The influence of probiotic bacteria and human gut microorganisms causing opportunistic infections on Blastocystis ST3.

BACKGROUND: Blastocystis subtype 3 is an intestinal protist present in humans throughout the world with a controversial pathogenic potential. It has been suggested that probiotic bacteria inhibit the multiplication of gut protozoans, while others are beneficial for their development. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the lactic acid bacteria Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactococcus lactis and Enterococcus faecium in Blastocystis ST3 eradication and the relevance of the intestinal microorganisms Escherichia coli, Candida albicans and Candida glabrata in protozoan proliferation. Blastocystis xenic and axenic culture was co-incubated with the above-mentioned microorganisms and their cell free supernatants at different concentrations in vitro. The number of protozoan cells was counted every day. RESULTS: Both experiments, with xenic and axenic cultures, showed Blastocystis inhibition by L. rhamnosus and L. lactis and their supernatants from the 2nd day of co-incubation. Furthermore, co-incubation with both E. faecium and E. coli showed a beneficial influence on Blastocystis during the first 2 days. Only after 3 days did the above-mentioned bacteria start to inhibit Blastocystis growth in both cultures. The supernatant containing the metabolites of E. coli was effective to a lesser degree. Compared to the control samples, co-incubation with both C. albicans and C. glabrata showed a faster decrease in Blastocystis proliferation, but this was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: This study has shown the potential of using L. rhamnosus and L. lactis, as well as E. faecium as a prophylactic treatment against Blastocystis colonization or as an additional treatment regimen in combination with standard drugs.

Immunohistochemical characteristics of porcine intrahepatic nerves under physiological conditions and after bisphenol A administration.

BACKGROUND: The neurochemistry of hepatic nerve fibres was investigated in large animal models after dietary exposure to the endocrine disrupting compound known as bisphenol A (BPA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Antibodies against neuronal peptides were used to study changes in hepatic nerve fibres after exposure to BPA at varying concentrations using standard immunofluorescence techniques. The neuropeptides investigated were substance P (SP), galanin (GAL), pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP), calcitonin gene regulated peptide (CGRP) and cocaine and amphetamine regulated transcript (CART). Immunoreactive nerve fibres were counted in multiple sections of the liver and among multiple animals at varying exposure levels. The data was pooled and presented as mean ± standard error of the mean. RESULTS: It was found that all of the nerve fibres investigated showed upregulation of these neural markers after BPA exposure, even at exposure levels currently considered to be safe. These results show very dramatic increases in nerve fibres containing the above-mentioned neuropeptides and the altered neurochemical levels may be causing a range of pathophysiological states if the trend of over-expression is extrapolated to developing humans. CONCLUSIONS: This may have serious implications for children and young adults who are exposed to this very common plastic polymer, if the same trends are occurring in humans.

Endosymbiosis and its significance in dermatology.

Proposed at the beginning of the twentieth century to explain the origin of eukaryotic organelles from prokaryotes, endosymbiosis is now medically defined by various interaction patterns between microorganisms and their residing hosts, best exemplified by the bacterial endosymbiont Wolbachia identified in arthropods and filarial nematodes, which can influence normal development, reproduction, survival and transmission of the hosts. Based on the transmission modes, vertical or horizontal, and the function of the endosymbionts, the host-symbiont dependence can be divided into primary or secondary. In dermatology, the role of endosymbionts in skin ectoparasitosis has aroused great interests in the past years. Riesia pediculicola is a primary bacterial endosymbiont in body lice Pediculus humanus, and supplement their hosts with vitamin B, especially pantothenic acid. In cimicosis, the Gram-negative Wolbachia can synthesize biotin and riboflavin, which are crucial for the growth and reproduction of the bedbug Cimex lectularius. In human demodicosis and rosacea, further study is required to prove the pathogenic role of the Gram-negative bacteria Bacillus oleronius or the Gram-positive bacteria Bacillus cereus demonstrated in the Demodex mites. The high infection rate of adult female ticks Ixodes ricinus with the Gram-negative bacteria Midichloria mitochondrii present in the mitochondria in diverse ovarian cells, with the high seroprevalence rate in tick-exposed subjects, raises the possibility that this non-pathogenic endosymbiont may play a role in immune response and successful transmission of the tick-borne pathogen. The anaerobic protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis and bacteria Mycoplasma hominis are two obligate parasites in the urogenital epithelium, with partially overlapping symptoms. Intracellular localization of Mycoplasma hominis can avoid host immune response and penetration of antibiotics, while Trichomonas vaginalis infected with Mycoplasma hominis seems to have a higher cytopathic activity and amoeboid transformation rate. Further study on the biology and pathogenesis of different endosymbionts in dermatological parasitosis will help for the development of new treatment modalities.

Blastocystis: how do specific diets and human gut microbiota affect its development and pathogenicity?

Blastocystis is an enteric parasite that inhabits the gastrointestinal tract of humans and many animals. This emerging parasite has a worldwide distribution. It is often identified as the most common eukaryotic organism reported in human fecal samples. This parasite is recognized and diagnosed more often than ever before. Furthermore, some strains develop resistance against currently recommended drugs, such as metronidazole; therefore, the use of natural remedies or special diets has many positive aspects that may address this problem. The goal of this review is to compare natural treatments and various diets against the efficacy of drugs, and describe their influence on the composition of the gut microbiota, which affects Blastocystis growth and the occurrence of symptoms. This article reviews important work in the literature, including the classification, life cycle, epidemiology, pathogenesis, pathogenicity, genetics, biology, and treatment of Blastocystis. It also includes a review of the current knowledge about human gut microbiota and various diets proposed for Blastocystis eradication. The literature has revealed that garlic, ginger, some medical plants, and many spices contain the most effective organic compounds for parasite eradication. They work by inhibiting parasitic enzymes and nucleic acids, as well as by inhibiting protein synthesis. The efficacy of any specific organic compound depends on the Blastocystis subtype, and, consequently, on its immunity to treatment. In conclusion, the article discusses the findings that human gut microbiota composition triggers important mechanisms at the molecular level, and, thus, has a crucial influence on the parasitic pathogenicity.

Excretory system of representatives from family Diplozoidae (Monogenea).

Diplozoons are representatives of blood-feeding ectoparasites from the family Diplozoidae (Polyopisthocotylea, Monogenea). Although these worms have been the subject of numerous taxonomical, phylogenetic, and ecological studies, the detailed study of their excretory system has remained relatively neglected. Our observations focused on the morphological and ultrastructural features of the excretory apparatus of four diplozoid species: Diplozoon paradoxum, Eudiplozoon nipponicum, Paradiplozoon bliccae, and Paradiplozoon homoion. Observations were obtained using two microscope methods: light microscopy, equipped with differential interference contrast (Nomarski DIC) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The ultrastructure of two basic compartments which forms the excretory apparatus, flame cells with filtration apparatus, and canal cells forming the protonephridial ducts is revealed in this study. A unique consecutive sequence of longitudinal semi-thin sections of the excretory pore of E. nipponicum is visualized there for the first time.

[Primary human demodicosis. A disease sui generis]. / Primäre humane Demodikose. Eine Erkrankung sui generis.

Human Demodex mites (Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis) are unique in that they are an obligate human ectoparasite that can inhabit the pilosebaceous unit lifelong without causing obvious host immune response in most cases. The mode of symbiosis between humans and human Demodex mites is unclear, while the pathogenicity of human Demodex mites in many inflammatory skin diseases is now better understood. Primary human demodicosis is a skin disease sui generis not associated with local or systemic immunosuppression. Diagnosis is often underestimated and differentiation from folliculitis, papulopustular rosacea and perioral dermatitis is not always straightforward. Dependent on the morphology and degree of inflammation, the clinical manifestations can be classified into spinulate, papulopustular, nodulocystic, crustic and fulminant demodicosis. Therapy success can be achieved only with acaricides/arachidicides. The effective doses, optimal regimen and antimicrobial resistance remain to be determined.

Ultrastructure of the digestive tract of Paradiplozoon homoion (Monogenea).

Paradiplozoon homoion is a representative of blood-feeding ectoparasites from the family Diplozoidae (Polyopisthocotylea, Monogenea). Although these worms have been the subject of numerous taxonomical, phylogenetic and ecological studies, the ultrastructure of the alimentary system and related structures, as well as the mechanisms of essential processes like fish blood digestion, remain mostly unknown. Our observation of P. homoion using a transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed two main types of digestive cells-U-shaped haematin cells and connecting syncytium. Particular structures such as mouth cavity with specialised receptors, two oval-shaped muscular buccal suckers, pharynx surrounded with the glandular cells, oesophagus, the intestinal caeca with intact erythrocytes in the lumen, the apical pinocytotic fibrous surface complex and haematin vesicles of U-shaped cells have been shown in detail. According to our results, the P. homoion is degrading the blood components predominantly intracellularly.

The Gyrodactylidae fauna of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum 1792 in the Rogg breeding pound in Bavaria, Germany.

In July 2005, 107 rainbow trout in age 1+ from a salmonid farm in Southern Germany situated in the southern tributary area of the Danube river were examined. The aim of this study was to determine the gyrodactylid species found on rainbow trout and to identify their location on the host's body. In total, 291 specimens from genus Gyrodactylus were collected. The most abundantly occurring species was Gyrodactylus truttae (181 specimens), whilst the others were less abundant. For the first time in Germany, Gyrodactylus teuchis and Gyrodactylus derjavinoides on rainbow trout were found. Most parasites occurred on the pectoral and ventral fins. Few specimens were found on the anal or caudal fins, in the oral cavity or on the gills. The only uninfected place was the nasal cavity.

Occurrence of Trichodina pediculus Ehrenberg, 1838 in Dgal Wielki Lake.

Parasitological investigation were performed in Dgal Wielki, occurrence T. pediculus Ehrenberg 1838 on the roach gills were recorded. On the 277 examined roach in 9 roach specimens T. pediculus were found. Prevalence of roach infection was 3.25%, mean intensity 3.5 and abundance 0.11 parasite per number of fish examined. T. pediculus were found on fish in May and June.

The effect of infestation with Diplostomum sp. on growth rate of Siberian sturgeon fry Acipenser baeri brandt.

The objective of the experiment was to compare the growth rate in two groups of Siberian sturgeon fry, one of which was infested with metacercariae of Diplostomum, the infestation degree was from 1 to 160/fish. The fish fed on natural as well as artificial food; the latter was given at the rate sufficient to cover 50% of the fish requirements. The average initial body weight in the control group was 16.8 +/- 1.9g, and in the group with Diplostomum - 28.4 +/- 3.6 g. During the period of favorable temperatures, viz. for about 90 days, the fry was showed satisfactory growth, but the growth rate became inhibited as the temperatures decreased to below 12 degrees C, so that throughout the wintering period the fish weight decreased by some 10%. Fish from the control group showed a higher growth rate than the infested ones, and by the end of the experiment the controls weighted 7.5% more than the infested group in spite of their lower initial weight.

Trichodina pediculus Ehrenberg, 1838 in roach Rutilus rutilus (L.), metric and meristic data.

During the parasitological studies in Dgal Wielki Lake 32 specimens of Trichodina pediculus were collected from roaches (Rutilus rutilus). T. pediculus were subjected to the metric and meristic measurements. High correlation factors significance was obtained between the following data: body diameter and adhesive disc diameter with border membrane, adhesive disc diameter without border membrane, denticulate ring diameter, height of denticle. However no correlation significance between body diameter and number of denticles was found.

[Leeches (Hirudinea: Piscicolidae and Glossiphonidae) infecting lake fish in the Ukiel, Warniak and Wulpinskie. Preliminary study]. / Pijawki pasozytujace na rybach (Hirudinea: Piscicolidae i Glossiphonidae) w jeziorach Ukiel, Warniak i Wulpinskie. Badania wstepne.

The aim of the study was to determine leeches found on the lake fishes. From the lake Ukiel, 213 roaches (R. rutilus) and from the lake Wulpinskie 202 were examined between Nov. 1988 and Dec. 1999. From the Warniak 258 roaches and 9 tenches (Tinca tinca) were examined between May 1998 and Nov. 1999. Warniak on roach (R. rutilus) 4 Piscicola geometra and Hemiclepis marginata on the fish body were found, tench (Tinca tinca) P. geometra were found on gills. Ukiel on roach Piscicola pojmanskae on gills were found. Wulpinskie on roach P. pojmanskae and Piscicola sp. as well as 2 Caspiobdella fadejewi on gills were found. Prevalence and intensity of fish infection with leeches was low in all lakes. C. fadejewi and P. pojmanskae are the first recorded on the lake fishes. Further investigations are necessary since they can result in informations concerning inhabitation of new microhabitants with P. geometra gills.

[Occurrence of metacerkariae Diplostomum sp. in the Siberian turgeon fry (Acipenser baeri Brandt)--preliminary study]. / Wystepowanie metacerkarii diplostomum sp. u narybku esiotra syberyjskiego (Acipenser baeri Brandt). Badania wstepne.

Siberian sturgeon fry coming from three different ponds has been examined. 1. "Dgal" - fish culture conerete-terrestrial pond beloning to D.O.Z. Dgal Inland Fisheries Institute in Olsztyn supplied with fresh water from Great Dgal Lake; 2. "Grzmieca" - fish culture pond terrestrial, natural belonging to fishing farm Grzmieca near Brodnica; 3. "Konin" - fish culture pond near Konin supplied with water utilized by near heat and power generating plant. Total of 80 sturgeons fry with parameters: length 17.5 cm - 38.5 cm, weight 21 g - 134 g, age 0+1+ has been examined. The examinated group of sturgenos had metacercariae Diplostomum sp. in their lenses. Prevalence of infection of sturgeon with metacercariae Diplostomum sp. was high in all this three ponds. Intensity of infection was also high in ponds "Dgal" and "Grzmieca", but low in "Konin". In ponds "Dgal" and "Konin" we have obtained high positive correlation ("Dgal" - r = 0,606, p < 0,05; "Konin" - r = 0,743, p < or = 0,01) between number of metacercariae in sturgeon and temperature of water. Our study confirmed observations other authors susceptibility sturgeon fry on the Diplostomum sp. invasion.