Acanthamoeba Infection and Nasal Rinsing, United States, 1994-2022.

We describe 10 patients with nonkeratitis Acanthamoeba infection who reported performing nasal rinsing before becoming ill. All were immunocompromised, 7 had chronic sinusitis, and many used tap water for nasal rinsing. Immunocompromised persons should be educated about safe nasal rinsing to prevent free-living ameba infections.

Isolation and habitat analysis of Balamuthia mandrillaris from soil.

Balamuthia mandrillaris is a free-living amoeba that causes meningoencephalitis in mammals. Over 200 cases of infection were reported worldwide, with a fatality rate of over 95%. A clear route of infection was unknown for a long time until a girl died of granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE) in California, USA, in 2003 due to infection with B. mandrillaris detected in a potted plant. Since then, epidemiological studies were conducted worldwide to detect B. mandrillaris in soil and other environmental samples. We previously reported the isolation of B. mandrillaris from the soil in Japan; however, the existing B. mandrillaris culture method with BM3 medium and COS-7 cells was unsuccessful. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to conduct soil analysis to determine the growth conditions of B. mandrillaris. B. mandrillaris-positive soils were defined as soils from which B. mandrillaris was isolated and environmental DNA was PCR-positive. Soils inhabited by B. mandrillaris were alkaline, with high electrical conductivity and characteristics of nutrient-rich soils of loam and clay loam. The results of this study suggest a possible reason for the high prevalence of GAE caused by B. mandrillaris among individuals employed in agriculture-related occupations.

Amebic encephalitis and meningoencephalitis: an update on epidemiology, diagnostic methods, and treatment.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Free-living amebae (FLA) including Naegleria fowleri , Balamuthia mandrillaris , and Acanthamoeba species can cause rare, yet severe infections that are nearly always fatal. This review describes recent developments in epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of amebic meningoencephalitis. RECENT FINDINGS: Despite similarities among the three pathogenic FLA, there are notable variations in disease presentations, routes of transmission, populations at risk, and outcomes for each. Recently, molecular diagnostic tools have been used to diagnose a greater number of FLA infections. Treatment regimens for FLA have historically relied on survivor reports; more data is needed about novel treatments, including nitroxoline. SUMMARY: Research to identify new drugs and guide treatment regimens for amebic meningoencephalitis is lacking. However, improved diagnostic capabilities may lead to earlier diagnoses, allowing earlier treatment initiation and improved outcomes. Public health practitioners should continue to prioritize increasing awareness and providing education to clinicians, laboratorians, and the public about amebic infections.

A cohort study of gill infections, gill pathology and gill-related mortality in sea-farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.): A descriptive analysis.

Gill disease is an important cause of economic losses, fish mortality and reduced animal welfare in salmonid farming. We performed a prospective cohort study, following groups of Atlantic salmon in Western Norway with repeated sampling and data collection from the hatchery phase and throughout the 1st year at sea. The objective was to determine if variation in pathogen prevalence and load, and zoo- and phytoplankton levels had an impact on gill health. Further to describe the temporal development of pathogen prevalence and load, and gill pathology, and how these relate to each other. Neoparamoeba perurans appeared to be the most important cause of gill pathology. No consistent covariation and no or weak associations between the extent of gill pathology and prevalence and load of SGPV, Ca. B. cysticola and D. lepeophtherii were observed. At sea, D. lepeophtherii and Ca. B. cysticola persistently infected all fish groups. Fish groups negative for SGPV at sea transfer were infected at sea and fish groups tested negative before again testing positive. This is suggestive of horizontal transmission of infection at sea and may indicate that previous SGPV infection does not protect against reinfection. Coinfections with three or more putative gill pathogens were found in all fish groups and appear to be the norm in sea-farmed Atlantic salmon in Western Norway.

The Epidemiology of Entamoeba histolytica Infection and Its Associated Risk Factors among Domestic and Imported Patients in Taiwan during the 2011-2020 Period.

Background and Objectives: Amebiasis remains an important public health problem worldwide, and immigration and increased international travel have affected incident disease cases. This study assesses the prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica in Taiwan between 2011 and 2020 by analyzing data from surveillance programs conducted by the Centers for Disease Control of Taiwan (TCDC) on laboratory-confirmed cases. Materials and Methods: The E. histolytica infection-related data reported to the National Infectious Diseases Statistics System at the TCDC from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2020 were collected, including age, gender, place of residence, and the geographic season of exposure for each case. Results: In total, 3066 cases with E. histolytica infections were included in our analysis. Among them, 1735 (57%) cases were imported, and 1331 (43%) were locally acquired. The average annual incidence rate of E. histolytica infections in Taiwan between 2011 and 2020 was 10.6 and 16.1 per 1,000,000 patients. There were statistical differences in gender, age group, and place of residence (p < 0.001) by the source distribution of cases. Also, these differences were found every year (p < 0.05). There were statistical differences in gender and age group (p < 0.001) by place of residence (p < 0.001). The only difference between the distribution of cases and age group was in gender (p < 0.001). Eight patients with amebiasis died, and the fatality rate was 0.3% (8/3066), of whom 75% (6/8) were male, and 75% (6/8) were over 45 years old. This study demonstrates that multiple linear regression analysis shows positive associations between NO2 concentration and amebiasis cases (B value = 2.569, p = 0.019), O3 concentration and amebiasis cases (B value = 0.294, p = 0.008), and temperature and amebiasis cases (B value = 1.096, p = 0.046). Conclusions: This study is the first report of confirmed E. histolytica cases from TCDC surveillance data between 2011 and 2020. This study showed the importance of long periods, air pollutants, and geographically comprehensive analysis for estimating the effect of amebiasis transmission in Taiwan's populations.

Epidemiology and Clinical Characteristics of Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis Caused by Naegleria fowleri: A Global Review.

BACKGROUND: Primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a rapidly progressive and often fatal condition caused by the free-living ameba Naegleria fowleri. To estimate the global occurrence, characterize the epidemiology, and describe the clinical features of PAM, we report a series of PAM cases published in the international literature and reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). METHODS: We performed a literature search of PAM case reports published through 2018. Additionally, we included cases reported through the CDC's Free-Living Ameba surveillance or diagnosed via CDC's Free-Living and Intestinal Amebas Laboratory. Cases were classified as confirmed, probable, or suspect on the basis of confirmatory testing, presentation, exposure, and disease course. RESULTS: A total of 381 PAM cases were identified. Seven reported survivors were classified as confirmed. The most commonly reported exposure associated with PAM was swimming/diving, and the most common class of water source was lakes/ponds/reservoirs. Patients were predominantly male (75%), with a median age of 14 years. Confirmed and probable cases were similar in their survival, course of illness, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings. CONCLUSIONS: PAM is a rare but deadly disease with worldwide occurrence. Improved clinician awareness, resulting in earlier diagnosis and treatment, may contribute to increased survival among PAM patients. The case definition of probable used in this study appears to capture cases of PAM, as evidenced by similarities in outcomes, clinical course, and CSF profile to confirmed cases. In the absence of confirmatory testing, clinicians could use this case definition to identify cases of PAM.

Naegleria fowleri-associated meningoencephalitis in a cow in Southern Brazil-first molecular detection of N. fowleri in Brazil.

Naegleria fowleri, a free-living and thermophilic ameba, is the etiological agent of primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). PAM is a rare and highly fatal neurologic disease in humans, and has been rarely documented in animal species. This report describes the pathological and etiological findings of a fatal case of N. fowleri-associated meningoencephalitis in a cow in Southern Brazil. Microscopic findings were consistent with severe, multifocal, hemorrhagic, and necrosuppurative meningoencephalitis associated with a large number of amebic trophozoites compatible with N. fowleri. Brain samples subjected to molecular assays generated a 315 bp fragment, which presented 99% identity with a N. fowleri sequence previously deposited in GenBank. This is the first study reporting the molecular detection of N. fowleri in a case of cattle meningoencephalitis in Latin America, and the obtained sequence represents the first GenBank deposit of N. fowleri identified in Brazil to this day. Additionally, the case reported is the second occurrence of N. fowleri-associated disease in the same city, drawing attention to the local importance of infection by this ameba and potential risk for human infections.

A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF AMOEBIASIS IN REPTILES IN A ZOOLOGICAL INSTITUTION.

Amoebiasis is a significant protozoal disease of reptiles causing nonspecific clinical signs including diarrhea, anorexia, and lethargy. It frequently results in acute death. Investigation of the pathophysiology of amoebiasis in reptiles has been hampered by the inability to accurately identify amoeba to the species level using conventional techniques. This study reviewed reptile medical records from the Wildlife Conservation Society's archives from 1998 to 2017. Amoebae were identified histologically in 54 cases in 31 different species. Of these, amoebiasis was the cause of death in 32 (18 chelonians, 7 lizards, and 7 snakes), a significant co-morbidity in 14 (six chelonians, two lizards, and six snakes), and seen incidentally in eight cases (one chelonian, six lizards, and one snake). Relocation from one enclosure to another was also evaluated and 65% of cases had been moved within 180 days of death (median 46 days). Frozen tissue samples from 19 of these cases were tested via an Entamoeba (genus-specific) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. PCR products were sequenced and Entamoeba species were identified. Six individuals were positive for Entamoeba invadens (three chelonians, two snakes, one lizard), two for Entamoeba ranarum (both snakes), and one for Entamoeba terrapinae (chelonian); the other 10 cases were negative via PCR. Entamoeba ranarum has typically been considered a disease of amphibians with only one report of disease in a snake. Entamoeba terrapinae has only been reported without associated disease in chelonians. These results suggest that amoebiasis is a complicated and nuanced disease of reptiles, and warrants additional study.

Emerging infections: mimickers of common patterns seen in dermatopathology.

The following discussion deals with three emerging infection diseases that any dermatopathologist working in the northern hemisphere can come across. The first subject to be dealt with is gnathostomiasis. This parasitic disease is produced by the third larvarial stage of the parasite that in most patients is associated with the ingestion of raw fish. Epidemiologically, it is most commonly seen in South East Asia, Japan, China, and the American continent, mainly in Mexico, Ecuador, and Peru. Nowadays, the disease is also seen in travelers living in the developed countries who recently came back from visiting endemic countries. The disease produces a pattern of migratory panniculitis or dermatitis with infiltration of eosinophils in tissue. The requirements for making the diagnosis are provided, including clinical forms, common histological findings on skin biopsy as well as the use of ancillary testing. Buruli ulcer, a prevalent mycobacterial infection in Africa, is described from the clinical and histopathological point of view. The disease has been described occasionally in Central and South America as well as in developed countries such as Australia and Japan; Buruli ulcer has also been described in travelers returning from endemic areas. Clinically, the disease is characterized by large, painless ulcerations with undermined borders. Systemic symptoms are usually absent. Classical histological findings include a particular type of fat necrosis and the presence of abundant acid fast bacilli in tissue. Such findings should raise the possibility of this disease, with the purpose of early therapeutically intervention. Lastly, the infection by free living ameba Balamuthia mandrillaris, an emerging condition seen in the US and Peru, is extensively discussed. Special attention is given to clinical and histological characteristics, as well as to the clues for early diagnosis and the tools available for confirmation.

Intestinal amoebiasis: 160 years of its first detection and still remains as a health problem in developing countries.

Amoebiasis is a parasitic disease caused by Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica), an extracellular enteric protozoan. This infection mainly affects people from developing countries with limited hygiene conditions, where it is endemic. Infective cysts are transmitted by the fecal-oral route, excysting in the terminal ileum and producing invasive trophozoites (amoebae). E. histolytica mainly lives in the large intestine without causing symptoms; however, possibly as a result of so far unknown signals, the amoebae invade the mucosa and epithelium causing intestinal amoebiasis. E. histolytica possesses different mechanisms of pathogenicity for the adherence to the intestinal epithelium and for degrading extracellular matrix proteins, producing tissue lesions that progress to abscesses and a host acute inflammatory response. Much information has been obtained regarding the virulence factors, metabolism, mechanisms of pathogenicity, and the host immune response against this parasite; in addition, alternative treatments to metronidazole are continually emerging. An accesible and low-cost diagnostic method that can distinguish E. histolytica from the most nonpathogenic amoebae and an effective vaccine are necessary for protecting against amoebiasis. However, research about the disease and its prevention has been a challenge due to the relationship between E. histolytica and the host during the distinct stages of the disease is multifaceted. In this review, we analyze the interaction between the parasite, the human host, and the colon microbiota or pathogenic microorganisms, which together give rise to intestinal amoebiasis.

The Epidemiology and Clinical Features of Balamuthia mandrillaris Disease in the United States, 1974-2016.

BACKGROUND: Balamuthia mandrillaris is a free-living ameba that causes rare, nearly always fatal disease in humans and animals worldwide. B. mandrillaris has been isolated from soil, dust, and water. Initial entry of Balamuthia into the body is likely via the skin or lungs. To date, only individual case reports and small case series have been published. METHODS: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains a free-living ameba (FLA) registry and laboratory. To be entered into the registry, a Balamuthia case must be laboratory-confirmed. Several sources were used to complete entries in the registry, including case report forms, CDC laboratory results, published case reports, and media information. SAS© version 9.3 software was used to calculate descriptive statistics and frequencies. RESULTS: We identified 109 case reports of Balamuthia disease between 1974 and 2016. Most (99%) had encephalitis. The median age was 36 years (range 4 months to 91 years). Males accounted for 68% of the case patients. California had the highest number of case reports, followed by Texas and Arizona. Hispanics constituted 55% for those with documented ethnicity. Exposure to soil was commonly reported. Among those with a known outcome, 90% of patients died. CONCLUSIONS: Balamuthia disease in the United States is characterized by a highly fatal encephalitis that affects patients of all ages. Hispanics were disproportionately affected. The southwest region of the United States reported the most cases. Clinician awareness of Balamuthia as a cause of encephalitis might lead to earlier diagnosis and initiation of treatment, resulting in better outcomes.

Isolation, identification, and phylogenetic analysis of potentially pathogenic free-living amoebae isolated from nasal and oral mucosa of HIV/AIDS patients in Iran.

The burden of HIV/AIDS in Iran is not as high as in the other countries with high prevalence; however, the number of cases of HIV/AIDs is increasing in this region. According to a recent report, Iran had 5000 (1400-13,000) new cases of HIV infection with 4000 (2500-6200) AIDS-related deaths. Individuals affected by HIV/AIDS are highly susceptible for developing opportunistic infections, e.g. the cerebral complications related to pathogenic free-living amoebae and colonization of free-living amoebae (FLA) can be a serious hazard for patients living with HIV/AIDS. In the present study, a total of 70 oral and nasal mucosal samples were obtained from HIV/AIDS patients referred to the reference hospitals in Iran and tested for the presence of potentially pathogenic FLA using culture and PCR/sequencing-based methods. To discern the taxonomic status of Acanthamoeba genotypes a maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree was constructed and tolerance assays were performed for the positive Acanthamoeba strains. Among the patients with HIV/AIDS referred to the reference hospitals from 2017 to 2019, 7.1% were found positive for pathogenic free-living amoebae. Three strains (HA3, HA4, and HA5) belonged to the T4 genotype, one strain (HA1) was related to the T5 genotype assigned as A. lenticulata, and another strain (HA2) had high homology to Vermamoeba vermiformis. The tolerance assay used for Acanthamoeba strains (HA1, HA3, and HA4) classified these amoebae as highly pathogenic strains. For the most part, the encephalitis cases occurring in HIV/AIDS patients in Iran remain undiagnosed due to lack of awareness of the practitioners on the available diagnostic tools for this lethal infection; therefore, the true incidence of GAE in this region is unknown. A possible colonization with FLA should be considered in the differential diagnosis of suspected cases of CNS infections among HIV/AIDS patients. This study is the first worldwide comprehensive study attempting to isolate and identify the FLA colonization in HIV/AIDS patients. This study highlights the fact that clinicians should be aware of the differential diagnosis of cerebral disease related to FLA in patients with HIV/AIDS.

Acanthamoeba in Southeast Asia - Overview and Challenges.

Acanthamoeba, one of free-living amoebae (FLA), remains a high risk of direct contact with this protozoan parasite which is ubiquitous in nature and man-made environment. This pathogenic FLA can cause sight-threatening amoebic keratitis (AK) and fatal granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE) though these cases may not commonly be reported in our clinical settings. Acanthamoeba has been detected from different environmental sources namely; soil, water, hot-spring, swimming pool, air-conditioner, or contact lens storage cases. The identification of Acanthamoeba is based on morphological appearance and molecular techniques using PCR and DNA sequencing for clinico-epidemiological purposes. Recent treatments have long been ineffective against Acanthamoeba cyst, novel anti-Acanthamoeba agents have therefore been extensively investigated. There are efforts to utilize synthetic chemicals, lead compounds from medicinal plant extracts, and animal products to combat Acanthamoeba infection. Applied nanotechnology, an advanced technology, has shown to enhance the anti-Acanthamoeba activity in the encapsulated nanoparticles leading to new therapeutic options. This review attempts to provide an overview of the available data and studies on the occurrence of pathogenic Acanthamoeba among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members with the aim of identifying some potential contributing factors such as distribution, demographic profile of the patients, possible source of the parasite, mode of transmission and treatment. Further, this review attempts to provide future direction for prevention and control of the Acanthamoeba infection.

Detection of serum antibodies in children and adolescents against Balamuthia mandrillaris, Naegleria fowleri and Acanthamoeba T4.

The presence of free-living amoebae of the genera Naegleria, Acanthamoeba and Balamuthia, which contain pathogenic species for humans and animals, has been demonstrated several times and in different natural aquatic environments in the northwest of Mexico. With the aim of continuing the addition of knowledge about immunology of pathogenic free-living amoebae, 118 sera from children and adolescents, living in three villages, were studied. Humoral IgG response against B. mandrillaris, N. fowleri and Acanthamoeba sp. genotype T4, was analyzed in duplicate to titers 1: 100 and 1: 500 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Children and adolescents ages ranged between 5 and 16 years old, with a mean of 9 years old, 55% males. All tested sera were positive for the 1: 100 dilution, and in the results obtained with the 1: 500 dilution, 116 of 118 (98.3%) were seropositive for N. fowleri, 101 of 118 (85.6%) were seropositive for Acanthamoeba sp. genotype T4, and 43 of 118 (36.4%) were seropositive for B. mandrillaris. The statistical analysis showed different distributions among the three communities and for the three species of pathogenic free-living amoebae, including age. Lysed and complete cells used as Balamuthia antigens gave differences in seropositivity.

Detection and molecular characterization of Acanthamoeba spp. in stray cats from Madrid, Spain.

Acanthamoeba spp. is a widespread protozoan that has been isolated from air, dust, soil, water and biological samples. An opportunistic pathogen of humans and animals, it may cause ocular keratitis, encephalitis, and even multisystem disease. The frequency of Acanthamoeba in animals is unknown. The aim of present study was determine the presence of Acanthamoeba spp. in immunocompromised stray cats - animals possibly more likely to harbour the infection given their immunocompromised status and frequenting of contaminated environments. Of 307 cats examined, 55 were positive for feline immunodeficiency virus and/or feline leukaemia virus and therefore included in the study. Corneal scrapings were obtained to isolate Acanthamoeba spp. by culture and molecular detection by conventional and real time PCR. None of the samples examined directly by molecular methods were positive for Acanthamoeba spp. However, two (3.6%) cases of the cultured samples provided positive results, which were confirmed by subsequent molecular analysis. Sequencing assigned one isolate to genotype T4 and the other to T2. Since Acanthamoeba spp. may also infect animals and humans, the present findings may raise some public health and veterinary concerns.

First report of the isolation of Balamuthia mandrillaris in the northern region of Japan.

Balamuthia mandrillaris is a free-living amoeba that lives in soil and water near human settlements. B. mandrillaris was first isolated from a mandrill baboon that died at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Park in California in 1986, and the first human infection was reported in 1990. Although reported B. mandrillaris infections are often not properly characterized, it appears that B. mandrillaris invades the living body from the soil and water, either via a wound or the nasal cavity. Most confirmed infections have originated in South and North America. B. mandrillaris inhabits warm climates and is recognized as a pathogen in warm areas such as desert climates and tropical climates. B. mandrillaris has been isolated from environmental samples since 2000, most of which originated from warm areas such as step climates, tropical climates, and desert climates. However, B. mandrillaris may survive in diverse environments, although fewer granulomatous amebic encephalitis patients have been reported in colder Japanese and Northern European regions. In the present study, we conducted a survey of 13 soil samples in Aomori Prefecture located at the northernmost tip of Japan Honshu and successfully isolated one strain of B. mandrillaris from soil for the first time in Japan. In addition, B. mandrillaris gene was detected from several soils. This confirms that B. mandrillaris is capable of spreading to a wider climatic region.

PCR survey for Paramoeba perurans in fauna, environmental samples and fish associated with marine farming sites for Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.).

Amoebic gill disease (AGD) caused by the amoeba Paramoeba perurans is an increasing problem in Atlantic salmon aquaculture. In the present PCR survey, the focus was to identify reservoir species or environmental samples where P. perurans could be present throughout the year, regardless of the infection status in farmed Atlantic salmon. A total of 1200 samples were collected at or in the proximity to farming sites with AGD, or with history of AGD, and analysed for the presence of P. perurans. No results supported biofouling organisms, salmon lice, biofilm or sediment to maintain P. perurans. However, during clinical AGD in Atlantic salmon, the amoeba were detected in several samples, including water, biofilm, plankton, several filter feeders and wild fish. It is likely that some of these samples were positive as a result of the continuous exposure through water. Positive wild fish may contribute to the spread of P. perurans. Cleaner fish tested positive for P. perurans when salmon tested negative, indicating that they may withhold the amoeba longer than salmon. The results demonstrate the high infection pressure produced from an AGD-afflicted Atlantic salmon population and thus the importance of early intervention to reduce infection pressure and horizontal spread of P. perurans within farms.

Prevalence of parasitic infections and associations with pregnancy complications and outcomes in northern Tanzania: a registry-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Parasitic infection(s) during pregnancy have been associated with increased risk of pregnancy complications and adverse outcomes in low resource settings. However, little is known about their influence on pregnancy outcomes. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of parasitic infections and their association with pregnancy complications and adverse outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using maternally-linked data from Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center (KCMC) medical birth registry. Birth records from all women who delivered singleton infants from 2000-2011 were utilized. We excluded multiple gestations and rural medical referral for various medical complications. A total of 30,797 births were evaluated. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 18.0. Odds ratio (ORs) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) for adverse pregnancy outcomes and complications associated with parasitic infections were estimated using multiple logistic regression models. A p-value of less than 5 % was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The most prevalent parasitic infection recorded was malaria (17.0 %), while helminths and amebiasis were infrequently recorded (0.6 % vs. 0.7 %, respectively). Women who had malaria during pregnancy had 13 % increased odds of having a preterm delivery (OR = 1.13; 95 % CI: 1.01-1. 26) as compared to those who were not infected. They also had 33 % increased odds of getting maternal anemia (OR = 1.33; 95 % CI: 1.11-1.72). Likewise, pregnant women who were recorded with helminths infections had 29 % increased odds of having maternal anemia as compared to those who had no helminths infection (OR = 1.29; 95 % CI:0.48-3.53). Moreover, pregnant women who were recorded to have amebiasis had 79 % increased odds of having a preterm delivery as compared to those who had no ameba infection (OR = 1.79; 95 % CI: 1.12-2.91). CONCLUSIONS: Malaria was the prevalent parasitic infection in the studied population while helminth and ameba infections were infrequently reported. These parasitic infections were also associated with increased risk of anemia and delivery of a preterm infant. These were the only three infections/infestations which were evaluated. Our analysis revealed that malaria, helminth and ameba infections during pregnancy is dangerous and has life threatening consequences. This highlight the need to provide early diagnosis and treatment for infected women to prevent pregnancy complications and associated adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Amoebic gill infection in coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch farmed in Korea.

About 70% mortality occurred in cultured coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch at a marine farm in the South Sea of Korea in 2014. Diseased fish showed greyish or pale patches on the gills, with no internal signs of disease. No bacteria or viruses were isolated from diseased fish, but numerous amoebae were found on the gills. Histopathological examinations revealed extensive hyperplastic epithelium and lamellar fusion in the gills. Numerous amoebae were seen between gill filaments. The amoebae had a 630 bp partial 18S rRNA gene fragment specific to Neoparamoeba perurans. Phylogenetic analysis based on partial 18S rRNA gene nucleotide sequences revealed that this Korean amoeba belonged to the N. perurans group. This is the first report of N. perurans infection in Korea.

Study of the gastrointestinal parasitic fauna of captive non-human primates (Macaca fascicularis).

The aim of this study was to examine helminths and protozoans in cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis) imported from registered breeding facilities in China and their relation to health risks for non-human primate handlers in biomedical research centers and in breeding facilities. Fresh fecal samples were collected from a total of 443 M. fascicularis and analyzed by copromicroscopical analysis, immunoenzymatic, or molecular assays. As to helminths, whose eggs were shed in 2.03% of the samples, Trichuris and Oesophagostomum were the only two taxa found, with low prevalence and low eggs per gram (EPG) values. Protozoans were more frequently detected (87.40%), with Entamoeba coli (85.19%) and Endolimax nana (79.26%) as the most prevalent species shed. Other parasites found by fecal smear examination were uninucleated-cyst-producing Entamoebas (78.52%), Iodamoeba bütschlii (42.96%), and Chilomastix mesnili (24.44%), while cysts of Balantidium coli (22.2%) were only observed by sedimentation. No coproantigens of Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., and Entamoeba histolytica complex were detected. Blastocystis sp. infection was noticed in 87.63% of macaques by PCR. These cynomolgus monkeys were infected with many subtypes (ST1, ST2, ST3, ST5, and ST7), where the predominant Blastocystis sp. subtypes were ST2 (77.5%), followed by ST1 (63.5%). Data collected confirmed the presence of potentially zoonotic parasites and a high parasite diversity, suggesting the need for appropriate and sensitive techniques to adequately control them and related health risks for handlers of non-human primates in biomedical research centers and in breeding facilities.