RESUMO
Toxoplasma gondii and Toxocara spp. zoonotic infections may cause severe systemic and ocular illness in infected individuals. Cats play a significant role in environmental contamination and the transmission of parasites. The goal of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) and Toxocara spp. infection among stray cats at Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences campus. The current descriptive study began with the collection of 170 fresh cat faecal samples from various sites in the Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences area. Sheather's sugar flotation method was applied to all specimens, and parasites were identified and examined microscopically. Next, a nested-PCR assay, sequencing, and real-time PCR with high-resolution melting curve (HRM) analysis were performed. In this study, out of 170 cat faecal samples microscopically evaluated, 8 (4.70%) and 37 (21.76%) were infected with T. gondii oocysts and Toxocara eggs, respectively. Using nested PCR, 8 out of 170 samples (4.70%) were found to be infected with T. gondii. HRM analysis showed that all isolates could be classified into three genetic lineages. Considerable prevalence, exceeding 50% for Toxocara and surpassing 25% for Toxoplasma in certain instances, along with genetic diversity, was observed in the present study. Hence, it is suggested that all individuals, including kindergarten children, students, employees, workers, and pregnant women who are in contact with their surroundings, take the necessary precautions.
Assuntos
Doenças do Gato , Fezes , Toxocara , Toxoplasma , Animais , Gatos , Toxoplasma/isolamento & purificação , Toxoplasma/genética , Toxocara/isolamento & purificação , Toxocara/genética , Fezes/parasitologia , Doenças do Gato/parasitologia , Doenças do Gato/epidemiologia , Universidades , Toxocaríase/epidemiologia , Toxocaríase/parasitologia , Toxoplasmose Animal/epidemiologia , Toxoplasmose Animal/parasitologia , Toxoplasmose/epidemiologia , Toxoplasmose/parasitologiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Digital imaging combined with deep-learning-based computational image analysis is a growing area in medical diagnostics, including parasitology, where a number of automated analytical devices have been developed and are available for use in clinical practice. METHODS: The performance of Parasight All-in-One (AIO), a second-generation device, was evaluated by comparing it to a well-accepted research method (mini-FLOTAC) and to another commercially available test (Imagyst). Fifty-nine canine and feline infected fecal specimens were quantitatively analyzed by all three methods. Since some samples were positive for more than one parasite, the dataset consisted of 48 specimens positive for Ancylostoma spp., 13 for Toxocara spp. and 23 for Trichuris spp. RESULTS: The magnitude of Parasight AIO counts correlated well with those of mini-FLOTAC but not with those of Imagyst. Parasight AIO counted approximately 3.5-fold more ova of Ancylostoma spp. and Trichuris spp. and 4.6-fold more ova of Toxocara spp. than the mini-FLOTAC, and counted 27.9-, 17.1- and 10.2-fold more of these same ova than Imagyst, respectively. These differences translated into differences between the test sensitivities at low egg count levels (< 50 eggs/g), with Parasight AIO > mini-FLOTAC > Imagyst. At higher egg counts Parasight AIO and mini-FLOTAC performed with comparable precision (which was significantly higher that than Imagyst), whereas at lower counts (> 30 eggs/g) Parasight was more precise than both mini-FLOTAC and Imagyst, while the latter two methods did not significantly differ from each other. CONCLUSIONS: In general, Parasight AIO analyses were both more precise and sensitive than mini-FLOTAC and Imagyst and quantitatively correlated well with mini-FLOTAC. While Parasight AIO produced lower raw counts in eggs-per-gram than mini-FLOTAC, these could be corrected using the data generated from these correlations.
Assuntos
Doenças do Gato , Doenças do Cão , Fezes , Contagem de Ovos de Parasitas , Animais , Gatos , Cães , Fezes/parasitologia , Doenças do Cão/parasitologia , Doenças do Cão/diagnóstico , Contagem de Ovos de Parasitas/métodos , Contagem de Ovos de Parasitas/veterinária , Contagem de Ovos de Parasitas/instrumentação , Doenças do Gato/parasitologia , Doenças do Gato/diagnóstico , Toxocara/isolamento & purificação , Ancylostoma/isolamento & purificação , Trichuris/isolamento & purificação , Helmintos/isolamento & purificação , Helmintos/classificação , Helmintíase Animal/diagnóstico , Helmintíase Animal/parasitologia , ÓvuloRESUMO
Domestic dogs and cats can serve as a source of environmental contamination with Toxocara spp. and Blastocystis spp., and this represents a neglected public and veterinary health problem. We assessed the microscopic and molecular prevalence of these species in a locality in Algeria and identified the associated risk factors. The faeces of 225 dogs and 78 cats were collected in Mitidja between March and July 2022. The samples were analysed by coproscopy and by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the Internal Transcribed Spacer 2 (ITS2) and Small Subunit Ribosomal (SSU-RNA) of T. canis and Blastocystis spp. respectively. The overall microscopic prevalence of Toxocara spp. in dogs and cats was 9.78 ± 1.98% and 12.82 ± 7.42%, respectively. The rate of Blastocystis spp. was 15.11 ± 2.39% and 15.38 ± 4.08% in dogs and cats, respectively while the molecular prevalence of T. canis in dogs was 4.89 ± 1.44% and in cats 1.28 ± 1.27%; the prevalence of Blastocystis spp. was 41.78 ± 3.29% and 34.62 ± 5.39% in dogs and cats, respectively. Phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses identified the presence of the H1 subtype of T. canis in dogs, and the ST1 subtype of Blastocystis in dogs and cats. Dogs with clinical signs were more likely to be infected with T. canis (OR 6.039, P < 0.05) than healthy dogs. This study demonstrates that dogs and cats are carriers of Toxocara spp. and Blastocystis spp. and are therefore a source of environmental contamination. Veterinarians and human health professionals should work together to implement control strategies as part of a "One Health" approach to improving animal health and reducing the risk of transmission to humans.
Assuntos
Infecções por Blastocystis , Blastocystis , Doenças do Gato , Doenças do Cão , Fezes , Toxocara , Toxocaríase , Animais , Cães , Gatos , Argélia/epidemiologia , Doenças do Cão/epidemiologia , Doenças do Cão/parasitologia , Doenças do Gato/parasitologia , Doenças do Gato/epidemiologia , Toxocaríase/epidemiologia , Toxocaríase/parasitologia , Prevalência , Fatores de Risco , Infecções por Blastocystis/epidemiologia , Infecções por Blastocystis/veterinária , Infecções por Blastocystis/parasitologia , Toxocara/genética , Toxocara/isolamento & purificação , Toxocara/classificação , Fezes/parasitologia , Blastocystis/genética , Blastocystis/classificação , Blastocystis/isolamento & purificação , Masculino , Feminino , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase , Microscopia , FilogeniaRESUMO
Toxocara is a genus of nematodes, which infects a variety of hosts, principally dogs and cats, with potential zoonotic risks to humans. Toxocara spp. larvae are capable of migrating throughout the host tissues, eliciting eosinophilic and granulomatous reactions, while surviving for extended periods of time, unchanged, in the host. It is postulated that larvae are capable of altering the host's immune response through the release of excretory-secretory products, containing both proteins and extracellular vesicles (EVs). The study of EVs has increased exponentially in recent years, largely due to their potential use as a diagnostic tool, and in molecular therapy. To this end, there have been multiple isolation methods described for the study of EVs. Here, we use nanoparticle tracking to compare the yield, size distribution, and % labelling of EV samples acquired through various reported methods, from larval cultures of Toxocara canis and T. cati containing Toxocara excretory-secretory products (TES). The methods tested include ultracentrifugation, polymer precipitation, magnetic immunoprecipitation, size exclusion chromatography, and ultrafiltration. Based on these findings, ultrafiltration produces the best results in terms of yield, expected particle size, and % labelling of sample. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the presence of EVs with characteristic cup-shaped morphology. These findings can serve as a guide for those investigating EVs, particularly those released from multicellular organisms, such as helminths, for which few comparative analyses have been performed.
Assuntos
Cromatografia em Gel , Exossomos , Vesículas Extracelulares , Microscopia Eletrônica de Transmissão , Toxocara canis , Toxocara , Ultracentrifugação , Animais , Toxocara/isolamento & purificação , Toxocara/metabolismo , Toxocara/química , Toxocara canis/química , Exossomos/química , Exossomos/ultraestrutura , Exossomos/metabolismo , Vesículas Extracelulares/química , Vesículas Extracelulares/ultraestrutura , Vesículas Extracelulares/metabolismo , Cães , Larva , Imunoprecipitação , Toxocaríase/parasitologia , Gatos , Nanopartículas/química , Tamanho da Partícula , Proteínas de Helminto/análise , Proteínas de Helminto/metabolismo , Proteínas de Helminto/química , Proteínas de Helminto/isolamento & purificaçãoRESUMO
Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati are globally distributed, zoonotic roundworm parasites. Human infection can have serious clinical consequences including blindness and brain disorders. In addition to ingesting environmental eggs, humans can become infected by eating infective larvae in raw or undercooked meat products. To date, no studies have assessed the prevalence of Toxocara spp. larvae in meat from animals consumed as food in the UK or assessed tissue exudates for the presence of anti-Toxocara antibodies. This study aimed to assess the potential risk to consumers eating meat products from animals infected with Toxocara spp. Tissue samples were obtained from 155 different food producing animals in the south, southwest and east of England, UK. Tissue samples (n = 226), either muscle or liver, were processed by artificial digestion followed by microscopic sediment evaluation for Toxocara spp. larvae, and tissue exudate samples (n = 141) were tested for the presence of anti-Toxocara antibodies using a commercial ELISA kit. A logistic regression model was used to compare anti-Toxocara antibody prevalence by host species, tissue type and source. While no larvae were found by microscopic examination after tissue digestion, the overall prevalence of anti-Toxocara antibodies in tissue exudates was 27.7%. By species, 35.3% of cattle (n = 34), 15.0% of sheep (n = 60), 54.6% of goats (n = 11) and 61.1% of pigs (n = 18) had anti-Toxocara antibodies. Logistic regression analysis found pigs were more likely to be positive for anti-Toxocara antibodies (odds ration (OR) = 2.89, P = 0.0786) compared with the other species sampled but only at a 10% significance level. The high prevalence of anti-Toxocara antibodies in tissue exudates suggests that exposure of food animals to this parasite is common in England. Tissue exudate serology on meat products within the human food chain could be applied in support of food safety and to identify practices that increase risks of foodborne transmission of zoonotic toxocariasis.
Assuntos
Anticorpos Anti-Helmínticos , Toxocara , Toxocaríase , Animais , Toxocaríase/epidemiologia , Toxocaríase/parasitologia , Toxocara/imunologia , Toxocara/isolamento & purificação , Anticorpos Anti-Helmínticos/sangue , Anticorpos Anti-Helmínticos/análise , Ovinos , Suínos , Bovinos , Ensaio de Imunoadsorção Enzimática/veterinária , Inglaterra/epidemiologia , Carne/parasitologia , Fígado/parasitologia , Cabras , Exsudatos e Transudatos/parasitologia , Doenças dos Suínos/parasitologia , Humanos , Músculos/parasitologia , Doenças dos Ovinos/parasitologia , Doenças dos Ovinos/epidemiologia , Parasitologia de AlimentosRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati are intestinal parasites of dogs, cats and foxes, with infected animals shedding eggs of the parasite in their faeces. If humans accidentally ingest embryonated Toxocara spp. eggs from the environment, severe clinical consequences, including blindness and brain damage, can occur. Previous work has demonstrated the presence of Toxocara spp. eggs on vegetable produce grown in the UK, but only in small-scale community gardens. The aim of this study was to determine whether Toxocara spp. eggs are also present on vegetables grown on commercial farms in the UK, which supply produce to a greater number of people. METHODS: A total of 120 samples (300 g each) of spinach (Spinacia oleracea) were collected across four farms in the south of England, UK. The samples were processed using a sieving approach followed by multiplex quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis. RESULTS: Overall, 23.0% of samples were positive for T. canis (28/120; 95% confidence interval 16.7-31.7%) and 1.7% for T. cati (2/120; 95% confidence interval 0.5-5.9%). There was a statistically significant difference in the number of positive samples between farms (P = 0.0064). To our knowledge, this is the first report of the isolation of Toxocara spp. from vegetables grown on commercial farms in the UK. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study highlight the requirement for the thorough washing of vegetables prior to their consumption, especially those such as spinach which may be eaten without first peeling or cooking, and effective farm biosecurity measures to minimise access to farmland by definitive host species of Toxocara spp.
Assuntos
Spinacia oleracea , Toxocara , Animais , Humanos , Raposas/parasitologia , Spinacia oleracea/parasitologia , Toxocara/isolamento & purificação , Reino UnidoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Toxocariasis, caused by a nematode species of the genus Toxocara, has been described as one of the most prevalent zoonotic helminthiases worldwide. Human transmission may occur by ingesting Toxocara spp. larvae from raw or undercooked meat or organs; however, no comprehensive serosurvey study has been conducted to date investigating the role of cattle as paratenic hosts. The aim of the study reported here was to assess the prevalence of anti-Toxocara spp. antibodies and associated risk factors in bovines from two slaughterhouses located in Presidente Prudente, southeastern Brazil. METHODS: Blood samples were collected and tested by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cattle farmers voluntarily responded to an epidemiologic questionnaire. RESULTS: Overall, 213 of the 553 (38.5%) bovine samples were assessed as seropositive for anti-Toxocara spp. antibodies by indirect ELISA. Multivariate analysis revealed that the source of beef cattle and the presence of dogs or cats at the farm were associated with seropositivity. The use of feedlot systems was associated with lower likelihood of seropositivity. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate a high level of anti-Toxocara seropositivity in slaughterhouse cattle, with potentially contaminated meat posing an infection risk to humans. In addition, the presence of dogs and cats where the slaughtered beef cattle were raised was statistically associated with bovine seropositivity, probably due to the overlapping environment at the farm and the lack of pet deworming. The use of feedlot systems was a protective factor likely due to the absence of dog and cat contact, elevated feeding troughs that avoid contact with contaminated soil or grass, and younger age at slaughter of feedlot cattle. In summary, bovines may be used as environmental sentinels of Toxocara spp. contamination, and high seropositivity of slaughterhouse cattle may indicate a potential risk of human toxocariasis through the ingestion of raw or undercooked contaminated meat.
Assuntos
Anticorpos Anti-Helmínticos/sangue , Doenças dos Bovinos/sangue , Toxocaríase/sangue , Matadouros/estatística & dados numéricos , Animais , Brasil/epidemiologia , Doenças do Gato/epidemiologia , Doenças do Gato/parasitologia , Gatos , Bovinos , Doenças dos Bovinos/epidemiologia , Doenças dos Bovinos/parasitologia , Doenças do Cão/epidemiologia , Doenças do Cão/parasitologia , Cães , Ensaio de Imunoadsorção Enzimática , Prevalência , Estudos Soroepidemiológicos , Toxocara/classificação , Toxocara/imunologia , Toxocara/isolamento & purificação , Toxocaríase/epidemiologia , Toxocaríase/parasitologiaRESUMO
Cats are important hosts for different zoonotic parasites that can be hazardous to human health. To date, few studies have attempted to identify the factors affecting parasitic infections in shelter animals. This study aims to analyse the presence of endoparasites in shelter cats in Tartu, Estonia, and identify factors affecting endoparasite prevalence and intensity. The risk factors considered were age, location (urban vs rural cats) and time spent in shelter. In total, 290 faecal samples were collected from cats at an animal shelter in 2015-2016 and investigated for endoparasites using the concentration flotation technique. In total, 138 shelter cats (47.6%) were infected with endoparasites and their overall prevalence was: Toxocara cati (36.6%), Cystoisospora spp. (12.4%), Taeniidae gen. sp. (4.1%), Toxoplasma gondii/Hammondia hammondi (3.4%), Eucoleus aerophilus (2.1%), Cryptosporidium spp. (2.1%), Ancylostoma sp. (0.7%) and Giardia sp. (0.7%). Coinfections occurred in 38 cats (13.1%) most frequently of T. cati and Cystoisospora spp. (4.5%), Cystoisospora spp. and T. gondii/H. hammondi (2.1%). Where species identification of cestode and nematode samples was not possible according to morphology, genetic analysis of the mitochondrial cox1 gene was carried out. DNA was successfully analysed for 6 out of 13 samples that required genetic identification, revealing Ancylostoma tubaeforme in one nematode sample and Hydatigera taeniaeformis in five cestode samples. Cats from rural areas had significantly higher endoparasite prevalence than cats from urban areas. Helminth prevalence decreased to some extent due to anthelmintic treatment in cats available for adoption (held ≥15 days in the shelter), whereas the prevalence of infection with protists increased significantly in these animals. It is important to note that the analysis revealed lower infection intensity for quarantine cats (held 1-14 days in the shelter) compared with cats available for adoption. The relatively high prevalence of endoparasites (including zoonotic) in shelter cats ready for adoption suggests that current anthelminthic procedures require improvements.
Assuntos
Gatos/parasitologia , Parasitos , Toxocara/isolamento & purificação , Fatores Etários , Ancylostoma/isolamento & purificação , Animais , Cestoides/isolamento & purificação , Coccídios/isolamento & purificação , Cryptosporidium/isolamento & purificação , Complexo IV da Cadeia de Transporte de Elétrons/genética , Estônia/epidemiologia , Fezes/parasitologia , Genes de Helmintos , Giardia/isolamento & purificação , Giardíase , Helmintos , Nematoides/isolamento & purificação , Parasitos/classificação , Parasitos/isolamento & purificação , Parasitos/patogenicidade , Prevalência , Fatores de Risco , Toxoplasma/isolamento & purificação , Zoonoses/parasitologiaRESUMO
Although raw or undercooked livestock meat or viscera has been suggested to be a source of human toxocariasis, there have been few reports on the prevalence of Toxocara larvae in the tissue of livestock animals. To investigate the presence of Toxocara larvae in chickens, we examined 50 culled chickens from a commercial layer farm. The liver, breast meat, and thigh meat were separated individually and artificially digested to examine for the presence of larvae. Nematode larvae were detected in 2 out of 50 chickens. One larva was detected from the breast meat, and it was molecularly identified as Toxocara tanuki. The other from the thigh meat of another chicken was molecularly identified as Toxocara cati. The present study demonstrated for the first time that T. tanuki larvae do infect chickens in the natural environment. The fact that Toxocara spp. larvae were found in muscles of farm chickens suggests that consumption of raw or undercooked chicken meat may present a risk for human toxocariasis.
Assuntos
Larva/fisiologia , Aves Domésticas/parasitologia , Toxocara/isolamento & purificação , Toxocaríase/parasitologia , Animais , Galinhas , Fazendas , Humanos , Larva/classificação , Larva/genética , Músculos/parasitologia , Toxocara/classificação , Toxocara/genéticaRESUMO
Toxocariasis is a zoonotic disease caused mainly by Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati and diagnosis in dogs and cats is an important tool for its control. For this reason, a new coprological loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay was developed for the simultaneous detection of these species. The primer set was designed on a region of the mitochondrial cox-1 gene. Amplification conditions were evaluated using a temperature gradient (52°C to 68°C), different incubation times (15120 min), and different concentrations of malachite green dye (0.0040.4% w/v). The analytical sensitivity was evaluated with serial dilutions of genomic DNA from T. canis and T. cati adult worms, and with serial dilutions of DNA extracted from feces using a low-cost in-house method. The specificity was evaluated using genomic DNA from Canis lupus familiaris, Felis catus, Escherichia coli, Toxascaris leonina, Ancylostoma caninum, Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto and Taenia hydatigena. The LAMP assay applied to environmental fecal samples from an endemic area showed an analytical sensitivity of 10100 fg of genomic DNA and 10−5 serial dilutions of DNA extracted from feces using the low-cost in-house method; with a specificity of 100%. Additionally, the total development of the assay was carried out in a basic laboratory and per-reaction reagent cost decreased by ~80%. This new, low-cost tool can help identify the most common agents of toxocariasis in endemic areas in order to manage prevention strategies without having to rely on a laboratory with sophisticated equipment.
Assuntos
Doenças do Gato/diagnóstico , Doenças do Cão/diagnóstico , Técnicas de Diagnóstico Molecular/veterinária , Técnicas de Amplificação de Ácido Nucleico/veterinária , Toxocara/isolamento & purificação , Toxocaríase/diagnóstico , Animais , Doenças do Gato/parasitologia , Gatos , Doenças do Cão/parasitologia , Cães , Fezes/parasitologia , Técnicas de Diagnóstico Molecular/métodos , Técnicas de Amplificação de Ácido Nucleico/métodos , Toxocara canis/isolamento & purificação , Toxocaríase/parasitologiaRESUMO
Toxocara species are parasitic nematodes of dogs and cats with a worldwide distribution. The adult worm lives in the intestine, and horizontal transmission of the infection occurs through eating paratenic host or embryonated eggs. This study aimed to estimate the molecular prevalence of Toxocara species in stray cats using the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technique. A total of 95 stool samples were randomly collected from stray cats in Khorramabad city in western Iran. Microscopic examination was performed after the separation and extraction of supernatants. The LAMP reaction was performed using the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) gene primers of Toxocara species and the appropriate master mix. The overall prevalence of Toxocara spp. in stray cats was 20% (19/95, CI 95%: 0.2 ± 0.08) by parasitological and molecular assessments. The microscopic examination of stool samples revealed that 19 samples were positive for Toxocara. The same 19 positive samples were also positive by the LAMP technique. Interestingly, based on the results of the LAMP assay, out of 95 studied samples, 18 (18.94%; CI 95%: 0.19 ± 0.08) specimens were Toxocara canis, while only 1 (1.05%; CI 95%: 0.005 ± 0.01) sample was diagnosed as Toxocara cati. The relatively high prevalence of Toxocara species in the studied cats shows the role of this species in spreading the parasite and the role of the cats in transmitting this zoonotic parasite. Preventive measures including the control of stray cat's population by castration and protection of public gardens where children play are recommended. The easy, highly sensitive and specific LAMP method is proposed for the differential detection of Toxocara species in animals and humans.
Assuntos
Doenças do Gato/epidemiologia , Técnicas de Diagnóstico Molecular/veterinária , Técnicas de Amplificação de Ácido Nucleico/veterinária , Toxocara/isolamento & purificação , Toxocaríase/epidemiologia , Animais , Doenças do Gato/parasitologia , Gatos , Testes Diagnósticos de Rotina/veterinária , Irã (Geográfico)/epidemiologia , Prevalência , Sensibilidade e Especificidade , Toxocaríase/parasitologiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Fecal examinations in pet cats and dogs are key components of routine veterinary practice; however, their accuracy is influenced by diagnostic methodologies and the experience level of personnel performing the tests. The VETSCAN IMAGYST system was developed to provide simpler and easier fecal examinations which are less influenced by examiners' skills. This system consists of three components: a sample preparation device, an automated microscope scanner, and analysis software. The objectives of this study were to qualitatively evaluate the performance of the VETSCAN IMAGYST system on feline parasites (Ancylostoma and Toxocara cati) and protozoan parasites (Cystoisospora and Giardia) and to assess and compare the performance of the VETSCAN IMAGYST centrifugal flotation method to reference centrifugal and passive flotation methods. METHODS: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of the scanning and algorithmic components of the VETSCAN IMAGYST system, fecal slides were prepared by the VETSCAN IMAGYST centrifugal flotation technique with pre-screened fecal samples collected from dogs and cats and examined by both an algorithm and parasitologists. To assess the performance of the VETSCAN IMAGYST centrifugal flotation technique, diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were calculated and compared to those of conventional flotation techniques. RESULTS: The performance of the VETSCAN IMAGYST algorithm closely correlated with evaluations by parasitologists, with sensitivity of 75.8-100% and specificity of 93.1-100% across the targeted parasites. For samples with 50 eggs or less per slide, Lin's concordance correlation coefficients ranged from 0.70 to 0.95 across the targeted parasites. The results of the VETSCAN IMAGYST centrifugal flotation method correlated well with those of the conventional centrifugal flotation method across the targeted parasites: sensitivity of 65.7-100% and specificity of 97.6-100%. Similar results were observed for the conventional passive flotation method compared to the conventional centrifugal flotation method: sensitivity of 56.4-91.7% and specificity of 99.4-100%. CONCLUSIONS: The VETSCAN IMAGYST scanning and algorithmic systems with the VETSCAN IMAGYST fecal preparation technique demonstrated a similar qualitative performance to the parasitologists' examinations with conventional fecal flotation techniques. Given the deep learning nature of the VETSCAN IMAGYST system, its performance is expected to improve over time, enabling it to be utilized in veterinary clinics to perform fecal examinations accurately and efficiently.
Assuntos
Doenças do Gato/parasitologia , Aprendizado Profundo , Doenças do Cão/parasitologia , Parasitos/isolamento & purificação , Doenças Parasitárias em Animais/diagnóstico , Algoritmos , Ancylostoma/isolamento & purificação , Animais , Gatos , Centrifugação/métodos , Testes Diagnósticos de Rotina , Cães , Fezes/parasitologia , Giardia/isolamento & purificação , Hospitais Veterinários , Oocistos/isolamento & purificação , Contagem de Ovos de Parasitas/métodos , Doenças Parasitárias em Animais/parasitologia , Sensibilidade e Especificidade , Toxocara/isolamento & purificaçãoRESUMO
Serological antibody detection by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)- and immunoblot-based methods constitutes the best indicator of human Toxocara infection. Nevertheless, the availability of serological tests, particularly western blots (WB), evaluated for sensitivity and specificity is limited. Therefore, an Anti-Toxocara-ELISA immunoglobulin g (IgG) prototype (Proto-ELISA) and an Anti-Toxocara-Westernblot (IgG) prototype (Proto-WB) were evaluated by testing 541 human sera pre-determined for Toxocara infection by an established in-house Anti-Toxocara-ELISA (IH-ELISA). To evaluate sensitivity and specificity of the newly developed ELISA and WB prototypes, results were compared to IH-ELISA and a commercial WB (Com-WB). Compared to the IH-ELISA, a sensitivity of 93.1% (229/246) and a specificity of 94.6% (279/295) of the Proto-ELISA with a Cohen's κ of 0.88 were obtained. The sensitivity of the Proto-WB was 76.7% (240/313) and specificity was 99.6% (227/228) with a Cohen's κ of 0.73 compared to those of Com-WB. A comparison to the IH-ELISA revealed 91.5% (225/246) sensitivity and 94.6% (279/295) specificity of the Proto-WB with a Cohen's κ of 0.86. Cross-reactivity was observed for some samples positive for Ascaris and Trichinella spp. in the Proto-ELISA, Proto-WB and Com-WB. Overall, the evaluated ELISA and WB prototypes showed high sensitivity and specificity, indicating high reliability of these newly developed tests.
Assuntos
Antígenos de Helmintos/análise , Western Blotting/métodos , Ensaio de Imunoadsorção Enzimática/métodos , Toxocara/isolamento & purificação , Toxocaríase/diagnóstico , Animais , Larva/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Toxocara/crescimento & desenvolvimentoRESUMO
Although human toxocariasis can lead to serious complications including neurological, ocular and visceral complications, there is a lack of comprehensive epidemiological information about the seroprevalence of Toxocara species in humans. In the present study, we analysed and reviewed the overall seroprevalence of human toxocariasis in Iran. The data collection was systematically undertaken on published articles using the PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect and Scopus databases. A total of 27 studies from the past two decades reporting seroprevalence of human toxocariasis met our eligibility criteria. The pooled proportion of Toxocara infection was estimated as 6.58% (95% confidence interval = 3.98-9.77). A wide variation between different studies was observed (Q statistic = 799.37, df = 26, P < 0.0001, and I2 = 96.7%). The seroprevalence rate of toxocariasis in the Iranian population is relatively high; contamination of the environment by eggs from the host as well as from household dogs and cats should be blamed.
Assuntos
Larva Migrans Visceral/epidemiologia , Larva Migrans Visceral/transmissão , Zoonoses/epidemiologia , Zoonoses/transmissão , Animais , Gatos , Cães , Humanos , Irã (Geográfico)/epidemiologia , Larva Migrans Visceral/parasitologia , Estudos Soroepidemiológicos , Toxocara/imunologia , Toxocara/isolamento & purificação , Toxocaríase/epidemiologia , Toxocaríase/parasitologia , Toxocaríase/transmissão , Zoonoses/parasitologiaRESUMO
To ensure that meat from livestock and game is safe for human consumption, European legislation lays down rules for mandatory testing. Helminth larvae are a category of zoonotic foodborne pathogens that can contaminate meat. Among helminths, the only zoonotic nematode regulated in Europe regarding meat inspection is Trichinella spp.. It is precisely during Trichinella testing that other potentially zoonotic larvae can be found. Due to current lack of tools, their identification is often very complicated. Nematode larvae other than Trichinella, recovered from artificial digestions of pig and wild boar muscles from France and Germany, were subjected to a newly developed two-step identification scheme, which includes both morphological examination and molecular assays. The first step is a general orientation towards a broad taxonomic group; the second step consists of targeted identification based on the results of first step. Different parasites were identified, some of which were not zoonotic such as Metastrongylus spp. and Angiostrongylus vasorum, but others are known to be zoonotic such as Toxocara cati, Ascaris suum, and Uncinaria stenocephala. The strategy is efficient for the identification of nematode larvae recovered from muscles but could also be applied for larvae from other sources.
Assuntos
Ancylostomatoidea/isolamento & purificação , Angiostrongylus/isolamento & purificação , Doenças Transmitidas por Alimentos/parasitologia , Carne/parasitologia , Metastrongyloidea/isolamento & purificação , Doenças dos Suínos/parasitologia , Trichinella/isolamento & purificação , Ancylostomatoidea/genética , Angiostrongylus/classificação , Angiostrongylus/genética , Animais , Ascaris suum/genética , Ascaris suum/isolamento & purificação , Digestão , França , Alemanha , Humanos , Larva , Metastrongyloidea/classificação , Metastrongyloidea/genética , Músculos/parasitologia , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase , Sus scrofa/parasitologia , Suínos/parasitologia , Toxocara/classificação , Toxocara/genética , Toxocara/isolamento & purificação , Trichinella/classificação , Trichinella/genética , Triquinelose/parasitologia , Triquinelose/prevenção & controleRESUMO
Adult ascarid worms from the field mice, Apodemus agrarius, were observed with a light and scanning electron microscope, and molecularly analized with 18S rRNA gene. In the scanning electron microscope, 3 prominent labia were present in the anterior end of male and female worms, but the interlabia and gubernaculum were absent. Scanning electron micrographs showed cervical alae as vestigial organs that looked like a slightly uplifted superficial sewing stitch. Total 6 pairs of post-cloacal papillae were observed on the tail of the male worms. The tail of female worms was blunt and conical shape with a spine-like structure, mucron. The eggs were sub-globular, coated with the albuminous layer and 73 by 82 µm in average size. The superficial pits of T. apodemi egg (mean 8.6×6.7 µm) are obviously bigger than those of Toxocara spp. The partial sequence of 18S rRNA showed the sequence homology of Toxocara canis (99.6%), Toxocara cati (99.4%), Toxascaris leonina (99.4%), and Toxocara vitulorum (99.2%). Conclusively, it was confirmed that ascarid nematodes, Toxocara apodemi, recovered from striped field mice in Korea are taxonomically conspecific relationship with genus Toxocara and genetic divergence from other Toxocara species.
Assuntos
Murinae/parasitologia , Toxocara/genética , Toxocara/ultraestrutura , Animais , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura , RNA de Helmintos/genética , RNA Ribossômico 18S/genética , República da Coreia , Toxocara/classificação , Toxocara/isolamento & purificaçãoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Fecal examination is an important component of routine companion animal wellness exams. Sensitivity and specificity of fecal examinations, however, are influenced by sample preparation methodologies and the level of training and experience of personnel who read fecal slides. The VETSCAN IMAGYST system consists of three components: a sample preparation device, a commercially available scanner, and an analysis software. The VETSCAN IMAGYST automated scanner and cloud-based, deep learning algorithm, locates, classifies, and identifies parasite eggs found on fecal microscopic slides. The main study objectives were (i) to qualitatively evaluate the capabilities of the VETSCAN IMAGYST screening system and (ii) to assess and compare the performance of the VETSCAN IMAGYST fecal preparation methods to conventional fecal flotation techniques. METHODS: To assess the capabilities of VETSCAN IMAGYST screening components, fecal slides were prepared by the VETSCAN IMAGYST centrifugal and passive flotation techniques with 100 pre-screened fecal samples collected from dogs and cats and examined by both the algorithm and parasitologists. To determine the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the VETSCAN IMAGYST sample preparation techniques, fecal flotation slides were prepared by four different techniques (VETSCAN IMAGYST centrifugal and passive flotations, conventional centrifugal flotation, and passive flotation using OVASSAY® Plus) and examined by parasitologists. Additionally, required sample preparation and scanning times were estimated on a subset of samples to evaluate VETSCAN IMAGYST ease-of-use. RESULTS: The algorithm performance of the VETSCAN IMAGYST closely matched that of the parasitologists, with Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) ranging from 0.83-0.99 across four taxa of parasites, Ancylostoma, Toxocara, Trichuris and Taeniidae. Both VETSCAN IMAGYST centrifugal and passive flotation methods correlated well with conventional preparation methods on all targeted parasites (diagnostic sensitivity of 75.8-100%, specificity of 91.8-100%, qualitative agreement between methods of 93.8-94.5%). Sample preparation, slide scan and image analysis were completed within 10-14 min by VETSCAN IMAGYST centrifugal and passive flotations, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The VETSCAN IMAGYST scanning system with the VETSCAN IMAGYST sample preparation methods demonstrated a qualitative match in comparison to the results of parasitologists' examinations with conventional fecal flotation techniques. The VETSCAN IMAGYST is an easy-to-use, next generation qualitative and possibly quantitative diagnostic platform that brings expert clinical results into the hands of veterinary clinics.
Assuntos
Aprendizado Profundo , Fezes/parasitologia , Helmintíase Animal/diagnóstico , Contagem de Ovos de Parasitas/métodos , Ancylostoma/isolamento & purificação , Animais , Doenças do Gato/diagnóstico , Doenças do Gato/parasitologia , Gatos , Doenças do Cão/diagnóstico , Doenças do Cão/parasitologia , Cães , Sensibilidade e Especificidade , Taenia/isolamento & purificação , Toxocara/isolamento & purificação , Trichuris/isolamento & purificaçãoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Despite the public health importance of toxocariasis/toxascariasis, only a few species of these ascaridoid parasites from wild canine and feline carnivores have been studied at the molecular level so far. Poor understanding of diversity, host distribution and the potential (zoonotic) transmission of the ascaridoid species among wild animals negatively affects their surveillance and control in natural settings. In this study, we updated previous knowledge by profiling the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships of ascaridoid species among eleven wild canine and feline animals on the basis of a combined analysis of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) gene and the partial mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 2 (cox2) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (nad1) genes. RESULTS: In total, three genetically distinct ascaridoid lineages were determined to be present among these wild carnivores sampled, including Toxocara canis in Alopex lagopus and Vulpes vulpes, Toxocara cati in Felis chaus, Prionailurus bengalensis and Catopuma temmincki and Toxascaris leonina in Canis lupus, Panthera tigris altaica, Panthera tigris amoyensis, Panthera tigris tigris, Panthera leo and Lynx lynx. Furthermore, it was evident that T. leonina lineage split into three well-supported subclades depending on their host species, i.e. wild felids, dogs and wolves and foxes, based on integrated genetic and phylogenetic evidence, supporting that a complex of T. leonina other than one species infecting these hosts. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide new molecular insights into classification, phylogenetic relationships and epidemiological importance of ascaridoids from wild canids and felids and also highlight the complex of the taxonomy and genetics of Toxascaris in their wild and domestic carnivorous hosts.
Assuntos
Carnívoros/parasitologia , Toxascaris , Toxocara , Animais , Animais Selvagens/parasitologia , China , Classificação , DNA Espaçador Ribossômico/genética , Complexo IV da Cadeia de Transporte de Elétrons/genética , Genes de Helmintos , Helmintos/classificação , Helmintos/genética , Helmintos/isolamento & purificação , NADH Desidrogenase/genética , Filogenia , Toxascaris/classificação , Toxascaris/genética , Toxascaris/isolamento & purificação , Toxocara/classificação , Toxocara/genética , Toxocara/isolamento & purificaçãoRESUMO
Human toxocariasis has been identified as an under-diagnosed parasitic zoonosis and health disparity of significant public health importance in the United States due to its high seropositivity among socioeconomically disadvantaged groups, and possible links to cognitive and developmental delays. Through microscopy and quantitative PCR, we detected that Toxocara eggs are widespread in New York City public spaces, with evidence of significant levels of contamination in all five boroughs. The Bronx had the highest contamination rate (66.7%), while Manhattan had the lowest contamination rate (29.6%). Moreover, infective eggs were only found in the Bronx playgrounds, with over 70% of eggs recovered in embryonic form and the highest egg burden (p = 0.0365). All other boroughs had eggs in the pre-infectious, unembronyated form. Toxocara cati, the cat roundworm, was the predominant species. These results suggest that feral or untreated cats in New York City represent a significant source of environmental contamination. These findings indicate that human toxocariasis has emerged as an important health disparity in New York City, with ongoing risk of acquiring Toxocara infection in public spaces, especially in poorer neighborhoods. There is a need for reducing environmental Toxocara contamination. Additional rigorous public health interventions should explore further approaches to interrupt transmission to humans.