Improved Blastocystis spp. detection method using swabs with Amies transport medium and charcoal.

Blastocystis is one of the most frequently detected protozoa in the human large intestine. One of the most effective and cheap methods for detecting Blastocystis in faeces is culture on a special medium in anaerobic conditions. Sampling faeces using traditional containers and their transport to the laboratory has certain limitations: a sample taken in this way should reach the laboratory relatively quickly, moreover, some patients are uncomfortable during sampling and protection of material in this way. We propose utilizing a swab for sampling and transportation of the faeces samples to be examined for Blastocystis instead of using traditional containers. We believe this is an excellent method allowing the material to be transported over longer distances without additional, and sometimes expensive, safety measures, and at the same time permitting the possibility of obtaining living cells after a relatively long period of storage.

A serological survey of Toxoplasma gondii in polish pigs from organic farms, other housing systems and in pigs of different age groups.

BACKGROUND: The consumption of raw or undercooked meat, especially pork, and offal containing infective tissue cysts is suspected to be a significant route of infection with Toxoplasma gondii. Although the use of "animal-friendly pig production systems" ensuring direct contact with the natural environment offers ethical benefits, it limits the ability to ensure animal health; it may also increase the probability of infections by pathogens such as T. gondii, and thus their entry into the food chain. This study determines the seroprevalence of T. gondii in pigs from different housing systems and farms with different hygiene standards in Poland, as well as among pigs of different age groups from farms with high hygiene standards. In total 760 pig serum samples were examined for the presence of specific antibodies using the PrioCHECK® Toxoplasma Ab porcine commercial ELISA test (Prionics, Switzerland). RESULTS: Test results with PP ≥ 20% were regarded as positive, as indicated by the manufacturer. Antibodies to T. gondii were found in 193 of 760 (25.4%) tested sera. Regarding different housing systems, antibodies were found in 117 pigs: of these, 52.6% (61/116) were from organic farms, 40.9% (47/115) from farms with low hygiene standards, 5.4% (9/167) from farms with high hygiene standards and 0% (0/40) from a farm with a high level of biosecurity. Regarding age groups, antibodies were found in 76 animals on farms with high hygiene standards: 11.1% (7/63) were pigs younger than 3 months, 0% (0/60) aged 3-4 months, 12.3% (7/57) aged 5-6 months (final fattening stage) and 43.7% (62/142) were sows aged 9 months and older. CONCLUSIONS: Antibodies to T. gondii were most often found in pigs from organic and low-hygiene farms, as well as in pigs aged 9 months and older. Meat derived from seropositive animals can pose a potential source of infection for humans. As maternal antibodies to T. gondii can be present in the blood of piglets aged up to 3-4 months, serological examination is unjustified in piglets up to this age.

Blastocystis occurrence and subtype diversity in wild European terrestrial mammals - The case of Bialowieza Primeval Forest (NE Poland).

Blastocystis cf. Blastocystis hominis is the most common unicellular parasite found in human and animal intestines. Little is known about the life cycle, transmission and mechanisms of pathogenesis for this parasite. The aim of this study was to obtain new data on the genetic diversity of Blastocystis in selected species of mammals found in the Bialowieza Primeval Forest (BPF), Poland, the best preserved lowland forest in temperate Europe. 113 faecal samples were collected in the period 2018-2020 from seven species of wild mammals occurring within the Polish part of BPF and its surroundings. Blastocystis was detected by molecular amplification and sequencing the small subunit rRNA gene. The overall prevalence of Blastocystis in animals was 8.9%. A larger number of stool samples (90) were collected from European bison and only for this species was it possible to calculate the prevalence of infection (5.6%). The isolates obtained from European bison were classified as ST1, ST3, ST5, ST7. Blastocystis was also detected in the grey wolf (Canis lupus) (ST5), wild boar (Sus scrofa) (ST5) and red deer (Cervus elaphus) (ST1). In conclusion, for the first time we have demonstrated the presence of Blastocystis in wild European bison. Preliminary studies have shown that Blastocystis is present in at least 4 species of wild mammals in the BPF area and that it exhibits great genetic diversity.

Blastocystis isolates from a dog and their owners presenting with chronic diarrhoea. Dogs as reservoirs of Blastocystis: research in Poland and worldwide

Blastocystis cf. hominis is an unicellular protozoan parasite commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals. Blastocystis is characterized by high morphological and genetic diversity. Studies based on the analysis of Blastocystis spp. small subunit ribosomal RNA genes (SSU rDNA) have identified 26 subtypes (ST) so far, including at least 10 isolated from humans (STs 1-9 and ST12). In 2017, stool samples from a dog and its two owners living in Gdynia, Poland were examined; all three were suffering from chronic diarrhoea. In addition, 30 faecal samples were also examined from 30 dogs kept in one of Warsaw's hotels for animals. Stool specimens were analyzed using anaerobic cultivation at 37°C with a modified Jones' medium and molecular methods (PCR). Phylogenetic analysis using Bayesian inference was performed. Vacuolar forms of Blastocystis were identified in the stool samples of the dog and its owners; Blastocystis were not detected in any sample from the dogs living in the animal hotel. Based on the phylogenetic analysis, the obtained isolates were classified as subtype ST3 (for Owner 1) and subtype ST7 (for Owner 2 and the dog). To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first to evaluate the presence of Blastocystis in canines in Poland, including domestic dogs.

Early days of the International Commission on Trichinellosis (1958-1972).

Herein we describe the origin of the International Commission on Trichinellosis more than 60 years after its foundation. We attempt to clarify previous debate over the founding presidents and particularly the role of Polish parasitologist, Zbigniew Kozar. Seminal and core proceedings of the Commission published in Wiadomosci Parazytologiczne and other records were used to advance this goal. An early regional commission initially held in Budapest, Hungary at the Hungarian Meeting of Parasitologists was devoted to trichinellosis and was presided over by Kozar from 1958 to 1960. However, the official formation of the Commission did not occur until 1960 during the 1st International Conference on Trichinellosis held in Warsaw, Poland, where Witold Stefanski was elected president. During the 2nd International Conference on Trichinellosis, which was held in 1969 in Wroclaw, Poland, Samuel E. Gould was elected president until his untimely death in 1970. Zbigniew Kozar was secretary general from 1960 to 1972. Beginning with the 3rd International Conference held in Miami, Florida, USA in 1972, the activities of the Commission and the Conference became better documented.

Onchocerca jakutensis ocular infection in Poland: a new vector-borne human health risk?

BACKGROUND: Zoonotic onchocerciasis is a vector-borne disease, which involves many animal species, including large ungulates, boars, dogs, and sporadically, humans. So far, 39 cases of zoonotic onchocerciasis have been reported worldwide, 30 of which have been found in the last 20 years. Onchocerca nematodes are transmitted to humans by blood-sucking vectors during a blood meal. The following species have been responsible for zoonotic infections: Onchocerca cervicalis, O. dewittei japonica, O. gutturosa, O. jakutensis and O. lupi. In humans, the worms have usually been found in the subcutaneous tissues where they form subcutaneous nodules, induce inflammation of musculature, or penetrate the eye. Thirteen ocular zoonotic onchocerciasis cases have been reported so far. In the eye, nematodes were localized in the subconjunctival space, anterior chamber and within the vitreous body. METHODS: In a 39-year-old male patient, a writhing worm in the vitreous body of the left eye was detected and surgically removed. Laboratory identification of the worm was based on macroscopic and molecular identification, based on sequencing of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene (cox1). Phylogenetic analysis of the first 250 nucleotide sequences showing the highest levels of similarity with the present isolate in a BLAST analysis was performed. RESULTS: Here, we report the first case worldwide of human ocular infection with O. jakutensis, a natural parasite of red deer. By exploiting a PCR assay, we detected the sequence almost identical to O. jakutensis (GenBank: KT001213.1; positions 1-650) with a single mismatch G/A at position 622. The sequence reported in this paper was deposited in the GenBank database under the accession number MK491767. CONCLUSIONS: Our case together with the previous case reports indicate that zoonotic Onchocerca worms exhibit no tissue specificity and an eye infection has been described in over one third of human zoonotic onchocerciasis cases. In terms of the growing number of cases of zoonotic onchocerciasis in Europe, the USA and Japan, attention should be paid to the diagnosis of subcutaneous nodules and eye infestations.

Genetic diversity of Francisella tularensis in Poland with comments on MLVA genotyping and a proposition of a novel rapid v4-genotyping.

We investigated the genotypes of Francisella tularensis (F. tularensis) strains isolated in Poland during the period 1953-2013 and studied their genetic relationship to F. tularensis strains isolated in other countries using MLVA. We examined the mosquito and tick samples collected in Poland for the presence of F. tularensis DNA using PCR. Our results revealed a high genetic diversity among the strains of F. tularensis collected from Poland, suggesting that the bacterium is commonly found in the environment. However, we did not detect F. tularensis DNA in ticks and mosquitoes, showing that the arthropod bites might not be the main source of infection. We also propose the application of a practical assay called v4-genotyping that can be directly performed on the clinical and environmental samples. In addition, we discovered genetic variations among Schu S4 reference strains used in various laboratories and showed that MLVA analysis should not be based on amplicon sizes only because point mutations occurring within the MLVA loci might not always be manifested by a change in the amplicon size.

Screening of mosquitoes for filarioid helminths in urban areas in south western Poland-common patterns in European Setaria tundra xenomonitoring studies.

In recent years, numerous studies screening mosquitoes for filarioid helminths (xenomonitoring) have been performed in Europe. The entomological monitoring of filarial nematode infections in mosquitoes by molecular xenomonitoring might serve as the measure of the rate at which humans and animals expose mosquitoes to microfilariae and the rate at which animals and humans are exposed to the bites of the infected mosquitoes. We hypothesized that combining the data obtained from molecular xenomonitoring and phenological studies of mosquitoes in the urban environment would provide insights into the transmission risk of filarial diseases. In our search for Dirofilaria spp.-infected mosquitoes, we have found Setaria tundra-infected ones instead, as in many other European studies. We have observed that cross-reactivity in PCR assays for Dirofilaria repens, Dirofilaria immitis, and S. tundra COI gene detection was the rule rather than the exception. S. tundra infections were mainly found in Aedes mosquitoes. The differences in the diurnal rhythm of Aedes and Culex mosquitoes did not seem a likely explanation for the lack of S. tundra infections in Culex mosquitoes. The similarity of S. tundra COI gene sequences found in Aedes vexans and Aedes caspius mosquitoes and in roe deer in many European studies, supported by data on Ae. vexans biology, suggested host preference as the most likely cause of the mosquito genus-biased infections. High diversity of the COI gene sequences isolated in the city of Wroclaw in south western Poland and the presence of identical or almost identical sequences in mosquitoes and roe deer across Europe suggests that S. tundra has been established in most of Europe for a very long time.

Dirofilaria repens infection as a cause of intensive peripheral microfilariemia in a Polish patient: process description and cases review.

Dirofilariasis is a parasitic disease of dogs and other carnivores transmitted mainly by the mosquitoes of the genera Culex, Aedes, Anopheles. Full life cycle of the Dirofilaria nematodes in humans is extremely rarely observed, usually lacking species determination at the molecular level. We report fully documented unusual clinical manifestation of subcutaneous dirofilariasis with intensive microfilariemia in peripheral blood revealed by the Knott's concentration technique. The identification of the Dirofilaria repens nematode was based on typical morphological findings for adult gravid female nematode found in the histopathological preparations. The morphology of microfilariae obtained from patient's peripheral blood was also typical for D. repens. The final identification was confirmed by the molecular analysis of microfilariae collected from the blood.

Cystic echinococcosis in Poland: genetic variability and the first record of Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (G1 genotype) in the country.

Cystic echinococcosis is one of the most important zoonotic diseases affecting humans and livestock worldwide, and is endemic in Poland. A set of six isolates on larval stages of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato tapeworms collected from three humans, two pigs and one sheep from Polish foci of CE was examined by DNA sequencing of two mitochondrial genes (cox1, rrnS). The results demonstrated the presence of E. canadensis and E. granulosus sensu stricto in the investigated hydatid cysts. The former species was found in all five isolates from pigs and humans derived from central Poland. In a sheep hydatid cyst originating from Lesser Poland Voivodeship in southern Poland, E. granulosus s. s. (G1 genotype) was identified. This is the first report of an unambiguously autochthonous infection with E. granulosus s. s. in Poland. The global distribution and host affiliations of the commonly occurring G1 microvariant with nucleotide change 56C/T in cox1, detected here in Polish sheep, are discussed. The finding that sheep harboured E. granulosus s. s. may have important consequences for developing effective hydatid control programmes in Poland due to its longer maturation rate in dogs compared with E. canadensis G7. This may lead to greater expenditures for purchasing anthelmintics to provide an appropriate dosing regime in sheep-raising areas of the country.

A cross-sectional study among Polish hunters: seroprevalence of hepatitis E and the analysis of factors contributing to HEV infections.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is known as zoonotic agent. The main reservoirs of HEV in Europe are pigs, wild boars, and deer. Hunting activity is considered to be a risk factor for HEV infection. We conducted a cross-sectional study among 1021 Polish hunters. To understand socio-demographic characteristics of this population and to gather information on potential exposures, all participants completed a questionnaire. Commercial immunoassays were employed to estimate seroprevalence anti-HEV. Samples with confirmed positive result of anti-HEV IgM were examined for HEV RNA. Anti-HEV IgG were identified in 227 people, 22.2% of the studied group. Seroprevalence among the studied hunters was associated with age ≥65 [adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) 1.6, p = 0.037), living in a house (aPR 1.54, p = 0.013), professional contact with farm animals (aPR 1.09, p = 0.01), and consumption of stewed offal (aPR 1.61, p = 0.00). Washing hands after disembowelment was linked to lower seroprevalence (aPR 0.53; p = 0.00). Lower prevalence of anti-HEV IgG among hunters living in cities was associated with age: 35-49 (aPR 0.52, p = 0.011) and 50-64 (aPR 0.93, p = 0.58), living in a house (aPR 1.58, p = 0.002) and owning a cat (aPR 0.58, p = 0.042). Among hunters living in rural areas, seropositivity was associated with contact with farm animals (aPR 1.66, p = 0.013) and consumption of stewed offal (aPR 1.81; p = 0.001). Contrary to initial assumptions, it was concluded that hunting was of significantly lesser importance than other factors. Due to the high level of HEV seroprevalence identified, we recommend conducting a large-scale study in the general population of Poland.

High-resolution melting PCR assay, applicable for diagnostics and screening studies, allowing detection and differentiation of several Babesia spp. infecting humans and animals.

The goal of the study was to design a single tube PCR test for detection and differentiation of Babesia species in DNA samples obtained from diverse biological materials. A multiplex, single tube PCR test was designed for amplification of approximately 400 bp region of the Babesia 18S rRNA gene. Universal primers were designed to match DNA of multiple Babesia spp. and to have low levels of similarity to DNA sequences of other intracellular protozoa and Babesia hosts. The PCR products amplified from Babesia DNA isolated from human, dog, rodent, deer, and tick samples were subjected to high-resolution melting analysis for Babesia species identification. The designed test allowed detection and differentiation of four Babesia species, three zoonotic (B. microti, B. divergens, B. venatorum) and one that is generally not considered zoonotic-Babesia canis. Both detection and identification of all four species were possible based on the HRM curves of the PCR products in samples obtained from the following: humans, dogs, rodents, and ticks. No cross-reactivity with DNA of Babesia hosts or Plasmodium falciparum and Toxoplasma gondii was observed. The lack of cross-reactivity with P. falciparum DNA might allow using the assay in endemic malaria areas. The designed assay is the first PCR-based test for detection and differentiation of several Babesia spp. of medical and veterinary importance, in a single tube reaction. The results of the study show that the designed assay for Babesia detection and identification could be a practical and inexpensive tool for diagnostics and screening studies of diverse biological materials.

Genetic diversity of Blastocystis hominis sensu lato isolated from humans in Poland

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Blastocystis hominis s. l. is one of the most commonly detected protozoa in the human large intestine. The aim of the study was to determine the genetic subtypes of Blastocystis hominis s. l. occurring in humans in Poland. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Stool samples from patients diagnosed in the Laboratory of the Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Public Health ­ National Institute of Hygiene (NIZP-PZH) and in the Parasitology Laboratory of the Hospital for Infectious Diseases in Warsaw were examined. Blastocystis subtypes were assayed based on the fragment of small-subunit ribosomal RNA gene sequences (SSU rDNA). RESULTS: The examined isolates were classified into five Blastocystis subtypes (STs), fifteen of which belonged to ST3, three to ST1, two to ST2, two to ST6, and one isolate belonged to ST7. In three cases the subtype of isolate was not identified. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: In Poland, the subtypes ST1, ST2, ST3, ST4, ST6 and ST7 have been reported in humans so far. The ST6 and ST7 subtypes are rarely detected in humans in Europe. In Poland, the ST6 subtype was previously described in chickens. On the basis of the studies, it was found that Blastocystis isolated from humans in Warsaw show high genetic diversity. In order to determine the possible pathogenic potential of individual Blastocystis subtypes, special epidemiological studies are required.

First detection of Echinococcus multilocularis in dogs in a highly endemic area of Poland.

The aim of the investigation was to estimate the epizootic situation concerning infection by the cestode Echinococcus multilocularis Leuckart, 1863 in dogs (Canis lupus familiaris Linnaeus) from a Polish region where this parasite is highly prevalent in red foxes. Faecal samples (n = 148) were collected from rural dogs in Podkarpackie Province. Samples were examined through nested PCR (for E. multilocularis), multiplex PCR (E. multilocularis, species of Taenia Linnaeus, 1758) and PCR [E. granulosus (Batsch, 1786)]. Specific products were sequenced. Faeces were also examined coproscopically. In samples from two dogs (1.4%), there were positive PCR results for E. multilocularis. Taenia-specific PCR products were found in nine dogs (6.1%). Sequencing identified Taenia serialis (Gervais, 1847), T. hydatigena Pallas, 1766, T. pisiformis (Bloch, 1780) and Hydatigera taeniaeformis (Batsch, 1786). One sample (0.7%) was identified as Mesocestoides litteratus (Batsch, 1786). All samples were negative for E. granulosus with PCR. Taking into account coproscopic and PCR results, 28% of dogs were infected with helminths (8% with tapeworms). It should be stressed that one of the infected with E. multilocularis dogs shed eggs of the Taenia type and had a habit of preying on rodents. This investigation revealed the presence of E. multilocularis in dogs for the first time in Poland.

Is molecular xenomonitoring of mosquitoes for Dirofilaria repens suitable for dirofilariosis surveillance in endemic regions?

Dirofilaria repens is a parasite of animals and humans, transferred by mosquitoes. The assessment of the presence of D. repens-infected vertebrate hosts in the investigated area can be performed by xenomonitoring­detection of the parasite in blood-feeding arthropods. Our study aimed to evaluate PCR xenomonitoring of mosquitoes as a tool for dirofilariosis surveillance in Poland. We were also interested whether inter-study comparisons at the international level would be possible. Mosquitoes were collected in a single locality in Mazowsze province in Poland, in which between 12 and 20% of dogs were infected with D. repens and autochthonous human dirofilariosis was confirmed. All captured female mosquitoes were divided into pools; alternatively, single mosquitoes were analyzed; DNA was isolated and subjected to PCR and real-time PCR for detection of D. repens. The estimations of infection rates of mosquitoes with D. repens, based on PCR results, varied from 0 to 1.57% even between assays for detection of distinct fragments of the same marker­cytochrome oxidase subunit one gene. Polymorphisms of the DNA sequence within binding sites of the primers used in D. repens xenomonitoring assays, applied in European studies, were identified. Non-specific amplification of Setaria tundra (Nematoda: Onchocercidae) DNA occurred. Surveillance of dirofilariosis by PCR mosquito xenomonitoring is possible; however, the efficiency of the approach on territories where the prevalence of the disease among definitive hosts is lower than 12% remains unknown. Furthermore, mosquito infection rate estimations can be PCR assay dependent, which makes inter-study comparisons difficult. The results obtained in independent European xenomonitoring studies were contradictory. International collaboration would be required to establish a standardized set of assays for sensitive and specific xenomonitoring-based dirofilariosis surveillance.

Human babesiosis.

Babesiosis is an emerging parasitic, anthropo-zoonotic tick-borne disease, seldom diagnosed in humans. Caused by Protozoa, Babesia (also called Piroplasma) intraerytrocytic piriform microorganism. Infection of vertebrates is transmitted by ticks. Out of more than 100 Babesia species/genotypes described so far, only some were diagnosed in infected humans, mostly B. microti, B. divergens and B. venatorum (Babesia sp. EU1). Infection in humans is often asymptomatic or mild but is of a particular risk for asplenic individuals, those with congenital or acquired immunodeficiencies, and elderly. Infections transmitted with blood and blood products raise concerns in hemotherapy. Epidemiological situation of babesiosis varies around the world. In Europe, no increase in the number of cases was reported, but in the USA its prevalence is increasing and extension of endemic areas is observed. The aim of this publication is to describe the problems connected with the current epidemiological situation, diagnosis and treatment of human babesiosis with regard to clinical status of patients.

Recommended management of Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant women and their children.

Aforesaid recommendations for the management of T.gondii infection, elaborated by the group of experts, are intended for physicians of various specialties in order to standardize and facilitate diagnostic and therapeutic management. Early diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis, both symptomatic and asymptomatic, in neonatal period, initiation of adequate treatment and long-term, multispecialist monitoring, including multi-organ rehabilitation of children may prevent or reduce the complications of congenital toxoplasmosis. Health education, whose role is often underestimated, should be targeted mainly on girls and women at reproductive age as to prevent from infection during pregnancy.

Occurrence and prevalence of selected zoonotic agents: Echinococcus multilocularis, Trichinella spiralis and hepatitis E virus (HEV) in the population of Polish hunters--results of the study conducted in 2010-2012.

UNLABELLED: In Poland the development of the knowledge concerning zoonotic pathogens, of which free-living animals are the reservoir of is gaining in importance both in epidemiological aspect as well as in the context of prevention for improving public health. Dietary habits such as the consumption of forest undergrowth products and wild game meat, and the way of those products being prepared (in the process of barbequing) pose a risk factors of infection with the foodborne pathogens such as Echinococcus multilocularis, Trichinella spp., and HEV. AIM: The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of infections caused by Trichinella spp., Echinococcus multilocularis, and HEV in the population of Polish hunters, describing their geographical distribution in Poland, and to try to define basic factors, which may contribute to their occurrence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 2010-2012 a cross-sectional study was carried out among Polish hunters. A blood samples were collected as well as a survey of 1027 participants recruited in the 16 provinces was also carried out. Serological tests were performed for the presence of specific antibodies against Echinococcus multilocularis, Trichinella spp. and HEV using commercial or "in home" ELISA tests. In case of positive result for Echinococcus, an Em2plus ELISA or/and western blot test were carried out, and for positive results for IgM for HEV a recomLine HEV IgM test was carried out. RESULTS: In the studied population a total number of 2 cases of Echinococcus multilocularis infection were found. Moreover in 47 (4,6%) participants presence of antibodies against Trichinella spp. were found, including 17 positive and 30 borderline results. In 206 persons (25%) IgG anti-HEV antibodies were found (by ELISA test). Geographical diversity in prevalence of both, the Trichinella spp. and HEV cases was observed. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS: The study confirmed presence of zoonotic infections such as Echinococcus multilocularis, Trichinella spp., and hepatitis E (HEV) among Polish hunters. In the case of Echinococcus multilocularis, and Trichinella spp., it appears that these infections are more common in the studied sample than in the general population. Additionally results on the prevalence of HEV infections indicate a need for further research on the occurrence of the virus in the country.

Echinococcosis and cysticercosis in Poland in 2012.

AIM: The aim of the study was to assess the epidemiological situation of echinococcosis and cysticercosis in 2012 as compared to previous years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The assessment of the epidemiological situation was based on data contained in the individual reports on cases sent to the Department of Epidemiology NIPH-NIH by the Regional Sanitary- Epidemiological Stations and on the pooled data published in the annual bulletin "Infectious diseases and poisonings in Poland". RESULTS: In 2012, the total number of reported cases of echinococcosis in Poland was 28. This included: 11 undefined cases (39% of all cases), 7 alveolar echinococcosis cases (41% out of l7 cases in which the species of Echinococcus was recognized) and 10 cystic echinococcosis (59% of all defined cases). The total incidence of echinococcosis was 0.073/100 000. Cases were registered in 8 provinces. Most cases (9) and the highest incidence (0.620) was recorded in Warminsko-Mazurskie. Echinococcus infections were reported in people aged 15 to 82 years, mostly adults (mean age 49.2 years, median 54.0). Echinococcosis was more frequent among women (incidence 0.096) than among men (incidence 0.048). The incidence of echinococcosis in rural areas was higher than in the city (0.125 vs. 0.039). Cysticercosis, which occurs sporadically in Poland, was not reported in 2012. CONCLUSIONS: For the purposes of epidemiological surveillance it would be advisable to introduce the obligatory differentiation of alveococcosis and hydatidosis, as well as a case definition for cysticercosis. In order to reduce the risk of contracting tapeworm infections, it is advisable to intensify educational efforts.

Human dirofilariasis due to Dirofilaria repens in Ukraine, an emergent zoonosis: epidemiological report of 1465 cases.

The filarial nematode Dirofilaria repens is currently considered to be one of the most extensively spreading human and animal parasites in Europe. In Ukraine, reporting cases of dirofilariasis has been mandatory since 1975, and the disease was included in the national surveillance system for notifiable diseases. Up until December 31st 2012, a total of 1533 cases have been registered, with 1465 cases occurring within the previous 16 years. Most of the cases of dirofilariasis were registered in 6 regions: Kyiv, and the Donetsk, Zaporizhzhya, Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson and Chernihiv oblasts. In the years 1997-2002 the highest incidence rate was noted in the Kherson oblast in the south of the country (9.79 per 100 000 people), and the lowest in western Ukraine (0.07-1.68 per 100 000 people). D. repens infections were registered in all oblasts. Parasitic lesions were most often located in the head, the subconjunctival tissue and around the eyes. D. repens lesions were also found in the limbs, torso, male sexual organs, and female mammary glands. Dirofilariasis was diagnosed in persons aged from 11 months to 90 years old, most often among people between 21-40 years of age. Most patients had only one parasitic skin lesion; the majority of isolated nematodes were female. The results of our analysis point to a constant increase in D. repens dirofilariasis incidence in humans in Ukraine. Despite educational efforts, infections have become more frequent and the territory in which the disease occurs has enlarged to encompass the whole of Ukraine. Nevertheless, the Ukrainian sanitary-epidemiological services managed to achieve some measure of success, e.g. by creating a registration system for D. repens infections and establishing proper diagnostics for the disease.