In vivo assessment of the antiparasitic effects of Allium sativum L. and Artemisia absinthium L. against gastrointestinal parasites in swine from low-input farms.

BACKGROUND: Ethno-veterinary practices could be used as a sustainable developmental tool by integrating traditional phytotherapy and husbandry. Phytotherapeutics are available and used worldwide. However, evidence of their antiparasitic efficacy is currently very limited. Parasitic diseases have a considerable effect on pig production, causing economic losses due to high morbidity and mortality. In this respect, especially smallholders and organic producers face severe challenges. Parasites, as disease causing agents, often outcompete other pathogens in such extensive production systems. A total of 720 faecal samples were collected in two farms from three age categories, i.e. weaners, fatteners, and sows. Flotation (Willis and McMaster method), modified Ziehl-Neelsen stained faecal smear, centrifugal sedimentation, modified Blagg technique, and faecal cultures were used to identify parasites and quantify the parasitic load. RESULTS: The examination confirmed the presence of infections with Eimeria spp., Cryptosporidium spp., Balantioides coli (syn. Balantidium coli), Ascaris suum, Oesophagostomum spp., Strongyloides ransomi, and Trichuris suis, distributed based on age category. A dose of 180 mg/kg bw/day of Allium sativum L. and 90 mg/kg bw/day of Artemisia absinthium L. powders, administered for 10 consecutive days, revealed a strong, taxonomy-based antiprotozoal and anthelmintic activity. CONCLUSIONS: The results highlighted the therapeutic potential of both A. sativum and A. absinthium against gastrointestinal parasites in pigs. Their therapeutic effectiveness may be attributed to the content in polyphenols, tocopherols, flavonoids, sterols, sesquiterpene lactones, and sulfoxide. Further research is required to establish the minimal effective dose of both plants against digestive parasites in pigs.

Prophylactic and Therapeutic Efficacy of Ultrasonicated Rosmarinus officinalis Ethanolic Extract and its Chitosan-Loaded Nanoparticles Against Eimeria tenella Infected Broiler Chickens.

PURPOSE: The in vivo efficacy of ultrasonicated Rosmarinus officinalis ethanolic extract (UROEE) and its chitosan-loaded nanoparticles (UROEE-CsNPs) was investigated as a dietary prophylactic agent and as a therapeutic treatment against Eimeria tenella infected broiler chickens. METHODS: Chickens were infected with 4 × 104 E. tenella oocysts at 21 days old for primary infection and with 8 × 104 oocysts at 35 days old for secondary infection. Eleven experimental groups were conducted. Dietary addition of 100 mg/kg UROEE and 20 mg/kg for CsNPs as well as UROEE-CsNPs were included for prophylactic groups from day 1 to 42. The same doses were used for therapeutic treatment groups for 5 constitutive days. Oocyst output in feces was counted. Histopathological and immunohistochemical studies were conducted. Gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines as IFN-γ, IL-1ß and IL-6 as well as anti-inflammatory cytokines as IL-10 and TGF-ß4 was analyzed using semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR. RESULTS: The results showed an efficacy of UROEE, CsNPs and UROEE-CsNPs in reduction of oocyst excretion and improving the cecal tissue architecture. CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes protein expression were reduced. E. tenella infection lead to upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines as IFN-γ, IL-1ß, IL-6 and anti-inflammatory cytokines as TGF-ß4 following primary infection, while their expression was downregulated following secondary infection. CONCLUSION: The dietary prophylactic additives and therapeutic treatments with UROEE, CsNPs and UROEE-CsNPs could decrease the inflammatory response to E. tenella as indicated by oocyst output reduction, histopathological improvements, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells protein expression reduction as well as reducing mRNA expression levels of the tested cytokines following primary and secondary infections. Consequently, these results will help to develop better-combating strategies for the control and prevention of coccidiosis on poultry farms as a dietary prophylactic agent or as a therapeutic treatment.

Chicory (Cichorium intybus) reduces cyathostomin egg excretion and larval development in grazing horses.

Cyathostomins are the most prevalent parasitic nematodes of grazing horses. They are responsible for colic and diarrhea in their hosts. After several decades of exposure to synthetic anthelmintics, they have evolved to become resistant to most compounds. In addition, the drug-associated environmental side-effects question their use in the field. Alternative control strategies, like bioactive forages, are needed to face these challenges. Among these, chicory (Cichorium intybus, Puna II cultivar (cv.)) is known to convey anthelmintic compounds and may control cyathostomins in grazing horses. To challenge this hypothesis, we measured fecal egg counts and the rate of larval development in 20 naturally infected young saddle horses (2-year-old) grazing either (i) a pasture sown with chicory (n = 10) or (ii) a mesophile grassland (n = 10) at the same stocking rate (2.4 livestock unit (LU)/ha). The grazing period lasted 45 days to prevent horse reinfection. Horses in the chicory group mostly grazed chicory (89% of the bites), while those of the control group grazed mainly grasses (73%). Cyathostomins egg excretion decreased in both groups throughout the experiment. Accounting for this trajectory, the fecal egg count reduction (FECR) measured in individuals grazing chicory relative to control individuals increased from 72.9% at day 16 to 85.5% at the end of the study. In addition, larval development in feces from horses grazed on chicory was reduced by more than 60% from d31 compared to control individuals. Using a metabarcoding approach, we also evidenced a significant decrease in cyathostomin species abundance in horses grazing chicory. Chicory extract enriched in sesquiterpenes lactones was tested on two cyathostomins isolates. The estimated IC50 was high (1 and 3.4 mg/ml) and varied according to the pyrantel sensitivity status of the worm isolate. We conclude that the grazing of chicory (cv. Puna II) by horses is a promising strategy for reducing cyathostomin egg excretion and larval development that may contribute to lower the reliance on synthetic anthelmintics. The underpinning modes of action remain to be explored further.

Prevalence of Soil-Transmitted Helminths at Baseline and after Albendazole Treatment in the School-Age Children of Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals in Bangladesh.

The forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals (FDMNs) known as Rohingya refugees are the largest group of stateless individuals globally. According to the emergencies humanitarian actors at the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the worldwide refugee crisis involving FDMNs is intensifying at the fastest rate in history. Growing public health demands are being exacerbated by current difficulties in addressing poor access to health services, severe food shortages, and a lack of adequate housing. Infectious diseases constitute a major public health emergency in this vulnerable population. A study was carried out in FDMN children to investigate common soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infection at the time of enrollment and prospectively followed-up to 12 months after 2 doses albendazole treatment. At baseline, the prevalence of STH infection with at least one species was found to be 91.7% and 87.3% for Kato-Katz (KK) and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) methods, respectively. Similarly, for follow-up children, the overall infection rate was 95.3% and 91.5%, respectively. Trichuris trichiura was the most predominant STH infection by both KK (baseline 87%, follow-up 89.1%) and qPCR (baseline 77.5%, follow-up 82.9%). The overall prevalence of stunting in the children was 37.8% at baseline and rose to 51.3% at 12 months. Alpha-1 antitrypsin (r = 0.13, P = 0.01) and myeloperoxidase (r = 0.12, P = 0.01) levels showed a positive correlation with Aascaris lumbricoides egg count per gram at baseline. An in-depth investigation is urgently needed to identify the underlying protective measures and the root cause of STH infections to improve the health of FDMN children.

Extruded urea levels in lamb supplementation in rainy tropical savanna conditions: the triad host-gastrointestinal nematodes-environment.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of increasing levels of extruded urea (EU, Amireia®) in the diet of lambs naturally infected by gastrointestinal nematodes on the interactions in the host-pasture-soil components in edaphoclimatic conditions of the tropical rainy savanna. A total of 60 Texel lambs with a mean initial weight of 20.7 ± 0.87 and mean age of 2.5 ± 0.70 months were distributed in a completely randomized design, in five treatments consisting of different levels of EU supplementation viz., 0, 6, 12, 18, and 24 g 100 kg-1 live weight (LW). The performance of lambs, parasitological variables, gastrointestinal nematodes (NGIs), and larvae recovery in pasture and soil were evaluated. The highest animal performance was observed in animals that received 0 to 18 g kg-1 LW (146.0 g day-1) and the lowest in animals supplemented with 24 g kg-1 LW (81.0 g day-1) of EU. The body condition score (BCS) was similar in the animals (P > 0.05). Parasitic infection did not differ as a function of EU level (P > 0.05). Eggs of Haemonchus spp., Trichostrongylus spp., Cooperia spp., and Oesophagostomum spp. were found. The largest amount of larvae in the L1/L2 and L3 stages was recovered in the pastures occupied by the animals that received supplementation 0 g kg-1 LW of EU (750 larvae), the smallest in those that the animals received 6 g 100 kg-1 LW of EU (54 larvae). The presence of larvae in the L1/L2 stages changed significantly (P < 0.05) in the soil; in the other stages, it did not differ in the soil. Increasing levels of extruded urea do not influence the eggs per gram of feces (EPG) count. The 0 to 18 g 100 kg-1 LW level maintains animal performance, BCS and FAMACHA©. There is less dispersal of NGI larvae in pasture and soil when EU levels increase in the edaphoclimatic conditions of the rainy tropical savannah, which suggests that this supplement can be implemented in the diet of beef lambs, in addition to to be a lower cost nitrogen source.

Evaluation of a combination of Citrus aurantium var. Dulcis essential oil and albendazole for the treatment of sheep gastrointestinal nematodes.

Citrus fruits are consumed all over the world and their by-products are used for animal feed and essential oils production. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo activity of Citrus aurantium var. Dulcis essential oil (CaEO) combined with ABZ against benzimidazole resistant Haemonchus contortus. In vitro egg hatching assays (EHA) were performed using CaEO and ABZ to estimate the effective concentration to achieve 50% egg death (EC50) values and calculate the test essential oil and drug combinations using a simplex-centroid mixture design. These concentrations were used for a second round of EHAs. Sixteen sheep were randomly allocated into two groups and treated with ABZ and the combination of CaEO and ABZ, and faecal egg count reduction tests were performed. In the first round of EHA, CaEO and ABZ showed EC50 values of 0.57 and 0.0048 mg mL-1, respectively. The H. contortus strain used in the study was shown to be highly benzimidazole resistant, with only 1.5% of parasites having susceptible ß-tubulin SNP genotypes. The ABZ reduced the shedding of nematode eggs by 78%, however, its combination with CaEO reduced faecal egg counts by only 9%. The present study is important to highlight the interferences of natural products in anthelmintic metabolism and consequently in drug efficacy.

Red palm olein-enriched biscuit supplementation lowers Ascaris lumbricoides reinfection at 6-month after anthelmintic treatment among schoolchildren with vitamin A deficiency (VAD).

Notwithstanding the global efforts made to control intestinal parasitic infections, soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are still one of the most prevalent infections globally, especially in developing countries. A double-blinded, randomized controlled trial was conducted on 343 primary schoolchildren (8-12 years old) with vitamin A deficiency (VAD) in rural areas of Malaysia to investigate the effects of red palm olein (RPO)-enriched biscuits on STH reinfection rates and infection intensities. The effects of the RPO-enriched biscuits (experimental group, n = 153) and palm olein (PO)-enriched biscuits (control group, n = 190), were assessed at 3- and 6-month after the administration of complete triple-dose albendazole (one dose of 400 mg for three consecutive days). The overall STH infection rate at baseline was recorded at 65.6%. At 6-month, a significantly lower reinfection rate of A. lumbricoides was observed in the experimental group (35.3%) compared to the control group (60.0%) (P< 0.05), and a significant reduction in fecal egg count (epg) of A. lumbricoides was observed in the experimental group from baseline (P< 0.001), but no significant reduction was observed in the control group. No significant differences in the reduction of infection intensities of T. trichiura and hookworm were observed between experimental and control groups at 3- and 6-month (P>0.05). These findings suggest the potential beneficial effects of RPO-enriched biscuit supplementation on the reinfection of A. lumbricoides, which could be attributed to its high carotenoids content by enhancing host immune response and mucosal epithelium integrity. However, further studies are warranted to confirm whether RPO supplementation could result in similar parasite-specific beneficial effects in other community settings, as well as to explore the underlying mechanisms.

Computed tomography and radioactive 32P detected phosphorus impairment in metabolism, reduced bones density and animal performance caused by mixed infection of Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus colubriformis in sheep.

Phosphorus (P) is one of the main minerals present in the animal body and exerts crucial functions in the organism. P is present at all cell membranes and integrates the structure of bones, being necessary its supplementation in ruminants due to the deficiency of this mineral in the pastures. One of the principal factors that compromise its metabolization are gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN). Thus, the objective of this study was evaluate the performance and metabolism of P through its distribution in the animal body, density of bones and muscles, dynamic fluxes, biological availability and half live of P, concentration of P in tissues and bones of lambs simultaneously infected with the most prevalent GIN to sheep, in tropical or subtropical areas, (Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus colubriformis) using the isotopic dilution technique with 32P radioisotope. Twenty Santa Ines sheep with seven months of age and averaging initial weight of 30.8 ± 6.41 kg were used and allocated to one of two treatments. Ten animals were orally infected (a single dose of 30,000 L3 larvae of T. colubriformis + 10,000 L3 larvae of H. contortus), and ten animals were not infected (control group). During the experimental, samples of blood, feces, urine, and diet refusals were collected and weighting were performed. A computed tomography was performed twice, before infection and at the end of the experiment, to evaluate changes in body composition. On 64-d after experimental infection, animals received an intravenous injection of 32P solution, and 7-d after they received radioisotope injection. The experimental animals were slaughtered, and tissue and bones were collected for P concentrations. The results showed that the parasitic infection compromised the absorption of P, impairing the metabolism, decreasing the mineral bioavailability increasing P bones reabsorption, and reducing bones density, also negatively compromising the infected animal performance.

Micronutrients deficiencies and its correlation with the soil-transmitted helminthic infections among children and non-pregnant women in Nepal: findings from Nepal national micronutrient status survey.

Despite having a high risk of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) infection, no national level study has been conducted to assess incidence and correlates of STHs in Nepal. Thus, we hypothesized that micronutrients and social status are linked with incidence of STHs infection among 6-59 months children and 15-49 years non-pregnant women in Nepal and Kato-Katz technique was adopted to measure the type and intensity of STHs infections using fresh stool specimens and venous blood was used to examine micronutrients biomarkers. Anthropometric measurements such as height and weight, sociodemographic and health status were determined using structured questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to assess unadjusted and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and the 95% CIs of ORs. The bivariate association of STHs was assessed with the covariates variables. Overall, 12% children and 19% non-pregnant women had STHs infection; A. lumbricoides was the predominant helminth in both study participants. In multivariate model; age, ethnicity, anaemia and zinc deficiency were associated with STHs infections in children. Similarly, higher odds of STHs occurrence was observed among non-pregnant women with vitamin A deficiency. Findings from this study suggest that high-risk population, with a focus on those of lower socioeconomic status should be on priority of deworming program, nutrition intervention, and mass administration of preventive chemotherapy and sanitation champions supplement to reduce the STHs infections in Nepal.

Anti-Cryptosporidium efficacy of Citrus sinensis peel extract: Histopathological and ultrastructural experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Cryptosporidiosis is a crucial zoonotic global health concern which can be treated by alternative medicinal plants extracts. AIM OF THE STUDY: The study was carried out to assess the therapeutic efficacy of Citrus sinensis peel ethanolic extract on Cryptosporidium-infected mice. METHODS: Two doses of Citrus sinensis extract; high dose (30 mg/kg) and low dose (15 mg/kg) were investigated compared to the common commercial drug nitazoxanide (NTZ). Assessment of the extract was carried out by calculating oocysts count in fecal samples, in addition to histopathological and electron microscopic examination of intestinal mucosa.. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant reduction in the percentage of oocyst shedding more in high dose than low dose Citrus-treated mice group till negligible numbers of oocysts were found at day 22nd post infection. Histopathologically, the intestinal tissues from high dose Citrus-treated group showed improvement of the pathological changes, the villi retained their normal appearance with minimal inflammatory cells in comparison to infected control mice groups. Also, ultra-structurally, the high dose Citrus-treated mice showed few Cryptosporidium trophozoites, while moderate number of parasitic stages and mucous in the low dose Citrus-treated mice, and large numbers of parasitic stages with sever mucous in the control infected non-treated mice epithelium. CONCLUSION: Our study established for the first time that Citrus sinensis is a promising natural candidate that could be efficiently used for developing of new anti-cryptospordial drugs.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of human and zoonotic dog soil-transmitted helminth infections in Australian Indigenous communities.

Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) infect 1.5 billion people and countless animals worldwide. In Australian Indigenous communities, STH infections have largely remained endemic despite control efforts, suggesting reservoirs of infection may exist. Dogs fulfil various important cultural, social and occupational roles in Australian Indigenous communities and are populous in these settings. Dogs may also harbour zoonotic STHs capable of producing morbidity and mortality in dogs and humans. This review provides an overview of human and zoonotic STH infections, identifies the Australian Indigenous locations affected and the parasite species and hosts involved. The meta-analysis provides estimates of individual study and pooled true prevalence of STH infections in Australian Indigenous communities and identifies knowledge gaps for further research on zoonotic or anthroponotic potential. A systematic literature search identified 45 eligible studies documenting the presence of Strongyloides stercoralis, Trichuris trichiura, Ancylostoma caninum, Ancylostoma duodenale, Ancylostoma ceylanicum, undifferentiated hookworm, and Ascaris lumbricoides. Of these studies, 26 were also eligible for inclusion in meta-analysis to establish true prevalence in the light of imperfect diagnostic test sensitivity and specificity by Rogan-Gladen and Bayesian methods. These studies revealed pooled true prevalence estimates of 18.9% (95% CI 15.8-22.1) for human and canine S. stercoralis infections and 77.3% (95% CI 63.7-91.0) for canine A. caninum infections indicating continued endemicity, but considerably more heterogenous pooled estimates for canine A. ceylanicum infections, and A. duodenale, undifferentiated hookworm and T. trichiura in humans. This review suggests that the prevalence of STHs in Australian Indigenous communities has likely been underestimated, principally based on imperfect diagnostic tests. Potential misclassification of hookworm species in humans and dogs due to outdated methodology, also obscures this picture. High-quality contemporary studies are required to establish current true prevalence of parasite species in all relevant hosts to guide future policy development and control decisions under a culturally sound One Health framework.

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections versus knowledge, attitudes and practices of male residents in Brazilian urban slums: a cross-sectional study.

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are neglected diseases caused by helminths and protozoa, with the relationships between parasite, host and environment having the potential to produce high morbidity and incapacity to work and mortality in vulnerable areas. This study assessed the prevalence of IPIs concerning socio-environmental conditions and analyzed the knowledge, attitudes and practices related to these diseases among men living in the slums of Rio de Janeiro city, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted in an agglomeration of urban slums between 2018 and 2019, with men aged between 20 and 59 years. A socioeconomic status questionnaire and an IPIs knowledge, attitudes and practices questionnaire (KAPQ) were applied. Coproparasitological diagnoses (n=454) were performed using four methods and samples of water for household consumption (n=392) were subjected to microbiological and physicochemical analysis. A total of 624 participants were enrolled. About 40% of the households had "water unsuitable for consumption". Only one Major Area, MA 3 was not statistically significant for IPIs (AOR=0.75; 95% CI: 0.30-1.88; p=0.55). The overall prevalence of IPIs was 23.8%. Endolimax nana (n=65, 14.3%) and hookworm (n=8, 1.7%) were the most frequently identified parasites. The analysis of the frequency of responses to the KAPQ has shown that men reported to seeking medical care if they were suspicious of IPIs, and around 35% would self-medicate. The results have shown the need to adopt integrated health education practices targeting male residents in urban slums to qualify the care with water for human consumption and promote self-care about IPIs. The household can be considered strategic for Primary Health Care activities for men.

Administration of spruce bark (Picea abies) extracts in young lambs exhibits anticoccidial effects but reduces milk intake and body weight gain.

BACKGROUND: Eimeria spp. are widespread apicomplexan parasites known to cause coccidiosis in livestock, resulting in reduced animal welfare and productivity, particularly in sheep. The treatment options are limited, and there is an emerging development of resistance against registered pharmaceuticals. Spruce bark is rich in plant secondary metabolites (PSM), such as condensed tannins, which are bioactive compounds previously shown to have antiparasitic activity. Here, we examined the anticoccidial properties of bark extract of Norway spruce (Picea abies) against a field isolate of ovine Eimeria spp. by treating Eimeria-infected pre-ruminant lambs with water-extracted bark daily for 12 days. We hypothesised that the bark extract would reduce the faecal oocyst excretion and, consequently, the severity of diarrhoea. RESULTS: Oral administration of spruce bark extract significantly reduced the excretion of Eimeria oocysts in milk-fed lambs post treatment till the end of the trial 22 days post infection. This difference in oocyst excretion between the treated and the untreated infected animals increased with time. Compared to the untreated and the sham-infected control group, the group treated with bark extract had softer faeces and reduced milk intake during the treatment period. After discontinuing the treatment, the treated animals got a more solid and formed faeces compared to that of the untreated control group, and the milk intake increased to the level of the sham-infected, untreated control group. The bark extract treated animals had a lower body weight and a lower mean daily body weight gain throughout the whole duration of the experiment. CONCLUSIONS: Bark extract from Norway spruce showed marked anticoccidial properties by reducing the faecal oocyst count and associated diarrhoea in young lambs. Simultaneously we experienced detrimental effects of the treatment, displayed as reduced feed intake and daily body weight gain. Therefore, we suggest conducting similar studies with lower bark extract dosage to explore the possibilities of a better trade-off to reduce the negative impact while maintaining the antiparasitic effect.

First Molecular Identification of Ancylostoma Species in Dogs in a Rural Tea Estate Community in Sri Lanka and the Detection of Other Zoonotic Gastro-intestinal Parasites.

PURPOSE: Ancylostoma spp. causing canine hookworm infections are distributed worldwide with a high prevalence in the South Asian region. Here, we report the first molecular identification of the canine hookworm infecting the dogs in Sri Lanka. METHOD: Fresh faecal samples were collected from free-roaming dogs in tea estate communities in Talawakelle, processed and microscopically analysed for gastro-intestinal parasites. The common dog hookworm Ancylostoma sp. was further investigated using molecular diagnostic tools including PCR, sequencing, and phylogenetic analyses. RESULTS: Of the individual dogs sampled, 97.0% (97/100) were positive for GI parasites, identifying 14 species, all of which were zoonotic. Entamoeba sp. (58.0% (58/100)) was the most prevalent infection and Ancylostoma sp. (45.0% (45/100)) was the most prevalent helminth infection. Overall, helminth prevalence was higher in female dogs (92.5% (37/40)) than male dogs (73.3% (44/60)), potentially due to immune suppression during pregnancy and lactation. The prevalence and burden of Toxocara canis was higher in puppies (≤ 1 year) (68.8%(11/16); Chi-square test; χ2 = 20.912, p < 0.001 and FEC = 5.91; Mann-Whitney U test; p < 0.001), possibly due to vertical trans-mammary or trans-placental transmission of infective larvae. This study also presents the first record of Hymenolepis sp. from dogs in Sri Lanka. Ancylostoma sp. was molecularly confirmed as A. caninum. CONCLUSION: The local variant of A. caninum was phylogenetically unique and showed 99.2% similarity to that from India. The high prevalence of zoonotic GI parasites with public health significance highlights the importance of improving community well-being, veterinary care for dogs, and public awareness on zoonoses.

Garlic (Allium sativum Linnaeus) improved inflammation and reduced cryptosporidiosis burden in immunocompromised mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: For thousands of years, garlic (Allium sativum Linnaeus) has been consumed in food and health by numerous civilizations. Cryptosporidium (C.) parvum is an apicomplexan parasite that causes a gastrointestinal disease, with the most common symptoms being watery diarrhea. Although several substances have been tried for its anti-cryptosporidial action, there is no effective treatment for Cryptosporidium disease, especially in immunocompromised individuals. The present study aimed firstly to characterize the bio-active compounds in Allium sativum L. and secondly to evaluate its efficacy as a therapy for cryptosporidiosis especially in immunocompromised mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was accomplished by evaluating the parasitological and histopathological parameters in the experimentally infected immunocompetent and immunocompromised mice. Also, the cytokine profile during the experimental time was recorded through the measuring of T helper (h)1, Th2 and Th17 cells cytokines. Immunosuppressed mice were given 0.25 µg/g per day of dexamethasone orally, before infection with Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts, for fourteen consecutive days. Starting 10 days post infection (PI), nitazoxanide (100 mg/kg per day) or Allium sativum (50 mg/kg per day) was given orally for fourteen consecutive days. RESULTS: Our results showed that oocyst shedding, on the 32nd day PI, in immunocompromised infected group treated with Allium sativum (354.11, 99.35% PR) showed a significant decrease when compared to its corresponding group treated with nitazoxanide (4369.14, 92.05% PR). On the 32nd day PI, all cytokines levels have been decreased to levels that were similar to those of their uninfected corresponding control groups; also, the histopathological changes and the loss in animals' body weight had been improved. Treatment with nitazoxanide did not result in infection clearance or a reduction in the increased cytokines' levels. CONCLUSION: Allium sativum L. displayed high efficacy as a potential therapeutic agent against Cryptosporidium, which supports its traditional usage in parasite diseases.

Field evaluation of the gut microbiome composition of pre-school and school-aged children in Tha Song Yang, Thailand, following oral MDA for STH infections.

Soil-transmitted helminths, such as roundworms (Ascaris lumbricoides), whipworms (Trichuris trichiura) and hookworms (Necator americanus and Ancylostoma spp.), are gastrointestinal parasites that occur predominantly in low- to middle-income countries worldwide and disproportionally impact children. Depending on the STH species, health status of the host and infection intensity, direct impacts of these parasites include malnutrition, anaemia, diarrhoea and physical and cognitive stunting. The indirect consequences of these infections are less well understood. Specifically, gastrointestinal infections may exert acute or chronic impacts on the natural gut microfauna, leading to increased risk of post-infectious gastrointestinal disorders, and reduced gut and overall health through immunomodulating mechanisms. To date a small number of preliminary studies have assessed the impact of helminths on the gut microbiome, but these studies are conflicting. Here, we assessed STH burden in 273 pre-school and school-aged children in Tha Song Yang district, Tak province, Thailand receiving annual oral mebendazole treatment. Ascaris lumbricoides (107/273) and Trichuris trichiura (100/273) were the most prevalent species and often occurred as co-infections (66/273). Ancylostoma ceylanicum was detected in a small number of children as well (n = 3). All of these infections were of low intensity (<4,999 or 999 eggs per gram for Ascaris and Trichuris respectively). Using this information, we characterised the baseline gut microbiome profile and investigated acute STH-induced alterations, comparing infected with uninfected children at the time of sampling. We found no difference between these groups in bacterial alpha-diversity, but did observe differences in beta-diversity and specific differentially abundant OTUs, including increased Akkermansia muciniphila and Bacteroides coprophilus, and reduced Bifidobacterium adolescentis, each of which have been previously implicated in STH-associated changes in the gut microfauna.

Statistical Regression Model of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene; Treatment Coverage; and Environmental Influences on School-Level Soil-Transmitted Helminths and Schistosome Prevalence in Kenya: Secondary Analysis of the National Deworming Program Data.

According to the Kenya National School-Based Deworming program launched in 2012 and implemented for the first 5 years (2012-2017), the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths (STH) and schistosomiasis substantially reduced over the mentioned period among the surveyed schools. However, this reduction is heterogeneous. In this study, we aimed to determine the factors associated with the 5-year school-level infection prevalence and relative reduction (RR) in prevalence in Kenya following the implementation of the program. Multiple variables related to treatment, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) and environmental factors were assembled and included in mixed-effects linear regression models to identify key determinants of the school location STH and schistosomiasis prevalence and RR. Reduced prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides was associated with low (< 1%) baseline prevalence, seven rounds of treatment, high (50-75%) self-reported coverage of household handwashing facility equipped with water and soap, high (20-25°C) land surface temperature, and community population density of 5-10 people per 100 m2. Reduced hookworm prevalence was associated with low (< 1%) baseline prevalence and the presence of a school feeding program. Reduced Trichuris trichiura prevalence was associated with low (< 1%) baseline prevalence. Reduced Schistosoma mansoni prevalence was associated with low (< 1%) baseline prevalence, three treatment rounds, and high (> 75%) reported coverage of a household improved water source. Reduced Schistosoma haematobium was associated with high aridity index. Analysis indicated that a combination of factors, including the number of treatment rounds, multiple related program interventions, community- and school-level WASH, and several environmental factors had a major influence on the school-level infection transmission and reduction.

Dolor abdominal crónico en un niño con Blastocystis hominis: a propósito de un caso / Chronic abdominal pain in a child with Blastocystis hominis: case report

RESUMEN El Blastocystis sp. es un parásito frecuente en el humano, identificado por el laboratorio en muestras de heces fecales. Se presentó el caso de un paciente de 5 años atendido en consulta de Gastroenterología en el Hospital Pediátrico Docente Provincial Eliseo Noel Caamaño, de Matanzas, por presentar dolor abdominal, heces pastosas, náuseas y vómitos desde hacía un año. Llevó tratamiento con ranitidina, omeprazol y domperidona, sin mejoría clínica. Se realizó estudio coproparasitológico en muestras de heces fecales seriadas, con la presencia del Blastocystis hominis. Se indicó tratamiento con metronidazol, sin mejoría clínica, y posteriormente se indicó como alternativa la nitazoxanida. Se evaluó a los 15 días, sin sintomatología y con negativización de las heces fecales seriadas. Resulta frecuente el desconocimiento y la poca importancia que los profesionales sanitarios muestran ante esta infestación, aunque cada vez más se confirma la participación del parásito en manifestaciones clínicas (AU).

ABSTRACT Blastocystis sp. is a frequent parasite in humans, identified in the laboratory in samples of fecal feces. The case of a 5-year-old patient is presented; he assisted the consultation of Gastroenterology in the Provincial Teaching Pediatric Hospital Eliseo Noel Caamaño in Matanzas, suffering abdominal pain, mash feces, nauseas and vomits for one year, and was treated with ranitidine, omeprazole and domperidone without clinical improvement. A coproparasitological study was carried out in serial fecal feces samples with the presence of Blastocystis hominis. Treatment with metronidazole was indicated without clinical improvement and them, as an alternative, nitazoxanide was indicated. He was evaluated at 15 days without symptoms and with negative serial fecal feces. The ignorance and the little importance that health professionals show towards this infestation are frequent, although more and more frequently it is confirmed the participation of the parasite in clinical manifestations (AU).

Intestinal parasites among food handlers in Iran: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Regarding preparing and serving foods, food handlers have an influential role in the spreading of foodborne infections. Due to the great potential to cause foodborne infections, intestinal parasites (IPs) are considered a significant public health problem in today's societies. In Iran, despite several regional reports, national data on IPs prevalence in food handlers are lacking. The aim of the present study, therefore, is to estimate the pooled prevalence of IPs infections and associated pooled odds ratio of educational level among food handlers in Iran. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar databases (international) and SID and Magiran databases (national) were systematically searched for studies that reporting the prevalence of IPs in food handlers in Iran, published between 2000 and 2020. Pooled prevalence was estimated using a random-effects model with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and depicted as a forest plot, while heterogeneity was evaluated using Cochran's Q-test. The overall pooled prevalence estimate for IPs was 19.3% (95% CI = 14.9-23.7%). Prevalence of the protozoan parasites (20%, 95% CI = 13.7-26.3%) was significantly higher than that of the helminthic parasites (1.6%, 95% CI = 1.1-2.0%). Giardia lamblia (5.2%), Entamoeba coli (5.0%), and Blastocystis spp. (4.4%), as protozoan parasites, and Ascaris lumbricoides (1.4%), Enterobius vermicularis (0.9%), and Hymenolepis nana (0.5%), as helminthic parasites, were the most commonly reported species. Food handlers with low educational levels were 20% more exposed to IPs infection, compared to those with high educational levels (OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 0.88 to 1.65). The prevalence of IPs infections among food handlers in Iran is significant. Besides taking into account this epidemiologic information, a holistic approach, including periodic stool screening, health education, and treatment of infected food handlers, will help in the control of these infections in Iran.

Berberine: A nematocidal alkaloid from Argemone mexicana against Strongyloides venezuelensis.

Strongyloidiasis is a parasitosis that represents a public health problem, in tropical regions. The present study aimed to investigate the anthelmintic effects of several extracts of Argemone mexicana, as well as its main component berberine (Ber) against the third-stage larvae (L3) of Strongyloides venezuelensis in-vitro experiments. Also, the anti-hemolytic activity of the extract, fractions, and Ber were tested in human erythrocytes. A dose-response anthelminthic bioassay demonstrated Ber as the most effective component, followed by methanolic subfraction (Fr3) and finally the crude extract of A. mexicana (Am) showing LC50 response values of 1.6, 19.5, and 92.1 µg/mL, at 96 h respectively. Also, Am, Fr3, and Ber did not produce significant hemolysis against human erythrocytes (p ≤ 0.05). Am and Fr3 showed erythrocyte protection effect capacity at the membrane level (p ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, Ber was found to have an antioxidant activity of 168.18 µg/mL. According to the results, the Fr3 of A. mexicana, and particularly Ber, exhibited potent in-vitro effects against L3 of S. venezuelensis, without hemolytic activity against human erythrocytes and presented good antioxidant capacity. In conclusion, the extracts of A. mexicana and the main component have activity against S. venezuelensis, nevertheless, further studies are required to elucidate the mechanism of action.