Frecuencia de infección por cestodos en el Laboratorio Nacional de Referencia de Parasitismo Intestinal-IPK, Cuba, 2010-2018 / Frequency of cestode infection at the Intestinal Parasitic Disease National Reference Laboratory of Pedro Kourí Institute in Cuba, 2010-2018

Introdución: Los cestodos son helmintos parásitos del humano y de animales, con complejos ciclos de vida. En las infecciones por los cestodos no existen programas de desparasitación masiva implementados para disminuir la carga parasitaria de estos a nivel mundial, dada la baja prevalencia que se informa en estudios epidemiológicos. Existen pocos trabajos sobre la epidemiología y la detección de estas infecciones en la literatura internacional. Objetivo: Describir la frecuencia de infección de cestodos y sus características epidemiológicas. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo, realizado entre el 3 de enero de 2010 y 28 de diciembre de 2018. Se analizaron todas las muestras de heces, parásitos adultos y metacestodos enviadas de la red de Salud al Laboratorio Nacional de Referencia de Parasitismo Intestinal-IPK. El universo de estudio estuvo constituido por 9833 muestras, que fueron enviadas mayoritariamente de la provincia La Habana. Resultados: La infección por Inermicapsifer madagascariensis predominó en niños menores de 5 años (69,6 por ciento; IC 95 por ciento: 47,1-86,8). La infección intestinal por Taenia spp. se diagnosticó prinipalmente en pacientes entre 15 y 65 años de edad (88,2 por ciento; IC95 por ciento: 63,6-98,5). De los 47 casos positivos a la infección por cestodos, 24 pertenecieron al sexo femenino (51,1 por ciento; IC95 por ciento: 35,7-66,4) y 23 al sexo masculino (48,9 por ciento; IC95 por ciento: 33,6-64,3). No hubo diferencias significativas entre la infección por Inermicapsifer madagascariensis y Taenia spp. y el sexo de los pacientes (p˃ 0,05). Conclusiones: Aunque la frecuencia de infección de las cestodiosis detectadas es baja, estos resultados pudieran ser útiles para un control integrado de las principales cestodioisis en los diferentes grupos etarios(AU)

Introduction: Cestodes are helminths of complex life cycles which may infect animals and humans. No mass deworming programs are in place to reduce the worldwide parasite load of cestodes, given the low prevalence reported by epidemiological research. Few studies are available in the international literature about the epidemiology and detection of these infections. Objective: Describe the frequency of cestode infection and its epidemiological characteristics. Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted from 3 January 2010 to 28 December 2018. Evaluation was performed of all the samples of fecal matter, adult parasites and metacestodes submitted by the health care network to the Intestinal Parasitic Disease National Reference Laboratory at Pedro Kourí Institute. The study universe was 9 833 samples, mostly received from the province of Havana. Results: Inermicapsifer madagascariensis infection prevailed among children aged under 5 years (69.6 percent; CI 95 percent: 47.1-86.8). Taenia sp. intestinal infection was mainly diagnosed in patients aged 15-65 years (88.2 percent; CI 95 percent: 63.6-98.5). Of the 47 cestode infection positive cases, 24 were female (51.1 percent; CI 95 percent: 35.7-66.4) and 23 were male (48.9 percent; CI 95 percent: 33.6-64.3). No significant differences were found between Inermicapsifer madagascariensis and Taenia sp. infection and the sex of patients (p˃ 0.05). Conclusions: Although the frequency of cestode infection detected is low, these results could be useful for an integrated control of the main cestode infections affecting the different age groups(AU)

Echinococcosis and other parasitic infections in domestic dogs from urban areas of an argentinean Patagonian city

In urban populations of South America, dogs with free access to public areas represent a public health concern. The primary consequence of roaming dogs on human health is the transmission of infectious and parasitic diseases mainly through feces contamination. The main diseases likely to be transmitted are hydatidosis or echinococcosis, larva migrans, and giardiasis. In Argentina, hydatidosis ranks among the most prevalent zoonosis. Although it is considered a rural disease, the circulation of this parasite in urban areas has been documented. The aim of this work was to survey intestinal parasites in canine feces from two low-income urban neighborhoods of Bariloche city, Argentina, and to assess their seasonal variation. During 2016, 188 fresh dog feces were collected from sidewalks in 40 randomly selected blocks from the neighborhoods. Each sample was processed by Sheater flotation and tested for a coproantigen (CAg) by ELISA. The percentage of parasitized feces was 65.3% (95% CI: 55.9%-73.8%). Eleven parasite species were found, 3 protozoan, 3 cestodes, and 5 nematodes. Echinococcus sp. was present in 9.3% of the samples (95% CI: 4.7%-16.1%). Canine echinococcosis rates resulted similar to rates found previously in other neighborhoods of the city. The life cycle of Echinococcus sp. is sustained in urban areas by the entry of parasitized livestock, domiciliary slaughtering, and inadequate deposition of offal. The risk of Echinococcus sp. transmission to people in these neighborhoods is very high, due to high density of free-roaming dogs and high percentages of infected feces, similar to percentages observed in rural areas.

En las poblaciones urbanas de América del Sur, los perros con acceso libre a áreas públicas representan un problema de salud pública. La principal consecuencia es la transmisión de enfermedades infecciosas y parasitarias a través de la contaminación por heces. Las principales enfermedades que pueden transmitirse son hidatidosis, larva migrans y giardiasis. En Argentina, la hidatidosis es una de las zoonosis más prevalentes y aunque es considerada una enfermedad rural, algunos estudios muestran la circulación de este parásito en zonas urbanas. El objetivo fue registrar los parásitos intestinales en heces caninas de dos barrios de bajos ingresos de la ciudad de Bariloche, Argentina, y evaluar su variación estacional. Durante 2016, se recolectaron 188 heces frescas de perros en 40 manzanas seleccionados aleatoriamente. Las heces se procesaron mediante flotación de Sheater y una prueba ELISA de coproantigeno (CAg). El porcentaje de heces parasitadas fue del 65.3% (IC 95%: 55.9%-73.8%). Se encontraron 11 especies de parásitos, 3 protozoos, 3 cestodes y 5 nematodes. Echinococcus sp. estuvo presente en el 9.3% de las heces (IC 95%: 4.7% -16.1%). La equinococosis canina mostró valores similares a estudios previos en otros barrios de la ciudad. El ciclo de vida Echinococcus sp. se mantiene en las zonas urbanas por entrada de ganado parasitado, faena domiciliaria y deposición inadecuada de vísceras. El riesgo de transmisión de Echinococcus sp. en estos barrios es alto, debido a la alta densidad de perros sueltos y al alto porcentaje de heces infectadas, similar al de las zonas rurales.

FIRST CASE OF HUMAN INFECTION BY Bertiella studeri (Blanchard, 1891) Stunkard,1940 (Cestoda; Anoplocephalidae) IN BRAZIL / Primeiro caso de infecção humana por Bertiella studeri (Blanchard, 1891) Stunkard,1940 (Cestoda; Anoplocephalidae) no Brasil

SUMMARY Cestodes of the Bertiella genus are parasites of non-human primates found in Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas. Species Bertiella studeri and Bertiella mucronatacould, accidentally, infect human beings. The infection occurs from ingestion of mites from the Oribatida order containing cysticercoid larvae of the parasite. The objective of this report is to register the first case of human infection by Bertiella studeri in Brazil. Proglottids of the parasite, found in the stool sample of a two-and-a-half-year-old child, were fixed, stained and microscopically observed to evaluate its morphological characteristics. Eggs obtained from the proglottids were also studied. The gravid proglottids examined matched the description of the genus Bertiella. The eggs presented a round shape, with the average diameter of 43.7 µm, clearly showing the typical pyriform apparatus of B. studeri. The authors concluded that the child was infected with Bertiella studeri,based on Stunkard's (1940) description of the species. This is the fifth case of human Bertiellosis described in Brazil through morphometric analysis of the parasite, the third in Minas Gerais State and the first diagnosed case of Bertiella studeriin Brazil.

RESUMO Os cestódeos do gênero Bertiellasão parasitos de primatas não humanos, os quais são encontrados na África, Ásia, Austrália, Oceania e Américas. As espécies Bertiella studeri e Bertiella mucronata podem, eventualmente, vir a infectar os seres humanos e a infecção acontece pela ingestão acidental de ácaros da ordem Oribatida infectados com larvas cisticercóides do parasito. O objetivo deste estudo foi relatar o primeiro caso humano por Bertiella studeri no Brasil. Proglotes do parasito, encontrado na amostra de fezes de uma criança com idade de 2,5 anos, foram fixados, corados e observados ao microscópio para avaliar as suas características morfológicas. Ovos, obtidos a partir dos proglotes também foram estudados. As proglotes grávidas examinadas estavam de acordo com a descrição do gênero Bertiella. Os ovos apresentam forma arredondada com diâmetro médio de 43,7 µm, demonstrando claramente aparelho piriforme típico de B. studeri. Os autores concluíram que a criança estava infectada com Bertiella studeri, de acordo com a descrição da espécie por Stunkard (1940). Este é o quinto caso de Bertiellose humana descrita no Brasil por meio de análises morfométricas do parasito, o terceiro em Minas Gerais e o primeiro caso de diagnóstico por Bertiella studeri no Brasil.

Community ecology of the metazoan parasites of Brazilian sardinella, Sardinella brasiliensis (Steindachner, 1879) (Actinopterygii: Clupeidae) from the coastal zone of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Ecologia da comunidade dos metazoários parasitos da sardinha Sardinella brasiliensis (Steindachner, 1879) (Actinopterygii: Clupeidae) do litoral do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

AbstractBetween March 2010 and August 2011 were necropsied 100 specimens of Sardinella brasiliensis (Steindachner, 1879), from the coast of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (22°51’S, 43°56’W), to study their community of metazoan parasites. All specimens of S. brasiliensis were parasitized by at least one species of metazoan parasite, with mean of 68.7 ± 71.2 parasites/fish. Eleven species were collected: 3 digeneans, 1 monogenean, 2 cestodes, 3 nematodes and 2 copepods. The digenean Myosaccium ecaude Montgomery was the most abundant, prevalent, and dominant species, representing 72.7% of metazoan parasites collected, showing positive correlation between host’s total length and parasite abundance. Total parasite abundance was positively correlated with host’s total length. Three pairs of adult endoparasites showed significant positive association and covariation. The parasite community of S. brasiliensis showed dominance by digeneans. Sardinella brasiliensis represents new host record for most found parasite species.

ResumoEntre março de 2010 e agosto de 2011 foram necropsiados 100 espécimes de Sardinella brasiliensis (Steindachner, 1879), do litoral do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil (22°51’S, 43°56’O), para estudo da sua comunidade de metazoários parasitos. Todos os espécimes de S. brasiliensis estavam parasitados por pelo menos uma espécie de metazoário, com média de 68,7 ± 71,2 parasitos/peixe. Onze espécies foram coletadas: 3 digenéticos, 1 monogenético, 2 cestóides, 3 nematóides e 2 copépodes. O digenético Myosaccium ecaude Montgomery foi a espécie mais abundante, prevalente, e dominante, representando 72,7% dos metazoários parasitos, apresentando correlação positiva entre o comprimento total do hospedeiro e a abundância parasitária. A abundância parasitária total foi positivamente correlacionada com o comprimento total do hospedeiro. Três pares de endoparasitos adultos apresentaram associação e covariação positivas significativas. A comunidade parasitária de S. brasiliensisapresentou dominância por digenéticos. Sardinella brasiliensisrepresenta novo registro de hospedeiro para a maioria dos parasitos encontrados.

Intestinal Helminths Recovered from Humans in Xieng Khouang Province, Lao PDR with a Particular Note on Haplorchis pumilio Infection

A survey of intestinal helminths was undertaken in riparian people in Xieng Khouang Province, Lao PDR. Fecal specimens were collected from 643 people (289 males and 354 females) residing in 4 districts (Nonghet, Kham, Phoukout, and Pek) and were examined by the Kato-Katz technique. The overall helminth egg positive rate was 41.2%, and hookworms revealed the highest prevalence (32.7%) followed by Trichuris trichiura (7.3%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (5.6%). The positive rate for small trematode eggs (STE), which may include Opisthorchis viverrini, heterophyids, and lecithodendriids, was 4.4%. For recovery of adult helminths, 12 STE or nematode/cestode egg-positive people were treated with 40 mg/kg praziquantel and 15 mg/kg pyrantel pamoate, and then purged. Mixed infections with 2 Haplorchis species (H. pumilio and H. taichui), Centrocestus formosanus, Opisthorchis viverrini, a species of cestode (Taenia saginata), and several species of nematodes including hookworms and Enterobius vermicularis were detected. The worm load for trematodes was the highest for H. pumilio with an average of 283.5 specimens per infected person followed by C. formosanus, H. taichui, and O. viverrini. The worm load for nematodes was the highest for hookworms (21.5/infected case) followed by E. vermicularis (3.2/infected case). The results revealed that the surveyed areas of Xieng Khouang Province, Lao PDR are endemic areas of various species of intestinal helminths. The STE found in the surveyed population were verified to be those of heterophyids, particularly H. pumilio.

Parasitic Infections Based on 320 Clinical Samples Submitted to Hanyang University, Korea (2004-2011)

We analyzed 320 clinical samples of parasitic infections submitted to the Department of Environmental Biology and Medical Parasitology, Hanyang University from January 2004 to June 2011. They consisted of 211 nematode infections, 64 trematode or cestode infections, 32 protozoan infections, and 13 infections with arthropods. The nematode infections included 67 cases of trichuriasis, 62 of anisakiasis (Anisakis sp. and Pseudoterranova decipiens), 40 of enterobiasis, and 24 of ascariasis, as well as other infections including strongyloidiasis, thelaziasis, loiasis, and hookworm infecions. Among the cestode or trematode infections, we observed 27 cases of diphyllobothriasis, 14 of sparganosis, 9 of clonorchiasis, and 5 of paragonimiasis together with a few cases of taeniasis saginata, cysticercosis cellulosae, hymenolepiasis, and echinostomiasis. The protozoan infections included 14 cases of malaria, 4 of cryptosporidiosis, and 3 of trichomoniasis, in addition to infections with Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba dispar, Entamoeba coli, Endolimax nana, Giardia lamblia, and Toxoplasma gondii. Among the arthropods, we detected 6 cases of Ixodes sp., 5 of Phthirus pubis, 1 of Sarcoptes scabiei, and 1 of fly larva. The results revealed that trichuriasis, anisakiasis, enterobiasis, and diphyllobothriasis were the most frequently found parasitosis among the clinical samples.

Monitoring of parasitic cysts in the brains of a flock of sheep in Egypt / Monitoramento de cistos parasitários no cérebro de um rebanho de ovinos no Egito

Cerebral parasitic cysts constitute a major problem for livestock. Among these, coenurosis and toxoplasmosis are predominant. Here, a total number of 60 sheep obtained from a private farm in Suez province, Egypt, were examined postmortem to detect visible parasitic cysts, and microscopically to detect small-sized entities. Necropsy revealed bladder-like cysts measuring 0.5-6.5 cm in diameter that were filled with a translucent fluid containing a large number of protoscolices. Accordingly, the cysts were identified as the metacestode Coenurus cerebralis. Among the sheep examined, 11 animals (7 males and 4 females) (18.3%) were infected. Most of the cysts were located in the cerebral hemispheres, with numbers ranging from one to three per infected animal. The effect of the presence of cysts in the brain tissue was evaluated. Histopathologically, pseudocysts of the apicomplexan Toxoplasma gondii were found in two animals with no detectable inflammatory cell reactions. In conclusion, coenurosis and toxoplasmosis are serious parasitic problems that play a significant role in sheep management in Egypt, as a result of close contact between livestock and dogs and cats, which play a critical role in the life cycle of these parasites.

Cistos cerebrais parasitários constituem um grande problema para o gado. Entre estes, coenurosis e toxoplasmose são predominantes. Aqui, um número total de 60 ovelhas obtidas em uma fazenda particular na província Suez, Egito, foram examinadas post-mortem para a detecção de cistos parasitários visíveis e microscopicamente para detectar cistos de pequenas dimensões. A necropsia revelou cistos medindo entre 0,5-6,5 cm de diâmetro, preenchidos com um fluido transparente, contendo um grande número de protoscolices. Por conseguinte, os cistos foram identificados como o metacestóide Coenurus cerebralis. Entre as ovelhas examinadas, 11 animais (7 machos e 4 fêmeas) (18,3%) estavam infectados. A maior parte dos cistos estavam localizados nos hemisférios cerebrais, com números variando de um a três em ovinos infectados. O efeito da presença de cistos no tecido do cérebro foi avaliado. Histopatologicamente, pseudocistos de Toxoplasma gondii foram encontrados em dois animais sem reações inflamatórias detectáveis. Em conclusão, coenurosis e toxoplasmose são graves problemas parasitários que desempenham um papel significativo no manejo de ovelhas no Egito, como resultado do contacto íntimo dos animais com os cães e gatos, que desempenham um papel crítico no ciclo de vida desses parasitas.

Intestinal Parasites among Wild Rodents in Northern Gangwon-do, Korea

To determine geographical patterns of natural parasite infections among wild rodents, a total of 46 wild rodents from 3 different localities in northern Gangwon-do (Province), Korea were examined for intestinal parasite infections. Along with nematodes such as hookworms and Syphacia spp., Plagiorchis muris (2 specimens) (Trematoda) were collected from striped field mice, Apodemus agrarius. In a Korean wood mouse, Apodemus peninsulae, the overall nematode infections were similar to A. agrarius, but an adult worm of Echinostoma hortense (Trematoda) was collected. In addition, 2 species of cestodes, i.e., Hymenolepis nana and Hymenolepis diminuta, were collected from A. agrarius. Through this survey, A. agrarius and A. peninsule were confirmed as the natural definite hosts for zoonotic intestinal helminths, i.e., P. muris, E. hortense, H. nana, and H. diminuta, in northern Gangwon-do, Korea. Considering increased leisure activities around these areas, seasonal and further comprehensive surveys on wild rodents seem to be needed to prevent zoonotic parasite infections.

Bothriocephalus acheilognathi (Cestoda) in the endangered fish Profundulus hildebrandi (Cyprinodontiformes), Mexico

The Asian fish tapeworm, Bothriocephalus acheilognathi, has been considered one of the most dangerous parasites for cultured carp and a risk for native freshwater fish populations worldwide. This cestode is highly pathogenic for fishes especially fry. In this paper we record B. acheilognathi parasitizing the endangered and endemic freshwater fish Profundulus hildebrandi from the endorheic basin of San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico. B. acheilognathi was recorded from 10 of the 11 sampled localities, with high values of prevalence (>60%) and mean abundance (>4.50). The infection was persistent all through the year; gravid cestodes were recorded in all samples. It is assumed that B. acheilognathi entered to this area through the introduction of common carp Cyprinus carpio, for aquacultural purposes. The data presented in this paper document the successful introduction, colonization and establishment of this alien species into the endangered P. hildebrandi. Rev. Biol. Trop. 59 (3): 1099-1104. Epub 2011 September 01.

El céstodo Asiático, Bothriocephalus acheilognathi, es considerado como uno de los helmintos más peligrosos para peces de cultivo, y un riesgo potencial para las poblaciones silvestres de peces en todo el mundo. La patología que causa es grave, principalmente en larvas y juveniles de peces. En este trabajo registramos la presencia de B. acheilognathi en el pez endémico de Chiapas y amenazado de extinción, Profundulus hildebrandi, en la cuenca endorreica de San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Chiapas, México. El céstodo B. acheilognathi fue registrado en 10 de las 11 localidades muestreadas, con valores altos de prevalencia (>60%) e intensidad promedio (>4.50). Registramos esta infección durante todo el año, con presencia de céstodos grávidos en todos los meses muestreados. Asumimos que B. acheilognathi ingresó a esta área geográfica con la introducción de la carpa común, Cyprinus carpio, para acuicultura. Los datos que presentamos en este trabajo documentan la introducción exitosa, la colonización y el establecimiento de esta especie exótica de parásito sobre P. hildebrandi, especie dulceacuícola, endémica y amenazada de extinción.

Proteocephalid cestode infection in alien fish, Cichla piquiti Kullander and Ferreira, 2006 (Osteichthyes: Cichlidae), from Volta Grande reservoir, Minas Gerais, Brazil / Infecção por cestóides proteocefalídeos em peixe introduzido, Cichla piquiti (Osteichthyes: Cichlidae), no reservatório de Volta Grande, Minas Gerais, Brasil

This work evaluates the variation of the parasitological indexes in 114 Cichla piquiti Kullander and Ferreira, 2006 (tucunaré) infected by two proteocephalid species (Cestoda) for the period of August 1999 to June 2001 in the Volta Grande reservoir, MG, Brazil. The relation between the parasitosis with rainfall and water quality (pH, electric conductivity, oxygen, chlorophyll, transparency and temperature) is discussed. Prevalence of Proteocephalus macrophallus (Diesing, 1850) and/or P. microscopicus (Woodland, 1935) was 83.3 percent, mean intensity 110.8 and mean abundance 100.7 during the period. A hundred percent prevalence was reported in August and December 1999, April and December 2000 and June 2001. The largest mean intensities of 122.7 (October 1999), 158.8 (December 1999), 96.4 (February 2000), 400.7 (April 2000), 215.6 (October 2000) and 136.4 (December 2000) were observed. Abiotic factors may favour the development of the species of the food chain that sustain the organisms in the diet of "tucunaré", but in this case, there was no correlation (P > 0.05) between the values of prevalence, mean intensity and mean abundance with the rainfall and water quality. At the same time, these organisms may constitute the intermediate hosts of cestodes. The time-course between the fish species development and the parasitosis manifestation in the definitive host can explain the lack of correlation between the parasitological indexes and abiotic factors. The predation on small fishes and cannibalism described for "tucunaré" might explain the high values of prevalence and intensity of infection. The results are also related to the exotic condition of the host in the reservoir.

Este estudo avalia a variação nos índices parasitológicos de 114 espécimes de Cichla piquiti Kullander e Ferreira, 2006 (tucunaré) infectados por duas espécies de proteocefalídeos (Cestoda) entre agosto de 1999 e junho de 2001 no reservatório de Volta Grande, MG, Brasil. A relação entre a parasitose e os valores de pluviosidade e qualidade de água (pH, condutividade elétrica, oxigênio, clorofila, transparência e temperatura) é discutida. A prevalência de Proteocephalus macrophallus (Diesing, 1850) e/ou P. microscopicus (Woodland, 1935) foi 83,3 por cento, intensidade média 110,8 e abundância média 100,7 durante todo o período. Prevalência de 100 por cento foi observada em agosto e dezembro de 1999, abril e dezembro de 2000 e junho de 2001. As maiores intensidades médias foram 122,7 em outubro de 1999; 158,8 em dezembro de 1999; 96,4 em fevereiro de 2000; 400,7 em abril de 2000; 215,6 em outubro de 2000; e 136,4 em dezembro de 2000. Fatores abióticos podem favorecer o desenvolvimento de espécies que sustentam a alimentação do "tucunaré", mas, neste caso, não houve correlação (P > 0,05) entre os valores de prevalência, intensidade média e abundância média com a pluviosidade e qualidade de água no reservatório. Ao mesmo tempo, estes organismos podem constituir hospedeiros intermediários de cestóides. A relação entre o desenvolvimento da espécie hospedeira e a manifestação da parasitose no hospedeiro definitivo pode explicar a falta de correlação entre os índices parasitológicos e os fatores abióticos. A predação de pequenos peixes e o canibalismo descrito para o "tucunaré" explica a elevada prevalência e intensidade de infecção, favorecido pela condição exótica do hospedeiro no reservatório.

Two cestode species in Brazilian turkeys, meleagris gallopavo (Galliformes, Phasianidae): pathology induced by hymenolepis cantaniana and occurrence of raillietina tetragona

Duas especies de cestóides em perus, Meleagris gallopavo (Galliformes, Phasianidae), no Brazil: patologia induzida por Hymenolepis cantaniana e ocorência de Raillietina tetragona. A patologia induzida em perus pelo cestóide H. cantaniana é descrita, com dados sobre prevalência, intensidade media e amplitude das cargas parasitarias. H. cantaniana ocorreu com urna prevalência de 5.0 por cento nas 40 aves examinadas, com intensidade media de 17.5 e amplitude de 14-21 espécimes de cestóides. Não foram observadas lesões macroscópicas nos perus parasitados. As lesões provocadas por H. cantaniana eram representadas, principalmente, ou por múltiplos segmentos dos parásitos, acompanhados por discreta reação inflamatoria mista com a presera de células mononucleares e heterófilos, ou por severos processos inflamatorios transmurais, caracterizados pela presera de células mononucleares, ao longo das carnadas muscular e serosa das vilosidades e criptas intestinais. Estes representam os primeiros achados patológicos relacionados a presera de cestóides em perus a serem relatados no Brasil. Raillietina tetragona, não patogênica para as aves investigadas, ocorreu com baixa prevalência e amplitude de infecção de 2.5 por cento e 1-2 parásitos, respectivamente.

The pathology induced in turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) by one cestode species Hymenolepis cantaniana is described together with data on prevalence, mean infection and range of worm burdens. H. cantaniana occurred with a prevalence of 5.0 percent in the 40 examined hosts in a range of 14-21 specimens and a mean intensity of 17.5. Gross lesions were not observed in the parasitized birds. Lesions due to H cantaniana mainly consisted of multiple segments of parasites, together with a mild mixed inflammatory reaction with the presence ofmononuclear cells and heterophils or severe transmural inflammatory processes, characterized by the presence ofmononuclear cells along the muscular and serosa layers of the intestinal villi and crypts. These are the first pathological findings related to the presence ofcestodes in turkeys to be reported in Brazil so far. Raillietina tetragona, not pathogenic to the present investigated turkeys, occurred with a low prevalence and range of infection of 2.5 percent and 1-2 worms, respectively.

Hidatidoses humanas / Human hydatidoses

A hidatidose é uma infecção ciclozoonótica causada pela tênia Echinococcus granulosus. A forma larvária pode ser encontrada em diversos órgãos humanos, principalmente no fígado e pulmões. A distribuição da parasitose está diretamente relacionada à presença de canídeos portadores, que disseminam os ovos, contaminando o ambiente. O diagnóstico é clínico, podendo ser complementado com métodos de imagem e de investigação laboratorial - sorológicos, parasitológicos e de biologia molecular. O tratamento da hidatidose é predominantemente cirúrgico, através da extirpação do cisto. No tratamento farmacológico emprega-se o mebendazol e o albendazol.

Hydatidosis is a cyclozoonotic infection caused by taenia Echinococcus granulosus. The larva form can be found in various human organs, mainly the liver and the lungs. The distribution of the parasite is directly related to the presence of dogs carrying the disease, which disserminate the eggs, contaminating the environment. The diagnosis is clinical, it can be complemented with images and laboratorial exams. The treatment of hydatidosis is mainly surgical with the extraction of the cyst. In the pharmacological treatment mebendazol and albendazol are used.

Detection of helminth infections in dogs and soil contamination in rural and urban areas.

A study was conducted to determine the helminthes in dog's feces and soil samples from urban and rural areas. Six species of nematodes (Toxocara sp, an undetermined nematode larvae, Strongyloides sp larvae, Ascaris sp ova, hookworm ova, Trichuris sp ova) and one species of Cestode (Taenia sp) were found in 175 stool samples. Seventy-eight point nine percent of stool samples were positive for helminthes. Mixed infection with at least one parasite was found in 32.6% of the samples. The prevalence of helminth infection ranged from 1.1% to 45.1%. The prevalence of hookworm sp was the highest with 45.1%. The highest prevalence in urban dogs was hookworm sp in 76.7% and in rural areas was Ascaris sp in 48.7%. Soil samples were also examined to determine contamination of the environment, especially due to Toxocara canis, as a potential source of infection. Urban soil samples showed a higher contamination rate with 26.7% compared to rural areas with 4.9%. Toxocara ova were the most prevalent helminthes contaminating the soil with 12.1%. This study showed that humans from both urban and rural areas are at risk of acquiring helminth infection from contaminated soil.

Sympatric Distribution of Three Human Taenia Tapeworms Collected between 1935 and 2005 in Korea

Taeniasis has been known as one of the prevalent parasitic infections in Korea. Until recently, Taenia saginata had long been considered a dominant, and widely distributed species but epidemiological profiles of human Taenia species in Korea still remain unclear. In order to better understand distribution patterns of human Taenia tapeworms in Korea, partial nucleotide sequences of mitochondrial cox1 and ITS2 (internal transcribed spacer 2) were determined, along with morphological examinations, on 68 Taenia specimens obtained from university museum collections deposited since 1935. Genomic DNA was extracted from formalin-preserved specimens. Phylogenetic relationships among the genotypes (cox1 haplotype) detected in this study were inferred using the neighbor-joining method as a tree building method. Morphological and genetic analyses identified 3 specimens as T. solium, 51 specimens as T. asiatica, and 14 specimens as T. saginata. Our results indicate that all 3 Taenia tapeworms are sympatrically distributed in Korea with T. asiatica dominating over T. saginata and T. solium.

Primer hallazgo de Spirometra mansoni en Felis domesticus de Costa Rica / First report of Spirometra mansoni in Felis domesticus from Costa Rica

Se describe un céstodo encontrado en el intestino delgado de gatos provenientes de dos zonas diferentes de Costa Rica (Liberia-Guanacaste y Atenas-Alajuela). De acuerdo con un análisis comparativo morfológico se concluye que los ejemplares hallados corresponden a parásitos del género Spirometra ya que presentan el útero espiralado y huevecillos con los extremos puntiagudos, a diferencia del útero en roseta y huevecillos con extremos redondeados que se encuentran en el género Diphyllobothrium. Dado que presentan un número variable de vueltas en la parte anterior del útero y la vagina es ondulada se clasifican como Spirometra mansoni, siendo éste el primer reporte de este parásito en el país. Se hace una corta revisión de la importancia de este parasito para el ser humano.

Intestinal helminthic infestation in children.

In this study of fecal samples from 1000 children below 6 years of age, 680 (68.0%) detected to have intestinal helminthic infection. The incidence of intestinal helminthiasis in urban group of children was 56.8% (284 out of 500 tested) while in rural group of children was 79.2% (396 out of 500 tested). Both in rural and urban population Ascaris lumbricoides was the single predominant species, whereas a combination of A. lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura was common multiple infection. All cultures of fecal samples positive for hook worm ova revealed the prevalent species as Necator americanus in this area.

Bertiellosis in man: a review of cases

En este trabajo se hace una arevision de los casos humanos parasitados por Bertiella mucronata y Bertiella studeri (Cestoda: Anoplocephalidae), que incluye la casuistica internacional y bibliografia actualizada. Se analizan varios aspectos de esta zoonosis como son: taxonomia, ciclo biologico, epidemiologia, patologia, diagnostico, control, prevencion y terapeutica. Se discuten aspectos relacionados con la potencialidad zoonotica creciente de esta parasitosis

Current status of food-borne parasitic zoonoses in South Africa and Namibia.

Epidemiological data on food-borne parasitic zoonoses in countries of southern Africa are sporadic. In a study of toxoplasmosis in South Africa, there was an overall prevalence of 21% (2, 147/10,228). Prevalences vary between the different cultural groups and from one geographical region to another. The prevalence rate for the San (Bushmen) people of Namibia and Botswana was 9% (65/725) compared to the 30% (190/635) found in the Indian and Black communities of Kwazulu-Natal province, South Africa. These variations are probably linked to the dietary habits of the different cultural communities. Cysticercosis appears to be most prevalent in the Eastern Cape Province (former Transkei), where pigs roam freely and sanitation facilities are inadequate or non-existent. Segments of tapeworms often feature as an ingredient of concoctions prepared by traditional healers and are suspected sources of many of the cases of cysticercosis in South Africa. Trichinella nelsoni has been identified in wild game in South Africa: so far no cases of infection in humans have been recorded. Cases of Sarcocystis have been identified in some instances but infection is probably underdiagnosed in the country.

Caracterización epidemiológica de la equinococosis/hidatidosis en Zacatecas, México / Epidemiological characterization of echinococcosis/hydatidosis in Zacatecas, Mexico

El objetivo de este trabajo fue la elaboración de un modelo epidemiológico de la enfermedad bajo las circunstancias presentes en Zacatecas. La primera fase tuvo lugar en el rastro municipal de la ciudad de Zacatecas, de mayo a agosto de 1990, mediante la identificación del metacestodo de E. granulosus y su fertilidad evaluada por la presencia de arenilla hidatídica; en la segunda, se efectuó un seguimiento a las comunidades de origen de animales con hidatidosis. Se encontraron 190 animales infectados (3.1 por ciento); 188 eran cerdos (99 por ciento) y 2 bovinos (1 por ciento); los órganos afectados fueron: hígado (99 por ciento) y pulmón (1 por ciento). El 19 por ciento de los quistes fueron fértiles. De los cerdos afectados 159 (83.7 por ciento) procedían del estado de Zacatecas, el municipio del mismo nombre tuvo el mayor número de casos (42.8 por ciento). Se analizaron los factores que permiten la subsistencia de la enfermedad y que conforman el modelo epidemiológico