Journal of Parasitic Diseases最新文献

Diarrhoeal diseases and intestinal helminth infections remain significant public health concerns, particularly in rural areas with poor hygiene conditions. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between diarrhoeal diseases and intestinal parasitic infections. In November 2017, a cross-sectional parasitological survey was conducted in thirteen (13) localities within the Taabo sub-prefecture, which hosts a Health and Demographic Surveillance System. Study participants were requested to provide stool sample, which were subsequently examined macroscopically for diarrhoea and microscopically for intestinal parasitic infections. A total of 690 participants were included in this study. The prevalence of diarrhoeal disease was 15.9% (110/690). In addition, stool analysis using Kato-Katz method revealed infection prevalence of 15.5% for Ancylostoma spp., 3.2% for Trichuris trichiura and 0.1% for both Ascaris lumbricoides and Schistosoma mansoni. Among these parasite species, a statistically significant association was observed between cases of diarrhoea and T. trichiura (χ² = 6.443; P = 0.011). The findings indicate a relatively high prevalence of diarrhoeal diseases and hookworm infestation in the Taabo sub-prefecture. However, the overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was notably lower than reported in previous studies. These results highlight the need for integrated intervention strategies including Mass Drug Administration (MDA), Oral Hydration Salt (ORS), Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and Community Health Education (CHE) for effective and efficient control of these diseases to alleviate their burden among vulnerable groups.

Sheep and goats are significant livestock in Egypt economy; however, there is still a lack of published data investigating piroplasm infections, particularly in goats. Blood samples were collected from 182 apparently healthy goats from herds in Aswan (n = 100) and Assiut (n = 82) governorates in Upper Egypt. Microscopic examination of thin blood smears stained with Giemsa revealed 33 positives for piroplasm infection (18.13%). The logistic regression analysis revealed that the location, Assiut compared to Aswan governorate (P ≤ 0.001), was the significant risk factor for infection. Additionally, tick infestations were also identified as a risk factor for infection (p < 0.05) according to the multivariate logistic regression model. Twenty microscopic positive samples were shown to be positive for T. ovis using 18S rRNA-PCR assay, but none of them tested positive for B. ovis and T. lestoquardi. Nucleotide sequencing of five isolates out of the twenty confirmed T. ovis infection. Currently, there is no available information on the level of genetic diversity among T. ovis populations, and all isolates have been sequenced using the 18S rRNA gene. A total of 445 GenBank published T. ovis 18S rRNA nucleotide sequences were collected including this study isolate and subjected to various genetic analyses. The isolates were clustered into 37 haplotypes with low haplotype and nucleotide diversity, and high sequence conservation. A major haplotype was identified, and dominated across all sampled hosts and countries. Additionally, comparisons of T. ovis populations across different hosts and geographical regions showed limited genetic differentiation and strong gene flow. This data suggests that the analysed region of the 18S rRNA gene is highly conserved. Identification and sequence analysis of polymorphic markers could be useful for understanding the infection dynamics and evolutionary relationships among Theileria spp. infecting small ruminants.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12639-025-01819-x.

Background: Under-five children and women of reproductive age in developing countries face a high risk of morbidity from intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs). Maternal IPIs may increase the risk of infection of their children. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites among mothers and their under-five children at Haro Health Center, Southwest Ethiopia.

Methods: A cross-sectional study involving under-five children and their mothers was conducted in Haro Health Center between March and June 2019. Socio-demographic data and factors associated with IPIs were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Stool samples from both the children and their mothers were examined for intestinal parasites using direct wet-mount microscopy and formol-ether concentration technique. Data were analyzed using STATA_MP version 12 (Stata Corp., TX, USA).

Results: A total of 209 mother-child pairs participated in the study. Intestinal parasitic infections were detected in 22% (46/209) of the mothers and 19.1% (40/209) of the children. Overall, Ascaris lumbricoides and Giardia lamblia were the predominant intestinal parasites recorded. Significant factors associated with maternal IPIs included source of drinking water (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 5.8, 95% CI 1.0-28.3), bathing in the river (AOR = 7.2, 95% CI 2.6-20.0) and having untrimmed fingernails (AOR = 28.0, 95% CI 7.5-105). Among the children, IPIs were significantly associated with having untrimmed fingernails (AOR = 2.6, 95% CI 1.0-6.5) and experiencing diarrhea in the two weeks prior to the survey (AOR = 9.4, 95% CI 2.2-40).

Conclusions: In this study, untrimmed fingernails were a predisposing factor for IPIs in both the children and their mothers. There is a need to improve personal hygiene and enhance the quality of drinking water for the local population.

Cryptosporidium parvum is a significant cause of cryptosporidiosis, particularly in immunocompromised individuals, including those undergoing dialysis. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of C. parvum infection among hemodialysis patients at the Behavior Disease Consultation Center of Rajai Hospital, Tabriz, Iran, using recombinant CP2 and CP23 antigens. One hundred hemodialysis patients were recruited from the Behavior Disease Consultation Center of Rajai Hospital, Tabriz, Iran. Stool and serum samples were collected and analyzed using modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. The modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining was used to microscopically detect Cryptosporidium oocysts in stool samples, while the ELISA was performed to detect anti-C. parvum IgG antibodies in serum samples, using recombinant CP2 and CP23 antigens specific to C. parvum. Statistical analysis was conducted with SPSS version 23. The study found a 15% seropositivity rate for IgG antibodies against C. parvum using ELISA, and a 9% test positivity rate for C. parvum oocysts in stool samples detected by microscopy. A statistically significant association was observed between infection rates, rural residence (P = 0.048), and animal contact (P = 0.004). The ELISA technique demonstrated higher sensitivity compared to microscopy. The findings of this study highlight the substantial prevalence of C. parvum infection among hemodialysis patients, with significant correlations to rural residence and animal contact.

Coccidiosis is a common disease in poultry caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Eimeria, affecting the gut of domestic and wild birds. Seven Eimeria species (E. acervulina, E. brunetti, E. maxima, E. mitis, E. necatrix, E. praecox, and E. tenella) are recognized to infect poultry. A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to July 2024 to determine the prevalence of coccidiosis and its risk factors in poultry farms around Gondar Town, Ethiopia. A total of 384 poultry samples were collected using simple random sampling, considering different management systems, sex, breed, and age. Fecal samples were analyzed in the laboratory. The overall prevalence of coccidiosis was 22.4%, with five Eimeria species identified: E. tenella, E. necatrix, E. maxima, E. acervulina, and E. brunetti. The prevalence of single-species infection (20.03%) was higher than mixed infections (2.34%), with E. brunetti being the most prevalent, followed by E. maxima. The highest infection rate (24.35%) was observed in chickens aged 2-8 weeks, though no statistically significant difference was found between age groups. Intensive management systems had a higher infection rate (28.41%) compared to semi-intensive systems, However, this difference was not statistically significant. The study concluded that age, management systems and body condition were main risk factors for coccidiosis, while sex, breed, and production purpose showed no significant association with infection rates. Despite a reduction in prevalence, coccidiosis remains a significant challenge for poultry farmers and veterinary professionals in the region. Improved management practices, including enhanced biosecurity measures and regular monitoring are recommended to reduce the prevalence of coccidiosis in the study area.

Leishmaniasis is a major neglected tropical disease that can lead to fatalities among infected individuals. Clinical identification was based on microscopic examination and parasitological culture performed by trained technicians. The limited accuracy and inconvenience associated with the microscopic analysis may lead to the misdiagnosis and recurrence of leishmaniasis. Consequently, an in-house TaqMan quantitative PCR (qPCR) method using the kinetoplast minicircle DNA (mkDNA) gene was developed simultaneously diagnose cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis in clinical specimens. A total of 77 skin lesion samples, 10 canine blood samples, aspirates and 65 samples as control were confirmed by microscopy, in vitro cultured promastigotes, and rK39 rapid diagnostic tests. The mkDNA gene was analyzed by qPCR to determine the detection limit, sensitivity, and specificity of the test. These results demonstrated a sensitivity of 96.3% (95 CI 81.03-99.91%), specificity of 100.00% (95 CI 94.04-100.00%), and accuracy of 98.85% (95 CI 93.76-99.97%). The test efficiency ranged from 70 to 97%, with an R² value of 0.988. The qPCR assay established in this study is a valuable tool for diagnosing cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis. It is easier to perform than parasitological exanimation because it saves time and reduces the risk of contamination for clinical surveillance and determination of the incidence of leishmaniasis in Iran, an endemic region. This has paved the way for other researchers to explore commercial TaqMan real-time PCR diagnostic kits in Iran.

Hydatidosis (Echinococcosis) is one of serious and pervasive parasitic disease in farm animals and humans. It is caused by the tapeworm cysts containing the larval stages of the Echinococcus granulosus (E. granulosus, family: Taeniidae), which is found in the small intestine of canids. Metacestode parasite can infect several organs in intermediate hosts (farm animals and humans), leading to hydatid cysts (HC). The diagnosis and identification of E. granulosus infection in animals are required for surveillance, epidemiological studies, and control of hydatidosis in endemic, emerging, or re-emerging transmission zones. There are various types of diagnostic assays of hydatidosis as antigen testing, ELISA, indirect hemagglutination, and complement fixation tests. Various types of diagnostic imaging examinations are used for HC. Since HC has a rather low diagnostic sensitivity, particularly in early infections, the diagnosis in livestock still mostly relies on post-mortem inspection because serodiagnostics are inadequate for accurate pre-mortem diagnosis. The genetic identification of the species and genotypes responsible for hydatidosis is crucial for confirming diagnostics, to understand the vectors of parasite transmission, and for the implementation of focused control measures. Efforts will be required to improve the production of particular antigens and antibodies for serological diagnostics of hydatidosis. Therefore, the present review shows the advanced approaches of radiology, serodiagnosis, molecular assay, genotypes and proteomic analysis for diagnosing E. granulosus infection in farm animals, offering conclusions, and suggests recommendations for further prospective improving specific antigen and antibody production for serological diagnosis.

Leishmaniasis is considered a neglected tropical disease of different clinical manifestations; cutaneous, mucocutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis. It is caused by Leishmania parasites and transmitted with correspondent sand fly vector. Diagnosis and detection of the Leishmania parasites using microscopic examination is the gold standard method, however ecological, biochemical and molecular diagnostic approaches are available with variable specificity and sensitivity. Molecular based diagnostic methods have been used extensively due to their high sensitivity and specificity. Different PCR methods depending on different DNA targets and kinetoplast DNA of Leishmania parasite, are considered very sensitive. Further research should be conducted to develop a routine molecular test with high specificity and sensitivity with a standard approach for DNA extraction and quantification. Molecular diagnosis of leishmaniasis have great influence on therapeutic decisions and response to treatment especially in patients with Leishmania-HIV coinfection. Quantitatively, the parasite loads measurement has important consequences on assessing host health, immunocompetency, and disease prognosis.

The study focuses on the development of a first-generation liposomal-based vaccine for Leishmania. This vaccine uses a cloned gene encoding the Leishmania homologue of receptors for activated C-Kinase (LACK) along with interleukin 12 (IL-12). The research aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a liposomal DNA vaccine that combines a recombinant plasmid with a cytokine adjuvant to protect against Leishmania major (L. major). A cationic lipid formulation was developed using a blend of 1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane (DOTAP), dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE), and cholesterol in a 2:1:1 ratio. These cationic liposomes, comprising DOTAP and DOPE, were paired with pc-LACK and pc-IL-12 adjuvants to explore their potential as a vaccine candidate aimed at stimulating the immune system. BALB/c mice received subcutaneous (SC) immunizations with various nanoliposomal and non-liposomal compounds, administered three times at three-week intervals. Following the final booster, the immunized mice were SC challenged with 1 × 10⁶ stationary phase L. major promastigotes in a 50 µL solution. Post-challenge assessments included monitoring lesion development, evaluating splenic parasite loads, and analyzing cellular and humoral immune responses. This entailed measuring IL-4 and IFN-γ levels, culturing splenocytes, and quantifying total IgG, IgG1, and IgG2a antibodies in both the control and immunized groups. The study revealed that mice inoculated with liposomal plasmid LACK (Lip-pc-LACK) exhibited a significantly lower parasite load in their spleens when challenged with L. major (P < 0.001). The lowest parasite burden was found in the Lip-pc-LACK + Lip-pc-IL-12 group. Additionally, BALB/c mice immunized with Lip-pc-LACK, pc-LACK, and Lip-pc-LACK + Lip-pc-IL-12 demonstrated the highest levels of IFN-γ and IgG2a, along with elevated IgG1 and IL-4, compared to other groups (P < 0.001). The findings from immunization using liposomes with DOTAP and/or DOPE, combined with LACK, suggest that cationic liposomes could be an effective immune adjuvant for advancing a vaccine against L. major.

This study demonstrates the efficacy of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays, both targeting the major surface protein 5 (msp5) gene, for the detection of Anaplasma marginale in Indian water buffaloes. The LAMP assay exhibited superior sensitivity, detecting the pathogen in 24 out of 110 samples (21.81%), compared to PCR, which identified 16 out of 110 samples (14.55%), and conventional microscopic examination, which detected only 6 out of 110 samples (5.45%). Relative to PCR, the LAMP assay achieved a diagnostic sensitivity of 93.75% (95% CI 69.77-99.84%) and specificity of 90.43% (95% CI 82.60-95.53%), with a positive predictive value of 62.50% and a negative predictive value of 98.84%. These findings highlight the LAMP assay as a sensitive, specific, and practical diagnostic tool for A. marginale in buffaloes, particularly suitable for field conditions due to its simplicity and visual detection capabilities.