Acta Parasitologica最新文献

Purpose

In the present study, the effects of leaf and rhizome extracts of Arum rupicola Boiss rupicola were searched on the infective stage Toxocara canis larvae (L3) in the experimentally infected mice.

Methods

Four-six week-old male BALB/c mice were divided into eight groups (G1-8, each group consisted of 7 mice), and they were infected orally with 500 T. canis eggs with L3. After 24 h, the following treatment protocol was applied to the groups for five days: G-1: Albendazole (ABZ) (100 mg/kg), G-2: Leaf Extract (10 mg/mL) + ABZ (100 mg/kg), G-3: Leaf Extract (40 mg/mL) + ABZ (100 mg/kg), G-4: Rhizome Extract + ABZ (100 mg/kg), G-5: Leaf Extract (10 mg/mL), G-6: Leaf Extract (40 mg/mL), G-7: Rhizome extract, G-8: Negative control. The necropsy was performed on the 45th day of experimental infection.

Results

The rhizome extract significantly reduced the effectiveness of ABZ compared to leaf extracts. The number of larvae in rhizome extract-treated mice (G7) was similar to ABZ-treated mice (G1) (P < 0.05). The larval number in mice administered leaf extract (10 mg/mL and 40 mg/mL) was slightly decreased. But no significant difference was detected in the larval number depending on the dose of leaf extracts (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The administration of the leaf and rhizome extracts did not contribute to the effectiveness of ABZ. Also the effect of ABZ on the larvae number obtained from the tissues was reduced by the rhizome extract. The larvae number in the group in which rhizome extract was given alone was almost close to the group in which ABZ was administered. The results provide insight for further research on the antiparasitic properties of A. rupicola Boiss rupicola rhizome extract.

Purpose

The thyroid gland is one of the most vital endocrine organs. It is responsible for the synthesis and secretion of hormones principally triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). These hormones play a significant role in the functions and the metabolism of the body. The thyroid gland could be affected by several infections, among them Toxoplasma gondii. Congenital toxoplasmosis took place when the parasite reached the developing fetus and infected any nucleated cells within it. This study assessed the effect of experimental congenital toxoplasmosis on the thyroid gland structure and function.

Methods

We used 34 Wistar rats and allocated them into two groups: normal control group (17 rats) and congenital toxoplasmosis group (17 rats). After euthanasia, the brain and the thyroid gland was assessed through histopathological examination. Thyroid functions examination was performed through measuring the serum levels of T3, thyroxine T4, and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Moreover, serum levels of thyroid antibodies [thyroid-peroxidase antibody (TPO-Ab) and anti-thyroglobulin (TG-Ab)] were examined.

Results

The examination of thyroid tissues of the congenital toxoplasmosis group showed decreased or absent colloid secretion. About 47.1% of follicles showed degeneration with different grades. Parafollicular cells hyperplasia were observed in 23.6% of specimens. The serum concentrations of T3, T4, and TSH were significantly higher in congenital toxoplasmosis group than the control group. The congenital toxoplasmosis group had lower serum concentrations of TPO-Abs than the control group.

Conclusion

These results indicated that congenital Toxoplasma infection could result in a central hyperthyroidism state with alteration of thyroid gland structure in offspring.

Pourpose

This study aimed to investigate the seroepidemiological status of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients compared to controls.

Methods

The present study included 98 MS patients and 100 controls. Demographic and clinical information collected through interviews, electronic medical records, and clinical examinations. Serum samples analyzed for anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies using ELISA.

Results

A significant difference observed in the seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii IgG between 49 MS patients (50%) and 33 controls (33%). MS patients with seropositive anti-T. gondii IgG had significantly different age, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores, MS phenotypes, age of diagnosis, and age of onset compared to seronegative patients. Serum levels of anti-T. gondii IgG significantly elevated in the case group compared to the control group (277.8 ± 28.61 vs. 137.1 ± 9.52, P < 0.0001). In controls, all subjects were seronegative for anti-T. gondii IgM; three MS cases were positive, showing no significant difference in anti-T. gondii IgM seroprevalence between groups.

Conclusion

The study suggests a potential association between T. gondii infection and MS, indicating that anti-T. gondii IgG positivity may correlate with MS phenotypes and influence disease progression. This suggests that chronic toxoplasmosis may be risk factor for MS.

Purpose

Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide widespread parasitic infection; it affects about 30% of the global population, either through acute toxoplasmosis or its sequels. Even though the male reproductive system is not the primary target for Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), studies have inquired into the possibility of presenting repercussions in this system directly or indirectly due to toxoplasmosis. Therefore, this systematic literature review aims to summarize the available evidence on the effects of infection caused by T. gondii on the male reproductive tract.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Scopus, LILACS and Google Scholar until June 2024 to identify studies of T. gondii and the human male reproductive system. Finally, we analyzed 24 papers published between 1986 and 2024. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist was used to assess the potential risk of bias and the quality of the results.

Results

Infertility is a multicausal issue, including various stages in which the infection caused by T. gondii could interfere, but the mechanisms are not fully understood yet. Studies in animals, particularly rats, have shown the harmful effects of the parasite on sperm performance and endocrine function. In the same way, sexual transmission of T. gondii has been extensively studied in animals, with the parasite detected in the semen of various species. In humans, this transmission route remains theoretical due to study limitations. However, discrepancies in findings call for further research to understand the mechanisms and make the T. gondii’s infection impact on the male reproductive system a topic of growing interest.

Conclusion

Acute and chronic infection by T. gondii in the male reproductive system is a topic of growing interest due to its possible implications for reproductive health.

Purpose

This study is aimed to detect the frequency of trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by an anaerobic protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis, in men referred to the Fertility and Infertility Research Center Hamadan University of Medical Sciences.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, a group of 197 male volunteers who sought medical attention for issues related to infertility participated. The urine and semen samples were collected in sterile conditions. Both urine and semen sediment were promptly examined under a microscopy to detect the presence of motile trophozoites. Subsequently, 50 µl of urine sediment were inoculated into the Dorset culture medium, whereas 50 µl of semen sediment were inoculated into the Diamond culture (TYI-S-33) and incubated at 35.5^oC. Finally, the processed urine samples were used for molecular analysis.

Results

The investigated subjects had an average age ranging from 36 to 40 years. There were 181 volunteers with fertility issues, outnumbering the 16 individuals with normal fertility. Spermogram analysis showed that 48% of participants had non-motile or progressive sperms, and 48% had abnormalities in sperm morphology. T. vaginalis was not detected through microscopic assessment, but PCR and sequence analysis revealed one case in a 33-year-old infertile individual, who had only 0.3% normal sperm with 19% motility. The isolated T.vaginalis was found to have the G genotype based on the sequencing analysis.

Conclusion

Trichomoniasis in males was considered unimportant, with the belief that it would improve on its own. This study suggests that parasites can be considered as one of the male infertility factors, however, the impact is not fully understood. This investigation confirmed the effectiveness of molecular techniques in detecting trichomoniasis in males.

Background

The freshwater snails Biomphalaria alexandrina and Bulinus trancatus are key contributors to the transmission of S. mansoni and S.haematobium, respectively, for being their intermediate hosts.

Objectives

This research study aimed to investigate the potency of the nucleoproteins (NPs) extracted from both snail species on the host immune reactions as an approach to developing a potential vaccine.

Methods

Three groups of six-week-old Swiss-Webster mice (n = 18; 15–20 g each) were injected intraperitoneally for three consecutive weeks with single doses (once a week) of B. alexandrina, B. truncatus, or a mixture of their nucleoproteins (50 µg each). On day 21st, the nucleoprotein-treated mice altogether, with six more mice, received subcutaneously S. mansoni cercariae (60/mouse). Eight weeks later, the experimental mice were sacrificed for evaluation of certain parasitological, molecular and immunological responses.

Results

The data of mice immunized with the various types of nucleoproteins showed a significant increase of FAS/R gene expressions in hepatic tissues and anti-IgG antibody levels in sera on the one hand and a significant decrease of worm loads and β-actin/R gene expression levels on the other hand when compared to the infected control mice.

Conclusion

These findings highlight the role of snails in immunomodulation and shed light on the possibility of antagonizing effects that might occur when the nucleoproteins of different species are mixed. Moreover, this research study might promote the literature spotting the importance of snail proteins against schistosomiasis.

Purpose

The brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), is an invasive and a highly polyphagous species with a strong dispersal capacity. Unfortunately, there is currently no effective control method that can prevent or reduce the economic loss caused by this pest. Among natural enemies, microsporidia cause infections in insects so that they can generally shorten life span, reduce fertility and inhibit growth.

Methods

Current study involved field study, light and electron microscopy and molecular phylogenic analyses of a microsporidian pathogen in the populations of H. halys in Türkiye.

Results

The microsporidian infection were mostly observed in malpighian tubules and fatty tissue filled with high spore density. Fresh uninucleate spores are oval, measued as 3.73 × 2.01 µm in dimensions. The mature spore wall is relatively thick and measures 75–85 nm and consists of a clear endospore (40–50 nm) and an electron-dense, uniform, thin exospore (25–30 nm). The polar filament is isofilar, 85–110 mm in diameter and has 7–8 coils. It is found to be most closely related to Nosema maddoxi isolate Mn.6 isolated from H. halys in Georgia in phylogenetic tree.

Conclusion

The spore morphology and structural features of the isolate from H. halys identify it as Nosema maddoxi. The phylogenetic analyses confirm both light and electron microscopic observations. This is the first microsporidian record from H. halys and also from the order Hemiptera in Türkiye. It is also confirmed that the invasive pest, H. halys carries its natural pathogen, N. maddoxi to new geographical locations during its distribution.

Purpose

Blastocystis sp. is a common enteric human parasite, which recently has been linked to gastrointestinal disorders i.e. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and symptomatic patients (non IBS). Analyzing antibodies level in these patients could help in differential diagnosis. The current study aimed to identify the protein profile of the Blastocystis ST1 (Syrian strain: OR537347) lysates and to investigate the differences in IgG serum immunoglobulin between patients with IBS and non IBS.

Methods

Twenty two IBS (Rome III) and nineteen patients suffering from different gastrointestinal disorders (non IBS), positive for Blastocystis were enrolled in this study. SDS-PAGE was used to identify the protein profile of the Blastocystis ST1 lysates and immunoblotting using sera from patients was used for reactivity compared to known Blastocystis protein targets.

Results

The crude protein profile of Blastocystis ST1 showed 24 protein bands ranged between 10 and 130 kDa. Western blot demonstrated that the proteins (27–29);32;(39–42);(50–51) kDa had similar immunogenicity characteristic in IBS and non IBS patients while the proteins (60–95 kDa) only interacted with IBS patients’ sera.

Conclusions

Our results highlighted the importance of Blastocystis proteins 60–95 kDa (probably a metalloproteases) in IBS patients compared to non IBS, suggesting that these metalloproteases may be important Blastocystis antigens and can be used as a serologic test tool or as a biomarker for differential diagnosis.

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of Colpodella sp. in domestic and wild animals in Cyprus. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to report the detection of Colpodella sp. in foxes (Cyprus red fox Vulpes vulpes indutus), wild birds (Eurasian coot Fulica atra, duck Anas spp.) and goats (Capra hircus) worldwide.

Methods

A total of 180 faecal samples (29 foxes, 48 Eurasian coot, 20 Eurasian teal Anas crecca, 7 duck, 44 goats − 10 from a farm and 34 free-living individuals - and 32 sheep Ovis aries) were analyzed for the parasite by nested PCR and sequencing.

Results

Four samples were positive (4/180 = 2.2%), including one goat from a farm (1/10 = 10%), one fox (1/29 = 3.4%), one Eurasian coot (1/48 = 2.1%) and one duck (1/7 = 14.3%).

Conclusion

The results of this study support the evidence that Colpodella sp. can infect mammals and birds, as well as livestock and wildlife, which could act as zoonotic reservoirs of the parasite and potentially pose a risk to human and animal health.

Purpouse

The present study evaluated in vitro the action of the plant protease papain (EC 3.4.22.2) on intact eggs of Taenia solium and Taenia saginata.

Methods

Two experimental groups were composed for each of the gastrointestinal helminths: control group (G1) and treated group (G2). In each replicate corresponding to the control group, 100 µL of the suspension containing approximately 100 intact eggs (T. solium) or 50 eggs (T. saginata) and 100 µL of distilled water were added, while for the treated group 100 µL of the egg suspension and 100 µL of the papain solution at a concentration of 15% (m/v) were added. The experiment was conducted in four replicates. The groups were incubated in BOD at 28 ± 1 ºC in the dark for a period of 24 h.

Results

The results demonstrated that there was a significant reduction (p < 0.01) of intact eggs, with average reduction percentages for T. saginata and T. solium of 74.36% and 64.29%, respectively.

Conclusions

This study is the first report on the in vitro control of helminth eggs (T. saginata and T. solium) using pure papain.