Occurrence of Fasciola hepatica (Linnaeus, 1758) in capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) (Linnaeus, 1766) in Minas Gerais, Brazil / Ocorrência de Fasciola hepatica (Linnaeus, 1758) em capivara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) (Linnaeus, 1766) em Minas Gerais, Brasil

Abstract Fasciola hepatica is a parasite that affects the hepatic ducts of several species of domestic and wild vertebrates, causing huge economic losses to livestock rearing worldwide. Reports on occurrences of F. hepatica in capybaras are an important epidemiological aspect of this disease, since these rodents can be a source of contamination for other animals and humans. In the present study, conducted in a rural area of the municipality of Confins, Minas Gerais, fresh feces from capybaras were collected from the ground near a lagoon at the edge of the Ribeirão da Mata river. These were examined using the technique of four metal sieves. F. hepatica eggs were recovered. This trematode species was confirmed by observing morphological characteristics and measuring the eggs recovered from the capybara feces, and through experimental infection of Lymnaea columella (Say, 1817) by miracidia from these eggs and subsequent infection of C57/BL06 mice with metacercariae originating from these infected mollusks. The data suggest the occurrence of natural cycle of F. hepatica in this region and provide a warning that expansion of the geographical distribution of this parasite by means of this rodent is possible. It is therefore important to adopting measures for epidemiological control of this helminthiasis.

Resumo Fasciola hepatica é um parasito que acomete os ductos hepáticos de diversas espécies de vertebrados domésticos e silvestres, causando grandes perdas econômicas na pecuária global. Relatos sobre a ocorrência de F. hepatica em capivaras constituem um importante aspecto epidemiológico dessa parasitose, visto que esses roedores podem ser fonte de contaminação para outros animais e humanos. No presente estudo realizado em área rural do município de Confins, Minas Gerais, foram coletadas no solo, próximo à lagoa marginal do rio Ribeirão da Mata, fezes frescas de capivaras. Essas foram examinadas pela técnica de quatro tamises metálicos. Foram recuperados ovos de F. hepatica. A confirmação da espécie desse trematódeo foi realizada por observação de características morfológica e mensuração dos ovos recuperados das capivaras, infecção experimental de moluscos Lymnaea columella (Say, 1817) por miracídios oriundos desses ovos e pela infecção de camundongos C57/BL06 com metacercárias oriundas desses moluscos infectados. Os dados obtidos sugerem a ocorrência do ciclo natural de F. hepatica na região, alertando que a expansão da distribuição geográfica deste parasito por esse roedor é possível. Portanto, é importante a adoção de medidas para o controle epidemiológico desta helmintíase.

Extracción endoscópica por CPRE de Fasciola hepática viva: reporte de dos casos y revisión de la literatura / Endoscopic removal by ERCP of Fasciola hepatica alive: two cases report and review of the literature

Presentamos dos casos de fascioliasis crónica en pacientes procedentes de la zona andina del Perú, con sintomatología de varios meses de evolución, con dolor tipo biliar, coluria e ictericia en uno de los casos. Ambos referidos al Servicio de Gastroenterología del Hospital Nacional Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen para estudio por sospecha de colédocolitiasis. Se les realizó exámenes de laboratorio que mostraban aumentos variables en las pruebas de función hepática (colestasis) y en uno de ellos eosinofilia marcada. Se realizó colangioresonancia magnética (CRMN) en ambos casos demostraron imagen sugestiva de cálculo en colédoco. La pancreatocolangiografía retrograda endoscópica (CPRE) fue realizada y luego de esfinterotomía, se extrajo un parásito aplanado, lanceolado, con movilidad activa morfológicamente compatible con Fasciola hepática en ambos casos. Posterior a la CPRE se inició tratamiento antiparasitario con triclabendazol, siendo la evolución clínica favorable.

We report two cases of biliary fascioliasis in patients from the highlands of Peru; with several months of symptoms characterized for biliary-type pain, dark urine and jaundice in one case. Both of them referred to the department of Gastroenterology of the Hospital Nacional Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen for suspicious of choledocolithiasis. Laboratory tests were performed which showed variable high levels of functional liver tests (cholestasis) and marked eosinophilia in one case. Magnetic resonance cholangiography (CRMN) was performed and then informed as an apparent image of biliary stone in choledocus in both cases. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was performed and after sphincterotomy, one flattened, lanceolate parasite, with active mobility morphologically compatible with Fasciola hepatica was extracted. After the ERCP antiparasitic treatment was given with triclabendazole. Clinical outcome was favourable.

Zoonotic dicrocoeliasis dendriticum in a farmer's family at Giza governorate, Egypt

Dicrocoeliasis [Lancet liver fluke disease] is caused by Dicrocoelium dendriti-cum, a trematode living in bile ducts of sheep, cattle and other mammals including man. Human infection is asymptomatic or mild to moderately severe, but being sporadic or rarely reported. This paper reported zoonotic dicrocoeliasis dendriticum among a farmer's family and his domestic animals. The father and mother were successfully treated with Triclabendazole and the children and animals were successfully treated with Mira-zid and Oleo-resin solution of Commiphora molmol respectively

Anthelmintic effect of artesunate in experimental heterophyid infection

Artesunate is a water-soluble semi-synthetic drug derived from artemisinin which is extracted from leaves of the Chinese plant Artemisia annua. This successful bas-ically-antimalarial drug has been proved to be also effective against trematodes like Schistosoma japonicum, S. mansoni, Fasciola hepatica and Clonorchis sinensis, The present work aimed to investigate the in-vivo efficacy of artesunate against heterophyids in mice, using praziquantel as a therapeutic control. Results showed that artesunate was effective in treatment of experimental heterophyidiasis as proved by a 100% reduction of intestinal adult worm count at a dose regimen of 200 mg/kg/day, given for 3 successive days. Besides, surface tegumental damage of the adult worm was observed by SEM in form of bleb formation, disruption, erosion and peeling. The proved therapeutic efficacy of artesunate together with its reported safety, favor its possible use as a new alternative therapy in human heterophyidiasis

Bioensaio de atividade moluscicida adaptado para a avaliação de extratos de plantas medicinais / Bioensayo de actividad moluscicida adaptado para evaluación de extractos de plantas medicinales / Bioassay of molluscicidal activity adapted for the evaluation of medicinal plant extracts

Nesta nota é apresentada detalhadamente a metodologia (preparação dos extratos, adaptação dos caramujos, ensaio de atividade, destino dos caramujos) usada para a avaliação da atividade moluscicida de extratos de plantas frente a caramujos da espécie Biomphalaria glabrata. A adaptação desta metodologia tem o propósito de avaliar extratos naturais para a busca de produtos alternativos mais baratos, biodegradáveis, seguros e disponíveis localmente, para o controle das populações de caramujos.

The methodology (extract preparation, adaptation of the snails, activity test, destiny of the snails) used for the evaluation of the molluscicidal activity of plant extracts in relation to snails from the Biomphalaria glabrata species appears in detail in this note. The adaptation of this methodology has the purpose of evaluating natural extracts in order to find cheaper, biodegradable, safe and easily available alternative products for the control of the populations of snails.

En este apunte se presenta detalladamente la metodología (preparación de los extractos, adaptación de los caracoles, ensayo de actividad, destino de los caracoles) utilizada para la evaluación de la actividad moluscicida de extractos de plantas frente a caracoles de la especie Biomphalaria glabrata. La adaptación de esta metodología tiene el propósito de evaluar extractos naturales para la búsqueda de productos alternativos más baratos, biodegradables, seguros y disponibles localmente, para el control de las poblaciones de caracoles.

Fasciolosis en equinos fina sangre de carrera del Club Hípico Concepción, Chile / Thoroughbred racehorses fasciolosis in Club Hípico Concepción, Chile

El propósito de este estudio es entregar información sobre la situación de la fasciolosis en los equinos fina sangre de carrera del Club Hípico Concepción (Región del Bio-Bio, Chile). Se tomaron muestras de 269 equinos (92 hembras y 177 machos), con un rango de edad entre 2 y 11 años. En cada uno de los animales, se obtuvo una muestra de heces, la que fue analizada mediante examen de sedimentación para detectar la presencia de huevos de Fasciola hepática. De los 269 equinos examinados, se detectaron 28 (10,41 por ciento) positivos aF hepática. Se encontraron sólo diferencias de infección por edad, siendo los menores los que presentaron mayores prevalencias (p < 0,05).

The purpose of this study was to add information about current situation of the Thoroughbred racehorses fasciolosis in Chile. The study was made between January and February 2006. Fecal samples were taken from 269 horses (92 females and 177 males), whose age ranges from 2 and 11 years. And they were analyzed by means of sedimentation examination in order to find the presence of Fasciola hepßtica eggs. The coproparasitologic study was complement with a survey to the horse trainer. For the analysis of the results we used the statistical test of percent² and Fisher exact test. We detected 28 (10,4 percent) positive to the F. hepßtica eggs. Significant differences were found (p < 0,05) by age and between the animals that received flukicide drug treatment and the not treated.

Hepatic fascioliasis due to Fasciola hepatica: a two-case report.

Two cases of hepatic fascioliasis due to Fasciola hepatica were retrieved from our surgical-pathology file since the hospital's foundation in 1969 up to 2005. The diagnosis of hepatic fascioliasis was based on detection of one live fluke in a large cystic lesion in the lobectomized liver specimen in one case and of deposited eggs in the large liver specimen obtained from open biopsy in the other Hepatic fascioliasis is rather rare and almost worldwide in distribution including Thailand. The diagnosis should be considered in the patient from endemic areas consisting of the northern, northeastern and upper-central regions of the country, with a history of ingesting fresh water plants or drinking untreated water and having fever right-upper-quadrant pain or intrahepatic cystic lesion(s) together with absolute peripheral blood eosinophilia.

Fasciola hepatica: identificação in situ de antígenos / In situ identification of Fasciola hepatica antigens

O presente estudo objetivou avaliar antígenos excretórios/ secretórios (Ag E/S) e somáticos (Ag S) de Fasciola hepatica, anticorpos específicos e demonstrar a presença de sítios reativos em corte histológico do parasito adulto pela técnica de imunoistoquímica. A resposta imune foi observada pela reação intensa nas células que circundam a ventosa ventral do parasito. A técnica de imunoistoquímica é sensível e de fácil execução na detecção de sítios antigênicos em cortes histológicos de Fasciola hepatica.

The aim of the present study was to assess excretory-secretory antigens and somatic antigens of Fasciola hepatica, specific antibodies, and to identify reactive sites in histological sections of adult parasites by means of immunohistochemistry. The immune response was observed through the intense reaction of cells that surround the ventral sucker of Fasciola hepatica. lmmunohistochemistry is a sensitive and easy-to-use method for detecting antigenic sites in histological sections of this parasite.

Emergence of Opisthorchis viverrini cercariae from naturally infected Bithynia (Digoniostoma) siamensis goniomphalos.

Under natural conditions, the emergence of Opisthorchis viverrini cercariae from naturally infected Bithynia (Digoniostoma) siamensis goniomphalos showed diurnal periodicity, peaking between 8:00-10:00 AM. The cercariae did not emerge during darkness, but low-intensity light could induce a release. Cercariae shedded from each field infected B.(D.) s. goniomphalos was recorded daily. The maximum output from one snail was 1,728 cercariae in a day. The total cercarial output from all five infected snails was 56,555 and the maximum of total cercariae shed from one snail was 27,692. The field-infected B. (D.) s. goniomphalos could survive for 70 days after the snails were collected.

Variation of snail's abundance in two water bodies harboring strains of Pseudosuccinea columella resistant and susceptible to Fasciola hepatica miracidial infection, in Pinar del Río Province, Cuba

The abundance of freshwater snails in two rural sites of Pinar del Río, Cuba, which harbor Pseudosuccinea columella susceptible and resistant to miracidia of Fasciola hepatica was followed for one year. Susceptible snails were found in the most anthropic site (IPA) whereas the resistant population inhabited the most preserved one (El Azufre). Only two snail species coexisted with P. columella at IPA site (Physa cubensis and Tarebia granifera) while five species were found at El Azufre, including an endemic from that province (Hemisinus cubanianus). Populations of both resistant and susceptible snails showed stable densities throughout the year, although the susceptible strain attained higher abundance. The highest densities were observed in April-May 2004 for the susceptible population whereas the resistant strain attained its highest abundance in January 2004. No record of Fossaria cubensis was made and the thiarid T. granifera occurred only at low densities. One of the sampled sites (IPA) meets all the conditions for the first report of P. columella naturally infected with larvae of F. hepatica.

First report of Lymnaea cousini Jousseaume, 1887 naturally infected with Fasciola hepatica (Linnaeus, 1758) (Trematoda: Digenea) in Machachi, Ecuador

We report the first finding of Lymnaea cousini naturally infected with Fasciola hepatica in Ecuador. A sample of 70 snails was collected in April 2005 from a wetland located in a valley at approximately 3000 m a.s.l., near the locality of Machachi, Pichincha Province. The prevalence of natural infection in L. cousini was 31.43 percent, which is the highest value ever recorded for naturally infected lymnaeid species.

Fascioliasis in relatives of patients with Fasciola hepatica infection in Peru

Altas tasas de fasciolosis humana han sido descritas en varias regiones del Perú. Estudiamos 20 familias en una área endémica del Perú para determinar la proporción de infección con F. hepatica en los familiares de los sujetos diagnosticados y para identificar factores de riesgo asociados. El estudio incluyó un total de 93 sujetos, quienes contribuyeron con muestras de heces y sangre. Las edades comprendieron desde 1 a 53 años (media = 18.6; DS = 14.2). La prevalencia general de fasciolosis por exámenes de heces fue 33.3% (n = 83) y por serología, 51.9% (n = 86). La prevalencia en el grupo de edad I (< 19 años de edad) por pruebas coprológicas y serológicas fueron 61.4% y 75.9%, respectivamente; en el grupo II (> 19 años de edad) 15.4% y 37.5%. El principal factor de riesgo asociado con fasciolosis fue comer ensaladas (OR = 3.29, IC = 1.2-9.0, p = 0.02). En conclusión, la fasciolosis humana es altamente prevalente en familiares de los casos índices y el factor de riesgo más significante para adquirirla en la familia es comer ensaladas en las áreas endémicas.

Detection of opportunistic and non-opportunistic intestinal parasites and liver flukes in HIV-positive and HIV-negative subjects.

We assessed the frequency and distribution of infection with opportunistic and non-opportunistic intestinal parasites and the liver fluke, Opisthorchis viverrini, in HIV-seropositive and HIV-seronegative subjects. Age- and sex-matched HIV-seropositive (n = 78) and HIV-seronegative patients (n = 78) from two hospitals in Khon Kaen Province, Thailand, participated in this study from November 1998 to August 2000. These subjects were divided according to the presence of diarrhea and CD4 counts. A single stool sample was obtained and analyzed by using specific techniques. Opisthorchis viverrini, was the most common parasite (19.2%) in each group. The prevalence rates of Cryptosporidium spp (11.5%) and Strongyloides stercoralis (17.9%) in the HIV-seropositive group were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those in the HIV-seronegative group (1.0% for Cryptosporidium spp and 7.7% for S. stercoralis infections). The prevalences of these two parasites were 28% for Cryptosporidium spp and 20% for S. stercoralis in HIV-seropositives with diarrhea and CD4 counts lower than 100 cells/mm3, and were higher compared with patients without diarrhea or with high CD4 counts. These results suggest that infection with these parasites increases during HIV infection. The epidemiological distribution of Cryptosporidium and S. stercoralis may have implications for AIDS-related diseases.

Comparison of two coprological methods for the veterinary diagnosis of fasciolosis

Compararam-se a sensibilidade dos métodos padrão de sedimentação fecal (MPSF) e modificado da tamisação e coloração das fezes (MTCF)-quatro tamises, ambos empregados no diagnóstico de infecção por Fasciola hepatica. Amostras de fezes foram obtidas de 51 bovinos oriundos de uma área endêmica por fasciolose no Sudoeste da Argentina. Cada amostra foi colocada em um recipiente contendo formalina 5%. Oito mililitros da suspensão, equivalente a 2g de fezes, foram usados em cada método testado, registrando-se o número de ovos por amostra. A porcentagem de amostras positivas pelo MTCF (27/51) foi maior que a apresentada pelo MPSF (11/51), o que representou 60% de amostras falso-negativas. A porcentagem de concordância pelos dois métodos foi 41%. A complexidade do MPSF pode diminuir sua sensibilidade pela perda de ovos durante o processamento. Estes resultados confirmaram que o MPSF subestima a contagem de ovos e que o método MTCF é mais confiável.

Estudio del foco en un caso de fasciolosis humana en Neuquén / A focus study from a case of human fascioliasis in Neuquén

El objetivo del trabajo fue realizar un estudio de foco relacionado con un caso de fasciolosis humana ocurrido en abril de 2002 en Loncopué, Neuquén, Argentina. La confirmación diagnóstica se efectuó en mayo de 2002 por el test de ELISA. En noviembre de 2002 se realizó un muestreo en el área rural donde se ubicaba la vivienda de la paciente, ya restablecida, y se le tomó una nueva muestra de sangre. El suero de la paciente continuó reactivo para antígenos de Fasciola hepatica. Se muestrearon plantas de berro para detectar metacercarias. Se recolectaron caracoles en cuatro canales de riego conectados a un canal principal. Los caracoles fueron trasladados vivos para su identificación, medición y examen de infección. Se recolectaron 35 muestras fecales de ganado de cría. No se observaron metacercarias en las hojas de berro examinadas (n=222). Se recolectaron 130 caracoles identificados como Lymnaea viatrix y 2 de 101 ejemplares (2%) estaban infectados con larvas de F. hepatica. Las prevalencias en el ganado adulto fueron: 100% (10/10) para caprinos, 82% (9/11) para ovinos y 86% (6/7) para bovinos. El número de huevos eliminados por las cabras (mediana = 20.7; Q1=6.2; Q3=34.5) y ovejas (4, 18, 13) infectadas, resultó mayor que el eliminado por vacas (0.3; 0.3; 1.7) (p<0.01). La práctica de control local no tuvo efecto aparente en este caso, por lo que deberían revisarse los calendarios de tratamiento y los antiparasitarios utilizados. Los resultados muestran que el ganado criado a pequeña escala por los pobladores debe incluirse en los programas de control. Se discute la posible importancia de la fasciolosis humana en Argentina.

Fasciolasis hepatica: reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Hepatic fasciolasis: report of a case and review of the literature

La fasciolasis humana es una zoonosis causada por la Fasciola hepática, trematodo que en su vida adulta afecta principalmente el ganado ovino y bovino, siendo el hombre huésped accidental. La dificultad en el diagnóstico clínico, dada su variada sintomatología, muchas veces requerirá del apoyo imagenológico, por lo que el radiólogo debe estar preparado y conocer la epidemiología de este patógeno, especialmente en aquellas zonas endémicas (Latinoamérica, zonas de Asia y el Norte de Africa). Es importante considerarla dentro del diagnóstico diferencial de lesiones focales hepáticas, especialmente en el contexto clínico de eosinofilia.

Fasciolíase humana na Brasil diagnosticada por colangiografia endoscópica retrógrada / Human fascioliasis in BRasil diagnosed with endoscopic retrograde cholangiography

A fasciolíase humana é rara. O homem é um hospedeiro acidental da Fasciola hepatica. O parasita se instala nos canais bibliares e na vesícula bibliar simulando um cálculo biliar. Neste relato, descrevemos situaçäo em que a infestaçäo pela F. hepatica resultou em complicaçöes biliares, como icterícia e cólica biliar. O diagnóstico por imagem foi realizado por meio de colangiografia endoscópica retrógrada, que demonstrou a presença de estrutura no ducto bibliar extra-hepático. Foi efetuada esfincterotomia e remoçäo da mesma com cesta, havendo resoluçäo dos sintomas. O diagnóstico laboratorial demonstrou que o parasita era F. hepatica

Ocurrencia de fasciolosis bovina en Itaguaí, Río de Janeiro, Brasil / Occurrence of bovine fasciolosis in Itaguaí, Río de Janeiro, Brazil

Foi realizado o registro de ocorrencia de foco natural de fasciolose em Itaguai, Río de Janeiro, Brasil. A constatcao de presencia foi realizada através de exames clínicos, coprológicos e de necrópsias realizadas em bovinos. A instalacao do foco natural foi constatada através do encontro das formas larvares em moluscos da espécie lymnaea columella capturados na fazenda. Este registro, o primeiro no município, é considerado epidemiológicamente importante devido aos fatores impostos pelas condicoes socio-economicos apresntadas na área em estudo

Obtención de metacercarias de Fasciola hepatica en Lymnaea cubensis y relación parásito-hospedero en ratas Wistar y ratones Balb/c / Fasciola hepatica metacercarie collection in Lymnaea cubensis, and parasite-host-relation in Winstar rats an Balb/c mice

Fueron realizados dos experimentos, en experimento I con dos métodos (necropsia y bolsa de polietileno) para colectar y comparar las metacercarias obtenidas, el experimento II que fue desarrollado para determinar la potencia invasiva de las metacercarias obtenidas en un biotipo artificial, usando ratas Wistard y ratones Balb/c inoculados con 20 y 5-10 metacercarias, respectivamente. Se encontró que el número de metacercarias obtenidas con el uso de las bolsas de polietileno es considerablemente superior (P< 0.01) a las obtenidas por disección con un total de 1 442 metacercarias y una media de 12.87 por hospederos, mientras que en el método de las bolsas de polietileno la media fue de 29.31 y el total de 3 313. La potencia invasiva (PI) y la extensión de la invasión (EI) en las ratas fue más alta en la tercera semana (PI, 23 por ciento; EI, 80 por ciento), similar a los ratones inoculados con 10 metacercarias (PI, 23 por ciento; EI, 80 por ciento). Hubo 100 por ciento de hígados afectados por ambas dosis en la tercera semana. Se concluye que el método de las bolsas de polietileno es más efectivo que la disección facilitando la obtención de gran número de formas invasivas con alta calidad, limpieza y fácil desprendimiento de las metacercarias desde la superficie de enquistamiento: así como el hecho de que la potencia invasiva y la extensión de la invasión obtenida valida su uso en las investigaciones con modelos de Fasciola hepatica en ratas y ratones con dosis apropiadas de 20 y 10 metacercarias por ratas y ratones, respectivamente