Taenia martis Neurocysticercosis-Like Lesion in Child, Associated with Local Source, the Netherlands.

A neurocysticercosis-like lesion in an 11-year-old boy in the Netherlands was determined to be caused by the zoonotic Taenia martis tapeworm. Subsequent testing revealed that 15% of wild martens tested in that region were infected with T. martis tapeworms with 100% genetic similarity; thus, the infection source was most likely local.

Histopathological and morphological characterization of Cysticercus fasciolaris isolated from domestic and wild rodents in Morocco.

Cysticercus fasciolaris is a parasitic helminth that usually infects feline and canine mammal hosts. The intermediate hosts (rodents, occasionally lagomorphs, and humans) get infected by the consumption of feed or water contaminated with eggs. Rodents are vectors of disease and reservoirs of various zoonotic parasites. The current survey was aimed at determining endoparasitic helminth infections in rodents in central Morocco. Sampled rodents after specific identification were sacrificed and examined to identify parasitic helminths following ethical guidelines. Parasites were identified using morphological characteristics. A total of 197 specimens of rodents were collected and examined in this study. Ten rodent species were identified morphologically as Rattus rattus, R. norvegicus, Apodemus sylvaticus, Mus musculus, M. spretus, Mastomys erythroleucus, Meriones shawi, M. libycus, Gerbillus campestris, and Lemniscomys barbarus. The parasitological results showed that metacestode of tapeworms was found encysted in the liver, the larval stage of Taenia taeniaeformis develops large multinodular fibrosarcomas which envelope the tapeworm cysts in the liver of the R. rattus and R. norvegicus. Based on morphological data, the metacestode was identified as C. fasciolaris in 23 (23/80) R. rattus 2 (2/8) and R. norvegicus with a prevalence of 11.7 % and 1.0 %, respectively. Rodents are major vectors of human and domestic animal diseases worldwide, and therefore, important parasitic zoonotic agents (C. fasciolaris), which are transmitted by black rats (R. rattus) and brown rats (R. norvegicus), must be considered to prevent the infectivity of humans, domestic animals, and livestock such as cattle, sheep, and rabbits.

Variation of the 2D Pattern of Brain Proteins in Mice Infected with Taenia crassiceps ORF Strain.

Some parasites are known to influence brain proteins or induce changes in the functioning of the nervous system. In this study, our objective is to demonstrate how the two-dimensional gel technique is valuable for detecting differences in protein expression and providing detailed information on changes in the brain proteome during a parasitic infection. Subsequently, we seek to understand how the parasitic infection affects the protein composition in the brain and how this may be related to changes in brain function. By analyzing de novo-expressed proteins at 2, 4, and 8 weeks post-infection compared to the brains of the control mice, we observed that proteins expressed at 2 weeks are primarily associated with neuroprotection or the initial response of the mouse brain to the infection. At 8 weeks, parasitic infection can induce oxidative stress in the brain, potentially activating signaling pathways related to the response to cellular damage. Proteins expressed at 8 weeks exhibit a pattern indicating that, as the host fails to balance the Neuro-Immuno-Endocrine network of the organism, the brain begins to undergo an apoptotic process and consequently experiences brain damage.

Effect of Hydroxyurea on Morphology, Proliferation, and Protein Expression on Taenia crassiceps WFU Strain.

Flatworms are known for their remarkable regenerative ability, one which depends on totipotent cells known as germinative cells in cestodes. Depletion of germinative cells with hydroxyurea (HU) affects the regeneration of the parasite. Here, we studied the reduction and recovery of germinative cells in T. crassiceps cysticerci after HU treatment (25 mM and 40 mM of HU for 6 days) through in vitro assays. Viability and morphological changes were evaluated. The recovery of cysticerci's mobility and morphology was evaluated at 3 and 6 days, after 6 days of treatment. The number of proliferative cells was evaluated using EdU. Our results show morphological changes in the size, shape, and number of evaginated cysticerci at the 40 mM dose. The mobility of cysticerci was lower after 6 days of HU treatment at both concentrations. On days 3 and 6 of recovery after 25 mM of HU treatment, a partial recovery of the proliferative cells was observed. Proteomic and Gene Ontology analyses identified modifications in protein groups related to DNA binding, DNA damage, glycolytic enzymes, cytoskeleton, skeletal muscle, and RNA binding.

The infection of Cysticercus fasciolaris in natural rats (Rattus species) residing in human residence areas, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand.

Cysticercus fasciolaris (C. fasciolaris) is the larval stage of a cestode parasite named Taenia taeniaeformis (T. taeniaeformis). C. fasiolaris is found in small rodents, especially rats. Rattus species are listed as intermediate hosts of this parasite, and cats are the main definitive host of C. fasiolaris. The objective of this study was to study the pathological, microscopic, and molecular aspects of C. fasciolaris in rodents residing in human residence areas. One hundred and two rodents were trapped in human settlements and dissected for larva-containing cyst examinations in the body cavity. The larvae of C. fasciolaris were investigated using histopathological examination, microscopic observations under a stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscope, and molecular detection using polymerase chain reaction. The prevalence of hepatic cysts containing larvae was 8.91% (95% CI = 4.16-16.24). In addition, the older larvae also had longer micropapillae. Histopathological investigation revealed normal hepatic tissue containing larvae and a scanty fluid cyst. The cyst capsule contains mostly mononuclear cells and spindle cells in all infected rats. The molecular detection using two primer sets revealed the amplicons were similar to the clade of C. fasciolaris. In the future, more investigation is necessary to fully understand the parasite's molecular pathogenesis and virulent molecules, which are less obvious.

Parasitic findings on threatened pudu deer from Central Chile accounts first genetic characterization of lice parasitizing P. puda in Chile and the first molecular report of Taenia hydatigena metacestodes in this species.

Southern pudu (Pudu puda) is a threatened endemic deer of the temperate forests of Chile. In recent years pudu populations rates have decreased mainly due to anthropogenic causes including forest loss and landscape fragmentation. In this context, the parasitic fauna of Chilean pudu has been scarcely investigated. The aim of this study was to determine the parasitic status of rescued pudu n = 13 from its natural habitat in Central Chile (Maule region) during March 2022 and June 2023 by applying morphological, histopathological, and molecular analyses. As result, we report the presence of transmission of parasites from dogs to pudus as showed by the presence of metacestodes of the parasite Taenia hydatigena on omentum, liver, and pleura of pudus during postmortem examinations, being the first molecular report on the presence of this parasite on Chilean pudu. Meanwhile, ectoparasite examinations determined the presence of chewing and sucking lice on pudu exemplars here analysed. Molecular and phylogenetic analysis of lice revealed new insights on Bovicola and Anoplura lice parasitizing P. puda in Chile, equally being the first genetic characterization of lice parasitizing pudu exemplars in Chile. In addition, parasite loads of lice and metacestodes were analysed. However, no statistically significance was observed when comparing environmental and individual traits influence on parasite load variation. Overall, the study area is the northern limit of habitat distribution of this specie in Chile and we here provide novel information on pudu deer parasites, thus making a useful and valuable contribution to the parasitological knowledge on this threatened species.

Prevalence of Taenia ovis (sheep measles) in small ruminants slaughtered by unlicensed butchers in Iraq capital city.

This study was aimed at investigating the prevalence of Taenia ovis (sheep measles) in sheep and goats among the unlicensed butcher's settings in Bagdad, Iraq. A total of 1194 sheep comprising 798 males and 396 females were inspected and out of these 41 and 17 (5.1 and 4.2%) were positive of T. ovis respectively. In goat a total of 162 comprising 122 males and 40 females were inspected out of which 39 and 19 (31.9 and 47.5%) were positive for T. ovis for male and female respectively. In this study, the prevalence of T. ovis in sheep of <18 months of age (5.3%) was higher as compared to those in sheep of over 18 months of age (4.9%), the prevalence of T. ovis was higher in male sheep (5.1%) as compared to the female sheep (4.2%). The trend of the prevalence of this parasite in goats was different from what was obtained in sheep, in this case the prevalence was higher in female goats as compared to male goats. Also the prevalence of T. ovis was significantly higher in older goats as compared to younger goats. For the breed the trend was similar to that of sheep where the local breed harbored more of T. ovis as compared to the imported breeds. Our results suggest that the high prevalence of the T. ovis infestations in the unlicensed butcher's settings is of great concern for public health, therefore authorities are to design a preventive program to curtail this problem.

The muscle and neural architecture of Taenia crassiceps cysticerci revisited; implications on head-tail polarization of the larvae.

Taenia crassiceps has been used for decades as an experimental model for the study of human and porcine cysticercosis. Even though, its life cycle, tissue organization, ultrastructure and immune response elicited in the host, have been extensively described, there are many other biological questions remaining to be addressed. In the present study we revisited the muscle and neural architecture of cysticerci in two of the most frequently used strains (WFU and ORF), using conventional staining and confocal microscopy imaging, aiming to assemble an updated anatomy. Differences between both strains, including polarization processes during development of the young budding larvae, are emphasized. We also performed a search for genes that have been related to peptidergic neural processes in other related flatworms. These findings can help to understand the anatomical and molecular consequences of the scolex presence or absence in both strains.

Concordance between two monoclonal antibody-based antigen detection enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for measuring cysticercal antigen levels in sera from pigs experimentally infected with Taenia solium and Taenia hydatigena.

BACKGROUND: Antigen detection in Taenia solium cysticercosis confirms viable infection in the intermediate host (either pig or human). The reference B158/B60 monoclonal antibody (mAb)-based Ag-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has acceptable levels of sensitivity and specificity in human neurocysticercosis with multiple brain cysts, although its sensitivity is lower in cases with single brain cysts, whereas in porcine cysticercosis the assay specificity is affected by its frequent cross-reaction with Taenia hydatigena, another common cestode found in pigs. Our group has produced 21 anti-T. solium mAbs reacting against antigens of the whole cyst, vesicular fluid, and secretory/excretory products, identifying TsW8/TsW5 as the most promising pair of mAbs for an Ag-ELISA. METHODS: We report the use of the TsW8/TsW5 Ag-ELISA to measure cysticercus antigen levels [expressed as optical density (OD) values] in two panels of sera collected from day 0 (baseline) to day 90 postinfection (PI) from pigs experimentally infected with T. solium (n = 26) and T. hydatigena (n = 12). At baseline and on days 28 and 90 PI, we used Bland-Altman (BA) analysis and Lin's concordance correlation coefficients (CCC) to determine the concordance between the TsW8/TsW5 and the B158/B60 Ag-ELISA. RESULTS: The TsW8/TsW5 Ag-ELISA was able to efficiently measure circulating antigen levels in T. solium-infected pigs, similar to that obtained with the B158/B60 Ag-ELISA. Almost all paired log-OD differences between assays were within the limits of agreement (LoA) in the BA analysis at baseline and on days 28 and 90 PI (92.3%, 100%, and 100%, respectively), and a high concordance of log-ODs between assays was also found (Lin's CCC: 0.69, 0.92, and 0.96, respectively, all P < 0.001). In pigs infected with T. hydatigena, almost all paired log-OD differences were within the LoA in the BA analysis, whereas the concordance of log-ODs between assays was low at baseline (Lin's CCC: 0.24) but increased on days 28 and 90 PI (Lins' CCC: 0.88 and 0.98, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The TsW8/TsW5 Ag-ELISA recognizes antigens in pigs with T. solium cysticercosis and is highly concordant with the B158/B60 Ag-ELISA. However, its diagnostic use is hampered by cross-reactions with T. hydatigena, as in other mAb-based Ag-ELISAs.

Infection of guppies (Poecilia reticulata) with the Asian fish tapeworm Schyzocotyle acheilognathi in an urban stream in Brazil.

Schyzocotyle acheilognathi is a fish tapeworm native to Asia but has been reported as an alien species on practically all other continents. Its invasive potential is due to its low host specificity and high adaptability to different environments, and its spread to new areas can result in economic and ecological impacts. Studies reporting this species in South America are still scarce, indicating the need to monitor its dispersion to new areas. Herein, tapeworms found in guppies, Poecilia reticulata, from an urban stream located in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, in April 2021 were subjected to morphological and molecular characterization. As a result, 5/13 (38.5%) of the P. reticulata specimens evaluated were infected with intestinal tapeworms. It was verified a mean intensity of infection of 7.8 (1-25) and a mean abundance of infection of 3 (0-25). The morphology of the cestodes obtained was compatible with that of S. acheilognathi. Moreover, genetic analysis based on cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene (Cox-1) revealed 97.89-99.77% similarity to isolates of this species from different localities. The possibility that S. acheilognathi is expanding to new regions of South America is discussed.

How tapeworms interact with cancers: a mini-review.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death, with an estimated 19.3 million new cases and 10 million deaths worldwide in 2020 alone. Approximately 2.2 million cancer cases are attributed to infectious diseases, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Despite the apparent involvement of some parasitic helminths (especially trematodes) in cancer induction, there are also records of the potential suppressive effects of helminth infections on cancer. Tapeworms such as Echinococcus granulosus, Taenia crassiceps, and more seem to have the potential to suppress malignant cell development, although in a few cases the evidence might be contradictory. Our review aims to summarize known epidemiological data on the cancer-helminth co-occurrence in the human population and the interactions of tapeworms with cancers, i.e., proven or hypothetical effects of tapeworms and their products on cancer cells in vivo (i.e., in experimental animals) or in vitro. The prospect of bioactive tapeworm molecules helping reduce the growth and metastasis of cancer is within the realm of future possibility, although extensive research is yet required due to certain concerns.

A rare case of Cysticercus tenuicollis infection in a neonate lamb: Evidence of prenatal transmission.

Cysticercosis develops in lambs following a Cysticercus tenuicollis infestation, which is the larval stage of Taenia hydatigena. A 7-day-old lamb was examined for depression, anorexia, fever (40.5°C), congested mucus membranes, reluctance to move, and a hunched back. Upon necropsy, congestion was noted in the intestines and brain, and the heart had a loose consistency. Soft and pulpy kidneys were evident coupled with watery intestinal contents. Epsilon toxin (Clostridium perfringens type D toxin) was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A transparent cystic structure was incidentally found attached to the pancreas, within which a scolex was well demonstrated upon histopathology. Chronic active peritonitis was diagnosed at the cyst attachment site. C. tenuicollis was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction and genome sequencing. This report describes prenatal transmission of C. tenuicollis in the present lamb, although this condition is quite rare.

Suppression of the growth and metastasis of mouse melanoma by Taenia crassiceps and Mesocestoides corti tapeworms.

Cancer is still one of the leading causes of death, with an estimated 19.3 million new cases every year. Our paper presents the tumor-suppressing effect of Taenia crassiceps and Mesocestoides corti on B16F10 melanoma, the intraperitoneal application of which followed the experimental infection with these tapeworms, resulting in varying degrees of effectiveness in two strains of mice. In the case of M. corti-infected ICR mice, a strong tumor growth suppression occurred, which was accompanied by a significant reduction in the formation of distant metastases in the liver and lung. Tapeworm-infected C57BL/6J mice also showed a suppression of tumor growth and, in addition, the overall survival of infected C57BL/6J mice was significantly improved. Experiments with potential cross-reaction of melanoma and tapeworm antigens with respective specific antibodies, restimulation of spleen T cells, or the direct effect of tapeworm excretory-secretory products on melanoma cells in vitro could not explain the phenomenon. However, infections with T. crassiceps and M. corti increased the number of leukocytes possibly involved in anti-tumor immunity in the peritoneal cavity of both ICR and C57BL/6J mice. This study unveils the complex interplay between tapeworm infections, immune responses, and melanoma progression, emphasizing the need for further exploration of the mechanisms driving observed tumor-suppressive effects.

Treatment and management of coenurosis by Taenia multiceps: field data from outbreaks in endemic regions and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Taenia multiceps coenurosis is endemic in sheep from various regions worldwide. Dogs, the key hosts, shed T. multiceps eggs in their feces contaminating the pasture, and lambs are mostly infected during their first turnout into pastures. The disease is manifested in two forms: acute (due to the migrating oncospheres in the CNS) or chronic (due to the developing coenuri in the brain or spinal cord). Both forms are frequently accompanied by neurological symptoms. METHODS: Field trials conducted in an endemic region (Sardinia, Italy) to treat replacement lambs in six sheep flocks infected with acute coenurosis are summarized in this article. The article also reviews earlier reports on various approaches developed to treat and immunize sheep against coenurosis. RESULTS: Accurate detection of the time in which lambs become infected is crucial in deciding which treatment approach should be used. Acute disease can be successfully treated via chemotherapy. Results of field trials conducted in Sardinia revealed the efficacy of three (1-week apart) oxfendazole doses (14.15 mg/kg) in protecting apparently healthy lambs in the infected flocks from developing neurological symptoms. A single praziquantel dose (18.75 mg/kg) worked well for the same purpose and was also found significant in treating 5 of 16 clinically ill lambs in one flock. Earlier reports documented high rates of recovery (up to 100%) in clinically diseased lambs that received much higher doses (50-100 mg/kg) of praziquantel. However, chemotherapy is not preferred in chronic coenurosis since it can lead to rupture of the coenuri, giving rise to serious inflammation in the CNS. Surgical intervention is highly recommended in this case, and the pooled success rates for surgery in chronic-infected cases was estimated at 82.1% (95% CI 73.1-91.0%). However, various trials have been conducted to immunize sheep against T. multiceps coenurosis, and the 18k (Tm18) family of oncosphere antigens was found promising as a vaccine candidate. CONCLUSIONS: In acute coenurosis, selection of the proper anthelmintic should be done after consulting the owner for several reasons: (1) costs of the used anthelmintic: treating a small flock of 100 sheep costs around 1170 and 660 € for praziquantel and oxfendazole, respectively; (2) withdrawal time of the used anthelmintic: No time is required before consuming meat and milk from praziquantel-treated sheep, whereas meat and milk from oxfendazole-treated sheep should not be consumed for 44 and 9 days, respectively, causing additional costs for the farmers. Since no commercial vaccines have yet been developed against T. multiceps coenurosis in sheep, preventive measures remain the cornerstone of controlling this serious disease.

Helminth-derived molecules improve 5-fluorouracil treatment on experimental colon tumorigenesis.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent fatal neoplasias worldwide. Despite efforts to improve the early diagnosis of CRC, the mortality rate of patients is still nearly 50%. The primary treatment strategy for CRC is surgery, which may be accompanied by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The conventional and first-line chemotherapeutic agent utilized is 5-fluorouracil (5FU). However, it has low efficiency. Combination treatment with leucovorin and oxaliplatin or irinotecan improves the effectiveness of 5FU therapy. Unfortunately, most patients develop drug resistance, leading to disease progression. Here, we evaluated the effect of a potential alternative adjuvant treatment for 5FU, helminth-derived Taenia crassiceps (TcES) molecules, on treating advanced colitis-associated colon cancer. The use of TcES enhanced the effects of 5FU on established colonic tumors by downregulating the expression of the immunoregulatory cytokines, Il-10 and Tgf-ß, and proinflammatory cytokines, Tnf-α and Il-17a, and reducing the levels of molecular markers associated with malignancy, cyclin D1, and Ki67, both involved in apoptosis inhibition and the signaling pathway of ß-catenin. TcES+5FU therapy promoted NK cell recruitment and the release of Granzyme B1 at the tumor site, consequently inducing tumor cell death. Additionally, it restored P53 activity which relates to decreased Mdm2 expression. In vitro assays with human colon cancer cell lines showed that therapy with TcES+5FU significantly reduced cell proliferation and migration by modulating the P53 and P21 signaling pathways. Our findings demonstrate, for the first time in vivo, that helminth-derived excreted/secreted products may potentiate the effect of 5FU on established colon tumors.

Higher Concentration of Taenia Antigens in the CSF is Related to Slight Ventricle Enlargement and Periventricular Neuronal Decrease in Young Rats

Purpose Experimental models might help understand the pathophysiology of neurocysticercosis-associated hydrocephalus. The present study aimed to compare the extent of hydrocephalus and tissue damage in rats with subarachnoid inoculation of different concentrations of Taenia crassiceps cyst proteins. Methods Sixty young rats were divided into two groups: low- and high-concentration groups. The animals in the low concentration group received 0.02ml of 2.4mg/ml T. crassiceps cyst proteins while those in the high concentration group received 0.02 ml of 11.6mg/ml T. crassiceps cyst proteins. The animals underwent magnetic resonance imaging at 1, 3, and 6 months postinoculation to assess the ventricle volume. Morphological assessment was performed at the end of the observation period. Results Repeated measures of ventricle volumes at 1, 3, and 6 months showed progressive enlargement of the ventricles. At 1 and 3 months, we observed no differences in ventricle volumes between the 2 groups. However, at 6 months, the ventricles were larger in the high concentration group (median » 3.86mm3, range: 2.37­12.68) compared with the low concentration group (median » 2.00mm3, range: 0.37­11.57), p » 0.003. The morphological assessment revealed a few inflammatory features in both groups. However, the density of oligodendrocytes and neurons within the periventricular region was lower in the high concentration group (5.18 versus 9.72 for oligodendrocytes and 15.69 versus 21.00 for neurons; p < 0.001 for both). Conclusion Our results suggest that, in rats, a higher concentration of T. crassiceps cyst proteins in the subarachnoid space could induce ventricle enlargement and reduce the number of neurons within the periventricular area.

Demyelination in experimental intraventricular neurocysticercosis / Desmielinização na neurocisticercose intraventricular experimental

Abstract Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is classified as a neglected tropical disease, which affects mainly Latin America and Africa in spite of some reports in North America and Europe. NCC represents the cause of up to 30% of the reported cases of epilepsy in endemic countries. The NCC injuries present direct relation to the development stage, location, and number of parasites as well as to the host immune response. This study aimed the characterization of the inflammatory response and tissue injuries by means of the analyses of the periventricular and parenchymatous demyelination through the experimental intraventricular NCC infection. Therefore, BALB/c mice were submitted to experimental NCC inoculation with Taenia crassiceps cysticerci. Their brains were removed at 7, 30, 60, and 90 days after the inoculation (DAI), and analyzed after staining with hematoxylin and eosin (HE), Luxol Fast Blue, and Nissl. It was possible to observe ventriculomegaly, inflammatory infiltration composed by polymorphonuclear and mononuclear cells, and foamy macrophages. The presence of inflammatory cells was associated with neurodegeneration detected by the areas with demyelination observed initially in the periventricular area and lately in the parenchyma. In conclusion, the presence of cysticerci and the consequent inflammation were able to promote initial periventricular demyelination followed by parenchymatous demyelination as the infection progressed.

Resumo A neurocisticercose (NCC) é classificada como uma doença tropical negligenciada que afeta principalmente a América Latina e a África, apesar de alguns relatos na América do Norte e na Europa. A NCC é responsável por cerca de 30% dos casos de epilepsia em países endêmicos. Estas lesões parecem ter estreita relação com o estádio de desenvolvimento, com a localização e o número de parasitas, bem como a resposta imune do hospedeiro. O presente estudo objetivou caracterizar a resposta de células inflamatórias e as lesões teciduais pela análise da desmielinização periventricular e parenquimatosa ao longo da infecção experimental de NCC intraventricular. Para tanto, camundongos BALB/c foram submetidos a NCC experimental através da inoculação de cisticercos de Taenia crassiceps. O encéfalo foi retirado aos 7, 30, 60 e 90 dias após inoculação (DAI) e analisado após coloração por Hematoxilina e Eosina (HE), Luxol Fast Blue e Nissl. Observou-se ventriculomegalia, processo de infiltração inflamatório composto por células polimorfonucleares, mononucleares e macrófagos espumosos. A presença de células inflamatórias foi associada com neurodegeneração, observada pelas áreas de desmielinização que foram inicialmente periventricular e mais tardiamente no parênquima. Em conclusão, observa-se que a presença dos cisticercos e a inflamação foram capazes de promover desmielinização periventricular inicial e parenquimatosa conforme houve progressão tardia da infecção.

First report of an outbreak of cerebral coenurosis in Dhofari goats in Oman / Primeiro relato de um surto de coenurose cerebral em cabras Dhofari em Omã

Abstract This study documented the first outbreak of cerebral coenurosis in goats in Salalah, southern Oman. Deaths of 130 (16.6%) adult native goats in a herd (n=780) were reported from January to June 2017. Affected goats showed various nervous signs ended by death. Investigations for thiamine deficiency, polioencephalomalacia, caprine arthritis encephalitis, and listeriosis were negative. Upon necropsy, multiple (1-4) thin-walled cysts 2-3.5 cm in diameter containing clear fluid with numerous clusters of protoscolices in the cerebrum and cerebellum had replaced the brain parenchyma, causing space-occupying lesions. Parasitologically, the recovered cysts were Coenurus cerebralis, based on the arrangement of protoscolices, and the number and size of their hooks. Morphologically, each protoscolex had four suckers and a rostellum with double-crown hooks. The large and small hooks were 157.7±0.5 µm and 115±0.6 µm in length, respectively. Histopathologically, the parasite destroyed the affected tissues associated with multifocal to diffuse lymphocytic, non-suppurative meningoencephalitis; ischemic neuronal necrosis; and malacia. This is the first report of cerebral coenurosis in livestock in Oman, which should alert the local public health authorities for the application of prevention and control measures.

Resumo Este estudo documentou o primeiro surto de coenurose cerebral em cabras em Salalah, Oman. A morte de 130 (16,6%) caprinos adultos nativos (n=780) foi relatada de janeiro a junho de 2017. As cabras afetadas mostraram distúrbios neurológicos, que culminaram em óbito. Investigações para deficiência de tiamina, polioencefalomalácia, encefalite por artrite caprina e listeriose foram negativas. Na necropsia, múltiplos (1-4) cistos de paredes finas com 2-3,5 cm de diâmetro contendo líquido claro com numerosos aglomerados de protoescólices no cérebro e no cerebelo haviam substituído o parênquima cerebral, causando compressão nas estruturas adjacentes. Os cistos recuperados foram identificados como sendo de Coenurus cerebralis, com base no arranjo dos protoescólices, e no número e tamanho de seus ganchos. Morfologicamente, cada protoescólice tinha quatro ventosas e um rostelo com dupla coroa de ganchos. Os ganchos grandes e pequenos tinham 157,7±0,5 µm e 115±0,6 µm de comprimento, respectivamente. Histopatologicamente, o parasita causou a destruição dos tecidos afetados associada à meningoencefalite linfocítica não-supurativa, que variou de multifocal a difusa, necrose neuronal isquêmica e malacia. Este é o primeiro relato de coenurose em ruminantes no Oman, o que deve servir de alerta para as autoridades locais da área de saúde para a aplicação de medidas de prevenção e controle.

Histopathologic aspects of experimental cysticercosis and in situ cytokines profile in C57BL/6 mice / Aspectos histopatológicos da cisticercose experimental e perfil de citocinas in situ em camundongos C57BL/6

ABSTRACT Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is one of the parasitic infections that most affects the central nervous system. The knowledge regarding its immunopathogenesis and pathophysiology needs broadening. Taenia crassiceps cysticerci are used as the NCC experimental model. The aim of this work was to describe the general pathological processes and the in situ cytokine profile in C57BL/6 mice inoculated intracranially with viable T. crassiceps cysticerci. The histopathology analysis showed cysticerci in the extraparenchymal and intraventricular region, mononuclear inflammatory infiltration surrounding the parasite, microgliosis and meningitis. The analysis of the in situ immune profiles showed a predominance of the Th2 response. The IL-4 and IL-10 dosages were significantly increased in the infected group. The decrease in the INF-gamma dosage reflects the immunomodulation from the cysticerci. In conclusion, a T. crassiceps NCC infection in C57BL/6 mice triggers an inflammatory response, a predominance of Th2 type in situ profile, with mononuclear inflammatory cell infiltration, meningitis and microgliosis.

RESUMO Neurocisticercose (NCC) é uma das doenças parasitárias que mais afeta o sistema nervoso central. É necessário aprofundar o conhecimento em relação à sua imunopatogênese e patofisiologia. Os cisticercos de Taenia crassiceps são utilizados como modelo experimental para estudos da NCC. O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever os processos patológicos gerais e o perfil de citocinas in situ em camundongos C57BL/6 inoculados via intracerebral com cisticercos viáveis de T. crassiceps. A análise histopatológica demonstrou cisticercos nas regiões extra-parenquimatosa e intraventricular, infiltrado inflamatório de células mononucleares ao redor do parasita, microgliose e meningite. A análise in situ do perfil de citocinas mostrou uma predominância da resposta Th2. As dosagens de IL-4 e IL-10 foram significativamente maiores no grupo infectado. Conclui-se que a NCC por T. crassiceps em camundongos C57BL/6 induz uma resposta inflamatória com predominância in situ de citocinas do perfil Th2, com infiltrado inflamatório de células mononucleares, meningite e microgliose.

Taenia sp. in human burial from Kan River, East Siberia

We present an arhaeoparasitological analysis of a unique burial from the Neftprovod II burial ground in East Siberia, which dated from the Bronze Age. Analysis of a sediment sample from the sacral region of the pelvis revealed the presence of Taenia sp. eggs. Because uncooked animal tissue is the primary source of Taenia, this indicated that the individual was likely consuming raw or undercooked meat of roe deer, red deer, or elk infected with Taenia. This finding represents the oldest case of a human infected with Taenia sp. from Eastern Siberia and Russia.