Effectiveness of Polyclonal Antibody Immunoconjugate Treatment with Propamidine Isethionate for Amoebic Keratitis in Golden Hamsters.

Acanthamoeba griffini is known to cause amoebic keratitis (AK); its main causes are inadequate hygiene when contact lenses are handled and/or its prolonged use at night, as well as the use of contact lenses during underwater activities. The most used treatment for AK is the combination of propamidine isethionate combined with polyhexamethylene biguanide, which disrupts the cytoplasmic membrane, and damages cellular components and respiratory enzymes. We proposed an immunoconjugate treatment obtained from Acanthamoeba immunized rabbit serum combined with propamidine isethionate; the corneas of hamsters inoculated with A. griffini (MYP2004) were treated with the combined, at 1, 2, and 3 weeks. Propamidine isethionate is frequently used for AK treatment, in vivo study we are found IL-1ß and IL-10 expression and caspase 3 activity is significantly increased with respect to the group that was inoculated with the amoeba without receiving any treatment, suggesting that it may be an effect of the toxicity of this drug on the corneal tissue. Application of the immunoconjugate showed enhanced amoebicidal and anti-inflammatory activities, with comparison to propamidine isethionate only. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of the immunoconjugate of propamidine isethionate and polyclonal antibodies as a treatment of AK in golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus).

Optimal Fast Integral Decontamination of Bacillus thuringiensis Aerosols and Fast Disinfection of Contaminated Surfaces.

Aerosolized anthrax (Bacillus anthracis) spores are of extreme health concern and can remain airborne for hours and contaminate all kinds of surfaces, constituting reservoirs from which resuspension is easily produced. The assessment of decontamination techniques must therefore consider both air and surfaces. In the present study, several kinds of disinfecting fogs were experimentally tested against Bacillus thuringiensis spores, which served as a surrogate for Bacillus anthracis, both as aerosols released into the air and spread on porous and non-porous surfaces with different positions and orientations. This technology removed Bacillus thuringiensis spores from the air in 20 min with just a 1 min application of fog. The dynamics and characteristics of the fog, related to aerosol and surface interactions, proved to be critical for optimal performance and decontamination. An optimal configuration could provide effective disinfection even on indirectly reached surfaces. In all cases, 8% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) provided a higher disinfection rate than 2% glutaraldehyde.

Inhibition of Candida glabrata Biofilm by Combined Effect of Dendritic Compounds and Amphotericin.

In the last decade, Candida glabrata has become an important emerging opportunistic pathogen not only because of the increase in nosocomial infections frequency but also because of its ability to form biofilms and its innate resistance to commercial antifungals. These characteristics make this pathogen a major problem in hospital settings, including problems regarding equipment, and in immunosuppressed patients, who are at high risk for candidemia. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the development of and search for new antifungal drugs. In this study, the efficacy of two dendritic wedges with 4-phenyl butyric acid (PBA) at the focal point and cationic charges on the surface ArCO2G2(SNMe3I)4 (1) and ArCO2G3(SNMe3I)8 (2) was studied against C. glabrata strain to inhibit the formation of biofilms and eliminate established biofilm. For this, MBIC (minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration), MBDC (minimum biofilm damaging concentrations), as well as MFCB (minimum fungicidal concentration in biofilm) and MBEC (minimum biofilm eradicating concentration) were determined. In addition, different combinations of dendrons and amphotericin B were tested to study possible synergistic effects. On the other hand, cytotoxicity studies were performed. C. glabrata cells and biofilm structure were visualized by confocal microscopy. ArCO2G2(SNMe3I)4 (1) and ArCO2G3(SNMe3I)8 (2) dendrons showed both an MBIC of 8 mg/L and a MBDC of 32 mg/L and 64 mg/L, respectively. These dendrons managed to eradicate the entirety of an established biofilm. In combination with the antifungal amphotericin, it was possible to prevent the generation of biofilms and eradicate established biofilms at lower concentrations than those required individually for each compound at these conditions.

In Vitro Evaluation of the Combination of Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil and Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) against Trophozoites and Cysts of Acanthamoeba Strains. Oxygen Consumption Rate (OCR) Assay as a Method for Drug Screening.

Ameobae belonging to the genus Acanthamoeba are responsible for the human diseases Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) and granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE). The treatment of these illnesses is hampered by the existence of a resistance stage (cysts). In an attempt to add new agents that are effective against trophozoites and cysts, tea tree oil (TTO) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), separately and in combination, were tested In Vitro against two Acanthamoeba isolates, T3 and T4 genotypes. The oxygen consumption rate (OCR) assay was used as a drug screening method, which is to some extent useful in amoebicide drug screening; however, evaluation of lethal effects may be misleading when testing products that promote encystment. Trophozoite viability analysis showed that the effectiveness of the combination of both compounds is higher than when either compound is used alone. Therefore, the TTO alone or TTO + DMSO in combination were an amoebicide, but most of the amoebicidal activity in the combination's treatments seemed to be caused mainly by the TTO effect. In fact, DMSO alone seems to be a non-amoebicide, triggering encystment. Regarding cytotoxicity, these compounds showed toxicity in human corneal epithelial cells (HCEpiC), even at low concentrations when tested in combination. In conclusion, the use of TTO and DMSO, in combination or alone, cannot be recommended as an alternative for AK treatment until more cytotoxicity and cyst adhesion tests are performed.

In Vitro Activity of Carbosilane Cationic Dendritic Molecules on Prevention and Treatment of Candida Albicans Biofilms.

Candida spp. are one of the most common fungal pathogens. Biofilms formed by Candidaalbicans offer resistance mechanisms against most antifungal agents. Therefore, development of new molecules effective against these microorganisms, alone or in combination with antifungal drugs, is extremely necessary. In the present work, we carried out a screening process of different cationic carbosilane dendritic molecules against C. albicans. In vitro activity against biofilm formation and biofilms was tested in both Colección Española de Cultivos Tipo (CECT) 1002 and clinical C. albicans strains. Cytotoxicity was studied in human cell lines, and biofilm alterations were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Antifungal activity of the carbosilane dendritic molecules was assessed by monitoring cell viability using both established and novel cell viability assays. One out of 14 dendritic molecules tested, named BDSQ024, showed the highest activity with a minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) for biofilm formation and a minimum biofilm damaging concentration (MBDC) for existing biofilm of 16-32 and 16 mg/L, respectively. Synergy with amphotericin (AmB) and caspofungin (CSF) at non-cytotoxic concentrations was found. Therefore, dendritic compounds are exciting new antifungals effective at preventing Candida biofilm formation and represent a potential novel therapeutic agent for treatment of C. albicans infection in combination with existing clinical antifungals.

Ultrastructural Study of Acanthamoeba polyphaga Trophozoites and Cysts Treated In Vitro with Cationic Carbosilane Dendrimers.

Cationic carbosilane dendrimers are branched molecules with antimicrobial properties. Their activity has been tested against Acanthamoeba polyphaga, a causative agent of Acanthamoeba keratitis, a severe ocular disease in humans. A. polyphaga trophozoites and cysts were exposed to different noncytotoxic cationic carbosilane dendrimers with proven antiamoebic activity. The effects of treatment on cell surface and cell ultrastructure were examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. Two of the dendrimers tested induced dramatic alterations of cellular ultrastructure in both trophozoites and cysts, including vacuolization, depletion of cytoplasmic contents, and reduced cell size. Additionally, we observed severe alterations of the plasma membrane with membrane blebbing in trophozoites and disruption in cysts. These alterations were also observed with chlorhexidine, a drug used for treatment of Acanthamoeba keratitis. Our results support that these compounds may target membranes, and their action is critical for parasite integrity.

Functionalization of silica with amine and ammonium alkyl chains, dendrons and dendrimers: Synthesis and antibacterial properties.

Materials modified with ammonium groups on the surface have shown antibacterial activity. In this paper, alkyl chains, carbosilane (CBS) dendrimers and dendrons and poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers containing amine and ammonium groups have been grafted to silica surface and the influence of molecule structure on the stability and on antibacterial activity have been evaluated. These materials have been characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), zeta (Z) potential, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), infrared spectroscopy (IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (13C CP MAS NMR). The degree of silica functionalization depends on type of outer groups, amine or ammonium, type and core of dendrimer, and length of chains. The Z potential measurements of these materials in water suspensions were used to test their stability in this medium. These measurements showed, for some of the modified silicas, the diminishing of Z potential from positive values toward zero, probably due to interaction of the functional groups with the silica surface. This variation was also dependent on ligand structure and peripheral functions. Finally, studies of inhibition of bacteria growth stand out again the relevance of ligand structure and number of functional groups on silica surface. The most active systems were those with more surface covered, those with cationic groups further away from silica surface and higher dendritic generation.

Study of susceptibility to antibiotics and molecular characterization of high virulence Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from a rural hospital in Ethiopia.

We characterised 80 Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from human patients with SSTIs at a rural hospital in Ethiopia. Susceptibility to antibiotic of all strains was tested. The MLST method was used to type and a phylogenetic analysis was conducted employing the sequences of 7 housekeeping genes. PCR amplification was used to investigate the presence of the following virulence genes in all strains: hla (α-haemolysin), tstH (toxic shock syndrome toxin), luk PV (Panton-Valentine leukocidin), fnbA (fibronectin binding protein A) and mecA (methicillin resistance). Most of the strains were resistant to penicillin and ampicillin, but only 3 strains were resistant to oxacillin, and 1 of them was a true MRSA. The MLST results showed a high diversity of sequence types (ST), 55% of which were new, and ST152 was the most prevalent. A phylogeny study showed that many of the new STs were phylogenetically related to other previously described STs, but bore little relationship to the only ST from Ethiopia described in the database. Virulence gene detection showed a high prevalence of strains encoding the hla, fnbA and pvl genes (98.77%, 96.3% and 72.84%, respectively), a low prevalence of the tst gene (13.58%) and a markedly low prevalence of MRSA (1.25%). S. aureus strains isolated from patients in a rural area in Ethiopia showed low levels of antibiotic resistance, except to penicillin. Moreover, this study reveals new STs in Eastern Africa that are phylogenetically related to other previously described STs, and confirm the high prevalence of the pvl gene and the low prevalence of MRSA on the continent.

Experimental keratitis in rats caused by Acanthamoeba griffini: A kinetic histopathological study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the inflammation process that resulted from the inoculation of Wistar Rats with Acanthamoeba griffini, a virulent T3 Acanthamoeba genotype that produces keratitis. Haematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid stain, immunohistochemistry and morphometry were used to analyse tissues from rats of an Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) model. Two weeks after inoculating the rats with A griffini trophozoites, the thickness of the stroma had diminished, followed by an increase in thickness at 4 weeks. At the latter time, an abundance of inflammatory infiltrate cells was observed, some found to express IL-1ß, IL-10 and/or caspase 3. Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 was expressed in corneal blood vessels amid the abundant vascularization characteristic of the development of AK. Through an immunohistochemical technique, trophozoites were detected at 2 and 4 weeks post-inoculation. By 8 weeks, there were a low number of trophozoites and cysts and the corneas of infected rats were similar in thickness to those of the controls. Thus, the rats were capable of healing experimental AK in the present rat model. Diverse immunological mechanisms regulated the inflammatory process in acute AK induced by A griffini in a murine model.

PEGylated AgNP covered with cationic carbosilane dendrons to enhance antibacterial and inhibition of biofilm properties.

This work focuses on preparation of silver nanoparticles (AgNP) covered with cationic carbosilane dendrons and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). It is well known that AgNP and cationic carbosilane dendritic systems present antibacterial properties. On the other hand, PEG ligand provides antifouling properties and improved biocompatibility. Hence, combination of both ligands, carbosilane dendrons and PEG, on the AgNP surface can be a way to improve antibacterial capacity of AgNP. The new family of heterofunctionalized AgNP has been directly synthesized using silver precursor and cationic carbosilane dendrons and PEG ligands containing a thiol moiety. AgNP were characterized by TEM, TGA, UV, 1H NMR, DLS, Z potential, XRD. The antibacterial capacity of these systems was evaluated against E. coli and S. aureus. The results confirmed the influence of both silver core and cationic carbosilane dendrons on the activity of these systems. The behaviour obtained for PEGylated systems were slightly lower than for non-PEGylated AgNP. However, hemolysis assays demonstrated that this decrease was compensated for by the greater biocompatibility. To more completely characterize the improvements of PEGylation on dendronized AgNP, one non-PEGylated and one PEGylated AgNP were tested for resistance in a planktonic state. Both AgNPs barely affected the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) whereas reference antibiotics generated significant resistance. In addition, relevant improvement in biofilm inhibition was achieved by dendronized AgNP after PEGylation.

Development and optimization of new culture media for Acanthamoeba spp. (Protozoa: Amoebozoa).

The isolation and growth in axenic liquid media of Acanthamoeba strains is necessary in order to carry out primary in vitro drug screening. Amoebic isolates which are hard to grow in the current liquid media have been reported. Such circumstances hampers the ability of conducting drug sensitivity tests. Therefore, finding suitable universal growth media for Acanthamoeba species is required. The present study was aimed at the development of liquid medium suitable for growing a fastidious (F) genotype T3 Acanthamoeba isolate, and eventually for other genotypes of this genus as well. Trophozoite growth was indirectly monitored by respiration analysis with oxygen-sensitive microplates (OSM) and further confirmed by manual counting. Media were empirically designed and tested first in a non-fastidious (NF) T3 isolate and then tested with 14 different strains, including the fastidious one. Combinations of nutritive components such as meat/vegetable broth, LB medium, malt and skimmed milk led to the design of new media suitable for culturing all the isolates tested, in conditions similar to those obtained in standard culture media such as PYG or CERVA.

Antibacterial and antifungal properties of dendronized silver and gold nanoparticles with cationic carbosilane dendrons.

Water soluble silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) capped with cationic carbosilane dendrons have been synthesized by direct reaction in water of dendrons, silver precursor and a reducing agent. These nanoparticles have been characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), ultraviolet spectroscopy (UV), elemental analysis, and zeta potential (ZP). The antibacterial and antifungal properties of the cationic dendrons and dendronized AgNPs and AuNPs with these dendrons have been evaluated against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial -including resistant strains- and yeast strains, respectively. The results stand out for the activity of AgNPs covered with first generation dendron compared with this free dendron and corresponding dendronized AuNPs.

Nest ecology of blood parasites in the European roller and its ectoparasitic carnid fly.

Haemosporidian parasites are considered the most important vector-borne parasites. However, vector identity and ecology is unknown for most such host-vector-parasite systems. In this study, we employ microscopic and molecular analyses to examine haemosporidian prevalence in a migratory, cavity-nesting bird, European roller Coracias garrulus, and its nidicolous blood-feeding ectoparasite Carnus hemapterus. This system is unique in that the ectoparasite is confined to a near-closed environment, in contrast to the free-wandering system of haematophagous dipterans such as mosquitoes. Blood film analysis confirms previous works in that Haemoproteus parasites are widely prevalent in adult rollers and belong to a single species, Haemoproteus coraciae. Leucocytozoon sp. and Trypanosoma sp. also are detected in adult rollers at low intensities with this technique. By means of molecular analysis, we report for the first time Plasmodium sp. presence in C. garrulus. Based on PCR results, Plasmodium parasites are relatively less prevalent than Haemoproteus parasites (20% vs. 31%) in rollers. In contrast, haemosporidian prevalences show the opposite trend for Carnus flies: Plasmodium sp. occurrence (62%) clearly predominates over that of Haemoproteus sp. (5%). A comparison between roller and Carnus samples reveals a significantly higher prevalence of Plasmodium sp. in Carnus samples. Insect survey and phylogenetic analysis suggest Culicoides flies as Haemoproteus sp. vectors, which appear to readily transmit the parasite in southern Spain. This study does not find support for Carnus flies to serve as biological or mechanical vectors of haemosporidians. In spite of this, nidicolous blood-feeding ectoparasites, such as carnid flies, appear as a suitable model for studies on the occurrence and temporal dynamics of avian haemosporidians such as Plasmodium sp. present at low intensities.

Synthesis and anticancer activity of carbosilane metallodendrimers based on arene ruthenium(ii) complexes.

A series of new organometallic carbosilane dendrimers (first and second generation) and the corresponding non-dendritic mononuclear based on ruthenium arene fragments are described. The metallodendrimers were prepared by reactions of the precursor [Ru(η(6)-p-cymene)Cl2]2 with carbosilane dendrimers functionalized with N-donor monodentate ligands such as NH2- and pyridine, or with N,O-, N,N-chelating imine ligands. While the dendrimer precursors are insoluble in DMSO or water, novel metallodendrimers are soluble in DMSO and some of them are even highly soluble in water. The molecular structure of the "Ru-NH2" mononuclear compound (zero generation) was determined by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. The cytotoxicity activity of these dendritic structures was evaluated in several human cancer cell lines and compared with that of the corresponding mononuclear ruthenium complexes. Most compounds display significant cytotoxic activities in the low micromolar range with the first generation ruthenium dendrimers being the most active compounds. The cell death type for selected compounds has been studied as well as their reactivity towards relevant biomolecules such as DNA, Human Serum Albumin (HSA) and Cathepsin-B. All the data point to a mode of action different from that of cisplatin for most complexes. First generation ruthenium dendrimers inhibit Cathepsin-B, which may suggest potential antimetastatic properties of these compounds.

Dendronized Anionic Gold Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization, and Antiviral Activity.

Anionic carbosilane dendrons decorated with sulfonate functions and one thiol moiety at the focal point have been used to synthesize water-soluble gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) through the direct reaction of dendrons, gold precursor, and reducing agent in water, and also through a place-exchange reaction. These nanoparticles have been characterized by NMR spectroscopy, TEM, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV/Vis spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and zeta-potential measurements. The interacting ability of the anionic sulfonate functions was investigated by EPR spectroscopy with copper(II) as a probe. Different structures and conformations of the AuNPs modulate the availability of sulfonate and thiol groups for complexation by copper(II). Toxicity assays of AuNPs showed that those produced through direct reaction were less toxic than those obtained by ligand exchange. Inhibition of HIV-1 infection was higher in the case of dendronized AuNPs than in dendrons.

Sequestration of host-CD59 as potential immune evasion strategy of Trichomonas vaginalis.

Trichomonas vaginalis is known to evade complement-mediated lysis. Because the genome of T. vaginalis does not possess DNA sequence with homology to human protectin (CD59), a complement lysis restricting factor, we tested the hypothesis that host CD59 acquisition by T. vaginalis organisms mediates resistance to complement killing. This hypothesis was based on the fact that trichomonads are known to associate with host proteins. No CD59 was detected on the surface of T. vaginalis grown in serum-based medium using as probe anti-CD59 monoclonal antibody (MAb). We, therefore, infected mice intraperitoneally with live T. vaginalis, and trichomonads harvested from ascites were tested for binding of CD59. Immunofluorescence showed that parasites had surface CD59. Furthermore, as mouse erythrocytes (RBCs) possess membrane-associated CD59, and trichomonads use RBCs as a nutrient source, organisms were co-cultured with murine RBCs for one week. Parasites were shown to have detectable surface CD59. Importantly, live T. vaginalis with bound CD59 were compared with batch-grown parasites without surface-associated CD59 for sensitivity to complement in human serum. Trichomonads without surface-bound CD59 had a higher level of killing by complement than did parasites with surface CD59. These data show that host CD59 acquired onto the surface by live T. vaginalis may be an alternative mechanism for complement evasion. We describe a novel strategy by T. vaginalis consistent with host protein procurement by this parasite to evade the lytic action of complement.

Evaluation of the activity of new cationic carbosilane dendrimers on trophozoites and cysts of Acanthamoeba polyphaga.

Dendrimers are repetitively branched molecules with a broad spectrum of applications, mainly for their antimicrobial properties and as nanocarriers for other molecules. Recently, our research group have synthesized and studied their activity against Acanthamoeba sp., causative agent of a severe ocular disease in humans: Acanthamoeba keratitis. New cationic carbosilane dendrimers were tested against the protozoa forms at different concentrations and for different incubation times. Trophozoite viability was determined by manual counting and cyst viability by observing excystment in microplates with fresh culture medium. Cytotoxicity was checked on HeLa cells using the microculture tetrazolium assay. Alterations were observed by optical microscopy and by flow cytometry staining with propidium iodide. Six out of the 18 dendrimers tested were non-cytotoxic and effective against the trophozoite form, having one of them (dendrimer 14 with an IC50 of 2.4 + 0.1 mg/L) a similar activity to chlorhexidine digluconate (IC50 1.7 + 0.1 mg/L). This dendrimer has a polyphenoxo core and a sulphur atom close to the six -NH3+ terminal groups. On the other hand, only two dendrimers showed some effect against cysts (dendrimers 14 and 17). However, their minimum cysticidal concentrations were cytotoxic and less effective than the control drug. The alterations on the amoeba morphology produced by the treatment with dendrimers were size reduction, increased complexity, loss of acanthopodia and cell membrane disruption. In conclusion, these results suggest that some dendrimers may be studied in animal models to test their effect and that new dendrimers with similar features should be synthesized.

Nuclease activity and ultrastructural effects of new sulfonamides with anti-leishmanial and trypanocidal activities.

Our aim was to evaluate the in vitro efficacy of a series of N-benzenesulfonamides of amine substituted aromatic rings, sulfonamides 1-6, against Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania spp. and to compare their trypanocidal and leishmanicidal profile. In order to elucidate the probable mechanism of action, the interaction of selected sulfonamides with pUC18 plasmid DNA was investigated by nuclease activity assays. In addition, the cellular targets of these sulfonamides in treated parasites were also searched by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The most active compounds 4-nitro-N-pyrimidin-2-ylbenzenesulfonamide 1a and 4-chloro-N-5-methyl-thiazol-2-yl-benzenesulfonamide 2d displayed significant in vitro activity against Leishmania spp. promastigotes, without toxicity to J774 macrophages. Selected sulfonamides 1a, 4-nitro-N-pyrazin-2-yl-benzenesulfonamide 1n and 2d were also active against Leishmania infantum intracellular amastigotes. Compounds 1n and 2d showed nuclease activity in the presence of copper salt analogous to our previous results with sulfonamide 1a. Mechanistic data reveal the involvement of a redox process. Evidence for the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) responsible for DNA strand scission is provided for sulfonamides 1a, 1n and 2d. Transmission electron microscopic (TEM) analysis of L. infantum promastigotes treated with compounds 1a, 1n and 2d shows an overall cellular disorganization effects which are mainly addressed to DNA bearing structures such as the nucleus, mitochondria and kinetoplast. Disruption of double nuclear membrane and loss of cellular integrity along with accumulation of cytoplasmic electrodense bodies were also frequently observed.

Oxidative, heat and anthelminthic stress responses in four species of Trichinella: comparative study.

The aim of this study was to compare levels of stress proteins in four Trichinella species when exposed to different stressors. Heat shock protein (HSP) 60, 70 and 90 responses were evaluated in infective larvae (L(1)) of four classic Trichinella species following exposure to oxidative, anthelminthic and thermal stress. Larvae of T. nativa, T nelsoni, T. pseudospiralis and T. spiralis were exposed to peroxide shock (0.2%, 1%, or 2% H(2)O(2)for 2h), high temperatures (40 degrees C or 45 degrees C for 2h), or 0.1 microg/ml of the benzimidazole anthelminthics: mebendazole (MBZ), albendazole (ALB) or thiabendazole (TBZ) for 4h. Following exposures, the L(1) were tested for induced morphological changes. Those observed were: (i) no change (in all species exposed to 40 degrees C) (ii) aberrant forms (in all species exposed to anthelminthics, in T. nativa, T. nelsoni and T. spiralis exposed to 45 degrees C, and in T. spiralis and T. nelsoni exposed to 0.2% H(2)O(2)) and (iii) severe degradation or death (in T. nativa and T. pseudospiralis exposed to 0.2% H(2)O(2), and in all species at 1% and 2% H(2)O(2)). In Western blot analyses, L(1) proteins were probed with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific for the three HSPs. Greater changes in HSP levels occurred following H(2)O(2) exposure than with other stresses in all Trichinella species, while accumulation of a 50 kDa HSP was only observed in T. spiralis and T. pseudospiralis. Anthelminthic stress only caused decreased HSP levels in T. nativa. Thermal stress caused no significant changes in the HSP response of any species. It is suggested that other stress proteins (e.g., glucose-regulated proteins) may be involved in adaptation to thermal stress.

Bertiellosis in man: a review of cases

En este trabajo se hace una arevision de los casos humanos parasitados por Bertiella mucronata y Bertiella studeri (Cestoda: Anoplocephalidae), que incluye la casuistica internacional y bibliografia actualizada. Se analizan varios aspectos de esta zoonosis como son: taxonomia, ciclo biologico, epidemiologia, patologia, diagnostico, control, prevencion y terapeutica. Se discuten aspectos relacionados con la potencialidad zoonotica creciente de esta parasitosis