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
Mansonella ozzardi is a tissue-dwelling parasitic nematode, the causative agent of mansonelliasis in almost all Latin American countries. It has been described along the Argentine Yungas region. The microscopic diagnosis can yield false-negative test results at low microfilaremia levels. The aim of this study was to optimize the molecular diagnostic technique and compare it with the Knott's method and standard blood smear procedures (thin blood films and thick smears) in 92 blood samples of individuals from an endemic area. The PCR technique followed by the sequencing of the amplified product yielded 100 % sensitivity compared to the Knott's test, which is considered a reference method. Seven more cases of this parasitosis could only be identified with the molecular technique.
Assuntos
Doenças Endêmicas , Mansonella/isolamento & purificação , Mansonelose/diagnóstico , Parasitemia/diagnóstico , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase/métodos , Animais , Argentina/epidemiologia , Corantes Azur , Sangue/parasitologia , DNA de Helmintos/genética , DNA de Helmintos/isolamento & purificação , Eletroforese em Gel de Ágar , Formaldeído/farmacologia , Hemólise , Humanos , Mansonella/genética , Mansonella/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Mansonelose/epidemiologia , Mansonelose/parasitologia , Microfilárias/efeitos dos fármacos , Parasitemia/epidemiologia , Parasitemia/parasitologia , Estudos de Amostragem , Alinhamento de Sequência , Análise de Sequência de DNA , Coloração e Rotulagem/métodosRESUMO
Two cDNA clones obtained from the Neospora caninum Expressed Sequence Tag project were selected by their homology with the Toxoplasma gondii serine proteinase inhibitor (serpin) gene, TgPI-1 and TgPI-2. One of them, named NcPI-H, showed several premature stop codons. The other cDNA, named NcPI-S, encoded a 79 amino acid protein containing a putative signal peptide and only one non-classical Kazal domain. Two other N. caninum EST sequences (NcEST1 and NcEST2) and one from Eimeria tenella (EtPI-S) were retrieved from the database. Amino acid sequence analysis suggested that NcEST1 and NcEST2 might be the N. caninum counterparts of TgPI-1 and TgPI-2, respectively. EtEST-S, as NcPI-S, is a single domain serpin. The open reading frame encoding the mature version of NcPI-S was expressed as recombinant protein, fused to a 6 histidine tag in Escherichia coli. Specific rabbit antiserum generated against the recombinant NcPI-S was used in immunoblot assays. Bands of 20, 30, 40, and 66-kDa were detected by SDS-PAGE of whole parasite homogenate. In addition, when an anti-TgPI-1 serum was used, bands of 25 and 35-kDa were detected indicating that there is no cross-reactivity between both serpins, and showing as well, the presence of another putative serpin in N. caninum. The recombinant protein NcPI-S, inhibited bacterial subtilisin completely, and showed lower inhibitory capacity on human neutrophil elastase, animal trypsin, and chymotrypsin, suggesting differences in effectiveness.
Assuntos
Neospora/metabolismo , Inibidores de Serina Proteinase/química , Inibidores de Serina Proteinase/metabolismo , Sequência de Aminoácidos , Animais , Clonagem Molecular , DNA Complementar/genética , Dados de Sequência Molecular , Proteínas Recombinantes/genética , Proteínas Recombinantes/metabolismo , Análise de Sequência de DNA , Inibidores de Serina Proteinase/genéticaRESUMO
Mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) sequencing, Southern blot of a repetitive DNA element and single strand conformation polymorphism of the 5' non-transcribed region of the cytosolic malate dehydrogenase (MDH) gene were used to determine the extent and distribution of Echinococcus granulosus genetic variation in Argentina. Five distinct strains of E. granulosus were shown to exist in the country. The common sheep, Tasmanian sheep, cattle and camel strains were identified in humans. Unlike the situation found in other countries, where the common sheep strain is the major source of human contamination, the Tasmanian sheep and camel strains produced a significant number of human infections in some regions of Argentina. This is the first report of cattle strain in humans in South America. Goats could be the natural intermediate host of the camel strain, which was not identified in humans from other regions so far. More than one genotype was identified in the same geographic area. These findings may have important consequences for human health and the control of hydatid disease. Within-strain differences were also observed, showing the potential of variation of E. granulosus.
Assuntos
Animais Domésticos/parasitologia , Equinococose/transmissão , Echinococcus/genética , Região 5'-Flanqueadora , Animais , Echinococcus/classificação , Humanos , Malato Desidrogenase/genética , Dados de Sequência MolecularRESUMO
The value of T. gondii recombinant antigens rRop2, rGra4, rGra7 and rSAG1m (mature version) or rSAG1ct (C-terminal version) in differentiating recently acquired from chronic infections was determined by IgG-ELISA. The general highest sensitivity was observed with rRop2 whereas rSAG1m was not recognized by any of the serum samples, suggesting an incorrect folding. rGra4 and rGra7 showed significant higher sensitivity and absorbance values with serum samples from recently infected individuals compared to those with chronic infection. In contrast, rRop2 and rSAG1ct did not show differences in the reactivity pattern between both groups of serum samples.
Assuntos
Imunoglobulina G/imunologia , Proteínas Recombinantes/imunologia , Toxoplasma/isolamento & purificação , Toxoplasmose/diagnóstico , Doença Aguda , Animais , Biomarcadores/análise , Doença Crônica , Ensaio de Imunoadsorção Enzimática , Estudos de Avaliação como Assunto , Feminino , Humanos , Imunoglobulina G/análise , Masculino , Proteínas Recombinantes/análise , Sensibilidade e EspecificidadeRESUMO
Echinococcus granulosus hydatid cysts were examined in 41 patients from Neuquén and Tucumán provinces in Argentina. Sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) revealed in 19 patients common sheep strain (G1), in 6 patients Tasmania sheep strain (G2), in 1 patient cattle strain (G5), and in 15 patients camel strain (G6). In Argentina the only known is the domestic cycle that affects dogs and herbivorous, including ovine, swine, cattle and goats. These strains produced a total of 58.6% of primary liver infections, 29.2% primary in lung, 2.4% primary in spleen and 9.8% were multiorgan abdominal infections. The metacestode was classified using the evolutive stages proposed by WHO-IWGE (from CE1 to CE5). We estimated that CE1 cyst has a duration of about 22 years, CE2 of 14 years, CE3 of 10 years, CE4 of 19 years and CE5 was not determined. The active types CE1 and CE2 reached 75% of all cases from all strains. In 36 patients with cysts from G1, G5 and G6 strain, there were only two asymptomatic cases. The strains of the E. granulosus complex do not present important clinical differences; only G6 seems to have higher growth rate.
Assuntos
Equinococose/parasitologia , Echinococcus/classificação , Adolescente , Adulto , Idoso , Animais , Argentina , Criança , DNA de Protozoário/química , DNA de Protozoário/genética , Equinococose/cirurgia , Echinococcus/enzimologia , Echinococcus/genética , Complexo IV da Cadeia de Transporte de Elétrons/química , Complexo IV da Cadeia de Transporte de Elétrons/genética , Humanos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Análise de Sequência de DNARESUMO
Mansonella ozzardi es un nematode parásito tisular, agente etiológico de mansonellosis en casi la totalidad de los países latinoamericanos. En Argentina la mansonellosis ha sido descrita a lo largo de la región de las yungas. Su diagnóstico microscópico puede dar resultados falsos negativos en microfilaremias bajas. El objetivo del presente estudio fue optimizar su diagnóstico molecular y comparar los resultados con los obtenidos mediante las pruebas microscópicas de Knott, de gota gruesa y de extendido hemático fino, en 92 muestras de sangre de pacientes de zona endémica. La técnica de PCR seguida de la secuenciación del producto amplificado presentó una sensibilidad del 100 % frente al método de Knott, considerado como referencia, e incluso permitió identificar 7 casos más de la parasitosis.
Mansonella ozzardi is a tissue-dwelling parasitic nematode, the causative agent of mansonelliasis in almost all Latin American countries. It has been described along the Argentine Yungas region. The microscopic diagnosis can yield false-negative test results at low microfilaremia levels. The aim of this study was to optimize the molecular diagnostic technique and compare it with the Knott's method and standard blood smear procedures (thin blood films and thick smears) in 92 blood samples of individuals from an endemic area. The PCR technique followed by the sequencing of the amplified product yielded 100 % sensitivity compared to the Knott's test, which is considered a reference method. Seven more cases of this parasitosis could only be identified with the molecular technique.
Assuntos
Animais , Humanos , Doenças Endêmicas , Mansonella/isolamento & purificação , Mansonelose/diagnóstico , Parasitemia/diagnóstico , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase/métodos , Corantes Azur , Argentina/epidemiologia , Sangue/parasitologia , DNA de Helmintos/genética , DNA de Helmintos/isolamento & purificação , Eletroforese em Gel de Ágar , Formaldeído/farmacologia , Hemólise , Mansonella/genética , Mansonella/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Mansonelose/epidemiologia , Mansonelose/parasitologia , Microfilárias/efeitos dos fármacos , Parasitemia/epidemiologia , Parasitemia/parasitologia , Estudos de Amostragem , Alinhamento de Sequência , Análise de Sequência de DNA , Coloração e Rotulagem/métodosRESUMO
El presente trabajo es un relato de experiencia de la reuniónrealizada en la ciudad de Alta Gracia, Córdoba, donde se llevocabo el 1er Acuerdo Nacional de Referentes para la Prevenciónde las Complicaciones y del Diagnóstico y Tratamiento de laToxoplasmosis. Se discutieron conocimientos validados porla literatura científica como base para propuestas racionalesde diagnóstico.Los objetivos del acuerdo fueron: discutir y reflexionarsobre las prácticas y diagnóstico de la Toxoplasmosis enel sistema público nacional, consensuar y proponer unalgoritmo de diagnóstico para el sistema público, analizarla brecha entre el nivel de conocimiento y la aplicación depracticas y procedimientos en la población general y en losgrupos de riesgo, discutir y proponer actividades destinadasa identificar el riesgo de transmisión vertical con el fin deproponer estrategias de tamizaje adecuados a la prevalencianacional, proponer actividades para reducir la brechaconocimiento/aplicación de ese conocimiento en un marcode equidad.Los profesionales referentes acordaron la firma del Actade Alta Gracia que contempla para la red pública de atenciónmédica el diagnóstico de Toxoplasmosis con equidad, calidad,acceso a metodologías complejas, cooperación y asesoríatécnica y disponibilidad oportuna de insumos en casos deemergencias jurisdiccionales.
Assuntos
Humanos , Masculino , Animais , Feminino , Toxoplasmose , Toxoplasmose/diagnóstico , Toxoplasmose/terapiaRESUMO
The detection of Echinococcus granulosus in dogs is important for epidemiological surveillance and evaluation of cystic hydatic disease control programs. We report the efficacy of two PCR-based methods to detect patent and pre-patent infection in dogs experimentally infected with E. granulosus. The detection is based on amplification of a fragment of a mitochondrial gene (Mit-PCR) and a DNA repetitive element (Rep-PCR) of E. granulosus. We tested the ability of both methods to detect several genotypes of the parasite. Both PCR methods could detect E. granulosus in pre-patent and patent periods, even when microscopical observation of eggs resulted negative in fecal samples. The Mit-PCR produced the same amplification pattern for all the parasite genotypes tested while the amplification patterns with the Rep-PCR differed among groups of strains. Fecal samples collected from dogs of an endemic area were diagnosed with more sensitivity than arecoline hydrobromide purgation. These molecular methods could be applied in the confirmation of coproantigen-positive fecal samples and to verify the success of control programs.
Assuntos
Doenças do Cão , Equinococose/diagnóstico , Echinococcus granulosus/química , Echinococcus granulosus/genética , Genótipo , Animais , DNA de Helmintos/análise , DNA Mitocondrial/análise , Doenças do Cão/diagnóstico , Doenças do Cão/epidemiologia , Doenças do Cão/parasitologia , Cães , Equinococose/epidemiologia , Fezes/parasitologia , Humanos , Contagem de Ovos de Parasitas , Sensibilidade e Especificidade , ZoonosesRESUMO
We cloned and characterized a Plasmodium vivax repeat element of 7872bp named PvRE7.8. Several internal tandem repeats were found along the sequence. The repetitive nature of the PvRE7.8 element was confirmed by hybridization of a P. vivax YAC library. Based on the data bank analysis and the presence of two contiguous putative genes that may encode proteins related to DNA metabolism, PvRE7.8 could be considered an inactivated transposon-LINE element. By using Pv79 as probe or primers derived from Pv79-flanking sequences, P. vivax DNA Could be detected from whole blood and mosquito samples. We consider that the repeat element described here has potential for P. vivax malaria diagnosis and for epidemiological analysis of P. vivax transmission areas.
Assuntos
DNA de Protozoário/química , Sequências Repetitivas Dispersas/genética , Malária Vivax/parasitologia , Plasmodium vivax/genética , Aedes/parasitologia , Sequência de Aminoácidos , Animais , Sequência de Bases , Clonagem Molecular , Culex/parasitologia , Sondas de DNA/química , DNA de Protozoário/isolamento & purificação , Eletroforese em Gel de Ágar , Humanos , Immunoblotting , Malária Vivax/diagnóstico , Malária Vivax/epidemiologia , Dados de Sequência Molecular , Plasmodium vivax/isolamento & purificação , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase , Proteínas de Protozoários/química , Proteínas de Protozoários/genética , Alinhamento de SequênciaRESUMO
The efficacy of vaccination with Toxoplasma gondii recombinant GRA4 (rGRA4) and ROP2 (rRPO2) proteins and a mix of both combined with alum were evaluated in C57BL/6 and C3H mice. In C57BL/6 mice, rGRA4 and rGRA4-rROP2 immunizations generated similar levels of immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) and IgG2a isotypes against GRA4, whereas immunizations with rROP2 and the mix induced a predominant IgG1 production against ROP2. All groups of C3H vaccinated mice exhibited higher levels of IgG1 than IgG2a. rGRA4-stimulated splenocytes from vaccinated mice produced primarily gamma interferon while those stimulated with rROP2 produced interleukin-4. Challenge of rGRA4- or rGRA4-rROP2-vaccinated mice from both strains with ME49 cysts resulted in fewer brain cysts than the controls, whereas vaccination with rROP2 alone only conferred protection to C3H mice. Immunization with a plasmid carrying the entire open reading frame of GRA4 showed a protective level similar to that of rGRA4 combined with alum. These results suggest that GRA4 can be a good candidate for a multiantigen anti-T. gondii vaccine based on the use of alum as an adjuvant.
Assuntos
Compostos de Alúmen/farmacologia , Proteínas de Membrana/imunologia , Proteínas de Protozoários/imunologia , Proteínas Recombinantes/imunologia , Toxoplasmose Animal/prevenção & controle , Vacinas de DNA/imunologia , Adjuvantes Imunológicos/farmacologia , Animais , Anticorpos Antiprotozoários/sangue , Encéfalo/patologia , Cistos/imunologia , Cistos/patologia , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Ensaio de Imunoadsorção Enzimática , Imunoglobulina G/sangue , Interferon gama/sangue , Interleucina-4/sangue , Camundongos , Toxoplasma/genética , Toxoplasma/imunologia , VacinaçãoRESUMO
Con la finalidad de producir conocimiento sobre el impacto de la Echinococcosis quística (hidatidosis) en el sistema de salud de Argentina, se evaluarán indicadores relacionados con la muerte (mortalidad); con los años perdidos de vida, ajustados en función de la discapacidad y con los años de vida perdidos prematuramente en un período determinado. La suma de los dos indicadores es la llamada "Carga de la Enfermedad" que se expresa en la unidad tiempo, generalmente en años.