Pub Date : 2025-06-06DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00272
Mariana Louro , Laura Hernandez , João Antunes , Luís Madeira de Carvalho , Isabel Pereira da Fonseca , Jacinto Gomes
Cryptosporidium genus includes protozoan parasites that pose significant health risks to a wide range of hosts, including reptiles. Understanding their prevalence and molecular characteristics is crucial for addressing the diagnostic challenges and potential zoonotic transmission associated with these organisms. This research focuses on the prevalence and molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. in reptiles, highlighting the diagnostic challenges and potential risks for zoonotic transmission. A total of 43 reptile fecal samples from 14 different species were examined using three diagnostic techniques: polymerase chain reaction (PCR), modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining (MZN), and direct immunofluorescence antibody test (DFA). The findings revealed a positivity rate of 41.9 % (18/43) for Cryptosporidium spp., with PCR showing the highest sensitivity at 94.4 %, followed by MZN at 61.1 %, and DFA at 33.3 %. Sequence analysis identified six distinct species of Cryptosporidium, including zoonotic species like C. muris, C. tyzzeri, and C. ditrichi, which raises significant public health concerns as reptiles become increasingly popular as pets. The study points out the limitations of conventional diagnostic methods and the need for improved diagnostic approaches, which should include Cryptosporidium species identification.
隐孢子虫属包括对包括爬行动物在内的多种宿主构成重大健康风险的原生动物寄生虫。了解其患病率和分子特征对于解决诊断挑战和与这些生物相关的潜在人畜共患传播至关重要。本研究的重点是爬行动物隐孢子虫的流行和分子特征，强调了人畜共患传播的诊断挑战和潜在风险。采用聚合酶链反应（PCR）、改良Ziehl-Neelsen染色（MZN）和直接免疫荧光抗体试验（DFA） 3种诊断技术，对来自14个不同种类的43份爬行动物粪便进行了检测。结果显示，隐孢子虫的阳性检出率为41.9% (18/43)，PCR检测灵敏度最高，为94.4%，其次为MZN (61.1%)， DFA（33.3%）。序列分析鉴定出六种不同的隐孢子虫，包括人畜共患的隐孢子虫，如C. muris， C. tyzzeri和C. ditrichi，随着爬行动物越来越受欢迎作为宠物，这引起了重大的公共卫生问题。该研究指出了传统诊断方法的局限性和改进诊断方法的必要性，其中应包括隐孢子虫的种类鉴定。
{"title":"Cryptosporidium spp. in reptiles: Detection challenges, molecular characterization and zoonotic risk","authors":"Mariana Louro , Laura Hernandez , João Antunes , Luís Madeira de Carvalho , Isabel Pereira da Fonseca , Jacinto Gomes","doi":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00272","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00272","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Cryptosporidium</em> genus includes protozoan parasites that pose significant health risks to a wide range of hosts, including reptiles. Understanding their prevalence and molecular characteristics is crucial for addressing the diagnostic challenges and potential zoonotic transmission associated with these organisms. This research focuses on the prevalence and molecular characterization of <em>Cryptosporidium</em> spp. in reptiles, highlighting the diagnostic challenges and potential risks for zoonotic transmission. A total of 43 reptile fecal samples from 14 different species were examined using three diagnostic techniques: polymerase chain reaction (PCR), modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining (MZN), and direct immunofluorescence antibody test (DFA). The findings revealed a positivity rate of 41.9 % (18/43) for <em>Cryptosporidium</em> spp., with PCR showing the highest sensitivity at 94.4 %, followed by MZN at 61.1 %, and DFA at 33.3 %. Sequence analysis identified six distinct species of <em>Cryptosporidium</em>, including zoonotic species like <em>C. muris</em>, <em>C. tyzzeri</em>, and <em>C. ditrichi</em>, which raises significant public health concerns as reptiles become increasingly popular as pets. The study points out the limitations of conventional diagnostic methods and the need for improved diagnostic approaches, which should include <em>Cryptosporidium</em> species identification.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37941,"journal":{"name":"Food and Waterborne Parasitology","volume":"40 ","pages":"Article e00272"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144255207","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Toxoplasmosis, caused by the apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, is a globally significant yet neglected disease that can cause serious clinical consequences in humans and extensive losses in the livestock industry. However, no effective vaccine has been provided for this parasite, so this study was designed to evaluate the immunogenicity of a chimeric multi-epitope antigen as a potential toxoplasmosis vaccine candidate in a murine model. The multi-epitope vaccine candidate, designed with bioinformatics tools, MGS: a chimera of T. gondii MIC13, GRA1, and SAG1 antigens, was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 and purified by immobilized metal affinity chromatography using a His Ni-NTA column. Mice were immunized with MGS protein alone or adjuvanted with Freund's adjuvant, calcium phosphate (CaPNs), or chitosan (CNs) nano-adjuvants on days 0, 21, and 35. Humoral and cellular immune responses to MGS (alone or adjuvanted with Freund's, CNs, or CaPNs) were compared to control groups (PBS, Freund's alone, CNs alone, CaPNs alone) through ELISA assays. The MGS protein, either alone or formulated with adjuvants, significantly increased specific antibody titers, particularly the IgG2a subtype and the cytokine IFN-γ. The highest levels of total antibodies, IFN-γ, and IL-4 were observed in the MGS-Freund group. It also enhanced the proliferation rate of splenic lymphocytes and improved the survival rate of BALB/c mice following challenge with the RH strain of Toxoplasma. The findings demonstrate that the MGS protein significantly enhances both Th1 and Th2 immune responses in experimental groups. These results support the efficacy of multi-epitope vaccines as a promising strategy for the development of effective vaccines against toxoplasmosis.
{"title":"Design and immunological evaluation of a multi-epitope vaccine candidate against Toxoplasma gondii incorporating MIC13, GRA1, and SAG1 antigens in BALB/c mice","authors":"Zahra Hosseininejad , Ahmad Daryani , Mahdi Fasihi-Ramandi , Hossein Asgarian-Omran , Tooran Nayeri , Samira Dodangeh , Afsaneh Amouei , Javad Javidnia , Sabah Mayahi , Shahabeddin Sarvi , Sargis A. Aghayan","doi":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00269","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00269","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Toxoplasmosis, caused by the apicomplexan parasite <em>Toxoplasma gondii</em>, is a globally significant yet neglected disease that can cause serious clinical consequences in humans and extensive losses in the livestock industry. However, no effective vaccine has been provided for this parasite, so this study was designed to evaluate the immunogenicity of a chimeric multi-epitope antigen as a potential toxoplasmosis vaccine candidate in a murine model. The multi-epitope vaccine candidate, designed with bioinformatics tools, MGS: a chimera of <em>T. gondii</em> MIC13, GRA1, and SAG1 antigens, was expressed in <em>Escherichia coli</em> BL21 and purified by immobilized metal affinity chromatography using a His Ni-NTA column. Mice were immunized with MGS protein alone or adjuvanted with Freund's adjuvant, calcium phosphate (CaPNs), or chitosan (CNs) nano-adjuvants on days 0, 21, and 35. Humoral and cellular immune responses to MGS (alone or adjuvanted with Freund's, CNs, or CaPNs) were compared to control groups (PBS, Freund's alone, CNs alone, CaPNs alone) through ELISA assays. The MGS protein, either alone or formulated with adjuvants, significantly increased specific antibody titers, particularly the IgG2a subtype and the cytokine IFN-γ. The highest levels of total antibodies, IFN-γ, and IL-4 were observed in the MGS-Freund group. It also enhanced the proliferation rate of splenic lymphocytes and improved the survival rate of BALB/c mice following challenge with the RH strain of <em>Toxoplasma</em>. The findings demonstrate that the MGS protein significantly enhances both Th1 and Th2 immune responses in experimental groups. These results support the efficacy of multi-epitope vaccines as a promising strategy for the development of effective vaccines against toxoplasmosis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37941,"journal":{"name":"Food and Waterborne Parasitology","volume":"40 ","pages":"Article e00269"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144222208","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-05-11DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00268
Liza Kiende Mwirigi , Cecilia Mbae , Margaret Muturi , Scholastica Mathenge , Michael Mugo , Tabitha Irungu , Benjamin Ngugi , Erastus Mulinge
Enteric parasitic infections are a leading cause of diarrheal disease and malnutrition in low- and middle-income countries like Kenya. Among the most prevalent protozoan pathogens in children are Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, and Cryptosporidium species. However, data on their genetic diversity, co-occurrence, and variability in Kenya remain limited. This study investigated the genetic diversity of G. lamblia, Entamoeba spp., and Cryptosporidium spp. in children aged 10 years and below in Kiambu County, Kenya. A total of 550 stool samples were analyzed for enteric parasites using formal-ether concentration and Modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining. Genomic DNA was extracted from microscopy-positive samples, and species-specific nested polymerase chain reaction was performed to genotype Entamoeba spp. using the 18S ribosomal RNA gene. For G. lamblia and Cryptosporidium spp., nested PCR and sequencing targeted the βeta-giardin, triose phosphate isomerase, and 60-kDa glycoprotein genes, respectively. Microscopy detected Entamoeba spp. (29.6 %, 163/550), G. lamblia (14.6 %, 80/550), and Cryptosporidium spp. (1.3 %, 7/550). PCR analysis identified E. histolytica (3.3 %, 18/550), E. dispar (3.8 %, 21/550), E. moshkovskii (1.6 %, 9/550), E. coli (13.1 %, 72/550), and E. hartmanni (1.5 %, 8/550). Sequence analysis of the tpi and β-giardin genes identified G. lamblia assemblages A (20/50) and B (30/50). All assemblage A isolates were classified as sub-assemblage AII (20/20), while assemblage B isolates were further subdivided into sub-assemblages BIII (21/30) and BIV (9/30). All Cryptosporidium isolates were identified as C. hominis, with subtypes IbA9G3 (5/6) and IeA11G3T3 (1/6). Microscopy results revealed a significant association between Entamoeba spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. with both age groups and study sites. Entamoeba dispar by PCR and G. lamblia by microscopy showed significant differences between study sites. Additionally, the distribution of G. lamblia assemblages A and B, along with sub-assemblages AII, BIII, and BIV, differed significantly between the study sites. Among these, only sub-assemblage BIV showed a significant association with age groups. The detection of E. histolytica alongside related Entamoeba spp. underscores the importance of molecular diagnostics for accurate amoebiasis management and epidemiological surveillance. Additionally, the identification of G. lamblia sub-assemblages AII, BIII, and BIV, as well as C. hominis subtypes, suggests anthroponotic transmission, emphasizing the need for improved sanitation and public health interventions.
{"title":"Genotypic characterization of Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba species and Cryptosporidium species among children in Kiambu County, Kenya","authors":"Liza Kiende Mwirigi , Cecilia Mbae , Margaret Muturi , Scholastica Mathenge , Michael Mugo , Tabitha Irungu , Benjamin Ngugi , Erastus Mulinge","doi":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00268","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00268","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Enteric parasitic infections are a leading cause of diarrheal disease and malnutrition in low- and middle-income countries like Kenya. Among the most prevalent protozoan pathogens in children are <em>Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia,</em> and <em>Cryptosporidium</em> species. However, data on their genetic diversity, co-occurrence, and variability in Kenya remain limited. This study investigated the genetic diversity of <em>G. lamblia, Entamoeba</em> spp.<em>,</em> and <em>Cryptosporidium</em> spp. in children aged 10 years and below in Kiambu County, Kenya. A total of 550 stool samples were analyzed for enteric parasites using formal-ether concentration and Modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining. Genomic DNA was extracted from microscopy-positive samples, and species-specific nested polymerase chain reaction was performed to genotype <em>Entamoeba</em> spp. using the 18S ribosomal RNA gene. For <em>G. lamblia</em> and <em>Cryptosporidium</em> spp., nested PCR and sequencing targeted the <em>βeta-giardin</em>, triose phosphate isomerase, and 60-kDa glycoprotein genes, respectively. Microscopy detected <em>Entamoeba</em> spp. (29.6 %, 163/550), <em>G. lamblia</em> (14.6 %, 80/550), and <em>Cryptosporidium</em> spp. (1.3 %, 7/550). PCR analysis identified <em>E. histolytica</em> (3.3 %, 18/550), <em>E. dispar</em> (3.8 %, 21/550), <em>E. moshkovskii</em> (1.6 %, 9/550), <em>E. coli</em> (13.1 %, 72/550), and <em>E. hartmanni</em> (1.5 %, 8/550). Sequence analysis of the <em>tpi</em> and <em>β-giardin</em> genes identified <em>G. lamblia</em> assemblages A (20/50) and B (30/50). All assemblage A isolates were classified as sub-assemblage AII (20/20), while assemblage B isolates were further subdivided into sub-assemblages BIII (21/30) and BIV (9/30). All <em>Cryptosporidium</em> isolates were identified as <em>C. hominis</em>, with subtypes IbA9G3 (5/6) and IeA11G3T3 (1/6). Microscopy results revealed a significant association between <em>Entamoeba</em> spp. and <em>Cryptosporidium</em> spp. with both age groups and study sites. <em>Entamoeba dispar</em> by PCR and <em>G. lamblia</em> by microscopy showed significant differences between study sites. Additionally, the distribution of <em>G. lamblia</em> assemblages A and B, along with sub-assemblages AII, BIII, and BIV, differed significantly between the study sites. Among these, only sub-assemblage BIV showed a significant association with age groups. The detection of <em>E. histolytica</em> alongside related <em>Entamoeba</em> spp. underscores the importance of molecular diagnostics for accurate amoebiasis management and epidemiological surveillance. Additionally, the identification of <em>G. lamblia</em> sub-assemblages AII, BIII, and BIV, as well as <em>C. hominis</em> subtypes, suggests anthroponotic transmission, emphasizing the need for improved sanitation and public health interventions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37941,"journal":{"name":"Food and Waterborne Parasitology","volume":"39 ","pages":"Article e00268"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143948800","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-05-08DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00267
Agnė Baranauskaitė , Petras Prakas , Modestas Petrauskas , Selene Rubiola , Elena Servienė , Živilė Strazdaitė-Žielienė
Most studies on apicomplexan Sarcocystis spp. in domestic animals have primarily focused on examining animal carcasses using both morphological and molecular methods. However, to accurately assess the risk of Sarcocystis infections in livestock and to develop effective prevention strategies, it is essential to investigate the environmental reservoirs of these parasites. The aim of this study was to identify Sarcocystis species with domestic animals as intermediate hosts by analysing environmental samples (water, hay, and soil) collected from Lithuanian farms and to compare their occurrence across different sample types. In total, 90 environmental samples were collected over 3 years and analysed for the presence of Sarcocystis spp. using nested polymerase chain reactions targeting the cox1 gene. The results indicated that livestock are most likely to acquire infections via the ingestion of contaminated water or feed, while soil posed a lower risk of transmission. An assessment of species distribution across sampled farms revealed that the type of livestock raised did not influence the diversity of Sarcocystis spp. Notably, at least six of seven target species (S. arieticanis, S. bertrami, S. bovifelis, S. capracanis, S. cruzi, S. miescheriana, S. tenella) were detected at least once on eight of 10 farms. Additionally, two zoonotic Sarcocystis species, S. hominis and S. suihominis, were identified in environmental samples. This study emphasises the potential risk of livestock infection through contaminated environmental and feed sources and highlights the critical role of environmental monitoring in preventing the transmission of Sarcocystis spp. to farm animals.
{"title":"Detection of Sarcocystis parasites in environmental samples from Lithuanian farms","authors":"Agnė Baranauskaitė , Petras Prakas , Modestas Petrauskas , Selene Rubiola , Elena Servienė , Živilė Strazdaitė-Žielienė","doi":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00267","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00267","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Most studies on apicomplexan <em>Sarcocystis</em> spp. in domestic animals have primarily focused on examining animal carcasses using both morphological and molecular methods. However, to accurately assess the risk of <em>Sarcocystis</em> infections in livestock and to develop effective prevention strategies, it is essential to investigate the environmental reservoirs of these parasites. The aim of this study was to identify <em>Sarcocystis</em> species with domestic animals as intermediate hosts by analysing environmental samples (water, hay, and soil) collected from Lithuanian farms and to compare their occurrence across different sample types. In total, 90 environmental samples were collected over 3 years and analysed for the presence of <em>Sarcocystis</em> spp. using nested polymerase chain reactions targeting the <em>cox1</em> gene. The results indicated that livestock are most likely to acquire infections via the ingestion of contaminated water or feed, while soil posed a lower risk of transmission. An assessment of species distribution across sampled farms revealed that the type of livestock raised did not influence the diversity of <em>Sarcocystis</em> spp. Notably, at least six of seven target species (<em>S. arieticanis</em>, <em>S. bertrami</em>, <em>S. bovifelis</em>, <em>S. capracanis</em>, <em>S. cruzi</em>, <em>S. miescheriana</em>, <em>S. tenella</em>) were detected at least once on eight of 10 farms. Additionally, two zoonotic <em>Sarcocystis</em> species, <em>S. hominis</em> and <em>S. suihominis</em>, were identified in environmental samples. This study emphasises the potential risk of livestock infection through contaminated environmental and feed sources and highlights the critical role of environmental monitoring in preventing the transmission of <em>Sarcocystis</em> spp. to farm animals.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37941,"journal":{"name":"Food and Waterborne Parasitology","volume":"39 ","pages":"Article e00267"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143932043","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-22DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00266
M. Forooghi , H. Hosseini , Sh. Yousufzai , D. Ebrahimi , R. Shahrokhi , A. Ebrahimi , R. Abdollahzade , S. Hooshmandi , M.G. Gahromi , S. Sharifi , Z. Sharifi , A. Tadayon
Hydatidosis, caused by Echinococcus granulosus, poses significant public health challenges, particularly in endemic regions. While hepatic and pulmonary involvement are common, splenic hydatidosis in pediatric populations is rare and frequently underreported. In this retrospective observational study, we present a decade-long single-center experience (2014–2024) in pediatric splenic hydatidosis, detailing demographic profiles, clinical presentations, imaging characteristics, and surgical outcomes. Ten patients (mean age: 11.3 years) were evaluated, with abdominal pain as the predominant symptom and cyst sizes ranging from 40 to 220 mm (WHO-IWGE classification: 1CE–CE3b). Total splenectomy was performed in nine cases, with one patient undergoing partial splenectomy. Preoperative albendazole was administered to eight patients, and postoperative albendazole to nine patients; long-term therapy (2–8 months) was provided in seven cases. Prophylactic measures, including pneumococcal vaccination and postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis, were implemented, resulting in no cases of overwhelming post-splenectomy infection or hydatid recurrence during a mean follow-up of approximately four years. These findings underscore the importance of early diagnosis, appropriate surgical intervention, and diligent long-term follow-up, as well as the need for strengthened public health initiatives to reduce the disease burden in endemic regions.
{"title":"Ten-year experience with pediatric splenic Hydatidosis: Clinical profiles, surgical outcomes, and prognostic indicators","authors":"M. Forooghi , H. Hosseini , Sh. Yousufzai , D. Ebrahimi , R. Shahrokhi , A. Ebrahimi , R. Abdollahzade , S. Hooshmandi , M.G. Gahromi , S. Sharifi , Z. Sharifi , A. Tadayon","doi":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00266","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00266","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Hydatidosis, caused by <em>Echinococcus granulosus</em>, poses significant public health challenges, particularly in endemic regions. While hepatic and pulmonary involvement are common, splenic hydatidosis in pediatric populations is rare and frequently underreported. In this retrospective observational study, we present a decade-long single-center experience (2014–2024) in pediatric splenic hydatidosis, detailing demographic profiles, clinical presentations, imaging characteristics, and surgical outcomes. Ten patients (mean age: 11.3 years) were evaluated, with abdominal pain as the predominant symptom and cyst sizes ranging from 40 to 220 mm (WHO-IWGE classification: 1CE–CE3b). Total splenectomy was performed in nine cases, with one patient undergoing partial splenectomy. Preoperative albendazole was administered to eight patients, and postoperative albendazole to nine patients; long-term therapy (2–8 months) was provided in seven cases. Prophylactic measures, including pneumococcal vaccination and postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis, were implemented, resulting in no cases of overwhelming post-splenectomy infection or hydatid recurrence during a mean follow-up of approximately four years. These findings underscore the importance of early diagnosis, appropriate surgical intervention, and diligent long-term follow-up, as well as the need for strengthened public health initiatives to reduce the disease burden in endemic regions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37941,"journal":{"name":"Food and Waterborne Parasitology","volume":"39 ","pages":"Article e00266"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143882856","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-21DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00265
Paolo Vatta, Simone M. Cacciò
Many helminths and protozoa are transmitted to humans through the consumption of contaminated food or water, and this underlines the importance of methods for their detection in these matrices. Due to the difficulties in isolating parasites prior to their identification, indirect detection methods are used, mostly relying upon targeted amplification of nucleic acids via PCR and/or qPCR. With the development of high throughput sequencing technologies, an untargeted detection method, shotgun metagenomics, became available. By sequencing the total DNA extracted from a given source, and through bioinformatics analyses of the sequencing reads, shotgun metagenomics allows profiling the entire microbial community therein present, including eukaryotes and, therefore, parasites. In this article, we reviewed the studies that specifically addressed the detection of parasites in food (n = 2) and water matrices (n = 10) by shotgun metagenomics. Most studies focused on wastewater samples and reported the detection of many parasites of human and veterinary importance from various areas of the world, highlighting the potential of shotgun metagenomics to provide important data for parasitic pathogens surveillance. After examining the different analytical workflows employed in these studies, which were not developed for detection of eukaryotes (or parasites), we identified two aspects deserving attention. First, that assignment based on short reads matching ribosomal sequences may generate false positives due to high sequence conservation among eukaryotic organisms. Second, that reassessing the relatively small number of reads of eukaryotic origin by a BLAST search can confirm, or deny, identification of parasitic pathogens.
{"title":"Detection of parasites in food and water matrices by shotgun metagenomics: A narrative review","authors":"Paolo Vatta, Simone M. Cacciò","doi":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00265","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00265","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Many helminths and protozoa are transmitted to humans through the consumption of contaminated food or water, and this underlines the importance of methods for their detection in these matrices. Due to the difficulties in isolating parasites prior to their identification, indirect detection methods are used, mostly relying upon targeted amplification of nucleic acids via PCR and/or qPCR. With the development of high throughput sequencing technologies, an untargeted detection method, shotgun metagenomics, became available. By sequencing the total DNA extracted from a given source, and through bioinformatics analyses of the sequencing reads, shotgun metagenomics allows profiling the entire microbial community therein present, including eukaryotes and, therefore, parasites. In this article, we reviewed the studies that specifically addressed the detection of parasites in food (<em>n</em> = 2) and water matrices (<em>n</em> = 10) by shotgun metagenomics. Most studies focused on wastewater samples and reported the detection of many parasites of human and veterinary importance from various areas of the world, highlighting the potential of shotgun metagenomics to provide important data for parasitic pathogens surveillance. After examining the different analytical workflows employed in these studies, which were not developed for detection of eukaryotes (or parasites), we identified two aspects deserving attention. First, that assignment based on short reads matching ribosomal sequences may generate false positives due to high sequence conservation among eukaryotic organisms. Second, that reassessing the relatively small number of reads of eukaryotic origin by a BLAST search can confirm, or deny, identification of parasitic pathogens.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37941,"journal":{"name":"Food and Waterborne Parasitology","volume":"39 ","pages":"Article e00265"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143895001","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Echinococcus granulosus is a widespread zoonotic tapeworm that causes human cystic echinococcosis. Human CE, transmitted via dogs or Canidae feces, poses a public health challenge and exemplifies the One Health Theory. This survey was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of CE in individuals occupationally exposed (IOE) to dogs, livestock wool, and contaminated soil due to egg shedding from dogs/Canidae in industrial slaughterhouses and livestock fields, compared to a healthy control group in Isfahan province, central Iran. In a case-control study, 401 sera from IOE, including slaughterhouse workers, animal husbandry unit workers, wool industry workers, farm workers, livestock farmers, butchers, and veterinarians in the case group, were matched with 401 archived samples from the general population. All 802 samples were tested for echinococcosis IgG using ELISA. Out of 802 sera, 7 (0.9 %) tested positive for Echinococcus IgG. The seroprevalence in the IOE and control groups was 1.2 % (5/401) and 0.5 % (2/401), respectively. Although there was a 2.5-fold estimated risk of CE in IOE compared to the control group, this was not statistically significant. Based on the current study's findings, the overall seroprevalence of CE in the Isfahan area is similar to that of other regions in Iran.
{"title":"Seroprevalence of human cystic echinococcosis in individuals occupationally exposed to Canidae in Central Iran: A case-control study","authors":"Seyed Hossein Hejazi , Reza Kalantari , Seyed Mahmoud Mousavi , Marzieh Safari , Zahra Ghayour , Zary Nokhodian , Mahsa Esmaeilifallah","doi":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00263","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00263","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Echinococcus granulosus</em> is a widespread zoonotic tapeworm that causes human cystic echinococcosis. Human CE, transmitted via dogs or Canidae feces, poses a public health challenge and exemplifies the One Health Theory. This survey was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of CE in individuals occupationally exposed (IOE) to dogs, livestock wool, and contaminated soil due to egg shedding from dogs/Canidae in industrial slaughterhouses and livestock fields, compared to a healthy control group in Isfahan province, central Iran. In a case-control study, 401 sera from IOE, including slaughterhouse workers, animal husbandry unit workers, wool industry workers, farm workers, livestock farmers, butchers, and veterinarians in the case group, were matched with 401 archived samples from the general population. All 802 samples were tested for echinococcosis IgG using ELISA. Out of 802 sera, 7 (0.9 %) tested positive for <em>Echinococcus</em> IgG. The seroprevalence in the IOE and control groups was 1.2 % (5/401) and 0.5 % (2/401), respectively. Although there was a 2.5-fold estimated risk of CE in IOE compared to the control group, this was not statistically significant. Based on the current study's findings, the overall seroprevalence of CE in the Isfahan area is similar to that of other regions in Iran<em>.</em></div></div>","PeriodicalId":37941,"journal":{"name":"Food and Waterborne Parasitology","volume":"39 ","pages":"Article e00263"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143864820","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Human cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a worldwide infection due to the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato, a taeniid tapeworm of canids. Identification of the causative agent at species level relies on molecular methods such as DNA sequencing or species-specific qPCR, which are rarely used for routine case management. Among the different species within the E. granulosus complex, Echinococcus ortleppi (E. granulosus genotype G5 former “cattle strain”) has been reported in only 19 human cases worldwide, including 3 in France. We report the 20th case of E. ortleppi cystic echinococcosis, which is an French autochthonous case of a patient without usual risk factors for CE, and living in an area not known to be endemic for E. ortleppi. This case highlights that medical community should be aware of the benefits from molecular epidemiology in understanding the landscape of parasitic diseases.
{"title":"Autochthonous human case of Echinococcus ortleppi cystic echinococcosis in Brittany, Western part of France","authors":"Brice Autier , Marion Baldeyrou , Heithem Jeddou , Coralie Barrera , Jean-Pierre Gangneux","doi":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00264","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00264","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Human cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a worldwide infection due to the larval stage of <em>Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato</em>, a taeniid tapeworm of canids. Identification of the causative agent at species level relies on molecular methods such as DNA sequencing or species-specific qPCR, which are rarely used for routine case management. Among the different species within the <em>E. granulosus</em> complex, <em>Echinococcus ortleppi</em> (<em>E. granulosus</em> genotype G5 former “cattle strain”) has been reported in only 19 human cases worldwide, including 3 in France. We report the 20th case of <em>E. ortleppi</em> cystic echinococcosis, which is an French autochthonous case of a patient without usual risk factors for CE, and living in an area not known to be endemic for <em>E. ortleppi</em>. This case highlights that medical community should be aware of the benefits from molecular epidemiology in understanding the landscape of parasitic diseases.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37941,"journal":{"name":"Food and Waterborne Parasitology","volume":"39 ","pages":"Article e00264"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143852146","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-14DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00261
Miguel Bao , Arne Levsen , Lucilla Giulietti , Martin Wiech , Keno Ferter , Egil Karlsbakk , Paolo Cipriani
The Atlantic bluefin tuna Thunnus thynnus is one of the largest and most valuable fish species in the Atlantic Ocean. Its meat is highly appreciated worldwide, particularly in Japan, where it is commonly consumed raw as sushi or sashimi. Here, we investigated the occurrence and species composition of parasitic nematodes in the viscera of adult Atlantic bluefin tuna caught off western Norway. The zoonotic nematodes Anisakis simplex (sensu stricto) and Anisakis pegreffii are reported for the first time in wild large adult specimens. Findings suggest that both anisakids appear unable to penetrate the stomach wall of large tuna. Instead, they remain attached and are associated with pathologies, including crater-like ulcers and tumours, sometimes filled with cyst-like decomposition products. A few anisakid larvae were, however, found encapsulated on the intestine and caeca, suggesting that they may have penetrated the thinner walls of the digestive tract there. These results highlight the need for further research on tuna's muscle to rule out any food safety concerns. Additionally, the raphidascaridid nematode Hysterothylacium cornutum and a single 4th-stage larva of H. aduncum, were identified in the tuna stomachs. Partial LSU rDNA, mtDNA cox2 and ITS rDNA sequences of H. cornutum are reported for the first time. These sequences may aid resolving the taxonomy of the genus Hysterothylacium and unravelling the parasite's life cycle in future studies.
{"title":"Anisakis simplex (sensu lato) and Hysterothylacium cornutum (Nematoda: Ascaridoidea) in adult Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) caught in Norway","authors":"Miguel Bao , Arne Levsen , Lucilla Giulietti , Martin Wiech , Keno Ferter , Egil Karlsbakk , Paolo Cipriani","doi":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00261","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00261","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Atlantic bluefin tuna <em>Thunnus thynnus</em> is one of the largest and most valuable fish species in the Atlantic Ocean. Its meat is highly appreciated worldwide, particularly in Japan, where it is commonly consumed raw as sushi or sashimi. Here, we investigated the occurrence and species composition of parasitic nematodes in the viscera of adult Atlantic bluefin tuna caught off western Norway. The zoonotic nematodes <em>Anisakis simplex</em> (sensu stricto) and <em>Anisakis pegreffii</em> are reported for the first time in wild large adult specimens. Findings suggest that both anisakids appear unable to penetrate the stomach wall of large tuna. Instead, they remain attached and are associated with pathologies, including crater-like ulcers and tumours, sometimes filled with cyst-like decomposition products. A few anisakid larvae were, however, found encapsulated on the intestine and caeca, suggesting that they may have penetrated the thinner walls of the digestive tract there. These results highlight the need for further research on tuna's muscle to rule out any food safety concerns. Additionally, the raphidascaridid nematode <em>Hysterothylacium cornutum</em> and a single 4th-stage larva of <em>H. aduncum</em>, were identified in the tuna stomachs. Partial LSU rDNA, mtDNA <em>cox</em>2 and ITS rDNA sequences of <em>H. cornutum</em> are reported for the first time. These sequences may aid resolving the taxonomy of the genus <em>Hysterothylacium</em> and unravelling the parasite's life cycle in future studies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37941,"journal":{"name":"Food and Waterborne Parasitology","volume":"39 ","pages":"Article e00261"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143834546","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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