Identification of common human infectious and potentially zoonotic novel genotypes of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in cavernicolous bats in Thailand.

Enterocytozoon bieneusi is a common cause of human microsporidiosis and can infect a variety of animal hosts worldwide. In Thailand, previous studies have shown that this parasite is common in domestic animals. However, information on the prevalence and genotypes of this parasite in other synanthropic wildlife, including bats, remains limited. Several pathogens have been previously detected in bats, suggesting that bats may serve as a reservoir for this parasite. In this study, a total of 105 bat guano samples were collected from six different sites throughout Thailand. Of these, 16 from Chonburi (eastern), Ratchaburi (western), and Chiang Rai (northern) provinces tested positive for E. bieneusi, representing an overall prevalence of 15.2%. Based on ITS1 sequence analysis, 12 genotypes were identified, including two known genotypes (D and type IV) frequently detected in humans and ten novel potentially zoonotic genotypes (TBAT01-TBAT10), all belonging to zoonotic group 1. Lyle's flying fox (Pteropus lylei), commonly found in Southeast Asia, was identified as the host in one sample that was also positive for E. bieneusi. Network analysis of E. bieneusi sequences detected in this study and those previously reported in Thailand also revealed intraspecific divergence and recent population expansion, possibly due to adaptive evolution associated with host range expansion. Our data revealed, for the first time, multiple E. bieneusi genotypes of zoonotic significance circulating in Thai bats and demonstrated that bat guano fertilizer may be a vehicle for disease transmission.

Pulmonary cysticercosis: A case report of abnormal lung nodule based on chest computerized tomography.

Pulmonary cysticercosis is one of the rare complications of cysticercosis that occurs worldwide, especially in developing countries. Its clinical presentation can range from asymptomatic, pleural effusion, and constitutional symptoms to incidental pulmonary nodule. Here, we report pulmonary cysticercosis detected as a pulmonary nodule in computed tomography. Positron emission tomography revealed that the nodule was non-FDG avidity. However, the slow-growing pattern of the nodule raised a concern to the clinician to achieve definite diagnosis by surgical biopsy. Histopathological examination revealed cysticercosis. The patient was treated with praziquantel.

Probiotic as a Potential Gut Microbiome Modifier for Stroke Treatment: A Systematic Scoping Review of In Vitro and In Vivo Studies.

BACKGROUND: Pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments for stroke are essential but can be costly or harmful, whereas probiotics are a promising alternative. This scoping review aimed to synthesize the in vitro and in vivo evidence of probiotics on stroke-related neurological, biochemical, and histochemical outcomes. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Clinical Trials (CENTRAL) up to 7 May 2021. Titles and abstracts were screened and assessed by two independent reviewers. The initial screening criteria aimed to include studies using probiotics, prebiotics, and symbiotics both in vitro and in vivo for the prevention and/or treatment of stroke. RESULTS: Of 6293 articles, 4990 passed the initial screen after excluding duplication articles, of which 36 theme-related full texts were assessed and 13 were included in this review. No in vitro studies passed the criteria to be included in this review. Probiotics can ameliorate neurological deficits and show their anti-inflammation and anti-oxidative properties. Decreased loss of cerebral volume and inhibition of neuronal apoptosis were revealed in histopathological evidence. CONCLUSIONS: There are potential cognitive benefits of probiotic supplementation, especially among animal models, on decreasing cerebral volume, increasing neurological score, and decreasing the inflammatory response. However, further investigation is needed to validate these conclusions in various populations.