RESUMO
Optimal control strategies for Taenia solium taeniasis and cysticercosis have not been determined. We conducted a 2-year cluster randomized trial in Peru by assigning 23 villages to 1 of 3 geographically targeted intervention approaches. For ring screening (RS), participants living near pigs with cysticercosis were screened for taeniasis; identified cases were treated with niclosamide. In ring treatment (RT), participants living near pigs with cysticercosis received presumptive treatment with niclosamide. In mass treatment (MT), participants received niclosamide treatment every 6 months regardless of location. In each approach, half the villages received targeted or mass oxfendazole for pigs (6 total study arms). We noted significant reductions in seroincidence among pigs in all approaches (67.1% decrease in RS, 69.3% in RT, 64.7% in MT; p<0.001), despite a smaller proportion of population treated by targeted approaches (RS 1.4%, RT 19.3%, MT 88.5%). Our findings suggest multiple approaches can achieve rapid control of T. solium transmission.
Assuntos
Cisticercose , Taenia solium , Animais , Cisticercose/tratamento farmacológico , Cisticercose/epidemiologia , Cisticercose/prevenção & controle , Humanos , Administração Massiva de Medicamentos , Peru/epidemiologia , SuínosRESUMO
We report cystic echinococcosis (CE) prevalence in Huancayo Province, Peru, and the associated economic effect of bovine organ condemnation. CE prevalence during the 16-month study period was 42.8% and caused $14,595 in economic losses. CE threatens food security in the region by reducing farmers' income and viscera supply in markets.
Assuntos
Doenças dos Bovinos/epidemiologia , Doenças dos Bovinos/parasitologia , Equinococose/veterinária , Matadouros , Animais , Biópsia , Bovinos , Doenças dos Bovinos/diagnóstico , Feminino , Masculino , Peru/epidemiologia , PrevalênciaRESUMO
Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a helminth infection affecting the central nervous system caused by the larval stage (cysticercus) of Taenia solium. Since vascular alteration and blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption contribute to NCC pathology, it is postulated that angiogenesis could contribute to the pathology of this disease. This study used a rat model for NCC and evaluated the expression of two angiogenic factors called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF2). Also, two markers for BBB disruption, the endothelial barrier antigen and immunoglobulin G, were evaluated using immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence techniques. Brain vasculature changes, BBB disruption, and overexpression of angiogenesis markers surrounding viable cysts were observed. Both VEGF-A and FGF2 were overexpressed in the tissue surrounding the cysticerci, and VEGF-A was overexpressed in astrocytes. Vessels showed decreased immunoreactivity to endothelial barrier antigen marker and an extensive staining for IgG was found in the tissues surrounding the cysts. Additionally, an endothelial cell tube formation assay using human umbilical vein endothelial cells showed that excretory and secretory antigens of T. solium cysticerci induce the formation of these tubes. This in vitro model supports the hypothesis that angiogenesis in NCC might be caused by the parasite itself, as opposed to the host inflammatory responses alone. In conclusion, brain vasculature changes, BBB disruption, and overexpression of angiogenesis markers surrounding viable cysts were observed. This study also demonstrates that cysticerci excretory-secretory processes alone can stimulate angiogenesis.
Assuntos
Barreira Hematoencefálica/fisiopatologia , Fatores de Crescimento de Fibroblastos/metabolismo , Neovascularização Patológica/metabolismo , Neurocisticercose/fisiopatologia , Fator A de Crescimento do Endotélio Vascular/metabolismo , Animais , Vasos Sanguíneos/parasitologia , Vasos Sanguíneos/patologia , Barreira Hematoencefálica/parasitologia , Barreira Hematoencefálica/patologia , Encéfalo/parasitologia , Células Endoteliais/metabolismo , Células Endoteliais/parasitologia , Células Endoteliais/patologia , Células Endoteliais da Veia Umbilical Humana , Humanos , Imunoglobulina G/metabolismo , Neovascularização Patológica/parasitologia , Neurocisticercose/parasitologia , Ratos , Ratos Sprague-Dawley , Taenia soliumRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To compare the performance of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests for diagnosing Echinococcus granulosus in dog feces among national reference laboratories in Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay. METHODS: National laboratories affiliated with the Ministry of Health/Agriculture of each country exchanged panels of 10 positive/negative samples obtained from their regular national surveillance programs in November 2015 - November 2016. All laboratories applied PCR; two also applied ELISA techniques. Sensitivity and specificity were determined for each laboratory and concordance of results among the laboratories was evaluated by Cohen Kappa coefficient. RESULTS: Poor concordance (3 of 10 paired comparisons had values of Kappa > 0.4), low sensitivity and specificity across all laboratories, and poor performance of both techniques in detecting E. granulosus in canine feces was demonstrated in this study. An ex-post comparison of the laboratories' test protocols showed substantial heterogeneity that could partially explain poor concordance of results. CONCLUSION: The results underscore the heterogeneity of canine echinococcosis diagnosis across the region and indicate possible sources of variability. Efforts to standardize canine echinococcosis testing must be included in the plan of action for the Regional Initiative for the Control of Cystic Echinococcosis. Future comparisons with fecal samples of known parasite load are needed.
RESUMO
Cystic echinococcosis (CE) or hydatidosis, a parasitic zoonosis caused by a cestode of the family Taeniidae, species Echinococcus granulosus, is endemic in Argentina, Chile, Peru, Uruguay, and southern Brazil. This report presents CE figures for these five countries in 2009 - 2014 and proposes indicators to measure national control programs. Nearly 5 000 new CE cases were diagnosed annually in the five countries during the study period. The average case fatality rate was 2.9%, which suggests that CE led to approximately 880 deaths in these countries during the 6-year period. CE cases that required secondary or tertiary health care had average hospital stays of 10.6 days, causing a significant burden to health systems. The proportion of new cases (15%) in children less than 15 years of age suggests ongoing transmission. Despite figures showing that CE is not under control in South America, the long-standing implementation of national and local control programs in three of the five countries has achieved reductions in some of the indicators. The Regional Initiative for the Control of CE, which includes the five countries and provides a framework for networking and collaboration, must intensify its efforts.
Assuntos
Equinococose/epidemiologia , Equinococose/prevenção & controle , Humanos , Incidência , Prevalência , América do Sul/epidemiologia , Fatores de TempoRESUMO
Neurocysticercosis is caused by Taenia solium infecting the central nervous system and is the leading cause of acquired epilepsy and convulsive conditions worldwide. Research into the pathophysiology of the disease and appropriate treatment is hindered by lack of cost-effective and physiologically similar animal models. We generated a novel rat neurocysticercosis model using intracranial infection with activated T. solium oncospheres. Holtzman rats were infected in two separate groups: the first group was inoculated extraparenchymally and the second intraparenchymally, with different doses of activated oncospheres. The groups were evaluated at three different ages. Histologic examination of the tissue surrounding T. solium cysticerci was performed. Results indicate that generally infected rats developed cysticerci in the brain tissue after 4 months, and the cysticerci were observed in the parenchymal, ventricle, or submeningeal brain tissue. The route of infection did not have a statistically significant effect on the proportion of rats that developed cysticerci, and there was no dependence on infection dose. However, rat age was crucial to the success of the infection. Epilepsy was observed in 9% of rats with neurocysticercosis. In histologic examination, a layer of collagen tissue, inflammatory infiltrate cells, perivascular infiltrate, angiogenesis, spongy change, and mass effect were observed in the tissue surrounding the cysts. This study presents a suitable animal model for the study of human neurocysticercosis.
Assuntos
Encéfalo/patologia , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Neurocisticercose/patologia , Taenia solium , Animais , Encéfalo/parasitologia , Neurocisticercose/parasitologia , Ratos , Ratos Sprague-DawleyRESUMO
In the Peruvian Amazon, paca meat is consumed by humans. To determine human risk for polycystic echinococcosis, we examined wild pacas from 2 villages; 15 (11.7%) of 128 were infected with Echinococcus vogeli tapeworms. High E. vogeli prevalence among pacas indicates potential risk for humans living in E. vogeli-contaminated areas.
Assuntos
Cuniculidae/parasitologia , Equinococose/veterinária , Doenças dos Roedores/epidemiologia , Doenças dos Roedores/parasitologia , Animais , Echinococcus , Feminino , Fígado/parasitologia , Fígado/patologia , Masculino , Peru/epidemiologia , Prevalência , Doenças dos Roedores/diagnósticoRESUMO
Despite being a leading cause of acquired seizures in endemic regions, the pathological mechanisms of neurocysticercosis are still poorly understood. This study aims to investigate the impact of anthelmintic treatment on neuropathological features in a rat model of neurocysticercosis. Rats were intracranially infected with Taenia solium oncospheres and treated with albendazole + praziquantel (ABZ), oxfendazole + praziquantel (OXF), or untreated placebo (UT) for 7 days. Following the last dose of treatment, brain tissues were evaluated at 24 h and 2 months. We performed neuropathological assessment for cyst damage, perilesional brain inflammation, presence of axonal spheroids, and spongy changes. Both treatments showed comparable efficacy in cyst damage and inflammation. The presence of spongy change correlated with spheroids counts and were not affected by anthelmintic treatment. Compared to white matter, gray matter showed greater spongy change (91.7% vs. 21.4%, p < 0.0001), higher spheroids count (45.2 vs. 0.2, p = 0.0001), and increased inflammation (72.0% vs. 21.4%, p = 0.003). In this rat model, anthelmintic treatment destroyed brain parasitic cysts at the cost of local inflammation similar to what is described in human neurocysticercosis. Axonal spheroids and spongy changes as markers of damage were topographically correlated, and not affected by anthelmintic treatment.
Assuntos
Anti-Helmínticos , Encéfalo , Neurocisticercose , Taenia solium , Animais , Neurocisticercose/tratamento farmacológico , Neurocisticercose/patologia , Ratos , Anti-Helmínticos/uso terapêutico , Encéfalo/patologia , Encéfalo/parasitologia , Albendazol/uso terapêutico , Albendazol/farmacologia , Praziquantel/uso terapêutico , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Masculino , Feminino , BenzimidazóisRESUMO
Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is the most common parasitic disease affecting the nervous system and is a leading cause of acquired epilepsy worldwide, as well as cognitive impairment, especially affecting memory. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of NCC on spatial working memory and its correlation with hippocampal neuronal density, in a rat model of NCC. This experimental study was conducted on female (n = 60) and male (n = 73) Holtzman rats. NCC was induced by intracranial inoculation of T. solium oncospheres in 14 day-old-rats. Spatial working memory was assessed using the T-maze test at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post-inoculation, and sensorimotor evaluation was performed at 12 months post-inoculation. Hippocampal neuronal density was evaluated by immunostaining of NeuN-positive cells of the CA1 region. Of the rats inoculated with T. solium oncospheres, 87.2% (82/94) developed NCC. The study showed a significant decline in spatial working memory over a 1-year follow-up period in rats experimentally infected with NCC. Males showed an early decline that started at 3 months, while females demonstrated it at 9 months. Additionally, a decrease in neuronal density was observed in the hippocampus of NCC-infected rats, with a more significant reduction in rats with cysts in the hippocampus than in rats with cysts in other brain areas and control rats. This rat model of NCC provides valuable support for the relationship between neurocysticercosis and spatial working memory deficits. Further investigations are required to determine the mechanisms involved in cognitive impairment and establish the basis for future treatments.
RESUMO
Enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blot (EITB) detects antibodies against seven Taenia solium larvae antigens in three protein families (GP50, T24/42, and 8-kDa) with different structures and functions. EITB banding patterns against these antigens in pigs provide information about the course of infection and may discriminate viable cysticercosis. We analyzed the banding patterns and infection outcomes (presence of viable cysts, degenerated cysts, and any cysts) of 512 rural pigs. Banding patterns were grouped into homogenous classes using latent class analysis, and relationships with infection outcomes were assessed. Four classes were identified: 1 (n = 308, EITB-negative or positive for the GP50 family), 2 (n = 127, positive for GP50 (GP50 family), GP42-39 and GP24 (T24/42 family), but negative for 8-kDa antigens), 3 (n = 22, positive for GP50 and T24/42 antigens (GP42-39 and GP24), as well as to 8-kDa bands GP13, GP14, and GP18, but negative for GP21), and 4 (n = 55, positive for GP50 and T24/42 antigens, as well as to 8-kDa antigens GP21 and GP18 in combination). Pigs in classes 3 and 4 were more likely to have viable cysts (72.6% and 96.4%, respectively) than pigs in classes 1 and 2 (0.7% and 27.6%, respectively; p < 0.001). The number of infections with any cysts was higher in classes 3 and 4 (77.3% and 98.2%, respectively) and lower in classes 2 and 1 (34.7% and 4.9%, respectively; p < 0.001). Pigs with viable cysts represented >90% of pigs with any cysts in classes 3 and 4 (94.1% and 98.2%, respectively), while degenerated cysts were frequent among pigs with any cysts in classes 1, 3, and 2 (86.7%, 47.1%, and 43.2%, respectively; p < 0.001). EITB banding patterns strongly correlate with cysticercosis infection status in rural pigs, with classes 3 and 4 being more predictive of viable infections.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) disproportionately affect populations living in resource-limited settings. In the Amazon basin, substantial numbers of NTDs are zoonotic, transmitted by vertebrate (dogs, bats, snakes) and invertebrate species (sand flies and triatomine insects). However, no dedicated consortia exist to find commonalities in the risk factors for or mitigations against bite-associated NTDs such as rabies, snake envenoming, Chagas disease and leishmaniasis in the region. The rapid expansion of COVID-19 has further reduced resources for NTDs, exacerbated health inequality and reiterated the need to raise awareness of NTDs related to bites. METHODS: The nine countries that make up the Amazon basin have been considered (Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Surinam and Venezuela) in the formation of a new network. RESULTS: The Amazonian Tropical Bites Research Initiative (ATBRI) has been created, with the aim of creating transdisciplinary solutions to the problem of animal bites leading to disease in Amazonian communities. The ATBRI seeks to unify the currently disjointed approach to the control of bite-related neglected zoonoses across Latin America. CONCLUSIONS: The coordination of different sectors and inclusion of all stakeholders will advance this field and generate evidence for policy-making, promoting governance and linkage across a One Health arena.
Assuntos
COVID-19 , Saúde Única , Mordeduras de Serpentes , Medicina Tropical , Humanos , Animais , Cães , Antivenenos , Disparidades nos Níveis de Saúde , Venenos de Serpentes , Doenças NegligenciadasRESUMO
Modulation of host responses is an important strategy by which parasites ensure successful establishment and persistence. Host counteraction against this modulation may be required for the host to develop resistance to infection. In this pilot study, experimental infection of dogs with Echinococcus granulosus induced a strong polarization of the cytokine response towards a Th2 phenotype. Consecutive rounds of infection and cure induced resistance to infection resulting in a dramatically lower parasite burden. Repeatedly-infected resistant dogs also lost immune polarization and developed a balanced Th1/Th2 response. No major differences were observed in the production of regulatory cytokines (IL-10, TGF-ß) between dogs with high parasite load and dogs with only few intestinal parasites. These results suggest that E. granulosus-driven immunomodulation contributes to successful infection in the definitive host. This information might be relevant for the development of more effective vaccines against this stage of the parasite.
Assuntos
Citocinas/metabolismo , Equinococose/imunologia , Echinococcus granulosus/imunologia , Animais , Citocinas/classificação , Citocinas/genética , Cães , Equinococose/parasitologia , Nódulos Linfáticos Agregados/imunologia , Projetos Piloto , RNA Mensageiro/metabolismo , Recidiva , Baço/imunologia , Células Th1/imunologia , Células Th2/imunologiaRESUMO
The prevalence of cystic echinococcosis is high in many livestock areas of Peru, where intermediate hosts such as sheep, cattle, and South American camelids can be infected. Several species of E. granulosus have been described in relation to its genetic diversity and distribution. The aim of this study was to determine the species of E. granulosus sensu lato (s.l.) metacestodes collected from sheep, cattle, swine and camelids at different localities in the department of Puno, in the southern highlands of Peru. One hundred and fifty-two echinococcal cysts were collected from 10 different locations. E. granulosus s.l. species were determined by amplification of the Internal transcribed spacer 1 of the ribosomal DNA using a Nested PCR-RFLP technique. The cytochrome C oxidase 1 gene (450 bp) was also amplified and sequenced in samples with different RFLP patterns. Cysts samples were collected from sheep (39.5%), cattle (32.9%), pigs (15.8%) and alpacas/llamas (11.8%). E. granulosus sensu stricto (G1 genotype) was mainly identified in all animal hosts, while, the E. canadensis (G7) was only identified in cysts from pigs and alpacas. This is the first report of E. granulosus sensu stricto and E. canadensis in llamas and alpacas, respectively. Knowledge of species and molecular epidemiology of E. granulosus s.l. in endemic areas in Peru may help to evaluate preventive programs, understand disease transmission, as well as improve vaccine and chemotherapy effectiveness.
Assuntos
Equinococose , Echinococcus granulosus , Echinococcus , Animais , Bovinos , Equinococose/epidemiologia , Equinococose/veterinária , Echinococcus granulosus/genética , Genótipo , Gado , Peru/epidemiologia , Ovinos , SuínosRESUMO
Avian influenza virus (AIV) represents a major concern with productive implications in poultry systems but it is also a zoonotic agent that possesses an intrinsic pandemic risk. AIV is an enveloped, negative-sense and single-stranded RNA virus with a segmented genome. The eight genomic segments, comprising the whole genome, encode for eleven proteins. Within these proteins, Hemagglutinin (HA) and Neuraminidase (NA) are the most relevant for studies of evolution and pathogenesis considering their role in viral replication, and have also been used for classification purposes. Migratory birds are the main hosts and play a pivotal role in viral evolution and dissemination due to their migratory routes that comprise large regions worldwide. Altogether, viral and reservoir factors contribute to the emergence of avian influenza viruses with novel features and pathogenic potentials. The study aimed to conduct surveillance of AIVs in wild birds from Peru. A multi-site screening of feces of migratory birds was performed to isolate viruses and to characterize the whole genome sequences, especially the genes coding for HA and NA proteins. Four-hundred-twenty-one (421) fecal samples, collected between March 2019 and March 2020 in Lima, were obtained from 21 species of wild birds. From these, we isolated five AIV from whimbrel, kelp gull, Franklin's gulls and Mallard, which were of low pathogenicity, including four subtypes as H6N8, H13N6, H6N2 and H2N6. Genetic analysis of HA and NA genes revealed novel features in these viruses and phylogenetic analysis exhibited a close relationship with those identified in North America (US and Canada). Furthermore, H2N6 isolate presented a NA sequence with higher genetic relationship to Chilean isolates. These results highlight that the geographical factor is of major relevance in the evolution of AIV, suggesting that AIV circulating in Peru might represent a new site for the emergence of reassortant AIVs.
Assuntos
Charadriiformes , Vírus da Influenza A , Influenza Aviária , Animais , Animais Selvagens , Aves , Hemaglutininas/genética , Neuraminidase/genética , Peru/epidemiologia , FilogeniaRESUMO
Cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by Echinococcus granulosus, is a chronic and debilitating zoonotic larval cestode infection in humans, which is principally transmitted between dogs and domestic livestock, particularly sheep. Human CE occurs in almost all pastoral communities and rangeland areas of the underdeveloped and developed world. Control programmes against CE have been implemented in several endemic countries to reduce or eliminate the disease. New Zealand and Tasmania are examples of some of the first programmes to be undertaken (in insular territories) and which were very successful in the elimination of CE. The advent and proven effectiveness of praziquantel, plus the experience of insular models, produced high expectations for rapid advances in a second generation of control programmes undertaken in continental areas (Argentina, Uruguay and Chile). Nevertheless, only moderate gains in CE control have been made and the impact on prevalence among humans has been slight. A major impediment to the adoption of procedures that were successful in New Zealand and Tasmania has been the requirement to administer praziquantel to dogs in rural areas eight times per year over numerous years. In addition, there have been clear technological improvements made in the diagnosis of canine echinococcosis for surveillance, the genetic characterization of parasite strains and in vaccination against CE infection in livestock. In order to establish new paradigms and appropriate combinations of control strategies, we have carried out a review and discussion of the available control tools and control models. Control strategies must be suitable and sustainable to benefit the Echinococcosis-endemic areas primarily, which at the same time are the poorest regions of the world.
Assuntos
Equinococose/prevenção & controle , Echinococcus granulosus/patogenicidade , Gado/parasitologia , Animais , Anti-Helmínticos/uso terapêutico , Argentina/epidemiologia , Chile/epidemiologia , Doenças do Cão/parasitologia , Cães , Equinococose/epidemiologia , Equinococose/transmissão , Humanos , Praziquantel/uso terapêutico , Prevalência , Ovinos , Doenças dos Ovinos/parasitologia , Uruguai/epidemiologia , ZoonosesRESUMO
La equinococosis se conoce desde tiempos de Hipócrates. Desde entonces se acuñaron o adaptaron términos y definiciones en diferentes idiomas para referirse a múltiples aspectos relacionados con esta zoonosis. Es importante propiciar un buen entendimiento en la lectura y escritura en la información científica, académica, para el conocimiento general y la difusión masiva. Durante el 27º Congreso Mundial de Equinococosis se estableció un grupo de trabajo con ese propósito. El resultado fue un consenso con recomendaciones aplicables a la ciencia y comunicación entre profesionales, publicado en el año 2020 en idioma inglés. Por recomendación de miembros del Grupo de Trabajo Informal de la OMS sobre equinococosis (WHO-IWGE) se convocó a un grupo de trabajo integrado por expertos en equinococosis de Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, España, Paraguay, Perú y Uruguay para elaborar una propuesta de terminología en español. Este consenso propone una nomenclatura unificada de aplicación progresiva, que sirve como base de consulta y referencia.
Assuntos
Equinococose , Terminologia como Assunto , Humanos , Equinococose/diagnóstico , Traduções , Idioma , ConsensoRESUMO
Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a parasitic zoonosis caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus. Detection of the adult stage in the canine definitive host is essential for estimating infection rates, surveillance and monitoring of CE control programs. This study sought to develop and validate a coproantigen sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (copro-ELISA), based on antibodies against E. granulosus-soluble membrane antigens (EGMA), that is capable of distinguishing infected and noninfected dogs. Anti-E. granulosus polyclonal immunoglobulin G antibodies were obtained from rabbit antiserum against EGMA. Optimization of the test was performed with 51 positive and 56 negative stool samples of canine echinococcosis. Specificity, sensitivity, cross-reactivity, intra- and inter-assay precision, and over time detection were evaluated. According to the receiver operating characteristic analysis, the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were 96.1% (CI: 85.9-99.6) and 98.2% (CI: 89.5-100), respectively. Negative and positive predictive values were 96.5% (CI: 91.7-100) and 98% (CI: 94.1-100), respectively. No cross-reactivity with Taenia hydatigena, Dipylidium caninum, or Toxocara canis was observed. Intra- and inter-assay repeatability showed values of less than 15% of the variation coefficient. The over time detection was from 20 to 27 days postinfection with E. granulosus. The copro-ELISA based on EGMA detection offers a simplified in-house development of diagnostic testing. This assay showed high specificity and sensitivity and had no cross-reactivity with other parasites. Further studies and development of this test in a kit format may be useful for the detection of active infection in dogs living in CE endemic regions.
Assuntos
Anticorpos Anti-Helmínticos/química , Antígenos de Helmintos/análise , Doenças do Cão/diagnóstico , Equinococose/diagnóstico , Equinococose/veterinária , Echinococcus granulosus/imunologia , Ensaio de Imunoadsorção Enzimática/normas , Animais , Doenças do Cão/epidemiologia , Doenças do Cão/imunologia , Doenças do Cão/parasitologia , Cães , Equinococose/epidemiologia , Equinococose/imunologia , Echinococcus granulosus/isolamento & purificação , Fezes/parasitologia , Humanos , Larva/imunologia , Variações Dependentes do Observador , Peru/epidemiologia , Coelhos , Sensibilidade e EspecificidadeRESUMO
Neurocysticercosis is a parasitic brain disease caused by the larval form (Cysticercus cellulosae) of Taenia solium and is the leading cause of preventable epilepsy worldwide. However, the pathophysiology and relation to the wide range of clinical features remains poorly understood. Axonal swelling is emerging as an important early pathological finding in multiple neurodegenerative diseases and as a cause of brain injury, but has not been well described in neurocysticercosis. Histological analysis was performed on human, rat and porcine NCC brain specimens to identify axonal pathology. Rat infection was successfully carried out via two routes of inoculation: direct intracranial injection and oral feeding. Extensive axonal swellings, in the form of spheroids, were observed in both humans and rats and to a lesser extent in pigs with NCC. Spheroids demonstrated increased immunoreactivity to amyloid precursor protein and neurofilament indicating probable impairment of axonal transport. These novel findings demonstrate that spheroids are present in NCC which is conserved across species. Not only is this an important contribution toward understanding the pathogenesis of NCC, but it also provides a model to analyze the association of spheroids with specific clinical features and to investigate the reversibility of spheroid formation with antihelminthic treatment.
Assuntos
Axônios/patologia , Neurocisticercose/patologia , Esferoides Celulares/patologia , Animais , Encéfalo/patologia , Epilepsia/patologia , Humanos , Ratos , Ratos Sprague-Dawley , Suínos , Taenia solium/patogenicidadeRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Hematologic and serum biochemical reference values obtained from captive or free-ranging wildlife populations may not be comparable as there can be significant variations due to preanalytic and analytic differences, including methods of capture and restraint, overall management in captivity including diet and composition of animal groups, and analytic methods being used. Hematology and serum biochemistry have never been studied in captive or free-ranging populations of Sechuran foxes (Lycalopex sechurae). OBJECTIVES: The purposes of the study were to determine hematologic and serum biochemical RI in Sechuran foxes and to explore differences in these variables related to sex and overall life circumstances. METHODS: Blood samples were obtained from 15 free-ranging and 15 captive Sechuran foxes. Hematology variables were assessed by blood smear examination and automated analyzer methodology. Serum biochemical analysis was performed by automated analyzer methodology. Descriptive statistics were calculated for each variable. Data obtained from free-ranging and captive groups were statistically compared and RIs were calculated. RESULTS: Captive Sechuran foxes had significantly (P < .05) higher MCH, MCHC, and eosinophil counts and significantly lower band neutrophil counts than free-ranging foxes. Free-ranging Sechuran foxes had significantly (P < .05) higher serum lipase and globulins and significantly lower albumin, total bilirubin, and indirect bilirubin than captive foxes. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that there are hematologic and serum biochemical differences between captive and free-ranging Sechuran fox populations. Hence, such differences should be considered when using these variables to assess the health status of this species.
Assuntos
Raposas/sangue , Animais , Animais Selvagens/sangue , Animais de Zoológico/sangue , Análise Química do Sangue/veterinária , Feminino , Hematologia , Masculino , Peru , Valores de ReferênciaRESUMO
Ehrlichia spp. are emerging infectious pathogens, especially in the Americas. Although Ehrlichia canis is primarily a parasite of dogs, polymerase chain reaction-confirmed human infections have been reported from Mexico, Venezuela, and Costa Rica. This study reports the presence of E. canis DNA in 13.7% of 205 dogs from urban areas in Peru and of those, five were analyzed for phylogenetic variation using the Tandem Repeat Protein 36 (TRP36) gene. The use of the TRP36 gene for such analysis was validated against 16S rRNA and heat shock protein genes using Shannon's entropy bioinformatic approach. When compared with other E. canis strains previously reported, three unique and novel E. canis strains were detected. In addition, the TRP36 amino acid tandem repeat sequences of the Peruvian strains share close similarity to an E. canis strain detected from four human blood bank samples in Costa Rica. This study reports for the first time domestic dogs infected with E. canis strains closely related to a zoonotic strain, which may be of public health concern as dogs can be chronically infected with this pathogen.