Prevalence, socio-economic, and associated risk factors of oral cavity parasites in children with intellectual disability from Lorestan province, Iran.

Introduction: Children with intellectual disability (ID) often face challenges in maintaining proper oral hygiene due to their motor, sensory, and intellectual impairments, which can lead to compromised oral health; therefore, there is a need to enhance the oral health status of these populations and establish an effective system for administering preventive interventions. Here, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of Entamoeba gingivalis and Trichomonas tenax among children with ID in Lorestan province, in Western Iran through parasitological and molecular methods. Methods: The current descriptive investigation involved 215 in children with ID and 215 healthy children (non-ID) who were referred to health facilities in Lorestan province, Iran between October 2022 and March 2024. The prevalence of protozoa in the oral cavity was found through the utilization of both microscopic analysis and conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. Results: The total prevalence of the E. gingivalis and T. tenax in children with ID was found to be 87 (40.5%) and 92 (42.8%) through microscopic and PCR methods, respectively. Among the positive samples, 57 (61.9%) and 35 (38.1%) children tested positive for E. gingivalis and T. tenax, respectively. In contrast, among the 215 non-ID children in the control group, 39 (18.1%) and 42 (19.5%) tested positive by microscopic and PCR methods, respectively. Among positive samples in non-ID children, 23 (54.7%) and 19 (45.3%) children were positive for E. gingivalis and T. tenax, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that residing in urban areas, parental education, monthly family income, and tooth brushing p<0.001) were identified as independent risk factors for oral cavity parasites. Conclusion: This study identified a notable prevalence of oral cavity parasites in children with ID in Lorestan province, Western Iran. It is imperative to recognize the primary risk factors associated with these parasites, particularly inadequate teeth brushing, in order to enhance public and oral health strategies for children with ID. Therefore, pediatric dental professionals should remain vigilant regarding these risk factors to effectively recognize and address oral health issues in this population, thereby mitigating the occurrence of oral diseases and infections.

Molecular characterization and zoonotic potential of Entamoeba spp., Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Blastocystis from captive wild animals in northwest China.

BACKGROUND: Parasites Entamoeba spp., Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Blastocystis are prevalent pathogens causing gastrointestinal illnesses in animals and humans. Consequently, researches on their occurrence, distribution and hosts are crucial for the well-being of both animals and humans. Due to the confined spaces and frequent interaction between animals and humans, animal sanctuaries have emerged as potential reservoirs for these parasites. In this study, the wildlife sanctuary near the Huang Gorge of the Qinling Mountains in northwest China is chosen as an ideal site for parasite distribution research, considering its expansive stocking area and high biodiversity. RESULTS: We collected 191 fecal specimens from 37 distinct wildlife species and extracted genomic DNA. We identified these three parasites by amplifying specific gene regions and analyzed their characteristics and evolutionary relationships. All the parasites exhibited a high overall infection rate, reaching 90.05%. Among them, seven Entamoeba species were identified, accounting for a prevalence of 54.97%, with the highest infection observed in Entamoeba bovis. In total, 11 Enterocytozoon bieneusi genotypes were discovered, representing a prevalence of 35.08%, including three genotypes of human-pathogenic Group 1 and two novel genotypes (SXWZ and SXLG). Additionally, 13 Blastocystis subtypes were detected, showing a prevalence of 74.87% and encompassing eight zoonotic subtypes. All of the above suggests significant possibilities of parasite transmission between animals and humans. CONCLUSIONS: This study investigated the occurrence and prevalence of three intestinal parasites, enhancing our understanding of their genetic diversity and host ranges in northwest China. Furthermore, the distribution of these parasites implies significant potential of zoonotic transmission, underscoring the imperative for ongoing surveillance and implementation of control measures. These efforts are essential to mitigate the risk of zoonotic disease outbreaks originating from wildlife sanctuary.

Study on intestinal parasitic infections and gut microbiota in cancer patients at a tertiary teaching hospital in Malaysia.

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) can lead to significant morbidity and mortality in cancer patients. While they are unlikely to cause severe disease and are self-limiting in healthy individuals, cancer patients are especially susceptible to opportunistic parasitic infections. The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in various aspects of health, including immune regulation and metabolic processes. Parasites occupy the same environment as bacteria in the gut. Recent research suggests intestinal parasites can disrupt the normal balance of the gut microbiota. However, there is limited understanding of this co-infection dynamic among cancer patients in Malaysia. A study was conducted to determine the prevalence and relationship between intestinal parasites and gut microbiota composition in cancer patients. Stool samples from 134 cancer patients undergoing active treatment or newly diagnosed were collected and examined for the presence of intestinal parasites and gut microbiota composition. The study also involved 17 healthy individuals for comparison and control. Sequencing with 16S RNA at the V3-V4 region was used to determine the gut microbial composition between infected and non-infected cancer patients and healthy control subjects. The overall prevalence of IPIs among cancer patients was found to be 32.8%. Microsporidia spp. Accounted for the highest percentage at 20.1%, followed by Entamoeba spp. (3.7%), Cryptosporidium spp. (3.0%), Cyclospora spp. (2.2%), and Ascaris lumbricoides (0.8%). None of the health control subjects tested positive for intestinal parasites. The sequencing data analysis revealed that the gut microbiota diversity and composition were significantly different in cancer patients than in healthy controls (p < 0.001). A significant dissimilarity was observed in the bacterial composition between parasite-infected and non-infected patients based on Bray-Curtis (p = 0.041) and Jaccard (p = 0.021) measurements. Bacteria from the genus Enterococcus were enriched in the parasite-infected groups, while Faecalibacterium prausnitzii reduced compared to non-infected and control groups. Further analysis between different IPIs and non-infected individuals demonstrated a noteworthy variation in Entamoeba-infected (unweighted UniFrac: p = 0.008), Cryptosporidium-infected (Bray-Curtis: p = 0.034) and microsporidia-infected (unweighted: p = 0.026; weighted: p = 0.019; Jaccard: p = 0.031) samples. No significant dissimilarity was observed between Cyclospora-infected groups and non-infected groups. Specifically, patients infected with Cryptosporidium and Entamoeba showed increased obligate anaerobic bacteria. Clostridiales were enriched with Entamoeba infections, whereas those from Coriobacteriales decreased. Bacteroidales and Clostridium were found in higher abundance in the gut microbiota with Cryptosporidium infection, while Bacillales decreased. Additionally, bacteria from the genus Enterococcus were enriched in microsporidia-infected patients. In contrast, bacteria from the Clostridiales order, Faecalibacterium, Parabacteroides, Collinsella, Ruminococcus, and Sporosarcina decreased compared to the non-infected groups. These findings underscore the importance of understanding and managing the interactions between intestinal parasites and gut microbiota for improved outcomes in cancer patients.

Association of Entamoeba gingivalis with Periodontal Disease-Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The oral cavity is a habitat to a diverse range of organisms that make up an essential element of the human microbiota. There are up to 1000 species of micro-organisms capable of colonizing the mouth. Thirty percent of them are uncultivable. The genus Entamoeba includes several species, out of which at least seven of them are able to inhabit the human body (Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba dispar, Entamoeba moshkovskii, Entamoeba coli, Entamoeba polecki, Entamoeba hartmann, Entamoeba gingivalis). It was shown that only E. gingivalis is able to colonize the oral cavity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association and prevalence of E. gingivalis in periodontal disease using two electronic database search engines. In order to have a broader view of the subject, a comprehensive manual search was conducted between 15th February 2023 and 1 April 2023 on these content aggregators and the initial search resulted in 277 articles using the keywords "E. gingivalis", "periodontitis", "E. gingivalis", "periodontal disease", "prevalence", and "incidence", in different combinations. The results showed that 755 patients were infected with E. gingivalis out of a total number of 1729 patients diagnosed with periodontal disease, indicating a global prevalence of 43% in the set of patients analyzed. E. gingivalis was prevalent in 58% of the patients that had gingivitis and in 44% of the patients with periodontitis. Prevalence of E. gingivalis based on gender was 43% in female patients and 47% in male patients. The results indicate that the higher incidence of E. gingivalis in people with periodontal disease compared to healthy people is more than just a sign of the disease; it could also be linked to the severity of the condition and the disease propensity to progress.

Epidemiological investigation of Entamoeba in wild rhesus macaques in China: A novel ribosomal lineage and genetic differentiation of Entamoeba nuttalli.

Wild rhesus macaques are a potential source of zoonotic parasites for humans, and Entamoeba spp. are common intestinal parasites. To investigate the prevalence of Entamoeba in wild rhesus macaques in China and explore the genetic differentiation of the potentially pathogenic species Entamoeba nuttalli, a total of 276 fecal samples from five populations at high altitudes (HAG, 2,800-4,100 m above sea level) and four populations at low altitudes (LAG, 5-1,000 m above sea level) were collected. PCR methods based on the ssrRNA gene were used to detect Entamoeba infection. Genotyping of E. nuttalli was performed based on six tRNA-linked short tandem repeat (STR) loci for further genetic analyses. The results revealed that Entamoeba infection (69.2%) was common in wild rhesus macaques in China, especially in LAG which had a significantly higher prevalence rate than that in HAG (P < 0.001). Three zoonotic species were identified: Entamoeba chattoni (60.9%) was the most prevalent species and distributed in all the populations, followed by Entamoeba coli (33.3%) and Entamoeba nuttalli (17.4%). In addition, a novel Entamoeba ribosomal lineage named RL13 (22.8%) was identified, and phylogenetic analysis revealed a close genetic relationship between RL13 and Entamoeba. hartmanni. Genotyping of E. nuttalli obtained 24 genotypes from five populations and further analysis showed E. nuttalli had a high degree of genetic differentiation (FST > 0.25, Nm < 1) between the host populations. The result of analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed that observed genetic differences mainly originate from differences among populations (FST = 0.91). Meanwhile, the phylogenetic tree showed that these genotypes of E. nuttalli were clustered according to geographical populations, indicating a significant phylogeographic distribution pattern. Considering the potential pathogenicity of E. nuttalli, attention should be paid to its risk of zoonotic transmission.

Genetic characterization of the Entamoeba moshkovskii population based on different potential genetic markers.

Entamoeba moshkovskii, according to recent studies, appears to exert a more significant impact on diarrhoeal infections than previously believed. The efficient identification and genetic characterization of E. moshkovskii isolates from endemic areas worldwide are crucial for understanding the impact of parasite genomes on amoebic infections. In this study, we employed a multilocus sequence typing system to characterize E. moshkovskii isolates, with the aim of assessing the role of genetic variation in the pathogenic potential of E. moshkovskii. We incorporated 3 potential genetic markers: KERP1, a protein rich in lysine and glutamic acid; amoebapore C (apc) and chitinase. Sequencing was attempted for all target loci in 68 positive E. moshkovskii samples, and successfully sequenced a total of 33 samples for all 3 loci. The analysis revealed 17 distinct genotypes, labelled M1­M17, across the tested samples when combining all loci. Notably, genotype M1 demonstrated a statistically significant association with diarrhoeal incidence within E. moshkovskii infection (P = 0.0394). This suggests that M1 may represent a pathogenic strain with the highest potential for causing diarrhoeal symptoms. Additionally, we have identified a few single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the studied loci that can be utilized as genetic markers for recognizing the most potentially pathogenic E. moshkovskii isolates. In our genetic diversity study, the apc locus demonstrated the highest Hd value and π value, indicating its pivotal role in reflecting the evolutionary history and adaptation of the E. moshkovskii population. Furthermore, analyses of linkage disequilibrium and recombination within the E. moshkovskii population suggested that the apc locus could play a crucial role in determining the virulence of E. moshkovskii.

Prevalence of intestinal protozoan parasites among school children in africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Parasitic infections, especially intestinal protozoan parasites (IPPs) remain a significant public health issue in Africa, where many conditions favour the transmission and children are the primary victims. This systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out with the objective of assessing the prevalence of IPPs among school children in Africa. METHODS: Relevant studies published between January 2000 and December 2020 were identified by systematic online search on PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Scopus databases without language restriction. Pooled prevalence was estimated using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity of studies were assessed using Cochrane Q test and I2 test, while publication bias was evaluated using Egger's test. RESULTS: Of the 1,645 articles identified through our searches, 46 cross-sectional studies matched our inclusion criteria, reported data from 29,968 school children of Africa. The pooled prevalence of intestinal protozoan parasites amongst African school children was 25.8% (95% CI: 21.2%-30.3%) with E. histolytica/ dispar (13.3%; 95% CI: 10.9%-15.9%) and Giardia spp. (12%; 95% CI: 9.8%-14.3%) were the most predominant pathogenic parasites amongst the study participants. While E. coli was the most common non-pathogenic protozoa (17.1%; 95% CI: 10.9%-23.2%). CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed a relatively high prevalence of IPPs in school children, especially in northern and western Africa. Thus, poverty reduction, improvement of sanitation and hygiene and attention to preventive control measures will be the key to reducing protozoan parasite transmission.

Amebiasis and Amebic Liver Abscess in Children.

Although rare in the developed world, amebiasis continues to be a leading cause of diarrhea and illness in developing nations with crowding, poor sanitation, and lack of clean water supply. Recent immigrants or travelers returning from endemic regions after a prolonged stay are at high risk of developing amebiasis. A high index of suspicion for amebiasis should be maintained for other high-risk groups like men having sex with men, people with AIDS/HIV, immunocompromised hosts, residents of mental health facility or group homes. Clinical presentation of intestinal amebiasis varies from diarrhea to colitis and dysentery. Amebic liver abscess (ALA) is the most common form of extraintestinal amebiasis. Various diagnostic tools are available and when amebiasis is suspected, a combination of stool tests and serology should be sent to maximize the yield of testing. Treatment with an amebicidal drug such as metronidazole/tinidazole and a luminal cysticidal agent such as paromomycin for clinical disease is indicated. However, for asymptomatic disease treatment with a luminal cysticidal agent to decrease chances of invasive disease and transmission is recommended.

Protein Phosphatase PP2C Identification in Entamoeba spp.

Entamoeba histolytica is the causative agent of amoebiasis, and Entamoeba dispar is its noninvasive morphological twin. Entamoeba invadens is a reptilian parasite. In the present study, Western blot, phosphatase activity, immunofluorescence, and bioinformatic analyses were used to identify PP2C phosphatases of E. histolytica, E. dispar, and E. invadens. PP2C was identified in trophozoites of all Entamoeba species and cysts of E. invadens. Immunoblotting using a Leishmania mexicana anti-PP2C antibody recognized a 45.2 kDa PP2C in all species. In E. histolytica and E. invadens, a high molecular weight element PP2C at 75 kDa was recognized, mainly in cysts of E. invadens. Immunofluorescence demonstrated the presence of PP2C in membrane and vesicular structures in the cytosol of all species analyzed. The ~75 kDa PP2C of Entamoeba spp. shows the conserved domain characteristic of phosphatase enzymes (according to in silico analysis). Possible PP2C participation in the encystation process was discussed.

Feeding sites promoting wildlife-related tourism might highly expose the endangered Yunnan snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus bieti) to parasite transmission.

An increasing number of studies have found that the implementation of feeding sites for wildlife-related tourism can affect animal health, behaviour and reproduction. Feeding sites can favour high densities, home range overlap, greater sedentary behaviour and increased interspecific contacts, all of which might promote parasite transmission. In the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus bieti), human interventions via provisioning monkeys at specific feeding sites have led to the sub-structuring of a group into genetically differentiated sub-groups. The fed subgroup is located near human hamlets and interacts with domesticated animals. Using high-throughput sequencing, we investigated Entamoeba species diversity in a local host assemblage strongly influenced by provisioning for wildlife-related tourism. We identified 13 Entamoeba species or lineages in faeces of Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys, humans and domesticated animals (including pigs, cattle, and domestic chicken). In Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys, Entamoeba prevalence and OTU richness were higher in the fed than in the wild subgroup. Entamoeba polecki was found in monkeys, pigs and humans, suggesting that this parasite might circulates between the wild and domestic components of this local social-ecological system. The highest proportion of faeces positive for Entamoeba in monkeys geographically coincided with the presence of livestock and humans. These elements suggest that feeding sites might indirectly play a role on parasite transmission in the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey. The implementation of such sites should carefully consider the risk of creating hotspots of disease transmission, which should be prevented by maintaining a buffer zone between monkeys and livestock/humans. Regular screenings for pathogens in fed subgroup are necessary to monitor transmission risk in order to balance the economic development of human communities dependent on wildlife-related tourism, and the conservation of the endangered Yunnan snub-nosed monkey.

The epidemiology of amoebiasis in Thi-Qar Province, Iraq (2015-2020): differentiation of Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar using nested and real-time polymerase chain reaction.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the present status of amoebiasis in Thi-Qar Province in southern Iraq, and to determine the presence of Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar with nested and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). METHODS: Epidemiological data were obtained from the public health department of the Thi-Qar Health Office (2015-2020). Eighty stool samples were also randomly collected from patients ≤12 year of age with diarrhea at 2 hospitals between the beginning of February 2020 and the end of October 2020. These samples were selected after microscopy to identify the 18S rRNA gene in Entamoeba DNA. RESULTS: Of the 341,554 cases of intestinal parasitic infections, 38,004 (11.1%) individuals were recorded as having amoebiasis, which accounted for the highest proportion of infections in 2015 (26.1%) and the lowest in 2020 (8.1%). Amoebiasis was distributed among all age groups, with the age group of 5-14 years accounting for the highest proportion (27.3%). In molecular testing, 42 (52.5%) out of 80 samples were positive for the 18S rRNA gene (888 bp). Using nested PCR, E. histolytica (439 bp) was detected in 25 (31.3%) samples and E. dispar (174 bp) in 14 (17.5%), while using real-time PCR, E. histolytica and E. dispar were detected in 28 (35.0%) and 15 (18.8%) samples, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Epidemiological data confirmed that amoebiasis is endemic in this province, and is not limited to certain months. Our study confirms the applicability of molecular identification to detect pathogenic and non-pathogenic Entamoeba to prescribe the appropriate drug.

First report of Eimeria and Entamoeba infection in alpacas (Vicugna pacos) in Shanxi Province, northern China.

Intestinal protozoa Eimeria and Entamoeba can infect many animal species including alpacas. However, data on the prevalence and pathogenicity of species of the two genera Eimeria and Entamoeba in alpacas in China is scarce. The current study was carried out to investigate the prevalence of Eimeria and Entamoeba in alpacas in two cities (Taiyuan and Xinzhou) in Shanxi Province, northern China, using PCR-based approaches. Eimeria spp. were only found in Taiyuan city, and the overall prevalence was 1.64%. All samples collected from male alpacas were PCR-negative for Eimeria. Four Eimeria-positive samples were tested positive as Eimeria lamae. The molecular prevalence of Entamoeba in alpacas was 18.03% (66/366), including 16.39% (50/305) in alpacas from Taiyuan city and 26.23% (16/61) from Xinzhou city, respectively. The Entamoeba prevalence in male alpacas (25.00%) was significantly higher than that in female alpacas (15.69%). Entamoeba bovis was the predominant species, and no Entamoeba histolytica infection was detected. Nine unique SSU rRNA gene sequences of Entamoeba were obtained which formed a new cluster. The results showed that sex and location might be the risk factors associated with prevalence of Eimeria spp., and sex might be the risk factor associated with prevalence of Entamoeba spp.. This is the first report of Entamoeba in alpacas worldwide. These findings expand our understanding of the prevalence and genetic diversity of Eimeria and Entamoeba in alpacas.

Investigation of Intestinal Protozoon Prevalence in Immunocompromised Patients at a University Hospital

Objective: Immunocompromised patients are at a greater risk of developing intestinal parasite infections. In this study, we examined the presence of Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Encaphalitozoon intestinalis and other intestinal protozoa in stool samples of immunosuppressed patients. Methods: A total of 100 stool samples were obtained from patients receiving chemotherapy because of solid organ tumour with haematological malignancies and those receiving immunosuppressive treatment because of rheumatic diseases, organ transplant patients and patients receiving treatment for HIV-related infections. Stool samples were examined by using the native-lugol method in which the stool concentration, modified Kinyoun acid-fast and trichrome staining methods and parasite presence were analysed. The stool samples were also examined for the presence of Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon intestinalis using an indirect fluorescent antibody method. Results: Intestinal parasites were detected in 12% of all patients. The distribution of intestinal parasites in patients were 7% Blastocystis spp., 2% Blastocystis spp. + Dientamoeba fragilis, 1% Blastocystis spp. + Entamoeba coli, 1% Blastocystis spp. + Giardia intestinalis and 1% G. intestinalis. Microsporidia spp. were detected in 4% of all patients by the IFAT method and in 8% of all patients by calcoflour staining method. Conclusion: In our study, the most prevalent parasite detected in the immunosuppressed patients was Blastocystis spp. The pathogenesis of Blastocystis spp. remains to be controversial, and their role in immunocompromised patients continues to remain unknown. Although these rates detected in our study are similar to the prevalence in the normal population, it is important to study these microorganisms in immunocompromised patients in terms of the associated decreasing morbidity and mortality rates.

Intestinal protozoan infections shape fecal bacterial microbiota in children from Guinea-Bissau.

Intestinal parasitic infections, caused by helminths and protozoa, are globally distributed and major causes of worldwide morbidity. The gut microbiota may modulate parasite virulence and host response upon infection. The complex interplay between parasites and the gut microbiota is poorly understood, partly due to sampling difficulties in remote areas with high parasite burden. In a large study of children in Guinea-Bissau, we found high prevalence of intestinal parasites. By sequencing of the 16S rRNA genes of fecal samples stored on filter paper from a total of 1,204 children, we demonstrate that the bacterial microbiota is not significantly altered by helminth infections, whereas it is shaped by the presence of both pathogenic and nonpathogenic protozoa, including Entamoeba (E.) spp. and Giardia (G.) lamblia. Within-sample diversity remains largely unaffected, whereas overall community composition is significantly affected by infection with both nonpathogenic E. coli (R2 = 0.0131, P = 0.0001) and Endolimax nana (R2 = 0.00902, P = 0.0001), and by pathogenic E. histolytica (R2 = 0.0164, P = 0.0001) and G. lamblia (R2 = 0.00676, P = 0.0001). Infections with multiple parasite species induces more pronounced shifts in microbiota community than mild ones. A total of 31 bacterial genera across all four major bacterial phyla were differentially abundant in protozoan infection as compared to noninfected individuals, including increased abundance of Prevotella, Campylobacter and two Clostridium clades, and decreased abundance of Collinsella, Lactobacillus, Ruminococcus, Veillonella and one Clostridium clade. In the present study, we demonstrate that the fecal bacterial microbiota is shaped by intestinal parasitic infection, with most pronounced associations for protozoan species. Our results provide insights into the interplay between the microbiota and intestinal parasites, which are valuable to understand infection biology and design further studies aimed at optimizing treatment strategies.

Diversity of parasites in two captive chimpanzee populations in southern Gabon.

Captive chimpanzees living in confined environments like sanctuaries or primatology centers are frequently affected by gastrointestinal parasites. Some of these are likely to be transmitted to humans and may seriously affect public health. However little information is currently available on the gastrointestinal parasites of primates living in such environments. Here, we characterize the diversity and prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in two populations of captive chimpanzees living in south-eastern Gabon. Our study reveals that at least nine parasite species infect the chimpanzees with high prevalence, including several helminths (Ascaris spp., Enterobius spp., Strongyloides spp., Trichuris spp., Hymenolepis spp., Mammomonogamus spp), three protozoa (Balantioides spp., Entamoeba spp. and Troglodytella spp) and several unidentified parasites. All the parasite taxa we identified had previously been identified in other primates, including humans. Age, sex and site type may influence infection rates and/or parasite diversity found in a particular host.

Analysis of D-A locus of tRNA-linked short tandem repeats reveals transmission of Entamoeba histolytica and E. dispar among students in the Thai-Myanmar border region of northwest Thailand.

Intestinal parasitic infections, including those caused by Entamoeba species, are a persistent problem in rural areas of Thailand. The aims of this study were to identify pathogenic Entamoeba species and to analyze their genotypic diversity. Stool samples were collected from 1,233 students of three schools located in the Thai-Myanmar border region of Tak Province, Thailand. The prevalence of Entamoeba infection was measured by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using species-specific primers. Thirty-one (2.5%) positive cases were detected for E. histolytica, 55 (4.5%) for E. dispar, and 271 (22.0%) for E. coli. Positive samples for E. histolytica and E. dispar were exclusively obtained from a few school classes, whereas E. coli was detected in all grades. No infections caused by E. moshkovskii, E. nuttalli, E. chattoni, and E. polecki were detected in the students studied. The D-A locus of tRNA-linked short tandem repeats was analyzed in samples of E. histolytica (n = 13) and E. dispar (n = 47) to investigate their diversity and potential modes of transmission. Five genotypes of E. histolytica and 13 genotypes of E. dispar were identified. Sequences of the D-A were divergent, but several unique genotypes were significantly prevalent in limited classes, indicating that intra-classroom transmission has occurred. As it was unlikely that infection would have been limited within school classes if the mode of transmission of E. histolytica and E. dispar had been through the intake of contaminated drinking water or food, these results suggest a direct or indirect person-to-person transmission mode within school classes. Positive rates for three Entamoeba species were 2-fold higher in students who had siblings in the schools than in those without siblings, suggesting that transmission occurred even at home due to heavy contacts among siblings.

The first study to detect co-infection of Entamoeba gingivalis and periodontitis-associated bacteria in dental patients in Taiwan.

Periodontitis, an inflammatory disease of the oral cavity, was caused by microbes from bacteria to protozoa. In this study, we detected protozoa, Entamoeba gingivalis and other three common pathogenic bacteria, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, and Tannerella forsythia by the Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on patients.

Detection of human intestinal protozoan parasites in vegetables and fruits: a review.

Diarrheal diseases caused by intestinal protozoan parasites are a major food-borne public health problem across the world. Vegetables and fruits provide important nutrients and minerals, but are also common sources of some food-borne human pathogenic microorganisms. The contamination of raw vegetables and fruits with human pathogenic parasites are now a global public health threat, despite the health benefits of these foods in non-pharmacological prophylaxes against diseases. A large number of reports have documented the contamination of vegetables or fruits with human pathogenic microorganisms. In this paper, we reviewed the contamination and detection methods of human pathogenic intestinal protozoans that are frequently recovered from raw vegetables and fruits. The protozoan parasites include Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, Cyclospora cayetanensis, Entamoeba spp., Toxoplasma gondii, Balantioides coli, Blastocystis sp., Cystoisospora belli and Enterocytozoon bieneusi. The risk factors involved in the contamination of vegetables and fruits with parasites are also assessed.

Occurrence and genetic identifications of porcine Entamoeba, E. suis and E. polecki, at Tangerang in West Java, Indonesia.

Entamoeba suis and E. polecki subtype (ST) 1 and ST3 recently have been inferred to be virulent in pigs. However, because relevant molecular epidemiological surveys have been limited, the prevalences of these species remain unknown and their pathogenicities are still controversial. We surveyed 196 fecal samples of pigs (118 of adults, 78 of piglets) at Tangerang in West Java, Indonesia, in 2017, employing PCR using porcine Entamoeba-specific primers. E. suis was the more frequently detected species, observed in 81.1% of samples, while E. polecki ST1 and ST3 were detected in 18.4% and 17.3% of samples, respectively; mixed infections (harboring 2-3 species or subtypes of Entamoeba) were confirmed in 29.3% of positive samples. Statistically significant differences in the positive rates were not seen between adult pigs and piglets, except for those of E. polecki ST3. The prevalences of Eimeria spp. and/or Cystoisospora suis (79.1%), strongyles (55.6%), and Strongyloides spp. (6.1%) were also observed morphologically in the samples. Further chronological or seasonal investigations of pigs and humans in these high-prevalence areas are needed to assess the virulence of the Entamoeba parasites, including the effects on pig productivity, and to evaluate the zoonotic impacts of these organisms.

Prevalence, molecular epidemiology and zoonotic risk of Entamoeba spp. from experimental macaques in Yunnan Province, southwestern China.

Amebiasis is a worldwide parasitic zoonosis, with symptoms of abdominal discomfort, indigestion, diarrhea, and even death. However, limited information about the prevalence of Entamoeba spp. in experimental nonhuman primates (NHPs) in southwestern China is available. The objective of the current study was to investigate the frequency and species identity of Entamoeba to evaluate potential zoonotic risk factors for Entamoeba spp. infection in experimental NHPs. A total of 505 fecal samples were collected from NHPs (macaques) and analyzed by PCR analysis the small subunit rRNA (SSU rRNA) gene of Entamoeba spp. Forty-seven specimens were positive for Entamoeba spp., and the prevalence of Entamoeba spp. was 9.31% (47/505). Significant differences in the prevalence rates among the three breeds (P = 0.002 < 0.01, df = 2, χ2 = 12.33) and feed types (P = 0.001 < 0.01, df = 1, χ2 = 10.12) were observed. Altogether, four Entamoeba species, including E. dispar (57.44%), E. chattoni (29.78%), E. histolytica (6.38%), and E. coli (6.38%), were identified by DNA sequence analysis. The results suggested a low prevalence but high diversity of Entamoeba species in experimental NHPs in Yunnan Province, southwestern China. Results of this study contribute to the knowledge of the genetic characteristics of Entamoeba spp. in NHPs.