Cyclosporine A increases the intensity of Toxocara canis infection in swiss mice.

Toxocariasis is a zoonotic disease of worldwide distribution. The connection between parasitic diseases and conditions that depress the immune system, such as the use of immunosuppressive drugs, has been studied. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Cyclosporine A (CsA) on the intensity of infection, humoral response and gene transcription of interleukins IL-4, IL-10 and IL-12 in mice experimentally infected with Toxocara canis. To this end, mice were divided into two groups treated with CsA (G1: 10 mg/Kg and G2: 50 mg/kg), the G3 and G4 group received PBS. After the last administration of the drug or PBS (orally every 48 hours for 15 days), groups G1, G2 and G3 were inoculated with 1200 eggs of T. canis. Was collected blood samples on days zero, 15 and 30 days post-inoculation (PI), for ELISA test and the mice were euthanized 30 days PI. The organs and striated muscle tissue were collected for the recovery of larvae. The splenocytes were analyzed by RT-PCR. The intensity of infection in the mice treated with 50 mg/kg of CsA was 65.5% higher than in the control group (p=0.001). An analysis of the kinetics of anti-Toxocara antibody revealed that the groups treated with CsA showed significantly higher mean levels of antibodies on day 15 PI. The transcription of the three tested interleukins showed no statistical difference between G2 and G3 (control). It was concluded that the immunosuppression triggered by CsA (50 mg/Kg) favored the establishment of a larger number of T. canis larvae without, however, altering immunoglobulin production and IL-4, IL-10 and IL-12 transcription on day 30 PI.

Saccharomyces boulardii reduces the vertical transmission of Toxocara canis larvae in mice.

Probiotics have been shown to reduce the intensity of Toxocara canis infection in mice. However, larval transmission of this nematode also occurs via transplacental and transmammary routes. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the Saccharomyces boulardii probiotic on the vertical transmission of T. canis in Swiss mice. The mice received 107S. boulardii colony-forming units per gram of food. The supplementation began 15 days before mating and was maintained throughout pregnancy and lactation. The animals were inoculated with 300 T. canis embryonated eggs on the 14th day of pregnancy. The presence of larvae was examined in the organs of the females and their offspring. The examined organs included the following: brain, liver, lungs, heart, kidneys, spleen, eye, skeletal muscle (carcass) and mammary glands of lactating females. There was a 42% (P = 0.041) reduction in the number of larvae transmitted to offspring in the group that received probiotic-supplemented food (GI). Additionally, there was a 50% reduction (P = 0.023) in the number of larvae found in the brains of lactating offspring in the GI group. These results reveal the potential of S. boulardii probiotic use as an auxiliary method of controlling visceral toxocariasis.

Antihelminthic action of the Anethum graveolens essential oil on Haemonchus contortus eggs and larvae / Ação anti-helmítica do óleo essencial de Anethum graveolens sobre ovos e larvas de Haemonchus contortus

Abstract Gastrointestinal nematodes are responsible for great economic losses in sheep raising, and their control has long been carried out almost exclusively by the administration of anthelmintics, which have led to serious resistance problems. In the search for alternative control measures, phytotherapic research is highlighted. The aim of this study was to evaluate the action of Anethum graveolens (dill) essential oil on different stages of Haemonchus contortus life cycle, as well its cytotoxicity MDBK (Madin-Darby bovine kidney) cells. H. contortus larvae and eggs were obtained from infected sheep feces, and essential oil extracted from plant seeds through the Clevenger apparatus. 9.4, 4.7, 2.35, 1.17. 0.58 and 0.29 mg/mL concentrations were evaluated. The Egg Hatch Inhibition (HI), Larval Development Inhibition (LDI) and Larval Migration Inhibition (LMI) techniques were used. Thybendazole 0.025 mg/mL in HI and Levamisole 0.02 mg/mL in the LDI and LMI tests were used as positive controls, while distilled water and a Tween 80 solution were used as positive negative controls. The inhibition results obtained for the highest oil concentration were: HI 100%, LDI 98.58% and LMI 63.7%, differing (�� <0.05) from negative controls. Main A. graveolens oil components present in 95.93% of the total oil were Dihydrocarvone (39.1%), Carvone (22.24%), D-Limonene (16.84%), Apiol (10.49%) and Trans-dihydrocarvone (7.26%). Minimum A. graveolens essential oil concentrations required to inhibit 50% (IC50) of egg hatching, larval development and larval migration were 0.006 mg/mL, 2.536 mg/mL and 3.963 mg/mL, respectively. Cell viability in MDBK (Madin-Darby bovine kidney) cells, when incubated with A. graveolens essential oil, was 86% for the highest (9.4 mg/mL) and 99% for the lowest concentration (0.29 mg/mL). A. graveolens essential oil, according to the results obtained in this study, is a promising alternative in sheep gastrointestinal nematode control.

Resumo Os nematoides gastrintestinais são responsáveis ​​por grandes perdas econômicas na ovinocultura, e seu controle tem sido realizado quase exclusivamente pela administração de anti-helmínticos, que levaram a sérios problemas de resistência. Na busca de medidas alternativas de controle, destaca-se a pesquisa fitoterápica. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a ação do óleo essencial de Anethum graveolens (endro) em diferentes estágios de Haemonchus contortus, bem como testar a viabilidade celular para o óleo. Larvas e ovos de H. contortus foram obtidos de fezes de ovinos infectados e óleo essencial extraído de sementes de plantas através do aparelho de Clevenger. As concentrações avaliadas foram 9,4, 4,7, 2,35, 1,17, 0,58 e 0,29 mg/mL. Verificou-se a Inibição de eclosão dos ovos (IE), Inibição de Desenvolvimento Larval (IDL) e Inibição de Migração Larval (IML). Tiabendazol 0,025 mg/mL em IE e Levamisole 0.02 mg/mL nos testes IDL e IML foram usados ​​como controles positivos, enquanto água destilada e uma solução Tween 80 foram usados como controles negativos. Os resultados de inibição obtidos para a maior concentração de óleo foram: IE 100%, IDL 98,58% e IML 63,7%, diferindo (�� <0,05) dos controles negativos. Os principais componentes presentes em 95,93% do óleo total de A. graveolens foram Di-hidrocarvona (39,1%), Carvona (22,24%), D-Limoneno (16,84%), Apiol (10,49%) e Trans-di-hidrocarvona (7,26%). As concentrações mínimas de óleo essencial de A. graveolens necessárias para inibir 50% (IC50) de eclosão dos ovos, desenvolvimento larval e migração larval foram de 0,006 mg/mL, 2,536 mg/mL e 3,963 mg/mL, respectivamente. A viabilidade celular nas células MDBK (rim bovino Madin-Darby), quando incubadas com o óleo essencial de A. graveolens, foi de 86% para a maior (9,4 mg/mL) e 99% para a menor concentração (0,29 mg/mL). O óleo essencial de A. graveolens mostrou ser uma alternativa promissora no controle de nematoides gastrintestinais de ovinos.

Antihelminthic action of the Anethum graveolens essential oil on Haemonchus contortus eggs and larvae.

Gastrointestinal nematodes are responsible for great economic losses in sheep raising, and their control has long been carried out almost exclusively by the administration of anthelmintics, which have led to serious resistance problems. In the search for alternative control measures, phytotherapic research is highlighted. The aim of this study was to evaluate the action of Anethum graveolens (dill) essential oil on different stages of Haemonchus contortus life cycle, as well its cytotoxicity MDBK (Madin-Darby bovine kidney) cells. H. contortus larvae and eggs were obtained from infected sheep feces, and essential oil extracted from plant seeds through the Clevenger apparatus. 9.4, 4.7, 2.35, 1.17. 0.58 and 0.29 mg/mL concentrations were evaluated. The Egg Hatch Inhibition (HI), Larval Development Inhibition (LDI) and Larval Migration Inhibition (LMI) techniques were used. Thybendazole 0.025 mg/mL in HI and Levamisole 0.02 mg/mL in the LDI and LMI tests were used as positive controls, while distilled water and a Tween 80 solution were used as positive negative controls. The inhibition results obtained for the highest oil concentration were: HI 100%, LDI 98.58% and LMI 63.7%, differing (𝑝 <0.05) from negative controls. Main A. graveolens oil components present in 95.93% of the total oil were Dihydrocarvone (39.1%), Carvone (22.24%), D-Limonene (16.84%), Apiol (10.49%) and Trans-dihydrocarvone (7.26%). Minimum A. graveolens essential oil concentrations required to inhibit 50% (IC50) of egg hatching, larval development and larval migration were 0.006 mg/mL, 2.536 mg/mL and 3.963 mg/mL, respectively. Cell viability in MDBK (Madin-Darby bovine kidney) cells, when incubated with A. graveolens essential oil, was 86% for the highest (9.4 mg/mL) and 99% for the lowest concentration (0.29 mg/mL). A. graveolens essential oil, according to the results obtained in this study, is a promising alternative in sheep gastrointestinal nematode control.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae (YT001) supplementation for the control of Haemonchus contortus and modulation of the immune response of sheep.

Studies aiming at the development and evaluation of alternative methods to minimise losses caused by the gastrointestinal nematode Haemonchus contortus are extremely important. Such research is essential, given the high morbidity rates among sheep and the significant mortality rates of lambs, allied to the low efficacy of commercial products for the control of this parasite. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae (YT001 - YEASTECH) on the control of H. contortus and its modulation of the immune response in experimentally infected sheep. Eighteen sheep were divided into two groups. Group 1, the control group, comprised animals infected with H. contortus and supplemented with distilled water, while Group 2, the treated group, consisted of animals infected and supplemented with S. cerevisiae (400 million cfu/day of suspension for 49 days). The following parasitological parameters were evaluated: number of eggs per gram of faeces, number of infective larvae (L3) recovered per faecal culture, and parasitic load of the abomasum. The following immunological parameters were quantified: immunoglobulin (Ig)A in the mucous secretions and serum IgG; cytokines interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5 and IL-10; number of eosinophils in the abomasal mucosa and groups of cells positive for the markers: MHCII, CD4+CD25+, CD5+CD8+, WC4, CD5+CD4+, CD8+CD11b+ and CD5+WC1 by whole blood flow cytometry. The results revealed a significant decrease (P<0.05) in the number of larvae and significantly higher serum IgG levels (P<0.05) in the group supplemented with S. cerevisiae. The supplemented animals showed significantly larger numbers of eosinophils (P<0.05), as well as more cells positive for MHCII, CD4+CD25+, CD5+CD8+ than the control animals. This study confirmed the beneficial action of S. cerevisiae on the host immune response to H. contortus, as evidenced mainly by the smaller number of L3 recovered from the faeces of sheep supplemented with S. cerevisiae.

Intestinal parasites in cancer patients in the South of Brazil / Parasitos intestinais em pacientes com câncer do Sul do Brasil

Abstract Intestinal parasitic infections in immunocompromised patients can lead to serious complications when not diagnosed and treated early. This study aimed to investigate the frequency of intestinal parasites in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in the South of Brazil. Three fecal samples collected from each patient (73 individuals) were processed by Ritchie and Faust techniques and submitted to specific staining methods for intestinal protozoa. A 61.6% parasite and/or commensal positivity was found. Helminths identified were Ascaris lumbricoides (33.3%), Taenia spp. (6.6%), Strongyloides stercoralis (4.4%) and Trichuris trichiura (2.2%). Among protozoans, Giardia lamblia (26.6%), Cryptosporidium spp. (13.3%) and Cystoisospora belli (4.4%) were identified. The presence of Entamoeba coli, Endolimax nana and Entamoeba hartmanni was also recorded. The results obtained warn of the importance of fecal parasitological diagnosis and the use of specific staining methods for the detection of intestinal parasites in cancer patients. These exams should be regularly requested at the patient's first clinic visit, given the high prevalence found in this study and the possible severity of such conditions for these individuals.

Resumo As parasitoses intestinais em pacientes imunocomprometidos podem levar a graves complicações se não diagnosticadas e tratadas precocemente. Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar a frequência de parasitos intestinais em pacientes oncológicos submetidos ao tratamento quimioterápico. Foram coletadas três amostras de fezes de cada paciente, sendo processadas pelas técnicas de Ritchie e Faust e submetidas à métodos de coloração específicos para protozoários intestinais. Foi encontrada positividade de 61,6% para parasitos e/ou comensais. Os helmintos identificados foram Ascaris lumbricoides (33,3%), Taenia spp. (6,6%), Strongyloides stercoralis (4,4%) e Trichuris trichiura (2,2%). Dentre os protozoários, foram identificados Giardia lamblia (26,6%), Cryptosporidium spp. (13,3%) e Cystoisospora belli (4,4%). Também foi registrada presença de Entamoeba coli, Endolimax nana e Entamoeba hartmanni. Os resultados encontrados alertam para a importância do diagnóstico parasitológico de fezes junto à utilização de colorações específicas para parasitos intestinais em pacientes oncológicos, sendo que os mesmos deveriam ser requeridos como conduta já na primeira consulta clínica destes pacientes, dada à elevada prevalência aqui constatada e a possível severidade que tais moléstias podem acarretar nestes indivíduos.

Intestinal parasites in cancer patients in the South of Brazil.

Intestinal parasitic infections in immunocompromised patients can lead to serious complications when not diagnosed and treated early. This study aimed to investigate the frequency of intestinal parasites in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in the South of Brazil. Three fecal samples collected from each patient (73 individuals) were processed by Ritchie and Faust techniques and submitted to specific staining methods for intestinal protozoa. A 61.6% parasite and/or commensal positivity was found. Helminths identified were Ascaris lumbricoides (33.3%), Taenia spp. (6.6%), Strongyloides stercoralis (4.4%) and Trichuris trichiura (2.2%). Among protozoans, Giardia lamblia (26.6%), Cryptosporidium spp. (13.3%) and Cystoisospora belli (4.4%) were identified. The presence of Entamoeba coli, Endolimax nana and Entamoeba hartmanni was also recorded. The results obtained warn of the importance of fecal parasitological diagnosis and the use of specific staining methods for the detection of intestinal parasites in cancer patients. These exams should be regularly requested at the patient's first clinic visit, given the high prevalence found in this study and the possible severity of such conditions for these individuals.

Antihelminthic action of the Anethum graveolens essential oil on Haemonchus contortus eggs and larvae

Abstract Gastrointestinal nematodes are responsible for great economic losses in sheep raising, and their control has long been carried out almost exclusively by the administration of anthelmintics, which have led to serious resistance problems. In the search for alternative control measures, phytotherapic research is highlighted. The aim of this study was to evaluate the action of Anethum graveolens (dill) essential oil on different stages of Haemonchus contortus life cycle, as well its cytotoxicity MDBK (Madin-Darby bovine kidney) cells. H. contortus larvae and eggs were obtained from infected sheep feces, and essential oil extracted from plant seeds through the Clevenger apparatus. 9.4, 4.7, 2.35, 1.17. 0.58 and 0.29 mg/mL concentrations were evaluated. The Egg Hatch Inhibition (HI), Larval Development Inhibition (LDI) and Larval Migration Inhibition (LMI) techniques were used. Thybendazole 0.025 mg/mL in HI and Levamisole 0.02 mg/mL in the LDI and LMI tests were used as positive controls, while distilled water and a Tween 80 solution were used as positive negative controls. The inhibition results obtained for the highest oil concentration were: HI 100%, LDI 98.58% and LMI 63.7%, differing ( 0.05) from negative controls. Main A. graveolens oil components present in 95.93% of the total oil were Dihydrocarvone (39.1%), Carvone (22.24%), D-Limonene (16.84%), Apiol (10.49%) and Trans-dihydrocarvone (7.26%). Minimum A. graveolens essential oil concentrations required to inhibit 50% (IC50) of egg hatching, larval development and larval migration were 0.006 mg/mL, 2.536 mg/mL and 3.963 mg/mL, respectively. Cell viability in MDBK (Madin-Darby bovine kidney) cells, when incubated with A. graveolens essential oil, was 86% for the highest (9.4 mg/mL) and 99% for the lowest concentration (0.29 mg/mL). A. graveolens essential oil, according to the results obtained in this study, is a promising alternative in sheep gastrointestinal nematode control.

Resumo Os nematoides gastrintestinais são responsáveis por grandes perdas econômicas na ovinocultura, e seu controle tem sido realizado quase exclusivamente pela administração de anti-helmínticos, que levaram a sérios problemas de resistência. Na busca de medidas alternativas de controle, destaca-se a pesquisa fitoterápica. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a ação do óleo essencial de Anethum graveolens (endro) em diferentes estágios de Haemonchus contortus, bem como testar a viabilidade celular para o óleo. Larvas e ovos de H. contortus foram obtidos de fezes de ovinos infectados e óleo essencial extraído de sementes de plantas através do aparelho de Clevenger. As concentrações avaliadas foram 9,4, 4,7, 2,35, 1,17, 0,58 e 0,29 mg/mL. Verificou-se a Inibição de eclosão dos ovos (IE), Inibição de Desenvolvimento Larval (IDL) e Inibição de Migração Larval (IML). Tiabendazol 0,025 mg/mL em IE e Levamisole 0.02 mg/mL nos testes IDL e IML foram usados como controles positivos, enquanto água destilada e uma solução Tween 80 foram usados como controles negativos. Os resultados de inibição obtidos para a maior concentração de óleo foram: IE 100%, IDL 98,58% e IML 63,7%, diferindo ( 0,05) dos controles negativos. Os principais componentes presentes em 95,93% do óleo total de A. graveolens foram Di-hidrocarvona (39,1%), Carvona (22,24%), D-Limoneno (16,84%), Apiol (10,49%) e Trans-di-hidrocarvona (7,26%). As concentrações mínimas de óleo essencial de A. graveolens necessárias para inibir 50% (IC50) de eclosão dos ovos, desenvolvimento larval e migração larval foram de 0,006 mg/mL, 2,536 mg/mL e 3,963 mg/mL, respectivamente. A viabilidade celular nas células MDBK (rim bovino Madin-Darby), quando incubadas com o óleo essencial de A. graveolens, foi de 86% para a maior (9,4 mg/mL) e 99% para a menor concentração (0,29 mg/mL). O óleo essencial de A. graveolens mostrou ser uma alternativa promissora no controle de nematoides gastrintestinais de ovinos.

Modulation of IL-12 and IFNγ by probiotic supplementation promotes protection against Toxocara canis infection in mice.

In this study, supplementation with the probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii promoted a reduction in intensity of infection by Toxocara canis and modulates cytokines mRNA expression in experimentally infected mice. IL-12 gene transcription had 40-fold increase in S. boulardii supplemented uninfected mice and sevenfold increase in supplemented infected mice comparing with not supplemented group. Regarding IFNγ, similar results were observed, since probiotic supplementation induced approximately 43-fold increase, but only in uninfected mice (P < 0·05). T. canis infection upregulated IL-10 expression while S. boulardii downregulated it and no change was observed for IL-4. Thus, based in these findings; we suggest that one possible mechanism responsible for S. boulardii protection effect against T. canis infection is by the modulation of cytokines expression, especially IL-12.