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1.
Parasit Vectors ; 14(1): 444, 2021 Sep 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34479608

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Strongyloides westeri is found in the small intestine of young horses, mainly in foals up to about 16 weeks of age. The main source of infection for foals is through transmammary transmission, and foals can develop acute diarrhoea, weakness, dermatitis and respiratory signs. The epidemiology of S. westeri in Australia is largely unknown. Further, molecular techniques have never been employed for detection of S. westeri in horses. This pilot study aimed to assess the utility of a molecular phylogenetic method for the detection of S. westeri in the faeces of foals. METHODS: Faecal samples were collected from a foal of less than 2 months of age, and eggs of Strongyloides sp. were detected using the modified McMaster technique. DNA was extracted from purified eggs, and a partial fragment of the small subunit of the nuclear ribosomal DNA (18S) was characterised using polymerase chain reaction, DNA sequencing and phylogenetic methods. RESULTS: Microscopic examination of faeces revealed small ellipsoidal eggs typical of Strongyloides sp. The 18S sequence generated by PCR in this study revealed 98.4% identity with that of a reference sequence of S. westeri available from GenBank. Phylogenetic analyses revealed a polyphyletic clustering of S. westeri sequences. CONCLUSION: This is the first study reporting the detection of DNA of Strongyloides sp. in faeces of a foal using a molecular phylogenetic approach targeting the variable region of 18S rDNA. It is anticipated that this study will allow future molecular epidemiological studies on S. westeri in horses.


Subject(s)
Horse Diseases/parasitology , Phylogeny , Strongyloides/genetics , Strongyloidiasis/epidemiology , Strongyloidiasis/veterinary , Age Factors , Animals , Antiparasitic Agents/therapeutic use , Australia/epidemiology , Breeding , DNA, Helminth/genetics , Feces/parasitology , Horse Diseases/drug therapy , Horse Diseases/epidemiology , Horses , Ivermectin/therapeutic use , Parasite Egg Count , Pilot Projects , Strongyloides/classification , Strongyloides/drug effects , Strongyloides/isolation & purification , Strongyloidiasis/drug therapy
2.
Parasitol Int ; 84: 102399, 2021 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34077794

ABSTRACT

Strongyloides is a genus of parasitic nematodes of vertebrates that contains over 50 species, each with a variable host range. A recent molecular phylogenetic analysis on this genus showed that Strongyloides spp. from various carnivore hosts form a strongly supported clade together with Strongyloides stercoralis, a major pathogen of humans and dogs (named the "stercoralis/procyonis group"). In the present study, we obtained DNA sequencing data of Strongyloides sp. isolated from an imported meerkat (Suricata suricatta). Based on the phylogenetic analysis, we considered this a new member of the stercoralis/procyonis group. This study represents the first isolation and molecular characterization of a Strongyloides species from hosts belonging to the family Herpestidae (mongooses and meerkat). However, whether the meerkat serves as a natural host of this Strongyloides species remains to be investigated.


Subject(s)
Herpestidae , Strongyloides/classification , Strongyloidiasis/veterinary , Animals , Base Sequence , DNA, Helminth/analysis , Male , Pets , Strongyloides/genetics , Strongyloides/isolation & purification , Strongyloidiasis/diagnosis , Strongyloidiasis/parasitology
3.
J Zoo Wildl Med ; 51(4): 1052-1055, 2021 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33480589

ABSTRACT

Over a period of 4 mo, an entire collection of seven Pine Barrens treefrogs (Hyla andersonii) died or were euthanized after developing pallor, generalized edema, and coelomic effusion. Necropsy revealed large numbers of strongyloidid nematodes within the small intestines associated with a moderate mucosal hyperplasia. Strongyloides sp. parasitic females, representing a novel species, were isolated from the fixed intestinal tract. This case report represents the first full description of strongyloidiasis in a tree frog army and highlights the potential of Strongyloides spp. as a cause of rapid mortality events associated with protein-losing enteropathy in frogs.


Subject(s)
Anura/parasitology , Strongyloides/classification , Strongyloidiasis/parasitology , Strongyloidiasis/veterinary , Animals , Female , Male
4.
Infect Genet Evol ; 85: 104516, 2020 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32860989

ABSTRACT

Human strongyloidiasis is caused by Strongyloides stercoralis, S. fuelleborni fuelleborni and Strongyloides f. kellyi. Strongyloides fuelleborni is a soil-transmitted nematode parasite typically infecting non-human primates. The southern pig-tailed macaque (Macaca nemestrina) is distributed throughout the southern part of Thailand and could be a source of zoonotic transmission of this nematode. Here, we extracted DNA from Strongyloides speciescultured from the feces of southern pig-tailed macaques and their owners. Using PCR and sequencing of the extracted DNA, we compared the nucleotide sequences of these worms using portions of the 18S rDNA hypervariable region IV (HVR-IV) and the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene. Sequences from the 18S rRNA gene were obtained from worms from 23 southern pig-tailed macaques and from one owner. These sequences were identical with each other and with all East and Southeast Asian S. fuelleborni sequences (from Japan, Thailand, and Lao PDR) in the GenBank database. A median-joining network of published cox1 sequences (n = 123), in combination with the present 24 new sequences, represented 107 haplotypes distributed among six clusters, which corresponded to geographical localities but did not relate to host species. The S. fuelleborni cox1 sequences from some southern pig-tailed macaques and the one infected owner shared the same cox1 haplotype. This is the first evidence of likely zoonotic transmission of S. fuelleborni from a reservoir host, M. nemestrina.


Subject(s)
DNA, Helminth/genetics , Macaca nemestrina/parasitology , Strongyloides/classification , Strongyloides/genetics , Strongyloidiasis/transmission , Zoonoses/parasitology , Zoonoses/transmission , Adult , Animals , DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics , Feces/parasitology , Female , Genetic Variation , Genotype , Haplotypes , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Ownership , Phylogeny , RNA, Ribosomal/genetics , Strongyloidiasis/veterinary , Thailand
5.
Parasitol Int ; 78: 102151, 2020 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32502520

ABSTRACT

Strongyloides stercoralis is a parasitic nematode and a major pathogen responsible for human strongyloidiasis. The presence of this species in the dog population has led to an interest in studying the phylogenetic relationships among Strongyloides spp. in carnivore hosts. In the present study, Strongyloides spp. from various carnivore hosts (raccoon, Japanese badger, Siberian weasel, raccoon dog, masked palm civet, and domestic cat) were sought. Except for civets, Strongyloides spp. were identified in all host species. Based on 18S rDNA sequences, nine OTUs (operational taxonomy units) were identified. Molecular phylogenetic analyses using 18S28S rDNA and mitochondrial cox1 (cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1) sequences clustered them into two groups. The first group (named the stercoralis/procyonis group) was comprised of six OTUs and occurred in cats, raccoon dogs, raccoons (S. procyonis), Siberian weasels, and Japanese badgers and included S. stercoralis from humans and dogs. The second group (named the planiceps group) was made up of Strongyloides spp. from raccoon dogs (two OTUs) and one OTU from Siberian weasels. Subsequent analysis using almost the full-length nucleotide sequences of protein-coding genes in their mitochondrial genomes placed Strongyloides spp. of cats in a sister taxon position to S. stercoralis, whereas S. procyonis from raccoons was more distantly related to them. The presence of Strongyloides spp. from various carnivore hosts, which are close relatives of S. stercoralis, suggests this group of Strongyloides (the stercoralis/procyonis group) essentially evolved as parasites of carnivores, although more data on Strongyloides spp. from primate hosts are needed.


Subject(s)
Carnivora , Strongyloides/classification , Strongyloidiasis/veterinary , Animals , Female , Japan , Myanmar , Phylogeny , RNA, Helminth/analysis , RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/analysis , Strongyloides/physiology , Strongyloidiasis/parasitology
6.
Parasitology ; 147(11): 1184-1195, 2020 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32539880

ABSTRACT

Human strongyloidiasis is a serious disease mostly attributable to Strongyloides stercoralis and to a lesser extent Strongyloides fuelleborni, a parasite mainly of non-human primates. The role of animals as reservoirs of human-infecting Strongyloides is ill-defined, and whether dogs are a source of human infection is debated. Published multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) studies attempt to elucidate relationships between Strongyloides genotypes, hosts, and distributions, but typically examine relatively few worms, making it difficult to identify population-level trends. Combining MLST data from multiple studies is often impractical because they examine different combinations of loci, eliminating phylogeny as a means of examining these data collectively unless hundreds of specimens are excluded. A recently-described machine learning approach that facilitates clustering of MLST data may offer a solution, even for datasets that include specimens sequenced at different combinations of loci. By clustering various MLST datasets as one using this procedure, we sought to uncover associations among genotype, geography, and hosts that remained elusive when examining datasets individually. Multiple datasets comprising hundreds of S. stercoralis and S. fuelleborni individuals were combined and clustered. Our results suggest that the commonly proposed 'two lineage' population structure of S. stercoralis (where lineage A infects humans and dogs, lineage B only dogs) is an over-simplification. Instead, S. stercoralis seemingly represents a species complex, including two distinct populations over-represented in dogs, and other populations vastly more common in humans. A distinction between African and Asian S. fuelleborni is also supported here, emphasizing the need for further resolving these taxonomic relationships through modern investigations.


Subject(s)
Machine Learning , Strongyloides/classification , Strongyloidiasis/parasitology , Animals , Computational Biology/methods , Disease Reservoirs , Dog Diseases/parasitology , Dogs , Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics , Feces/parasitology , Genes, Helminth , Genetic Speciation , Genotype , Haplotypes , Humans , Multilocus Sequence Typing , Phylogeny , Primates/parasitology , RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/genetics , Strongyloides/genetics , Strongyloides stercoralis/genetics , Strongyloidiasis/transmission , Strongyloidiasis/veterinary
7.
Parasitol Res ; 119(3): 947-956, 2020 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31950252

ABSTRACT

Nowadays, snakes established as domestic exotic pets, harboring numerous (zoonotic) gastrointestinal parasites. In this parasitological survey, we used direct saline fecal smears (DSFS) to examine 586 stool samples from 71 different snake species either kept as pets in households or in zoological gardens in Germany. In addition to DSFS, carbol-fuchsin-fecal smears (n = 296), coproantigen ELISA tests (n = 98), and immunofluorescence assays (IFA; n = 77) for the detection reptile Cryptosporidium infections were conducted. Complete dissections of deceased snakes (n = 63) were also performed in order to gain data on endoparasite species burdens affecting domestic snakes. Overall, examined fecal samples contained 20 different parasite taxa: Ancylostomatid Kalicephalus spp. were the most prevalent nematode species (3.3%), followed by Strongyloides/Rhabdias (2.6%), flagellated protozoan trophozoites (e. g., Proteromonadida, Reteromonadida) (2.3%), Monocercomonas spp. (1.9%), Entamoeba spp. (1.4%), unsporulated coccidian oocysts (1.4%), Kapsulotaenia spp. (0.9%), Capillaria spp. (0.7%), indet. trematodes (0.5%), pentastomids (0.5%), spirurids (0.4%), Eimeria spp. (0.4%), ascarids (0.4%), Blastocystis sp. (0.2%), heterakids (0.2%), cestodes (Proteocephalidae) (0.2%), Plagiorchis spp. (0.2%), Cryptosporidium spp. (0.2%), Caryospora epicratesi (0.2%), and Sarcocystis spp. (0.2%). For Cryptosporidium, four carbol-fuchsin-stained smears (1.4%), 12 (12.2%) coproantigen ELISA-examined samples and 5.2% of examined samples were diagnosed with IFA. Fourteen (22.2%) of dissected snakes showed infections with various pathogenic nematode genera and 8 of them (12.7%) died due to protozoan parasitic infections. High prevalences of intestinal protozoan parasites resulting in severe pathological findings observed in dissected snakes call for more detailed investigations on gastrointestinal parasites.


Subject(s)
Cryptosporidiosis/parasitology , Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/parasitology , Snakes/parasitology , Strongyloides/classification , Strongyloides/isolation & purification , Strongyloidiasis/veterinary , Animals , Cryptosporidium/isolation & purification , Entamoeba/isolation & purification , Feces/parasitology , Gardens , Germany/epidemiology , Oocysts/isolation & purification , Rhabdiasoidea/classification , Rhabdiasoidea/isolation & purification
8.
PLoS Negl Trop Dis ; 13(9): e0007609, 2019 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31525192

ABSTRACT

Strongyloidiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by the human infective nematodes Strongyloides stercoralis, Strongyloides fuelleborni fuelleborni and Strongyloides fuelleborni kellyi. Previous large-scale studies exploring the genetic diversity of this important genus have focused on Southeast Asia, with a small number of isolates from the USA, Switzerland, Australia and several African countries having been genotyped. Consequently, little is known about the global distribution of geographic sub-variants of these nematodes and the genetic diversity that exists within the genus Strongyloides generally. We extracted DNA from human, dog and primate feces containing Strongyloides, collected from several countries representing all inhabited continents. Using a genotyping assay adapted for deep amplicon sequencing on the Illumina MiSeq platform, we sequenced the hyper-variable I and hyper-variable IV regions of the Strongyloides 18S rRNA gene and a fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene from these specimens. We report several novel findings including unique S. stercoralis and S. fuelleborni genotypes, and the first identifications of a previously unknown S. fuelleborni infecting humans within Australia. We expand on an existing Strongyloides genotyping scheme to accommodate S. fuelleborni and these novel genotypes. In doing so, we compare our data to all 18S and cox1 sequences of S. fuelleborni and S. stercoralis available in GenBank (to our knowledge), that overlap with the sequences generated using our approach. As this analysis represents more than 1,000 sequences collected from diverse hosts and locations, representing all inhabited continents, it allows a truly global understanding of the population genetic structure of the Strongyloides species infecting humans, non-human primates, and domestic dogs.


Subject(s)
Genetic Variation , Strongyloides/genetics , Strongyloidiasis/genetics , Animals , Cyclooxygenase 1/genetics , Dogs , Feces/parasitology , Genotype , High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing , Humans , Neglected Diseases , Primates , RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/genetics , Sequence Analysis, DNA , Strongyloides/classification , Strongyloides stercoralis/genetics , Strongyloidiasis/epidemiology , Strongyloidiasis/veterinary
9.
PLoS Negl Trop Dis ; 13(8): e0007241, 2019 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31430282

ABSTRACT

Strongyloidiasis is caused by the human infective nematodes Strongyloides stercoralis, Strongyloides fuelleborni subsp. fuelleborni and Strongyloides fuelleborni subsp. kellyi. The zoonotic potential of S. stercoralis and the potential role of dogs in the maintenance of strongyloidiasis transmission has been a topic of interest and discussion for many years. In Australia, strongyloidiasis is prevalent in remote socioeconomically disadvantaged communities in the north of the continent. Being an isolated continent that has been separated from other regions for a long geological period, description of diversity of Australian Strongyloides genotypes adds to our understanding of the genetic diversity within the genus. Using PCR and amplicon sequencing (Illumina sequencing technology), we sequenced the Strongyloides SSU rDNA hyper-variable I and hyper-variable IV regions using Strongyloides-specific primers, and a fragment of the mtDNA cox1 gene using primers that are broadly specific for Strongyloides sp. and hookworms. These loci were amplified from DNA extracted from Australian human and dog faeces, and one human sputum sample. Using this approach, we confirm for the first time that potentially zoonotic S. stercoralis populations are present in Australia, suggesting that dogs represent a potential reservoir of human strongyloidiasis in remote Australian communities.


Subject(s)
Genotype , Strongyloides/genetics , Strongyloides/isolation & purification , Strongyloidiasis/physiopathology , Strongyloidiasis/veterinary , Ancylostomatoidea , Animals , Australia/epidemiology , Cyclooxygenase 1 , DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics , DNA, Ribosomal/genetics , Dog Diseases/epidemiology , Dog Diseases/parasitology , Dogs , Feces/parasitology , High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing , Humans , Strongyloides/classification , Strongyloidiasis/epidemiology , Strongyloidiasis/transmission , Surveys and Questionnaires
10.
Am J Trop Med Hyg ; 100(2): 357-364, 2019 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30628564

ABSTRACT

Gastrointestinal parasites have diverse life cycles that can involve people, animals, and the environment (e.g., water and soil), demonstrating the utility of One Health frameworks in characterizing infection risk. Kosumpee Forest Park (Thailand) is home to a dense population of long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) that frequently interact with tourists and local residents. Our study investigated the presence of zoonotic parasites, and barriers to healthy coexistence by conducting stool analysis on macaques (N = 102) and people (N = 115), and by examining risk factors for infection with a household questionnaire (N = 95). Overall, 44% of macaques and 12% of people were infected with one or more gastrointestinal helminths, including Strongyloides spp., Ascaris spp., and Trichuris sp. An adults-only generalized linear mixed model identified three factors significantly associated with human infection: household size, occupational exposure, and contact with macaque feces at home. Participants identified both advantages and disadvantages to living in close contact with macaques, suggesting that interventions to improve human and animal health in Kosumpee Forest Park would be welcome.


Subject(s)
Helminthiasis, Animal/epidemiology , Helminthiasis/epidemiology , Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/veterinary , Macaca fascicularis/parasitology , Monkey Diseases/epidemiology , Adolescent , Adult , Animals , Ascaris/classification , Ascaris/isolation & purification , Child , Child, Preschool , Family Characteristics , Feces/parasitology , Female , Helminthiasis/parasitology , Helminthiasis/transmission , Helminthiasis, Animal/parasitology , Helminthiasis, Animal/transmission , Humans , Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/epidemiology , Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/parasitology , Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/transmission , Male , Middle Aged , Monkey Diseases/parasitology , Monkey Diseases/transmission , Parks, Recreational , Strongyloides/classification , Strongyloides/isolation & purification , Surveys and Questionnaires , Thailand/epidemiology , Trichuris/classification , Trichuris/isolation & purification
11.
Infect Genet Evol ; 63: 249-256, 2018 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29705361

ABSTRACT

In this study, we characterize the diversity and estimated infection levels of gastrointestinal parasites circulating in two galago species, Galago demidoff and G. thomasi in two sites situated in the Southeastern forests of Gabon. Our study reveals that eleven parasites including nine helminthes (Ascaris spp., Ankylostoma spp., Dicrocoelium spp., Gongylonema spp., Oesophagostomum spp., Lemuricola spp., Strongyloides spp. Trichostrongylus spp. and Trichuris spp.) and two protozoans (Balantidium spp. and Entamoeba spp.) may infect Galago spp. with high infection rates. The results show that: a very similar parasite spectrum is found in both host species; all the taxa identified were previously observed in other Primate species and/or Man. They also show that age, gender and forest type may influence infection rates and/or parasite diversity found in a particular host and/or geographic area.


Subject(s)
Balantidiasis/veterinary , Entamoebiasis/veterinary , Galago/parasitology , Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/veterinary , Nematode Infections/veterinary , Ancylostoma/classification , Ancylostoma/isolation & purification , Animals , Ascaris/classification , Ascaris/isolation & purification , Balantidiasis/epidemiology , Balantidiasis/parasitology , Balantidium/classification , Balantidium/isolation & purification , Dicrocoelium/classification , Dicrocoelium/isolation & purification , Entamoeba/classification , Entamoeba/isolation & purification , Entamoebiasis/epidemiology , Entamoebiasis/parasitology , Feces/parasitology , Female , Forests , Gabon/epidemiology , Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/epidemiology , Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/parasitology , Male , Nematode Infections/epidemiology , Nematode Infections/parasitology , Oesophagostomum/classification , Oesophagostomum/isolation & purification , Prevalence , Spiruroidea/classification , Spiruroidea/isolation & purification , Strongyloides/classification , Strongyloides/isolation & purification , Trichostrongylus/classification , Trichostrongylus/isolation & purification , Trichuris/classification , Trichuris/isolation & purification
12.
Genome Biol Evol ; 9(10): 2826-2843, 2017 10 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29036592

ABSTRACT

The nematode family Strongyloididae is of particular interest because it contains important parasites of medical and veterinary relevance. In addition, species of this family can form parasitic and free-living generations and it also occupies an interesting phylogenetic position within the nematodes. Nematodes differ in several ways from other taxa with respect to their small noncoding RNAs. Recent comparative studies revealed that there is also considerable variability within the nematodes. However, no Strongyloididae species or close relative was included in these studies. We characterized the small RNAs of two developmental stages of three different Strongyloididae species and compared them with the well-studied free-living nematodes Caenorhabditis elegans and Pristionchus pacificus. Strongyloididae have conserved and taxon-specific microRNAs, many of which are differentially regulated between the two developmental stages. We identified a novel class of around 27-nucleotide-long RNAs starting with 5'G or A, of which a large fraction have the potential to target transposable elements. These RNAs most likely have triphosphates at their 5' ends and are therefore presumably synthesized by RNA-dependent RNA polymerases. In contrast to C. elegans but similarly to some other nematode taxa, Strongyloididae have no Piwi-interacting RNAs, nor do their genomes encode Argonaute proteins of the Piwi family. Finally, we attempted but failed to detect circulating parasite small RNAs in the blood of hosts.


Subject(s)
Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental , MicroRNAs/genetics , RNA, Helminth/genetics , Strongyloides/genetics , Animals , Argonaute Proteins/genetics , Caenorhabditis elegans/classification , Caenorhabditis elegans/genetics , Caenorhabditis elegans/growth & development , Cell-Free Nucleic Acids/blood , Cell-Free Nucleic Acids/genetics , Female , Genes, Helminth , Larva/genetics , Larva/growth & development , MicroRNAs/chemistry , Phylogeny , RNA, Small Interfering/genetics , Rats , Rats, Wistar , Species Specificity , Strongyloides/classification , Strongyloides/growth & development
13.
Parasitology ; 144(3): 274-284, 2017 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27374886

ABSTRACT

This paper reviews the occurrence and impact of threadworms, Strongyloides spp., in companion animals and large livestock, the potential zoonotic implications and future research. Strongyloides spp. infect a range of domestic animal species worldwide and clinical disease is most often encountered in young animals. Dogs are infected with Strongyloides stercoralis while cats are infected with different species according to geographical location (Strongyloides felis, Strongyloides tumefaciens, Strongyloides planiceps and perhaps S. stercoralis). In contrast to the other species, lactogenic transmission is not a primary means of infection in dogs, and S. stercoralis is the only species considered zoonotic. Strongyloides papillosus in calves has been linked to heavy fatalities under conditions of high stocking density. Strongyloides westeri and Strongyloides ransomi of horses and pigs, respectively, cause only sporadic clinical disease. In conclusion, these infections are generally of low relative importance in livestock and equines, most likely due to extensive use of macrocyclic lactone anthelmintics and/or improved hygiene. Future prevalence studies need to include molecular typing of Strongyloides species in relation to different hosts. More research is urgently needed on the potential zoonotic capacity of Strongyloides from dogs and cats based on molecular typing, information on risk factors and mapping of transmission routes.


Subject(s)
Animals, Domestic/parasitology , Pets/parasitology , Strongyloides/classification , Strongyloides/isolation & purification , Strongyloidiasis/veterinary , Zoonoses/epidemiology , Zoonoses/parasitology , Animals , Cross-Sectional Studies , Strongyloidiasis/epidemiology , Strongyloidiasis/parasitology
14.
Parasitology ; 144(3): 263-273, 2017 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27181117

ABSTRACT

The majority of the 30-100 million people infected with Strongyloides stercoralis, a soil transmitted intestinal nematode, have subclinical (or asymptomatic) infections. These infections are commonly chronic and longstanding because of the autoinfective process associated with its unique life cycle. A change in immune status can increase parasite numbers, leading to hyperinfection syndrome, dissemination, and death if unrecognized. Corticosteroid use and HTLV-1 infection are most commonly associated with the hyperinfection syndrome. Strongyloides adult parasites reside in the small intestine and induce immune responses both local and systemic that remain poorly characterized. Definitive diagnosis of S. stercoralis infection is based on stool examinations for larvae, but newer diagnostics - including new immunoassays and molecular tests - will assume primacy in the next few years. Although good treatment options exist for infection and control of this infection might be possible, S. stercoralis remains largely neglected.


Subject(s)
Strongyloides/classification , Strongyloides/pathogenicity , Strongyloidiasis/pathology , Strongyloidiasis/parasitology , Animals , Anthelmintics/therapeutic use , Diagnostic Tests, Routine , Humans , Molecular Diagnostic Techniques/methods , Parasitology/methods , Prevalence , Strongyloides/immunology , Strongyloidiasis/diagnosis , Strongyloidiasis/drug therapy , Strongyloidiasis/epidemiology
15.
Parasitol Res ; 116(1): 335-345, 2017 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27785599

ABSTRACT

In Eastern Africa, small-scale pig keeping has emerged as a popular activity to generate additional household income. Infections of pigs with gastrointestinal helminths can limit production output, increase production costs, and pose zoonotic risks. A cross-sectional, community-based study in three districts in Eastern and Central Uganda examined the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminthes and associated risk factors in 932 randomly sampled pigs. Using the combined sedimentation-flotation method, 61.4 % (58.2-64.5 %, 95 % confidence interval [CI]) tested positive for one or more gastrointestinal helminths, namely, strongyles (57.1 %, 95 % CI), Metastrongylus spp. (7.6 %, 95 % CI), Ascaris suum (5.9 %, 95 % CI), Strongyloides ransomi (4.2 %, 95 % CI), and Trichuris suis (3.4 %, 95 % CI). Coccidia oocysts were found in 40.7 % of all pigs sampled (37.5-44.0 %, 95 % CI). Significant differences across the three districts were observed for the presence of A. suum (p < 0.001), Metastrongylus spp. (p = 0.001), S. ransomi (p = 0.002), and coccidia oocysts (p = 0.05). All animals tested negative for Fasciola spp. and Balantidium coli. Thirty-five variables were included in univariable analyses with helminth infection as the outcome of interest. A causal model was generated to identify relationships among the potential predictors, and consequently, seven variables with p ≤ 0.15 were included in a multivariable analysis for helminth infection. The final regression models showed that routine management factors had a greater impact on the prevalence of infection than regular, preventive medical treatment or the level of confinement. Factors that negatively correlated with gastrointestinal infection were the routine removal of manure and litter from pig pens (p ≤ 0.05, odds ratio [OR] = 0.667) and the routine use of disinfectants (p ≤ 0.05, OR = 0.548).


Subject(s)
Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/veterinary , Strongyloidiasis/veterinary , Swine Diseases/parasitology , Trichuriasis/veterinary , Animals , Cross-Sectional Studies , Feces/parasitology , Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/epidemiology , Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/parasitology , Male , Prevalence , Risk Factors , Strongyloides/classification , Strongyloidiasis/epidemiology , Strongyloidiasis/parasitology , Swine , Swine Diseases/epidemiology , Trichuriasis/epidemiology , Trichuriasis/parasitology , Trichuris/classification , Uganda/epidemiology
16.
Parasitol Int ; 65(5 Pt A): 367-70, 2016 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27180094

ABSTRACT

DNA sequence analysis was carried out on Strongyloides spp. larvae obtained from fecal samples of local humans, a wild western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) and a central chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes troglodytes) inhabiting Dzanga-Sangha Protected Areas (DSPA), Central African Republic, and eastern chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) living in degraded forest fragments on farmland in Bulindi, Uganda. From humans, both Strongyloides fuelleborni and Strongyloides stercoralis were recorded, though the former was predominant. Only S. fuelleborni was present in the great apes in both areas. Phylogenetic analysis of partial mtDNA cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene (Cox1) and comparison of 18S rDNA hyper variable region IV (HVR-IV) sequences implied that in DSPA S. fuelleborni populations in humans differ from those in the nonhuman great apes.


Subject(s)
Ape Diseases/epidemiology , Gorilla gorilla/parasitology , Pan troglodytes/parasitology , Strongyloides/classification , Strongyloidiasis/epidemiology , Strongyloidiasis/veterinary , Animals , Ape Diseases/parasitology , Base Sequence , Central African Republic/epidemiology , Cyclooxygenase 1/genetics , DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics , DNA, Protozoan/genetics , Feces/parasitology , Humans , Larva/genetics , Phylogeny , RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/genetics , Sequence Analysis, DNA , Strongyloides/genetics , Strongyloides/isolation & purification , Strongyloidiasis/parasitology , Uganda/epidemiology
17.
WormBook ; : 1-17, 2015 Jul 16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26183912

ABSTRACT

Strongyloides is a genus of parasitic nematodes that, unusually, has a free-living adult generation. Here we introduce the biology of this genus, especially the fascinating but complex life-cycle, together with an overview of the taxonomy, morphology, genetics, and genomics of this genus.


Subject(s)
Strongyloides/physiology , Animals , Genomics , Humans , Life Cycle Stages/genetics , Phylogeny , Sex Determination Processes , Strongyloides/anatomy & histology , Strongyloides/classification , Strongyloides/genetics , Strongyloidiasis/parasitology
18.
Rev. Inst. Med. Trop. Säo Paulo ; 56(2): 105-109, Mar-Apr/2014. tab, graf
Article in English | LILACS | ID: lil-703744

ABSTRACT

The administration of viable Bifidobacterium animalis was tested to induce resistance against Strongyloides venezuelensis infection in mice. Effects on parasite burden, worm length, egg output, and intestinal mucosal histology were evaluated. The oral administration of B. animalis, strain 04450B, starting 14 days before the inoculation of nematode larvae significantly decreased the worm burden and egg output. In probiotic treated animals, the percent reduction of adult worms in the intestine was of 33% and the reduction of egg production was of 21%, compared with those of the control group. The duodenum villous height and villous/crypt ratio were significantly higher in probiotic-treated mice, indicating that this group could be experiencing less intestinal damage. The present findings revealed that the administration of B. animalis for the amelioration of host response to nematode infections is biologically plausible and could have some potential for impacting public health. Meanwhile, further study is needed to delineate the nature and identity of the factor(s) involved in these beneficial effects.


Os efeitos da administração de Bifidobacterium animalis viáveis sobre a infecção por Strongyloides venezuelensis foram avaliados em camundongos experimentalmente infectados. Os parâmetros analisados incluíram a carga parasitária, o comprimento dos vermes, a quantidade de ovos eliminados e a histologia da mucosa intestinal. A administração oral da cepa 04450B de B. animalis, iniciada 14 dias antes da inoculação de larvas do nematódeo, foi acompanhada de uma redução significativa do número de vermes que se estabeleceu no intestino e do número de ovos eliminados nas fezes. Nos animais tratados com o probiótico, o percentual de redução de vermes adultos no intestino foi de 33% e da produção de ovos foi de 21%, em comparação com os do grupo controle. O comprimento das vilosidades do duodeno e a relação vilus/cripta foram significativamente maiores nos animais tratados, indicando que nestes animais as lesões intestinais foram mais leves. Os resultados do presente trabalho revelaram que a administração de B. animalis com o propósito de modular a resposta do hospedeiro contra infecções por nematódeos é uma possibilidade biologicamente plausível com impacto potencial em saúde pública. No entanto, são ainda necessários mais estudos para esclarecer os mecanismos de ação destes microrganismos e identificar os fatores envolvidos na produção dos efeitos benéficos.


Subject(s)
Animals , Mice , Bifidobacterium , Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/prevention & control , Probiotics/administration & dosage , Strongyloides/growth & development , Strongyloidiasis/prevention & control , Feces/parasitology , Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/parasitology , Intestinal Mucosa/immunology , Intestinal Mucosa/parasitology , Intestinal Mucosa/pathology , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Parasite Egg Count , Strongyloides/classification
19.
Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo ; 56(2): 105-9, 2014.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24626410

ABSTRACT

The administration of viable Bifidobacterium animalis was tested to induce resistance against Strongyloides venezuelensis infection in mice. Effects on parasite burden, worm length, egg output, and intestinal mucosal histology were evaluated. The oral administration of B. animalis, strain 04450B, starting 14 days before the inoculation of nematode larvae significantly decreased the worm burden and egg output. In probiotic treated animals, the percent reduction of adult worms in the intestine was of 33% and the reduction of egg production was of 21%, compared with those of the control group. The duodenum villous height and villous/crypt ratio were significantly higher in probiotic-treated mice, indicating that this group could be experiencing less intestinal damage. The present findings revealed that the administration of B. animalis for the amelioration of host response to nematode infections is biologically plausible and could have some potential for impacting public health. Meanwhile, further study is needed to delineate the nature and identity of the factor(s) involved in these beneficial effects.


Subject(s)
Bifidobacterium , Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/prevention & control , Probiotics/administration & dosage , Strongyloides/growth & development , Strongyloidiasis/prevention & control , Animals , Feces/parasitology , Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/parasitology , Intestinal Mucosa/immunology , Intestinal Mucosa/parasitology , Intestinal Mucosa/pathology , Mice , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Parasite Egg Count , Strongyloides/classification
20.
J Parasitol ; 99(6): 1009-18, 2013 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23909511

ABSTRACT

Abstract : Seven cases of parasitism by Strongyloides cebus were identified in Lagothrix cana from Brazil. Aspects of the clinical presentation, treatment, pathology, and parasitic biology of these infections are described. Moderate to severe disease was observed, requiring hospitalization of 3 primates, and diarrhea was the most common clinical sign described. One L. cana individual died, for which ulcerative enteritis was the major finding upon histopathological analysis. The use of ivermectin in these atelids was safe and effective against the parasite. Parallel attempts to experimentally infect gerbils with the parasite failed. Lagothrix cana is presented as a new host for S. cebus. The evidence that Strongyloides infections are common in nonhuman primates under free-living conditions, and even more prevalent in captive animals, likely represents a neglected problem.


Subject(s)
Atelinae/parasitology , Monkey Diseases/parasitology , Strongyloides/isolation & purification , Strongyloidiasis/veterinary , Animals , Antiparasitic Agents/therapeutic use , Feces/parasitology , Female , Gerbillinae , Host-Parasite Interactions , Intestine, Small/parasitology , Intestine, Small/pathology , Ivermectin/therapeutic use , Larva/growth & development , Male , Monkey Diseases/diagnosis , Monkey Diseases/drug therapy , Strongyloides/classification , Strongyloides/growth & development , Strongyloidiasis/diagnosis , Strongyloidiasis/drug therapy
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