Occurrence and molecular epidemiology of Giardia duodenalis infection in dog populations in eastern Spain.

BACKGROUND: Giardia duodenalis is one of the most common enteric parasites in domestic animals including dogs. Young animals are more prone to the infection, with clinical manifestations ranging from asymptomatic to acute or chronic diarrhoea. Dogs are primarily infected by canine-specific (C-D) assemblages of G. duodenalis. However, zoonotic assemblages A and B have been increasingly documented in canine isolates, raising the question of whether and to which extent dogs can act as natural reservoirs of human giardiosis. METHODS: In this cross-sectional epidemiological survey we assessed the molecular diversity of G. duodenalis in dogs in the province of Castellón, Eastern Spain. A total of 348 individual faecal samples from sheltered (n = 218), breeding (n = 24), hunting (n = 68), shepherd (n = 24), and pet (n = 14) dogs were collected between 2014 and 2016. Detection of G. duodenalis cysts in faecal material was carried out by direct fluorescence microscopy as a screening test, whereas a qPCR targeting the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene of the parasite was subsequently used as a confirmatory method. RESULTS: Giardia duodenalis was detected in 36.5% (95% CI: 31.6-41.7%) of dogs. No significant differences in prevalence rates could be demonstrated among dogs according to their sex and geographical origin, but breeding (45.8%; 95% CI: 27.9-64.9%) and sheltered (40.4%; 95% CI: 34.1-47.0%) dogs harboured significantly higher proportions of G. duodenalis. Multi-locus sequence-based genotyping of the glutamate dehydrogenase and ß-giardin genes of G. duodenalis allowed the characterization of 35 canine isolates that were unambiguously assigned to assemblages A (14.3%), B (22.9%), C (5.7%), and D (37.1%). A number of inter-assemblage mixed infections including A + B (11.4%), A + D (2.9%), and A + B + D (5.7%) were also identified. CONCLUSIONS: Data presented here are strongly indicative of high infection pressures in kennelled animals. Zoonotic sub-assemblages AII, BIII, and BIV were responsible for a considerable proportion of the G. duodenalis infections detected, but very few of the genotypes identified have been previously documented in Spanish human populations. Although possible, zoonotic transmission between dogs and humans seems an infrequent event in this Spanish region.

Survival, physical and physiological changes of Taenia hydatigena eggs under different conditions of water stress.

Taenia hydatigena eggs were investigated for morphological and physiological changes under water stress conditions. Fresh eggs were exposed at 31%, 47% and 89% of relative humidity (RH), and survival, size and ultrastructural changes were accounted up to 365 days of exposition. The article shows how each RH environment affects the vitality of the eggs. Results of this study suggest that T. hydatigena eggs have mechanisms to withstand water stress, indicating that the eggs clustering improves protection against desiccation, and that endogenous metabolism using triacylglycerols play an important role in the maintenance of embryo vitality under low, medium and high relative humidity conditions. This contributes to understanding the water stress resistance mechanism in eggs belonging to Taeniidae family. The findings shown herein have provided a basis to better comprehend basic biology and epidemiology of the cysticercosis caused by T. hydatigena.

Umbilical cord clamping time and maternal satisfaction.

OBJECTIVE: Clamping of the umbilical cord is part of the third stage of delivery. Delayed cord clamping (DCC) is recommended due to its contribution to prevention of anaemia. There is no evidence on the effect of DCC on maternal satisfaction. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of different sociodemographic and obstetric factors, including the timing of cord clamping, on maternal satisfaction with the birth experience in our healthcare system. DESIGN: Pragmatic non-drug intervention study with simple random assignment of participating mothers (Clinical Trials N°: NCT03624335). SETTING: A public, university-level hospital in Villarreal city, eastern Spain. PARTICIPANTS: Childbearing woman, gestation week between 35 and 42 weeks, with regular medical pregnancy checks, single pregnancy and vaginal delivery (N = 198, 80% of the women recruited). INTERVENTIONS: umbilical cord clamping within 60 seconds of the birth (Early cord clamping, ECC) versus umbilical cord clamping after pulsation had been ceased (Delayed cord clamping, DCC). MEASUREMENTS: Birth satisfaction was measured using the Mackey Childbirth Satisfaction Rating Scale (MCSRS). Additionally, sociodemographic data, degree of knowledge about the moment of clamping and type of breastfeeding data were recorded. The Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests for comparison of the mean of two, three, or more groups, respectively, and Chi-square and Spearman for comparison of two qualitative and quantitative variables, respectively, were used. To determine the weight of each factor of MCSRS, an exploratory factor analysis was carried out using the maximum likelihood method for factor extraction and the varimax method for factor rotation. The adequacy of the factor analysis was checked by mean of Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin test and Bartlett sphericity test. The level of significance was set at a p-value of < 0.05. FINDINGS: The average degree of satisfaction was 4.55/5 (SD: 0.37). No statistically significant difference was observed between mothers' satisfaction according to mother level of study or mother's place of birth, while it changed significantly with age (p = 0.0398). Within the obstetric variables, satisfaction was significantly associated with spontaneous amniorrhexis, the duration of the second stage of delivery, and the Apgar value of the newborn at the first minute of life, and was independent of the number of previous pregnancies and deliveries, use of intrapartum oxytocin, epidural analgesia, episiotomy, the weight of the child at birth and type of breastfeeding. Furthermore, there was no relationship between the time of clamping and satisfaction (p = 0.5178). KEY CONCLUSIONS: Maternal satisfaction with the birth experience varies with the age of the childbearing woman, and some intrapartum factors and the result is not influenced by the time of clamping of the umbilical cord. Therefore, this component of the physiological management of childbirth provides additional benefits for the health of the neonate, without negative consequences on the final perception of the maternal health care received. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: If there are no reasons that justify an early umbilical cord clamping, delaying it brings benefits to the neonate, without negatively affecting the maternal assessment of the experience of childbirth.

First Report of Zoonotic Genotype of Giardia duodenalis in Mussels (Mytilus edulis) from Patagonia Argentina.

Blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) are among the most consumed fishery products globally. Foodborne outbreaks of mussel-associated infections by viral, bacterial, and parasitic pathogens have been reported in the last years. In this study, we investigated the occurrence, genetic diversity, and zoonotic potential of the diarrhea-causing enteric protozoan Giardia duodenalis in blue mussels from Caleta Córdova in Chubut Province, southeast Patagonia, Argentina. A total of 344 free-living blue mussels were collected and distributed in 53 aliquots of pooled mussel tissue (each containing 5‒7 specimens) during the period 2015‒2018. Conventional optical microscopy was used as screening method for the detection of G. duodenalis cysts in pooled, homogenized tissues. Samples with a positive result were assessed by a multilocus sequence genotyping scheme based on the amplification of partial fragments of the glutamate dehydrogenase and ß-giardin genes of the parasite. G. duodenalis cysts were found in 30.2% (16/53) of the aliquots of pooled mussel tissue tested. PCR and sequencing analyses revealed the presence of G. duodenalis subassemblage BIV in selected aliquots. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first description of zoonotic subassemblage BIV from blue mussels in Argentina.

[Giardiasis in a paediatric population of the province of castellon. Clinical details and impact]. / Giardiosis en población pediátrica de la provincia de Castellón: clínica e impacto.

INTRODUCTION: Giardiasis is a gastrointestinal parasitosis that has a great public health impact. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Observational case study - in children under 15 years old in the Health Department 3 of the Province of Castellon (Spain), during the period 2012-2019. RESULTS: A total of 190 cases of giardiasis were recorded in children under 15 years old. The number of cases varied significantly according to age group and month of the year. There were 115 males. The most frequent symptoms were diarrhea and abdominal pain. The most commonly used treatment was standard metronidazole (80% of patients). Co-infection occurred in 13% of cases, and comorbidities in 36%, especially atopic dermatitis and lactose/fructose intolerance. Relapses and/or re-infections were recorded in 8%. All cases were diagnosed by conventional parasitological stool tests and complementary immunochromatography (63 cases). Thirty-five samples were positive for Giardia duodenalis by qPCR. The direct health cost per patient was 117€. A disease notification bias was detected between 2012-2016 at a national scale. CONCLUSIONS: Giardiasis is a current disease in Castellon, and should be considered as a probable diagnosis of gastrointestinal disease in a child under 4 years-old with diarrhea and abdominal pain. Its correct clinical and therapeutic management could reduce the possibility of worsening of the patient's condition and, additionally, would reduce the economic impact of the disease in terms of direct health costs.

The effectiveness of a brief motivational nursing intervention to reduce psychoactive substance consumption in entertainment-sector workers: A transversal, observation, and semi-experimental study.

Checking whether changes in the perception of the quality of life related to health, after the nursing intervention, influence these patients' motivation to change. This was a two-staged study undertaken in entertainment-sector workers in Spain: the first part was transversal and observational, and the second was semi-experimental. First part undertook in 284 entertainment-sector workers, selected by non-probabilistic sampling, while second part undertook in 50 entertainment-business workers, selected by consecutive sampling from those who consumed substances. A short group-based motivational intervention session was implemented by nursing staff, and a before and after evaluation was completed. The EuroQol-5D and Test for the Evaluation of the Quality of Life in Addicts to Psychoactive Substances (TECVASP) were used. The patients' motivation to change was evaluated through the Stages of Change Readiness and Treatment Eagerness Scale. The results analysis showed that the nursing intervention reduced the participants' perceptions of their health-related quality of life (t = 4.23; P = 0.00009) and of their quality of life in addicts to psychoactive substances (t = 3.38; P = 0.00140). There was an increase in the motivation of 6 workers (12%) to seek treatment of their addiction (χ2  = 13.02; P = 0.0091). The post-test contemplation stage score was predicted (F = 6.56; P = 0.003; R = 0.46) with post-test TECVASP score and pre-post difference in TECVASP score. By reducing the patients' perception of their quality of life, this brief nursing intervention facilitated a favourable increase in the motivation for change among these workers and was effective in 12% of cases.

High Prevalence and Diversity of Zoonotic and Other Intestinal Parasites in Dogs from Eastern Spain.

The diversity and frequency of enteric parasites in dog populations in the Castellón province (Eastern Spain) were assessed using a prospective cross-sectional epidemiological survey. A total of 263 canine fecal samples were collected between July 2014 and July 2016. Detection of intestinal parasites was conducted by routine coprological methods. In addition, identification of Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. was carried out by direct immunofluorescence microscopy, whereas the presence of Strongyloides spp. was assessed by real-time PCR in a selected number of specimens. Based on conventional and/or immunofluorescence microscopy examination, 65.8% (95% confidence interval: 59.7-71.5) of the investigated dogs were found infected by at least one gastrointestinal parasite. G. duodenalis (35.4%) and members of the family Ancylostomatidae (27.0%) were the most prevalent protozoan and helminth parasites found, respectively. Other pathogens potentially infective to humans included Toxocara canis (8.0%), Cryptosporidium spp. (6.8%), and Strongyloides spp. (1.1%). Frequency of occurrence of helminthic, but not protozoan, enteroparasites was geographical origin dependent (p = 0.02), with dogs living in coastal areas presenting higher infection rates than those living in inland regions. Similarly, rural dogs were significantly more infected than urban dogs (p < 0.001). Our results revealed that zoonotic agents were common in dogs from the Castellón province. Animals from rural areas and sheltered dogs were particularly at risk of these infections.

Parásitos zoonóticos caninos de los barrios costeros de Comodoro Rivadavia, Chubut, Argentina / Canine zoonotic parasites from two coastal neighborhoods in Comodoro Rivadavia, Chubut, Argentina

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las zoonosis son enfermedades compartidas entre animales vertebrados y humanos. La secuencia de transmisión comienza con la exposición del humano a elementos infectivos en el ambiente. Muchas patologías mantienen su reservorio en la población canina. Según estudios previos en la región, un 47% de las muestras de heces caninas ambientales (HCA) recolectadas en plazas y paseos públicos contenían al menos una especie parasitaria. El objetivo del trabajo fue actualizar la frecuencia de aparición de parásitos de importancia zoonótica en HCA recogidas en plazas de dos barrios costeros de la ciudad de Comodoro Rivadavia (Chubut) entre marzo y diciembre de 2018. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal en Caleta Córdova (BCC) y Stella Maris (BSM), donde se recolectaron por conglomerados en forma de guarda griega, aleatoria y sistemática, 156 muestras de HCA. RESULTADOS: Se concentraron y observaron muestras al microscopio, resultando positivas para parásitos 83%; 63% presentó más de un género parasitario. Se destacaron 15 géneros con capacidad para infectar al humano. Los parásitos más abundantes fueron Toxocara spp. y Blastocystis spp. en BCC y Toxocara spp. y Giardia spp. en BSM. En BCC se reportó Mesostephanus spp. por primera vez en Argentina. DISCUSIÓN: Es necesario dimensionar la contaminación ambiental por parásitos zoonóticos, a fin de implementar intervenciones de salud pública adecuadas a cada escenario y contexto epidemiológico.

Consumo de mejillones y presencia de Giardia spp. en humanos en dos barrios costeros de Comodoro Rivadavia, Chubut, Argentina / Consumption of mussels and presence of Giardia spp. in humans in two coastal neighborhoods of Comodoro Rivadavia, Chubut, Argentina

RESUMEN INTRODUCCIÓN Giardia spp. puede adquirirse por consumo de alimentos contaminados. Mytilus edulis es un organismo filtrador, y su recolección es frecuente en pobladores de costas patagónicas. El objetivo fue evaluar la asociación entre consumo de mejillones (Mytilus edulis) y presencia de Giardia spp. en humanos en dos barrios costeros de Comodoro Rivadavia, Chubut, entre marzo y diciembre de 2018. MÉTODOS Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal en los barrios Caleta Córdova y Stella Maris. La selección de la población estudiada fue no probabilística de colección por casos consecutivos y cumplió los criterios de inclusión. Se colectaron 100 muestras fecales humanas (mfh) y 284 mejillones (46 muestras compuestas). Las muestras se procesaron por sedimentación, se observaron al microscopio óptico y se confirmaron por inmunofluorescencia directa (IFD). Se analizaron variables epidemiológicas y sociodemográficas. RESULTADOS Giardia spp. se detectó en 15% de las mfh y en 33% de los pools de mejillones, en ambos barrios. Las muestras se confirmaron por IFD. Se encontró asociación significativa Chi2=12,734 (2gl), p=0,008 y OR: 4,50 (IC: 1,24-3,20; p=0,027) entre presencia de Giardia spp. en mfh e ingesta de mejillones. DISCUSIÓN El presente constituye el primer reporte de presencia de Giardia spp. en mejillones en Argentina y demuestra que la ingesta de mejillones está relacionada con la presencia del parásito en la población estudiada.

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION Giardia spp. may be acquired by consuming contaminated food. Mytilus edulis is a filtering organism, and the inhabitants of the Patagonian coasts frequently collect it. The aim of the research was to evaluate the association between mussel consumption and presence of Giardia spp. in humans in two coastal neighborhoods of Comodoro Rivadavia (Chubut province, Argentina) during March-December 2018. METHODS An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out in Caleta Cordova and Stella Maris neighborhoods. The selection of the population under study was non-probabilistic for collection by consecutive cases and met the inclusion criteria. A total of 100 human fecal samples (hfs) and 284 mussels (46 pools) were collected. The samples, processed by sedimentation and analyzed by light microscope, were later confirmed by direct immunofluorescence (DIF). Epidemiological and sociodemographic variables were analyzed. RESULTS Giardia spp. was detected in 15% of the hfs and 33% of the mussel pools, in both neighborhoods. Samples were confirmed by DIF. There was a statistically significant association between intake of mussels and presence of Giardia spp. in hfs: Chi2=12.734 (2gl), p=0.008 and OR: 4.50 (CI: 1.24-3.20; p=0.027). DISCUSSION This is the first report of Giardia spp. in mussels in Argentina, and it shows that there is a relation between the mussel intake and the presence of the parasite in the population under study.

Relação entre a bioética e a investigação nas ciências da vida na Argentina: estudo descritivo em escala nacional / Relationship between bioethics and life sciences research in Argentina: Descriptive study at national level / Relación entre bioética e investigación en ciencias de la vida en Argentina: estudio descriptivo a escala nacional

Los objetivos de este estudio son explorar y actualizar la relación entre bioética e investigación en ciencias de la vida en Argentina, a escala nacional. Para ello se realizó un estudio descriptivo, transversal, de análisis de contenido y corte bibliométrico, sobre productos públicos observables de carácter nacional. Se encontraron elementos propios de la bioética en las normas nacionales relacionadas con la investigación científica en este campo de las ciencias. Se evidenció que la solicitud de requerimientos de ética en la investigación científica para la publicación de los trabajos en dichas ciencias, es materia a optimizar en el país. Se constató el aporte de autores argentinos a la producción bibliográfica en la disciplina, desde 1988. Los resultados indican situaciones que contribuirían a una consolidación de la disciplina bioética en relación con las ciencias de vida en Argentina...

The aim of this study is to explore and update the relationship between bioethics and life sciences research in Argentina at national level. For this a descriptive, transversal, content analysis and bibliometric section study was carried out about observable public products of national character. Bioethical elements were found in national norms related to scientific research in this science field. It was evident that the ethical requirements asked in scientific research for the publication of studies in these sciences needs optimization. The contribution of Argentinean authors to bibliography production in the discipline was established since 1988. Results indicate situations that contribute to a consolidation of bioethics discipline in relation to life sciences in Argentina...

Os objetivos deste estudo são explorar e atualizar a relação entre a bioética e a investigação em ciências da vida na Argentina em escala nacional. Para isso se realizou um estudo descritivo, transversal, de análise de conteúdo e corte bibliométrico sobre produtos públicos observáveis de caráter nacional. Foram encontrados elementos próprios da bioética nas normas nacionais relacionadas com a investigação científica neste campo das ciências. Foi evidenciado que a solicitação de requerimentos de ética na investigação científica para a publicação dos trabalhos nas ditas ciências é matéria a ser otimizada no país. Foi constatado o aporte de autores argentinos na produção bibliográfica da disciplina, desde 1988. Os resultados indicam situações que contribuiriam para uma consolidação da disciplina bioética em relação às ciências da vida na Argentina...

An eco-epidemiological study of contamination of soil with infective forms of intestinal parasites.

The objectives of the present work were to screen topsoil samples collected from public squares in two cities within the Argentine Patagonia for the presence of infective forms of intestinal parasites and to examine the possible relationship between positive findings and the environmental, socioeconomic, and cultural conditions of that region. For this purpose we studied 13 public squares, their 13 custodians, and 44 family groups within their respective surrounding areas. Of the 226 topsoil samples analyzed, 44.3% proved positive for infective forms of intestinal parasites, with 17.3% of these containing more than one species. The frequency of appearance of positive samples was dependent on the season of the year (p < 0.001), while presence of the parasites was related to the soil pH (p < 0.05) but independent of the soil relative humidity (p > 0.05). Some of the organisms detected are associated with zoonoses. We observed the presence of Capillaria spp. and Spirocerca spp. under cool desert climatic conditions. Within the group of custodians we detected hematologic alterations one positive serology for toxoplasmosis and documented behavior conducive to risk of infection with the parasites found in those squares. Within the family group an acquaintance with parasitic zoonoses and their prevention was an inconsistent finding, with toxocarosis and toxoplasmosis being the diseases associated with the greatest degree of ignorance. Furthermore, we consider the failure to de-parasitize pets and the practice of feeding them with raw meat, as typically found in our family survey, to be factors contributing to a greater likelihood of public square contamination. From the results obtained here, we propose a spatial organization approach for the purpose of detecting zones at risk of contracting zoonotic parasitoses within urban environments.