for each species of STHs was as follows: A. Lumbricoides 1886.9 (+2103.2), T. Trichiura 299.2 (+305.8), and hookworms 756.1 (+739.4). Factors that showed significant association in the current study were hand washing after the toilet (AOR: 2.992, 95% CI: 1.299-6.891,), fingernail trimming (AOR: 3.646, 95% CI: 1.704-7.798,), and shoe wearing habit (AOR: 2.143, 95% CI: 1.170-3.924,). Conclusion: STH infection is a health problem among kindergarten children in Bule Hora town. Comprehensive health education on the value of hygienic habits, improved sanitation, and routine deworming of kindergarten children should be included in prevention and control efforts.

Bacillus thuringiensis (B. thuringiensis) is considered one of the most important entomopathogenic microorganisms. It produces potent toxins against insects. Therefore, the present study investigates the bioacaricidal properties of B. thuringiensis on the Hyalomma tick species. Firstly, we identify Hyalomma ticks based on morphological screening and molecular characterization. The cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (COX1) gene was selected for the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis, which resulted in the amplification of 656 bp. The amplified products were sequenced, and the isolated (COX1) gene of ticks was submitted to the gene bank of NCBI (Accession No. OR077934.1). The nucleotide sequences were retrieved from the NCBI data bank by BLASTn analysis, which confirmed that all obtained sequences belong to genus Hyalomma, and multiple alignments confirmed that the sequence of Hyalomma anatolicum Tandojam-isolate (HA-TJ) 100% aligned with Hyalomma analoticum KP792577.1, Hyalomma detritum KP792595.1, Hyalomma excavatum KX911989.1, and H. excavatum OQ449693.1. The generated phylogenetic tree confirmed that sequences of HA-TJ COX1 clustered with a single clad of H. analoticum, H. excavatum, and H. detritum. The acaricidal effect of B. thuringiensis toxins B. thuringiensis spore crystal mix (BtSCM) and B. thuringiensis crystal proteins (Btcps) was evaluated against larvae and adult life stages of Hyalomma ticks in vitro. We applied Btcps and BtSCM separately with different concentrations and calculated the mortality percentage. Adult mortality was estimated at the 8th, 10th, 12th, and 15th days posttreatment and larval mortality after 24 h. During treatment of the adult life stage, at first, ticks were immersed in different concentrations of Btcps and BtSCM for 5 min after the treatments, and the samples were transferred to sterile containers and placed in an incubator with 80% humidity at 23°C. Furthermore, Btcps produced the highest mortality on Day 15, 89 ± 1.00% at a concentration of 3000 μg/mL, followed by the 12th, 10th, and 8th days produced 83 ± 1.91%, 70 ± 1.15%, and 61 ± 1.00%, respectively. BtSCM produced mortality of 69 ± 1.91% on Day 15 at a concentration of 3000 μg/mL, followed by the 12th, 10th, and 8th days at 57 ± 2.51%, 37 ± 1.91%, and 34 ± 2.00%. The present study revealed that B. thuringiensis toxins produced a significant (p < 0.05) increase in mortality rate in adults of Hyalomma ticks. Additionally, Btcps and BtSCM were used to treat the larval stage. The treatments were applied to calculate the mortality percentage via the Laravel packet test. At a 1500 μg/mL concentration, Btcps resulted in the highest mortality of 98 ± 1.15%; this was followed by 1250 μg/mL, 1000 μ

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the anthelmintic activity of Lannea kerstingii and Ficus thonningii, on a nematode model, to promote their use in the Cameroonian pharmacopoeia for the treatment of helminthiases. Methods: One nematode was used, Heligmosomoides polygyrus. First, the effect of the extracts on the eggs and larval stages (L1, L2, and L3) of H. polygyrus was evaluated, 100 μL of extract and 100 μL of parasite suspension (containing 50 eggs) were mixed in a 96-well microplate. The 96-well microplate was incubated for 20 h at 25°C in the WMicroTracker which measures the motility of the worms at various concentrations. Finally, docking studies were conducted by using the Glide module in Schrodinger Maestro. Results: The ethanolic extract of L. kerstingii with the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of 0.1371 mg/mL produced a higher ovicidal effect than the effect produced by other extracts of these plants. However, with an IC₅₀ of 0.31 mg/mL, the aqueous extract of F. thonningii showed the greatest effect on the L2 stage. The aqueous and ethanolic extracts of L. kerstingii and F. thonningii inhibited the development of the L3 larvae of H. polygyrus with a better effect for the ethanolic extracts. Conclusion: The use of L. kerstingii and F. thonningii for the treatment of helminthiasis has been proved in vitro and in silico by this research. However, more research is required, especially on the acute toxicity and in vivo anthelmintic efficacy to validate this scientific investigation.

The progression of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) invasion is aided by rhoptry proteins (ROPs), which are also crucial for the parasite's survival in host cells. In this study, in silico analysis was performed to examine the various aspects of the ROP29 protein, such as physicochemical properties, potential T- and B-cell epitopes, and other significant features. The research revealed that there were 55 possible sites for posttranslational modification in the ROP29 protein. The secondary structure of the ROP29 protein consists of a random coil, an alpha-helix, and an extended strand, which account for 49.69%, 36.81%, and 13.50%, respectively. Moreover, a number of putative T- and B-cell epitopes for ROP29 were found. The Ramachandran plot showed that 88.91% (crude model) and 97.54% (refine model) of the amino acid residues were located in the favored regions. Also, the testing of this protein's antigenicity and allergenicity showed that it was nonallergenic and immunogenic. Our results suggested that employing in silico tools to apply structural and functional predictions to the ROP29 protein can lower the likelihood that laboratory investigations will fail. This research served as a crucial foundation for further research. More research is required in the future in suitable animal model employing ROP29 alone or in combination with other antigens.

The community's awareness of the prevalence and impact of zoonotic diseases has been significantly underestimated, leading to insufficient implementation of control measures. This study was carried out in Northern Tanzania between 2019 and 2023 to investigate zoonotic parasites and the risks associated with human activities that contribute to zoonotic diseases. Cross-sectional surveys were conducted in 12 villages, including nine in Loliondo Division and three in Babati District. Focus Group Discussions and Key Informant Interviews were conducted to assess the community's knowledge and practices regarding the risks associated with zoonotic diseases in the surveyed areas. A total of 255 samples were collected from various sources, including latrines, households, livestock enclosures, domestic dogs, and chickens. Out of these samples, 152 tested positive for identifiable parasite eggs and oocysts. These parasites included hookworms (21.7%), Trichuris sp. (14.5%), Strongyloides sp. (13.8%), Eimeria sp. (19.7%), Taeniids (5.9%), Hymenolepis sp. (3.3%), Spirometra sp. (2.6%), and Dipylidium sp. (0.7%). Taeniids and Spirometra species were predominantly found in villages near protected areas such as Arash Sokoni, Oloipiri, Sukenya, Wasso, Orkuyiene, Haytemba, and Loliondo. Hookworms were most commonly detected in Arash Sokoni, Loliondo, Isuguro, and Hyatemba, while Strongyloides sp. was prevalent in Wasso, Sukenya, and Olobo villages. The quantitative analysis reveals significant associations between hygiene practices, proximity to livestock enclosures, ecological factors, and human-animal interaction, highlighting their pivotal roles in determining soil-transmitted helminth (STH) prevalence across different villages. This study reveals that there was a generally low level of awareness regarding zoonotic diseases and STHs. The detection of STH samples, combined with the limited understanding of zoonotic diseases, emphasizes the importance of taking proactive measures to reduce transmission risks. Prioritizing education and promoting awareness along with implementing comprehensive strategies are essential steps to effectively tackle the problems linked to STH infections and substantially lessen the public health burden caused by zoonotic diseases.

Ethiopian wolves (EWs), Canis simensis, are the rarest canids in the world and Africa's most endangered carnivore, found in only six isolated habitat fragments in the highlands of Ethiopia. Previous reports on the prevalence of parasites in the EW in Bale Mountains National Park (BMNP) are limited, with little information on their helminth fauna. This study seeks to understand the prevalence of helminth parasites in the EW in BMNP, Ethiopia. In this study, fecal samples were collected from 43 EWs in Web Valley (WV), BMNP, from June to October 2020, and the presence of helminth eggs was assessed using fecal sedimentation and centrifugal floatation methods with microscopy. Forty-two out of 43 fecal samples from wolves (98%) contained eggs from two taxonomic groups of helminths. Eggs from Capillaria spp. and Trichuris vulpis were found most frequently, followed by Toxocara canis, Diphyllobothrium spp., Toxascaris leonina, and Capillaria aerophila. One EW (2%) was recorded for harboring the cestode Moniezia expansa. About 9 of the 43 EWs (21%) presented monospecific infection: 9 EWs (21%) harbored 2 parasite species, 9 EWs (21%) hosted 3 parasite species, 11 EWs (26%) had infection involving 4 parasite species, 2 EWs (5%) were infected with 5 parasite species, 1 EW (2%) presented 6 parasite species, 1 EW (2%) harbored 7 parasite species, and 1 EW (2%) was diagnosed without parasite species. Concurrent helminth infection was highly associated with female EW. Megeti 3 was associated with a low level of concurrent helminth infection. The prevalence of helminth parasites found in wolves in the study area suggests that the environment is highly contaminated with intestinal parasites. Regular control of parasite transmission in EW, domestic dogs, and humans in and around BMNP, public education, and further parasite epidemiological studies must be conducted.

Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic parasite with global distribution capable of infecting homeothermic animals. Transmission of protozoan to humans includes ingestion of water and raw food contaminated with sporulated oocysts, ingestion of raw or undercooked meat with tissue cysts, and tachyzoites' transplacental transmission. Fresh goat milk intake has already been linked to human toxoplasmosis outbreaks, but little is known about the infectious potential of this biological sample. Accordingly, the aim of the present study is to assess the survival and infectivity of T. gondii tachyzoites in fresh goat milk samples through an experimental protocol to detect this parasite via bioassay carried out with a murine model, DNA amplification, and serology. Swiss Webster mice were inoculated with fresh goat milk samples contaminated with different T. gondii RH strain tachyzoite concentrations per milliliter and stored for different refrigeration times. Animals showing clinical signs compatible to toxoplasmosis were euthanized. Milk samples contaminated with high parasitic loads and kept for a shorter refrigeration time were the most lethal ones. No significant differences were observed between mean death rates recorded for different goat milk contamination concentrations (p = 0.1888), and for the refrigeration time, contaminated milk samples were kept under (p = 0.9440). T. gondii DNA was amplified in all contaminated milk samples, but only one of the surviving mice was serologically positive. Results of the present study have shown T. gondii survival and infectivity in fresh goat milk samples, and it highlights its significant risk for public health. Therefore, molecular methods must be the tests of choice when milk samples are used to assess infection caused by protozoan in goats' dairy products.

Background: Bovine trypanosomosis produces significant economic losses due to anemia, loss of body condition, and emaciation. The disease is transmitted biologically by tsetse flies and mechanically by biting flies such as Tabanus and Stomoxys. Therefore, this research is aimed at estimating the prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis and the apparent density of its vectors in the Etang Special District.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was employed from November 2016 to April 2017 for the prevalence and entomological survey. Trypanosoma species were identified using buffy coat and Giemsa staining techniques. Besides, the entomological surveys were conducted using NGU, pyramidal, biconical, and monoconical traps. The vectors were identified to their genus level based on their morphological features like size, color, wing venation, and proboscis.

Result: A total of 457 bovine blood samples were collected and tested, of these 16 (3.50%) animals were positive for trypanosomosis. Similarly, 13 T. vivax (81.25%) and 3 T. congolense (18.75%) were the trypanosome species detected. The prevalence in the young (2.56%) and adult (3.99%) age groups was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). However, there were significant (P < 0.05) differences in prevalence between body condition scores, where poor is 6.31%, medium is 1.30%, and good is 0%. Moreover, the difference in mean PCV values between the parasitemic (20.97) and aparasitemic (28.58) groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Glossina flies were not found, although 1756 Tabanus and 52 Stomoxys biting flies were gathered. Accordingly, the overall apparent density of Glossina flies was zero (0), with biting flies (20.54) recorded per trap per day. Moreover, the apparent density of Tabanus and 52 Stomoxys was 39.01 and 1.18, respectively.

Conclusion: This study confirmed that trypanosomosis and abundant mechanical vectors continue to be problems in the study area, resulting in cattle productivity losses. As a result, strategic management and prevention methods for trypanosomosis and associated vectors should be prioritized. Further investigation of vector needs to be conducted to clear out tsetse presence.

Background: Human toxocariasis (HT) is a zoonotic disease with a global expansion. Contaminated soil with Toxocara spp. eggs is the main source of human infection, which may lead to severe complications depending on the organs invaded by migrating larvae.

Aim: This study is aimed at eliciting the prevalence of Toxocara spp. eggs in public parks in Zahedan, southeast Iran, and providing new insight into the soil contamination rate in this area using microscopic and molecular methods.

Methods: Based on five municipal districts, 240 soil samples were collected from public parks and playgrounds in Zahedan. The modified Sheather's flotation technique was employed to isolate Toxocara spp. eggs from the soil, followed by microscopic assessment and molecular evaluation of internal transcribed spacer 1 and 2 ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid (ITS1 and 2 rDNA) using nested polymerase chain reaction (nested PCR) to identify the presence of Toxocara spp. eggs. The Sanger sequence was used to differentiate the Toxocara species. Subsequently, all the sequenced data were blasted and compared with other sequences available in the GenBank.

Results: Out of 240 soil samples collected, 7 (2.9%) samples were identified to contain Toxocara spp. eggs using Sheather's flotation and microscopic techniques. Meanwhile, 19 (7.9%) samples were positive using nested PCR. According to the Sanger sequencing analysis findings, all positive samples were contaminated with Toxocara cati.

Conclusion: As evidenced by the obtained results, only T. cati species were detected in public parks and playgrounds in Zahedan; therefore, control and prevention programs against this species should be considered in human and animal communities.