Pub Date : 2025-06-01Epub 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":"2025-06-01","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 : 2025-06-01Epub Date: 2025-03-05DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00255
Dhifaf Mahmood, Samar Al Nahhas
Toxoplasma gondii is a foodborne protozoan parasite that infects all warm-blooded animals and humans worldwide. Poultry become infected with T. gondii oocysts by ground feeding, and humans contract toxoplasmosis by the consumption of raw or undercooked infected meat. In Syria, no research has been documented regarding T. gondii infection in chickens; therefore, this study was carried out to determine the infection rate in chickens using serological and molecular assays. A total of 59 birds (50 females and 9 males) including free range (FR) and caged chickens were purchased from the southern governorates of Syria. Blood and tissues (brain, heart, liver and pectoral muscle) were collected and analyzed for the presence of anti-T. gondii antibodies and parasite DNA by indirect hemagglutination test and semi-nested PCR, respectively. Overall, sero-positivity for T. gondii antibody was 72.9% (81.4% FR and 18.6% caged). Female chickens had higher prevalence than males (83.7% vs 16.3%). Furthermore, chickens older than six months showed higher infection rates compared to younger ones. Evidence of T. gondii DNA was detected in tissue homogenates from both groups of chickens (83.1%). Our study demonstrates, a high prevalence of T. gondii in chickens indicating that this parasite poses a threat to food safety and public health in our study area. This finding supports the recommendations that poultry meat should be cooked well before consumption and appropriate hygiene measures should be followed when handling meat. Further studies should be conducted to determine the prevalence of T. gondii and its genotypes in poultry in other regions of Syria and to identify the associated risk factors.
刚地弓形虫是一种食源性原生动物寄生虫，感染全世界所有温血动物和人类。家禽通过地面饲养感染弓形虫卵囊，人类通过食用生的或未煮熟的受感染肉类感染弓形虫病。在叙利亚，没有关于鸡中弓形虫感染的研究记录；因此，本研究采用血清学和分子检测方法确定鸡的感染率。从叙利亚南部各省共购买了59只鸡（50只母鸡和9只公鸡），包括散养鸡和笼养鸡。收集血液和组织（脑、心、肝和胸肌）并分析抗t的存在。分别用间接血凝试验和半巢式PCR检测弓形虫抗体和寄生虫DNA。总体而言，血清弓形虫抗体阳性率为72.9% （FR为81.4%，笼养为18.6%）。雏鸡患病率高于公鸡（83.7% vs . 16.3%）。此外，6个月以上的鸡比年幼的鸡感染率更高。在两组鸡的组织匀浆中均检测到弓形虫DNA（83.1%）。我们的研究表明，刚地弓形虫在鸡群中的高流行率表明这种寄生虫对我们研究区域的食品安全和公共卫生构成威胁。这一发现支持以下建议，即禽肉在食用前应煮熟，并在处理肉类时应采取适当的卫生措施。应开展进一步研究，以确定叙利亚其他地区家禽中弓形虫及其基因型的流行情况，并确定相关风险因素。
{"title":"Serological and molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii in chickens in southern Syria","authors":"Dhifaf Mahmood, Samar Al Nahhas","doi":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00255","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00255","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Toxoplasma gondii</em> is a foodborne protozoan parasite that infects all warm-blooded animals and humans worldwide. Poultry become infected with <em>T. gondii</em> oocysts by ground feeding, and humans contract toxoplasmosis by the consumption of raw or undercooked infected meat. In Syria, no research has been documented regarding <em>T. gondii</em> infection in chickens; therefore, this study was carried out to determine the infection rate in chickens using serological and molecular assays. A total of 59 birds (50 females and 9 males) including free range (FR) and caged chickens were purchased from the southern governorates of Syria. Blood and tissues (brain, heart, liver and pectoral muscle) were collected and analyzed for the presence of anti-<em>T. gondii</em> antibodies and parasite DNA by indirect hemagglutination test and semi-nested PCR, respectively. Overall, sero-positivity for <em>T. gondii</em> antibody was 72.9% (81.4% FR and 18.6% caged). Female chickens had higher prevalence than males (83.7% vs 16.3%). Furthermore, chickens older than six months showed higher infection rates compared to younger ones. Evidence of <em>T. gondii</em> DNA was detected in tissue homogenates from both groups of chickens (83.1%). Our study demonstrates, a high prevalence of <em>T. gondii</em> in chickens indicating that this parasite poses a threat to food safety and public health in our study area. This finding supports the recommendations that poultry meat should be cooked well before consumption and appropriate hygiene measures should be followed when handling meat. Further studies should be conducted to determine the prevalence of <em>T. gondii</em> and its genotypes in poultry in other regions of Syria and to identify the associated risk factors.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37941,"journal":{"name":"Food and Waterborne Parasitology","volume":"39 ","pages":"Article e00255"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143578013","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-06-01Epub 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":"2025-06-01","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}
Pub Date : 2025-06-01Epub 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":"2025-06-01","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}
Pub Date : 2025-06-01Epub 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":"2025-06-01","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 : 2025-06-01Epub Date: 2025-04-11DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00262
Christina A. Ahlstrom , Michael P. Carey , Damian M. Menning , Jonathan A. O'Donnell , Andrew M. Ramey
Giardia and Cryptosporidium spp. are globally distributed protozoan parasites that can cause gastrointestinal disease in humans and animals. These zoonotic parasites and their ecological relationships have been understudied in Alaska and elsewhere, despite being identified as priority zoonotic pathogens. We aimed to detect and characterize Giardia and Cryptosporidium spp. in waterbodies within Anchorage, Alaska, USA using two methods, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Method 1623 that relies on microscopy and a molecular detection approach. The molecular approach was ultimately unsuccessful and therefore only data obtained using Method 1623 are presented. Giardia or Cryptosporidium spp. was detected from nine of 15 urban streams and lakes sampled (60 %), six of which were positive for both parasites (40 %). Fewer than 10 cysts or oocysts were detected in 10 L of surface water. Further research to characterize Giardia and Cryptosporidium beyond the genus level would help elucidate the zoonotic potential and ecology of these parasites within the region and more broadly in Alaska.
{"title":"Detection of Giardia and Cryptosporidium in surface water of a subarctic city","authors":"Christina A. Ahlstrom , Michael P. Carey , Damian M. Menning , Jonathan A. O'Donnell , Andrew M. Ramey","doi":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00262","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00262","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Giardia</em> and <em>Cryptosporidium</em> spp. are globally distributed protozoan parasites that can cause gastrointestinal disease in humans and animals. These zoonotic parasites and their ecological relationships have been understudied in Alaska and elsewhere, despite being identified as priority zoonotic pathogens. We aimed to detect and characterize <em>Giardia</em> and <em>Cryptosporidium</em> spp. in waterbodies within Anchorage, Alaska, USA using two methods, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Method 1623 that relies on microscopy and a molecular detection approach. The molecular approach was ultimately unsuccessful and therefore only data obtained using Method 1623 are presented. <em>Giardia</em> or <em>Cryptosporidium</em> spp. was detected from nine of 15 urban streams and lakes sampled (60 %), six of which were positive for both parasites (40 %). Fewer than 10 cysts or oocysts were detected in 10 L of surface water. Further research to characterize <em>Giardia</em> and <em>Cryptosporidium</em> beyond the genus level would help elucidate the zoonotic potential and ecology of these parasites within the region and more broadly in Alaska.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37941,"journal":{"name":"Food and Waterborne Parasitology","volume":"39 ","pages":"Article e00262"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143829786","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 : 2025-06-01Epub Date: 2025-03-13DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00258
Lucy J. Robertson
Foodborne parasites exert a considerable burden on human health, and this can be estimated using the disability-adjusted life year metric, enabling comparisons across regions, age groups, and among parasites and other foodborne hazards. Previous estimates of the burden exerted by different foodborne hazards were published about a decade ago (2015) and an update is planned. These estimates are important, not only for comparative purposes, but also to provide an evidence-based framework for resource allocation for different interventions, including prioritisation of risk management efforts, determining where food safety policy infrastructure should be focused, financing research and innovation, and for targeting supplier and consumer education.
Here the potential for improving the previous estimates is discussed, not only by using more recent data, but also by inclusion of foodborne parasitic diseases and disease states that were omitted in the previous estimates. In particular, for example, the inclusion of foodborne infection with Cyclospora cayetensis and with Trypanosoma cruzi are suggested, along with consideration of disease states such as amoebic liver abscess in foodborne amoebiasis. In addition, knowledge gaps, potential interventions, and how intervention effects can be assessed are discussed, using specific examples.
{"title":"Transmission of parasites to people via food: how can we determine their impact and why do we need to know?","authors":"Lucy J. Robertson","doi":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00258","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00258","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Foodborne parasites exert a considerable burden on human health, and this can be estimated using the disability-adjusted life year metric, enabling comparisons across regions, age groups, and among parasites and other foodborne hazards. Previous estimates of the burden exerted by different foodborne hazards were published about a decade ago (2015) and an update is planned. These estimates are important, not only for comparative purposes, but also to provide an evidence-based framework for resource allocation for different interventions, including prioritisation of risk management efforts, determining where food safety policy infrastructure should be focused, financing research and innovation, and for targeting supplier and consumer education.</div><div>Here the potential for improving the previous estimates is discussed, not only by using more recent data, but also by inclusion of foodborne parasitic diseases and disease states that were omitted in the previous estimates. In particular, for example, the inclusion of foodborne infection with <em>Cyclospora cayetensis</em> and with <em>Trypanosoma cruzi</em> are suggested, along with consideration of disease states such as amoebic liver abscess in foodborne amoebiasis. In addition, knowledge gaps, potential interventions, and how intervention effects can be assessed are discussed, using specific examples.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37941,"journal":{"name":"Food and Waterborne Parasitology","volume":"39 ","pages":"Article e00258"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143686724","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","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":"2025-06-01","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}
Pub Date : 2025-06-01Epub Date: 2025-03-11DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00259
Antonella Cammarelle, Alessandra Barlaam, Ylenia De Santis, Annunziata Giangaspero, Biagia De Deviitis
Toxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii, is a widespread zoonotic disease with potentially serious consequences to the fetus if acquired during pregnancy. This study aimed to evaluate objective and subjective knowledge of toxoplasmosis and its modes of transmission in women of reproductive age living in an Italian southeastern region (i.e., Apulia region) and to identify homogeneous segments of women based on their level of knowledge of toxoplasmosis. Data were collected in a web-based survey sample of 568 women, and analyzed via a two-step cluster analysis.
The results showed that 69.4 % of respondents claimed awareness of toxoplasmosis. Specifically, knowledge about infection risk factors, such as consumption of undercooked meat and raw unwashed fruits and vegetables (95.8 %) and pregnancy-related risks (94.5 %), was high. However, only 52.8 % knew that T. gondii is a parasitic protozoan, and 40.5 % were aware of soil as a transmission route. Cluster analysis identified three segments: women with knowledge (40.2 %), partial knowledge (39.6 %), and no knowledge (20.2 %). Women with higher education and employed showed greater awareness, whereas students and individuals with lower education levels were overrepresented among those with limited knowledge.
These findings highlight a knowledge gap in certain transmission aspects and underscore the importance of targeted health education, particularly regarding the role of soil and the nature of T. gondii as a parasite.
Implementing effective, accessible educational programs is crucial for reducing the burden of T. gondii infection, especially in regions with limited health literacy. Establishing regional reference centers could enhance monitoring, prevention, and support for at-risk populations.
{"title":"Objective and subjective knowledge of toxoplasmosis among women of childbearing age in the Apulia region of Southern Italy","authors":"Antonella Cammarelle, Alessandra Barlaam, Ylenia De Santis, Annunziata Giangaspero, Biagia De Deviitis","doi":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00259","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00259","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Toxoplasmosis, caused by <em>Toxoplasma gondii</em>, is a widespread zoonotic disease with potentially serious consequences to the fetus if acquired during pregnancy. This study aimed to evaluate objective and subjective knowledge of toxoplasmosis and its modes of transmission in women of reproductive age living in an Italian southeastern region (i.e., Apulia region) and to identify homogeneous segments of women based on their level of knowledge of toxoplasmosis. Data were collected in a web-based survey sample of 568 women, and analyzed via a two-step cluster analysis.</div><div>The results showed that 69.4 % of respondents claimed awareness of toxoplasmosis. Specifically, knowledge about infection risk factors, such as consumption of undercooked meat and raw unwashed fruits and vegetables (95.8 %) and pregnancy-related risks (94.5 %), was high. However, only 52.8 % knew that <em>T. gondii</em> is a parasitic protozoan, and 40.5 % were aware of soil as a transmission route. Cluster analysis identified three segments: women with knowledge (40.2 %), partial knowledge (39.6 %), and no knowledge (20.2 %). Women with higher education and employed showed greater awareness, whereas students and individuals with lower education levels were overrepresented among those with limited knowledge.</div><div>These findings highlight a knowledge gap in certain transmission aspects and underscore the importance of targeted health education, particularly regarding the role of soil and the nature of <em>T. gondii</em> as a parasite.</div><div>Implementing effective, accessible educational programs is crucial for reducing the burden of <em>T. gondii</em> infection, especially in regions with limited health literacy. Establishing regional reference centers could enhance monitoring, prevention, and support for at-risk populations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37941,"journal":{"name":"Food and Waterborne Parasitology","volume":"39 ","pages":"Article e00259"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143611427","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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